Futur-ish
Futur-ish
This is futur-ish, a podcast about how nothing is new and everything has happened before.
With careers spent meandering (sometimes fortuitously) through design and futures, Radha Mistry and Tobias Revell emerge from the smoking wreckage of existential dread to decode the strange signals, hype and bluster of the everyday future to try, try and try again to make it make sense.
With careers spent meandering (sometimes fortuitously) through design and futures, Radha Mistry and Tobias Revell emerge from the smoking wreckage of existential dread to decode the strange signals, hype and bluster of the everyday future to try, try and try again to make it make sense.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 2, 2025 • 27min
005: Love Islands? Come and Get Your Sovereignty On
Explore the allure of owning land and the concept of 'freedom cities' promoting deregulation. Delve into Prospera's controversial startup city and its clash with Honduras. Discover California Forever's stealth land grabs and their implications. Discuss the allure of micronations like Coffee Cay and their quest for autonomy. Unpack the parallels between historical company towns and today's tech-driven initiatives. Finally, consider whether current conditions will help these new sovereign ventures succeed.
Sep 18, 2025 • 29min
004: The Future Right at Your Feet that you Never Think About (with Nick Foster)
In this engaging discussion, Nick Foster, a futures designer and former head of design at Google X, digs into the often-overlooked world of mundane technologies, like socks. He critiques the hype surrounding flashy futurism and emphasizes the economic significance of everyday products. Nick reveals surprising insights from his research, underscores the importance of practicality in design, and challenges the industry to focus on real-life implications rather than merely grand visions. Expect thoughtful insights that might just change how you see the future!
Sep 4, 2025 • 23min
003: The Space Trash Apocalypse You Haven’t Been Thinking About
Explore the looming threat of space debris and the concept of Kessler syndrome, where cascading satellite collisions could spell disaster. Discover how recent mega-constellations are escalating the risks. Delve into the economic and technological chaos that could follow if our satellite infrastructure collapses. Debate the sufficiency of the Outer Space Treaty in the face of modern commercial activities, and ponder whether society should embrace continuous transformation in a rapidly changing world.
10 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 30min
002: The Cutest Little Robot at the End of Computation
Explore the world of biohybrid robots powered by mycelium! Discover how these innovative creations could transform agriculture and food production. The conversation dives into the unique blend of technology and nature, critiquing traditional silicon-based approaches. Enjoy humorous anecdotes as the speaker reflects on academic experiences alongside insights into the intersection of tech funding and cultural narratives. The potential of fungi to energize robots opens up fascinating possibilities for the future!
10 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 30min
001: Thriving the Apocalypse on the World’s Most Exclusive Perma-Cruise
Imagine a super yacht setting sail permanently in 2028, catering to the world's elite while the outside world falls apart. As affluent residents seek refuge from global uncertainties, the stark division between luxury and reality is revealed. The rise of floating residences presents both adventure and ecological potential, but highlights deep socio-economic disparities. With cruise ships becoming the new retirement homes, the podcast delves into community dynamics and the human desire for connection, all amidst maritime exclusivity.
Jul 26, 2025 • 27sec
Episode 000: Introducing
Introducing Futur-ish
