In this final installment of our AI mini-series, we dive into the heart of the conversation: AI safety, ethics, trust, and how to use this powerful technology responsibly. With real-life stories, fascinating examples (including a fake AI-generated podcast!), and thoughtful questions, this episode is your guide to being smart—not scared—about AI.

We’re not tech experts, and we don’t have to be. What we bring you is real talk from curious, cautious, and caring humans just like you. You’ll walk away with practical tools, deeper insight, and a renewed confidence to explore AI with your eyes wide open.

🧭 In This Episode:

📢 AI is Everywhere: Why people are talking about it more than ever—and why it’s divisive

🐶 The Puppy Podcast Surprise: AI fooled us all with a completely fake but convincing audio

🔐 The Real Concerns: Deepfakes, fake news, and identity theft

🤖 Hallucinations & Bias: When AI "makes stuff up" or mirrors societal prejudices

👩‍⚕️ Human Use, Human Choice: A look into healthcare, education, and business applications

🧠 Trust and Verification: Why your personal review still matters

💡 Practical Tips: How to stay curious, cautious, and clear-headed

🧍‍♀️Human Connection AI: Why tech can help—but never replace—empathy

🎓 Lifelong Learning: How to stay ahead of inevitable workplace shifts

🛠️ Tami’s Light Clamp Moment: What a desk lamp taught her about change and simplicity

📋 AI Safety & Ethics Takeaways : See more in show notes at 


Thanks for joining!
**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:

General Resources 
National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org 
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org 
Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ 
About AA: https://www.aa.org/ 

Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert 
Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. 

Connect with me:
https://www.tamiwest.com/ 
facebook.com/tamiwestseminars   
tamiwest@tamiwest.com

Hug 203 🎙️ Smart Curiosity, Not Fear: A Real Talk on AI Safety & Ethics📝

Thanks for visiting with us at for Consider Yourself Hugged: Mental & emotional well-being.” Do you find yourself thinking, "Life can be so overwhelming! I feel so frustrated all the time! I worry about everything! I wish I could speak up more and not be a doormat!" If you're looking for improved mental and emotional well-being, please join me every Wednesday as we talk about how to make positive choices in your life.

*Disclaimer:
The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on my experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources mentioned in the show notes.

About me:
Tami West, PhD 
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and 
compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Her passion stems from a lifelong battle with an anxiety disorder which has uniquely equipped her to teach, encourage, and motivate others. 

Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity. 

Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. 

Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including two books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. She is a mother of eight in a blended family and enjoys reading historical fiction, traveling with her husband Tim and family, and watching The Big Bang Theory.