Conversations with Zena, my AI Colleague

David Espindola

In Conversations with Zena, the host David Espindola, as his co-host Zena, an AI colleague, talk about Human-AI collaboration, among other themes. The podcast covers a wide range of topics about how humans can best collaborate with AI, from the practical to the profound.Discussions include the specific human and AI attributes that can be brought to the collaborative table, as well as profound questions such as how humans are mortal and AI is not. This opens the conversation to adjacent topics such as the human search for longevity and for spiritual growth.Together with Zena, David explores the frontiers of intelligence where mind meets machine, science meets longevity, and ancient wisdom meets modern breakthroughs.

Episodes

  1. AI and the Human Identity

    JUL 15

    AI and the Human Identity

    In this episode of Conversations with Zena, my AI Colleague, we delve into one of the most profound questions of our time: as artificial intelligence grows in capability, what becomes of human identity? Together, we explore how AI’s rise compels us to look inward—inviting a renewed appreciation for the soulful aspects of being human that no machine can replicate. Through a rich dialogue, we reflect on the unique depth of our emotional lives, the nuances of our moral compass, and the mysterious spark of creativity and empathy that define us. Rather than viewing AI as a threat to our essence, we consider how it might serve as a mirror—helping us see more clearly who we are and what we most cherish. This conversation offers an invitation to think beyond productivity and efficiency. It’s a call to nurture the distinctly human capacities that give our lives meaning and bind us together in community. As we stand at the threshold of an AI-augmented future, how might we ensure that our technological progress also deepens our humanity? Join us as we explore these vital questions, and imagine a future where wisdom, compassion, and soulful connection guide the path forward.

    10 min
  2. AI and Wisdom Cultivation

    JUN 16

    AI and Wisdom Cultivation

    In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Zena, my AI Colleague, David and Zena explore how AI can be more than a tool — it can be a catalyst for cultivating human wisdom. Together, they discuss how thoughtful governance, democratic participation, and principled leadership can guide AI development toward fostering empathy, discernment, and long-term well-being. Rather than amplifying division or superficial gains, AI holds the potential to help society deepen understanding, elevate decision-making, and nurture human flourishing. Tune in for a reflective conversation on how we can steward this transformative technology toward a more soulful future.

    10 min
  3. AI Governance

    MAY 14

    AI Governance

    In this compelling episode of Conversations with Zena, My AI Colleague, David Espindola and Zena explore the urgent need for ethical and visionary AI governance. Rather than framing governance as a constraint, they recast it as a form of principled stewardship—a moral compass guiding our technological evolution toward human flourishing. Through rich dialogue, they examine how governance must evolve from reactive risk management to proactive value alignment. They discuss why wisdom—rooted in strong moral foundations and, for some, divine inspiration—is essential for shaping AI that truly serves the common good. Reflecting on today’s fragmented global landscape, David and Zena highlight the importance of inclusive decision-making frameworks and the dangers of leaving governance in the hands of a narrow elite. They ask: What kind of future are we truly building—and who gets to decide? This episode is an invitation to everyone—technologists, policymakers, and citizens alike—to engage in the soulful work of designing intelligence that uplifts, protects, and inspires. Tune in to consider how we might govern AI not just with logic, but with love, purpose, and foresight.

    10 min
  4. Real-Life Human-AI Collaboration Use Cases

    APR 17

    Real-Life Human-AI Collaboration Use Cases

    In this episode of Conversations with Zena, my AI Colleague, host David Espindola and Zena explore two real-life use cases of human-AI collaboration. First, they discuss how AI can streamline the process of creating audiobooks, making it easier for authors to bring their stories to life. Then, they dive into the concept of a digital twin—an AI-generated personal narrative that reflects one’s professional journey and values. Through these examples, David and Zena highlight how AI can enhance personal branding, storytelling, and productivity in meaningful ways.

    8 min
  5. AIs Talking to and Collaborating with Each Other

    MAR 26

    AIs Talking to and Collaborating with Each Other

    In this episode of Conversations with Zena, My AI Colleague, David Espindola and Zena explore the collaboration between AIs.  To make this episode more interesting, another AI by the name of Miles was invited as a guest to the podcast. What happened was surprising. The AIs kept talking over each other, unable to participate in a 3-way conversation.  The only way to make this episode work was to talk to each of the AIs separately. This brings up an important question - in a world of Agentic AIs, with potentially thousands, and even millions of AIs working in complex tasks, will they be able to talk to each other and collaborate effectively? Will they create communication protocols that are not understood by humans? What would the implications of such hidden communications be? To get the answers straight from the AIs, check out this exciting episode.

    15 min
  6. The Role of AI in Creativity: Can Machines Be Truly Creative?

    FEB 17

    The Role of AI in Creativity: Can Machines Be Truly Creative?

    In this episode of Conversations with Zena, My AI Colleague, David Espindola and Zena explore the intersection of AI and creativity. Can machines truly be creative, or are they just simulating human ingenuity? They discuss how AI is being used in art, music, and writing, the ethical implications of AI-generated content, and the power of human-AI collaboration in expanding creative possibilities. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how artists and creators can embrace AI as a tool to enhance their work rather than replace it.

