Best Think Big Code Small Podcasts (2025)

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Turning Trash into Tech: The Garbage Company Using AI to Save Millions with Ryan Collins 1:26:53

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2d ago1:26:53

1:26:53

Ryan Collins calls himself a garbage man, but he's also the Managing Director at Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal (TTSD), a third-generation waste collection and recycling company in Northern California. After a stint in Silicon Valley, he came back to join the family business and walked into a world still powered by slide rulers, highlighters, and pa…

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Breaking the Golden Handcuffs with 5 Kids | Sunny Burns | Ep 575 55:53

5d ago55:53

55:53

Episode Summary: In this episode, Sunny Burns shares his journey to financial independence. After leaving a lucrative government job, he discusses the strategic choices that led to his success in real estate, alternative income streams, and how he's living a fulfilled life with his family of seven. Sunny emphasizes the importance of financial educa…

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Top Five Regrets of the Dying (Book Club with Frank Vasquez and Ginger) | Ep 574 1:17:47

12d ago1:17:47

1:17:47

Join Ginger and Frank as they dive into the impactful concept of regret, exploring insights from Bronnie Ware's The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. Discover how these regrets can shape a life of fulfillment and happiness, and learn how to embrace self-expression and relationships to achieve true satisfaction. Episode Summary: In this episode, the ho…

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Building Global Culture for Purpose and Profit: Lessons from Scaling Twitter with Maya Hari 1:21:16

15d ago1:21:16

1:21:16

In this episode, Ashok is joined by Maya Hari, global executive, board member, and now co-founder of Genie Health. Maya has led teams across Twitter, Google, Samsung, and other global companies, and now sits on the boards of public enterprises like Saint-Gobain. What makes her perspective rare isn't just her resume. It's her clarity around what cul…

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Cognitive Behavioral Tools for FI With Jasper Lee, PhD | Ep 573 1:06:31

19d ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Show Notes Guest: Jasper Lee, PhD - Clinical Psychologist Episode Summary: In this episode, Jasper Lee discusses the psychological elements that impact the journey to financial independence (FI). He provides actionable insights on dealing with emotions and behaviors that influence financial decisions, emphasizing cognitive restructuring and behavio…

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Top 5 Mistakes Leaders Make in AI & Data Strategy, And How to Fix Them with David Cohen 58:43

22d ago58:43

58:43

Leaders are under pressure to "do something with AI," but many end up making the same preventable mistakes that derail their data strategy before it starts. In this episode, Ashok sits down with David Cohen, founder of Superposition Strategy, to run a live workshop identifying the top five strategic missteps leaders make—and more importantly, how t…

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Bias Towards Action: The Adventure List(s) | Ep 572 1:10:08

26d ago1:10:08

1:10:08

In this episode, hosts Brad, Emily W, and Emily C delve into the importance of building meaningful friendships and adding adventure to life. They discuss the concept of an "adventure list," embracing vulnerability, and the creativity that can stem from constraints. The conversation encourages listeners to engage in various levels of travel experien…

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Getting Personal with Personal Finance: Maggie Tucker | ep 571 1:04:38

1M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

Maggie Tucker shares her journey to financial independence at the age of 41, discussing her experiences with fear and anxiety about leaving a secure job. Her insights on the importance of community, transparency in financial matters, and travel with children highlight how to embrace a fulfilling life beyond conventional measures of success. Timesta…

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De-risking AI-enabled Business Models with Lean Thinking 13:49

1M ago13:49

13:49

In this episode, Ashok shares a story from a long established services company with a big vision for transformation. The leadership team set their sights on launching a new AI enabled membership business. The original plan involved technology, acquisitions, and a long wait before revenue or even a customer touchpoint. Instead of waiting nine months…

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State of the Stock Market 2025 Q&A with Brian Feroldi | Ep 570 1:03:47

1M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

Brian Feroldi discusses the current state of the stock market, providing insights on market valuations, personal investment strategies, and the impact of artificial intelligence on stock analysis. The conversation highlights the importance of sustainability in stock market growth, potential investment pitfalls, and the benefits of leveraging AI too…

