FUTURES Podcast
FUTURES Podcast explores possible tomorrows through conversations with scientists, technologists, artists and philosophers. It examines emerging developments and how they might reshape human life and identity. The show is hosted by Luke Robert Mason.
Episodes
Quantum Intelligence w/ Paul Davies
Physicist Paul Davies shares his insights on whether the universe can ever be fully knowable, how quantum mechanics reshapes our notion of reality, and why the convergence of quantum physics and AI may challenge everything we know about consciousness, life, and our place in the cosmos. Paul Davies is a Regents' Professor of Physics and Director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Scie
Thinking Through the Machine w/ Prof. Steve Fuller
Sociologist Prof. Steve Fuller shares his insights on how social media and new media technologies shape the way we think, why intellectuals must become performers in the digital age, and how artificial intelligence is unlocking undiscovered knowledge in academic research. Prof. Steve Fuller is Professor of Sociology at Warwick University, UK. He has written extensively on politics and social theor
Esports is Changing the World w/ Paul J. Foster
Global Esports Federation CEO Paul J. Foster shares his insights on the role games could play in shaping the future of society, how artificial intelligence may transform the gaming ecosystem, and why esports could emerge as a strategic platform for economic development and diplomacy. Paul J. Foster is President and CEO of the Global Esports Federation (GEF), where he has been instrumental in shap
Artificial Biological Intelligence w/ Adrian Woolfson | World Governments Summit 2026
Geneticist Adrian Woolfson shares his insights on designing life with artificial biological intelligence, the possibility of creating new species, and the responsibility that comes with rewriting the rules of evolution. Adrian Woolfson is the co-founder of Genyro, a California-based biotechnology company specialising in synthetic genome design and construction. Born in London, he studied medicine
Applied Science Fiction w/ Stephen Oram
Science Fiction Author Stephen Oram shares his insights on collaborating with scientists to transform research into speculative storytelling, using near-future fiction to explore the ethical implications of emerging technology, and leveraging narrative to foster public engagement with science. Stephen Oram writes near-future science fiction, exploring the intersection of messy humans and imperfec
Why Machines Can't Replace Us w/ Neil Lawrence
Computer Scientist Neil Lawrence shares his insights on what machine intelligence can teach us about being human, the risks of relying on technologies that prioritise efficiency and scalability over ethics, and the hubris of efforts to extend or upload human consciousness using AI. Neil Lawrence is the inaugural DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge. He has been wor
Prototyping Near-Future Worlds w/ Liam Young | Dubai Future Forum 2024
Architect Liam Young shares his thoughts on how science fiction can be a powerful tool for prototyping new possibilities, why problems like climate change urgently need planetary-scale solutions, and how speculative design can inspire meaningful cultural transformation. Liam Young is a designer, director, and BAFTA-nominated producer who operates in the spaces between design, fiction, and futures
Decoding Animal Communication w/ Jane Lawton | Dubai Future Forum 2024
Earth Species Project's Jane Lawton shares her insights on how artificial intelligence is used to decode animal communication, how new technology challenges human-centric views of intelligence, and how the 'voices' of other species can inform conservation efforts and influence rights-for-nature debates. Jane Lawton has over 30 years of international experience working with leading organisations fo
Merging Technology & Nature w/ Koert van Mensvoort | Dubai Future Forum 2024
Philosopher Koert van Mensvoort shares his insights into humanity's ever-evolving relationship with nature, how integrating technology and biology can support ecology, and the possibility of becoming an interplanetary species. Koert van Mensvoort is an artist and philosopher best known for his work on the philosophical concept of Next Nature, which revolves around the idea that our technological e
Intergenerational Futures Thinking w/ Adam El Rafey | Dubai Future Forum 2024
