Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

Juliette Powell, a former VJ and author, discusses the AI dilemma and responsible technology. Topics include AI's potential, ethical standards, data ownership, societal impact, competitive pressures in the AI industry, aligning AI with human values, creativity, and collaboration.

Self-described 'arms dealer for the creative revolution' Todd Henry discusses cultivating bravery in creative leadership. Topics include AI in creativity, music evolution, decision-making, and emotional reflections on loss and acceptance.

Renowned high-performance psychologist, Michael Gervais, delves into mastering life by overcoming the Fear Of Other People's Opinions (FOPO). Discusses the impact of FOPO on personal growth, emphasizing the pursuit of authenticity over external success. Explores the balance between quality and quantity in content creation, the importance of relationships in achieving mastery, and redefining success beyond traditional metrics. Highlights the challenges faced by public figures in maintaining high performance and authenticity. Reflects on societal values, mentorship, and the evolving perspectives of the younger generation.

Welcome to episode #927 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #927. Let’s get much more curious in our work (and in our daily lives) to help bring this world closer together. Scott Shigeoka has spent his time exploring the power of curiosity. This has not only won him accolades but also transformed how we think about bridging divides in our increasingly complex world. His new book, Seek - How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World, offers a look into curiosity as a force for positive change, earning praise from thinkers like Malcolm Gladwell and Adam Grant, and recognition as an Amazon Best Book of 2023. Scott’s unique perspective is shaped by a diverse background — from his roots in Hawaii to teaching groundbreaking courses at the University of Texas at Austin, and speaking for brands like Google and Pixar. His journey through curiosity began as a personal quest and has evolved into a universal call to action, underscored by his work at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Our conversation also touches on the impact of the pandemic on curiosity, a time when questions and the search for understanding became more critical than ever. Scott discusses how embracing curiosity can empower us to navigate through crises with resilience and hope. He also delves into the challenges of cancel culture and scrutiny, which can stifle curiosity. Beyond individual growth, Scott explores how institutions like universities can serve as incubators for curiosity, promoting an environment where challenging discussions can occur without fear. The role of emotions in fueling or hindering curiosity emerges as a key theme, with Scott advocating for emotional intelligence as a complement to intellectual inquiry. As Scott splits his time between the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area and the tranquil Mojave Desert, he embodies the balance between action and reflection, making him an ideal guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the world through the lens of curiosity. Whether you're a leader, educator, or simply someone looking to foster more meaningful connections, this conversation promises to offer valuable insights into making curiosity a dynamic part of your everyday life. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:00:26. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on Twitter. Here is my conversation with Scott Shigeoka. Seek - How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World. Greater Good Science Center. Follow Scott on Instagram. Follow Scott on X. Follow Scott on LinkedIn. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Takeaways Hope and optimism are essential for fostering curiosity and a vision for the future. Cancel culture and the fear of scrutiny can hinder curiosity and prevent the exploration of different perspectives. Power dynamics play a role in curiosity, with those in positions of power needing to be curious about the perspectives of others. Emotions can impact curiosity, and it is important to create spaces where different perspectives can be shared without fear of judgment. College campuses can serve as laboratories for fostering curiosity and bridging differences. Curiosity has the power to change perspectives and create positive relationships. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:15 - The Science of Curiosity 04:54 - The Catalyst for Writing the Book 07:49 - Curiosity During the Pandemic 12:51 - The Importance of Curiosity in Healing 18:36 - The Role of Curiosity in Bridging Differences 19:13 - The Power of Asking Questions 21:31 - The Dive Model 28:38 - Scaling Curiosity and Bridging Differences 43:17 - The Importance of Hope and Optimism 44:03 - The Fear of Scrutiny and Cancel Culture 45:00 - The Impact of Cancel Culture on Curiosity 46:47 - The Role of Power in Curiosity 49:17 - The Impact of Emotions on Curiosity 52:41 - Curiosity and Polarization on College Campuses 55:23 - Creating Spaces for Curiosity on College Campuses 59:04 - The Power of Curiosity to Change Perspectives