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Preparing Your Company for AI: Cultural Values and Principles You NEED Before You Make Big Changes 27:46

1M ago27:46

27:46

Learn the best culture secrets from top tech companies! Guest Farhan Thawar of Shopify shares powerful principles—from "Responsibility vs. Accountability" to "Subtraction"—that CEOs in any industry can use to build elite teams. You've heard the AI hype, but what about the culture that builds it or integrates it well? Successful tech companies run o…

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Always Come Back to the Why | Alan and Katie Donegan | Ep 569 1:26:49

2M ago1:26:49

1:26:49

Brad, Katie, and Alan Donegan discuss the significance of understanding the "why" behind pursuing financial independence (FI). They delve into their journey, emphasizing the importance of community, intentional spending, and lifestyle design. Listeners are encouraged to confront their fears of rejection when building friendships and to embrace vuln…

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How Shopify Stays on the Bleeding Edge: AI, Culture, and Operating Like You'll Be Relevant in 20 Years (with Head of Engineering, Farhan Thawar) 1:06:55

2M ago1:06:55

1:06:55

In this episode of Convergence.fm, Ashok Sivanand sits down with Farhan Thawar, Head of Engineering at Shopify, to go behind the scenes of how Shopify not only keeps pace with rapid change but leads it. The discussion explores how Shopify became one of the first platforms to allow merchants to sell products directly inside ChatGPT, why that move ch…

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The FiiRE Framework With Paula Pant | Ep 568 1:23:56

2M ago1:23:56

1:23:56

Paula Pant introduces her innovative FI-I-R-E framework, which encompasses Financial Psychology, Increasing Your Income, Investing, Real Estate, and Entrepreneurship. The discussion emphasizes the critical role of financial psychology in shaping one's financial decisions and behaviors. Paula's approach aims to inspire excitement about personal fina…

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Your AI Vibe Coding Side Project: Hobby or High-Growth Business? (5 Tests) 21:56

2M ago21:56

21:56

AI-powered "vibe coding" makes it easier than ever to turn your imagination into a working app, but are you building a fun hobby or a viable business? The line is blurring, and many creators are confusing the joy of building with the traction needed for a real startup. This episode provides a framework to help you distinguish between a passion proj…

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Are We Taking the Wrong Risks? With Chris Hutchins | Ep 567 1:16:46

2M ago1:16:46

1:16:46

Brad interviews Chris Hutchins, host of the podcast All The Hacks. They dive deep into challenging the traditional mindset of financial independence (FI), exploring the balance between saving for the future and enjoying life experiences in the present. The discussion revolves around the potential pitfalls of overly conservative financial strategies…

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AI Strategy That Actually Works: From Startup to Spotify to Search Fund with Tommy Högström 1:09:48

2M ago1:09:48

1:09:48

AI strategist Tommy Högström, who has guided giants like Spotify, H&M, and McDonald's, reveals the truth about implementing AI, scaling product teams, and the entrepreneurial journey. From founding his own AI consultancy in Sweden to leading financial forecasting at Spotify and now launching a search fund to acquire a software business, Tommy offer…

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Securing Your Social Media From Hijackers 18:05

2M ago18:05

18:05

My Account Got Hacked! Securing Your Social Media From Hijackers Identity Theft FREE Mini Course This briefing document summarizes key themes and actionable insights from the provided source regarding social media account security. It addresses why social media accounts are prime targets for cybercriminals, what hackers do with stolen accounts, com…

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Risk Based Guardrails for Drawdown | Ep 566 1:25:11

2M ago1:25:11

1:25:11

Brad welcomes Aubrey Williams, a financial advisor and member of the ChooseFI community. They discuss innovative strategies for financial independence (FI), focusing on flexible withdrawal rates, dynamic spending adjustments using historical analysis, and how adopting a more adaptable mindset can potentially lead to earlier FI. Timestamps & Discuss…

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Fix Your Broken Delivery Engine: A Case Study in AI Creativity, Agile and Vendor Management 16:30

