What if your voice could outlive you? with Cristian Cibilis Bernardes

What if your memories, stories, and wisdom could still guide the people you love—long after you’re gone? 💭✨

In this powerful episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian D. Smith sits down with Cristian Cibilis Bernardes, founder and CEO of Autograph AI, to explore a deeply human question at the intersection of grief, legacy, and technology:

👉 How do we preserve who we truly are?

Cristian shares the deeply personal story that inspired Autograph AI after losing the chance to record his grandmother’s life story. From that loss was born Walter—an emotionally intelligent AI designed to listen, remember, and help people preserve their life stories in their own voice. Not typed. Not edited. Spoken—from the heart. ❤️

Together, Brian and Cristian explore:

Why voice matters so much in grief and remembrance 🎙️

How AI can support healing instead of replacing humanity

What it means to leave a legacy beyond photos and possessions

How future generations may one day talk with the wisdom of their ancestors

If you’ve ever wished you could hear a loved one’s voice again…
If you’ve wondered what stories of yours might be lost…
Or if you’re curious how technology can deepen connection instead of erasing it—

👉 This conversation is for you.

After listening, join the ongoing conversation and reflections at
🌱 https://grief2growth.substack.com

💬 We’d love to hear from you:
What stories would you want preserved for the future?

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00:00 🌱 From Grief to Growth
A powerful opening reflection on grief as a catalyst for growth and meaning.

02:59 🎙️ Introducing Autograph AI & Walter
Brian introduces Cristian and the vision behind preserving life stories through voice.

06:50 🧠 What Is Walter, Really?
Cristian explains how Walter acts as a biographer, chronicler, and companion.

10:22 💔 The Loss That Sparked the Idea
A deeply personal story about Cristian’s grandmother and the urgency of memory.

13:38 🤖 What AI Is — and Isn’t
Clearing fears about AI while reframing it as a tool for humanity and memory.

17:30 📚 A Wikipedia for Your Life
How stories become organized, searchable, and shareable across generations.

20:03 📞 Why Voice Matters
Why phone calls—not apps—are the key to preserving authentic human essence.

24:37 ❤️ AI, Empathy, and Feeling Seen
How an AI listener can create safety, vulnerability, and emotional honesty.

29:15 🔮 The Future: A Library of Humanity
Cristian’s vision for a modern Library of Alexandria powered by lived experience.

35:25 ✨ Legacy, Spirit, and the Higher Self
Exploring the spiritual and existential dimensions of remembrance.

41:00 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family, Distance, and Belonging
How technology can restore generational connection in a mobile world.

47:23 🕊️ Remembering Those We’ve Lost
Using Walter to preserve memories of loved ones who are no longer here.

50:53 🌿 Final Reflection & Grief Check-In
Brian closes with an invitation to reflect and connect more deeply.