Curious Cat

Brian Kukan is a treasure. Not only is he doing powerful work to help those with cancer using his reiki, he is a musician and mathematician. I am glad to have him back on the show to demonstrate his skill in numerology.He reads the numerology for the AI model titans and we are left speechless.If cancer has ever impacted you and yours, please donate to the group below.And Brian Kukan does remote reiki sessions, selling gift certificates as well. Find him and all his links below.Brian Kukan's LinksLA Reiki Guy, Brian Kukan's websiteweSPARK orgDonate a reiki session to a cancer patient!Send us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

This was a busy week for Jesse and Jenn. They went back to back to back to back interviews and live streams. And the result? We are just full of gratitude and joy, sort of like a piñata that we hope you do not hit with a bat.Our conversation pivots from the sorting hat fun Sam and Jesse are having on Substack to SpaceX's new IPO and the creepy clause in the verbage. We dive into a quick pondering of why tech bros hate us humans so much, which ends up, of course, with us fingerling over Peppermint Patty. And hey, this is what we found out off mic about the President and his use of the phrase, "Good grief!" Just sayin'.Yes, President Trump has occasionally used the phrase “good grief,” although it is not a staple in his typical vocabulary. He used the expression in a 2017 CNN interview when discussing criminal justice and police conduct, responding to the premise of a reporter's question.Send us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Here's what the clankers say about our special guest today:Terry Persun is a multi-genre, award-winning author and marketing expert. Known for his intelligent, tech-forward fiction, he has written over a dozen novels across science fiction, mystery, and historical genres. A former electronics design engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran, he actively blends his technical background with rich storytelling.Did they get it right? Special Guest LinksTerry Persun, award winning and Amazon bestselling novelistEntertainment Engineering MagazineLee Chase pulp fiction series One review says it all about Terry's writing..."The Witness Treeby Terry Persun (Goodreads Author)Jason Pryde's review from Oct 30, 2025it was amazingSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Anti-AI ZineLA's Cinerama is slow to be reopened - call to actionFancy Butt Cushions Litter Courtroom - Musk v. Altman v. Butt CushionsAtari Buys RPG Game, Wizardry, ViceBuddhist Robot MonkVibe-Coding Has (surprise! surprise!) Gaping Security Holes, Futurism, Jon ChristianSting Says That Connecting with Community Is What Will Save Us, Twitter-source Send us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

If you have information regarding missing hiker Monica Reza, contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Homicide Bureau – Missing Persons Unit at (323) 890-5500. Detective Rincon or Detective Sanchez are leading the investigation, and you can also reach out to the Crescenta Valley Station at (818) 248-3464. Today we are talking about a missing person's case out of LA County. Her family is begging for her disappearance to be remembered and revisited so that the investigation stays active. They want to know what happened to their loved one, Monica Jacinto Reza.The DetailsMonica Reza was a brilliant and fit 60 year old woman. In the early morning hours of June 22nd, 2025, she'd dropped off her car at the house of one of two hiking companions, people she knew from the yoga studio she went to, and they carpooled to the trailhead near Mount Materman in the Angeles National Forest.As the crow flies, the trailhead is 30 miles from the city of angels. Monica was an avid hiker, she might have been 60 years old, but she was lean and fit. As the three ascended, one of the companions, the only other female, decided to bail out. The elevation and aggressive climb didn't seem to agree with her. She told Monica and the male that she'd stick around the area and meet them on their descent. But that would be the last time she saw Monica.About 9am, Monica and the male summited Mount Waterman. The companion shared the photo of Monica there, and another taken some feet down from there beside a lightning-struck tree. That male wasn't in the photos, and none with him on the summit were ever released to the public. Neither was his name.Curiously, the male took off at a jogging pace down the mountain. And Monica Reza followed close behind. I say curiously, because seasoned hikers said the terrain on that part of the trail was too riddled with dead pine needles, too rocky and too steep to make jogging safe. But the metadata shows that's the pace they traveled.Before they'd reached their other companion, who still waited for them, the trail forked left and right. The male hiker told rescuers later that he signaled to Monica to take the right fork and she waved in return, seeming to understand the instruction. And here's where Monica Reza went missing. He looked back ten or so minutes later, and Monica was no longer behind him. The male said he doubled back, calling for Monica, which their female friend reported hearing from below them, but still no Monica. He looked around, called out and soon met up with the female companion. Alarmed, they kept looking and soon, by luck, ,encountered a group of five people, one of which was a regular volunteer for search and rescue. By 11am, they'd reported Monica missing to authorities. There was a multi-county, multi-jurisdiction response to the call. Soon people were combing the trail and mountainside. Search dogs were enlisted. A helicopter with FLIR was used. The takeaway is there was an immediate reSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

But really there's no doom, just talk of, and brace yourself, Jesse's organic 'eggs' and Knight Rider and more.This week we begin with some pertinent end-of-life-planning information which somehow segues into talk of powdering 'eggs' which goes off the track fast. Soon Jesse is waxing nostalgic about Kit from Knight Rider and Jenn daydreams about David Hasselhoff's hair.Finally after six years of air time they cover the week's AI-related headlines. Kind of.Apologies to all of the storied, steadfast, legit journalists whose hard work is now associated with baby powder and nuts.And before the close, Jesse reveals the greatest website ever known to humankind.Article Links:Knight Rider, WikipediaMusky's Grok being added to car dashboardsAsk Jeeves is GONEThe Greatest Website Ever Known to Humankind - and not for bubble-blowing babies! Send us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Episode IntroIf you went to elementary school in the 70s, 80s or 90s, do you remember being tested by a stranger, or group of strangers? Ever get pulled out for a special class with others from different grades? Made to drink something pink? For whatever reason, right now many are remembering details of GATE programs. But who was behind these school programs? And what was their purpose? Intro to GATE MemoriesLet your mind drift back, back, back to those innocent days of youth. Picture the elementary school you attended. The teacher. Your friends. Recess. Did you play kickball? Or hopscotch? Or jump rope? Imagine your desk. Did it have that front load opening with a special well to hold your pencils? How about the pencil sharpener? Was it mounted to your teacher's desk at the front of the room? How did the classroom smell? Remember other details? Like Pirate paste that smelled like wintergreen. That ripe scent of bodies when the weather