The Impossible Network

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 technology.Over the years, Suba has worked at renowned companies such as News Corp, KPMG, and Meta, where she has been a driving force in operationalizing strategies and promoting responsible technology practices. In our conversation, she shares her insights on the importance of education, collaboration, and embracing change in the face of rapid advancements in AI. Suba also discusses the future of work, offering valuable advice on navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.Now over to Suba. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:41 Who is Suba as a human03:26 Who or what made her?09:31 The Intersection of Technology and Business16:07 Understanding Trust, Safety, and Responsible Technology19:16 Practical Examples from Meta22:30 What she is Working to Achieve?24:21 Embracing AI: Challenges and Opportunities26:43 Emerging Big Tech Movements27:34 The Importance of User Choice and Transparency28:08 Collaborative Efforts and Regulatory Frameworks29:13 Addressing Election Risks and Deepfakes33:29 AI's Impact on Business Leadership39:55 Parenting in the Age of AI44:04 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights49:12 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSocial Links Linkedin X/TwitterLinks In Show MozillaBook - The Checklist Manifesto Show - The Gentleman 

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 career and personal growth. Natalia also discusses her approach to visual thinking as a strategic tool for distilling complex challenges and empowering decision-making within businesses. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of human connection, creativity, and storytelling in an increasingly digital world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative problem-solving, personal development, and the evolving role of AI in creativity. Thanks to Dave Birss for the recommendation.Time Codes00:00 Intro01:46 The Impact of Mentorship and Personal Growth02:08 Exploring the Roots of Creativity and Connection04:40 The Transformative Power of Curiosity and Networking05:39 The Entrepreneurial Leap: Support and Strategy10:40 Reflecting on Legacy and Future Ambitions18:32 Strategic Storytelling and Visual Thinking Explained20:05 Unlocking Creativity in the Corporate World20:33 Why Visual Storytelling Works for Businesses21:38 Overcoming Brand Fear with Creative Solutions22:45 The Power of Simplifying Complex Ideas23:10 Developing a Unique Methodology for Engagement26:19 The Journey of Visual Storytelling and Its Impact33:14 Navigating the Future of Storytelling in the AI Era40:28 Advice for Navigating Uncertainty and Embracing Creativity44:35 Final Thoughts and the Importance of Community Social Links WebsiteLinkedinIGYouTube Links Books:The Creative ActMovie:The Matrix 

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 work on promoting digital kindness and encouraging healthier ways of interacting online. While social media often gets a bad rap, Lauren sees its potential for amplifying new voices and stories. Through her writing, speaking, and online presence, she inspires people to engage with more empathy, seek out different perspectives, and use digital platforms to spread uplifting content.In this wide-ranging discussion, Lauren opens up about her journey of unlearning default mindsets, coping with anxiety, and defining herself on her own terms. She shares her optimism about younger generations and her excitement about the creative potential made possible by emerging technologies. I think you'll find Lauren's perspective refreshing and thought-provoking. Now over to LaurenTime Codes00:54 Introducing Lauren Hug02:23 Lauren's Personal Philosophy: Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom02:23 Exploring Identity and the Complexity of Self-Definition03:57 The Role of Old Ways in Modern Times05:29 Navigating Parenthood and the Pandemic's Effects06:55 The Importance of Remembering and Celebrating Old Wisdom07:15 Lauren's Unique Upbringing: Tech Meets Humanities11:48 From Dreams to Reality: Lauren's Career Path15:11 The Influence of Religion and the Quest for Authenticity22:05 Digital Kindness: Lauren's Mission to Transform Online Spaces36:48 The Challenge of Civil Discourse in a Digital World48:08 Embracing Ambiguity in a Complex World48:34 The Transformative Power of Uncertainty49:01 Challenging Binary Views and Media Influence49:38 Rethinking Social Constructs and Democracy50:46 The Resurgence of Storytelling and Social Media's Role51:32 Gen Z's Impact and the Future of Discourse52:12 The Nuances of Gen Z and Social Media Perceptions53:33 Redefining Business and Ideology for Gen Z01:01:21 The Potential of AI and Rediscovering Humanity01:06:33 The Importance of Intergenerational Communication01:09:40 Exploring New Forms of Community and Connection01:13:32 The Digital Kindness Journal: A Tool for Reflection01:18:15 Personal Insights and Overcoming Challenges01:22:21 The Future of Creativity and AI's Role01:26:47 Concluding Thoughts on Digital Kindness and LegacySocial Links WebsiteLinkedinIGLinks "The Dawn of Everything" by David Graeber and David WengrowBetter Things TEDx talks by Lauren Hug 

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 technologies2. 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 being cognizant of this full range or risks and ethical issues is essential4. As futurist Amy Webb stated ‘we are in a tech Super cycle that will change every aspect of life and work’ and will require governments to prepare for the transformation ahead and for business to reimagine their value networks5. What is certain is that we must focus on our humanity and celebrate what makes us uniquely human - our curiosity, and ability to build meaningful relationships, and find a sense of purpose that transcends algorithms and code.Building on my interview with ChatGPT and as I have reflected I recalled an article I wrote for The Huffington Post called the Future of Getting Lost.So in the spirit of embracing AI I have explored the potential and possibilities of using new AI avatar and chat tools like Hey Gen and Delphi and recorded my thoughts using HeyGEN delivered via my first AI Avatar. Aside from the weird accent it’s pretty impressive.Now over to Mark Bot.