Young Change Advocate Adam El Rafey shares his thoughts on why ability, not age, should determine opportunity, how to reimagine education towards problem-based learning, and how the adaptability of the younger generation will prepare them for an increasingly uncertain future. Adam El Rafey is a 14-year-old change advocate, public speaker, and innovator. He is a learning enthusiast passionate about
Intelligence Augmentation w/ Prof. Pattie Maes | Dubai Future Forum 2024
MIT Media Lab's Prof. Pattie Maes shares her insights on using technology to enhance human potential and agency, developing wearable systems to support cognition and learning, and designing ethical human-centred artificial intelligence. Prof. Pattie Maes is the Germeshausen Professor of Media Arts and Sciences at the MIT Media Lab. With a background in Artificial Intelligence and Human-Computer I
Dreaming the Future w/ Pierre-Christophe Gam | Dubai Future Forum 2024
Conceptual Artist Pierre-Christophe Gam shares his thoughts on the transformative power of imagination to shape reality, the potential of the African continent to become a global leader, and how to dream futures that reflect our individual aspirations and collective desires. Pierre-Christophe Gam is a French-born conceptual artist whose contemporary multimedia installations investigate the future
Designing Brain-Computer Interfaces w/ Conor Russomanno
Founder & CEO of OpenBCI Conor Russomanno shares his thoughts on what neurotechnology can teach us about being human, the ethical challenges of designing devices to measure brain activity, and the advantages of open-source brain-computer interfaces. Conor Russomanno is the founder and CEO of OpenBCI, a company working to build ethical brain-computer interfaces. He became fascinated with the relati
Why Tech Needs Feminism w/ Dr. Eleanor Drage & Dr. Kerry McInerney
Senior Research Fellows Dr. Eleanor Drage and Dr. Kerry McInerney share their insights on how artificial intelligence will impact society, using a feminist lens to rethink innovation and the importance of language in shaping our understanding of 'good' technology. Dr Eleanor Drage is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge Centre for the Future of Intelligence. She teaches AI Profe
A Right to Cognitive Liberty w/ Prof. Nita Farahany
Legal scholar Nita Farahany shares her insights into protecting our privacy through the right to cognitive liberty, how neuro-technology can enhance our understanding of mental health, and why the public should demand self-access to their brain data. Nita Farahany is Professor of Law & Philosophy at Duke Law School, Director of Science & Society, and Faculty Chair of the MA in Bioethics & Society
Human Rights & Robot Wrongs w/ Dr. Susie Alegre
Human rights lawyer Dr. Susie Alegre shares her insights into the threat artificial intelligence poses to human creativity, the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in safeguarding freedom of thought, and applying existing laws to regulate the development and deployment of emerging technologies. Dr. Susie Alegre is a leading international human rights lawyer and Associat
Reclaiming Tech w/ Jeremy Gilbert, Alex Williams & Alison Winch
Cultural & Political Theorists Jeremy Gilbert, Alex Williams & Alison Winch share their insights on the societal impacts of technological innovation, the hegemonic power of the Silicon Valley tech billionaires, and re-engineering digital platforms for democratic purposes. Jeremy Gilbert is Professor of Cultural & Political Theory at the University of East London. He is the author of Common Ground
Engineering a Better Future w/ Dr. Shini Somara
Mechanical Engineer Shini Somara shares her thoughts on why we need impactful storytelling in science communication, how diversity drives innovation in STEM, and why imagination is key to understanding new technologies. Dr. Shini Somara is a Mechanical Engineer specialising in Computational Fluid Dynamics and an award-winning media broadcaster. She deep dives into all topics on science, technology
Blockchain Radicals w/ Joshua Dávila
Blockchain Socialist Joshua Dávila shares his insights on using blockchain technology to challenge capitalism, why we should take a techno-probabalistic approach to crypto, and how to build a more equitable and decentralised world. Joshua Dávila has been working in the blockchain space for the past five years in Europe and has been anonymously moonlighting as the one behind The Blockchain Socialis
Protopian Stories for Better Tomorrows w/ Ari Wallach
