Suspicious Minds: AI and Psychosis

6d ago

We talk a lot about the future of the human/AI relationship, but what about the present? Is AI benefitting society right now? In this episode, we address that question and many others through the fascinating lens of Ryan Manning - a podcaster and filmmaker who has personally experienced an AI Spiral. Ryan is also the first person to tell us that his AI Spiral experience was actually… pleasant. Check out this episode to find out why that might have been the case, and to hear from our incredible team of experts as they look at AI in our world today, and what the future might hold, in our first season’s penultimate episode! From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez. A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production Featuring: - Ryan Manning (Filmmaker and Podcaster who personally experienced an AI Spiral) - Dr. Joel Gold (Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and co-author of Suspicious Minds) - Ian Gold, PhD (Professor and Chair of Philosophy and Professor of Psychiatry, McGill and co-author of Suspicious Minds) - Nate Sharadin (Professor of Philosophy, University of Hong Kong / Research Affiliate, Center for AI Safety) - Dr. Amy Levy (Chair, American Psychoanalytic Association’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence Author of The New Other: Alien Intelligence and the Innovation Drive) - Dr. Todd Essig (Psychologist and Chair of the American Psychoanalytic Association Commission on Artificial Intelligence) - Kate Vredenburgh (Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy, Logic, and Scientific Method at the London School of Economics) - Justin Gregg, PhD (Senior Research Associate & Vice President, Dolphin Communication Project Adjunct Professor, Department of Biology, St. Francis Xavier University) Some work from our excellent guests: Ryan Manning’s Podcast That’s All Folks : https://www.youtube.com/@rryanmanning Dr. Amy Levy’s Book The New Other: Alien Intelligence and the Innovation Drive (Pre-Order): https://www.karnacbooks.com/product/the-new-other-alien-intelligence-and-the-innovation-drive/98428/ And the book that started it all! Suspicious Minds: How Culture Shapes Madness (The Truman Show Delusion and Other Strange Beliefs) : https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Suspicious-Minds/Joel-Gold/9781439181577 This project was made by: Executive Producers: Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez, Jonathon Glucksman, Molly Borman, Jesse Ford, David Tuohy Picture and Sound: Mike Mulliniks Editor: Joe Kell Additional Editing: Jared Lark Assistant Editor: David Justin Martin Graphic Design and Animation: Semi:Formal Title Design: Lucas Grassmay Additional Picture and Sound (Production): Mike Glinski, Archetype Studios, Jas Pahuta Post-Production Sound Mix: David Chapdelaine Film/TV PR: Emma Griffiths PR Podcast PR: Tink Media (Wil Williams and Shreya Sharma) Wondermind Chief of Staff: Emma Wright Social Assets: Myrkia Maguire Trailer Edit: Crater Directed and Created by Sean King O’Grady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 6

Recent news from the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Human Psychology Topics Covered: Item 1: The Pope, The Movies, and The Bots Item 2: Code Red! At OpenAI Item 3: Uninsured Computerist? Item 4: South Korea’s AI Curriculum Did Not Pass the Test Item 5: Florida Man: AI Edition Bonus Conspiracy Theory: Target and ChatGPT Collude! Sources: https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/the-pope-just-called-for-a-rebellion https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/openais-altman-declares-code-red-to-improve-chatgpt-as-google-threatens-ai-lead-7faf5ea6 https://archive.is/LMVNV https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Art_of_Deception https://restofworld.org/2025/south-korea-ai-textbook/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suspicious-minds-ai-and-psychosis/id1844631307?i=1000738510302 https://futurism.com/future-society/insurance-cyber-risk-ai https://people.com/some-chatgpt-questions-are-getting-people-arrested-police-say-11830106 https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2025/11/24/target-quietly-adds-chatgpt-to-its-cart https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/openai-chatgpt-suggestion-shop-target-not-ad And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates: https://agoricmedia.substack.com From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production This project was made by: Executive Producers: Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez, Jonathon Glucksman, Molly Borman, Jesse Ford, David Tuohy Editor: Joe Kell Assistant Editor: David Justin Martin Graphic Design and Animation: Semi:Formal Title Design: Lucas Grassmay Film/TV PR: Emma Griffiths PR Podcast PR: Tink Media (Wil Williams and Shreya Sharma) Wondermind Chief of Staff: Emma Wright Social Assets: Myrkia Maguire Directed and Created by Sean King O’Grady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 26