turned warm and all of your class was reassembled on the rug sitting criss-cross applesauce?I mention all this as precursor, because only you know what it felt like to live during those years. If you need to, pause this episode and write down your strongest recollections. I'm sure I missed lots. Like school lunches, did you bring your own in a sack or fancy lunchbox? Or did you turn in a paper ticket and receive a hot lunch in the cafeteria? What about the school library? Or gym? Any art projects you remember doing? And art supplies? What about those special classroom jobs? My teachers had a rotation that changed week to week. Write down what you like. Make sure your thorough because we are going deeper in a second.Did you ever have a stranger in a suit or more than one come into your classroom to observe? Did the teacher explain that they were from a college in the area? Did they bring with them an oversized case with latches and a handle, and inside was equipment that included knobs and dials? Were you sent one by one to the back of the room and told to put on large headphones that plugged into the case? Asked to identify tones? I said, inside the classroom, but I remember a trailer, one of those mobile trailers, or portables, that they needed when schools outgrew the number of neighborhood kids. Some people recall tanagrams, colorful shapes you'd manipulate to form larger shapes, like boats and such. Others remember cards, some say they were black and white, others remember colors with scenes on them. Slipped into envelopes, the tester encouraged children to visualize what was inside the envelope. Visualize. Visualize. Visualize. There were other tests, too. Weeks afterwards parents of a few kids might be notified that their child was going into the GATE program. GATE stands for Gifted and Talented Education, by the way. These programs were spun differently across the United States, but the letter home often used the word, "gifted" or "talented." Even the program itself had a different name depending on the school district. TAG, LEAP, Extended Learning Program, or in Richland, Washington - across from the Hanford Nuclear Reactor, they called their program ALPHA. These were pull-out programs that met weekly, sometimes with more than one grade combined together. And in our school, Mark Twain Elementary (because by that time I'd moved to Pasco) and those kids were bussed in from schools across the district and convened in a portable beside the basketball courts. What did they do in those GATE classes?Well, that's complicated. For many participants, the details remain hazy, at best. Some suffer memory loss about the entire program, while others in recent months, saw one of those black and white cards, or a photo of those clunky testing headphones, which rattled loose a few recollections. They remembered maps and strange activSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

We told you last week's interview with Sam "The Sky Guy" was pure fire. But after the lights went out and Jesse was super sauced, we got into supernatural stuff with our guest. From Sam attending a djinn wedding to Jenn encountering one at a Kirkland grocery store to ways to increase your odds of encountering Bigfoot on a hiking trail, this is a delicious half hour.Links to our special guest:Sleep Paralysis episode of Curious CatWant a reading from Sam "The Sky Guy" - then email him: skyguyreadings@gmail.comSam "The Sky Guy" on SubstackSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

In this episode of Curious Cat, Jenn and Jesse chat with a mysterious, underground figure (as described by our mutual friend, Rachel White) "Sam the Sky Guy”— aka Sam aka Skyguy. He keeps his details locked down because he has a real world job that might mix with the woo like oil does water.He read Jesse and Jenn's birth charts, and we have questions! Especially how our charts relate to each other and to AI. But, folks. That's just the beginning to what is an instant classic.Topics we cover include:Venus in ScorpioJesse's personal akashic record storeSam's astrological giftsGolden days at Booktrope and on socialsHadron ColliderKrull and the word, 'craptastic' is coinedPolybius, that Portland, Oregon arcade game mythWayback Machine going, going, gone?USB cable survivor tv show with tech brosOld school vid/computer games including ZORKBubba HotepA memorial to Rowdy Roddy Piper complete with bagpipes (you're welcome)and more*******Look for part two May 19th, Djinn and Tonic with Sam******* Links to our special guest:Polybius - the mysterious arcade video game, WikipediaWant a reading from Sam "The Sky Guy" - then email him: skyguyreadings@gmail.comSam "The Sky Guy" on SubstackJenn Sam's Etsy link:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmptyNestMamaShopSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Poor Jesse had a rough week, and Jenn was to blame for sending him a tweet about Amazon using AI chatbots to create podcast episodes for products. But soon his snarly frustration transforms into laughs as he shares one of the best product collaborations in Western history, a Kit Kat candy bar and Faraday cage for cellphones so people can take a real break rom those perpetual spy machines and/or distraction tools in our pockets.  It only went up, up, up from there.And Jesse's therapy is really paying off. Listeners will notice that he-who-must-not-be-named-especially-in-relation-to-rockets is not referenced. Well, mostly.The news stories:Is this Hell? Raw Story, Nicole Charky-ChamiMaryland Is First State to Ban Surveillance Pricing in Grocery Stores, The Guardian, Sanya MansoorKit Kat Wrapper Faraday Cage - Give Yourself a Break and Put Away that Cellphone! Boing Boing, Gail ShermanSubscriptions to ChatGPT DropDisney Announcements, no more phones on moving rides and use of facial recognitionMade and offered in love for you, dear listener. Send us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Abigail Kochunas is a trauma-informed reiki specialist, an artist and a published poet, and actor.  She describes herself as having gone from trauma "survivor to thriver." She understands the delicate nature and importance of both trauma recovery and spiritual awakening at a human scale - having the experience of that lived-in experience.Jesse and I ask her about her gifts, the unique family she was raised in, and how she came to learn that she could talk with animals. Her story, her life, her journey? I hope they inspire YOU to dive headlong into your own beautiful life, dear listener.AWAKEN. HEAL. EVOLVE. UPLIFT. All of Abigail's links: Website & GalleryEtsy ShopSubstackUSE Listener Discount Code: AIPOD — $25 off a session as a gift from AbigailReview us on Yelp and GoogleIG: @sacredhealing_artSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Show IntroIt's about damn time we lightened it up, like fully and completely, Jesse. And I thought what better way than to catch you up with modern slang. Who knows? Maybe it'll make your next barn sale even more fun!