Loneliness is a public health crisis affecting people of all ages.This week on Possible, Reid and Aria sit down with someone using AI to bridge generational gaps and combat the loneliness epidemic. Dana Griffin is co-founder and CEO of Eldera, a global platform using AI to foster intergenerational connections. Raised by her grandparents and mentored by older adults throughout her life, Dana is on a mission to help people see aging as an asset. Dana shares how Eldera uses AI to safely and meaningfully connect kids with older mentors, addressing loneliness, declining mental health, and lost wisdom. They explore how technology can support human connection—rather than replace it—along with what an "age-integrated society” could unlock. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Topics:1:20 - Episode introduction3:37 - Dana’s early life and how it shaped her perspective on intergenerational bonds6:09 - How ageism creates a waste of human potential9:01 - Policy and tech solutions can help reintegrate older adults12:11 - Social media worsens isolation, but AI can help foster real connection14:31 - Eldera’s mission of bridging generations through AI-powered mentorship18:52 - Opposite backgrounds create stronger bonds when matching mentors and mentees22:44 - Intergenerational mentorship as a form of healthcare26:34 - Using AI to map and amplify generational knowledge30:26 - Midroll ad break30:35 - AI enhances, but never replaces, human connection34:05 - Encouraging confidence among older adults through Eldera’s wisdom portrait37:26 - Scaling Eldera and working towards a society where we value the impact of elders41:17 - The barriers and opportunities of scaling Eldera44:34 - How cultural perspectives and global views on aging shape intergenerational ties48:33 - Rapid fireSelect mentions: Fei-Fei Li on spatial intelligence and human-centered AIPossible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. Each episode seeks to advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively.

The conversation kicks off with a look at the future of AI wearables and the challenges faced by past products. Exciting advancements in quantum computing are explored, particularly how they could transform memory recognition for those with vision impairments. The discussion shifts to the tricky terrain of copyright laws in creative industries amid the rise of AI. AI in deep research tools is dissected for its efficiency and potential inaccuracies. Finally, the innovative 'vibe coding' concept showcases how AI is set to change programming paradigms.

Latanya Sweeney, a Harvard professor and data privacy expert, dives into the ethical implications of AI. She discusses how AI alters our perception of truth and explores the balance between personal privacy and technological advancement. The conversation tackles the importance of trust in AI systems, governance challenges, and the need for technological literacy. Sweeney also sheds light on the impact of generative AI on societal norms and advocates for accountability in tech, emphasizing collective responsibility for equitable outcomes.

The discussion kicks off with the idea of creating an FDA-like body for regulating AI to ensure global safety without stifling creativity. It dives into the intense competition between the U.S. and China in the AI landscape, spotlighting DeepSeek as a key player. Finally, the podcast highlights advancements in AI, particularly through O1, and examines how these innovations could reshape coding and various professions in the future.

Will Wu, Chief Technology Officer at Match Group, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing online dating through smarter matchmaking and profile optimization. Rafael Lasica, CEO of Gottman Inc., discusses leveraging AI to enhance relationship dynamics, using data to boost communication and therapy outcomes. Their conversation reveals the potential for AI to support love and connection, while also addressing ethical considerations in therapy. The podcast even touches on a woman's unique relationship with her AI companion, sparking thoughts on love beyond traditional boundaries.

Anja Manuel, a former diplomat and expert in AI and foreign policy, shares her insights on the intersection of technology and national security. She discusses the intense U.S.-China competition in AI and the importance of maintaining leadership in this realm. Manuel highlights the dual nature of AI, emphasizing both its potential benefits and serious risks, such as cyber threats and autonomous weapons. She also advocates for international cooperation and regulatory dialogues, calling for new frameworks to govern this rapidly evolving landscape.

Discover the intriguing introduction of a new book exploring AI's potential future. Topics include historical fears of technology and the need for a proactive approach to shape AI responsibly. The discussion offers a balanced view of AI’s advancements and risks while advocating for equitable access. Listeners will be fascinated by lessons from history on the iterative nature of technology deployment. Finally, the concept of superagency invites everyone to engage actively in guiding AI responsibly in our lives.

Greg Beato is a seasoned journalist and co-author of 'Superagency'. He discusses the complexities of AI's rise and its parallels to social media. Greg introduces the concepts of AI Doomers, Gloomers, Zoomers, and Bloomers, highlighting how each group perceives AI's impact. The conversation also explores the idea of superagency, emphasizing how AI can enhance human autonomy. Additionally, they debate the coexistence of innovation and safety in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Humor blends with thought-provoking insights throughout the dialogue.

Bret Taylor, co-founder and CEO of DeepMind, is a pioneer in AI and neuroscience-inspired technology. He discusses the transformative potential of AI in creating jobs we can't yet envision. Bret delves into the voice revolution in AI, highlighting advances in customer service agents. He emphasizes the opportunities for entrepreneurs in this rapidly evolving landscape and navigates the implications of AI for our workforce, suggesting it will reshape industries and breathe life into innovative business models.

Fei-Fei Li, a pioneering computer scientist and the co-founder of World Labs, shares her insights on the intersection of spatial intelligence and AI. She discusses her groundbreaking work on ImageNet that transformed computer vision and emphasizes the importance of spatial awareness in AI applications. Fei-Fei explores the nuances between language models and world models, advocating for human-centered AI that respects agency and fosters collaboration. She envisions a future where technology enhances our capabilities, particularly in fields like healthcare and education.