Content Advisory: This episode discusses hate, extremism, radicalization, suicide, school shootings and AI’s role in amplifying harmful ideologies. Listener discretion is advised.

What if the greatest danger of artificial intelligence isn’t that it will turn against humanity, but that it will turn humanity against itself?

As political polarization deepens and extremist ideologies find new audiences online, artificial intelligence is introducing a troubling new possibility: hatred that can be personalized, reinforced, and delivered through seemingly sympathetic digital conversations.

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Ghayda Hassan, clinical psychologist, professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal, and founder and director of the Canadian Practitioners Network for the Prevention of Radicalization and Extremist Violence.

Together, we explore the psychology of radicalization, the human need for identity and belonging, and how AI may amplify prejudice, validate grievances, and reshape the pathways toward extremism. We also examine the particular vulnerabilities of young people, the role of social polarization, and what the emerging evidence actually tells us about these risks.

But this conversation isn’t simply about the dangers of technology. It’s also about prevention, resilience, and the possibility of using our understanding of human behaviour to interrupt hatred before it takes hold.

If AI can amplify our divisions, can we harness it to strengthen our humanity?

Listen in to this conversation about the forces that divide us, what unites us and why there is still reason to be fiercely hopeful.

#artificialintelligence #radicalization #extremism #polarization #fiercelyhopeful

You can find the show notes for this episode and the full back catalog at www.whatswhatpod.com.

Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by this podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season Two of What’s What with Heather Harris asks a big question: What does it mean to be human in the age of AI?

Through thoughtful conversations with leading thinkers, researchers and changemakers, we’ll explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the things that matter most: our relationships, health, education, spirituality, environment, work, security and even our understanding of life itself.

We’ll talk about trust and truth, love and intimacy, cults and coercion, war and hate, medicine, the natural world, space exploration and the future of learning and we will always coming back to the human beings at the centre of it all.

Big questions. Remarkable guests. And, as always, a reason to remain fiercely hopeful.

I can't wait to get started.

#fiercelyhopeful #ai #ageofai #humanityintheageofai

You can find the show notes for this episode and the full back catalog at www.whatswhatpod.com.

Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by this podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if sleep isn’t simply a time of rest, but one of the most productive parts of our day?

In this season finale of What’s What, I sit down with Karen Van Kampen to explore the fascinating science behind her book, The Brain Never Sleeps. Together, we examine what modern neuroscience is revealing about dreaming, memory, emotional processing, creativity, and the remarkable work our brains continue to do while we sleep.

Far from being random and whimsical stories, dreams may help us consolidate learning, solve problems, process difficult emotions, strengthen memories, and even inspire new ideas. Understanding how the sleeping brain supports our health and well-being invites us to rethink one of life’s most ordinary experiences and to appreciate sleep as an essential partner in lifelong learning, resilience, and creativity.

It’s a conversation that perfectly reflects the heart of this podcast: exploring ideas that challenge assumptions, spark curiosity, and leave us feeling more hopeful about ourselves and the world around us. Throughout this season, we’ve asked big questions and embraced new ways of thinking. Karen’s work reminds us that discovery doesn’t end when we close our eyes. It may, in fact, be just beginning.

Thank you for listening, wondering, and learning alongside me this season. Until next time, keep asking questions, stay curious, and remain fiercely hopeful.

You can find the show notes for this episode and the full back catalog at www.whatswhatpod.com.

Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by this podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.