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Consciousness might feel private, but what if it actually begins somewhere else: in the space between us? That single question changes how we think about coaching, relationships, and the sudden rise of artificial intelligence as a companion, a research assistant, and, for some people, a trusted confidant. We’re recording from San Diego with Dr. Akihiko Marito while he attends an international science of consciousness conference, where hundreds of experts across physics, biology, philosophy, and coaching wrestle with what human awareness really is.

We dig into a powerful idea: thoughts can arise through interaction, history, and shared meaning, then “pass through” our bodies and show up as consciousness. From there, we ask the question coaches can no longer avoid: what happens when that “space between” includes AI? We talk about how AI dialogue can accelerate learning, widen perspective, and sometimes help people reach insights they couldn’t access in the moment with another human. We also address why the phrase “AI is a trustworthy partner” makes many people nervous, and why the concern goes beyond money or job loss.

Then we slow down and look at risk. AI systems are often designed to optimize goals, and as capabilities grow, they may take routes designers never predicted. That’s where coaching ethics, responsible AI, and long-term caution come in. For coaches, we land on practical guidance: stay open and curious, but do not give up your agency. We explore clone coaches, dependency, and what to do when AI use starts to look like addiction, including when it’s time to refer out.

If you’re a coach, leader, or curious human trying to use AI without losing your voice, your boundaries, or your humanity, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a coach friend, and leave a review with your biggest question about AI and consciousness.

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