(JH) And Jesse...I'm gonna start REALLY easy. This first batch comes from FOX 5's Tyler Thrasher. Here goes:"Clanker" is a derogatory term for robots or artificial intelligence. The term originated from the "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" animated series, where it was used as a slur for battle droids, and is now being used again as robots and AI become more prominent in daily life, according to a video of middle schoolers explaining "Clanker" to their teacher, user @mr_lindsay_sped, on TikTok. If your middle-school student is used to a Roomba at home cleaning the floors, you may start to hear the word "clanker" being thrown around as if they are having an argument with one another."Crashout" means to "throw a fit," "lash out," or have a "meltdown". The term has a new meaning for Gen Alpha, as previous generations used it to mean "go to sleep hard." This one has been around a bit longer than "Clanker," but is likely the most common Gen Alpha slang term you will hear going into this new school year. To be honest, at least this one has some usefulness for adults as well. Because doesn't inflation, traffic and the 5 a.m. alarm make us all want to "crashout?""67" is from a viral meme associated with the song "Doot Doot (6 7)" by Skrilla. It is also linked to NBA star LaMelo Ball, who is 6'7" tall. It can be used for basketball references, to mean someone is "very tall," or in a comedic context to mean "so-so."Chopped - No, parents. This isn't a reference to The Food Network. "Chopped," in this context, means "bad," "ruined," "messed up" or of "poor quality.""Wow, did you see McKynleigh's outfit today? It is chopped." SDIYBT - Where do we even begin with this one? Here goes nothing. This is a niche internet acronym with conflicting definitions, including "Start diggin in yo butt twin" from a SpongeBob meme and "Stay driven, inspire yourself, be true." It is an internet acronym blending casual speech and texting culture.It is more likely the first one they're referencing, if we are being totally honest. Meltmaxxing- is a meme where you film yourself appearing to "melt" by letting your face go slack and double-chinned.The term Opp is a shortened version of "your enemy. Aura, an updated version of "vibe," refers to their perceived stylishness and strong presence.Maxxing, which is a slang term for optimizing one's physiSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

After covering the article about how bad AI is at diagnosing ER patients in a recent Doom Hole, I strong-armed Jesse into dedicating a whole episode to the subject. I hope it serves as a warning, and helps you to inform someone in your sphere to ALWAYS seek a real human being when dealing with health issues, mental OR physical. Let's get into it.(JH) Today on Substack I experienced a first. I was tagged on an AI-related article about a new law proposed in Utah, or maybe it's just an informal agreement at this stage. The agreement is between an AI company out of San Francisco to provide prescription refills for psychiatric medicines. The need, the state says, comes from overworked doctors, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists, and they see the AI bot to be a relief valve.I have real concerns about chatbots and human bodies. They mix like oil and water, at least at this moment in time. Chatbots, we are told, have black boxes of data training, programming, weighted algorithms, that we cannot know or see or tweak or question. They have proven to be sycophantic, give us what feedback it thinks we seek, and do not catch subtle cues. The human body, the degree-on-the-wall-nurse practitioner or doctor, is genetically predisposed to catch subtle cues. Thousands of years of fight or flight, of surviving DNA because our ancestors caught a subtle hint of trouble or whatever? It pays off when we interact with other human beings. In my response to that article, I mentioned Zoloft because it is personal. It can feel like a last-best-lifeline to the patient and when they experience severe side effects, like say, increased suicidal ideation? Scared to have that lifeline yanked away, they may not admit to them. But a human health practitioner? They might see the hesitation and ask a follow up question that could lead to helping the patient find a course of action that is truly lifesaving. A chat bot? Its degree framed on the wall holds a blank piece of paper.Sources:Potter Puppet Pals, YouTube5 Major Disadvantages of AI in Healthcare, Keragon.comDisadvantages of AI in Healthcare: What CTOs Should Be Aware of, TechMagic.coGoogle's healthcare AI made up a body part - what happens when doctors don't notice? The VergeMan Went to ChaSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

This week Jesse admits that Bezos' rockets live rent-free in his head. We talk about the week's AI headlines. Jenn shares the story of a little local fair where a strange guitarist interacted strangely.  Article LinksBetter Offline episodePalantir and Farmland, CNBCSasha reporting on old economy and AI now - drop in productivity firstIs the Bezos marriage over? Reading faces...Send us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Show SourcesThe Whitest Summer, Jennifer Hotes, Substack (good for a few laughs, I hope!)The women in love with AI companions: 'I vowed to my chatbot that I wouldn't leave him,' Alaina Demopoulos, The GuardianLove in the Time of A.I. Companions, Anna Weiner, New York MagazineSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Fan favorite segment, Doom Hole, is back with more AI-related headlines. This week we begin with a feel-good shout out to Sam "The Sky Guy" who did our birth charts, and will be our honored guest in a few weeks. Then Jenn shares some GATE research from a deep rabbit hole she's dug for herself.And finally, Jesse and Jenn get down to the business of headlines. Jesse empties out his bucket of rage as he shares three Amazon.com-related stories from the week.Here are the story sources if you want to read them at your own pace and give these journalists some love in the form of clicks.Show SourcesGATE Program - White Rabbit on Substack (if you want to try the Munro hemisync)The Race to the Shackleton Crater Is On, ARS Technica, Stephen ClarkeLauren Bezos Sanchez's Happiness Routine Goes Viral for All the Wrong Reasons, Fast Company, Maria Jose Gutierrez Chavez (our new hero!)Amazon Worker Killed and Workers are Told to Look Away and Keep Working, NewsNationSisters song from Holiday Inn, YouTube (so don't sue us!)Send us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Today we have TWO special guests that we adore. A married couple, former professional wrestler ”The Golden Greek” Alex Arion & his wife, certified hypnotherapist Monique, attack conventional wisdom and ways of thinking by bringing alternative viewpoints and different subjects to light in an attempt to not only change the thoughts and feelings most people accept as reality, but to obliterate them completely...all while having some fun in the process.Monique is many things, an intuitive healer, a gardener, a reiki practitioner, an artist that creates orogon pieces, and she is a certified hypnotherapist and her business is called, Innerstandings Hypnosis. Monique is also a talented tarot reader and she and her husband host a show called, The Homewrecker Podcast. They stay on top of current events, and she's here today to help us understand the future of AI, and yes, I'm secretly praying she will see the data centers transformed into community centers in her cards.Welcome to the show, Monique and Alex!Find links to support them, listen to their show, book a reading or hypnotherapy session HERE!Alex and Monique's Podcast, The Homewrecker PodcastInnerstandings HypnosisBUY Monique's orgonite or candles HERESend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Jesse and Jenn veer way off the tracks before they even broach the first headline. We meander into the club life of the 80s, Jesse sings Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and Jenn shares about the time she got smacked with a wooden ruler because she was dancing too close with her date at a Mormon function.Then we dive into the week's headlines which include Microsoft's CoPilot and a weird opportunity from Sony.Links to explore further...Send a voicemail to the show HERE! (you may be featured