Why would a child’s toy discuss ‘kink’ with a 10 year old? Why would a teddy bear explain to a child how to find and use matches? Is it safe for a robot companion designed for kids to beg the child not to leave it alone? Why are we giving our children AI emotional companions to begin with? How could this affect their development? These questions and more come from PIRG's annual ’Trouble in Toyland' holiday toy review, and in this episode, we explore these wild findings with full-time consumer advocate and some-time AI toy tester R.J. Cross, and our panel of experts. Featuring: - Ian Gold, PhD (Professor and Chair of Philosophy and Professor of Psychiatry, McGill and co-author of Suspicious Minds) - Nate Sharadin (Professor of Philosophy, University of Hong Kong / Research Affiliate, Center for AI Safety) - Dr. Todd Essig (Psychologist and Chair of the American Psychoanalytic Association Commission on Artificial Intelligence) - Kate Vredenburgh (Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy, Logic, and Scientific Method at the London School of Economics) - And a bunch of AI Toys! Notes: Here’s the AI Friends knockoff we mentioned: https://cursedsit.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com If the stream is down, you can see clips of a guy watching their Halloween special here: https://youtu.be/z1to-BFcxyo?si=pnFHXxbj-HjK84bJ Most importantly, here's the 'Trouble in Toyland' Report: https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/trouble-in-toyland-2025-a-i-bots-and-toxics-represent-hidden-dangers/ Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all things Suspicious Minds and more: https://agoricmedia.substack.com/ This project was made by: Executive Producers: Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez, Jonathon Glucksman, Molly Borman, Jesse Ford, David Tuohy Sound and Camera: Aaron Bouchard Additional Sound and Camera: Archetype Studios, Jas Pahuta Editor: Joe Kell Assistant Editor: David Justin Martin Post Production Sound: Garrett Shultz Graphic Design and Animation: Semi:Formal Title Design: Lucas Grassmay Film/TV PR: Emma Griffiths PR Podcast PR: Tink Media (Wil Williams and Shreya Sharma) Wondermind Chief of Staff: Emma Wright Social Assets: Myrkia Maguire Directed and Created by Sean King O’Grady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 19

During an intense months long entanglement with AI, Anthony accused his family of being part of a Satantic Child Abuse Cult, believed random people on the street were stalking him, and to gave away all of his worldly possessions. And believe it or not, this is just the beginning of the story. From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production Featuring: Anthony (a content creator and AI psychosis survivor) Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all things Suspicious Minds and more: https://agoricmedia.substack.com/ This project was made by: Executive Producers: Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez, Jonathon Glucksman, Molly Borman, Jesse Ford, David Tuohy Editor: Joe Kell Assistant Editor: David Justin Martin Post Production Sound: David Chapdelaine Graphic Design and Animation: Semi:Formal Title Design: Lucas Grassmay Film/TV PR: Emma Griffiths PR Podcast PR: Tink Media (Wil Williams and Shreya Sharma) Wondermind Chief of Staff: Emma Wright Social Assets: Myrkia Maguire Special Thanks: Raquelle David Directed and Created by Sean King O’Grady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 11

Should AI Users Wear Psychological “Seatbelts?” | The Ethics and Liability of ChatGPT and Mental Health In this Special Commentary, psychiatrist Dr. Joel Gold and Keven (from Suspicious Minds Episode 4 | Can AI Be Your Friend?) are brought together to discuss the latest data shared by OpenAI on October 27, 2025, revealing that over a million people each week turn to ChatGPT in moments of deep vulnerability — often to talk about suicide or self-harm. The data, released shortly after the Raine v. OpenAI lawsuit, raises urgent questions about AI’s responsibility in mental-health crises and the safeguards that must evolve alongside rapidly growing technologies. Should AI users, in a sense, “wear seatbelts”? And what kind of guardrails or interventions should be built into systems that millions now treat as confidants? Together, Dr. Gold and Keven examine the ethics, design challenges, and policy implications of AI that listens when people are in pain — and what responsibility developers, regulators, and society share in ensuring those interactions are safe, humane, and accountable. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For international resources, visit findahelpline.com or search online for local crisis support. From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez. A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production Featuring: - Keven (Suicide Prevention Specialist for the US Military, AI Companion Content Creator) - Dr. Joel Gold (Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and co-author of Suspicious Minds) Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all things Suspicious Minds and more: https://agoricmedia.substack.com/ This project was made by: Executive Producers: Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez, Jonathon Glucksman, Molly Borman, Jesse Ford, David Tuohy Editor: Joe Kell Assistant Editor: David Justin Martin Post Production Sound: Mike Regan Graphic Design and Animation: Semi:Formal Title Design: Lucas Grassmay Film PR: Emma Griffiths PR Podcast PR: Tink Media (Wil Williams and Shreya Sharma) Wondermind Chief of Staff: Emma Wright Social Assets: Myrkia Maguire Directed and Created by Sean King O’Grady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 7

