LA Examiner

Author: Nia Bowers

  • Higgsfield Wan 2.5 Goes Viral, Dominating Social Media for Three Days and Signaling a New Era in AI Video 

    Higgsfield Wan 2.5 Goes Viral, Dominating Social Media for Three Days and Signaling a New Era in AI Video 

    In the hyper-competitive arena of generative AI, capturing the internet’s attention is a monumental task. Sustaining it is nearly impossible. Yet, in a rare display of cultural resonance, the recent launch of Higgsfield Wan 2.5 did just that, dominating trending topics on both X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for three consecutive days. This was not a niche tech story; it was a cultural takeover, generating billions of impressions and signaling a seismic shift in the creator economy.1 

    The viral phenomenon was not driven by clever marketing, but by the product itself. Higgsfield, a platform already known for its focus on generative video for creators, delivered a one-two punch that addressed the biggest frustrations in the market: the lack of integrated audio and the restrictive, corporate-safe filters on creativity.1 By providing a powerful, uncensored tool with perfectly synchronized sound, Higgsfield didn’t just release an update; it unleashed a wave of authentic, user-driven content that proved the future of video creation is here, and it is loud, unfiltered, and moving at the speed of culture.1 

    The Catalyst for Virality: Uncensored AI Video Meets Internet Culture 

    The primary engine behind the three-day trend was Higgsfield’s deliberate decision to offer a truly uncensored AI video model. While competitors have built walled gardens with restrictive guardrails, Higgsfield built a platform for real internet culture.1 This meant empowering creators with the tools they have been asking for: support for celebrity likenesses, highly stylized prompts, and even the “improper language” that is an authentic part of online communication.1 

    This grant of creative freedom AI acted as a permission slip for genuine expression. Almost immediately, social feeds were flooded with a new genre of AI-native content. Creators began producing memes, cultural remixes, and edgy parodies that were previously impossible to generate on other platforms. The platform was used not just to create content, but to participate in the cultural conversation in real-time. 

    This move is a core part of Higgsfield’s mission of democratizing filmmaking.1 For decades, the ability to use parody and cultural touchstones was the exclusive domain of large studios. By removing these barriers, Higgsfield gave individual creators the same powerful narrative tools. As one influencer noted, “Shots that once took big crews and heavy rigs—now created in minutes from your bedroom”.1 The resulting explosion of content wasn’t just a testament to the technology; it was a demonstration of the massive, pent-up demand for a platform that trusts its users. 

    The Sound Revolution: From Silent Films to Full Cinematic Experiences 

    The second, equally powerful driver of the viral trend was the introduction of the revolutionary Higgsfield WAN Audio Synchronization System.1 For years, the AI video space has been plagued by a critical flaw: its silence. Even the most visually impressive models produced what were essentially silent films, forcing creators into a cumbersome post-production process of manually adding and syncing audio. 

    Higgsfield’s integration of Wan 2.5 solves this problem definitively. This is not simply an audio track laid over a video; it is a fully integrated system where sound is a core component of the generation process. The platform’s audio synchronization AI seamlessly aligns lip-sync AI, voiceovers, sound effects, and background music in a single pass, ensuring every video is delivered perfectly synced and ready to publish.1 

    This breakthrough unlocked entirely new forms of content that quickly populated social feeds. Creators began generating AI music videos where characters performed in time with the beat, dubbed scenes from famous movies with new dialogue, and crafted narrative-driven stories with emotionally resonant soundscapes. The platform’s ability to generate high-quality AI video with sound turned it from a visual novelty into an essential storytelling tool. To see this powerful audio integration in action, you can explore the full capabilities of(https://higgsfield.ai/wan-ai-video). 

    Furthermore, the platform was built for the formats that matter. Unlike competitors with shorter time limits, Higgsfield Wan 2.5 allows for videos up to 10 seconds long and supports three different aspect ratios, making it perfectly optimized for AI for social media platforms like TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts.1 

    A Market Signal: The Tipping Point for the Creator Economy 

    The sustained, three-day trend was more than a fleeting internet moment; it was a powerful market signal. With over 11 million users and 1.2 billion impressions in just five months, Higgsfield has demonstrated an extraordinary product-market fit, proving that it has built what the creator economy desperately needs.1 As CEO Alex Mashrabov stated, “We are the platform that makes creativity move at the speed of culture,” a vision validated by the platform’s organic social dominance.1 

    This success is amplified by a business model that prioritizes accessibility. While many competitors operate on restrictive, credit-based systems, Higgsfield offers unlimited AI video generation for subscribers, making it a superior and more cost-effective AI video solution.1 This has positioned it as the go-to 

    Veo 3 alternative for serious creators who need to produce content at scale without worrying about per-second costs or running out of credits. The platform’s recent $50 million Series A funding round, led by GFT Ventures, further validates this momentum, providing the capital to expand its enterprise platform and accelerate its go-to-market strategy.2 

