EP. 113 - Poonacha Machaiah | What Does Wellbeing Look Like in the Age of AI?

In this episode of ALLSMITH, Bryce sits down with Poonacha Machaiah, the CEO of The Chopra Foundation and one of the leading voices at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern technology. Poonacha is the co-founder of Seva Love, ChopraX, NeverAlone, CIRCA and Cyberhuman AI, and has devoted his life to elevating global wellbeing through consciousness, science, innovation and community.

This conversation explores what it means to be human in an age shaped by artificial intelligence, digital identity and rapid technological acceleration. It asks how we can maintain agency, consciousness and peace when the world around us feels increasingly complex.

Poonacha shares his philosophy that we are both the code and the coder. That we have the power to design our inner world the same way engineers design systems. Together, Bryce and Poonacha unpack mental health, spiritual resilience, leadership, global trust, and the future of wellbeing on a planet that is rapidly rewriting its own story.

This is a powerful episode for anyone who wants to ground themselves, expand their awareness and understand the future through a lens of clarity, compassion and creativity.

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Show Notes

00:00 Opening reflections and Bryce’s introduction
02:15 Poonacha’s journey into wellbeing and technology
06:40 The Chopra Foundation and the mission to reduce global suffering
10:20 How AI can enhance self awareness rather than replace humanity
14:55 Mental health, anxiety and why connection is the real medicine
19:30 How NeverAlone and CIRCA approach emotional wellbeing
23:50 The idea that we are both the code and the coder
28:15 Ancient wisdom meeting modern AI
32:00 Nervous system resilience in a hyper stimulated world
37:40 Why trust is collapsing globally and how to rebuild it
42:10 The future of digital identity and personal sovereignty
46:20 AI, metaverse and the possibility of conscious digital communities
51:00 The role of imagination and intentionality in creating a better world
55:35 How entrepreneurs can lead with love, purpose and alignment
59:50 Poonacha’s daily practices for grounding and presence
01:03:10 Closing thoughts and Bryce’s reflections

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Major Episode Points

• AI is a tool for amplification and awareness, not a replacement for consciousness
• Mental health challenges reflect a deep need for belonging and community
• We cannot heal in isolation. We heal together
• Ancient wisdom provides the blueprint and technology provides the reach
• We are both the code and the coder. Inner engineering is our responsibility
• Trust is the new currency and leadership must be grounded in transparency
• Nervous system regulation is becoming the foundation of human performance
• The metaverse can become a sanctuary for healing when built with intention
• The future of wellbeing will integrate mind, body, spirit and digital identity
• Personal sovereignty will become central as digital systems expand
• Creativity and imagination shape the next era of human evolution

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