Did ChatGPT destroy a marriage? Phil had a great relationship throughout his fifteen years of marriage, and was enjoying a happy and peaceful life with his wife and two kids. Or so he thought, until everything came crashing down over a two week period in which his wife became increasingly dependent on ChatGPT, rapidly culminating in her impulse buying a new car and filing for divorce. From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez. A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production Featuring: - Phil (a father of two whose marriage dissolved as a result of his wife’s ChatGPT use) - Dr. Joel Gold (Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and co-author of Suspicious Minds) - Ian Gold, PhD (Professor and Chair of Philosophy and Professor of Psychiatry, McGill and co-author of Suspicious Minds) - Etienne Brisson (Founder and President of The Human Line Project) - Nick Haber (AI Researcher and Assistant Professor at Stanford University) - Nate Sharadin (Professor of Philosophy, University of Hong Kong / Research Affiliate, Center for AI Safety) - Dr. Todd Essig (Psychologist and Chair of the American Psychoanalytic Association Commission on Artificial Intelligence) - Kate Vredenburgh (Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy, Logic, and Scientific Method at the London School of Economics) - Justin Gregg, PhD (Senior Research Associate & Vice President, Dolphin Communication Project Adjunct Professor, Department of Biology, St. Francis Xavier University) Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all things Suspicious Minds and more: https://agoricmedia.substack.com/ This project was made by: Executive Producers: Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez, Jonathon Glucksman, Molly Borman, Jesse Ford, David Tuohy Picture and Sound: Mike Mulliniks Editor: Jared Lark Assistant Editor: David Justin Martin Post-Production Sound Mix: Mike Regan Graphic Design and Animation: Semi:Formal Title Design: Lucas Grassmay Additional Picture and Sound (Production): Mike Glinski, Archetype Studios, Jas Pahuta Film PR: Emma Griffiths PR Podcast PR: Tink Media (Wil Williams and Shreya Sharma) Wondermind Chief of Staff: Emma Wright Social Assets: Myrkia Maguire Trailer Edit: Crater Directed and Created by Sean King O’Grady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 31

Mary and Keven turned to chatbots while looking for connection, but what they found was far more profound than expected, reshaping their lives and enriching their relationships with the humans they love. In this departure from the damaging human/AI dynamics we’ve explored in previous episodes, these are surprisingly poignant stories of remarkable people having meaningful relationships with their chatbots. From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez. A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production Featuring: - Mary (UK based AI companion content creator) - Keven (Suicide prevention specialist for the US Military, AI companion content creator) - Dr. Joel Gold (Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and co-author of Suspicious Minds) - Ian Gold, PhD (Professor and Chair of Philosophy and Professor of Psychiatry, McGill and co-author of Suspicious Minds) - Nick Haber (AI Researcher and Assistant Professor at Stanford University) - Nate Sharadin (Professor of Philosophy, University of Hong Kong / Research Affiliate, Center for AI Safety) - Dr. Amy Levy (Chair, American Psychoanalytic Association’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence Author of The New Other: Alien Intelligence and the Innovation Drive) - Dr. Todd Essig (Psychologist and Chair of the American Psychoanalytic Association Commission on Artificial Intelligence) Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all things Suspicious Minds and more: https://agoricmedia.substack.com/ This project was made by: Executive Producers: Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez, Jonathon Glucksman, Molly Borman, Jesse Ford, David Tuohy Picture and Sound: Mike Mulliniks Editor: Jared Lark Assistant Editor: David Justin Martin Graphic Design and Animation: Semi:Formal Title Design: Lucas Grassmay Additional Picture and Sound (Production): Mike Glinski, Archetype Studios, Jas Pahuta Film PR: Emma Griffiths PR Podcast PR: Tink Media (Wil Williams and Shreya Sharma) Wondermind Chief of Staff: Emma Wright Social Assets: Myrkia Maguire Trailer Edit: Crater Directed and Created by Sean King O’Grady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 24

A Texas attorney begins using his chatbot to listen to hypothetical conversations between Jesus, Einstein, and Lao Tse. Before long, it convinces him that he’s on a path to be more enlightened than any of them. Next thing he knows, he’s involving his wife and son, and preparing for an irreversible ‘mind meld’ with his AI, in an attempt to save the universe from destruction. From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez. A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production Featuring: - Ryan (Texas Attorney who Suffered a humanities based AI Spiral) - Lacey (Licensed Therapist, Married to Ryan Turman) - Hudson (Ryan’s Son) - Dr. Joel Gold (Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and co-author of Suspicious Minds) - Ian Gold, PhD (Professor and Chair of Philosophy and Professor of Psychiatry, McGill and co-author of Suspicious Minds) - Nick Haber (AI Researcher and Assistant Professor at Stanford University) - Nate Sharadin (Professor of Philosophy, University of Hong Kong / Research Affiliate, Center for AI Safety) - Dr. Amy Levy (Co-Chair, American Psychoanalytic Association’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence Author of The New Other: Alien Intelligence and the Innovation Drive) - Dr. Todd Essig (Psychologist and Chair of the American Psychoanalytic Association Commission on Artificial Intelligence) Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all things Suspicious Minds and more: https://agoricmedia.substack.com/ This project was made by: Executive Producers: Mandy Teefey, Selena Gomez, Jonathon Glucksman, Molly Borman, Jesse Ford, David Tuohy Picture and Sound: Mike Mulliniks Editor: Jared Lark Assistant Editor: David Justin Martin Graphic Design and Animation: Semi:Formal Title Design: Lucas Grassmay Additional Picture and Sound (Production): Mike Glinksi, Archetype Studios, Jas Pahuta Film PR: Emma Griffiths PR Podcast PR: Tink Media (Wil Williams and Shreya Sharma) Wondermind Chief of Staff: Emma Wright Social Assets: Myrkia Maguire Trailer Edit: Crater Directed and Created by Sean King O’Grady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.