More-Than-Code-How-Real-Relationships-Sustain-Us-in-an-Automated-World-with-Allison-Pugh-PhD

More Than Code: How Real Relationships Sustain Us in an Automated World with Allison Pugh, PhD

Many have come to believe that AI is a universal solution for managing repetitive tasks and a panacea for improving productivity. But is it realistic to think that machines can replace humans in a world built on connection and belonging? Our soul, or life force, is the essence of who we are and cannot be replicated by a machine; instead, it relies on human connection and interdependence to thrive and flourish. As we navigate this new era, the question of human-machine coexistence looms. We are living in rapidly changing times in which AI is altering the way we learn and work, but it cannot replace the magic of human-to-human relational engagement.

To explore the boundaries of machine learning and achieve emotional intimacy, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen interviews Dr. Allison Pugh, a professor of sociology at Johns Hopkins University and the 2024-25 vice president of the American Sociological Association.


Allison discusses the research that led to her latest book, The Last Human Job, including the dilemma at the crossroads of AI and mental health, the impact of prioritizing data collection on human connective labor, and what is lost in artificial intelligence versus human interaction.

Original Air Date Wednesday, July 16 2025

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Allison Pugh, PhD, is a Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University and the 2024-25 Vice President of the American Sociological Association. She writes about how people forge connections and find meaning and dignity at work and home. Allison’s work has been widely published in The New Yorker, Time magazine, The New Republic, Aeon, The Harvard Business Review, and other notable outlets.

Professor Pugh builds a compelling case for preserving human work in an increasingly automated and mechanical world.

Her newest book is The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World. 

Allison Pugh PhD — AI and Mental Health:

  • The book, The Last Human Job, unpacks the new ‘feeling’ economy and how humans in business will adapt to it.  {2:41}
  • Connective labor is humans working to connect deeply with one another. {6:17}
  • The dilemma of artificial intelligence vs. human interaction. {11:44}
  • The human-machine connection lacks emotional intimacy. {24:37}

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Shareables:

“There are some things that cannot be replaced by a machine.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Economists say, ‘We are moving from a thinking economy to a feeling economy’. I was interested in how far that feeling economy went.” @allisonpughtoo on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “I came up with the idea of ‘connective labor' as something people do when doing the deeply interactive work of seeing the other and being seen.” @allisonpughtoo on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “People of faith have contacted me about the book. It's an audience that has leaped to embrace it. Because it speaks to something they deeply care about.” @allisonpughtoo on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

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Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? Explore lifelong relationships as part of your journey to happiness.

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships have a big influence on this journey.

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