Welcome to episode #926 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #926. A titan of pop culture commentary and a guiding voice in the realm of fandom is the best way to describe Joanna Robinson. With her profound insights into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and a finger firmly on the pulse of the entertainment industry, Joanna's expertise is unparalleled. Her recent book, co-authored with Dave Gonzales and Gavin Edwards, MCU - The Reign of Marvel Studios, offers a deep dive into the phenomenon that has reshaped global cinema... and turned nerds into the cool kids. Joanna's journey from a senior writer at Vanity Fair to becoming the "Queen of Game of Thrones," as dubbed by SyFy, showcases her unique ability to dissect and discuss complex cultural narratives, making her a beloved figure among fans and critics alike. Her transition to The Ringer, where she appears on shows like The Ringer-Verse and Trial By Content, further solidifies her status as a cultural critic par excellence. I am a comic book collector and lover of all things pop culture. This has not only become big business but a smart industry for all professionals to spend some time thinking about. Our conversation spans the intricate web of strategic decisions that led to the MCU's unprecedented success. From Marvel's acquisition by Disney to the delicate balance of interconnected storytelling and standalone tales, Joanna sheds light on the elements that keep audiences hooked. She also explores the MCU's cultural impact, particularly post-9/11, where a surge in superhero popularity reflected a collective yearning for escapism and heroism. Joanna points out the potential for content fatigue as Marvel's expansive universe grows ever larger across movies, TV shows, and streaming platforms. Beyond the MCU, Joanna and I delve into the broader comic book industry, contrasting Marvel's success with DC's franchise-building struggles and discussing the power of nostalgia in reigniting interest in iconic characters. Joanna emphasizes the untapped potential within Marvel's vast catalog, hinting at exciting directions the studio could explore in the future. MCU - The Reign of Marvel Studios is more than just a recounting of Marvel's rise to dominance - it's an invitation to understand the strategic, cultural, and creative forces behind one of the most influential entities in modern entertainment. Joanna's contribution, alongside her co-authors, offers invaluable insights for fans, aspiring creators, and industry observers alike. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 59:46. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on Twitter. Here is my conversation with Joanna Robinson. MCU - The Reign of Marvel Studios. Joanna’s amazing podcasts. Follow Joanna on X. Follow Joanna on Instagram. This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Takeaways The success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a result of strategic decisions made by Marvel and Disney, including the acquisition of Marvel by Disney and the interconnected storytelling approach. The cultural shift towards superheroes can be attributed to a desire for escapism and heroism, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11. Marvel faces the challenge of content fatigue as it expands its universe across movies, TV shows, and streaming platforms. DC has faced challenges in building successful franchises, while Marvel has excelled in creating interconnected storylines. Nostalgia plays a significant role in the success of superhero movies, as audiences connect with iconic characters and stories from their childhood. There are untapped potential assets in the Marvel catalog that could be explored in future projects. Comic books offer a diverse range of storytelling beyond superheroes and can be a gateway to discovering new genres and perspectives. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:07 - The Love for Comic Books 03:13 - The Rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe 06:12 - The Cultural Shift towards Superheroes 08:57 - The Acquisition of Marvel by Disney 11:25 - The Marvel Studios Inception Story 15:06 - The Challenge of Licensing Characters 19:23 - The Marvel Cinematic Universe Expansion 23:08 - The Challenge of Content Fatigue 28:28 - The Need for Change in Marvel's Strategy 30:33 - The Difficulty of Replicating Kevin Feige 36:27 - The Haunting History of Marvel's Business Model 38:08 - The Potential of Secret Wars 39:50 - Serialized Movies vs. TV Shows 45:21 - DC's Struggles with Franchise Building 50:30 - The Power and Pull of Nostalgia 54:33 - Unused Assets in the Marvel Catalog 55:51 - Changing Perspectives on Comic Books

Russ Neuman, a distinguished scholar in new media and digital education, discusses the transformative impact of AI on society and business. Topics include navigating extremes in AI perspectives, algorithmic content moderation, misinformation challenges, aligning AI with human values, and exploring human intelligence through analogies like the horse and rider relationship.

Coco Krumme discusses the illusion of optimization, exploring its influence in society and the trade-offs it brings. She offers a unique perspective from running a distillery to flying a small airplane. The podcast dives into the history of optimization, its impact on various aspects of life, and the complexity of efficiency with significant trade-offs. The chapter descriptions cover redefining optimization, unintended consequences, balancing discipline, and a reflective encounter at Perito Moreno Glacier.

Explore the evolution of geek culture and its impact on business practices. Dive into the lack of diversity in tech industries. Learn how the 'geek way' drives innovation and disruption across various sectors. Discover the potential effects of AI on the workforce and society. Unpack the blend of critical and emergent thinking in the age of AI.

The podcast explores John Winsor's role in revolutionizing work through open talent, AI impact on workforce, evolving work structures, brand relationships with agencies, and redefining work identity beyond career defining traits.

Lisen Stromberg discusses reshaping workplace culture with inclusive leadership skills for the future of work. Topics include the impact of AI on professions, rejection of traditional education paths, and the importance of empathy and strategic leadership in achieving triple bottom line impact.