Episode 11 | Built to Heal: How AI, Community, and the Environment Could Save Us
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In This Episode
Katie and Beth explore how AI, genomics, and healthcare are colliding—and what it means for the future of prediction, ethics, and our most personal data. They also delve into personal aspects of work-life rhythms and reimagine what it means to live in communities built for connection, not isolation.
Why You’ll Want to Watch
- How predictive analytics can go dangerously wrong without quality input
- Why ownership and consent matter in genetic research and personal data
- How built environments shape our sense of belonging
- What ancient innovations can teach us about designing for dignity
- And: Why your vacation might need a vacation
Meet Your Hosts
- Beth Rudden – CEO and Founder of Bast AI, former IBM Distinguished Engineer, and author of AI for the Rest of Us. Beth builds tools that make AI explainable, ethical, and human-centered, spanning healthcare, education, and workforce transformation.
- Katie Smith – CEO and Co-Founder of Humma.AI, and author of Zoe Bios: The Epigenetics of Terrorism. Katie blends two decades of leadership in tech commerce and social impact, building privacy-first systems rooted in equity, systems thinking, and human experience.
Top Takeaways
- AI in healthcare is powerful—but it’s only as good as the data it’s built on
- Predictive tools need consent, context, and cultural competence
- Genetic data must be owned, not extracted
- Community design impacts public health and connection
- Offline spaces are still the future of meaningful interaction
Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Vacation Reflections
05:11 – The Intersection of AI and Healthcare
12:16 – Predictive Data and Bias
19:02 – Ethics in AI and Genetic Research
24:44 – Rethinking Scientific Breakthroughs
28:16 – Lessons from Ancient Infrastructure
30:37 – Longevity vs. Quality of Life
31:46 – The Role of Government in Research
34:30 – Consent and Ownership in Genomic Data
36:35 – How AI Affects Time Management
39:00 – Libertarianism and Public Good
40:00 – Transparency in Tax Systems
42:16 – Recycling and Community Ethics
43:37 – Cultural Shifts in Behavior
44:11 – Designing for Connection
47:41 – Co-Living, Shared Spaces, and Mental Health
51:27 – Healing Through Community
53:06 – Offline Belonging in a Digital World
56:30 – Outro
11 episodes