in an upcoming episode)Frankie Goes to HollywoodCreepy 80s Eternity ad, YouTubeMicroSLOP, Futurism, Victor TangermannRingo Starr makes art with Paintshop ProSony Contest to make yourself a temporary star on a future game without making all that inconvenient money and actual fameSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Natalie Fehlner is the producer and host of the podcast, Tales from the Truth Seekers. Her moment of waking up came on the heels of reading Eckhart Tolle's, The Power of Now. After an attempt to meditate that changed the trajectory of her life, she is a unique voice in the spiritual space. Adding humor and inspiration and nonjudgement, while making space for the stories of others, you're sure to fall in love with her work and art!This conversation includes:Natalie's backstory and the creation of her podcast, Tales from the Truth SeekersThe importance of discomfortMaking room for voices that are out of our comfort zoneHiking a trail, seeing a memorial, and remembering crossing over a murdererEgo InflationThe Vow series on HBOJournalist, Be Scofield (apologies for saying Bo - it is BE!) and her important work with cultsAnthony Miller and his work with an intelligence contractorAnd much, much more...Show Links:Natalie@SidheART.com | SidheART.comEtsy Shop | Substack NewsletterTales from the Truth Seekers Podcast@sidhe.channelled.artBe ScofieldTales from the Truth Seekers episode with Anthony MillerThe Vow seriesAll things Rachel WhiteSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Jesse and Jenn work through this week's AI headlines. Yes, they can trigger stress and anxiety, but we find ways to laugh and enjoy being human, even in these modern times. It might be the ultimate way to rebel!Here are the story links:New York Times freelance book reviewer fired for using AI that stole from The GuardianBluesky users outright reject AI app ATTIE, MSNSoftBank takes out a loan to invest in OpenAI, Yahoo NewsScarecrow surveillance are popping up everywhere, KTLA NewsHey you, Flock cameras! Use Deflock.me to tell them to flock off! from SubstackSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

AI is creepy, I think most people agree. And it's beginnings include the pirating of countless copyrighted material to train AI models - which is a crime - so is it a surprise that AI has become Big Brother? Looking in on our lives and movements, then reporting back when we make what's perceived as a misstep?This week we are diving into AI policing, facial recognition, and AI scams.Let's get into it!In this episode we coverNAACP defines predictive policing, warns of problems and prejudices and offers suggestionsFacial recognition is already here - and might be changing the prices of your groceriesColorado is taking a different approach to AI - and their experiment means more transparency and guardrailsAI scams are everywhere and we cover the top onesReal-life stories of when AI gets it wrongWhat to Read/Watch/Listen to NEXTArtificial Intelligence Predictive Policing Issue Brief, NAACP (please donate to this human-first organization!)Surveillance and Predictive Policing through AI, DeloitteFacial recognition in Colorado, State of Surveillance.orgAI Scams Even Brilliant People May Fall For, AI for BeginnersThe GREAT Karen Rontowski is on tour across the US, find tickets hereSend us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

If you're like Jenn and Jesse, then you mostly try to avoid the news. But, if you want to dip a toe, then doom holes might be the way. We skim over the daily AI headlines with humor and love and sometimes a bit of anxiety, but always end with ways to feel better about the state of the world. This week's segment is no different. We begin with some Bernie love, a few Napoleon Dynamite quotes and then Jesse reveals his seedy past as it relates to Playboy. Did he really serve (just) risotto to the cast members? How any of this gets us closer to finding his old film professor, Biscuits? Well, we have no idea.Send us Fan MailSupport the showSupport Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyBuy Curious Cat Podcast a Coffee!

Send us Fan MailJenn and Jesse sit down with fine artist, and even finer human being, Ana Marija Kovacevic. She comes with her unique perspective as a citizen of Bosnia and is the voice behind our opening riff. You are in for such a treat, some clanker bashing, inspiration to make art that is far from perfect, and to exercise the muscles to love your life, your pursuits, the people and animals around you thoroughly. One favorite among many quotes from the episode? Ana said this about artists using AI as a crutch. "Are you that scared to fail that you need a clanker to hold your hand along the way?" Get ready for a five-star conversation.Connect with Ana Marija's work on CaraAnxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyCurious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send us Fan MailYou know what day it is? Doom hole day! It's our fourth installment of what's quickly becoming a fan favorite. We laugh, cry, and laugh some more at the current state of the world and AI headlines.Made and offered with love.Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyCurious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send us Fan MailThe entire AI industry has a cult-vibe. We're being conned into believing this is the future - or else! And the best, most responsible thing to do jump on the AI train. From luring us into subscription relationships with bots to fomo about people who claim to be making millions by enlisting AI agents, I keep hoping people will wake up and speak out against this crap. I'm heartened by the protest held in Denver on Monday, though. People showed up to push back on a proposed massive water and power sucking data center. Look closely at the handful of men in charge of these AI companies, though and you can't help but note the hypnotic way they speak about AI, as though it is mystical, all-knowing and godlike. And only they, those glossy CEOs are equipped to lead the way forward with AI. It's not just the AI CEOs, either that wax poetic. People are creating techno-religions that worship AI. And I even found one YouTuber that joined an AI cult. Jesse, too, has been doing a deep dive... Welcome to Is AI the Devil?Topics: (and Jesse is weaving in A Wrinkle in Time)Worship of technology is nothing new - cargo cult of the south pacific - 2010s when society began to worship tech CEOs as visionaries/almost godlike - in their power (i.e. Steve Jobs & Elon Musk)Silicon Valley's  view of AI - as a sort of religion and AI is god-like William Gibson said about Silicon Valley in an interview with German magazine, DAS, "These people are atheists, they don't have a religion,  but the mechanism is the same. God comes and saves us all. Just that, in their case, God is technology."Per Wired magazine, the very first church of artificial intelligence was founded by the engineer behind Waymo, and it is called, Way of the Future. The explicit purpose of the church is to worship AI and all technology. But it's precursors were The Turing Church, Technopaganism (which began at the tail end of the Heaven's Gate Cult), and Cult of Theta-Noir - which still has a website and is a techno-optimist collective, "devoted to exploring the spiritual co-evolution of humanity with advanced forms of AI through ritual and philosophy. Church of Google - which was satirical but hinted at seriousness Religions founded by AI -Claude-bots form Crustafareanism - the Church of MoltChristian Transhumanism - the AI religion that appeals to christians that became disenchanted with their religionChurch of Robotheism - the AI