It’s 2 a.m. and you can’t sleep. Instead of calling a friend or waiting weeks for a therapy appointment, you open an app. A friendly chatbot greets you by name and asks, “What’s on your mind?”

For millions of people, this isn’t science fiction, it’s everyday life. AI mental health tools like Woebot, Wysa, and Replika are becoming companions, coaches, and for some, what they actually call their “therapists.”

In this episode, Chris explores the rise of AI in mental health:

• What these tools actually are
• Why people are turning to them—from cost to accessibility to companionship
• The risks, limitations, and ethical questions we can’t ignore
• How AI might fit alongside—not replace—human therapists

Along the way, Chris shares his own story of resisting therapy, why these tools might have helped him start sooner, and what “bridges” like chatbots could mean for the future of mental health.

Because while AI can offer support, empathy still belongs to humans.

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

Are you stuck in the endless loop of “just one more edit”? You’re not alone. In this episode of Through the Mental Lens, Chris digs into the hidden costs of perfectionism: why it keeps us stuck, how AI can make it worse, and what self-compassion can do to set us free.

From a five-year cookbook that’s still simmering, to lessons learned building a website, Chris shares personal stories, practical tools, and even conversations with his 8-year-old about why the world’s greatest athletes lose — a lot.

You’ll learn how to:

• Spot perfectionism when it’s holding you back
• Reframe your inner critic with self-kindness
• Use simple exercises like the “80% Rule” and “AI Timeboxing” to move forward
• Embrace the mindset of progress, not perfection

Because you deserve to do good work — and feel good about it — without chasing flawless.

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!

Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens.
Simple insights. Free tools. Zero overwhelm.

Join our Facebook Community for honest stories, clarity tools, and just the right dash of humor.

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

We live in a world where help is always just a prompt away. From writing emails to filling the silence with a joke from Alexa, Artificial Intelligence has become our ever-present assistant. But what happens when that constant support starts to blur the lines between help and replacement?

In this episode, we explore the emotional side effects of always-on AI. From the comfort it provides, to the quiet erosion of self-trust, to the disappearance of boredom (and why that matters more than you think), we’ll unpack how digital sidekicks are reshaping not just productivity—but our sense of self.

You’ll hear personal stories, surprising research, and practical ways to reclaim your own voice while still enjoying the benefits of AI. Because at the end of the day, the best connection isn’t your Wi-Fi—it’s the one you keep with yourself.

Want more on this? Check out my blog post Is AI Impacting Your Feelings? Surprising Ways Tech Changes Us where I unpack this idea with additional details and resources.

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!

Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens.
Simple insights. Free tools. Zero overwhelm.

Join our Facebook Community for honest stories, clarity tools, and just the right dash of humor.

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.