The Impossible Network

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 46.Throughout a fascinating conversation, Amy describes her path from early morning swims in San Francisco Bay through increasingly arduous challenges, including consequently crossing the treacherous North Channel between Ireland and Scotland. Furthermore, Amy shares her insights into the physical and mental preparation required for ultra-marathon swimming, from nutrition strategies to managing the understandable fear of great white sharks and jellyfish swarms.In addition to her swimming achievements, Amy discusses how her work as a nurse has informed her mental toughness, the importance of breaking age-related stereotypes, and as a result, her mission to inspire others - especially women - to pursue ambitious goals at any age.With upcoming swims planned for Scotland's deep and mysterious Loch Ness, therefore Amy is proof that human potential knows no bounds when matched with determination, careful preparation, and above all her simple mantra: 'I can do hard things.'Amy's story is an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to pursue extraordinary achievements. Note to self! Now over to Amy. Timestamps00:00 Introduction03:10 Who is Amy as a Human?05:35 Childhood and Family Background10:48 Early Swimming and Lifeguarding14:26 Nursing Career and Mental Toughness26:12 Rediscovering Swimming33:24 First Marathon Swim: Gibraltar Straits35:59 Conquering Lake Tahoe37:20 The North Channel Challenge39:24 Molokai to Oahu Swim39:56 Local Swims and Challenges40:47 The Alcatraz Swim42:15 Manhattan Island Swim45:23 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies53:18 Facing the Farallon Islands55:34 Shark and Jellyfish Encounters01:01:32 Mental and Physical Endurance01:06:24 Inspiration and Future Goals01:11:11 Advice for Aspiring Swimmers01:18:04 Final Thoughts and Inspirations  Social posts Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amygubser92?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Links in show Books:"The Devil's Teeth" (Book about the Farallon Islands mentioned as inspiration)- "Tough Broads" by Caroline Paul (Recent book Amy highly recommends)- Young Woman in the Sea (About Trudy Ederle, first woman to swim the English Channel) Films/Media: Documentary about Mercedes Gleitze  

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. Noam shares insights on navigating childhood and parenting in different eras, the impact of social media on mental health, and the potential future challenges for children growing up in isolated environments. Noam also highlights the integration of body-centered psychotherapy, the concept of 'befriending vulnerability,' and innovative wellness treatments like cryotherapy and breathwork. Mark and Noam discuss the shift from symptomatic treatment to preventative health through biohacking, AI-driven health suggestions, and the significance of a balanced approach to life following the 80/20 rule. Noam also shares his personal stories of emotional resilience, and the harrowing yet inspiring account of Noam's mother's kidnapping and release by Hamas, and his hope for peace amidst global conflicts.TimeCodes00:00 Introduction 01:14 Who is Noam as a human?04:26 The Kibbutz Experience08:10 Reflections on Childhood and Group Dynamics21:06 Transition to Adulthood and Military Service22:12 Career Shift to Psychotherapy35:48 Founding VidaVi1: A Wellness Tech Venture48:02 Innovative Health Solutions for Everyone49:04 The Power of Cryotherapy: Real-Life Stories50:06 Bringing Nature's Best to Urban Centers50:41 The Science Behind Dry Cryotherapy53:00 Personalized Health and Wellness01:07:20 The Future of Health: AI and Technology01:17:45 Personal Reflections and Inspirations01:27:24 A Personal Story of Resilience and Hope01:42:47 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionSocial Links VidaviiLinkedin Links in the showCure" (or "Cured") by Dr. Jeff Rediger - specifically recommended by Noam for understanding medicine and wellnessOutlive" by Peter Attia - mentioned in discussion but not specifically recommended 

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 mediaImpactful film productions to pioneering the ideas like Man Engine, the largest performing mechanical puppet ever created in Britain, Denzil’s work is rooted in a deep sense of place, purpose, and the power of storytelling. In this episode, we explore his journey, his thoughts on the need to rethink capitalism, and the impact local communities can have on the global stage. Thanks to Stephen Davies for the connection.Now over to Denzil. Time stamps 01:21 Who is Denzil?  07:15 The Impact of the 1980s on Denzil's Worldview08:42 Cornish Identity and the Mining Heritage09:51 The Global Connection and Local Responsibility12:59 Denzil's Journey into Social Entrepreneurship22:32 Advocating for Cornish Public Service Media30:45 Reimagining Economic Systems and Local Empowerment47:53 The Role of Storytelling in Social Change50:31 The Power of Connections51:10 Journey into Academia54:12 Creating Bocena Productions56:03 Sustainable Filmmaking01:08:51 The Man Engine Project01:19:56 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers01:22:23 Personal Reflections and Inspirations01:23:37 Quick Fire Questions01:32:40 Final Thoughts Social Media Denzil’s Website BosenaLinkedInInstagramShow Links Books “The Dawn of Everything” by David Graeber and David Wengrow“Donut Economics” by Kate RaworthFilms and Documentaries:“The Corporation”“Manufacturing Consent” by Noam Chomsky“Dreams” by Akira Kurosawa“Memoria” by Apichatpong Weerasethakul “Kneecap”

