This is the final episode in the Still Human series on Through the Mental Lens. In Part 3: Embracing Humanity in an AI World, Chris takes a direct look at artificial intelligence — its power, its pitfalls, and what it means for our creativity and identity.

You’ll hear:

• A personal story of how AI unlocked a long-stalled creative project and why that was both exciting and unsettling
• Why AI can be a powerful co-pilot but a terrible compass
• The hidden cost of skipping the creative struggle with AI “shortcuts”
• Three practical ways to protect your voice and keep the human at the center of your work
• A reflection exercise to help you identify the parts of your life and creativity that should remain fully human

AI can speed us up, but it can’t give us meaning. Holding on to our quirks, reflections, and struggles is what keeps us truly human.

You can also read the companion article, Finding Clarity in a Digital World: How to Stay Human and Sane in the Age of AI at The Mental Lens.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

This episode kicks off a special Still Human series on Through the Mental Lens. In Part 1: Always On — Why Our Brains Feel Fried, Chris shares a personal story of smart devices slowly taking over his home, and his attention. From there, we explore the evolutionary mismatch between our Stone Age brains and today’s nonstop digital demands.

You’ll learn:

• Why constant alerts trigger stress even when they seem harmless
• How “switching costs” drain our focus and energy
• Why feeling scattered isn’t a personal flaw—it’s overload
• A simple reflection exercise to sort real alerts from digital noise

If your brain feels fried, you’re not broken. You’re just carrying more than it was designed to. This episode helps you start reclaiming clarity in an always-on world.

Want more on this? Check out my blog post Finding Clarity In A Digital World: How To Stay Human And Sane In The Age Of AI.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!

Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens.
Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store |
Zero overwhelm

Join our Facebook community

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

AI promised to save us time—but are notifications actually making us more anxious instead of more productive? In this episode of Through the Mental Lens, Chris unpacks the “ping parade” of AI-driven alerts and how they quietly shape our focus, emotions, and sense of control. From the promise of productivity to the hidden mental load of constant nudges, we’ll explore when AI helps—and when it doesn't.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!

Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens.
Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store |
Zero overwhelm

Join our Facebook community

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.