Michael Pollan on Consciousness, AI, and the Self
September 10, 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Why listen
Michael Pollan makes the scientific case that AI cannot be conscious, and explains what consciousness actually requires.
Enjoy the episode?
Subscribe to Commune with Jeff Krasno
In this episode
- Why the brain-as-computer metaphor leads AI consciousness arguments astray
- What plant sentience is and why it differs from conscious experience
- How the upper brainstem, not the cortex, may be the seat of consciousness
- Why feelings may depend on having a body, mortality, and the capacity to suffer
About this episode
Can artificial intelligence ever be conscious? Michael Pollan says no, and at the Harvest Series in Kaplankaya, he lays out exactly why, starting with what he calls a faulty metaphor: the idea that the brain is a computer.
Jeff and Pollan dig into consciousness science, plant sentience, and the psychedelic research that shaped Pollan's thinking, then turn to AI, chatbots, and what happens when people mistake simulation for feeling.
- The neuroscience case against AI consciousness, and why feelings may require a body, mortality, and the ability to suffer
- Plant sentience explained: what it means for a plant to sense, evaluate, and act, without being "conscious"
- The 22 competing theories of consciousness, and why they all hit the same wall
- Why the upper brainstem, not the cortex, may be where consciousness actually begins
- The rise of "AI psychosis" and why 72% of American teens now turn to AI for companionship
This episode is for anyone following the AI consciousness debate who wants the case laid out by someone who's spent years studying the real science.
This episode was made possible by:
- CocoaVia: Use code COMMUNE2026 for 25% off at CocoaVia.com
- Stripes: Visit stripesbeauty.com and use the code COMMUNE20 for 20% off our entire product line.
- Vivobarefoot: Try Vivobarefoot risk-free with a 100-day return guarantee, and get 20% off your order at vivobarefoot.com/commune.
- Stemregen: Get 20% off your first order at stemregen.co/commune with the code COMMUNEPOD
- LMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/commune.
About Commune with Jeff Krasno
The Commune Podcast is where we explore the ideas and practices that help us live healthy, connected, purpose-filled lives.
See all episodes →