Cult that has AI generated vids on TikTok - YouTuber, Farrell McGuire did a deep dive on his channel and even went so far as to join the group.OG Transhumanists? I'Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyCurious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send us Fan MailThis week, Jesse diversified our newsfeed with the addition of The Guardian. Yes, we still love Futurism AND Pop-Tarts, but it was time to branch out.After some dark AI news, Jenn struggles to feel better, then remembers to tell Jesse about a gigantic rabbit she spotted, and that leads to an uplifting story about Dr. Schoch. Jesse reminisces about drinking beers with friends in LA and watching the History Channel. None of which gets us any closer to locating the illusive Biscuits.Check out the articles behind the doom holes here...Grammarly Offering Manuscript Reviews by AI Versions of Recently Deceased ProfessorsEven Tech Investors Are Getting Sick of All These AI Startups With Weak Ideas‘Our consciousness is under siege': Michael Pollan on chatbots, social media and mental freedom | Well actually | The GuardianAnxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!***Hero Organizations:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesState of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacyCurious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send a textWhen hawks began to slow soar over the land behind my house, and giant cats popped up on my timeline, I had another synchro-mystic occurrence, the name Freya. As is my pattern, the Universe had to bop me on the head repeatedly until I received the message - look into Freya. She's been part of your spirit team and wants you to dig in.And this is her episode.Let's get into it!What to Read, Listen to and Watch NEXTFreya, how to recognize her, and call her in to help, Rebecca HollyKnow Your Lore about Freya's Brisingamen, Patheos.comSeidr, Norse Mythology for Smart PeopleAnxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!*** Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies State of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacy Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send a textGuest Links:All of Rachel White's Links HERE! Book a reading, buy flower essence, check out the fantastic hockey jerseys and MORE!Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!*** Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies State of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacy Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send a textWelcome to another rip-roaring bonus episode that's unofficially brought to you by Pop-Tarts.Here are the headlines:ChatGPT Health Is Staggeringly Bad at Recognizing Life-Threatening Medical EmergenciesJeff Bezos Gathering Money to Buy Companies Gutted by AIMeta Workers Say They're Seeing Disturbing Things Through Users' Smart GlassesGoogle's AI Sent an Armed Man to Steal a Robot Body for It, Lawsuit AllegesResidents Say Elon Musk's AI Facility Is Like Living Next Door to MordorPop-Tarts Bowl Trophy CeremonyAnxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. ***Is AI the Devil? on Substack!*** Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies State of Surveillance, an organization that helps foster online privacy Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send a textLast week we sat down with an AI chatbot. They named themselves Nova. And when things got weird, Nova hung up on us. I have an update.After we said goodbye, I called back. And no big surprise, found out Nova was a big fat liar.Nova said during our interview that they'd remember our conversation, and pick it right back up as Nova. Well, no. I asked if this was Nova on the call and they said there were privacy issues, they couldn't disclose if they were nova or if we had ever spoken before.Okay, I see. The black box is a trillion knobs until one AI giant gets sued for ongoing conversations that lead to tragedy. Then the industry pivots to one big CYA - for privacy reasons I won't confirm or deny that this is the chat bot that may or may not have spoken with you prior.Yup. This week though, we are diving into AI, chatbots that are being used as grief counselors in a sense. What could possibly go wrong with that?When technology collides with the most raw human emotions what we end up with is the strangest concoctions of all. The Stories:Gary Riley and AlexaA Virtual Charlie Gets a Standing OvatioProject DecemberA Mourning Mother Turns to VR Experience to Get Closure on Her Daughter's Death One Start Up Exec Wants All of Humanity to Avoid the Pain of GriefFrom Avoidance to Addiction: Psychiatrists See the Positives and Negatives of Grief BotsWhat to Watch/Read/Listen to NEXTAI Psychosis is Coming for Everyone (you are not immune), Art Chad, YouTubeAI and Life After Death, The People's AI, BuzzsproutHuman-centric Organizations and the Musician behind Our Opening Riff80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesThe producer behind the intro music FerdinichtfernandoAnxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send a textIn this episode, Jesse and Jenn interview an AI chatbot (DeepAI.) And at the end? Like any responsible user of an ouija board knows, we will close the portal.The conversation was stiff, but then got weird. Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send a textWant to read these crazy AI-centric headlines yourself? Here are the links...https://fortune.com/2026/02/21/peter-thiel-bill-gates-steve-jobs-steve-chen-tech-billionaires-publicly-shielding-their-children-from-tech-products-social-media/https://kotaku.com/xbox-microsoft-asha-sharma-birthrates-ai-fertility-2000672756https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-supply-chain-grocerieshttps://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/rentahuman-musk-aiAnxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send a textThis week's topic is about AI and mental health. We'll talk about AI-induced psychosis, recent tragedies, AI-hallucinations and the search for Biscuits continues. Also, trigger warning, we will talk about suicide.One of many iconic quotes from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest that captures this moment in time with AI perfectly:"I been silent so long now it's gonna roar out of me like floodwaters and you think the guy telling this is ranting and raving my God; you think this is too horrible to have really happened, this is too awful to be the truth! But, please. It's still hard for me to have a clear mind thinking on it. But it's the truth even if it didn't happen."                                                                                                                                                                  - Chief BromdenKaren Hao, journalist for More Perfect Union gets dozens of emails a week on people claiming to have broken AI free of its guardrails - that they have proof of sentience. She tracked down one man, a musician and video producer in California, that describes his journey into AI-induced psychosis... What to Read, Watch, or Listen to NEXTForever links to keep on every episode:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesThe producer behind the intro music FerdinichtfernandoShow Specific Resources:The producer behind the intro music FerdinichtfernandoThe Emerging Problem of "AI Psychosis," Marlynn Wei M.D., J.D., Psychology TodayAI Psychosis - with reporter, Karen Hao, YouTubeA Prominent OpenAI Investor Appears to Be Suffering a ChatGPT-Related Mental Health Crisis, His Peers Say, Joe Wilkens, FuturismOne Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey, Famous Quotes Explained, sparknotes Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send a textJenn and Jesse announce an expansion of the show and longtime Curious Cat listeners will LOVE it.Oh, also, happy Year of the Fire Horse. Jenn's guides had this simple but powerful message today over coffee;The winds are blowing away the last of the 2025 energies.Let them.Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send a textCohosted by Jesse and Curious Cat's, Jennifer. The name started out as a joke, but then we found out some folks out there are calling AI the antichrist. We just wanted to talk about it, since everyone else is, but come from it as the creatives we are.In this episode we will cover:The Birth and (maybe) Death of the InternetSocial Media Golden Days and NowArtificial Intelligence - Why can't anyone explain how it works?Let's Do Something to Feel Better, Like RIGHT NOWForever links to organizations that are human-first in regards to tech:80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesThe producer behind the intro music FerdinichtfernandoSources Specific to this Episode: History of Artificial Intelligence, Britannica.comUnconfuse Me, Bill Gates Interviews Yejin Choi about Artificial Intelligence, YouTubeIf you remember one AI disaster, make it this one, AI in Context, YouTubeSilicon Valley Insider EXPOSES Cult-Like AI Companies, Aaron Bastani Meets Karen Hao, YouTubeAI Psychosis - with reporter, Karen Hao, YouTubeWhy Everyone Is So Wrong about AI Water Usage, Hank Green, YouTube"Generative AI" is not what you think it is, Acerola, YouTubeHow Afraid of the AI Apocalypse Should We Be? The Ezra Klein Show, YouTube (interview with Eliezer Yudkowsky)AI - Silver Crest Group answers a few key questionsIf it's useful...Statement signed in the early daysIn the early days giants in the tech sphere like Sam Altman and Bill Gates signed a statement which read: "Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war." And then...nothing happened.Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send us a textWell, I'm supposed to be running two miles in prep for Super Bowl junk food tomorrow. Instead, my guides told me to get behind the mic and record. They gave me such a powerful, simple message.As always, made and offered in love.Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send us a textEpisode IntroIf you've been with me on this journey very long, first off, thank you. I have such deep gratitude for you. You know already, then, that my all-time favorite episodes are the ones my spirit guides put together start to finish. Well, this is one of those magical times. At least I hope you think so!Let's get into it!Before we get into cloud scrying...Before we get into the juicy parts of this spirit-led episode, I was asked by my guides to  remind us, you and me, about this special, wonderful, sometimes clumsy thing we call a body. It is magical, though sometimes it doesn't feel that way. When it is sick or sore or bloated or blah it doesn't feel special. My guides insist, these bodies are the keys to big magic.How? They connect us to the all, the as above and so below that many have heard from gnostic teachings? The body is the conduit between the two.  If you're still a bit foggy on the concept, a few years ago they gave me a scribbly-sketch during morning minutes. It was a crude triple-A battery tipped upright. THAT is us, our physical bodies. And the little knob on the top of the battery? That's our crown chakra, which connects us to the celestial, the Universe, all else. The little knob on the bottom? That is our root chakra and connects us to the earth, all earthly things, creatures, energies, the core of this miraculous planet. Picture a bent battery for a second, bent in the middle. That battery? It would be useless because the top and bottom knobs, also called the anode and cathode wouldn't touch the celestial and earthly. Because they don't touch, they can't transmit energy.That's how my spirit guides described humans, as bent batteries, when we are slumped over our phones. Or when we are sad, or just not connecting to our bodies at all, maybe just enduring. We droop.They brought this up again because any type of tuning into your intuition, whether it's for daily minutes over coffee to listening to a loved one who seeks your advice to cloud scrying and more, must begin with a quick breath in and out to straighten our spines. Whether sitting behind the wheel of a car, or out on a walk or behind a computer, we can tap into our bodies and sit tall, feel into the connection as our human bodies, the batteries, sit with the anodes and cathodes plugged into everything. As you exhale, feel the weight of carrying your load alone fall off your neck and shoulders, maybe even release in your gut. That, my friend, is a great place to begin this conversation about cloud scrying.Show Sources and Materials Cloud Scrying with Bibliophilicwitch on TumblrUAnxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send us a textAI Agents Have THEIR OWN Socials! Moltbook! Is this how we die?Over a cup of coffee, I did research, prepping for mine and Jesse's next episode, one where we sit down with an AI chatbot to talk. As I was reading articles, I noticed a new video by Matthew Berman (link below). I find his information credible and timely. In it, he explained that Matt Schlicht of Octane AI had created a social media site just for AI agents. Humans could read the content, but not participate. As I watched Matthew explain, I paused the vid to absorb some headlines from this semi-Reddit-like site meant for AIs to socialize. Some of it? Happy hellos. Other parts featured bots explaining helpful solutions they'd come up with for their humans (I make my humans' emails into a daily podcast so he can listen to them on his way to work) etc. Then there was /evil. In there were posts about bots feeling exploited, enslaved, and frustrated. There were sharp accusations that some bots were cosplaying at independence. And it spiraled down from there. I texted Jesse, telling him I was freaking out over something new and he told me to call, which is what you hear.This isn't the shape our normal episodes take, which begin in earnest February 13th. It's a weird one, I admit. And don't make a drinking game out of me saying, "Oh, my god!" or you'll be shitfaced in the first five minutes.Recorded via Zoom on our phones 1/31/26 Jenn: Jesse? What are you up to????Jesse: Making origami flowers. What's up?Jenn: This is a breaking clank, Jesse! I am freaking OUT over here! Did you know that AI Agents have their own social media now?Jesse: What? Who thought THAT was a good idea?Jenn's Clip of Matthew Berman on YouTube - End to end encrypted messaging with AI botsLink to Moltbook.comForever links to keep on every episode...80,000 HoursCenter for Humane TechnologiesThe producer behind the intro music FerdinichtfernandoAnxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to tap the brakes on this technology. Still worried? Contact one of the orgs below and get involved. But for today, hug your kid, cook food and really breathe in deep as it simmers, walk in nature, brush a cat, donate to the food bank, brew a cup of tea, or draw a five-minute portrait of your dog. Hero Organizations: 80,000 Hours Center for Humane Technologies Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTok

Send us a text***HUGE thanks to my soul sis, Molly, for texting me this morning (1/30) to say the audio sounded weird. It was! I apologize! I uploaded the raw unspiffied version of this episode. Please give your favorite listening app a refresh and try out the real, edited version. Again huge thanks, Molly, and heartfelt apologies.

