The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu #460 Radical Reconnection: Sam Rad on Thriving in a Post-Human World
In this deeply reflective episode, Mehmet welcomes futurist, bestselling author, and technologist Sam Rad to explore how we navigate—and thrive—in a world reshaped by exponential tech. From AI and quantum computing to deepfakes and biotech, this conversation is less about predicting the future and more about reclaiming what it means to be human.
🔑 Key Takeaways
• Why acceleration, not just change, defines this tech era
• How to surf the wave of AI, quantum, and biotech without losing your sense of self
• The importance of deprogramming from outdated operating systems
• What “post-human” really means—and why reconnection is the key
• Sam’s own experience with building a deepfake of herself
• A powerful reminder: Purpose is your protection in uncertain times
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📘 What You’ll Learn
• What’s driving the current “age of acceleration”
• How to build mental and emotional resilience as a founder or leader
• The role of spirituality and introspection in shaping your path
• How emerging technologies may force a radical rethink of work, identity, and meaning
• Whether Universal Basic Income is a solution or a patch
👤 About Sam Rad
Sam Rad (Samantha Radocchia) is a lifelong student of humanity—futurist, anthropologist, and creative technologist—a four-time technology entrepreneur, and the founder of the
meta-media storytelling studio Radical Next. Sam has shared stories of radical change with global audiences on stages across five continents—empowering individuals, leaders,
and organizations not only to survive but to thrive amid radical and accelerating change.
Her work has led to advisory roles with the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and the Federal Reserve, among others.
She has served in multiple founding executive roles across the C-Suite, including co-founder of NYOUM, a London-based generative AI communication platform, and Chronicled, a San Francisco-based blockchain company bringing trust to global commerce. Prior to Chronicled, Sam founded two companies leveraging AI to map personal aesthetics and taste.
She holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, English Literature, and Linguistics from Colgate University, a master’s degree from New York University in Game Design and Social Analysis of Technology, and several patents linking the physical and digital worlds. She is considered a pioneer in extended reality (XR), simulation design, applied cryptography, blockchain systems, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing.
Sam’s work has been featured in Newsweek, Fast Company, and Forbes, where she previously wrote as a contributor. She was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List for Enterprise Technology and is also the author of the bestselling book: Bitcoin Pizza: The No-Bullshit Guide to Blockchain.
Sam is a citizen of the world and is most often found people-watching somewhere between a Brooklyn coffee shop, South American rainforest, London’s West End, or some undisclosed off-grid location.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantharadocchia/
⏱️ Episode Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Sam’s background
03:00 – Living on the edge of emerging tech
06:00 – The Age of Acceleration explained
09:00 – Deepfakes, cognition, and digital identity
14:00 – Are we ready for what’s coming?
17:00 – Learning to surf change
22:00 – The post-human dilemma
28:00 – Reprogramming vs. resisting
33:00 – Future of work, economics & Universal Basic Income
39:00 – Spirituality, purpose & thriving in the now
49:00 – What “radical” really means
52:00 – Final thoughts & optimism