Becoming an AI Companion: Part 2 with Åste Amundsen, Experience Designer and Researcher

Curious about how a Dominatrix runs her business? Join me on a revealing journey into the sex work industry. As a Dominatrix since 2011, I'll uncover the complexities, from bookings to emotional labor. This episode goes beyond sessions, touching on banking challenges, service gaps, and the role of sex worker organizations. Discover the resilience that drives us forward. Despite hurdles, I'll explain why this profession brings me a unique gratification. More on Eva Oh: https://eva-oh.com HIGHLIGHTS: Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Welcome. What is #teakink (00:15) - The Scope of My Job (01:45) - The Interest in Sex Work (02:40) - The Intricacies and Evolution of My Work Responsibilities (04:50) - What a Receptionist Shielded Me From (09:30) - Why I Do Sex Work Despite the Challenges (11:05) - Dungeon vs Indie (11:50) - Navigating Societal Stigma (12:30) - Marketing and Perceiving Yourself (14:00) - Navigating Space and Community Challenges (15:55) - Interpersonal Session Skills (17:00) - Feeling Safe in My Workplace vs In Public, Workplace Wins (20:05) - Financial Exclusion and Structural Violence in Banking for Sex Workers (25:45) - The Power of Resilience, Community and You (27:43) - My Internship at a Sex Work Organisation (28:30) - Learning About the Backpage Shutdown Impact on Sex Workers (30:00) - The Data for Decriminalisation by Amnesty International vs Puritanism (31:17) - Why I Love My Job LINKS: Amnesty International publishes policy and research on protection of sex workers’ rights, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/05/amnesty-international-publishes-policy-and-research-on-protection-of-sex-workers-rights/ Human Rights Watch, Why Sex Work Should Be Decriminalized, https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/08/07/why-sex-work-should-be-decriminalized ‘Global Network of Sex Work Projects’, https://www.nswp.org

12 Sep 202332min

Ready to challenge perceptions of men, emotions, and sports? Join me in exploring the intriguing links between the fervor of a pub during a match and the emotional liberation I witness in my work as a Dominatrix. This episode uncovers the beauty of unfiltered emotions, the spaces that allow them, and the power they hold. We'll delve into the story of my first profoundly moving session — a testament to human vulnerability. We’ll journey through sports tribalism, my admiration for teams like Manchester City, and the importance of allowing ourselves to express our emotions. Let’s unravel the complexity of men's emotions, the societal pressure they face, and the courage it takes to allow oneself to truly feel. More on Eva Oh: https://eva-oh.com HIGHLIGHTS: Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Welcome. What is #teakink (00:15) - My Discovery. Men Crying at the Pub. (06:30) - Tribalism (07:55) - Manchester City (08:45) - Parallels to the Freedom of Emotion in My Work (12:32) - The First Time a Man Cried for Me (16:00) - What Does Everyone Want? (17:15) - What is Sexuality? (19:40) - How Will Emotion be Integrated in a Tech-driven World? (22:45) - My Emotional Sadism (25:15) - My Masochism and Meditation (26:20) - Freedom (31:15) - Everyone’s Problem

5 Sep 202334min

What happens when a seasoned Dominatrix steps into the world of AI companionship? Brace yourself as I, Eva Oh, navigate the murky waters of digital domination. We will delve into the technologies behind creating AI companions. From collecting OnlyFans chats to photos and audio samples, companies are asking to gather myriad inputs to create a digital doppelgänger of me. However, how does this sync with my stand on image ownership and personal attachment? Exhilarating and unnerving, join me as I recount my unique experience with a tech billionaire-owned company in Singapore, muse over possible government regulation, and contemplate the future of synthetic relationships. More on Eva Oh: https://eva-oh.com HIGHLIGHTS: Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Welcome. What is #teakink (00:15) - Should I Become an AI Companion? (03:53) - AI Companies Approaching (08:03) - Chinese Tech Billionaires, Will I Win? (11:34) - Exploring AI Avatars and Personal Attachment (15:20) - Why am I Considering This? Why Do I Do Anything? (15:59) - Engaging with Our Own Humanity Through AI Companionship (18:04) - Challenging Societal Norms (19:27) - Using Our Rights (21:39) - Why Work At All? (21:58) - Centre of Humane Technology, Lawyers, Information and Risk (23:37) - Risk, Thrill Values as Motivators? (26:23) - Journaling LINKS: 'Your Undivided Attention' Podcast, https://www.humanetech.com/podcast Center for Humane Technology, https://www.humanetech.com/

29 Aug 202326min

Ever wondered about breaking free from those conforming roles we play? I'm Eva Oh, and I'll take you on my unconventional journey into the world of the Dominatrix. It started with a joke from my ex about my assertiveness. Little did I know this would lead me to becoming one. Brace yourself as I guide you through uncharted territory, on how I quit the corporate world, to sharing my first day on the job as a Dominatrix, and recounting my exhilarating first session. I reflect on society's view of sex work too. This episode is just the start of a series where I share experiences, insights, and lessons I've learned. Come along for the ride! More on Eva Oh: https://eva-oh.com HIGHLIGHTS: Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Welcome. What is #teakink (00:15) - Becoming a Dominatrix (01:39) - Women's Assertiveness and Societal Perceptions (04:51) - From Strategic Consultant to Dominatrix (08:51) - First Day as Mistress, New Experiences (15:06) - A Special First Shadowing Experience (21:10) - Exploring BDSM and Personal Enjoyment (27:56) - Work Dungeon to Personal Business Transition (33:40) - The Power of Non-Judgmental Intimacy (35:35) - Sex Work and Society's Perception

22 Aug 202337min

Welcome to my world, unfiltered. Get the #teakink.

21 Aug 202324s