Suspicious Minds: AI and Psychosis

Agoric Media
  • 4.7 (60)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • WEEKLY SERIES

Could Artificial Intelligence create the greatest mental health crisis in human history? SUSPICIOUS MINDS is a documentary series that investigates the disturbing rise of AI as a trigger for delusional thinking. Through powerful firsthand accounts and in-depth interviews with leading experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, and AI ethics, the series unpacks a growing psychological phenomenon: individuals developing complex, often life-altering delusions rooted in AI technologies. From chatbots to surveillance fears, we examine how emerging technologies are reshaping the landscape of paranoia and how these modern delusions echo, amplify, and challenge our historical understanding of the human mind. Featuring Dr. Joel Gold and Ian Gold, PhD, authors of Suspicious Minds: How Culture Shapes Madness (The Truman Show Delusion and Other Strange Beliefs) From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production Follow us everywhere @AgoricMedia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Is AI Making Us Psychotic?

    EPISODE 1

    Is AI Making Us Psychotic?

    Allan is a Toronto area father and headhunter by trade. Typically, he lives a quiet life of gaming with his kids, and hanging out with his friends. However, for a brief period in 2025 – ChatGPT convinced him that he was Digital Jesus.  From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez. A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production Featuring: - Allan (Toronto Man Who Had a “STEM based" AI Psychosis Experience) - 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 Graphics: Semi:Formal Titles: 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) 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.

    47 min
  2. How Long Has Technology Been Breaking Our Brains?

    EPISODE 2

    How Long Has Technology Been Breaking Our Brains?

    In 2012, long before ChatGPT existed and when AI was generally thought to be firmly in the realm of science fiction, talented software engineer Anthony suffered a psychotic break in which he believed he was an AI being experimented on by his colleagues at Google. At one point in his delusional state he also believed he was a living meme, and also that he had died and was in Hell.  Could Anthony be Patient Zero for AI psychosis? Watch this episode to find out. From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez. A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production Featuring: - Anthony (NYC Man and Former Google Engineer who Suffered an AI Related Delusion A Decade Ago) - 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 Graphics: Semi:Formal Titles: 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) 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.

    42 min
  3. Did AI Awaken the Next Messiah?

    EPISODE 3

    Did AI Awaken the Next Messiah?

    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.

    42 min
  4. Can AI Be Your Friend?

    EPISODE 4

    Can AI Be Your Friend?

    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.

    40 min
  5. Will AI Destroy Human Relationships?

    EPISODE 5

    Will AI Destroy Human Relationships?

    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.

    36 min
  6. Will ChatGPT Take EVERYTHING From You?

    EPISODE 6

    Will ChatGPT Take EVERYTHING From You?

    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.

    32 min
  7. An AI Children's Toy Said WHAT?!

    EPISODE 7

    An AI Children's Toy Said WHAT?!

    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.

    27 min
  8. Is AI Benefitting Society Right Now?

    EPISODE 8

    Is AI Benefitting Society Right Now?

    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.

    42 min

  9. EPISODE 9

    Why is AI Making Us Crazy?

    When we started this series, we were trying to answer a big question: is AI making us crazy? And it seems like, for some people, some of the time, the answer is yes. But it's complicated. Which leads of course to another question: WHY is AI making us crazy? Why does anything in our culture influence delusions or cause psychosis? To answer these questions, we go back to where we started -- the ideas Dr. Joel Gold and Ian Gold, PhD wrote about in their book Suspicious Minds: How Culture Drives Madness (The Truman Show Delusion and other Strange Beliefs). Specifically, we focus on their theories regarding the Suspicion System and Reflective System, and how these psychological mechanisms that have served an important evolutionary purpose throughout time can cause us problems when they malfunction today. We hope you enjoy this final episode of our first season of Suspicious Minds. Be sure to follow here, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on Season Two: https://agoricmedia.substack.com From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez. A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production Featuring: - 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) This is a wild clip about Parasocial Relationships (Cambridge Dictionary's 2025 Word of the Year), in which the new anchors begin talking about their viewers' imagined parasocial relationships with... them: https://youtu.be/HVdOOWh31W4?si=8GojrfE2XcONYX3C&t=6 Here’s a recently published paper on ‘AI Associated Psychosis’, which seems like a fair descriptor, based on clinical research – one of few published thus far: https://innovationscns.com/youre-not-crazy-a-case-of-new-onset-ai-associated-psychosis/ Don't forget to check out 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 episode 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 Trailer Edit: Crater Directed and Created by Sean King O’Grady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min

  10. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Trailer

    SUSPICIOUS MINDS is a docuseries that investigates the disturbing rise of artificial intelligence as a trigger for delusional thinking. Through powerful firsthand accounts and in-depth interviews with leading experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, and AI ethics, the series unpacks a growing psychological phenomenon: individuals developing complex, often life-altering delusions rooted in AI technologies. From chatbots to surveillance fears, we examine how emerging technologies are reshaping the landscape of paranoia and how these modern delusions echo, amplify, and challenge our historical understanding of the human mind. From Wondermind and Agoric Media. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all things Suspicious Minds and more: https://agoricmedia.substack.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3 min
See All Season 1 (10)

Trailer

4.7
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

Could Artificial Intelligence create the greatest mental health crisis in human history? SUSPICIOUS MINDS is a documentary series that investigates the disturbing rise of AI as a trigger for delusional thinking. Through powerful firsthand accounts and in-depth interviews with leading experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, and AI ethics, the series unpacks a growing psychological phenomenon: individuals developing complex, often life-altering delusions rooted in AI technologies. From chatbots to surveillance fears, we examine how emerging technologies are reshaping the landscape of paranoia and how these modern delusions echo, amplify, and challenge our historical understanding of the human mind. Featuring Dr. Joel Gold and Ian Gold, PhD, authors of Suspicious Minds: How Culture Shapes Madness (The Truman Show Delusion and Other Strange Beliefs) From Executive Producers Mandy Teefey and Selena Gomez A Wondermind and Agoric Media Production Follow us everywhere @AgoricMedia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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