Curious Cat

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 f...

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 Links

Terry Persun, award winning and Amazon bestselling novelist

Entertainment Engineering Magazine

Lee Chase pulp fiction s...

Anti-AI Zine

LA's Cinerama is slow to be reopened - call to action

Fancy Butt Cushions Litter Courtroom - Musk v. Altman v. Butt Cushions

Atari Buys RPG Game, Wizardry, Vice

Buddhist Robot Monk

Vibe-Coding Has (surprise! surprise!) Gaping Security Holes, Futurism, Jon Christian

Sting Says That Connecting with Community Is What Will Save Us, Twitter-source

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If you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!

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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...

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...

Episode Intro

If 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 Memories

Let your mind drift back, back, back to those innocent days of youth. 

Pic...

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 Cat

Want a reading from Sam "The Sky Guy" - then email h...

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:

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 not...

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 l...

Show Intro

It'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...

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 s...

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 Links

Better Offline episode

Palantir and Farmland, CNBC

Sasha reporting on old economy and AI now - drop in productivity first

Is the Bezos marriage over? Reading faces...

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If you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the on...

Show Sources

The 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 Guardian

Love in the Time of A.I. Companions, Anna Weiner, New York Magazine

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If you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!

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Anxious...

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 r...

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 c...

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 u...

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...

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 Guardian

Bluesky users outright reject AI app ATTIE, MSN

SoftBank takes out a loan to invest in OpenAI, Yahoo News

Scarecrow surveillance are popping up everywhere, KTLA News

Hiking is my happy place. And recently I’ve fallen in love with South Table Mountain in Golden, Colorado. It's sister, North Table Mountain in my estimation gets five times the foot and bicycle traffic. 

A month ago, I found a trailhead for South Table that has only a few parking spaces, which guaranteed a peaceful hike! I've done it four times since. My favorite path takes me along an historic ditch, which no longer carries water, and then I take a right and follow the erosion up the side of the mountain. It's a popular place for...

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 cover

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 c...

Jenn 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 fa...

You 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.

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If you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!

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Support Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!

Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them to...

The 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 t...

This 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...

When 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 NEXT

Freya, how to recognize her, and call her...

Guest Links:

All of Rachel White's Links HERE! Book a reading, buy flower essence, check out the fantastic hockey jerseys and MORE!

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If you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!

Support the show

Support 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. 

Welcome 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 Emergencies

Jeff Bezos Gathering Money to Buy Companies Gutted by AI

Meta Workers Say They're Seeing Disturbing Things Through Users' Smart Glasses

Google's AI Sent an Armed Man to Steal a Robot Body for It, Lawsuit Alleges

Residents Say Elon Musk's AI Facility Is Like Living Next Door to Mordor

Pop-Tarts Bowl Trophy Ceremony

Last 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...

In 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. 

Send us Fan Mail

If you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!

Support the show

Support 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...

Want 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-2000672756

https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/ai-supply-chain-groceries

https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/rentahuman-musk-ai

Send us Fan Mail

If you are searching for a fresh, binge-able podcast, this might be the one for you!

Support the show

Support Curious Cat, an independent, human-made podcast!

Anxious about AI? Take two minutes to contact your local politician and ask them...

This 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...