Check out host Bidemi Ologunde's new show: The Work Ethic Podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Email: bidemiologunde@gmail.com

In this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde sits down with Chris Rhyss Edwards, a writer, doctoral researcher, former Australian Army combat engineer, and the founder of FOLQ.ai to explore why so many people are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support before they ever speak to another human. Drawing from lived experience with PTSD and his research into conversational AI and mental wellbeing, Chris examines a difficult but timely question: what does it say about our world when people feel safer talking to machines than to each other? Together, they unpack silence, stigma, loneliness, trust, and the rise of AI as a "first listener." Is this a breakthrough in access and support, or a warning sign about the systems and relationships failing us? And how can AI help without replacing the human connection people still need most?

Sponsors and partners:

Promeed: 100% mulberry silk pillowcases and bedding that feel incredibly soft, stay breathable, and are naturally gentle on hair and skin.

SurviveX: professional-grade FSA/HSA eligible first aid and preparedness kits designed in Virginia, USA and produced in an FDA-registered facility.

Alison US CA: Alison is the world's largest free online learning and skills-training platform, helping more than 50 million learners in 193+ countries build career-ready skills with 6,000+ free courses, certificates, and diplomas.

eSign (iOS only): eSign is a clean, privacy-first document-signing app that works entirely on your device, letting you sign PDFs, DOCX files, images, and scans, edit and assemble pages, and export crisp 300 DPI PDFs in seconds, without accounts, cloud uploads, or compromising sensitive documents.

Support the show

479. Chris Rhyss Edwards