Episode
Whitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
1:17:18
Published: Thu Dec 05 2019
Description
Whitney Cummings is a stand-up comedian, actor, producer, writer, director, and the host of a new podcast called Good for You. Her most recent Netflix special called "Can I Touch It?" features in part a robot, she affectionately named Bearclaw, that is designed to be visually a replica of Whitney. It's exciting for me to see one of my favorite comedians explore the social aspects of robotics and AI in our society. She also has some fascinating ideas about human behavior, psychology, and neurology, some of which she explores in her book called "I'm Fine...And Other Lies." This conversation is part of the Artificial Intelligence podcast. If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/ai or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it 5 stars on Apple Podcasts or support it on Patreon. This episode is presented by Cash App. Download it (App Store, Google Play), use code "LexPodcast". The episode is also supported by ZipRecruiter. Try it: http://ziprecruiter.com/lexpod Here's the outline of the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. 00:00 - Introduction 03:51 - Eye contact 04:42 - Robot gender 08:49 - Whitney's robot (Bearclaw) 12:17 - Human reaction to robots 14:09 - Fear of robots 25:15 - Surveillance 29:35 - Animals 35:01 - Compassion from people who own robots 37:55 - Passion 44:57 - Neurology 56:38 - Social media 1:04:35 - Love 1:13:40 - Mortality
Chapters
This transcript contains advertising for Cash App and Zip Recruiter.
00:00 - 04:16 (04:16)
Summary
This transcript contains advertising for Cash App and Zip Recruiter.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Comedian Joe Rogan jokes about men's tendency to call women sweet pet names after dessert and discusses the importance of genderless professions like doctors and nurses in the future, even if they are robotic.
04:16 - 08:49 (04:32)
Summary
Comedian Joe Rogan jokes about men's tendency to call women sweet pet names after dessert and discusses the importance of genderless professions like doctors and nurses in the future, even if they are robotic.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how human-like robots are becoming more realistic, with asymmetry being an important factor in creating a believable appearance.
08:49 - 12:49 (04:00)
Summary
The speaker discusses how human-like robots are becoming more realistic, with asymmetry being an important factor in creating a believable appearance. He also delves into his fascination with human nature and people's reactions to these robots.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses their admiration for Jordan Peele's work in comedy horror movies and mentions how society's perception of robots could change rapidly if they provide value.
12:49 - 18:24 (05:35)
Summary
The speaker discusses their admiration for Jordan Peele's work in comedy horror movies and mentions how society's perception of robots could change rapidly if they provide value. They also touch on the tendency to demonize certain groups in storytelling.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Comedian Whitney Cummings shares her thoughts on the positive impact robots and surveillance can have on society, from providing childcare and tutoring to assisting those who struggle with dating or have emotional and financial issues.
18:24 - 27:37 (09:12)
Summary
Comedian Whitney Cummings shares her thoughts on the positive impact robots and surveillance can have on society, from providing childcare and tutoring to assisting those who struggle with dating or have emotional and financial issues. She also addresses the growing paranoia around privacy concerns.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the paradox of surveillance and how despite the potential for abuse, many in China are in support of it, highlighting the ability of humans to deny and dehumanize for the sake of conforming to find protection.
27:37 - 32:45 (05:08)
Summary
The speaker discusses the paradox of surveillance and how despite the potential for abuse, many in China are in support of it, highlighting the ability of humans to deny and dehumanize for the sake of conforming to find protection.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker suggests that many relationships are based on projection and performance.
32:45 - 39:35 (06:49)
Summary
The speaker suggests that many relationships are based on projection and performance. She also talks about her observations of people's compassion towards robots, who offer emotional benefits such as not cheating and allowing people to feel safe and present without fear of judgment.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Passion can be both life-affirming and addictive, but it can also become consuming and lead to bad decisions.
39:35 - 45:13 (05:38)
Summary
Passion can be both life-affirming and addictive, but it can also become consuming and lead to bad decisions. Codependency and attachment to people who don't deserve it can also be harmful.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares their experience with family members suffering from neurological issues and how they coped with it by learning about neurochemicals and the functioning of the brain.
45:14 - 49:28 (04:14)
Summary
The speaker shares their experience with family members suffering from neurological issues and how they coped with it by learning about neurochemicals and the functioning of the brain.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The roots of codependency can stem from growing up in chaotic environments and result in people-pleasing and perfectionistic tendencies.
49:28 - 53:21 (03:52)
Summary
The roots of codependency can stem from growing up in chaotic environments and result in people-pleasing and perfectionistic tendencies. This wiring issue can affect all areas of life, not just romantic relationships, and can be difficult to overcome.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
An individual discusses the challenge of overcoming social media addiction, acknowledging the lack of control and knowledge of the brain, and how sharing one's journey in changing the brain can lead to a reward response.
53:21 - 59:18 (05:57)
Summary
An individual discusses the challenge of overcoming social media addiction, acknowledging the lack of control and knowledge of the brain, and how sharing one's journey in changing the brain can lead to a reward response.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host discusses how using a robot for social media can be beneficial for balancing content and avoiding burnout, as well as the human desire to know how we are perceived by others in order to be successful.
59:19 - 1:04:57 (05:37)
Summary
The host discusses how using a robot for social media can be beneficial for balancing content and avoiding burnout, as well as the human desire to know how we are perceived by others in order to be successful.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the nature of love and relationships, discussing the potential for humans to love robots in deep and meaningful ways.
1:04:57 - 1:12:14 (07:17)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the nature of love and relationships, discussing the potential for humans to love robots in deep and meaningful ways. They argue that love can be exhausting and painful, but ultimately brings out the best in us.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares his personal experience of overcoming codependence in relationships and finding the balance of alignment and self-growth.
1:12:14 - 1:14:50 (02:36)
Summary
The speaker shares his personal experience of overcoming codependence in relationships and finding the balance of alignment and self-growth.
EpisodeWhitney Cummings: Comedy, Robotics, Neurology, and Love
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Terror management is a theory about how humans deal with the knowledge of their own mortality through distracting themselves with achievements and accolades rather than facing the fear of death head-on, which can be overwhelming.
1:14:50 - 1:16:49 (01:59)
Summary
Terror management is a theory about how humans deal with the knowledge of their own mortality through distracting themselves with achievements and accolades rather than facing the fear of death head-on, which can be overwhelming.