

Future Optimist
Ross Palmer
Tech meets existential crisis. We talk about the future here—the good, the bad, and the... weird.
Brought to you by aloa.agency. © 2025 Aloa LLC. All rights reserved.
Brought to you by aloa.agency. © 2025 Aloa LLC. All rights reserved.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2025 • 6min
Apple's Liquid Gl*ss, Chatbot Girlfriends & AI Lawyers? | Weird. Tech. Finds. Ep. 3
A collection of some of the more bizarre tech headlines from the last couple weeks you might have missed.Produced by Aloa LLC | This episode contains satire and commentary. Views are personal opinions.

Jul 18, 2025 • 32min
He Raised $70M and Is Optimistic About AI with Amir Barsoum - Ep. 232
I chat with Amir Barsoum of InVitro Capital and Vezeeta, an AI VC firm and a thriving business that has raised over $70 million in capital. We discuss the enormous opportunity in AI investment, the world of tomorrow, and how we can capitalize on this once-in-several-generations moment. I also throw in a healthy dose of skepticism, cuz that's what I do!➡️ Amir Barsoum➡️ InVitro Capital

Jul 15, 2025 • 5min
The Singularity is here!? | Weird. Tech. Finds. Ep. 2
A collection of some of the more bizarre tech headlines from the last couple weeks you might have missed.Produced by Aloa LLC | This episode contains satire and commentary. Views are personal opinions.

Jul 11, 2025 • 15min
[LIVE] Electrify Expo: Lightship EV RVs, Crazy Electric Unicycles & More - Ep.231
Thanks to BJ Birtwell of Electrify Expo for hosting me, Ben Parker of Lightship RV, and the woman whose name I don't know representing the Mia 4 X4!➡️ Electrify Expo➡️ Lighship RV➡️ Mia DynamicsAlso thanks to Zachariah Dalton for camera!

Jul 7, 2025 • 4min
A dating app based on your browser history? | Weird. Tech. Finds. Ep. 1
A collection of some of the more bizarre tech headlines from the last couple weeks you might have missed.Produced by Aloa LLC | This episode contains satire and commentary. Views are personal opinions.

May 28, 2025 • 43min
Millions of Followers for AI Art with James Gerde - Ep.230
James Gerde watched his Instagram go from 2,000 to 800k+ followers in two weeks. His unique brand of human-inspired AI art captivated the world, showing us a marriage of cutting-edge techniques combined with the beauty of what it means to be human. He’s drawn both criticism and love for his unique approach to art, but in the end James Gerde is a consummate artist making use of the next generation of AI tools.➡️ https://www.gerdegotit.com

May 6, 2025 • 39min
Stop Procrastinating with "Body Doubling" & Focusmate - Ep.229
Today we have Taylor Jacobson joining us, founder of Focusmate, to explore why hyper‑connectivity can actually diminish our accountability and personal growth—and how a simple “body‑doubling” video call can cure loneliness and procrastination. Taylor Jacobson shares the origins of Focusmate, the neuroscience of focus, inspiring user success stories, and practical tips to reclaim your life‑force energy.➡️ https://focusmate.com

Apr 7, 2025 • 16min
[LIVE] The Future of 3-Wheel Electric Scooters with Tim Huntzinger of XOTO - Ep.228
Tim Huntzinger is the founder of XOTO, one of the most fun means of alternative mobility I've tried.I'm a bike fanatic, and I'll never take a car anywhere if I can help it. I met Tim and he let me try a demo of his new invention, and I was instantly hooked.In a world of options, XOTO represents a really interesting place in the market, and something that will be super useful for many people.➡️ https://xotoinc.com

Mar 5, 2025 • 24min
A Brilliant Alternative to Unsustainable Precious Metals Mining with Don Weatherbee - Ep. 227
Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx, discusses the company's innovative approach to regenerating platinum and palladium from used catalytic converters. I love businesses that embrace the circular economy, and this is an angle I hadn't heard of before.With a background in the mining industry, Don Weatherbee highlights the unsustainable nature of current mining practices, and explains the importance of recycling precious metals due to growing demand and geopolitical risks. 00:00 Introduction to Don Weatherbee and Regenex01:00 The Importance of Platinum and Palladium Recycling03:11 Challenges and Innovations in Catalytic Converter Recycling03:50 Regenex's Journey and Technological Advancements07:44 Economic and Environmental Impacts of Recycling08:24 Future of Platinum and Palladium in the Automotive Industry10:17 Personal Insights and Entrepreneurial Journey20:29 Collaboration and Optimism for a Sustainable Future22:47 Conclusion and Call to Actionhttps://www.regenx.tech/Watch the video of this episode: https://youtu.be/shtI-ImWR7g

Dec 6, 2024 • 44min
Tens of Millions Raised for Enlightening Neurotech with Valentin Randon of Muse - Ep. 226
Is neurotech more exciting or terrifying? Is it a vehicle for optimizing our productivity or spying on is an a way humans never imagined? Joining me is Valentin Randon from Muse, a neurotech headset company that claims to have over 500,000 users.We pull no punches, as we go deep into philosophy to discuss the promising and perilous future of neurotechnology. Valentin Randon, the head of product at Muse, shares insights about the company's extensive brain data collection and its potential applications, including meditation, disease detection, and even thought recognition.We explore the philosophical and ethical implications of neurotech, the balance between thriving and privacy, and the intersection between personal growth, technology, and a dystopian future.00:00 Intro00:31 The Duality of Neurotech: Optimism and Fear(!)03:17 Exploring the Potential and Risks of Brain Data09:02 Personal Journey: Breaking Up with Tech 15:51 The Quest for Measuring Consciousness20:37 The Paradox of Gamifying Zen and Higher Consciousness24:01 The Paradox of Seeking Validation29:19 The Balance Between Observation and Action34:38 The Future of Wearable Technology37:17 Philosophical Reflections on Technology and Society40:30 Concluding Thoughts and Personal Reflections Subscribe to watch more videoshttps://choosemuse.comWatch the video of this episode: https://youtu.be/Eil-myltfMI