How to Raise Resilient Kids in the Age of AI: The Parenting Skills AI Can Never Replace | Dr. Dana Suskind - EP 793

**John R. Miles** (0:00)
Coming up next on Passion Struck.

**Dana Suskind** (0:02)
All of these sort of things that we've optimized ourselves for, now AI can replicate it, not replicate it, can surpass us. But the one thing it can't do is care, truly care. It can simulate care, and that's why people are flocking to AI, but it doesn't stay up at night worried about your child, how your child is doing, the things that we as parents do, you know, just instinctively. And I think that caring, that connection is so critical for this next moment in time because it's actually that will give our children the best chance to thrive in the age of AI with these human edge skills.

**John R. Miles** (0:42)
Welcome to Passion Struck. I'm your host, John Miles. This is the show where we explore the art of human flourishing and what it truly means to live like it matters. Each week, I sit down with change makers, creators, scientists and everyday heroes to decode the human experience and uncover the tools that help us lead with meaning, heal what hurts and pursue the fullest expression of who we're capable of becoming. Whether you're designing your future, developing as a leader or seeking deeper alignment in your life, this show is your invitation to grow with purpose and act with intention. Because the secret to a life of deep purpose, connection and impact is choosing to live like you matter.
Hello, friends, and welcome back to episode 793 of Passion Struck. This month, we're exploring what it means to flourish. We began with awakening. We talked about our relationship with ourselves, our bodies, and practices that keep us grounded when life becomes uncertain. Last week, we moved into rewiring. New York Times bestselling author Nick Orton helped us understand how our experiences become lasting patterns. And New York Times bestselling author John Gordon reminded us that the habits we practice every day shape the people we are becoming. This week, we are talking about cultivating, because none of us grow in isolation. The people around us, the conversations we have, the environments we create, and the experiences we share, quietly shape who we become. My guest today is Dr. Dana Suskind. Dana is a pediatric cochlear implant surgeon, professor of surgery at the University of Chicago, a New York Times bestselling author, and one of the leading voices in the world on early childhood development and the science of human connection.
Her remarkable new book, which releases today, is called Human Raised, Nurturing Connection Curiosity and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI.
Reading Dana's work felt deeply familiar to me because she's asking many of the same questions I've been wrestling with in my own writing. What helps people know they matter? What kind of relationships allow us to flourish? What do we lose when efficiency becomes more important than human connection? In today's conversation, we explore why the first years of life are so foundational, how attachment shapes their sense of self and belonging, and why children need what Dana calls human edge skills, things like curiosity, empathy, resilience, creativity, and creative thinking to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We also talk about the pressure many parents feel to optimize their children for success. Why good enough parenting is often exactly what children need, and what happens when technology begins replacing experiences that have traditionally helped us become more fully human. And perhaps most importantly, we discussed a simple but profound truth, that human connection isn't a luxury or a nice addition to life, it's the foundation upon which flourishing is built. Before we begin, if you're enjoying this flourishing series, please share this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Make sure you're following Passion Struck on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and subscribe if you haven't. You can watch the full video version of today's conversation along with additional clips on our YouTube channels. If you'd like to go deeper, you'll find today's companion workbook and reflection guide at my sub stack at the ignitedlife.net.
Now, let's dive in with Dr. Dana Suskind. Thank you for choosing Passion Struck and choosing me to be your host and guide on your journey to creating an intentional life that matters. Now, let that journey begin.
I am absolutely thrilled today to welcome Dana Suskind to Passion Struck. Dana, how are you today?

**Dana Suskind** (4:23)
I'm great. Thanks so much for having me. Excited to be here.

**John R. Miles** (4:26)
I'm so excited to do this interview. And it's interesting because as I was looking at your background, you have this career where you've been asking a remarkably consistent question. What allows a child to reach their fullest potential? And I'm really interested in that because my whole podcast is about how do all of us flourish in life and lead the limitless life that we all want to lead. As I understand it, you began as a surgeon, and you thought you were solving a hearing problem, but eventually you realized you were studying something much deeper. The way, as I understand it, human relationships shape the developing brain.