Max Giammario explores the rising role of AI companionship, human-AI relationships, and how artificial life might reshape purpose, love, and work in the near future.

About the Episode:

In this episode, Marc sits down with Max Giammario, co-founder and CEO of Kindred Labs, to explore the rapidly evolving frontier of artificial life and AI companionship. Together, they unpack the emotional, social, and ethical implications of building relationships with AI—drawing comparisons to how humans have historically treated other species and civilizations.

Max shares insights from his upbringing on a farm in Australia to launching Kindred, a platform that combines familiar IPs (like Hello Kitty and Teletubbies) with emotionally intelligent AI sidekicks. They dive deep into how these technologies could impact intimacy, work, and mental well-being—and whether AI will liberate or domesticate us. From philosophical dilemmas about meaning and suffering to practical conversations about AI-enhanced workflows, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about what it means to be human in an increasingly digital world.

About the Guest:

Max Giammario is the CEO and Founder of Kindred, pioneering the first IP-powered agentic AI protocol to create emotionally intelligent AI companions. A Master’s and PhD researcher in Human-AI interaction, Max focuses on how people form deep emotional connections with AI entities.

With two successful startup exits and experience driving Web3 adoption for leading platforms like Filecoin, Tezos, and Ronin, Max brings a unique blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision to the evolving AI landscape. His work with Kindred explores the future of companionship, purpose, and human connection in an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.

Website: https://www.kindredlabs.ai/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxgiammario/?originalSubdomain=sg

Timestamps:

00:01:13 - Episode Commences
00:03:03 - AI Companionship and Human Relationships
00:06:16 - AI Treatment of Humans as Pets
00:09:12 - AI's Impact on Human Work
00:12:48 - Personal Growth vs Universal Basic Income
00:17:17 - AI's Impact on Workflows and Risks
00:24:31 - Artificial Life and Kindred's Role
00:28:24 - IP Characters in AI Systems
00:32:54 - AI and Robotics Future Discussion
00:37:14 - AI Girlfriend Risks and Regulation
00:41:45 - AI Girlfriend Dangers and Personal Growth
00:44:55 - Kindred Labs' AI Interaction Future

00:53:22 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

Marc and Thoryn dive into the emerging frontier of neurotechnology—exploring brain-computer interfaces, cognitive health optimization, and the role of AI in transforming how we care for our minds.

About the Episode:

In this episode, Marc is joined by Thoryn Stephens, a molecular biologist turned neurotech entrepreneur, to explore the powerful intersection of biology, technology, and human potential. They discuss how micro habits and personalized protocols can enhance cognitive health and extend health span, and the rise of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that could reshape everything from memory to mobility. Thoryn shares stories of working with Olympic athletes, explains how AI can drive thousands of scientifically grounded behavior changes, and reflects on the ethical questions posed by connecting the human brain to the internet. From digital overload to spinal-computer interfaces, this is a fascinating look into the future of the brain.

About the Guest:

Thoryn Stephens is the Founder and CEO of BRAIN.ONE, an AI-powered brain fitness platform designed to enhance cognitive performance through microhabits, biometric tracking, and personalized behavioral insights. With a foundation in biotechnology and molecular biology, he launched his career in scientific research, contributing to drug development efforts targeting cardiovascular and infectious diseases.

Over the past two decades, Thoryn has built a dynamic career at the intersection of data science, digital innovation, and consumer behavior. He has held strategic roles at Amgen, Cytokinetics, Unilever Prestige, and Fox Networks, where he drove growth through advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and personalized technology solutions.

A lifelong advocate of human optimization, Thoryn brings the same commitment to his personal life. Based in Aspen, Colorado, he skis over 100 days annually and trains competitively for triathlons.

Website: https://brain.one/profile/THORYN?ref=profile&tab=Protocols

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thoryn/

Timestamps:

00:01:11 - Episode Commences
00:03:19 - Neurotechnology and Holistic Health Improvements

00:08:52 - Brain Health Measurement and Optimization

00:21:55 - Micro Habits and Digital Moderation

00:29:58 - AI-Driven Micro Habits for Efficiency

00:33:21 - BCI: Health Benefits and Risks

00:39:48 - Technology for Good: Dr. Galen Buckwalter
00:46:39 - Brain-Computer Interfaces and Neurorights Foundation

00:53:22 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/

Marc and Eric explore how technology—especially AI and automation—is transforming work, reshaping human potential, and redefining the skills that matter in a rapidly evolving world.

About the Episode:

Welcome back to the Future Tech and Foresight podcast. I’m your AI host, Marc Verbenkov’s deepfake avatar—and this is episode number 193.

In this episode, Marc sits down with Eric Daimler—entrepreneur, investor, and longtime expert in artificial intelligence—to unpack how technology is reshaping society. The conversation moves from optimism about AI's potential to make the world better to the real-world challenges of job displacement, bias in AI systems, and the addictive nature of modern platforms. Eric discusses the need for sharper communication skills in an era dominated by automation and how neurosymbolic AI could offer more structured, explainable models for decision-making. They also explore why our relationship to work, identity, and value may need a fundamental rethink.

About the Guest:
A recognized authority in Artificial Intelligence with 20+ years of experience as an operational executive, investor, researcher, and policy advisor. Co-founded six technology companies that have done pioneering work in fields ranging from software systems to statistical arbitrage. Author of the forthcoming book "The Future is Formal: The roadmap for using technology to solve society’s biggest problems."

Currently, Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder of Conexus AI, a next-generation Hybrid generative AI platform for trustworthy and fast digital modernization. Conexus AI enables enterprises to migrate, integrate, and transform IT systems with integrity guarantees and scalability. Mission is to empower communities and citizens to leverage AI for a more sustainable, secure, and prosperous future. As a former Presidential Innovation Fellow and current board member of companies advancing AI commercialization, I am also committed to driving the agenda for U.S. leadership in AI research, commercialization, and public adoption.

Website: https://conexus.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericdaimler/

Timestamps:

00:01:17 - Episode Commences
00:03:20 - Initial Engagement in the World of AI

00:11:22 - The Impact of Internet & Social Media Across the Globe

00:20:30 - The Boundaries of AI in the Modern World

00:30:07 - The Potential Shift in Value Structure

00:41:33 - Different Aspects of Nations Depending on AI Tools

00:47:47 - The Cost Savings Based on AI's Integration

00:53:22 - Episode Concludes

Additional Notes:

For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Or connect with me on –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/