Future Tense

Morris Pearl, Chair of the Board of Patriotic Millionaires, and Maria Farrell, a writer and technology thinker, dive into thought-provoking ideas about wealth and the internet. They discuss the extreme pay gaps between CEOs and workers, arguing for higher taxes on the wealthy to combat inequality. Pearl champions Limitarianism, advocating for individual wealth caps, while Farrell calls for rewilding the internet to disrupt monopolistic control. Their conversation sparks a debate about using excess wealth for social good and creating a healthier online ecosystem.

Are we really facing an attention crisis? Historian, Daniel Immerwahr, has his doubts. In fact, he says ours is an era of obsession as much as distraction and of zeal as much as indifference. Also, the paradox of certainty: we crave it, argues the University of Alberta's, Timothy Caulfield, even though it's so easy to fake.GuestsDaniel Immerwahr — author and Professor of History, Northwestern University and a contributing writer at The New YorkerTimothy Caulfield — author and Professor of law, University of AlbertaProfessor Gloria Mark — data scientist and psychologist, Department of Informatics, University of California, IrvineFurther informationTimothy Coulfield: The Certainty Illusion. What You Don't Know and Why It MattersDaniel Immerwahr's article on Attention

Gavin Allwright, Secretary General of the International Windship Association, advocates for wind-powered cargo vessels, highlighting their environmental benefits and cost savings. Paul Munro, an Associate Professor in Human Geography, discusses the challenges of off-grid solar solutions in developing countries, including high breakdown rates and e-waste issues. Both guests delve into the promising future of flow batteries, emphasizing their safety, scalability, and potential to transform renewable energy storage while exploring the resurgence of wind energy in maritime transport.

Tim Reeve, Deputy Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, discusses the groundbreaking open storeroom initiative, promoting transparency and public trust in museums. Dan Hicks, a Professor at Oxford, emphasizes the importance of accountability and restitution in museum practices. Kylie Message-Jones from ANU highlights the challenges facing museum studies programs and smaller institutions in a digital world. Together, they explore how museums can redefine their roles in society, fostering deeper connections while adapting to modern audience needs.

Shastra Deo, a nuclear semiotics expert from the University of Queensland, joins UK journalist Mark Piesing to explore the complexities of nuclear waste. They discuss the monumental task of constructing underground facilities to secure toxic materials for millennia, emphasizing the need for effective long-term communication of dangers. Innovative concepts like 'Raycats' are introduced as a way to warn future generations. The conversation also touches on climate change’s impact on migration and the emotional toll of environmental uncertainties.

David Costanza, a Professor of Commerce at the University of Virginia, delves into the pitfalls of generational labeling akin to astrology. He argues these labels like ‘Gen Z’ and ‘Boomer’ are scientifically unfounded, foster societal division, and perpetuate stereotypes. Costanza discusses how such oversimplifications undermine individual identities and urges a more nuanced understanding of generational dynamics. The conversation also touches on how platforms like TikTok shape Gen Z's activism, highlighting the need to recognize micro-generations in this context.

In this conversation, William Paris, an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto specializing in utopian thinking, teams up with Anna Abraham, Director of the Torrance Centre for Creativity and Talent Development. They explore why utopian thinking is often dismissed and argue its potential to inspire bold, transformative ideas in democracy. The duo delves into the relationship between creativity and mental health, and how societal perceptions affect creative individuals, while also addressing the implications of generational labels in today’s society.

Nino Bucci, Justice and Courts Reporter for Guardian Australia, sheds light on the controversial topic of privatization in public services, particularly prisons. He discusses the dangers of prioritizing profit over humane treatment and the negative effects on rehabilitation and training programs. The conversation also explores how strong regulations are essential to prevent monopolies and protect consumer welfare. Bucci advocates for a democratic dialogue on the implications of privatization and its impact on essential services like healthcare.

In this engaging discussion, Erika Ferszt, branding expert and founder of Scintillate Brand Consulting, teams up with Harvard researcher Jennifer Lerner, who specializes in emotions and decision-making. They delve into how fear underpins authoritarian control and influences democratic societies, exacerbating populism. The guests also explore the commercial benefits of anger and outrage marketing, revealing how society profits from emotional manipulation. The conversation highlights the vicious cycle where fear and anger blind critical thinking, complicating our decision-making.

Best-selling author Kyle Chayka discusses how algorithmic feeds are reshaping our online and offline lives, fostering a dull conformity that erodes cultural diversity. Data scientist Gloria Mark shares insights from her research on declining attention spans, revealing how tech dominance impacts our cognitive abilities. They delve into the pressures on creators to conform to algorithmic standards, the shift from community-focused social media to influencer dominance, and the importance of mental breaks for enhancing productivity.