Futurist Ari Wallach shares his insights into why we need ethical long-term visions that prioritise humanity, the importance of transgenerational empathy, and how to co-construct inclusive stories that imagine better tomorrows. Ari Wallach is a futurist and social systems strategist. He is the founder and Executive Director of Longpath Labs, an initiative focused on bringing long-term thinking and
Eaten by the Internet w/ Dr. Corinne Cath & Dr. Fieke Jansen
Researchers Dr. Corinne Cath & Dr. Fieke Jansen share their insights into critical approaches to internet infrastructure, the environmental costs of data centres, and how to reimagine our relationship with digital technologies to ensure a more equitable and sustainable future. Dr. Corinne Cath is a postdoc at the University of Delft, working with Dr. Seda Gürses and Prof Linnet Taylor. She is als
Space Settlements on Mars w/ Kelly & Zach Weinersmith
Authors Kelly Weinersmith & Zach Weinersmith share their insights into the challenge of building settlements on Mars, how extended periods in extra-terrestrial environments would impact our body and mind, and how international space law needs to be updated if we are to become a multi-planetary species. Dr. Kelly Weinersmith received her PhD in Ecology at the University of California Davis, and is
Mathematics as Science Fiction w/ Prof. Ian Stewart
Mathematician Prof. Ian Stewart shares his strategies for explaining abstract mathematical concepts to the public, the role imagination can play in education, and how science fiction can assist in solving the world's most complex mysteries. Professor Ian Stewart is a British mathematician who majored in mathematics at the University of Cambridge and is an emeritus professor of mathematics at the U
Human Extinction w/ Dr. Émile P. Torres & Prof. Steve Fuller
Philosopher Dr. Émile P. Torres & sociologist Prof. Steve Fuller share their thoughts on the history of human extinction, how apocalyptic narratives inform culture, and what it means to live in the end times. Émile P. Torres is a philosopher whose research focuses on existential threats to civilization and humanity. They have published widely in the popular press and scholarly journals, with artic
How Human Biology Shapes Civilisation w/ Prof. Lewis Dartnell
Astrobiologist Prof. Lewis Dartnell shares his insights into how biology has shaped civilisation, the challenges of living on Mars, and why cooperation is our human superpower. GUEST BIO Lewis Dartnell is a science researcher, and writer and holds a Professorship at the University of Westminster. His research is in the field of astrobiology and the search for bacterial life beyond the Earth. Lewis
The Long View w/ Richard Fisher
Journalist Richard Fisher shares his thoughts on the importance of taking a long view of the future, why short-termism is the greatest threat to civilisation, and how metaphors are key to our comprehension of time. Richard Fisher is a Senior Journalist with BBC Global News in London, where he writes and commissions for BBC Future, the BBC's international-facing science, technology and health featu
Our Superhuman Future w/ Elise Bohan, Prof. Steve Fuller & Anders Sandberg
Transhumanists Elise Bohan, Prof. Steve Fuller and Anders Sandberg share their thoughts on the future of humanity, the role artificial intelligence will play in society, and the radical ways advanced technology may redefine what it means to be human. Recorded in front of a live audience at Kings Place, London on 16 February 2023. Elise Bohan is a Senior Research Scholar at the University of Oxford
Bioethics of Human & Animal Enhancement w/ Dr. Sarah Chan
Bioethicist Dr. Sarah Chan shares her thoughts on the ethics of human genome editing, the potential of developing a social model of enhancement, and the possibility of using biotechnology to improve the cognitive abilities of animals. Sarah Chan is a Chancellor's Fellow working in interdisciplinary bioethics at the Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, and Co-Director of
Robot Rights & Alien Intelligences w/ David J. Gunkel
Media scholar David J. Gunkel shares his thoughts on the philosophical case for the rights of robots, the challenge artificial intelligence presents to our existing moral and legal systems, and how tools like ChatGTP force us to confront our human exceptionalism. David J. Gunkel is Presidential Research, Scholarship, and Artistry Professor in the Department of Communication at Northern Illinois Un
Visions of the Future w/ Pat Cadigan