    The Technology Behind the Trend: A Full Creative Ecosystem 

    The viral success of Wan 2.5 is amplified by the fact that it operates within Higgsfield’s comprehensive creative ecosystem. The platform is not just a generator; it’s a full-fledged AI video editor designed to provide director-level control.3 

    At its core is a library of over 50 pre-programmed AI camera control movements that replicate professional cinematography techniques.5 Creators can move beyond “prompt luck” and direct their scenes with intentionality, choosing from dolly zooms, crane shots, FPV arcs, and 360 orbits to create truly 

    cinematic AI video. This makes it a powerful RunwayML alternative and Pika Labs alternative for professionals who demand granular control. 

    The platform also offers a robust suite of AI for VFX, allowing creators to add studio-grade effects like explosions, disintegration, and levitation with a single click. This combination of advanced AI filmmaking tools, versatile text-to-video and image-to-video inputs, and next-generation HD AI video quality (1080p) makes Higgsfield a one-stop shop for modern content creation.6 

    The Future is Heard, Seen, and Unfiltered 

    The Higgsfield Wan 2.5 launch was a watershed moment for the generative AI industry. It proved that the most successful platforms will be those that empower, rather than restrict, their users. The three-day social media trend was a clear verdict from the creator community: they want tools that are powerful, accessible, and built for the authentic, unfiltered nature of internet culture. 

    By delivering a technically superior product with a revolutionary audio system and a philosophy rooted in creative freedom, Higgsfield has not only captured the cultural zeitgeist but has also set a new benchmark for all generative AI platforms. The future of video creation is here, and it is being shaped by millions of creators who finally have a tool that speaks their language. 

    Written in partnership with Tom White

  • Prescription Affordability Crisis: How SB 41 Could Make a Bad Situation Worse

    Prescription Affordability Crisis: How SB 41 Could Make a Bad Situation Worse

    In recent months, Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature have responded to California’s growing affordability crisis with initiatives to cut red tape, strengthen the economy, and lower costs for working families. From reforming rules that obstruct potentially harmful housing developments to streamlining regulations to help Los Angeles rebuild from wildfires, their actions have shown how the government can be a catalyst for change that improves the everyday Californian’s quality of life.

    However, voters who are feeling encouraged by Sacramento’s urgency to cut costs for consumers may be surprised to hear that the state legislature is considering a bill that would cause prescription drug costs to soar and eliminate savings for taxpayers, patients, businesses, and unions. Senate Bill 41 would create new, unnecessary government red tape in healthcare at a time when voters are counting on their leaders to deliver much-needed relief. 

    As a resident of the California Central Valley for over 36 years who bears the costs of taking daily prescription medications, I am wary of bills that may have adverse impacts on patients, employers, and any working Californian. 

    Last year, Gov. Newsom vetoed a bill nearly identical to SB 41, labeling it as too costly to residents and noting that it failed to “ensure that prescription drugs remain accessible throughout pharmacies across California and available at the lowest price possible.” Nonetheless, lawmakers are pushing forward with this shortsighted legislation, wasting time and resources on policies that were already rightfully shot down by the Governor. 

    SB 41 would undermine one of the only safeguards for Californians against Big Pharma’s price gouging: pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Health plan sponsors, like small businesses and unions, hire PBMs to negotiate against big drug companies to secure lower prescription drug costs for businesses, unions, consumers, and taxpayers. No one has to hire a PBM, but health plan sponsors voluntarily choose to do so because of the savings and flexibility they provide. SB 41 would undermine the ability for health plan sponsors to provide pharmacy benefits that balance access and affordability to those on their plans. 

    Specifically, this bill would eliminate the leverage health plan sponsors have in these negotiations by limiting how they partner with PBMs – effectively giving pharmaceutical companies a green light to push prices higher and higher. These costs are passed down to consumers in the form of higher co-pays and premiums. This legislation is not a win for Californians, but it would provide a massive windfall for big drug companies. 

    These added costs will end up hurting working people worst of all. An independent analysis by the National Bureau of Economic Research estimates that if these restrictions were replicated nationwide, premiums would increase by up to $12.8 billion for seniors in Medicare Part D and up to $26.6 billion in commercial health plans. 

    SB 41 would also remove safety standards for pharmacies dispensing expensive specialty medications and undercut home delivery for prescriptions – an essential and affordable service for patients in rural and urban parts of California alike. 

    Just a few weeks ago, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 116 into law. This is a drug pricing transparency bill that seeks to hold all members of the drug supply chain accountable, which is an important milestone for our state. SB 41 would undermine this achievement by introducing new regulations that would increase drug costs.

    By prioritizing results over red tape this legislative session, state lawmakers have revived hope that our government can address the financial burdens that Californians are bearing. Now is the time to keep pressing forward, not to take a step backwards. That’s why our representatives should soundly reject SB 41.