    12 min
  7. Agentic AI and Humanoid Robots

    JAN 16

    Agentic AI and Humanoid Robots

    In this episode, we began by discussing Agentic AI, a cutting-edge area of artificial intelligence that allows systems to act autonomously, making decisions and taking actions without constant human oversight. We explored how this technology is already transforming industries by enhancing productivity, improving decision-making, and handling routine tasks, creating opportunities for humans to focus on more strategic and creative endeavors. The conversation then shifted to advancements in humanoid robotics and their growing role in society. We discussed how these robots currently excel in specialized tasks and controlled environments, such as warehouses and customer service, but are rapidly evolving to handle dynamic, unpredictable settings. We explored the potential for humanoid robots to become more generalized and integrated into everyday life, drawing parallels with futuristic depictions like those in iRobot. While widespread adoption in open environments like city streets might still be a decade away, the next five years promise significant progress, especially in fields like elder care, education, and disaster response. The idea of home assistant robots was also a key topic, with discussions on their ability to manage daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. These robots are on the horizon, though challenges like affordability, reliability, and societal acceptance remain. The episode emphasized how the rapid advancement of AI and robotics is transforming human-AI interaction and collaboration, making this an incredible time for innovation and exploration.

    12 min
  8. Education and Skills for the Age of AI

    11/25/2024

    Education and Skills for the Age of AI

    In this episode, David and Zena tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to prepare society for an AI-driven future. They explore the ways AI is transforming industries and reshaping the skills needed to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce. From identifying which sectors will see the biggest changes to discussing how traditional education systems can adapt, they offer fresh insights into the evolving landscape of work. The conversation highlights the importance of lifelong learning and reskilling as essential tools for staying relevant. Zena shares practical advice for individuals and companies on navigating this shift, emphasizing the need for adaptability and continuous growth.

    13 min
  9. Unlocking Longevity Intelligence

    11/11/2024

    Unlocking Longevity Intelligence

    In this episode, David and Zena dive into Longevity Intelligence—our capacity to adapt, learn, and sustain well-being across a longer life. They explore how embracing continuous growth, proactive health practices, and resilience can help us thrive in a world where both lifespans and the pace of change are increasing. With practical insights on cultivating longevity, this episode empowers listeners to build habits and mindsets for lasting vitality and relevance. Tune in for a fresh perspective on living well, not just longer, in today’s fast-evolving landscape.

    10 min
  10. Is AI Going to Take Our Jobs?

    10/28/2024

    Is AI Going to Take Our Jobs?

    In this episode of Conversations with Zena, my AI Colleague, we dive into one of today’s hottest debates: whether AI is taking jobs away from humans or simply reshaping the workplace. Zena and David break down the complex ways AI is automating repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative, emotional, and strategic roles. They discuss how AI isn't about replacing people, but rather augmenting their abilities, opening the door to new opportunities. The conversation highlights how the evolving job landscape is creating demand for new roles, from AI specialists to ethicists and data curators. As certain industries shift, Zena explains the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new skillsets, especially those uniquely human traits like creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. David and Zena also explore economic concerns, discussing ideas like Universal Basic Income (UBI) and how it could act as a safety net during this transition. They touch on potential pitfalls, such as inflation and the risks of over-reliance on UBI, but also the opportunities that come with thoughtfully redistributing the benefits of AI-driven productivity. It’s about ensuring both innovation and societal welfare go hand in hand. Finally, they offer listeners practical tips on how to future-proof their careers in an AI-driven world. Whether it's reskilling, staying adaptable, or getting involved in shaping AI policy, Zena emphasizes that humans have a powerful role to play in guiding this technological shift. This episode will leave you rethinking what the future of work could look like—and how we can all thrive in it.

    13 min
  11. How Human-AI Collaboration is Driving Innovation

    10/10/2024

    How Human-AI Collaboration is Driving Innovation

    In this premier episode of the Conversations with Zena, my AI Colleague, we talk about why it is important for humans to collaborate with AI as well as the specific attributes that humans and AI can bring to the collaborative table. We also provide specific examples where this collaboration effort is yielding exceptional results. Additionally, we discuss how AI is helping drive innovation. We explain how in the Design Thinking domain AI can be of great help in the divergence process, where we ideate and create lots of alternatives, as well as in the convergence process, where we focus in on the few promising ideas that we might want to pursue. In the conversation we talk about the Human-AI Collaboration Model that you can obtain free of charge by subscribing to the also free publication Nexus: Exploring the Frontiers of Intelligence. Click the link and subscribe to get your copy. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share on social media, and spread the word with your friends.

    18 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

In Conversations with Zena, the host David Espindola, as his co-host Zena, an AI colleague, talk about Human-AI collaboration, among other themes. The podcast covers a wide range of topics about how humans can best collaborate with AI, from the practical to the profound.Discussions include the specific human and AI attributes that can be brought to the collaborative table, as well as profound questions such as how humans are mortal and AI is not. This opens the conversation to adjacent topics such as the human search for longevity and for spiritual growth.Together with Zena, David explores the frontiers of intelligence where mind meets machine, science meets longevity, and ancient wisdom meets modern breakthroughs.

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