FUTURES Podcast

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Biologist Adam Hart shares his insights into the mismatch between our human biology and the modern world, why it's important for us to re-engage with nature, and how evolutionary science might hold the key to our future survival. Adam Hart is an entomologist and Professor of Science Communication at the University of Gloucestershire. He is a regular broadcaster for both Radio 4 and the BBC World S...

Kickstarter co-founder Yancey Stickler shares his insights into the dangers of financial maximisation, why we should give greater consideration to our future selves, and how we can create a more abundant society. Writer and entrepreneur Yancey Strickler is the co-founder and former CEO of Kickstarter, an acclaimed author, and the creator of Bentoism. As a leader of the crowdfunding revolution, he...

Dr. Camilla Pang shares her insights into living with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, how she uses scientific principles to better understand human beings, and why she considers her neurodiversity to be a superpower. Dr Camilla Pang holds a PhD in Biochemistry from University College London and is a Postdoctoral Scientist specialising in Translational Bioinformatics. At the age of eight, Camilla was d...

Human rights activist Maureen Webb and alleged hacker Lauri Love share their insights into the relationship between hacking and political activism, the dangers of government and private sector surveillance, and how hackers are rebuilding society by challenging the status quo. Maureen Webb is a labor lawyer and human rights activist. She is the author of Illusions of Security: Global Surveillance a...

Arthur I. Miller shares his insights on machine generated artwork, the impact of artificial intelligence on the cultural landscape, and how computers are challenging our understanding of what it means to be creative. Dr. Arthur I. Miller is an emeritus professor of History and Philosophy of Science at University College London. He has lectured and written extensively on the history and philosophy...

Academic John Danaher shares his insights into the possibility of a post-work economy, the impact of increasing automation, and how our future might be determined by either becoming a cyborg or retreating into the virtual. John Danaher  is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the  National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway  and coeditor of  Robot Sex: Social and Ethical Implications . He has published ove...

Transhumanists Max More & Natasha Vita-More discuss their contributions to the field of transhumanism, the philosophical concept of morphological freedom, and how we can work to leverage advanced technology for human enhancement. Dr. Max More is an internationally acclaimed strategic philosopher widely recognized for his thinking on the philosophical and cultural implications of emerging technolog...

Quantitive futurist Amy Webb discusses the importance of trend forecasting, the global challenges faced by modern businesses, and the tools you need for thinking like a futurist. Amy Webb is a quantitative futurist. She is a professor of strategic foresight at the  NYU Stern School of Business  and the Founder of the  Future Today Institute , a leading foresight and strategy firm that helps leader...

Professor Jack Qiu discusses iSlavery by exploring the ways factory workers are oppressed, how notorious corporations build systems of exploitation, and sharing what activists are doing to fight back. Jack is a professor at the School of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is the author of Goodbye iSlave: A Manifesto for Digital Abolition and  Working-Class Netw...

Cyborg anthropologist Amber Case discusses new forms of interaction between humans and computers, how we can design with sound, and the emerging field of calm technology. Amber Case studies the interaction between humans and computers and how our relationship with information is changing the way cultures think, act, and understand their worlds. She is an internationally recognized design advocate...

Virtual reality (VR) pioneer Jeremy Bailenson discusses how VR experiences can change our perception of self, increase empathy, and lead to new forms of social interaction. Jeremy Bailenson is the founding director of Stanford University's Virtual Human Interaction Lab where he studies the psychology of VR, in particular how virtual experiences lead to changes in perceptions of self and others. Hi...

Author and media commentator Rachel Botsman discusses trust, collaborative consumption, and innovative new uses for blockchain technology. Rachel is the leading global authority on an explosive new era of trust. She's an award-winning author, speaker, university lecturer and media commentator. Her specialism is an engaging and intelligent long-view of how technology is transforming human relations...

Therapist Michael Carthy discusses how he uses virtual reality to help individuals overcome anxiety, conquer their phobias and tackle their fears. Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) is backed by twenty years of scientific studies that prove its efficacy. Together with specialised software, Michael supervises his client's use of VR to ensure the process is controlled, safe & effective. Find out more: fu...

Performance artist Dani Ploeger discusses electronic waste (e-waste), planned obsolescence of technology and the posthuman in performance. Dani's work investigates and subverts the spectacles of sex, violence and waste in techno-consumer culture. He has undergone an operation in which electronic waste was installed in his abdomen by a body piercer, has worked with traditional metal workers in the...

Carla Gannis discusses emoji, using augmented reality for creativity and the current state of digital art in New York. Carla is an American artist and Industry Professor of Integrated Digital Media at NYU. She identifies as a visual storyteller and with the use of 21st Century representational technologies she narrates through a "digital looking glass" where reflections on power, sexuality, margin...

Professor Steve Fuller discusses transhumanism, how scientists should approach risk, and what it means to be human in the 21st Century. Steve is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Warwick, his most recent work has been concerned with the future of humanity, or 'Humanity 2.0'. During the interview he discussed the ideas of transhumanism and posthumanism and explained the potential direct...

Cybersexpert Dr. Trudy Barber discusses the history of cybersex, the future of teledildonics, and the emerging field of sex robotics. For the past 20 years Trudy has been investigating how people become intimate with technology, and is credited with creating one of the first immersive virtual reality sex environments. She shares her experience of working with people who use technology to explore t...

Professor of Cybernetics Kevin Warwick discusses augmenting human capabilities, the exciting field of robotics, and what it means to be a cyborg. His pioneering research into robots with biological brains and enhancing human physiological functioning with electronic devices has brought the science fiction future into the present. Prof Warwick is no stranger to using himself as a guinea pig for his...

On this show we meet the scientists, technologists, artists and philosophers working to imagine the sorts of developments that might dramatically alter what it means to be human. Some of their predictions will be preferable, others might seem impossible, but none of them are inevitable. Join your host Luke Robert Mason, and explore the multitude of possible tomorrows. ---  Produced by Futures Podc...