Future Tense

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.

Join Dr. Edward Crawley, MIT's Ford Professor of Engineering, Gavin Maguire, Reuters' Global Energy Transition columnist, and writer Nicola Twilley, as they tackle the intricate web of unintended consequences in our tech-driven world. They explore how cleaner shipping fuels paradoxically heighten climate issues and the complexities of e-waste in the green energy wave. Twilley highlights refrigeration's dual role in diet and waste, while they all advocate for systems thinking to navigate this complexity and forge a sustainable future.

Richard King, an author and critic exploring memory's economics, teams up with Jason Farrago, a critic-at-large for The New York Times. They dive into the dangers of nostalgia, revealing how it fuels emotional manipulation in marketing and politics. King discusses technology's role in commodifying memories, while Farrago critiques our cultural stasis. They ponder the ethical implications of animated memories and examine the struggle artists face between innovation and nostalgia in today's fleeting digital landscape.

Alan Levinovitz, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies, presents a satirical take on health claims in the Unpacked Diet. Laura Marchese, a researcher focused on nutrition, shares findings from her audit of plant-based alternatives, revealing hidden salt and fat contents. Discussions unfold on the ethical allure of 'natural' foods, often more manipulated than perceived, urging informed dietary choices. A food labeling app is highlighted as a tool for better consumer awareness and reducing the environmental impacts of our food preparation methods.

In this intriguing discussion, guests Pep Canadell, Chief Research Scientist at CSIRO, Ed Clayton, a ruminant nutritionist, and Sam Clark, a Professor of Animal Genetics, delve into the pressing issue of rising methane emissions. They explore innovative breeding strategies to reduce methane production in livestock, highlighting the benefits of genetic selection for low-emission traits. The conversation also covers global efforts to combat methane and the critical role of agriculture in these initiatives, showcasing how science could lead to sustainable livestock practices.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Dev Niyogi reveals how urban design shapes rainfall patterns, introducing the intriguing 'wet island effect.' Dr. Megan Evans questions the efficacy of carbon trading schemes, shedding light on unexpected pollution consequences. Meanwhile, Professor Toni Erskine explores the ethical dilemmas of AI in warfare, addressing its impacts on decision-making and the potential loss of human judgment. Together, they tackle pressing issues at the intersection of climate change, urban planning, and military technology.

Join Professor Johanna Weaver, Director of the Tech Policy Design Centre at the Australian National University, as she dives into the evolving landscape of warfare. With military spending surging globally, traditional rules are challenged by cyber operations. The conversation unveils how drone warfare and AI are reshaping tactics while highlighting the need for updated regulations. Weaver discusses the relevance of international humanitarian law in cyber conflicts and explores the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in military decision-making.