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Future Optimist

Latest episodes

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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
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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
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Nov 11, 2024 • 10min

$10 Million for Breakthrough Health-tech AI with Eirini Schlosser [Live in Las Vegas] - Ep. 225

This LIVE interview took place with Eirini Schlosser in Las Vegas at HLTH. Her company Dyania Health is one of the most exciting AI companies in health-tech today, and they just announced $10 million in Series A funding. Watch on YouTube. Eirini Schlosser discusses how Dyania Health uses AI and large language models to revolutionize patient care, specifically for cancer and heart failure patients. It's really one of the most awesomely beneficial uses for AI that I've seen yet, and it's a product we should all be excited about. 🚀 https://dyaniahealth.com
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Oct 28, 2024 • 13min

3 Million TikTok Followers Gamifying Beach Clean-up with Felix Krainer of Planet Matters [Live in Boston] - Ep. 224

This podcast is a video shot live in Boston. For the full experience, watch on YouTube! I co-sponsored a beach cleanup with Planet Matters, Neurable, and my agency: Aloa.agency.  I also interviewed Planet Matters on their awesome ocean cleanup success. Felix Krainer is the founder of Planet Matters, a global sensation for sustainability. Join me and volunteers from Harvard, MIT and local startups on our quest to pick up beach trash. Felix Krainer created a TikTok movement to make beach cleanups exciting and viral. His innovative approach gamifies positive change, which is a novel approach to both business and life. Special thanks to Dr. Ramses Alcaide and the Neurable team for co-sponsoring the beach cleanup. Tune in to be inspired to organize your own beach cleanup and make a positive impact!  Follow Planet Matters. https://neurable.com  
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Oct 11, 2024 • 23min

Mind-bending Ecotech Ideas from 5 Brilliant Founders - Ep. 223

This podcast episode features a compilation of past interviews with innovators and entrepreneurs in the realm of ecotech and sustainability. So it's come to this: an FO clip show. But the reason is clear: innovation isn't something that happens "out there". It's the conscious effort of brilliant, hard-working innovators grinding day in and day out.  I dug into the archives to bring you some gems you might have missed over the years. These amazing people continue to inspire me! Featuring: Hans de Neve of Carbyon. Massimo Portincaso of Arsenale. Ben Christensen of Cambium Carbon.  Martin Schichtel of Kraftblock.  Greg Johnson of AquiPor Technologies. My agency: Aloa® Agency.
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Sep 20, 2024 • 23min

The Future of Electric Super Cars with Nikita Bridan [Live in Long Beach] - Ep. 222

Nikita Bridan is one of the co-founders of Oilstainlab, a boutique futuristic supercar manufacturer of the future. They've built a monster, and soon it will be all-electric. Video of the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=catWEb3lSok In this episode, we talk about the meticulous design and inspiring backstory of Oilstainlab with co-founder Nikita. Discover the journey from their Ukrainian roots to becoming boutique car builders in Canada. Learn about their innovative approach to car design, the importance of integrating storytelling, and the evolving car industry. Nikita also shares insights into their unique business model and future plans, including the exciting development of their supercar, the Half 11. Join us for a captivating conversation about design, technology, and the future of automotive craft. Oilstainlab: https://www.instagram.com/oilstainlab/ My Agency: https://aloa.agency
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Aug 30, 2024 • 43min

Sustainable Ammonia is Vital for Our Future with Suzanne Zamany Andersen of Nitrovolt - Ep. 221

Suzanne Zamany Andersen is the CEO and founder of Nitrovolt, a brilliant start-up that's raised millions making green or sustainable ammonia. You might not know this, but ammonia is vital for agriculture, and it's a key component of human survival. "Green" ammonia is a cornerstone of sustainability, and it's at the heart of fertilizer production, increased crop yields, soil health, and sustainable food.  Suzanne Andersen is tackling the problem if sourcing ammonia head on with a game-changing company. In this episode we'll talk about how sustainable ammonia has the power to lift billions out of poverty, and it's one of the most overlooked components of our long-term survival. My agency: https://aloa.agency Nitrovolt website: https://www.nitrovolt.com
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Aug 16, 2024 • 40min

Julie Bliss Mullen: What are PFAS (forever chemicals) and how is Aclarity solving this massive problem? - Ep. 220

Julie Bliss Mullen is cofounder and CEO of Aclarity and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Her company Aclarity destroys PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and mitigates risk at landfills and centralized waste treatment facility. You might have heard of "forever chemicals"—tiny particulates that are found everywhere, and sadly, in all of our blood streams and even in breast milk. These chemicals may cause cancer and other harm, and they are ubiquitous in our products and even our drinking water. Julie Bliss Mullen is on a mission to make forever chemicals a thing of the past—I can think of no nobler pursuit. ➡️ https://www.aclaritywater.com ➡️ My digital agency, Aloa®.
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Aug 9, 2024 • 15min

Lab-Grown Meat: Is This the Future of Food? - Ep. 219

Is lab-grown the future of meat? Even after $1.6B in investment into the sector, is cultivated meat a viable long-term solution? I created a fact-based, humorous video covering the history and future of meat replacements, including plenty of data-driven insights.  The short answer is: YES, it’s an incredible necessary thing for humanity. But that doesn’t necessarily mean these products will be flying off the shelves in the short term. What about you? Would you eat/support/invest in lab-grown meat? Watch this as a video.
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Jul 26, 2024 • 16min

Dr. Masachs Boungou: How REAL Adversity Leads to Stronger Entrepreneurs - Ep. 218

Dr. Masachs Boungou, an eternal optimist, author, and public speaker, shares his incredible journey from fleeing war-torn Republic of the Congo to finding success in the United States.  The type of entrepreneurship practiced in Silicon Valley is often criticized for being homogenous and lacking diversity. That's why Dr. Boungou's is such a fresh perspective. Many privileged entrepreneurs have no idea what real hardship looks like. Dr. Masachs Boungou was able to turn horrific childhood events into a positive outlook, and now? He has authored a paper on how extreme personal tragedy has driven 25 entrepreneurs to later greatness. It's proof that you can overcome anything life throws at you, if you have the right mindset. 

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