Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 23 hours ago
Once upon a time not so very long ago, artificial intelligence (AI) was a product of speculative science fiction, especially in films from Metropolis to Blade Runner.
Today, AI has so infiltrated our daily lives, the thought of not having access to Google or other AI-driven apps on our mobile phones and computers scares the crap out of a lot of people.
Paul continues his investigation into AI with able assistance from author, Silicon Valley survivor and depth psychologist Elizabeth Nelson who explores the wide gulf between human and machine this week on Spirit Gym.
Check out Elizabeth’s essays and individual coaching groups, watch her video presentations and read her essays on her website ( elizabethnelson-phd.com ).
Listen to Paul's conversation with Elizabeth Nelson and check out the show notes page on our Spirit Gym website or listen to the entire episode on YouTube at paulchek.com/blog/podcast-episodes/398-ai-doesnt-hallucinate-it-makes-crap-up-that-distinction-matters-with-elizabeth-nelson
0:00 Intro
7:54 Defining technology and machines.
12:05 Artificial intelligence, large language models (LLMs) or large language machines?
19:12 “Technology is not neutral.”
23:48 Confusing data and information with real knowledge.
29:50 The intrusion of machine language into our humanity.
37:45 The danger of LLMs emulating humans.
51:23 Exploring the gulf between human and cyborg/machine in books and films like Blade Runner.
57:23 When describing what AI does, calling it making crap up or AI slop is better than hallucinating.
1:08:26 Are we turning an it like AI into a being?
1:14:15 The irony of some people celebrating the end times while others turn to transhumanism.
1:38:18 Can you leave your tech toys at home for a week without feeling anxiety?
1:49:48 Why is it so important for humanity to understand very clearly what reality is?
Listen to Paul's conversation with Elizabeth Nelson and check out the show notes page on our Spirit Gym website at paulchek.com/blog/podcast-episodes/398-ai-doesnt-hallucinate-it-makes-crap-up-that-distinction-matters-with-elizabeth-nelson
Thanks to our awesome sponsors!
• Organifi organifi.com/chek20 (save 20% on your purchase by using the code CHEK20 at checkout)
• BIOptimizers bioptimizers.com/spiritgym (save an extra 15% on your purchase by using the code PAUL15 at checkout)
• Wild Pastures wildpastures.com/paulchek (save 20% and free shipping for life plus $15 on your first order)
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• Pique Life piquelife.com/paulchek (save up to 20% for life and get a FREE starter kit when you subscribe to one or more of Pique’s amazing beverages!)
• Paleovalley paleovalley.com/chek15 (save 15% on your first purchase)
We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases using affiliate links.
Music Credit: Meet Your Heroes (444Hz), Composed, mixed, mastered and produced by Michael RB Schwartz of Brave Bear Music
Once upon a time not so very long ago, artificial intelligence (AI) was a product of speculative science fiction, especially in films from Metropolis to Blade Runner.
Today, AI has so infiltrated our daily lives, the thought of not having access to Google or other AI-driven apps on our mobile phones and computers scares the crap out of a lot of people.
Paul continues his investigation into AI with able assistance from author, Silicon Valley survivor and depth psychologist Elizabeth Nelson who explores the wide gulf between human and machine this week on Spirit Gym.
Check out Elizabeth’s essays and individual coaching groups, watch her video presentations and read her essays on her website ( elizabethnelson-phd.com ).
Listen to Paul's conversation with Elizabeth Nelson and check out the show notes page on our Spirit Gym website or listen to the entire episode on YouTube at paulchek.com/blog/podcast-episodes/398-ai-doesnt-hallucinate-it-makes-crap-up-that-distinction-matters-with-elizabeth-nelson
0:00 Intro
7:54 Defining technology and machines.
12:05 Artificial intelligence, large language models (LLMs) or large language machines?
19:12 “Technology is not neutral.”
23:48 Confusing data and information with real knowledge.
29:50 The intrusion of machine language into our humanity.
37:45 The danger of LLMs emulating humans.
51:23 Exploring the gulf between human and cyborg/machine in books and films like Blade Runner.
57:23 When describing what AI does, calling it making crap up or AI slop is better than hallucinating.
1:08:26 Are we turning an it like AI into a being?
1:14:15 The irony of some people celebrating the end times while others turn to transhumanism.
1:38:18 Can you leave your tech toys at home for a week without feeling anxiety?
1:49:48 Why is it so important for humanity to understand very clearly what reality is?
Listen to Paul's conversation with Elizabeth Nelson and check out the show notes page on our Spirit Gym website at paulchek.com/blog/podcast-episodes/398-ai-doesnt-hallucinate-it-makes-crap-up-that-distinction-matters-with-elizabeth-nelson
Thanks to our awesome sponsors!
• Organifi organifi.com/chek20 (save 20% on your purchase by using the code CHEK20 at checkout)
• BIOptimizers bioptimizers.com/spiritgym (save an extra 15% on your purchase by using the code PAUL15 at checkout)
• Wild Pastures wildpastures.com/paulchek (save 20% and free shipping for life plus $15 on your first order)
• CHEK Institute paul.chekinstitute.com/spiritgym (learn about the new CHEK Integrated Health Foundation program today!)
• Pique Life piquelife.com/paulchek (save up to 20% for life and get a FREE starter kit when you subscribe to one or more of Pique’s amazing beverages!)
• Paleovalley paleovalley.com/chek15 (save 15% on your first purchase)
We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases using affiliate links.
Music Credit: Meet Your Heroes (444Hz), Composed, mixed, mastered and produced by Michael RB Schwartz of Brave Bear Music
