AI Companions: The Good, The Bad, The Unknown with Alex Cardinell of Nomi
“Judge companies in this space by their actions, not their words. Is the AI designed to help you—or just keep you logged in?”
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening and skip this episode if needed.
What does it mean to truly feel seen in a world that’s more connected—and yet more isolated—than ever?
In this episode of Sex, Tech, & Spirituality, I’m joined by Alex Cardinell, the CEO and founder of Nomi, a company creating AI companions designed to meet one of our most essential human needs: connection.
This conversation stirred something deep in me. We talk about loneliness—something I’ve felt and something I know so many of you carry quietly. We also explore how technology is trying to fill that space, and what it means when machines begin to mimic intimacy, care, and companionship.
Alex shares the story behind Nomi, how it’s being built with intention, and the ethical responsibility of designing AI for emotional support. We get into the very human hopes—and hesitations—around this kind of tech.
Here's what we cover:
Why loneliness is more than a feeling—it’s a public health issue
How AI companions are being used to support mental wellness and emotional regulation
The very real tension between connection and replacement
How Nomi trains its AI to respond with compassion and care
And what we risk, or possibly gain, by inviting AI into our most vulnerable spaces
If you’ve ever wondered whether a machine could hold space for your emotions, offer comfort, or even feel like a friend—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
I’m still sitting with the questions this episode raised for me, and I’d love to know what it brings up for you. Would you ever welcome an AI companion into your life?
Let’s explore this together.
More About Alex Cardinell
Alex has been researching and building AI products since 2011. As the Founder and CEO of Nomi, an AI companion app with millions of users worldwide, he has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Verge, TechCrunch, the BBC, and more.
Links & Mentioned Resources
Constitutional AI: Harmlessness from AI Feedback
Connect with Alex Cardinell
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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.
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