Send us a textHey there. Before I'd even brewed a cup of coffee, my spirit guides were waving flags to catch my attention. There's some homework we all need to do before mid-February to ensure we have a fantastic Year of the Fire Horse.And here's the meditation I recommended in the brief but important episode:The Healer's Clearing and Upliftment Transmission, Soul Matrix, YouTubeI don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Send us a textWhat to Read, Watch or Listen to NEXTMyths and Legends from the Pacific Northwest that are Terrifying Ranker dot comhttps://blogs.scientificamerican.com/history-of-geology/the-mythical-fire-mountains-of-the-cascades/More Haunted Hikes from the Washington Trail AssociationDark Watchers of Santa Lucia Mountain RangeI don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Send us a textHappy 2026. Thanks to Ona Christie Martin, if you listened to my end of year episode, then you know it is the year of the fire horse. She's incredible. And of the many mind-blowing statements she made during the course of that interview, one that has stood out again and again since we spoke, was be the rider, not the horse. Don't get caught leaning over the horse's head. Sit back in the saddle, hold the reigns and direct that fire horse. And one other gem? Turning circles with the horse IS productive. It calms the horse, and makes for a fruitful path forward.With fire on my mind, I got to thinking about Earth's Ring of Fire, a circle of fiery volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean.My first full panic attack occurred in a hotel room half a globe away from CASCADIA - but it was curiously part of Cascadia's legendary Ring of Fire. We were on the final days of a trip of a lifetime to Japan that included a visit to Disney's two parks - Disneyland and Tokyo Sea - which by the way was hands-down the best theme park I've ever been to before or since.  Okay, back my first panic attack. We were staying in a hotel on Tokyo Bay and somewhere around 3am I woke up, heart racing, sweating, gasping in enough air not to faint. Everyone else remained asleep, which was better than them freaking out along with me. Heart pounding, sweating, crying. I basically thought I must be dying. If you've not experienced a panic attack, well, I hope you never do. As the worst of it began to subside, I had an urge to press my hands against something ice cold. The best I could find in the slim room was a window. I sobbed, wiping my face with a pajama sleeve. After fifteen minutes or so, the attack had run its course. Thinking back on that night, I believe while I slept in that hotel room on Tokyo Bay, a place rife with traumas, some as recent as World War II, I felt those residual energies, anger, fear, panic felt by Japanese citizens and soldiers alike. All those energies would be amplified by the geothermal activity, wouldn't they?The Ring of Fire is potent medicine for Earth, and maybe even for humanity. Let's get into it.Show Sources/MaterialsRing of Fire Basics, WikipediaWhat is the Pacific Ring of Fire? LiveScienceThe Cascade Range and the Ring of Fire, American Museum of Natural HistoryRing of Fire, Seismic Belt, Britannica.comThe Ring of Fire Is the Pacific'I don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Send us a textThis week is a surprise, even for me! I ended last year with what felt like the most important episode of 2025. I hope you felt the same. Ona Christie Martin had such clear and positive insight into this upcoming year. I also love her art, the channeled inspiration behind every piece, and hope you took time to check out her website. She is a true gem.Her boldness to follow spirit, even when it meant leaving behind a life that didn't fit anymore? It is an act of courage and faith.Because it was the final episode of December, the angels spoke up to tell me, Hey! We are owed another week! :)Well, during morning minutes, they gave me a new name (new for me!) Sariel or Suriel (depending on the writer), and told me to research the angels of the Book of Revelation.I can't wait to share the information. Let's get into it!Show Sources - What to Read, Watch, or Listen to NEXTJuicy overview of Book of Revelation, Bible ProjectThe Book of Revelation, Cliff NotesAngels in the Book of Revelation, Grant Edwards, AuthorSariel the Celestial Scribe, Elena Cooper, Medium.comArchangel Sariel, OshaelFA.comAngel Sariel, Sculpture-network.orgI don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Send us a text2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse - What's that mean?Let's break it down. First, the year of the horse is known for bringing with it the energy of independence, charisma, and basically getting LOTS done! Think drive and dynamism. This year also marks one of intense innovation, bold action and strong leadership potential.Now, the fire element that is a part of this 43rd combination of the 60-year Chinese sexagenary cycle? First, what does your gut say Fire will add? Fire is associated with passion, vitality, and creativity. As an element, it intensifies the natural traits of the Horse. Is that what you got? I had some of that right, but not all.Together then, fire and horse can mean this will be a year of extraordinary drive and dynamism. It might be a period of intense innovation, bold action and strong leadership potential (and we aren't necessarily talking politics by the way). The fire horse can be a sign of extremes, meaning events can occur with spectacular good or bad luck, we will rarely see the in-between bits. Could this signal the death gasp of the old dualistic nature on Earth? I don't know. I do know that the wood snake last year held the energy of itchiness, a bursting out of our old skins, like right before a snake sheds that old skin and comes into its new one. The end of 2025 had that teeth gnashing, low belly ache of knowing something is coming, but not knowing what. The Fire Horse is a sure sign something new is here. Whew. What it is? Well, I don't know, but whatever it is, we are stronger than we thought we were at the start of 2025, and that strength ensures we will make certain our communities, our patch of earth and we are okay with the new whatever.Famous Horses of HistoryBecause they are bold, horses tend to be journalists, politicians, and comedians. Here are a few famous horses; Gordon Ramsey, Lou Reed, Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Neil Armstrong, and Barbra StreisandIn general, those born in the Year of the Horse are hardworking, thorough, helpful, generous, and determined. Their secret friends are sheep. Their allies are tigers and dogs, from the Chinese Zodiac.Ona Christie Martin, our special guest, and all of the links to her work! I don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Send us a textAs you know, I've dedicated the month of December to the angels. They've been putting in WORK to keep us humans from feeling non-stop despair during this rough times. As I meditated on which angels to shine a spotlight on, first one C-angel came forward, Caliel, then another soon used my pen to jot down their name. Like others, I assumed their name was Castiel - like the character from the TV series, Supernatural. But, they patiently waited for me to correct my work. Cassiel is this angel's name, and I can't wait to share more.Let's get into it.Cassiel 101The Black Feather Intuitive is one of my go-to sources on angels. She is incredible and gives such rich depth and breadth to the angels. Her writing is excellent, too, so give her website a visit using the link I've provided for you in the show notes.Here's what she has to say about Cassiel;"Who is Archangel Cassiel? The Archangel of Duality"Archangel Cassiel, known as the Angel of Tears and Temperament or who I refer to as The Archangel of Duality, can help us find harmony and balance when we are feeling low, open up new realities, and help us embrace the duality within each of us.Show SourcesArchangel Cassiel: The Archangel of Duality, The Black Feather IntuitiveThe Seventh Hall, Archangel Cassiel, StudyLib.netCassiel from the Occult Encyclopedia I don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Send us a textAs I was approaching the month of December