AI= Artificial Intimacy? Rethinking Desire, Authenticity and Personal Responsibility
“We’ve lost the ability to sit in our humanness—because somewhere along the way, intimacy got confused with sex, vulnerability got labeled as weakness, and being present became optional.”
What does it mean to be truly human in a world wired for constant connection, but aching for something deeper?
In this reflective and revealing season finale of Sex, Tech, & Spirituality, I'm joined by two powerful voices: Cory Corinne (media executive and host of The Intersect) and Dion McIntosh (creative entrepreneur and startup veteran). Together, we explore how technology is reshaping not just how we connect, but what we crave as humans.
This episode pulls together the heart, tension, and transformation that’s been woven through the season, from the rise of AI companions and emotional tech, to the quiet epidemic of loneliness, to evolving definitions of masculinity, intimacy, and community.
We talk about what it means to belong in a world where screens mediate so much of our connection, and whether tech is deepening our relationships or keeping us at arm’s length.
Here’s what we explore:
Loneliness as a Public Health Crisis – Why hyper-connectivity isn’t the same as true connection, and how our nervous systems are struggling to keep up
Tech vs. Intimacy – Is it the tool that disconnects us, or our culture of performance, productivity, and numbing?
Redefining Masculinity & Vulnerability – How men navigate emotional presence, and why we need new models for strength and softness.
Platonic Intimacy Across Genders – Where did deep, non-sexual friendships go? And what role do trust, attachment, and boundaries really play?
AI as Mirror, Mentor, and Companion – From ChatGPT to Replica, how we’re already using machines to meet emotional needs—and what that says about us.
Personal Accountability in a Digital World – Why radical honesty, emotional fluency, and daily presence matter now more than ever.
This episode is for you if you’ve ever found yourself asking:
Why do I still feel alone, even when I’m surrounded by connection?
Can AI help me grow—or is it replacing something sacred?
What kind of intimacy do I really want?
Whether you’re a parent, a partner, a builder, or a seeker, this conversation offers space to reflect, question, and reconnect. Because in a culture where traditional roles are dissolving and machines may soon know us better than we know ourselves, the most important thing we can do… is choose to show up fully, intentionally, and with care.
How are you cultivating connection right now—in your relationships, your community, or even your digital life? I’d love to hear from you. DM me, leave a comment, or share your reflections.
Let’s explore this together.
More About Cory Corinne
Cory is the Host and Executive Producer of The Intersect and a longtime media executive known for leading digital transformation across major news organizations. She most recently served as CEO of Refinery29 and held senior roles at Vice Media Group, Mic, and The Washington Post, where she helped shape editorial innovation pre- and post-Bezos acquisition. A New Orleans native, she holds degrees from Nicholls State University and the University of New Orleans and lives in New York City.
More About Dion McIntosh
Recovering startup guy with 99 failures and 1 exit. Creative since cassette tapes. Gamer since Atari. Entrepreneur since the Garbage Pail Kids. Former Disney boy bander. Was once $99 billion dollars overdrawn.
Dedicated dad and husband. Currently in the middle of a serious comeback season.
Links & Mentioned Resources
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari (Cory references this as a framework for understanding human connection and community)
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés (Kamna recommends this as essential reading for women or anyone who cares about women)
The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida (Dion references this as a resource balancing masculinity, vulnerability, heart, and courage)
Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Connect with Cory Corrine
Connect with Dion McIntosh
Connect with Kaamna
More about the Sex, Tech & Spirituality Podcast
Ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about sex and the future of intimacy? The Sex, Tech, & Spirituality Podcast is your go-to space for unfiltered, thought-provoking conversations that challenge taboos, decode emerging trends, and reconnect sexuality with spirituality.
Hosted by Kaamna Bhojwani—a certified sexologist, media personality, and thought leader—this podcast gives you the tools and insights to understand your own intimacy, navigate the impact of rapidly evolving technology, and heal from the weight of sexual shame.
By tuning in, you'll gain clarity on complex issues like sexless marriages and infidelity, as well as the impact of AI companions and smart sex toys on human relationships. You'll also gain a fresh perspective on how ancient spiritual wisdom and cutting-edge technology weave together to create our sexual ethos. Finally, you'll benefit from Kaamna's extensive expertise, drawing from her multiple psychology degrees, including a Master’s in Spiritual Psychology from Columbia University and years of experience coaching clients on intimacy, connection, and personal growth.
Whether you’re curious about the future of sex or the past, this podcast is here to empower, educate, and inspire. Join Kaamna on this transformative journey—and discover a world of intimacy you never thought possible.
Subscribe now to The Sex, Tech, & Spirituality Podcast and join a growing community of listeners redefining what it means to love, connect, and evolve.