Animal Empathy, Pet Grief, and AI Companions

Dr Kirk and Humberto answer patron emails. June 19, 2026

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/KIRK to get 10% off your first month.

00:00 PiS Out of Context
03:08 Why might I have such intense empathy for animals?
19:47 How can I support my partner in mutual grief?
38:23 Is AI sentient?
49:37 How might therapists approach clients with AI companions?


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