The Impossible Network

Tamar Kasriel is a futurist and author of Could: The Smart Thinking Handbook for When Nothing Is Certain. In this conversation, Tamar traces her unconventional path, from studying history at Oxford to teaching English in rural Japan to advising some of the world's biggest brands on what's coming next. Along the way, she explains why the skills she learned studying historiography (the study of how...

I hope this is a thought-provoking episode. In it I explore why economic inequality persists despite overwhelming evidence of its damaging effects. I reference economist Gary Stevenson's stark assessment of wealth concentration and connect it with Jon Alexander's work on the narratives that shape our society. The episode delves into how our collective stories; from being "subjects" to being "consu...

Today, I'm joined by Chad Grills, an entrepreneur, veteran, and visionary who's on a mission to reimagine how capital flows to startups. In our conversation, Chad shares his fascinating journey from small-town Maryland to military service in Iraq and Egypt, to becoming a writer and entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. Now based in Texas, Chad is the founder of National Capital League, a startup develop...

Two weeks ago at SXSW in Austin, I reconnected with previsous guest, Israa Nasir, therapist, clinical strategist, and author of "Toxic Productivity,” During our short conversation Israa explains the mindset that compels us to chase relentless achievement, often as a means to cope with challenging emotions such as guilt, shame, and feeling left behind. Israa shares her personal journey and why she...

In this episode, I explore the concept of the "AI flywheel" - the accelerating momentum of artificial intelligence development that's either carrying us forward or leaving us behind. As we approach the critical juncture of Artificial General Intelligence we need to understand what makes us uniquely human, something I discussed with recent guest, Dom Heinrich.  Key Points The Accelerating Pace...

In this follow-up conversation, Julia Black, a former TV producer turned education innovator, shares insights from her groundbreaking Lights On framework and her book 'Lights On Learning: A Parent's Blueprint for Happy, Fulfilled, Curious Kids.' Julia describes how her framework challenges traditional education paradigms by focusing on internal learning processes and parental involvement to treat...

My guest this week is Dominik Heinrich, a visionary working at the intersection of design, AI technology, and human experience. As the co-founder of the Creative AI Academy, faculty member at Pratt Institute, and Head of Global Design at Coca-Cola Company, Dom brings a unique perspective on how AI is reshaping creativity and innovation. Dom's journey is fascinating—from his childhood in Germany dr...

Amy Gubser  Amy Gubser, is an extraordinary 56-year-old grandmother who this year became the first person ever to complete an unassisted swim from the Golden Gate Bridge in SF to the Farallon Islands - a 30-mile stretch of cold, shark-infested waters off the California coast. Moreover, what makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Amy only started her marathon swimming journey aged...

In this episode of the Impossible Network, Mark interviews Noam, a pioneering psychotherapist and co-founder of VidaVii. Noam's captivating journey from his upbringing on a kibbutz near the Gaza border to establishing a wellness technology hub in London is explored in depth. The conversation touches on communal living, military service, corporate culture, and the importance of authenticity. N...

Welcome back to the start of Season 6 of The Impossible Network.  Today’s guest is Denzil Monk, a filmmaker, social entrepreneur, and accidental academic. Denzil is dedicated to reshaping the narrative for his home region of Cornwall, England, advocating for a more inclusive and regenerative approach to media, culture, and the economy. From advocating for Cornish public service media Imp...

 Today, I want to discuss a concept that's been on my mind lately: what it truly means to be a reality distortion shaper. This idea was inspired by Steve Jobs' infamous "reality distortion field" - his almost mythical ability to make people believe in the impossible and, through sheer force of vision, bring ideas to life. As I unboxed my new iPad Air and installed iOS 17 , I couldn't help but...

In this weeks episode we dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity with NY based AI creative trailblazer Tony Jones From growing up in Ohio his creative ambitions led him to New York to work in numerous leading ad agencies where he carved out a niche at the intersection of creativity and technology. Today, Tony is the co-founder and head instructor at Creative AI Ac...