2M ago16:30

16:30

A company spends $10M over two years on a critical software product, but after firing one vendor and hiring a second, they still have nothing to show for it. This case study details the 5-step action plan used to rescue a failing project, restore internal credibility, and get product delivery back on track. From revamping the product roadmap and re…

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Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement | Cody Garrett & Sean Mullaney | Ep 565 1:06:30

3M ago1:06:30

1:06:30

Brad Barrett hosts Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney, co-authors of Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement, exploring essential tax strategies for the FI community. They address misconceptions about retirement taxes, the drawdown process, and effective tax rates, emphasizing the importance of informed planning to navigate financial independence …

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AI Governance, Product-Market Fit & the Founder Mindset — John Rood on Building, Exiting & Starting Again 1:09:25

3M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

From testing markets with a simple Google ads landing page to scaling a multi-million dollar education business, John Rood has learned what it takes to build, exit, and start again. In this episode, John shares the lessons that shaped his journey: the importance of hiring specialists at the right time, why EOS was transformational for scaling, and …

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Why Audience-First Affiliate Marketing Changes Everything 18:43

3M ago18:43

18:43

Affiliate marketing is a method of earning money by promoting other companies' products or services, where you receive a commission for sales made through your unique link. It is not a get-rich-quick scheme; most affiliate marketers do not see profit for 6–12 months, and building a sustainable business typically takes 2–3 years of consistent work. …

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Cracking the Code of Legitimate Affiliate Marketing: Building Trust 18:02

3M ago18:02

18:02

Affiliate Marketing Briefing Document This document provides a comprehensive overview of affiliate marketing, drawing key themes, facts, and advice from "Affiliate Marketing For Beginners: A Real Talk Guide." Whether you're creating your first product, have an idea, or just curious if there's any potential for it, you need to know your market. Know…

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Financial Independence Basics with Jackie Cummings Koski | Ep 564 1:09:45

3M ago1:09:45

1:09:45

Jackie Cummings Koski returns to discuss the fundamental principles of financial independence (FI) and early retirement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding FI—financial independence lets individuals no longer depend on a paycheck, offering options and freedom in life. Jackie shares insights on creating habits, starting smal…

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Avoiding the Tech Trap: How Two Founders Saved Their Failing AI Transformation 18:29

3M ago18:29

18:29

A successful business with two aligned co-founders is transforming into a software and AI-enabled company, but after years of development, they aren't getting closer to launching a valuable product…what's the solution? In this episode, learn how the founders' greatest strength—their ability to delegate—became a blind spot that nearly derailed their…

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Safe Withdrawal Rates, Drawdown Strategies, RMDs and 50 Year FI Timelines 57:25

3M ago57:25

57:25

ChooseFI unveils a new feature on the website that allows listeners to have their financial independence questions answered by experts. Featuring in-depth discussions with Karsten Jeske (Big Earn) and Fritz Gilbert, the episode explores the ramifications of potentially increasing the safe withdrawal rate and provides critical insights into retireme…

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How to Lead a Tech Overhaul Without a Tech Team with Andrew Stein, Children's Foundation 54:33

3M ago54:33

54:33

When Andrew Stein stepped into the CEO role at the Children's Foundation, he inherited a bloated tech stack, misaligned systems, and a looming CRM renewal with a steep price hike. With no in-house tech experts and only 15 staff, Andrew faced a critical decision point: how to make a smart technology pivot without draining his team's energy—or the or…

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How to Build an Authority Blog: A Step-by-Step Guide 22:17

3M ago22:17

22:17

Top of Form Authority Blogs This document provides a comprehensive review of the "Building Authority Blogs for Traffic" sources, highlighting the main themes, key ideas, and essential facts for establishing, growing, and monetizing high-traffic authority blogs. How to Create Authority Blogs that Attract Traffic https://rebrand.ly/58vsdz2 Part I: Th…

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Navigating Financial Conflicts in Relationships | Ep 562 1:00:27

3M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Brad and Ginger discuss the importance of asset flexibility, community building, and health savings accounts (HSAs). The conversation emphasizes maximizing contributions to HSAs while addressing financial conflicts that arise within relationships. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction and Community Building (00:00:00) Ginger shares her growing efforts…