Cyberpunk author Pat Cadigan shares her thoughts on the role of science fiction in society, her methods for thinking about the future, and which elements of the cyberpunk genre have become features of our everyday reality. Pat Cadigan was born in Schenectady, NY, and grew up in Fitchburg, MA. Attending the University of Massachusetts on a scholarship, she eventually transferred to the University o
Future Superhuman w/ Elise Bohan
Macrohistorian Elise Bohan shares her thoughts on the importance of adopting a transhumanist worldview, why we live in a make-or-break century, and what is worth preserving about humanity. Elise Bohan is a Senior Research Scholar at the University of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute (FHI). She holds a PhD in evolutionary macrohistory, wrote the world's first book-length history of transhumani
Becoming an Avatar w/ Philip Rosedale
Founder of Second Life Philip Rosedale shares his thoughts on what virtual worlds can teach us about being human, the relationship between Second Life users and their avatars, and the challenges of building the metaverse using Web 3.0 technologies. Philip Rosedale is the Founder of Linden Lab, parent company of Second Life, an open-ended, Internet-connected virtual world and pioneering metaverse.
Biofabrication w/ Ritu Raman
Biomedical engineer Ritu Raman shares her insights on designing biological robots, how new developments in tissue engineering may allow us to grow organs, and what biofabrication means for the future of food and medicine. Ritu Raman, PhD is the d'Arbeloff Career Development Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT. Her lab is centered on engineering adaptive living materials for applic
Moral Enhancement Technologies w/ James Hughes
Sociologist James Hughes shares his thoughts on how libertarian transhumanism allows for cognitive liberty and bodily autonomy, the ethical implications of using enhancement technologies to amplify human virtues, and the challenge of being a techno-optimist. James Hughes, the Executive Director of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, is a bioethicist and sociologist who serves as th
We Have Always Been Cyborgs w/ Stefan Lorenz Sorgner
Metahumanist philosopher Stefan Lorenz Sorgner shares his thoughts on the debates surrounding contemporary transhumanism, the possibility of immortality achieved through mind-uploading, and the ethical issues associated with gene editing, digital data collection, and life extension. Prof. Stefan Lorenz Sorgner teaches philosophy at John Cabot University in Rome, whereby he particularly promotes th
The Psychoanalysis of Artificial Intelligence w/ Isabel Millar
Psychoanalytic theorist Isabel Millar explains the role psychoanalysis can play in helping us to understand what artificial intelligence means for humanity, what modern science fiction reveals about our fascination with sex-robots, and what is driving a desire to replicate human attributes in silicon. Dr Isabel Millar is a philosopher and cultural critic from London. Her work focuses on AI, sex, t
Virtual Reality is Genuine Reality w/ David Chalmers
Philosopher David Chalmers shares his thoughts on how virtual worlds are challenging our understanding of reality, the possibility that could be living in a simulation, and what techno-philosophy can teach us about the nature of consciousness. David J. Chalmers is University Professor of Philosophy and Co-Director of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness at New York University. His previou
Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Everything w/ Martin Ford
Futurist Martin Ford shares his thoughts on why we should treat artificial intelligence like a utility, the impact a robot revolution will have on the economy, and how machines may enhance our creativity by encouraging new forms of innovation. Martin Ford is a futurist and the author of four books, including Rule of the Robots: How Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Everything (2021), the New
God in the Machine w/ Dr. Beth Singler
Anthropologist Dr. Beth Singler shares her thoughts on the misconceptions surrounding artificial intelligence, the dangers of treating humans like machines, and whether virtual reality could provide us with quasi-religious experiences. Dr Beth Singler is the Junior Research Fellow in Artificial Intelligence at Homerton College, University of Cambridge, where she is exploring the social, ethical, p
Ancestors & Ancient DNA w/ Prof. Alice Roberts