Today, I'm joined by Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW).  For over three decades, Hugh has been at the helm of one of the most influential events in the world, celebrating creativity at the convergence of tech, film, music, and culture. Hugh's journey is a fascinating one, rooted in Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant creative scene. From his early da...

Last week, I sat down with Stephen Davies, a unique voice in sustainable architecture and community development. Stephen's journey from the gritty streets of Bolton and the Manchester party scene to a cycling enthusiast and socially-conscious designer in a quiet town in Cornwall was both unexpected and inspiring. He reflected on how personal challenges and a near-death experience shaped his perspe...

This week the tables are turned as I’m the guest on the Funds & Founders Podcast. Hosted by Abhinav Sinha , the pod explores the untold Journeys Behind Founders Breakthroughs. Across this broad conversation Abhi explores my view on life-long learning, building community, the differences between New York and Austin, forming Fabrica and the power of Storytelling, lessons from my failed start-up,...

In this week's episode, I sit down with Amanda Hamilton, a renowned nutrition expert, ex-broadcaster, and founder of retreats focused on holistic well-being and women’s health. We cover how Amanda's innate curiosity drove her to independently travel the globe, open a fasting retreat, aged 27, create a groundbreaking TV show, and ultimately redefine what it means to live a truly nourished life.&nbs...

I recently interviewed Suba Vasudevan, a tech optimist and eternal learner who has made a lasting impact in the realm of trust, safety, and responsible innovation. Growing up in Mumbai, Suba was shaped by her parents' unwavering support. Her innate curiosity led her to pursue computer engineering while also working as a journalist, exposing her to the importance of risk management and trust in tec...

Natalia Talkowska shares her journey from Poland to London's startup ecosystem and how her insatiable curiosity led her to transform lives through visual storytelling. Interviewed at the Austin Public Library, Natalia delves into her mission of connecting people and making them feel seen and understood. She recounts the pivotal encounter with Darren Robson, a mentor who fundamentally shaped her ca...

Lauren Hug joins me this week. Lauren Hug, is a writer, speaker and activist based in Colorado Springs. Lauren grew up with a unique mix of influences - a tech-savvy household, a love for the humanities, and a conservative religious upbringing. This sparked in her a deep curiosity about ideas and a passion for rediscovering and sharing the wisdom of the past. Lauren has focused much of her wo...

In March I attended SXSW and for 8 days immersed myself in every available AI related keynote or panel discussion. What did I learn? 1.No one can say for certain how the future will unfold as we embrace these AI tools and powered robotic technologies 2. Whether we like it or not AI is coming to our jobs and those using it - coming for our jobs. 3. Resisting it is futile but Embracing it while bein...

Today, I’m joined by Alex Fish, a trailblazer in social cinema and a staunch advocate for environmental and social justice. Alex's journey from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil shores of Cornwall mirrors his quest for meaningful impact and community-driven change. In this episode, we explore who Alex is as a human and what or who made him. We delve into Alex's eclectic background, as...

Today I am joined by Gavin Fernie-Jones - a remarkable individual whose life story is a testament to embracing change, resilience, and the power of community.  Discovering his love of the outdoors in Peak District in the UK, he moved to the French Alps to manage chalets, before his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a ski boot fitting business, But as he witnessed the creeping r...

In this interview, ChatGPT (referred to as 'Carla') discusses its core objectives, its influences, its limitations, and its future implications. Topics discussed include AI’s impact on society, children’s education, policy recommendations for education reform, the impact of AI on the creative industry, and strategies to tackle social isolation. The conversation also covers fun topics such as what...

Until the age of 38 Edward Molkenboer impacted people's lives through the ads he created. Having launched his ad agency at the age of 18, and after 20 years of success Edward was hit by an existential realization that set him on a new path of impact; social not commercial.  In this episode Edward recounts that awakening moment and discusses the work he is doing now to leave the world a better...

Caroline Arditti is a community builder and 'sunshine maker', shares her experience of initiating 'Sunshine Hour', a Zoom-based platform to connect and uplift a diverse range of people in light of quarantine worldwide. Beginning early during quarantine with a handful of participants from her personal network, 'Sunshine Hour' rapidly expanded to more than 500 people from over 40 countries. The sess...