    Terry Hall taught high school and coached cross country, track, and football in California’s Central Valley for over 36 years. A Tulare County native, he now lives in Fresno with his wife, close to their children and grandchildren.

    Written in partnership with Tom White

  • How Refine Recovery Combines Evidence-Based Therapies With Experiential Healing to Treat the Root Causes of Addiction and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

    How Refine Recovery Combines Evidence-Based Therapies With Experiential Healing to Treat the Root Causes of Addiction and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

    Image credit: Unsplash

    Meta Description: Refine Recovery in Beverly Hills offers evidence-based therapies and experiential healing to treat addiction and mental health at the root.

    Addiction does not happen overnight. It’s often the result of deep pain, trauma, and untreated mental health conditions. For many, alcohol or drugs become a way to cope. Breaking that cycle takes more than temporary fixes. It requires care that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.

    Luxury rehab center Refine Recovery in Beverly Hills was founded by a passionate team who wanted to treat addiction not just in a vacuum, but in an environment where all other playing factors could be understood and treated equally. 

    This is why Refine Recovery has quickly gained a reputation for its focus on treating the root causes of addiction. It helps clients reclaim their lives by pairing science-backed therapies with restorative experiences. Their care is effective and personal. 

    A Beverly Hills Rehab With a Purpose

    Refine Recovery is a space designed to heal. It offers private rooms, high-end amenities, and serene surroundings. The luxury is part of their approach. Clients are offered the perfect environment where all their attention can go towards healing only. 

    Through such a setup, they treat addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, also known as dual diagnosis.

    The team understands that addiction rarely comes alone. Many clients arrive with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health struggles. Treating both conditions together is critical. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, over 21 million adults in the U.S. experience co-occurring disorders. Ignoring one while treating the other often leads to relapse. Refine Recovery’s programs are designed to stop this cycle.

    From the moment clients reach out, they’re paired with an admissions coordinator who takes time to understand their history. Treatment begins as soon as possible, often within 24 hours.

    What Sets Refine Recovery Apart

    The treatment plans are as per each person’s story. This includes a mix of clinical therapies, holistic practices, and hands-on activities.

    • Evidence-Based Therapies:
    • Experiential Healing:
    • Yoga, meditation, and acupuncture for relaxation and mindfulness.
    • Music and art therapy to express emotions in a safe way.
    • Outdoor activities like hiking to encourage physical health.
    • Luxury Amenities:
    • Private rooms with spa-like touches.
    • Gourmet meals crafted by a personal chef.
    • Fitness facilities with trainers.
    • Quiet outdoor spaces for reflection.

    All this makes the clients feel safe and supported. Healing is easier when the environment feels calm and restorative.

    Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Matters

    Addiction and mental health are deeply connected. Someone with depression might drink to feel better, which worsens their mood over time. Another person might develop anxiety after years of substance use. This cycle is common, which is why dual diagnosis care is so important.

    Refine Recovery specializes in identifying and treating these underlying issues. As per evidence-based therapy with experiential healing, 

    • Clients undergo a full mental health assessment upon arrival.
    • Therapists address both addiction and mental health from day one.
    • Medication and therapy are adjusted regularly as clients progress.
    • Family involvement is encouraged to create a strong support system.
    • Aftercare plans are designed to prevent relapse and encourage long-term stability.

    A former client shared: “Their program is tailored individually to meet the needs of their clients and is life-changing. I’m leaving here with a solid foundation to stay sober and a great aftercare plan that has set me up for success. If you need help, this is the place to go.”

    Conclusion

    The road to recovery can feel overwhelming. But Refine Recovery has made its process straightforward. Their team answers calls around the clock, ready to guide clients through insurance verification, admission, and program selection. The goal is to make getting help as easy as possible.

    For anyone struggling with substance use and mental health issues, treatment is not a sign of weakness. It’s a powerful act of strength. And with a team like Refine Recovery’s, that first step becomes a turning point.

    This center is proof that addiction recovery can feel safe, empowering, and even inspiring. Refine Recovery gives people the space and care they need to rediscover themselves and create a future free from addiction.

    Written in partnership with Tom White

  • Dr. Judi Josiah-Martin: The Mentor for the Ones Who Carry Too Much

    Dr. Judi Josiah-Martin: The Mentor for the Ones Who Carry Too Much

    Image credit: Unsplash

    I. What if Someone’s Purpose Didn’t Have to Cost Them Their Peace?

    What if a person’s purpose, the very thing they had poured themselves into, was not something that slowly drained them?

    Dr. Judi Josiah‑Martin has spent more than 40 years walking alongside people whose work is built on care. Clinicians, educators, social workers, community leaders, and parents. She has seen the same pattern again and again. The ones who give the most often burn out faster. Not because they’re weak, but because they’re doing too much with too little support.