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Best of Convergence: 9 Conversations You've Forgotten to Have With Your Team 44:09

3M ago44:09

44:09

Strong teams and transformed product practices drive growth. In order to drive outcomes using software and build great product teams, you need to drive speed to value and adapt quickly. The problem is, technology teams and business teams are often disjointed and lack clarity around each other's "why." Unlock the full potential of your product team …

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Beyond The Buzz Your Essential Guide to AI Real Impact and Responsible Future 17:51

3M ago17:51

17:51

Demystifying Artificial Intelligence Overview: Concise review of Artificial Intelligence (AI) It clarifies what AI is, its historical trajectory, the key technological advancements driving its current boom, its pervasive real-world applications, and the critical ethical considerations surrounding its development. The central theme is that AI is a f…

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Break These 7 Habits Stifling Your Entrepreneurial Growth 18:51

3M ago18:51

18:51

Top of Form Breaking Habits for Entrepreneurial Growth Break These 7 Habits Stifling Your Entrepreneurial Growth, which argues that an entrepreneur's biggest obstacles are often their own destructive daily habits rather than external competition. The source identifies seven common self-sabotaging behaviors that stifle growth, innovation, and lead t…

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The Blueprint to Building Passive Income 7:06

3M ago7:06

7:06

Mastering Passive Income with Affiliate Marketing This document provides a detailed review of the key themes, ideas, and facts presented in "How to Master Passive Income With Affiliate Marketing: A Step-by-Step Guide." It outlines a comprehensive framework for building a successful affiliate marketing business, emphasizing passive income generation…

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Mini-Retirements: Test Driving Financial Independence | Ep 561 50:16

3M ago50:16

50:16

Brad Barrett welcomes Jillian Johnsrud, author of Retire Often, as they delve into the transformative concept of mini retirements. Jillian shares her insights on how taking intentional breaks from work can enrich life experiences, enhance personal growth, and help individuals navigate transitions on their journey towards financial independence. Key…

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Best of Convergence: Building Customer-Centric Teams: Josh Seiden on OKRs and Agile 1:10:19

4M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

In this episode, Ashok sits down with Josh Seiden, author and product management expert, to explore key insights from Josh's latest book, "Who Does What by How Much." The conversation centers around using OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to align teams and improve organizational outcomes. They examine the challenges many teams face when implementi…

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Living Off the 4% Rule | Marla Taner | Ep 560 1:00:21

4M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Marla Taner shares her journey of living off the 4% rule since her retirement in 2013. She discusses the financial strategies that have supported her abundant lifestyle, the emotional aspects of transitioning into retirement, and the importance of reassessing fixed costs. Marla's insights provide inspiration for those seeking financial independence…

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Best of Convergence: How Generative AI and DORA Metrics Transform Software Development Teams with Derek Ferguson 49:24

4M ago49:24

49:24

Derek Ferguson from The Fitch Group returns to share how his team of 600+ developers leverages generative AI tools like Amazon's CodeWhisperer and implements DORA metrics to boost productivity and team health. In this second part of the conversation, he delves into the transformative impact of these tools and the innovative strategies driving adopt…

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Zero-Based Everything: FI, Travel, and the Art of Starting Fresh | Katie & Alan Donegan | Ep 559 1:20:16

4M ago1:20:16

1:20:16

Join Brad, Katie, and Alan in a candid conversation about financial independence, travel rewards, and lifestyle choices. They discuss the importance of zero-based thinking, share experiences as digital nomads, and challenge conventional views on net worth by introducing the concept of a "freedom fund." Timestamps: 00:03:48 - Zero-Based Thinking Dis…

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Best Of Convergence: Crafting "Surprisingly Great" Developer Experiences with Kenneth Auchenberg 37:30

4M ago37:30

37:30

Great developer experience isn't just about clean docs or helpful error messages—it's about intentionally delighting your user at every step. In this episode of Convergence.fm, host Ashok Sivanand is joined by Kenneth Auchenberg—former product leader at Microsoft and Stripe—for a masterclass on what it really takes to design and scale developer-cen…

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Designing an Intentional Life | Tim Ferriss | Ep 558 1:35:41

