What might the future of society look like & how can we get there?

On this episode, I’m speaking to a best-selling author who has written an extraordinary book about her vision for the future.

Unusually, the book is a work of fiction for the show, but the issues it addresses are very relevant to Human Risk.

My guest is Manda Scott, who began her career as a veterinary surgeon and is now an award-winning writer and podcaster.

Her new book, Any Human Power, has the subtext Dream deeply. Rise up strong. Change is coming and is centred around a protagonist named Lan, a woman on her deathbed who makes a promise to her grandson, Finn. Realising he is struggling with the idea of living in a world without her, she vows to be there for him even after her death. As she passes away, she steps into a shamanic realm known as the void, where she learns to navigate and influence the timelines of the future.

Lan's journey is marked by her attempts to keep her promise to Finn, acting from beyond the grave to guide and protect him. The narrative explores the complex interplay between life and death, human connection, and the power of shamanic practices. Lan discovers that she can impact the physical world through the digital realm, using online gaming to connect with Finn and help him in his moments of need.

During our discussion; we explore Manda’s career, what drives her writing and the topics she explores in Any Human Power.

Links to relevant topics

Manda’s author’s website: https://mandascott.co.uk/

Her podcast ‘Accidental Gods’: https://accidentalgods.life/

Bayo Akomolafe - The Time's Are Urgent — Let's Slow Down:
https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/post/the-times-are-urgent-lets-slow-down

Francis Weller on the Trauma Culture vs Initiation Culture: https://medium.com/best-of-kosmos-journal/deschooling-dialogues-on-initiation-trauma-and-ritual-with-francis-weller-3f360fe26563

The evolution of Audrey Tang https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/27/taiwan-civic-hackers-polis-consensus-social-media-platform

How Audrey’s Tang crowdsourced government https://www.globalgovernmentforum.com/the-wisdom-of-crowds-an-interview-with-taiwans-unorthodox-digital-minister/

Wealth Supremacy by Marjorie Kelly https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/wealth-supremacy-how-the-extractive-economy-and-the-biased-rules-of-capitalism-drive-today-s-crises-marjorie-kelly/7452410?ean=9781523004775

The ‘Bankless’ podcast with Eliezer Yudkowsky http://podcast.banklesshq.com/159-were-all-gonna-die-with-eliezer-yudkowsky

Riversimple Future Guardian Governance model https://www.riversimple.com/governance/

Timestamp Highlights (AI generated)
[00:00:00] - Introduction

Christian Hunt introduces Manda Scott and her background.

[00:01:00] - Manda's Journey

Manda talks about her background in Scotland, starting as a veterinary surgeon, and transitioning to a novelist and podcaster.
She highlights her work in intensive care for neonatal horses and her academic journey.

[00:02:00] - Transition to Writing and Podcasting

Manda discusses her decision to leave academia and pursue writing.
She explains the impact of her master's in regenerative economics on her career shift.

[00:03:00] - Regenerative Economics and Shamanic Dreaming

Manda explains how her studies and shamanic dreaming influence her work and perspectives.
Introduction to the concept of "Accidental Gods" podcast and its goals.

[00:04:00] - The Need for Systemic Change

Discussion on the necessity for total systemic change and evolving human consciousness.
Manda emphasizes changing our value set to create a thriving world.

[00:06:00] - Shamanic Practice and Creative Process

Manda elaborates on shamanic dreaming and its role in her creative process.
She shares how visions and instructions guide her writing.

[00:14:00] - Writing Inspiration and Process

Manda describes the inspiration behind her latest book and her unique writing process.
She explains the metaphor of splitting timelines and the challenges of writing about the future.

[00:19:00] - Online Gaming and Human Connection

Discussion on the role of online gaming in building human connections.
Manda shares personal experiences and the positive aspects of gaming communities.

[00:26:00] - Technology as a Tool for Change

Manda highlights Audrey Tang's work in Taiwan and the potential of technology for positive societal change.
The importance of using technology to build bridges and foster consensus.

[00:34:00] - Capitalism and Value Systems

Discussion on the destructive nature of capitalism and the need for new value systems.
Manda explains the concept of "Wealth Supremacy" and systemic change.

[00:41:00] - Writing Through Topia

Manda talks about the difficulty of writing a realistic path to a better future.
The importance of creating stories that resonate with people's current experiences and aspirations.

[00:49:00] - Human Connection and Creativity

Manda discusses the power of human connection and creativity in building a sustainable future.
Emphasis on embracing technology while evolving beyond Palaeolithic emotions and medieval institutions.

[00:53:00] - Call to Action

Manda's call to action for systemic change and building a future for future generations.
Importance of storytelling and creative imagination in driving change.

[00:59:00] - Closing Thoughts

Christian and Manda discuss the impact of her book and provide practical information for listeners.
Final remarks on the importance of community, technology, and systemic change.

Using Balloons to Beat Satellites