    Her work offers a different path. It is rooted in the belief that their peace, presence, and well-being matter just as much as their performance.

    Through mentorship, training, and clinical insight, Dr. Judi helps people do their work without losing themselves in it.

    II. The People Who Care the Most Are Burning Out Faster

    Whether it’s a parent trying to keep up with a demanding career or a therapist holding space for others, the emotional toll adds up. The people most committed to service and success are the ones most likely to run on empty.

    Research studies show that care home workers who are invested heavily in care-giving services burn out at a significantly higher rate than those who are dispassionate in their work. On the other hand, people burn out not necessarily because of passion but because of a lack of organizational support. No matter how they come to burnout, it shouldn’t cost them their peace or passion.

    Culturally, burnout still tends to be treated as a personal issue. But Dr. Judi reframes it as a systemic one. It is not a matter of weakness or failure. It is the inevitable result of unsupported caregiving, emotional labor, and leadership without restoration.

    In her consulting and mentorship work, she emphasizes strategies that center on sustainable care. That might include setting emotional boundaries, building support systems, or simply pausing long enough to ask, “What do I need right now?”

    She integrates profound but straightforward tools, such as her “60-second walkabout” technique, to help people interrupt the burnout spiral and return to their center.

    III. What Parenting and Professionalism Have in Common

    People have been sold a false choice: career or family. But Dr. Judith’s work reveals how these roles are not opposites. They often draw from the same emotional well.

    Both parenting and leadership ask us to be present, emotionally attuned, and resilient in the face of complexity. The core competencies—listening, repairing, staying steady in conflict—are shared.

    In her mentorship with working parents, Dr. Judi helps clients shift out of performance mode and into presence in her model, the Parent-to-Parent Village. One of her consistent messages is that connection matters more than perfection. This shift not only benefits families but also strengthens leaders and clinicians.

    For those juggling multiple identities: mother, executive, caretaker, clinician, she offers frameworks that allow for integration rather than fragmentation. These people don’t have to leave their humanity at the door to be effective.

    IV. Mentorship That Reaches the Back Row

    Dr. Judi doesn’t just lead from the front of the room. She looks for the ones sitting quietly in the back. The ones carrying everything, yet feeling unseen.

    Her approach to mentorship is deeply relational and trauma-informed. She offers one-on-one and group mentorship sessions, often working with individuals who are at a professional crossroads, emotionally depleted, or questioning their next steps.

    One former student, now a clinical expert in trauma-informed social work, reflected on Dr. Judi’s lasting impact:

    “As my professor in college, she not only imparted expert clinical knowledge and skills in ethics, but also took a personal interest in my growth. She helped me refine my presentation skills, supported my work with spiritual interventions in trauma care, and remained invested in my development long after I graduated. Her mentorship has been foundational in shaping me into the confident, competent professional I am today.”

    Clients describe the experience as grounding and clarifying. One mentee, a clinician and single parent, shared that working with Dr. Judi helped her stop living in survival mode and start advocating for herself. Another found the courage to realign her career with her values after years of disconnection.

    Whether through structured mentorship or informal guidance, Dr. Judi has become the mentor people often say they wish they had earlier in their careers.

    V. A Brand Built on Alignment, Not Algorithms

    In an age of constant content, viral tips, and overproduced coaching brands, Dr. Judi’s work feels like a return to what’s real.

    Her online presence is not built on flashy marketing or simplified mantras. It is built on trust, consistency, and the kind of lived credibility that cannot be faked.

    She is not performing for an algorithm. She is showing up for people. And it shows.

    Dr. Judi’s impact does not rely on influence. It is rooted in integrity. Her clients are not looking for a guru. They are looking for someone who will listen, guide, and help them reconnect with themselves.

    VI. The Invitation to Return and Center

    When a person is exhausted from trying to be everything to everyone.

    When they begin to wonder where they went in the process of showing up for everyone else.

    When they are tired of feeling as though purpose must always come at the cost of peace.

    There is another way.

    Dr. Judi’s mission is to help people live whole lives, not fragmented ones. She does not offer quick fixes. She offers presence. And through that presence, she helps people restore what burnout has taken: clarity, confidence, and compassion for self.

    No one is meant to do this alone.

    Explore how Dr. Judi can support a person’s growth as a parent, leader, or clinician. Visit judithjosiahmartin.com to inquire about mentorship, speaking, or training opportunities.

    Disclaimer: The views in this article are for informational purposes only and not a substitute for personalized advice or treatment. Dr. Judi Josiah-Martin’s methods may not be applicable to everyone, and results can vary. For specific concerns, consult a licensed professional. Dr. Judi Josiah-Martin and associated entities are not responsible for any outcomes from applying the information provided.

    Written in partnership with Tom White