
FUTURES Podcast
The FUTURES Podcast explores the multitude of possible tomorrows.
Meet the scientists, technologists, artists and philosophers working to imagine the sorts of developments that might dramatically alter what it means to be human.
Hosted by Luke Robert Mason.
Latest episodes

Sep 8, 2020 • 54min
Birth, Food, Sex & Death w/ Jenny Kleeman
Journalist Jenny Kleeman shares her thoughts on developments in the emerging fields of sex robotics, lab-grown meat, artificial wombs, and assisted dying. Jenny Kleeman is a journalist and documentary filmmaker who travels the world finding eye-catching, thought-provoking stories and compelling characters. Her articles appear regularly in the Guardian and also in the Sunday Times (London), The Times of London, The New Statesman and VICE. She has reported for BBC One’s Panorama and HBO’s VICE News Tonight. She won the One World Media Television Award for her work on Unreported World and was nominated for the Amnesty International Gaby Rado Award. She lives in England. Find out more: futurespodcast.net CREDITS Produced by FUTURES Podcast Recorded, Mixed & Edited by Luke Robert Mason FOLLOW FUTURES PODCAST Twitter: @FUTURESPodcast Instagram: @futurespodcast Facebook: @FUTURESPodcast

Sep 4, 2020 • 1h 18min
The World According to Physics w/ Jim Al-Khalili
Theoretical Physicist Jim Al-Khalili shares his thoughts on what physics can teach us about the nature of reality and the mysteries of our universe, the possibility of a theory of everything, and how to make scientific ideas accessible and captivating. Jim Al-Khalili FRS is a quantum physicist, author and broadcaster and one of the best-known science communicators in Britain. He holds a Distinguished Chair in Physics at the University of Surrey where he teaches and conducts his research. He received a PhD in nuclear theory in 1989 and has since published widely on physics and the history of science. He has written twelve books, including his first novel, between them translated into over twenty-six languages. He is a regular presenter of TV and radio science documentaries and programs and is the recipient of numerous honours and prizes, including the inaugural Stephen Hawking Medal. His latest book, The World According to Physics, is published by Princeton University Press. Find out more: futurespodcast.net CREDITS Produced by FUTURES Podcast Recorded, Mixed & Edited by Luke Robert Mason FOLLOW FUTURES PODCAST Twitter: @FUTURESPodcast Instagram: @futurespodcast Facebook: @FUTURESPodcast

Aug 13, 2020 • 1h 27min
Cultivating Long Term Thinking w/ Roman Krznaric
Public philosopher Roman Krznaric shares his thoughts on how to cultivate longterm thinking, solutions for overcoming political presentism, and what it takes to be a good ancestor. Roman Krznaric is a public philosopher who writes about the power of ideas to change society. His books, including Empathy, The Wonderbox and Carpe Diem Regained, have been published in more than 20 languages. His new book, The Good Ancestor: How to Think Long Term in a Short Term World, will be published in July 2020, and has been described by U2’s The Edge as ‘the book our children’s children will thank us for reading’. Find out more: futurespodcast.net CREDITS Produced by FUTURES Podcast Recorded, Mixed & Edited by Luke Robert Mason FOLLOW FUTURES PODCAST Twitter: @FUTURESPodcast Instagram: @futurespodcast Facebook: @FUTURESPodcast

Aug 11, 2020 • 1h 16min
How Hype Obscures the Future w/ Gemma Milne
Science journalist Gemma Milne shares her insights on how the hype-machine impacts science communication, how tech companies work to attract interest and attention, and how the general public can think critically about new innovations. Gemma Milne is a Scottish science and technology writer and podcaster, published across many industries in the BBC, The Guardian, The Times, CNBC, Quartz, The Drum and Adweek. She is also the Deep Tech and Science Startup Contributor for Forbes Europe. Find out more: futurespodcast.net CREDITS Produced by FUTURES Podcast Recorded, Mixed & Edited by Luke Robert Mason FOLLOW FUTURES PODCAST Twitter: @FUTURESPodcast Instagram: @futurespodcast Facebook: @FUTURESPodcast