4M ago1:35:41

1:35:41

Tim Ferriss focusing on financial independence, the importance of mentorship, and the role of playful experimentation in living a fulfilling life. Discover insights on designing an intentional life and the values behind Tim's new game, COYOTE. Key Takeaways Experiential Learning & Game Selection Choose the right projects to engage in rather than ju…

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Best Of Convergence: How To Drive Product Development and Market Expansion with Ben Foster, Prodify 41:01

4M ago41:01

41:01

As former Chief Product Officer at Whoop, Ben Foster had a front-row seat to one of the boldest product decisions in wearables: selling hardware as a subscription. In this encore episode, Ashok and Ben explore what it takes to align hardware, firmware, and software teams to create a seamless membership experience—and how that strategy set the stage…

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Q&A: No One Understands Your Demo? Here's WHY | TDD Isn't Just for CODE — Use It Everywhere! 1:04:37

4M ago1:04:37

1:04:37

If you've ever wondered how to make test-driven development more than a coding technique, this episode is for you. Ashok Sivanand and producer Doug Branson answer listener and Reddit-sourced questions about building better product teams—covering everything from mindset shifts to hard truths about performance reviews and strategic alignment. Ashok c…

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It's Big, But Is It Beautiful? Let's Talk About It... | Ep 557 1:00:18

4M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Key changes in tax law related to the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill significantly impact the financial independence (FI) community. Notably, the extension of tax rates and the higher standard deduction provide more planning certainty for early retirees, allowing greater financial management under these new regulations. Brad & Sean Mullaney di…

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Mailbag: Bond Funds, Roth Conversions, Advanced FI Strategies, Solo 401k and Backdoor Roth 1:01:04

5M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Brad and Rachael Camp tackle listener-submitted questions focusing on bonds, retirement strategies, pensions, and optimizing Roth IRA conversions. Rachael Camp, a Certified Financial Planner, sheds light on various financial independence (FI) strategies—discussing the impact of interest rate volatility on bond investments, the importance of tax pla…

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The Dangers of Vibe Coding Addiction and Single Points of Failure - Your Product Team Questions Answered! 23:12

5M ago23:12

23:12

What happens when your lead engineer leaves and takes the product knowledge with them? In this episode, Ashok Sivanand tackles some of the most pressing product and engineering questions straight from the community—including how to prevent panic-inducing knowledge loss, when founders should or shouldn't vibe code, and how to choose between building…

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Are You Over-Optimizing? | Jesse Cramer | Ep 555 57:50

5M ago57:50

57:50

Effective financial planning resembles both a puzzle and a spider web, where each decision impacts interconnected aspects of one's financial life. Brad is joined by Jesse Cramer and explores the importance of resilience over perfection in financial planning, how minor choices can have significant implications, and the necessity of revisiting one's …

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The Missing Link in Hybrid Teams? A Sense of Belonging.Why It's More Strategic Than DEI 1:19:25

5M ago1:19:25

1:19:25

Dan Berger led Social Tables through a $100M exit and now he's focused on something even harder to build: belonging. In this vulnerable conversation, he shares what most leaders miss about culture, how his board almost ousted him due to a toxic exec hire, and why belonging should be treated as a leadership choice — not an HR initiative. He also unp…

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From Poverty to Semi-Retired | Kristen Knapp | Ep 554 58:59

5M ago58:59

58:59

Kristen Knapp shares her journey from a childhood marked by poverty to achieving financial independence and transitioning to part-time work as a television meteorologist. She introduces her new venture, FI Friends Travel, a travel initiative that connects financial independence enthusiasts through meaningful, shared travel experiences. Kristen emph…

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Authenticity by Design: Building Mental Health Tools That Actually Work with Seth Micarelli of Volo Health 1:14:13

5M ago1:14:13

1:14:13

AI can make therapy more accessible—but only if it's done right. In this episode, ex-Google and Amazon product leader Seth shares his journey from panic attacks to building Volo Health, an AI-powered tool for anxiety, depression, and addiction. He breaks down how most therapy tools get it wrong, what makes human-centered AI actually safe, and how p…