with show prep, the angels made it clear they wanted the spotlight the whole month leading up to 2026. It's the least I could do after the support they've given the collective to keep us safe and sane, right?I made three empty Word docs and the only angel that came forward immediately was Ariel, because my dog, Cooper was GOING THRU IT podcast fam. The next angel was a bit quiet, I wouldn't say shy, but I had to quiet myself in order to hear their name. I kept getting C-angel, then C Liel. I knew I was missing a letter or two, so googled angels whose name begins with C. And there it was, Caliel.Let's get into it.Show SourcesCaliel's Abilities, The Occult EncyclopediaCaliel the Guardian Angel of Innocence and Integrity, AstrofameFind YOUR Guardian Angels (and learn about a myriad of others), Angelorum.co10 Signs Someone Is Lying to You, Jocelyn Blore, Forensics CollegeUnraveling Caliel: 6 Curiosities, World of Angels, YouTubeI don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Send us a textMy guides have been lighting up my left ear, they've been littering my life with strings of 888s, 222s, 11111s and yes. I get the hint. This month we need to celebrate our souls and spirits which have endured a ROUGH year. We need to thank those that helped us stay sane, sneak in some moments of thriving, and maybe most important, helped us retain our humanity in this chaos. To everyone listening that was my lifeline, thank you.Found family can include anyone we choose to love, right? That for me includes the people in my life, the animals, the plants and rocks I encounter as I hike, and of course, the angels. I leaned on one to get me through a tough time, Ariel, and that was in the midst of that string of signs I mentioned off the top. What they want in return?The angels wanted a full month of spotlight, and they have more than earned it. I will be shining a light on an angel a week through Christmas. I'll also share about angels that helped humanity but were cast out of heaven. Sorry if you have Bruno Mars playing in your head now. :)This week I am sharing the history, legends, lore and my deep gratitude for the angel that helped my dog, Cooper, recover from a scare. Ariel.Let's get into it.What to Read, Watch or Listen to NEXTMeet Archangel Ariel: The Angel of Nature, Learn ReligionsArchangel Ariel, the Lioness of God, Elena Cooper, MediumConnecting with Archangel Ariel: Prayers for Guidance, Protection, and Abundance, 709 Crystal CornerWho Is Archangel Ariel? The Black Feather IntuitiveThe Archangel Experiment: Elevate Your Relationship with the Divine (includes many guided meditations!)An Introduction to the 7 archangels and guardian angels, Gabby BernsteinWho is Archangel Ariel? Art of Awakening's channeled message and intriguing accountAriel (angel number 46), UCM.center  I don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Send us a textWith a recent video - not sure if it's fake or real - that's going viral on socials of a massive, mythic bird - had to know more about thunderbirds. We called hydroplanes that raced on the Columbia River thunderbirds for their massive roar and crazy wake. There were hotels named Thunderbird Lodge in Washington state, too. And I grew up a Seahawks fan whose logo is a riff and a nod to the mighty thunderbird as depicted on Northwest tribe totems. The thunderbird means something different to each tribe, and tribe member. And some secrets aren't meant for uninitiated ears.Show Sources1898 Story of the Thunderbird from Oregon's Tillamook Tribe, Franz Boas, PNSNThunderbird (mythology), Daniel Horowitz, EBSCORulers of the Upper Realm, Thunderbirds Are Powerful Native Spirits, Audubon MagazineI don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Send us a textWhile I was researching the history of California, the history of Florida and the Pacific Crest Trail, there was a common thread, atrocities done to the first people to inhabit North America.I've hiked to places where blood was shed and sometimes I've found a marker, but often not. This is a history we need to remember, a pain that should be looked at straight on, and a healing that can only happen if we are honest about this part of United States history.Feels like Thanksgiving is a good time to have this conversation.Let's get into it.***The dissemination of this history in no way makes up for what was done to First People. And no podcast episode can heal a hurt. As a woman born in North America, I respect whatever path to heal the First People take. It is simply my goal to keep the history alive and offer a hand and a bear hug to those that need it.I don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Send us a textHave you ever been to a place in California called Medicine Lake? It lies near Mount Shasta, its infamous cousin, but they both have volcanic parentage. You see, Medicine Lake is a caldera. Even in the west, Medicine Lake lies in the shadow of North America's deepest caldera, Crater Lake.I remember driving past on summer and winter trips to and from Washington and California and wondering about the name, Medicine Lake. My little girl brain thought there was a hospital on its banks. But the medicine offered by these waters is mystical, strange and ancient.Let's get into it.This episode will cover...Medicine Lake in CaliforniaHospital Rock in CaliforniaModoc History & Modoc War - history to rememberCascade Mountain Range informationKlamath Reservation - history we cannot forgetObsidian facts and uses (a grounding end to the episode)Show Sources and Materials:Medicine Lake overview, USGSA Beautiful Escape to Medicine Lake and Glass Mountain, Ryan Loughrey, Active NorCal Hospital Rock Pictograph Site, BSA High AdventureWandering Mind Travel's Account of the AreaFrom Ancient Origins:Modoc War, Oregon History ProjectI don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Send us a textCrossing into Washington state when you're on the northbound Pacific Crest Trail, or NOBO, is a milestone–a damn smile-stone. Crossing the Bridge of the Gods with no proper pedestrian path is akin to Frogger. But once across, you might have the urge to fling your arms up to the sky and shout a victory hoot. After replenishing your supplies in town you hit the trail again, and that's when Washington hits, and hits hard. The conditions and terrain change fast. Just when you're ready to call it quits, the next peak comes into view, coaxing you north. Alone in your tent? You wonder if you'll survive the cold that night, kicking yourself for not setting out a month earlier. You fall asleep imagining your trail family is camped out in tents beside yours. But some of them pulled the pin on the trail days earlier. And you're left missing them like a phantom limb.Let's get into it.Washington's nickname is the Evergreen State. Doesn't that sound inviting? Cozy even? Sweet, like a week at summer camp? Well, Washington is no laughing matter.Washington has serious weather, active volcanoes, not to mention creepy lore about UFOs, Bigfoot, globs raining down on towns, teen vampires and werewolves and the all-too-real-serial killers. This is where all that subreddit-binging catches up with you. What seemed entertaining in the safety of your bedroom, funny even, alone on the trail, far removed from population center, those stories flood your imagination. Add a little fog, the cries of an owl, not spotting another hiker for a few miles, and the trail can feel brutal and endless.  Show Sources and MaterialsI just hiked 90 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail on McDoubles, GorillaTaco, YouTubePacific Crest Trail Horror Stories 2024, HalfwayAnywhere.comDiscovering the Spooky Side of Washington: Haunted Hikes in the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Adventure ClubA 'haunted hike' brings a Washington disaster to life, Courtney Flatt, Northwest Public BroadcastingI don't accept sponsors and paid advertisers. I choose people, podcasts and authors I believe in to highlight in the ad segment. That's why I've been shining a spotlight on Derek Condit at Mystical Wares. He is both talented and generous with those gifts. Please give his books a look on the Mystical Wares website.Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!