Biological anthropologist Prof. Alice Roberts shares her insights on how sequencing ancient DNA can provide new evidence to help us understand our ancestors, what the latest archaeological discoveries reveal about the origins of homo sapiens, and how an appreciation of deep history can help us navigate the future. Professor Alice Roberts is a biological anthropologist, author and broadcaster. She'
A New Science of Consciousness w/ Anil Seth
Neuroscientist Anil Seth shares his thoughts on the role of neuroscience in explaining human consciousness, why our perception of reality might be a controlled hallucination, and how psychedelics are challenging our understanding of the mind. Anil Seth is a Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex, where he is also the Co-Director of the Sackler Centre for
Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life w/ Bret Weinstein & Heather Heying
Evolutionary biologists Bret Weinstein & Heather Heying share their thoughts on what happens when human evolution collides with an increasingly 'hyper-novel' modern world, how a greater understanding of biology can help us develop technologies that benefit humanity, and how the ability to adapt is our species' best tool for creating a sustainable and abundant future. Heather Heying and Bret Weinst
The Neobiological Revolution w/ Jane Metcalfe
Founder of NEO.LIFE Jane Metcalfe shares her thoughts on the possibilities offered by the neobiological revolution, how digital technology is changing how we understand and engineer biology, and the important role bio-artists play in helping to navigate the ethical implications of new innovations. Jane Metcalfe is an entrepreneur, publisher, speaker, advisor, manager, and investor. In 2017, she fo
Frontiers of Human Knowledge w/ Michael Bhaskar
Author Michael Bhaskar shares his thoughts on how the history of humanity is characterised by big ideas, why the perceived stagnation of economic growth and technological progress may mark the end of breakthrough innovation, and what new tools might help us to develop shocking, sensational or paradigm shifting new ways to see the world. Michael Bhaskar is a writer, publisher, researcher and entrep
Pathways to a Flourishing Future w/ Jeremy Lent
Author Jeremy Lent shares his insights into the importance of developing alternatives to the modern western worldview, how recognising our deep interconnectedness to all life could lead towards a new ecological civilisation, and how integrating science and traditional wisdom might help us avoid the global crises threatening humanity. Jeremy Lent is the award-winning author of The Patterning Instin
Mysteries of Consciousness w/ Philip Goff
Philosopher Philip Goff shares his thoughts on a radical new understanding of consciousness called panpsychism, the relationship between consciousness and the material world, and the implications of this new theory on the modern scientific method. Philip Goff is a philosopher who teaches at Durham University. He is the author of Consciousness and Fundamental Reality and has published more than for
Being Interested w/ Robin Ince
Comedian Robin Ince shares his thoughts on the fascinating role science plays in our everyday lives, how we can avoid becoming too dogmatic about our belief systems, and the incredible importance of being interested. Robin Ince is co-presenter of the award-winning BBC Radio 4 show, The Infinite Monkey Cage. He has won the Time Out Outstanding Achievement in Comedy, was nominated for a British Come
A World Without Humans w/ Patricia MacCormack
Philosopher Patricia MacCormack shares her insights into how the 'ahuman' might provide a solution to the growing ecological crisis, why self-extinction should be considered a compassionate act, and why antinatalism, abolitionist veganism, and occultism might be our best strategies for combatting human exceptionalism. Patricia MacCormack is Professor of Continental Philosophy at Anglia Ruskin Univ
Robotic 'Third Thumb' Augmentation w/ Dani Clode & Paulina Kieliba
Designer Dani Clode and researcher Paulina Kieliba share their insights into designing a robotic Third Thumb, how the human brain supports and integrates augmentation devices, and how we can begin to use advanced prosthetics to extend our abilities in new and unexpected ways. Dani Clode is an upper-limb prosthetic, augmentation and product designer, the founder of Dani Clode Design and a Senior Re
Mood-Altering Wearables w/ Dr. Dave Rabin