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 a social butterfly in London, connecting with diverse cultures, to his transformative experiences in Malaysia, grappling with the real-world challenges of conservation, and the pivotal moments that led him to question the traditional paths of environmentalism.At 29 min in we focus on Alex's journey to founding of 99p Films, the social cinema venture that is more than just a business; but a movement. Through Its innovative model of 'Breathe, Watch, Discuss, then Eat' 99p Films aims to democratize cinema, making it a tool for building social and environmental awareness and community. Alex discusses the power of communal viewing, the importance of accessibility in the arts, and how 99p Films bridges the gap between entertainment and activism.Alex’s story is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of a better world. Alex's is a beacon of inspiration for anyone looking to make a difference through creativity, community, and a deep connection to our planet.Thanks to Gavin Fernie JonesNow over to Alex 00:00 Intro02:41 Who is Alex : Social Butterfly to Environmental Advocate06:00 The Transformative Power of Travel and Conservation20:48 Redefining Cinema in the Pandemic Era29:35 The 99p Films Experience: Breathe, Watch, Discuss, Feast44:36 Building Community Through Intergenerational Conversations53:37 Exploring the Power of Citizen Assemblies54:19 The Impact of Media Polarization and the Power of Group Discussions56:22 Embracing Fun and Creativity in Social Initiatives57:09 Scaling Social Cinema Beyond Local Communities57:56 The Journey of Expanding Social Cinema Internationally59:19 Developing a Sustainable Model for Social Cinema01:01:04 The Challenges and Solutions of Hosting Social Cinema Events01:18:01 The Future of Social Cinema: Expansion and Content Creation01:19:31 Inspirations and Influences: A Personal Reflection01:22:20 Navigating Uncertainty and Overcoming Challenges01:27:52 Recommendations for Personal Growth and Community EngagementSocial Links LinkedinYouTube IGLinks in the show99pFilmsNonflict bookChasing the Scream Johann HariCitizens book

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 realities of climate change he began to take action through his One Tree At A Time initiative. This led to further initiatives like Citizen Friday and his growing Re-Action Collective.As a self described reluctant leader Gavin is a proactive change-maker. Through initiatives like Citizens Fridays and the engaging community space that champions sustainability, Gavin and his team are not just talking about change – they are living it. This is a conversation about transformation, and is proof that we can all take action, make choices, have impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. I hope you are inspired.  Timestamps00:00 Introduction 02:21 Who is Gavin Fernie-Jones? 03:30 Gavin's Childhood and Influence of Parents03:50 Gavin's Life-Changing Move to the Peak District08:34 Gavin's Career Path in the Outdoors12:48 Gavin's Entrepreneurial Journey in Ski Boot Fitting18:53 Gavin's Awakening to Climate Change22:04 Gavin's Efforts Towards Sustainability28:33 Gavin's Repair Day Initiative29:32 The Birth of a Repair Day30:15 The Impact of Unused Clothing30:55 Setting Up One Tree at a Time31:42 The Power of Reusing Ski Instructor Uniforms35:08 The Unexpected Success of Rental Ski Gear37:27 Building a Vibrant Local Community38:52 The Challenges of Dealing with Clothing Waste42:03 The Potential of Repurposing Unusable Fabric53:58 The Creation of the Reaction Collective58:21 The Future of Sustainable Fashion01:03:03 The Value of Membership and Community01:03:19 The Power of Free Participation01:03:50 The Impact of Fees and Hierarchies01:04:20 Exploring Anarchism and Distributed Power01:04:38 The Role of Money and Obligation01:05:10 Creating Something Different and New01:05:21 The Future of Funding and the Collective01:06:01 The Power of Serendipitous Connections01:06:36 The Impact of Positive Action and Community01:07:19 The Need for Funding and the Role of the Citizen01:08:17 The Power of Distributed Organizations01:09:01 The Citizen Story and the Role of Brands01:11:50 The Role of the Citizen in the Reaction Collective01:15:28 The Power of Disruptive Community01:18:43 The Role of Brands in the Collective01:26:43 The Emergence of a New Business Structure01:32:36 The Power of Nature and Community01:35:56 The Role of Film in Community Building01:37:59 The Need for a Platform for Citizen Stories Social Links Linkedin GavinInstagram  Links in ShowRe-Action Collective One Tree At A TimeCitizens Book99p Films

