The Impossible Network

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 

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 perspective on life and work. His approach blends philosophical musings with practical solutions to the problems of globalism by embracing a localism strategy for building sustainable food systems, communities, and building practices. Stephen is particularly passionate about hempcrete, a carbon-negative building material that he sees as a game-changer for the construction industry and local economies.Stephen embodies the power of embracing change and is a testament to how personal transformation can drive broader social and environmental change.I hope you enjoy this refreshing and thought-provoking take on creating resilient communities in an uncertain world. Thanks to Alex Fish for the recommendation.00:00 Introduction02:34 Who is Stephen as a human?05:13 Who or What Made Him?10:34 Education and Party Culture14:49 Cycling and a Life-Changing Accident18:16 Pursuing Architecture30:10 Social Conscience and Family Dynamics37:26 Localization and Community Building49:49 Community Projects and Company Formation51:27 Skills Training and Women in Construction52:07 Innovative Use of Hempcrete53:06 Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable Building58:00 Funding Strategies and Community Support01:00:20 Collaborating with Local Authorities01:05:31 Philanthropy and Commercial Partnerships01:11:47 Personal Reflections and Inspirations01:23:57 Final Thoughts and Future PlansSocial LinksLinks in ShowHemcreteCornwall

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, Creating The Impossible Network, memorable interviews, the power of the network, my support system and my most transformational business experience. What I thoughtlessly forgot to acknowledge was the importance of my partner Elaine on my journey.. so making amends; thank you now Elaine. Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:51 Commitment to Lifelong Learning02:03 Exploring the Impact of AI04:40 Defining and Building Community08:28 Comparing Communities: New York vs. Austin13:13 Journey from Advertising to Founding Fabrica Collective20:24 Challenges and Lessons from Pundit Club29:16 Transitioning to a Service Agency30:43 Starting The Impossible Network Podcast31:28 Procrastination and the Birth of Fabrica32:12 Exploring Serendipity Through Podcasting33:20 Building a Community Around the Podcast33:57 Random Collisions and Serendipitous Connections35:37 Challenges and Rewards of Podcasting48:31 Support Systems and Personal Reflections53:16 Transformational Business Experiences57:29 Final Thoughts and Future QuestionsSocial Links The Impossible NetworkYouTube InstagramLinks Funds and Founders Podcast

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. Amanda shares her pragmatic perspective on nourishing the body and mind through real, unprocessed foods, restorative sleep, movement, and most importantly - learning to listen to and trust your own body's cues over external data and trends and making small "edits" for graceful aging. Amanda also discusses fasting, food accessibility, and her wellness reset program.Amanda's journey is one of inspiration and innovation so whether you're seeking to optimize your well-being, navigate the overwhelming world of health information, or simply learn from a woman who has fearlessly followed her curiosity, this episode is not to be missed. Now over to Amanda. Thanks Dr Morgaine Gaye for the connectionTime stamps 00:00 Introduction00:55 Meet Amanda Hamilton: A Journey of Curiosity and Innovation02:25 Amanda -Who is she as a human?04:08 Who or What Made Her?09:35 The Role of Travel in Shaping Perspectives15:08 From Journalism to Nutrition: A Career Evolution21:34 The Power of Fasting: Amanda's Breakthrough24:27 Challenges and Successes in Broadcasting Fasting Retreats32:07 What is Amanda Working to Achieve?34:12 Holistic Wellbeing: Beyond Nutrition46:42 Exploring the Complexities of Nutrition47:48 Guiding Parents on Nutrition48:43 Fundamentals of a Healthy Diet50:12 The Impact of Sugar on Health53:01 Navigating Modern Nutrition Challenges01:01:59 The Importance of Sleep01:07:52 Aging and Nutrition01:15:09 The Role of Exercise01:16:22 Programs and Future Plans01:19:49 Dealing with Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome01:22:40 Guiding Children Towards Independence01:24:32 Principles and Inspirations01:26:45 Recommended Books and Life Hacks01:30:16 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsSocial Links Amanda’s website InstagramFacebookLinks in the show Food Inc 2 Books Fast Food Nation The Singularity Is NearerOutlive The One Thing Show My Octopus Teacher

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 

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