Neuroscientist Dr. Dave Rabin shares his insights on how to hack our biology to cope with the demands of modern life, the importance of heart-rate-variability (HRV) in managing our stress response, and the role biofeedback will play in the design of the next-generation of wearable devices. Dr. David Rabin is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist, and inventor who studies resilience and th
Gene Therapies to End Ageing w/ Liz Parrish
BioViva CEO Liz Parrish shares her insights into developing gene therapies to end ageing, the ethics of taking a proactionary approach to experimental treatments, and the growing importance of preventative healthcare. Elizabeth is the Founder and CEO of BioViva, is a humanitarian, entrepreneur, innovator, author, and a leading voice for genetic cures. As a strong proponent of progress and educatio
Code, Clones & Creativity w/ Taryn Southern
Artist Taryn Southern shares her insights into how collaborating with robots can unlock new creative possibilities, the experimental processes behind developing your own artificially intelligent clone, and the tools we can use to preserve our digital legacy and animate our ancestors. Taryn Southern is an award-winning artist, storyteller and strategist whose work explores the intersection of emerg
Exploring the Deep Sea w/ Helen Scales
Marine biologist Helen Scales shares her insights into the vital role that the ocean plays in sustaining life on earth, the innovative new technologies humans are using to explore the seabed, and how a rich diversity of deep sea creatures might hold the key to new scientific advances. Helen Scales is a marine biologist, diver, surfer, broadcaster and writer who's spent hundreds of hours underwater
Genetically Engineering Humans for Space w/ Christopher Mason
Geneticist Christopher Mason shares his insights into genetically modifying humans to mitigate against the risks of space exploration, the methods for sustaining life on Mars, and how becoming a multi-planetary species will help humanity avoid its own extinction. Christopher E. Mason is a geneticist and computational biologist who has been a Principal Investigator and Co-investigator of seven NASA
Virtually You w/ Tracey Follows
Futurist Tracey Follows shares her insights into how digital technology is transforming identity, how new ways to capture biometric data will require us to rethink our relationship with governments and corporations, and what AI-enabled virtual persons can teach us about what it means to be human. Tracey Follows is a professional futurist identifying the future trends that will shape our world. Her
How Your Brain Chemicals Influence Your Life w/ Ginny Smith
Science writer Ginny Smith shares her insights into the latest ways to scientifically understand the human brain, the role of hormones and neurotransmitters in memory, sleep, depression and addiction, and the methods we can use to improve our cognition. Ginny Smith studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, specialising in Psychology and Neuroscience, and now spreads her love of her
When Sci-Fi Becomes Real Life w/ Viktoria Modesta
Bionic pop artist Viktoria Modesta shares her insights into developing artworks that showcase a posthuman aesthetic, the challenge of constructing and managing online digital-identities, and the role collaboration plays in prototyping future possibilities. Viktoria Modesta is a bionic pop artist, creative director and futurist. Describing her work as post-human and post-disability, she bridges per
Humanistic Artificial Intelligence w/ Tom Gruber
Product designer Tom Gruber shares his insights into creating intelligent interfaces, the ethical use of technology, and how humanistic AI can enable learning, knowledge sharing, and increased productivity. Tom Gruber is a technologist, designer, and entrepreneur, using technology to augment human intelligence. He was cofounder and head of design for Siri, which created the first virtual assistant
From Pirate to Hacktivist w/ Peter Sunde
Co-founder of The Pirate Bay Peter Sunde shares his insights into the cultural importance of copying, why pranking and trolling is an effective form of online activism, and why civil disobedience might be our best tool to bring about a free and open internet. Peter Sunde, alias brokep, is a politician, computer expert, and spokesperson with Norwegian and Finnish ancestry. He is best known for bein
Esports w/ Prof. Andy Miah
Professor Andy Miah shares his insights into why competitive video gaming has experienced a rapid growth in popularity, how digital technology is changing the way traditional sports are played, and how gamification looks set to transform the world of health and fitness. Professor Andy Miah, PhD is Chair of Science Communication & Future Media, at the University of Salford, where he also leads The
