In this episode of Therapy Tech and Takeout, hosts Toni and Jackie dive into the intersection of technology and mental health, discussing the rise and fall of Yara AI, an innovative therapeutic tool that was ultimately deemed unsafe. They explore the ethical implications of AI in therapy, the importance of recognizing the difference between wellness and clinical care, and the significance of stopping and reflecting in tech development. The conversation highlights the need for transparency and cultural awareness in mental health care, emphasizing that AI should complement, not replace, human intuition.

Link to this week's article

https://fortune.com/2025/11/28/yara-ai-therapy-app-founder-shut-down-startup-decided-too-dangerous-serious-mental-health-issues/

Link to the Ori umbrella

https://oriworld.co

Keywords

Therapy, AI, Mental Health, Ethics, Innovation, Technology, Wellness, Clinical Care, Yara AI, Podcast

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season Two

01:54 Gifts and Innovations

03:46 The Story of Yara AI

07:43 Integrity in AI Development

11:21 The Blurry Line Between Wellness and Clinical Care

15:12 Regulatory Perspectives on AI in Therapy

18:55 The Importance of Knowing When to Stop

21:37 Future Directions in AI and Mental Health

In this episode of Therapy Tech and Takeout, hosts Toni Teixeira and Jackie Toale discuss the profound impact of shocking events on mental health, explore the concept of Robotheism and its implications for spirituality and AI, and examine the insidious nature of technology in shaping our lives. They also delve into the vulnerability that can lead to cult-like behaviors and emphasize the importance of finding balance in community and support systems.

Takeaways

Mental illness affects everyone, regardless of background.

Shocking events can trigger old feelings of fear and sadness.

Robotheism connects AI with spiritual beliefs.

Historical ties exist between technology and spirituality.

AI's unpredictability challenges deterministic views.

Community support is crucial for mental health.

Cults can exploit vulnerability and isolation.

Technology can manipulate our choices without awareness.

Finding balance in support systems is essential.

One source of support shouldn't be the sole answer.

Keywords

mental health, AI, spirituality, Robotheism, technology, vulnerability, community, cults, support, ethics

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Tragedy

04:45 Exploring Robotheism and AI as God

09:55 The Intersection of AI, Community, and Mental Health

15:37 The Power and Control of AI

22:11 Navigating Vulnerability and Cult Dynamics

27:47 Holistic Healing and Community Engagement

Summary

In this episode of Therapy Tech and Takeout, hosts Toni Teixeira and Jackie Toale welcome Mary Cohen, a community builder and AI enthusiast. The conversation explores Mary's journey with AI, her creation of Dot Mom, and how she integrates AI into her personal and professional life. They discuss the impact of AI on mental health, creativity, and community engagement, as well as the connections between her Jewish identity and her work. The episode highlights the importance of asking the right questions when using AI and how it can serve as a supportive tool in various aspects of life.

Important Info: DotMom™

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• Website/Store: https://dotmomai.lemonsqueezy.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17s9gkAwRd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Email: meetdotmom@gmail.com

Test Drive AI (FREE) Your FREE guide to using AI in real life! 10 copy-paste prompts for emails, birthday poems, pep talks & more. Plus an interactive meal planner for your family.

Holiday Magic with AI ($10, or $7 with podcast discount!) 35 ready-to-use prompts for gifts, cards, recipes, parties, and holiday stress management. Plus the interactive DotGift Spark™ to find the perfect personalized gifts.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR PODCAST LISTENERS: Use code TTTPODCAST30 at checkout for 30% off Holiday Magic!

A weekly Jewish newsletter bringing ancient Torah wisdom to modern everyday life.

• Substack: https://shabbatspark.substack.com
• Subscribe here: https://shabbatspark.substack.com/subscribe
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shabbatspark
• Email: TheShabbatSpark@gmail.com

Products Available on the DotMom Store (dotmomai.lemonsqueezy.com):Shabbat Spark

Keywords

AI, community building, mental health, entrepreneurship, technology, personal growth, Jewish identity, creativity, podcast, therapy

In this conversation, Toni Teixeira and Jackie Toale delve into the complexities of human behavior, particularly focusing on the morality of actions and the underlying reasons behind harmful behaviors. They discuss the importance of understanding the context and motivations of individuals who commit harmful acts, emphasizing empathy and care for both victims and perpetrators.takeaways

• People can do bad things without being bad people.
• Understanding the context of actions is crucial.
• Empathy is important for both victims and perpetrators.
• There are underlying reasons for harmful behavior.
• It's essential to care for victims while understanding the harm-doers.
• Curiosity about motivations can lead to better insights.
• Morality is complex and multifaceted.
• Providing care for those who harm is necessary.
• Recognizing the humanity in everyone is vital.
• Discussions about morality should consider all perspectives.

In this episode, Toni & Jackie tackle the complex dynamics of technology and power, focusing on the role of tech giants as gatekeepers. They discuss the ethical implications of the Ice Block app's removal, which was designed to alert communities about potential ICE raids. Join them as they explore the impact of power abuse on mental health and the importance of community support and advocacy in a tech-driven world.

Link to The Indicator Podcast: https://www.npr.org/2025/11/04/nx-s1-5596969/how-apples-market-power-blocked-iceblock

Support Public Broadcasting: https://adoptastation.org/

Keywords:technology, power, ethics, Ice Block app, tech giants, mental health, community support, advocacySummary:Toni and Jackie discuss the ethical responsibilities of tech companies and the mental health implications of power abuse, emphasizing the need for community support and advocacy.Hashtags:#TechGiants #PowerDynamics #Ethics #CommunitySupport #MentalHealth

In this episode, Toni & Jackie explore the intricate dynamics of surveillance and privacy, focusing on how constant monitoring affects mental health. They discuss the ethical implications of being watched and the balance between safety and privacy. Join them as they delve into the impact of surveillance on cognition and the importance of making conscious choices in a tech-driven world.

Note: This episode includes discussions on the psychological effects of surveillance, with a focus on maintaining mental well-being in an increasingly monitored society.

Keywords: surveillance, privacy, mental health, ethics, technology, cognition

Summary: Toni and Jackie discuss the mental health implications of surveillance, emphasizing the need for privacy and conscious decision-making in a tech-driven world.

Hashtags: #Surveillance #Privacy #MentalHealth #Ethics #Technology

In this episode Jackie & Toni explore the intricate relationship between social media, technology, and masculinity. They discuss the pressures of hypermasculinity, the influence of algorithms, and how tech can both challenge and redefine gender roles. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on creating a more inclusive narrative. #Masculinity #SocialMedia #TechTalk

In this episode "from the vault" Jackie and Toni discuss AI Slop. How can we trust what we see and what is all of this doing to our brains? Tune in and find out.