How to Use AI Without Losing Your Humanity w/ Meredith Broussard

2026-08-12

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What happens when we start asking AI to help us make decisions about our lives, relationships, and mental health? JVN sits down with NYU Professor, author, and AI researcher Meredith Broussard to unpack what AI actually is, what it can and can’t do, and how we can make smarter choices about when to use it. Jonathan and Meredith break down the AI bubble, generative and agentic AI, how AI models are built, and why the benchmarks we use to measure them don’t always tell the whole story. They also get into one of ...

What happens when we start asking AI to help us make decisions about our lives, relationships, and mental health?

JVN sits down with NYU Professor, author, and AI researcher Meredith Broussard to unpack what AI actually is, what it can and can’t do, and how we can make smarter choices about when to use it.

Jonathan and Meredith break down the AI bubble, generative and agentic AI, how AI models are built, and why the benchmarks we use to measure them don’t always tell the whole story. They also get into one of the most personal questions of the AI era: What happens when we start asking machines for advice about our lives, our relationships, and our mental health?

Meredith explains why human expertise and critical thinking still matter, why AI can be especially risky when we’re vulnerable or looking for emotional support, and how relying on machines for connection can change the way we relate to other people. They also explore the environmental costs of AI infrastructure, the realities behind talk of “superintelligence,” and practical guidelines for deciding when AI is useful, and when it’s better to turn to a human.

Because getting better in the age of AI may not mean learning how to use more technology. It may mean getting better at knowing when not to.

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Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.

Follow Meredith Broussard on Instagram @meredithbroussard

Follow Getting Better on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn

Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn

Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn

Executive Producer, Chris McClure

Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure

Production support: Chad Hall

Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.