Should Humans Regulate Artificial Intelligence? w/ Frank Pasquale & Steve Fuller
Professor Frank Pasquale (Brooklyn School of Law) and Professor Steve Fuller (University of Warwick) debate whether humans should regulate artificial intelligence, and discuss the appropriate ways to safeguard the development of automation technologies. Pasquale argued for a precautionary approach to the development of AI - one that favours a careful deployment of new laws for their usage. Where
Humanity's Uncertain Future w/ Thomas Moynihan
Historian Thomas Moynihan shares the complex history of how humanity began to contemplate its capacity to bring about its own extinction, why the study of existential risk exposes a prevailing pessimism about the future, and what the search for extraterrestrial intelligence reveals about our unique place in the universe. Thomas Moynihan is a writer from the UK, currently working with Oxford Univer
New Laws of Robotics w/ Frank Pasquale
Professor of Law Frank Pasquale shares his insights on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can capitalise on human strengths and take advantage of human limits; what automation means for healthcare, education and warfare; and how the robotics regulations we implement today might have a dramatic effect on the future of work. Frank Pasquale is Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School and author of The B
Nostalgic Feedback Loops w/ Grafton Tanner
Writer Grafton Tanner shares his insights into how nostalgia is leveraged by big tech and corporations, how fictional universe-building has impacted the way we think about lived-reality, and how our recent obsession with the past might stop us from imagining a better future. Grafton Tanner is a writer and musician from Athens, Georgia. He is the author of Babbling Corpse: Vaporwave and the Commodi
Bursting the Reality Bubble w/ Ziya Tong
Science journalist Ziya Tong shares her insights into the hidden worlds that exist beyond the limits of the human senses, how illusions contribute to our understanding of reality, and how our collective blind spots are at the core of our current environmental crisis. Ziya Tong is the Vice-Chair of WWF Canada. She anchored Daily Planet, Discovery Channel's flagship science programme, until its fina
Becoming Cyborgs w/ Liviu Babitz
Cyborg Nest's Liviu Babitz shares his insights into the latest methods for becoming a cyborg, the process behind designing new senses, and how biohacking will change the way we think about human limitations. Liviu Babitz is co-founder and CEO of Cyborg Nest, the world's first company to sell intelligently designed senses. He believes more is happening around us than we can actually perceive, so he
Biological Immortality w/ Dr. Andrew Steele
Computational biologist Dr. Andrew Steele shares his insights into the latest scientific research dedicated to tackling age-related disease, the societal implications of extending the human lifespan, and the habits linked to a longer life. Andrew Steele is a computational biologist with a PhD in physics. He is a Research Fellow at the Francis Crick Institute in London, using computers to decode ou
Quantum Worlds w/ Sean Carroll
Physicist Sean Carroll shares his insights into the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, how theoretical physics informs our understanding of reality, and what the human mind can comprehend about nature of the universe. Sean Carroll is a theoretical physicist at the California Institute of Technology. His papers on dark matter and dark energy, the physics of extra dimensions, and alter
Rewiring the Brain w/ David Eagleman
Neuroscientist David Eagleman shares his insights into the mystery of neuroplasticity, how modern technology impacts our brains' development, and the different ways we might soon be able to augment our senses and enhance our cognition. Dr David Eagleman is a neuroscientist and internationally bestselling author. He teaches brain plasticity at Stanford University, is the creator and host of the Emm
Robotic Mind Clones w/ Bruce Duncan
The Terasem Movement Foundation's Bruce Duncan shares his thoughts on the possibility of uploading our minds into machines, what artificial intelligence might teach us about the origin of consciousness, and the story behind the creation of the humanoid robot BINA48. Bruce Duncan has been the Managing Director of the Terasem Movement Foundation Inc. since 2004. He has worked in the field of non-pro