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 GPT would do if it were a parent and what human name it would choose for itself.I was recently been interviewed by Robert Hansen for his Podcast The RSNAKE SHOW i’ll put the link in the show notes), During the interview we spent some time discussing the impact of AI, on the creative and entertainment industries. As a result I thought it might be an interesting exercise to’ interview’ ChatGPT about the impact of Generative AI on humanity. To do so I used my AI trained voice to ask the questions and have the answers delivered by ChatGPT 4 via an AI generated voice on Descript called Carla. I begin by asking my core three questions:-Who are you as a human -Who or what made you you? -What are you working to achieve?The answers were illuminating.This led to a question on the influences and factors that shape an AI, and the question of consciousness and the potential impacts on society. I wanted to explore its recommendations and practical advice about children's education and how to evolve education policy in a rapidly changing world influenced by AI advancements. Then I asked for its perspective on environmental sustainability and understanding the climate paradox - an area of deep interest for previous guests Melanie VanDeVelde and Jeremy Tamamini I also asked for its recommendations for creators preparing for a world of Generative AI, how we should address Social Isolation in the AI age and It's advice for parents on raising happy and well-rounded children. And finally we finish on some fun questions! Now over to my AI friend Carla.   Time Codes00:00 Introduction01:45 Interview with AI: Who are you?06:08 Who made you, you?08:09 AI's Perspective on Consciousness12:16 What are you working to achieve?20:03 AI's Advice for Parents and Education Policy34:18 Reflecting on Podcast Guests and AI's Imperatives34:18 AI's Role in Education, Entrepreneurship, and Ethics37:59 Understanding the Climate Paradox40:53 Preparing for a World of Generative AI44:26 Timeframe for Adapting to Generative AI47:23 Addressing Social Isolation in the Digital Age51:52 Raising Happy and Well-Rounded Children55:22 Resources for Effective Parenting01:05:13 Choosing a Human Name for an AI01:06:43 Advice for Pursuing 'Impossible' Goals01:09:42 Recommendation for the Next InterviewLinks The RSnake Show - interviews Mark  

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 place than he found it. ‘Something to which I think we all aspire. Edward Molkenboer recounts his decision to leave his successful career in advertising to embark on a new path focusing on social impact. Edward speaks about his helping initiative of living on the streets for a week in the Netherlands; giving insight into the humanity and kindness he experienced, and the lessons learned. He also expands on his new social venture, the Social Impact Tour, a creative endeavor that shares emotional stories of those in need, leveraging the power of narrative to inspire people to help, and encouraging brands to support. Edward also underscores the importance of embracing change, stepping out of comfort zones, and the significance of spending quality time with loved ones.Thanks to Caroline Arditti for the connection.Time codes00:01 Introduction 01:48 Who Edward is as a human?03:05 What or who made him?04:41 A Look Back at Childhood and Early Life11:51 The Impact of Losing a Parent and Reevaluating Life20:43 The Birth of the Social Impact Tour22:15 A Bold Experiment: Living Homeless29:29 The Power of Asking for Help30:14 The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories31:20 The Social Impact Tour: A Creative Approach to Raising Awareness33:40 The Role of Businesses in Social Impact36:12 The Power of Sharing Stories on a Larger Scale38:26 The Role of Storytelling in Social Impact39:36 The Reaction to the Social Impact Tour40:47 The Future of the Social Impact Tour44:44 The Power of Spending Time with Loved Ones48:39 The Role of Action in Overcoming Doubts and Fears52:15 The Importance of Taking Action and Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone52:33 The Power of Serendipity and Action53:44 The Impact of the Social Impact Tour on Children59:32 The Impact of Living with Dementia: A Potential Future GuestSocial Links Edward’s Linkedin Links In the Show Edward’s TED TalkThe Power of Now The AlchemistCaroline Arditti Don Smith Teun Toebes Human Forever

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 sessions were conducted in both French and English, encouraging connections, friendship, and even business partnerships among participants. Reflecting on her journey, Caroline emphasizes the empowering nature of focusing on factors within one's control and fostering positive experiences and connections, also mentioning her personal ritual of having a coffee with a stranger every week for the past 15 years.00:00 Introduction 00:34 The Birth of Sunshine Hour01:23 The Impact of Sunshine Hour02:34 The Power of Smiling03:38 Learning from Strangers: Coffee Conversations05:08 The Journey of 15 Years of Coffee Conversations05:09 Planting Seeds and Connecting Dots06:30 Overcoming Fears and Stepping Out of Comfort Zone07:04 Achievements and Self-Reflection