The DSTLLD Podcast

Cristian Cibils Bernardes is building something rare in tech—an AI product that helps people feel more human. In this conversation, we explore how his company, Autograph, is reimagining memory itself: weekly voice calls that become a living record of who you are, told in your own voice, so your loved ones can still ask you questions long after you’re gone.We talk about what it means to preserve identity in the age of AI, the moral line between imitation and immortality, and how storytelling can help us reconnect with the parts of ourselves we’ve forgotten. Cristian shares how Autograph is fighting against the “AI slop” era by building something deeply personal, private, and purposeful—a product that doesn’t just remember for you, but helps you remember why you matter.00:00 - Intro00:41 - What is Autograph?04:13 - Potential Network Effects of Autograph07:51 - The Importance of Socratic Discussion10:28 - The Signal/Noise Problem13:24 - The Roadmap For Autograph20:09 - Minimum Viable Preservation21:58 - Ethics, Alignment, Slop and Driving Positive AI26:47 - Dunbar's Number and Leveraging The Knowledge of People Like You33:09 - Become The Protagonist34:42 - Cultural Drift and The Historian's Fallacy38:00 - The Lost Family Stories41:57 - Agency Through Storytelling48:13 - The Relationships Between Humans And Personified AI 52:02 - The Last Opinion Or Belief Cristian Changed His Mind About55:58 - Try Autograph

Step into the evolving world of Dr. Stefani Ruper, a philosopher who journeyed from fierce atheism to exploring faith, meaning, and the power of intellectual vulnerability. Once set on a career in science and astrobiology, Stefani found herself questioning the limits of rationalism and discovering a richer, more complex relationship with truth, belonging, and belief.In this conversation, Stefani shares how her early identity as a “rationalist” collided with the realization that dismissing the cherished beliefs of billions was its own form of arrogance. She opens up about her ongoing process of deconstructing and rebuilding worldviews, the emotional weight of aloneness, and the pursuit of safety and connection at the heart of human life.We explore her concept of intellectual vulnerability — going beyond humility to actively invite others into reshaping our ideas — and how it can transform conversations, families, and even political divides. Along the way, Stefani reveals how storytelling, curiosity, and the willingness to say “I don’t know” can soften conflict and unlock deeper meaning in our lives.Be inspired by Stefani’s radical openness, her call to celebrate not knowing, and her vision for a world where curiosity and compassion lead us closer to truth.00:00 - Intro02:08 -  The Journey from Atheism to Faith07:49 -  The Quest For Meaning and Belonging12:12 -  Lessons from Religious Study19:25 -  Exploring Intellectual Vulnerability23:20 -  Approaching Conversations with Humility27:33 -  Intellectual Humility vs. Intellectual Vulnerability28:33 -  Rationalism and Its Limitations35:11 -  The Journey of Learning36:55 -  The Power of Storytelling41:11 -  Truth, Lies and Self Perception45:51 -  Untangling Beliefs and Self Discovery50:52 -  Frameworks for Intentional Change57:45 -  The Role of Belief in Interpersonal Relationships1:03:38 -  Embracing Uncertainty and Love1:09:23 -  The Last Thing Stefani Changed Her Mind About1:13:03 -  Where to Find Stefani