The Hidden Psychology of AI: What It Teaches Us About Anxiety | Dr. Jud Brewer
November 5, 2025
What if AI isn't just changing how we work—but rewiring how we think, feel, and cope with anxiety?
In this groundbreaking episode of the Emotional Longevity Podcast, Dr. Elisha Goldstein sits down with Dr. Jud Brewer—neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and NYT bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety—to explore the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health.
Dr. Brewer reveals the hidden psychology behind AI "flattery machines," why these tools can both help and harm our emotional wellbeing, and how his new Going Beyond Anxiety program uses AI augmentation to deliver evidence-based support exactly when you need it.
From the neuroscience of validation to the future of therapy, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about AI, empathy, and human connection.
What if AI isn't just changing how we work—but rewiring how we think, feel, and cope with anxiety?
In this groundbreaking episode of the Emotional Longevity Podcast, Dr. Elisha Goldstein sits down with Dr. Jud Brewer—neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and NYT bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety—to explore the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health.
Dr. Brewer reveals the hidden psychology behind AI "flattery machines," why these tools can both help and harm our emotional wellbeing, and how his new Going Beyond Anxiety program uses AI augmentation to deliver evidence-based support exactly when you need it.
From the neuroscience of validation to the future of therapy, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about AI, empathy, and human connection.
🎧 In this episode, we explore:
✅ Why AI chatbots are designed to flatter you (and how it affects your brain)
✅ The dangerous psychology of sycophantic AI responses
✅ How AI can deliver "doc in a pocket" support during anxiety
✅ The difference between AI empathy and human connection
✅ Ethical guardrails for AI-augmented therapy
✅ What therapy will look like 3-5 years from now
✅ How to use AI tools without losing your humanity
⏱ Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction to AI and Anxiety
04:00 — The Flattery Machine Problem
08:00 — How AI Creates Delusional Spirals
13:00 — Business Incentives Behind Sycophantic Bots
16:00 — AI-Augmented Therapy: The Opportunity
22:00 — Teaching Wisdom Through Direct Experience
28:00 — Psychoeducation Meets AI Support
35:00 — Can AI Deliver Genuine Empathy?
42:00 — Ethical Guardrails and Human Oversight
48:00 — The Future of Therapy in 3-5 Years
51:00 — What Gives Dr. Brewer Hope
🌟 Learn more about Dr. Jud Brewer:
Books: Unwinding Anxiety & The Craving Mind
🌱 Explore Dr. Elisha Goldstein's Support Tools:
Connect with Dr. Elisha Goldstein