 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 reflect on how far we've come from Apple's beginnings. The evolution of Apple, and now Apple Intelligence, is another chapter in the legacy Jobs left behind—a legacy built on thinking differently, on bending reality to the will of a powerful idea.Jobs' reality distortion field wasn't just about charisma or leadership. It was a powerful fusion of attitude and action. And it's this combination that defines what I call "reality distortion shapers." They're the ones who break new ground, challenge norms, and refuse to accept the limitations that the world presents.And here's the thing—it wasn't just Jobs who had this ability. Throughout history, we've seen people like Elon Musk, Walt Disney, Nikola Tesla, and Oprah Winfrey exhibit this same characteristic. What they all share is a deep belief that reality can be shaped by their ideas, their attitudes, and most importantly, their actions.This spirit of innovation is perfectly captured in Apple's "Here's to the Crazy Ones" campaign. It celebrated those who think differently—the ones who push boundaries, who disrupt the status quo, who see possibilities where others see limitations. This message resonates even more deeply today, in a world grappling with what many call a polycrisis—multiple global challenges unfolding simultaneously.In the face of constant negativity from doom-mongers and naysayers, it's crucial to remember that each of us has the power to shape reality through our beliefs, our optimism, and our actions. We can either embrace pessimism, letting it define our future, or we can choose optimism, believing that tomorrow can be better than today.Optimism is the fuel that accelerates this process. Without that deep-seated belief that things can change, that the impossible can be achieved, no action will ever take off. It's this combination—of vision, belief, and action—that compounds over time, creating something far greater than what we started with.Each of us can shape reality by harnessing the interplay between our thoughts and our actions. Guests like Jon Alexander and Gavin Fernie Jones do this. The reality distortion shapers of the world aren't afraid to push boundaries and reject limitations. They don't just dream big—they act. And through those small, consistent steps, they bring their vision to life, pulling others along with them.So, as you go through your day, ask yourself: what reality do you want to shape? What action can you take, no matter how small, that moves you closer to your vision? And most importantly, do you believe—truly believe—that you can bend reality in your favor?If there's any truth to the idea that what we think manifests in the world around us, then it's on us—each of us—to think differently. To embrace optimism, not just for ourselves, but for the collective good. Because the future we create starts with the thoughts, feelings, and actions we put into motion today.Remember, as Jobs and Apple have shown us time and again—those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. The truth is, you're already shaping reality. So I ask: what reality are you shaping? And...What action can you take right now that pushes us all toward a better future?

In this weeks episode we dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity with NY based AI creative trailblazer Tony JonesFrom 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 Academy, where he’s on a mission to help organizations and individuals harness the power of AI to enhance their creative processes. He also teaches AI Design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, equipping the next generation of creatives with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-augmented future.Tony brings a unique perspective to the conversation about AI and creativity. He sees AI not as a replacement for human ingenuity but as a powerful tool that can augment and amplify our creative capabilities. He’s a strong advocate for embracing AI to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape while emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining human judgment, taste, and ethics.This is a must listen episode for anyone interested in where AI is leading us and how to embrace the unrelenting pace of the change that is underway. Now over to Tony. Time Codes00:00 Intro to Tony Jones02:30 Who is Tony as a human 03:59 Embracing AI in Creativity07:13 Tony's Family and Upbringing16:34 Early Career and Move to New York22:43 Digital Transformation in Advertising26:34 Innovation and AI in Advertising30:52 Founding Creative AI Academy35:18 AI's Impact on Creativity and Industries46:25 Challenges and Adoption of AI57:05 Teaching AI Design at Pratt Institute58:02 Course Structure and Student Projects58:52 Diverse Student Backgrounds01:00:08 Misconceptions About AI and Creativity01:01:34 Personal Experience with AI Tools01:02:49 Impact of AI on Creative Processes01:04:57 Corporate Training and AI Integration01:07:37 Patented Inventions and AI01:10:27 AI in the Advertising Industry01:18:01 Advice for Creatives and Ethical Considerations01:23:54 Future of Education with AI01:30:16 Speculations on AGI and Future Impacts01:35:11 Serendipity and Personal Reflections01:47:02 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSocial LinksTony on Linkedin Creative Ai Academy On Linkedin Links in the show Creative AI Academy Pratt AI Design Course Andy AwardsMcCannMedia MonksBook - Future AI 2041Podcasts - Last Week in AI AI For humans 

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 days running a local newspaper to becoming a key figure in the expansion and evolution of SXSW, Hugh's story is one of persistence, innovation, and a deep commitment to fostering creativity. In our conversation, we explore his unique upbringing with a Scottish father and American mother, the impact of Austin's cultural landscape on his development, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.We also discuss the challenges and high points of running a globally recognized festival, the role of technology in connecting people, and the future of creativity in an increasingly AI and digitally driven world. Hugh shares his insights on the importance of community, the power of serendipitous encounters, and his vision for the future of SXSW and beyond.If you are a creative person in any domain I am sure you will enjoy this conversation as as we uncover the human side of one of the driving forces behind one of the world's most dynamic events.Thanks to Jennifer Hutchins for the connectionTime codes 00:00 Introduction 00:53 Meet Hugh Forest: The Man Behind SXSW02:33 Who is Hugh? Personal Journey and Aspirations03:45 Who or what made him Hugh?09:54 The Evolution of SXSW14:34 The Role of Technology in SXSW's Growth18:18 Who is Hugh Working to Achieve?28:27 SXSW's Community and Content Curation32:35 Future Directions and Reflections38:22 The Evolution of South by Southwest38:57 Lessons in Persistence and Value Creation40:53 Personal Growth and Organizational Leadership42:17 Creating a Cohesive Experience43:34 Challenges and Future Plans46:12 Impact of COVID-1947:14 The Importance of Human Connection53:06 Balancing Commercial and Creative Interests57:36 Future Directions and Personal Reflections59:55 Personal Insights and Inspirations01:06:20 Quickfire Questions and Recommendations01:15:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Social Links Linkedin X SXSW EmailLinks in show Testament of a furniture dealer Books Ministry of The Future Cal Newport Deep Work Show The Greatest Night In Pop