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Future Optimist

Latest episodes

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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
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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  
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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
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Jun 19, 2024 • 34min

Andriy & Sergiy Lyubchyk: Game-Changing Tech That Generates Energy from Thin (Humid) Air! - Ep. 213

Andriy & Sergiy Lyubchyk are co-founding brothers of CascataChuva a Portuguese eco-tech company that believes it can literally pull energy from thin air. This idea is almost too wild to be true, but apparently we're all just one NDA away from seeing it for ourselves... While running another experiment, these brothers discovered that there were forces they couldn't account for. This discovery led them to develop "a revolutionary technological solution for producing electrical energy through direct conversion of humidity adsorption energy by elaborating a highly innovative 'atmospheric humidity to electricity' converter device. Is it a game-changer in clean energy? Or pseudoscience? Let's find out! ➡️ https://cascatachuva.eu ➡️ My digital marketing agency, Aloa.
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Jun 12, 2024 • 38min

Daniel Carcillo: From Stanley Cup Winner to Psychedelic Therapy Pioneer - Ep. 212

Daniel Carcillo was a pro hockey veteran and 2-time Stanley Cup winner. But his life changed when he was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome and traumatic brain injury (TBI) following his 10-year career as an “enforcer” in the NHL. After years of suffering from neurological issues, he found solace in psychedelic medicine – something that traditional pharmaceuticals could not provide. Today, Daniel is an advocate on behalf of TBI survivors and those dealing with mental health challenges, vocal about the inadequacies of America’s healthcare system, which is driving patients to explore novel treatments such as Ketamine, MDMA, & Psilocybin. This is why he co-founded Healing Realty Trust (HRT), a real estate investment trust investing in the clinical infrastructure required to support tomorrow’s medicine. As COO, he hopes to help unlock the industry’s growth and help millions of people access these therapies by providing a real estate network that supports innovative medicine. ➡️ My digital marketing agency, Aloa. ➡️ Watch this Episode on YouTube: @therosspalmer DISCLAIMER: THIS PODCAST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE The content of this podcast is for entertainment/informational purposes only. No material in this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.
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Jun 5, 2024 • 49min

Mark Atkeson: ByteDyance, TikTok, and Three Decades of Entrepreneurship in China - Ep. 211

Mark Atkeson is the author of 'Risky Business in Rising China', a book chronicalling three decades of business, tech, and politics in China. TikTok, ByteDance... China seems to be always in the news. Sometimes for good, sometimes for... less than good? Either way, I wanted to explore the real truth of China's rise and its role in shaping the world of today and tomorrow. In this episode, Mark shares his unique experiences and observations from his extensive career, highlighting the significant lift of 800 million people out of poverty, the rise of China's private sector, and the critical economic ties between the U.S. and China. This episode covers a range of compelling topics including the transformation of China's automotive industry, the cultural work ethics of Silicon Valley and China, the great firewall, and the future of U.S.-China relations.  ➡️ https://www.markatkeson.com ➡️ Work with my digital agency, Aloa. ➡️ Watch this Episode on YouTube: @therosspalmer
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May 29, 2024 • 34min

David Wakerley: Insane Tech Turning Carbon Emissions into Usable Plastic - Ep. 210

David Wakerley is the co-founder and CTO of Dioxycle—a truly mind-blowing tech company that turns factory emissions back into usable plastic. Dioxycle has raised over $17 million in funding to date, and focuses on repurposing carbon emissions into ethylene, an essential chemical in many products. David teaches me the environmental challenges associated with ethylene production, the carbon-intensive processes currently used, and about Dioxycle's groundbreaking electrolyzer technology. Their goal is to create sustainable solutions that could prevent 800 million tons of emissions and recycle 600 megatons of CO2 per year by 2050. Join David as he explores the potential to revolutionize the industry and make a positive impact on the planet. ➡️ https://dioxycle.com ➡️ Watch this Episode on YouTube: @therosspalmer  
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May 21, 2024 • 40min

David Brown: Cyber Threats, Ethical Hacking, and the Future of Digital Security - Ep. 209

David Brown is the CEO of CounterCraft, deception-powered cybersecurity solutions that go beyond detection and response.  In this talk, David tells me about the challenges and opportunities within the cybersecurity landscape. Although he's optimistic about humanity's capacity to overcome adversity, David also expresses concerns about the potential for global conflict and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. Whether we realize it or not, David Brown's work is at the heart of one of the most important and underdiscussed issues of our time. ➡️ https://www.countercraftsec.com ➡️ Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer ➡️ Watch this Episode on YouTube: @therosspalmer
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May 15, 2024 • 46min

Chris Tolles: Raising $12 Million for Ingenious Soil Carbon Tech - Ep. 208

Chris Tolles is the CEO of Yardstick, an eco-tech company focused on measuring soil carbon that just raised $12MM in Series A funding. In this episode, we talk about climate challenges, and the potential of addressing climate change through improved agricultural practices. Exploring a niche within a niche, Yardstick aims to create a market by offering a method to measure soil carbon cheaply and effectively, thereby enabling better carbon dioxide removal techniques.  My talk with Chris Tolles covers the importance of accurate measurement in soil health, the financial and environmental incentives for sustainable agriculture, and how Yardstick navigates the complexities of market creation and the voluntary carbon market. Featuring customer success stories and insights into the startup’s journey, this script unfolds the intersection of climate science, agriculture, and entrepreneurship towards a more sustainable future. ➡️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mvVrjyMCsx0 ➡️ https://www.useyardstick.com    
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May 3, 2024 • 34min

Nik Ershov: Creating Mind-Tracking Brain control Interfaces that De-Stress - Ep. 207

Nik Ershov is  the CEO of Waverox, makers of brain-monitoring headphones and headbands that help you de-stress and be more productive. Nik Ershov shares his journey from experiencing severe burnout in the advertising and marketing industry to founding a startup focused on combating stress and increasing productivity through a mind-tracking device and wellness app. He explains how his personal battle with burnout, depression, and anxiety led him to explore neuroscience and develop a technology that utilizes EEG to monitor and improve mental states. We talk about the Waverox device, including tracking brain activity, emotional states, and offering personalized training sessions to enhance stress resilience and productivity. Ourconversation touches on broader topics such as the impact of AI on jobs, the importance of self-care, and philosophical questions about work/life balance. ➡️ https://waverox.com ➡️ Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer ➡️ Subscribe on YouTube: @therosspalmer

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