Trailblazers with Walter Isaacson

Ashes, burnt eggshells, stale toast and chalk. These are just some of the ingredients used to make toothpaste throughout the centuries. And though civilizations have always been concerned with oral hygiene, the methods they used to treat dental problems weren’t always so effective and were often very painful. With the introduction of dental schools in the United States in the 1840s and through the work of pioneering dentists, dentistry became a legitimate medical practice focused more on prevention and repair. Now, researchers, engineers and business founders are developing new forms of dental treatments and new tools that will hopefully make quality dental care more accessible and affordable and even create truly regenerative and preventative solutions. Hear all about these innovations on this toothsome episode of Trailblazers.   Featuring Mary Otto, Adam Celiz, Swati Nehete, Max Lobovsky and Michel Koo. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

Though evidence of tattooing exists worldwide in the remains of many Indigenous cultures, it was only in about the 18th century when sailors brought tattoos to Europe. The practice spread as sailors who learned to tattoo on ships began to open storefronts on land.Now, tattoos have sailed into the mainstream thanks to the efforts of many. Tattooists aren’t just visionary artists, they’re innovators who seized opportunities to further their craft through technology, advanced sanitation practices and the development of new colors and safer pigments. Now, social media both inspires artists and provides them with platforms to share their work with clients and the world. But beyond being wearable art, tattoos could give us the opportunity to monitor health conditions through biosensors in the skin. Needleless tattoos could even be a possibility. The ink hasn’t dried on the future of this artform. Hear why on this episode of Trailblazers. Featuring Chuck Eldridge, Shanghai Kate, Omar Fame Gonzalez, David Fernandez Rivas and Katia Vega. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

Video replay, tracking technology and new software in sports have the power to make calls quickly, eliminate arguments between players and officials and add speed and excitement back into centuries-old games. As officiating technology continues to evolve, professional leagues and officials weigh the potential for improvement and accuracy with the spirit of the game. Is this a competition between humans and tech—or are they on the same team? Listen to find out.Featuring Tom Webb, Howard Webb, Paul Hawkins, Morgan Sword and Steve Javie.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

Over four days in 1969, more than half a million people gathered on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York for what would become known as one of the most legendary music festivals of all time—Woodstock. Though festivals had been celebrated since antiquity, Woodstock helped cement the music festival as an important part of North American culture and a thriving industry. Hear how new ideas, technology and design have transformed festivals into the immersive experiences they are today while providing spaces for human belonging and community. Featuring Joel Rosenman, Gina Arnold, Christian McBride, Stephen Lieberman and Dede Flemming. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

Until the middle of the 20th century, most American workers didn’t have the opportunity to plan for a long and fruitful retirement. But as life expectancy increased, government and employer policies changed and retirement communities developed, retirement at age 65 became another ritual of American life.Now as Americans live even longer, healthier lives, senior citizens are revolutionizing this facet of modern existence. Some choose to work into their 70s while others pursue new activities and learning opportunities. Though change might bring challenges as more seniors stay in the workforce, new ways of thinking around age and new technologies offer different approaches to community and connection. Join Walter Isaacson and guests as they rethink life after 65.Featuring Andy Achenbaum, Joe Coughlin, Chip Conley, Katie McCamant and Dor Skuler. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

Since ancient times, humans have balanced the risks of settling in hazardous places with the benefits of the resources and opportunities they provide. Though we’ve created thriving communities all over the world, we’re still threatened by floods, fires, earthquakes and more. Thanks to climate change, these risks are expected to increase over time. Over the centuries, many individuals and organizations responded to disaster with innovation. They changed how we build our cities, how we equip first responders and even how we predict disasters. Our approaches to emergency response evolve with information and ideas that help us save lives and prepare for what’s next.  Join host Walter Isaacson and guests as they uncover what forces led to today’s emergency response methods and what drives the innovations of tomorrow on this episode of Trailblazers.  Featuring Matthew Hannaford, Craig Fugate, Ahmad Wani, Robin Murphy and Sam Cossman.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers/ 

Many believe humans were born to run. It’s our evolutionary advantage over other mammals. But were we really meant to run over  25 miles in a single race? Though the modern marathon got its start in 1896, almost a century passed before long distance running really took off in the mainstream. It took athletes willing to push their bodies to the limit, defy the conventions of the day and standardize racecourses to help running reach its stride.Now with over a million people running marathons each year, researchers, athletic wear companies and elite runners are looking for new ways to break records and run longer and faster with fewer injuries. In the race to the future of sport, how will technology and data impact the next generation of runners?Find out on this episode of Trailblazers. Featuring Roger Robinson, Jos Hermens, Gary Corbitt, Kathrine Switzer, Wouter Hoogkamer and  Reed Ferber.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers/  

The first recorded evidence of weddings comes from ancient Mesopotamia around 2350 B.C. In those days, marriage was a strategic, political alliance that expanded a tribe’s circle of trust and resources. Later, marriages became so economically important that they needed to be recognized publicly—often by throwing a huge party. As the middle class grew and ideas around marriage changed, so too did wedding customs.  Famous royals from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana influenced wedding fashions the way social media, influencers and reality television do today. And as happy couples plan their dream celebrations, they’re helped not only by vision boards but also by the planners, wedding professionals and small businesses that comprise this $300 billion dollar a year industry. So if you’re looking for “I do” inspiration or just curious about the origins and innovations behind these age-old celebrations, get ready to lift the veil on this episode of Trailblazers.  Featuring Stephanie Coontz, Chloe Schachter, David Tutera and Hamish Shephard. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

The world’s first cities sprung up around 6,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia. Since then, many men and women have influenced their planning and design. William Penn believed a grid of wide streets with intersecting right angles would help prevent overcrowding, fire and disease. Norman Bel Geddes and Robert Moses imagined and planned cities shaped by cars. Jane Jacobs championed walkable, community-centered cities. Now, countries like India are planning to build hundreds of smart cities where sensors gather all kinds of data. As cities endure ups and downs, growth and change, what can we expect from their design and what have we learned by the urban planning movements of the past? Join host Walter Isaacson and guests as they map the past, present and future of the urban centers so many people call home. Featuring Ed Glaeser, Emily Talen, Andres Duany, Jeff Speck and Anthony Townsend. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers/

For centuries, people have relied on coffee to fuel innovative ideas, revolutionary movements, and everyday morning routines. But how did we go from foraging coffee cherries in ancient Ethiopian forests to standing in line at a hipster café ordering a triple venti, half sweet, non-fat, no foam caramel latte? And is the next big disruption to this $100-billion industry a molecularly reconstructed bean-less brew? Get an inside look at your cup of joe on a new episode of Trailblazers.  Featuring Jonathan Morris, Zev Siegl, Kent Bakke, Trish Rothgeb and Jarret Stopforth.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers