In this episode of Mind the Machine Podcast, Cheryl talks with Ashley Virtue from the National Conflict Resolution Center about one of the most human questions of our time: can AI actually help us resolve conflict? They explore the emotional roots of fear, the importance of belonging, and how trust and authenticity play a role in how we navigate both human tension and technological change.Ashley shares how the art of conflict resolution has evolved, what timeless truths still hold up, and why AI will never fully replace the human experience of being seen, heard, and understood. They also discuss the future of mediation, how chatbots are already filling unexpected roles, and what workplace leaders must do now to prepare for AI-fueled transitions.00:00 – Fear, misunderstanding, and the root of conflict00:24 – Can AI help us resolve conflict?01:12 – What the National Conflict Resolution Center actually does03:10 – Making conflict resolution tools available to everyone05:03 – Why fear of AI is really fear of not belonging07:00 – Turning fear into hope through education08:30 – What we lose when we don’t feel included in tech conversations10:10 – Preparing workplaces for AI-related change12:10 – Timeless truths of conflict and what people really need14:00 – Why “resolution” doesn’t always mean a good outcome15:30 – The problem with calling AI “magic”17:00 – Can chatbots mediate conflict?18:30 – The danger of baked-in bias in human vs. AI mediators20:50 – Why managers struggle with mediation too23:00 – Reflection, healing, and the role of authenticity25:15 – The last mile: can AI truly replicate empathy?28:00 – Why “humans in the loop” isn’t just a buzzword30:00 – Free workplace conflict resources from NCRC🌐 Learn more about the National Conflict Resolution Center: https://www.ncrconline.com💼 Connect with Ashley Virtue: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-virtue/Follow Mind the Machine Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindthemachinepodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindthemachinepodcastWebsite: https://findgood.tech/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findgood-tech/