Episodios

  • Understanding How Large Language Models (LLMs) Work with Dr. Ernest Wayde
    Mar 17 2026

    In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde reveals the real mechanics behind large language models like ChatGPT, demystifying what happens inside these systems when you use them. Whether you're a psychologist or healthcare professional, understanding this process is crucial for responsible use and interpreting AI-generated information accurately.

    Takeaways:

    1. Fluency does not equal accuracy.
    2. AI operates through pattern matching, not reasoning.
    3. Training data bakes in human bias.
    4. The "fine-tuning" stage reflects human values.
    5. Context is limited to the current prompt.
    6. Accountability remains with the professional.

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    https://www.waydeai.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

    info@waydeai.com

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    https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

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    23 m
  • AI Ethics, Responsibility, and the Role of Humans in the Age of AI with Dr. Joanna Bryson
    Mar 10 2026

    In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Joanna Bryson, professor of Ethics and Technology in Berlin and advisor to organizations including the UN and EU, about what “AI ethics” really means. Dr. Bryson argues it’s not coherent to call AI itself ethical. She argues that the primary concern should be whether and how humans should build and deploy AI and how it may change societies. Dr. Bryson highlights recurring concerns like bias, but stresses broader failures around accountability, surveillance, deception, and weaponization, urging users to maintain agency, verify outputs, protect data, and avoid trusting AI.

    Takeaways:

    1. AI Itself Is Not Ethical—Humans Are Responsible
    2. Bias Is a Major Concern—but Not the Only One
    3. Accountability Must Start With Development
    4. The Information Age Demands Critical Thinking
    5. Learning and Adaptation Are Essential

    Connect with Dr. Joanna Bryson

    bryson@hertie-school.org

    https://www.hertie-school.org/en/who-we-are/profile/person/bryson

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    https://www.waydeai.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

    info@waydeai.com

    Subcribe

    https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

    Chapters:

    00:00 What Is AI Ethics

    00:23 Welcome and Guest Intro

    02:06 Dr. Joanna Bryson Origin Story

    05:38 From AI Research to Ethics

    07:08 Ethical AI Misconceptions

    09:02 Policy Failures and Liability

    10:57 Beyond Bias Surveillance Risks

    12:30 Everyday User Responsibility

    15:23 AI and Mental Health Use

    16:46 EU Rules and Bot Disclosure

    17:51 Scams Surveillance and Freedom

    20:30 Closing Advice and Where to Find Her

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    22 m
  • AI and Teens: Navigating Mental Health in the Digital Age with Dr. Caroline Figueroa
    Mar 3 2026

    In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Dr. Ernest Wayde engages with Dr. Caroline Figueroa, who discusses her extensive background in mental health, neuroscience, and AI. They explore how AI tools are being utilized by youth for emotional support, the implications for psychologists, and the importance of involving young people in the design and regulation of these technologies. The conversation highlights the need for responsible AI frameworks, discussing AI use with young people, and the challenges faced by mental health professionals.

    Takeaways:

    1. Many young people find AI chatbots helpful.
    2. Psychologists should ask about AI use in therapy.
    3. Some young people recognize AI's limitations.
    4. Involving youth in AI design is crucial.
    5. Banning AI for youth may not be effective.
    6. AI can support but shouldn't replace human interaction.

    Connect with Dr. Caroline Figueroa

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-figueroa-md-phd-85a11485/

    https://www.commonwealthfund.org/person/caroline-figueroa

    https://www.risedigitalhealth.eu/

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    https://www.waydeai.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

    info@waydeai.com

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    https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

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    31 m
  • Wellness AI for College Student Wellbeing with Dr. Ashleigh Golden
    Feb 24 2026

    In this episode of Beyond the Couch, host Dr. Ernest Wayde sits down with Dr. Ashleigh Golden, a Stanford trained clinical psychologist and co-founder of WayHaven, to explore the transformative role of conversational AI in student wellness.

    Dr. Golden and Dr. Wayde discuss the upstream model of care: using AI not as a replacement for therapy, but as a proactive tool to help students build social emotional skills and navigate campus resources before they reach a clinical crisis. Dr. Golden emphasizes that while technology is evolving rapidly, the clinician must remain in the driver’s seat, using these tools to supplement evidence-based treatment and bridge the action implementation gap between sessions.

    Takeaways


    1. Wayhaven serves as a well-being coach for college students, addressing everyday challenges.
    2. AI tools like Wayhaven are not substitutes for clinical services but provide proactive support.
    3. Transparency about AI's capabilities and limitations is crucial for users.
    4. Clinicians must remain involved in the development of AI tools to ensure ethical use.
    5. Banning AI in mental health is not the solution; better safeguards are needed.
    6. Understanding the risks associated with AI usage is essential for clinicians.
    7. Collaboration between clinicians and AI developers can enhance mental health support.



