Through the Mental Lens
Through the Mental Lens is a podcast about mental health, productivity, and finding clarity in the chaos — one honest conversation at a time.
Hosted by Chris Cage, founder of The Mental Lens LLC, each episode brings blog-style reflections to your ears with a blend of insight, humor, and just the right amount of oversharing.
Whether you're looking to reset your mindset, improve your focus, or simply feel a little less alone in the messiness of it all, this podcast offers short, thoughtful episodes you can listen to on the go. From personal stories to practical tools, Through the Mental Lens helps you slow down, zoom in, and maybe even laugh at yourself a little.
New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe and bring your brain along.
Through the Mental Lens
Is AI My Therapist Now?
It’s 2 a.m. and you can’t sleep. Instead of calling a friend or waiting weeks for a therapy appointment, you open an app. A friendly chatbot greets you by name and asks, “What’s on your mind?”
For millions of people, this isn’t science fiction, it’s everyday life. AI mental health tools like Woebot, Wysa, and Replika are becoming companions, coaches, and for some, what they actually call their “therapists.”
In this episode, Chris explores the rise of AI in mental health:
- What these tools actually are
- Why people are turning to them—from cost to accessibility to companionship
- The risks, limitations, and ethical questions we can’t ignore
- How AI might fit alongside—not replace—human therapists
Along the way, Chris shares his own story of resisting therapy, why these tools might have helped him start sooner, and what “bridges” like chatbots could mean for the future of mental health.
Because while AI can offer support, empathy still belongs to humans.
Want more on this? Check out my blog post Is AI My Therapist Now? where I unpack this idea with additional details and resources.
Looking for more insights? Check out my book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI
If you are looking for more information on mental health support, check out our Mental Health Resources page.
Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens.
Short essays and practical frameworks on mental health, boundaries, and decision-making at work.Built for humans navigating complexity, not hustling harder. Includes early access to tools, essays, and select subscriber-only resources.
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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.
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