Episode Summary:
In this spicy (literally!) episode of Making Sense of AI 2gether, Claudine Wong and Lisa Bernard dive deep into the digital dating world with relationship expert Spicy Mari, founder of The Spicy Life and featured coach on Netflix’s Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark. From filtered profiles to chatbots that flirt back, we ask: is AI a helpful tool in finding love—or is it leading us further away from genuine human connection?Mari unpacks the psychology of passion vs. compatibility, reveals why AI is a bridge (not a destination), and explains what real intimacy requires in a world full of DMs and dating apps.Whether you’re swiping, ghosting, or wondering if your chatbot “gets you,” this one’s for you. Guest:
Spicy Mari
Relationship expert and founder of The Spicy Life
Featured coach on Netflix's Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark
Academic background: UC Berkeley, USC, Spelman, Gottman Institute
Specializes in blending science, behavior, and emotional intelligence to build lasting love
Episode Highlights: 00:40 – Meet Spicy Mari: her childhood mission to find her mom love 03:23 – Why love isn’t just chemistry—it's science and structure 06:00 – Passion vs. security: what matters most as you age 08:36 – Behind the scenes of Sneaky Links and emotional growth on reality TV 10:28 – Can tech teach self-awareness and emotional intelligence? 13:13 – Why ChatGPT isn’t a replacement for therapy or coaching 16:07 – How AI can help (and hurt) profile writing and dating readiness 20:44 – “AI is a bridge, not a destination” – Spicy on tech as a dating tool 22:51 – Digital companionship: comfort or avoidance? 26:00 – The value of pain, growth, and real connection 28:03 – Are we outsourcing love—and what are we losing in the process?
Key Quotes:"Chemistry is important, but not more than compatibility." – Spicy Mari "Technology is a bridge, but you still have to do the hike on your own." "Pain in relationships is purposeful. Growth doesn't happen in isolation." "If AI tells you everything you want to hear, that’s not love—it’s a script."
Connect With Us: Follow Lisa Bernard @DemystifyAI on Instagram Follow Claudine Wong @claudinewongKTVU on Facebook and Instagram, and @claudinektvu on TikTok
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