Possible Futures Podcast

Carlo van de Weijer is a mechanical engineer, longtime automotive innovator (incl. TomTom/Siemens), and Managing Director at the Eindhoven AI Institute. We explore what AI really is (goal-oriented adaptive systems), why mobility is a perfect testbed, and how sensors are exploding. At the same time, actuators are improving linearly, and this has significant implications for self-driving, humanoid r...

What can nature teach us about building better futures? In this episode of Possible Futures, Gary sits down with Robert Suarez, Fellow for Innovation at Singularity University, longtime IDEO design leader, and expert in biomimicry to explore how natural systems can inspire breakthrough innovation. This episode covers: - The childhood experiences that shaped Robert’s curiosity - How biomimicry help...

Emeline Pat Dahlstrom, co-founder of Space Limited and coordinator of the Global Space Enablers Network, breaks down how access to space is shifting from government-only to truly global. We trace the inflection point from smallsats (Planet) to today’s open satellite data, why ecosystem-building matters, and how countries and founders can plug in. Emily contrasts an “Elysium” outcome with a Star Tr...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Darlene Damm, a fellow for impact at Singularity University, whose career spans decades of solving “wicked problems” in some of the world’s most challenging environments. From cofounding drone delivery networks for healthcare to launching global competitions that democratized space innovation, Darlene has shown how bold ideas—paired with the right teams—c...

In this thought-provoking episode, Gary A. Bolles sits down with Nell Watson—Singularity University faculty member, AI ethicist, and president of the European Responsible AI Office—for a wide-ranging conversation on the exponential future of artificial intelligence and the ethical design challenges that come with it. Nell shares how a childhood steeped in engineering and science fiction shaped her...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative impact of exponential technologies on governance with Nicholas Haan, a Fellow for Governance at Singularity University. Explore how digital identities, blockchain, and AI are reshaping decision-making processes and accountability across societal groups, from nation-states to local communities. Discover the concept of network states and how they cha...

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role of frontline workers in shaping the future economy. Join us as we explore insights from Muriel Clauson Closs, CEO and co-founder of Ant Hill , who shares her expertise on the evolving landscape of work. Discover how demographic shifts, technological advancements, and economic dynamics are transforming frontline roles, and learn about the opportunitie...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Misha Byrne, a fellow for leadership with Singularity University, known for his diverse background applying neuroscience to the world of work. Misha's extensive experience includes roles as head of consulting for Future Academy X, editor for NeuroPower, and work with the Queensland Brain Institute on cognitive genetics. He discusses how his academic...

In this conversation, Gary A. Bolles and Andra Keay explore the evolution of robotics, its impact on society, and the future of work. They discuss the early influences that shaped Andra's career, the growth of robotics in Silicon Valley, and the ethical considerations surrounding the development of robots. The conversation also touches on the potential futures of robotics, including its integr...

In this insightful episode, host Gary A. Bolles welcomes Kyle Hermans, Singularity University's Fellow for Purpose and CEO of Be Courageous. They dive deep into the concept of purpose in a world of exponential change, marked by "great resets" like the global pandemic and the "AI tsunami". Kyle, who has conducted over 2,500 sessions with leaders globally, shares his unique j...

My guest today is Jay Baloo, who is Singularity University's fellow for computing and cybersecurity. In this conversation, we pull back the curtain on what “lawful surveillance” really means… how quantum computing could break the encryption we all rely on… and why the biggest vulnerability might not be technological… but human. Because when it comes to cybersecurity, it’s not just the algorith...

Biotech isn’t a vertical. It’s a foundation. And according to Dr. Tiffany Vora, it will be as revolutionary in the next decade as artificial intelligence is today. In this episode of Possible Futures , Tiffany joins host Gary Bolles to explore how biology is becoming programmable, why we need to shift our thinking from lifespan to healthspan, and what it means to thrive in ecosystems we design — o...

In this episode of Possible Futures , host Gary Bolles sits down with writer, researcher, and Singularity University expert Aaron Frank to explore a provocative question: What happens when our digital and physical realities blur—and which one will feel more real? From a childhood question about humanity’s technological acceleration to leading conversations on the future of spatial computing, Aaron...