Astronomical Endeavours w/ Kathy Sullivan
Former NASA Astronaut Kathy Sullivan shares her insights into what it was like to be part of the team responsible for the launch of The Hubble Space Telescope, the scientific and societal importance of space exploration, and how to create the ideal conditions for innovation to thrive. Kathy Sullivan is former NASA astronaut and the first American woman to walk in space. She has been a crew member
Ensuring Humanity's Survival w/ Lord Martin Rees
Astronomer Royal Lord Martin Rees shares his insights into the existential threats facing humanity, what it means to be a techno-optimist, and how we can plan for the long-term future. Lord Martin Rees is a leading astrophysicist as well as a senior figure in UK science. He has conducted influential theoretical work on subjects as diverse as black hole formation and extragalactic radio sources, an
Dawn of the Transhuman Era w/ Prof. Steve Fuller
Sociologist Prof. Steve Fuller shares his thoughts on transhumanism as a science-based religion, the value of taking a death-based approach to life, and why Friedrich Nietzsche is the futurist we need today. Prof. Steve Fuller is Auguste Comte Professor of Social Epistemology at the University of Warwick, UK. Originally trained in history and philosophy of science, he is the author of more than tw
Humankind w/ Rutger Bregman
Historian Rutger Bregman shares his insights into why we have such a pessimistic view of human nature, what it means to be evolutionarily hardwired for kindness, and how radical ideas and stories can shape the future. Rutger Bregman is a historian and author. He has published five books on history, philosophy, and economics. His book Utopia for Realists was a New York Times Bestseller and has been
Birth, Food, Sex & Death w/ Jenny Kleeman
Journalist Jenny Kleeman shares her thoughts on developments in the emerging fields of sex robotics, lab-grown meat, artificial wombs, and assisted dying. Jenny Kleeman is a journalist and documentary filmmaker who travels the world finding eye-catching, thought-provoking stories and compelling characters. Her articles appear regularly in the Guardian and also in the Sunday Times (London), The Tim
The World According to Physics w/ Jim Al-Khalili
Theoretical Physicist Jim Al-Khalili shares his thoughts on what physics can teach us about the nature of reality and the mysteries of our universe, the possibility of a theory of everything, and how to make scientific ideas accessible and captivating. Jim Al-Khalili FRS is a quantum physicist, author and broadcaster and one of the best-known science communicators in Britain. He holds a Distinguis
Cultivating Long Term Thinking w/ Roman Krznaric
Public philosopher Roman Krznaric shares his thoughts on how to cultivate longterm thinking, solutions for overcoming political presentism, and what it takes to be a good ancestor. Roman Krznaric is a public philosopher who writes about the power of ideas to change society. His books, including Empathy, The Wonderbox and Carpe Diem Regained, have been published in more than 20 languages. His new b
How Hype Obscures the Future w/ Gemma Milne
Science journalist Gemma Milne shares her insights on how the hype-machine impacts science communication, how tech companies work to attract interest and attention, and how the general public can think critically about new innovations. Gemma Milne is a Scottish science and technology writer and podcaster, published across many industries in the BBC, The Guardian, The Times, CNBC, Quartz, The Drum
Abolish Silicon Valley w/ Wendy Liu
Start-up founder Wendy Liu shares her thoughts on the perils of start-up life, how Silicon Valley is dealing with issues of inequality, and what can be done to reclaim technology's potential for the public good. Wendy Liu is a start-up founder who left the tech industry to pursue a master's degree in inequality from the London School of Economics. She was written about technology and politics for
Coevolution of Humans and Machines w/ Edward A. Lee
Computer scientist Edward A. Lee shares his thoughts on the symbiotic coevolution of humans and machines, why the 'dataist' belief in human cognition resembling computation is likely wrong, and how recent technological developments resemble the emergence of a new form of life. Edward Ashford Lee is Distinguished Professor (Emeritus) in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University