Aug 3, 2020 • 1h 18min
Abolish Silicon Valley w/ Wendy Liu
Start-up founder Wendy Liu shares her thoughts on the perils of start-up life, how Silicon Valley is dealing with issues of inequality, and what can be done to reclaim technology’s potential for the public good. Wendy Liu is a start-up founder who left the tech industry to pursue a master's degree in inequality from the London School of Economics. She was written about technology and politics for Logic Magazine, Dissent, and Tribune, and has been featured in articles on tech worker organising for The Atlantic and CNBC. She lives in San Francisco. Find out more: futurespodcast.net CREDITS Produced by FUTURES Podcast Recorded, Mixed & Edited by Luke Robert Mason FOLLOW FUTURES PODCAST Twitter: @FUTURESPodcast Instagram: @futurespodcast Facebook: @FUTURESPodcast

Jul 22, 2020 • 1h 9min
Coevolution of Humans and Machines w/ Edward A. Lee
Computer scientist Edward A. Lee shares his thoughts on the symbiotic coevolution of humans and machines, why the ‘dataist’ belief in human cognition resembling computation is likely wrong, and how recent technological developments resemble the emergence of a new form of life. Edward Ashford Lee is Distinguished Professor (Emeritus) in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley, where he runs iCyPhy, a research center focused on industrial cyber-physical systems. He is the author of Plato and the Nerd (MIT Press) and other books. Find out more: futurespodcast.net CREDITS Produced by FUTURES Podcast Recorded, Mixed & Edited by Luke Robert Mason FOLLOW FUTURES PODCAST Twitter: @FUTURESPodcast Instagram: @futurespodcast Facebook: @FUTURESPodcast

Jun 22, 2020 • 52min
Evolutionary Mismatch w/ Adam Hart
Entomologist Adam Hart, a Professor of Science Communication at the University of Gloucestershire, dives into the concept of evolutionary mismatch. He discusses how our ancient biology clashes with modern life, from stress to obesity. Hart emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature for our health and survival. He critiques contemporary living conditions that affect children's immune systems and shares insights on how evolutionary science can guide us in tackling current challenges. Ultimately, he inspires hope for a balanced future.

Jun 17, 2020 • 1h 15min
Our Future Selves w/ Yancey Strickler
Kickstarter co-founder Yancey Stickler shares his insights into the dangers of financial maximisation, why we should give greater consideration to our future selves, and how we can create a more abundant society. Writer and entrepreneur Yancey Strickler is the co-founder and former CEO of Kickstarter, an acclaimed author, and the creator of Bentoism. As a leader of the crowdfunding revolution, he is an expert in disruptive innovation, and a passionate advocate of responsible business. Find out more: futurespodcast.net CREDITS Produced by FUTURES Podcast Recorded, Mixed & Edited by Luke Robert Mason FOLLOW FUTURES PODCAST Twitter: @FUTURESPodcast Instagram: @futurespodcast Facebook: @FUTURESPodcast

Jun 15, 2020 • 50min
Explaining Humans w/ Dr. Camilla Pang
Dr. Camilla Pang shares her insights into living with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, how she uses scientific principles to better understand human beings, and why she considers her neurodiversity to be a superpower. Dr Camilla Pang holds a PhD in Biochemistry from University College London and is a Postdoctoral Scientist specialising in Translational Bioinformatics. At the age of eight, Camilla was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and ADHD at 26-years-old. Her career and studies have been heavily influenced by her diagnosis and she is driven by her passion for understanding humans, our behaviours and how we work. Find out more: futurespodcast.net CREDITS Produced by FUTURES Podcast Recorded, Mixed & Edited by Luke Robert Mason FOLLOW FUTURES PODCAST Twitter: @FUTURESPodcast Instagram: @futurespodcast Facebook: @FUTURESPodcast

May 12, 2020 • 1h 16min
Hacktivism w/ Maureen Webb & Lauri Love
Human rights activist Maureen Webb and alleged hacker Lauri Love share their insights into the relationship between hacking and political activism, the dangers of government and private sector surveillance, and how hackers are rebuilding society by challenging the status quo. Maureen Webb is a labor lawyer and human rights activist. She is the author of Illusions of Security: Global Surveillance and Democracy in the Post-9/11 World and has taught national security law as an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia. Lauri Love is a British activist and hacker previously wanted by the United States for his alleged activities with the hacker collective Anonymous. Find out more: futurespodcast.net CREDITS Produced by FUTURES Podcast Recorded, Mixed & Edited by Luke Robert Mason FOLLOW FUTURES PODCAST Twitter: @FUTURESPodcast Instagram: @futurespodcast Facebook: @FUTURESPodcast