

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

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.

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

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

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®.

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. Produced by Aloa LLC | This episode contains satire and commentary. Views are personal opinions.

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.

Jul 20, 2024 • 40min
$20MM for Futuristic Houseplants That Fight Indoor Air Pollution with Lionel Mora - Ep. 217
Lionel Mora is the co-founder and CEO of NeoPlants, a start-up that's raised $20 million for plants that tackle indoor air pollution. In this inspiring episode, he shares his insights on the potential of nature to address significant issues like climate change and indoor air pollution, using plants as technology. Lionel discusses the innovative approaches NeoPlants is taking, including bioengineered microbiomes and sustainable product design, to create plants that purify air 30 times more efficiently than traditional ones. Learn about the challenges of building a company that merges deep tech with consumer products, the importance of scientific credibility, and the future of synthetic biology. Discover how NeoPlants aims to bring a touch of nature into our modern lives, creating a sustainable and healthier living environment. My agency: https://aloa.agency NeoPlants: https://neoplants.com

Jul 11, 2024 • 20min
Ross & Maru Face the Future: How We Built a 7-Figure Agency - Ep. 216
Bonus! My wife Maru and I talk about our experiences and challenges in building a successful 7-figure digital marketing agency. In this special episode, I reflect on my early skills in technology and programming, transitioning into different careers, and eventually founding their agency in 2016. We discuss the evolution of the business from freelancing to building a team of 14. If you've ever thought of following a similar path, this episode is for you. ➡️ Our agency: https://aloa.agency

Jul 5, 2024 • 38min
Niccolò Ferrari: A Brilliant Business to Handle the Looming EV Battery Crisis - Ep. 215
Niccolò Ferrari is the founder and CEO of Scoutit, a brilliant business concept that will enable the EV battery circular economy. Today? EVs are the minority on the road. But soon? We'll have millions of dead batteries to dispose of, creating a possible ecological nightmare. But Niccolò has taken matters into his own hands, turning Italy's "motor valley" upside down. ➡️ https://scoutitweb.com ➡️ My digital agency: aloa.agency

Jun 26, 2024 • 14min
Ross & Maru Face the Future: Are We Optimistic After 200+ Interviews With Successful Entrepreneurs? - Ep. 214
Join us for a rare, reflective conversation about the learnings and insights gained from hosting a podcast, highlighting the inspiring work of diverse and talented individuals, including entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders. My wife and I discuss the emotional and intellectual journey from ignorance to awareness about global challenges such as resource shortages and climate change, and how these issues are being addressed. The main question is: Are we more or less optimistic after talking to all these people?? ➡️ Our agency: https://aloa.agency ➡️ Watch this Episode on YouTube: @therosspalmer