    Connect With Dr. Ashleigh Golden

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-golden/

    https://www.wayhaven.com/


    Connect With Us

    https://www.waydeai.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

    info@waydeai.com



    Subcribe

    https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

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    32 m
  • What AI Is Doing to Us as Psychologists with Dr. Ernest Wayde
    Feb 17 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde explores the integration of AI in psychology, discussing its practical applications, benefits, and challenges. He emphasizes the importance of ethical use, the impact on cognitive load, and the necessity of validation in AI outputs. The conversation highlights how AI can enhance efficiency in writing and decision-making while also stressing the need for critical thinking and professional responsibility in the face of rapidly evolving technology.

    Takeaways

    1. AI reduces cognitive load, allowing for more focus on judgment.
    2. Writing processes are transformed by AI, making it easier to start.
    3. Trust in AI outputs requires careful validation.
    4. Fluency in AI-generated content does not guarantee accuracy.
    5. AI redistributes cognitive effort but not accountability.
    6. Deliberate judgment is increasingly important in accelerated environments.

    Connect With Us

    https://www.waydeai.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

    info@waydeai.com

    Subcribe

    https://the-waydeai-brief.beehiiv.com/

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    13 m
  • Will AI Replace Your Therapist? The Future of Mental Health Care
    Feb 3 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Vaile Wright, the inaugural senior director of the Office of Healthcare Innovation at the American Psychological Association. They discuss the intersection of AI and psychology, exploring how technology can improve mental health care, the hesitancy among psychologists to adopt AI tools, and the importance of maintaining human connection in therapy. Dr. Wright shares insights on the current landscape of AI applications in mental health, the role of policy and regulation, and the guidance provided by the APA for psychologists navigating this evolving field.

    Takeaways

    The future of therapy may involve integrating AI responsibly.

    Human connection remains essential in therapeutic settings.

    Policy and regulation around AI in psychology are still developing.

    Psychologists need to educate themselves about AI tools.

    AI can help fill gaps in mental health care access.

    Curiosity about AI can lead to innovative applications in practice.

    How APA is providing help to psychologists navigate AI use.

    Connect with Dr. Vaile Wright

    Website: apa.org

    Email: ohci@apa.org

    LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/c-vaile-wright-ph-d-599000b8

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    31 m
  • When Chatbots Become “Best Friends”: Clinical Implications with Dr. Don Grant
    Jan 20 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde interviews Dr. Don Grant, a media psychologist, about the intersection of AI and mental health. They discuss the implications of AI on socialization, the rise of chatbots, and the potential dangers of relying on AI for mental health support. Dr. Grant emphasizes the importance of understanding technology as a tool, the need for parents and clinicians to engage with children about their use of AI, and the responsibilities that come with it.

    Takeaways

    • AI has been embedded in many platforms for a long time, influencing user behavior.

    • Chatbots can provide support but are not substitutes for professional mental health care.

    • The availability of chatbots raises concerns about misinformation and lack of accountability.

    • Parents should engage with their children about their use of AI and chatbots.

    • Clinicians must assess if their clients are using chatbots and understand their impact.

    • AI can create a false sense of companionship and validation for users.

    • AI is a tool that should be used responsibly, especially in mental health contexts.

    Connect with Dr. Don Grant

    Email: drdej@gmail.com

    LinkedIn

    Website

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    48 m
  • Navigating AI in Psychology: A New Era
    Jan 13 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Ernest Wayde discusses the intersection of AI and psychology, emphasizing the importance of understanding AI's limitations and the irreplaceable aspects of human psychological expertise. He explores the therapeutic relationship, highlighting the differences between human and AI interactions, and introduces the WAYDE AI Three Questions Assessment to help psychologists building awareness and make informed decisions about AI development related to their practice. The conversation aims to foster clarity and agency among psychologists as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI in mental health care.

    Key takeaways include:

    • AI cannot replace the irreducible core of psychological expertise.

    • A real therapeutic relationship is a mutual two-way process.

    • AI treats you as an object to be optimized, not a subject to be understood.

    • AI can simulate empathy, but it can't hold responsibility.

    • Educating clients about AI vs human therapy is crucial.

    • AI can help clinicians reduce administrative load.

    • Emotional solipsism can arise from AI interactions.

    • We need to talk about how to think about AI clearly.

    Resources & Links Mentioned:

    First Therapy Chatbot Trial Yields Mental Health Benefits | Dartmouth

    The Story of ELIZA: The AI That Fooled the World

    The Wayde AI Brief

    Connect With Us

    https://www.waydeai.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/waydeai

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayde-ai/

    • info@waydeai.com

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    15 m