THE NON-OBVIOUS SHOW · EPISODE 79

Why We Talk To Cats and Make Everything "Humanish"

with Justin Gregg

Episode 79 · May 26, 2026 · 30 min

Explore the fascinating world of anthropomorphism, its impact on human behavior, AI, marketing, and the future of human-like technology with dolphin cognition researcher Justin Gregg.

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Episode Summary

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Key Takeaways

01Anthropomorphism and its role in human behavior
02The influence of language and AI on human relationships
03The ethical and psychological implications of human-like technology

What We Cover

00:00The Power of Anthropomorphism
02:04Understanding Dolphin Cognition
04:56The Nature of Anthropomorphism
07:50Cultural Perspectives on Anthropomorphism
10:30AI and Human-Like Relationships
11:48The Future of AI Interactions
14:19Marketing and Anthropomorphism
19:12Cuteness and Emotional Responses
21:48Futurism and AI Evolution
23:46The Uncanny Valley
26:02Reflections on the Future

About The Guest

Justin Gregg

Animal cognition researcher; author of Humanish

Justin Gregg is a science writer and animal cognition researcher, and the author of Humanish and If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal. He writes about animal intelligence, dolphin communication and what human thinking looks like when compared with other species.

justingregg.com ↗