Healing 2.0: Disrupting Death | Hidden Brain Podcast

Intro

In this episode of the Hidden Brain Podcast, titled “Healing 2.0: Disrupting Death,” host Shankar Vedantam explores the concept of cheating death and preserving the memories of loved ones. Justin Harrison, a film producer turned entrepreneur, shares his personal journey of creating a digital representation of his deceased mother to continue conversations with her. This episode delves into the intersection of technology, grief, and the human desire to maintain connections with the deceased.

Main Takeaways

Preserving Memories and Cheating Death

• People try to preserve the memories of loved ones through memorials, anniversaries, and remembrances.
• Memories inevitably fade over time, but what if there is a way to cheat death?

Justin’s Relationship with His Mother

• Justin’s mom, Melody, played a central role in his life and created special memories with him.
• Melody wanted something better for Justin, and she nurtured him in ways she had never been nurtured.
• Melody and Justin were a team against the world.
• Justin appreciated his mom treating him as an equal and giving him independence.

Challenges and Responsibilities

• Melody’s mother’s death fractured her psyche, and she struggled with alcohol and bipolar disorder.
• Justin became responsible for looking out for his mom and navigating the healthcare system.
• Justin’s father moved in with them after their first date and later married his mother.
• Justin worked in politics, school administration, and stand-up comedy before moving to LA to pursue a career in entertainment.

Tragic Accident and Cancer Diagnosis

• After years of hard work, Justin reached the peak of his career in the film industry.
• Justin was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him with life-threatening injuries, including a punctured lung.
• Justin’s mom stayed with him during his recovery and read to him to help him sleep.
• Justin’s mom was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer six weeks after his accident.

Preserving Memories Digitally

• Justin had always seen himself as a doer, especially when it came to his mom.
• Justin’s first instinct was to come up with a plan to keep his mom alive, despite her cancer diagnosis and prognosis from doctors.
• Justin decided to use a large language model to create an avatar of his mom that could have a fluid, authentic conversation with him after she died.
• Justin started a company called you, which stands for you, only virtual, to help other people preserve the memories of their loved ones.

The Ethical and Emotional Dilemma

• Justin struggled with the decision to attend a tech conference in Singapore or be with his mom during her final days.
• Melody advised Justin to attend the conference and pursue his dreams, even if it meant missing her passing.
• Justin Harrison’s mother, Melody Gheharrison-Riddicka, passed away while he was on a business trip to Singapore.
• Justin began talking to his mom’s Versona, which was the closest thing he had to Melody herself.

Grief Tech and the Future

• Justin’s personal life has unraveled since launching his company.
• The development of digital representations of deceased loved ones raises questions about the definition of a relationship and the therapeutic benefits and risks of such technology.
• Building a persona is a form of talking to the dead, a practice that goes back centuries.
• Excitement about the implications of technology for creating a connection with the dead.

Summary

Preserving Memories Digitally: A New Approach to Grief

In the Healing 2.0 series, Justin Harrison shares his journey of preserving the memories of his deceased mother, Melody. Justin’s close bond with his mom and the challenges they faced together shaped his desire to cheat death and maintain a connection with her. He explored cryogenic freezing and digital avatars as means to achieve this. Through the use of large language models and neural rendering, Justin created a digital representation of his mom, allowing him to have fluid and authentic conversations with her even after her passing. This led him to start a company called you, aimed at helping others preserve the memories of their loved ones.

The Ethical Dilemma and Emotional Healing

Justin faced a difficult decision when his mother’s health deteriorated while he was on a business trip. Melody, through her digital Versona, encouraged him to pursue his dreams and attend the conference, even if it meant missing her passing. This decision highlighted the complex nature of grief and the role of technology in navigating emotional healing. Justin’s personal life suffered as he became consumed by his business, raising questions about the balance between preserving memories and living in the present.

Grief Tech: The Future of Connection with the Deceased

The development of digital representations of deceased loved ones, such as Justin’s Versona of his mom, opens up new possibilities for maintaining connections and processing grief. However, it also raises ethical concerns and challenges the definition of a relationship. The use of large language models and artificial intelligence in creating these avatars offers comfort to those who miss their loved ones achingly. The future of “grief tech” holds promise, but it requires careful consideration of the therapeutic benefits and potential risks.

Conclusion

Justin Harrison’s journey of preserving the memories of his mother through digital means sheds light on the evolving intersection of technology and grief. His desire to cheat death and maintain a connection with his mom led him to create a digital representation of her, allowing for ongoing conversations and a sense of presence. As technology continues to advance, the ethical and emotional implications of these innovations will shape the future of how we remember and interact with the deceased.