Humans On The Loop
Michael Garfield
Let's dream better! Join paleontologist-futurist Michael Garfield for bold, far-ranging explorations into the nature of agency in the age of automation, wisdom and innovation, responsibility and power, and the care and feeding of the new superpowers conferred to us by magical technologies. Weekly dialogues at the edge of the knowable, learning to navigate Global Weirding and exponential AI with the curiosity and play required of us. Building on twenty years of independent research plus firsthand experience of the tech, arts, and science worlds, Humans On The Loop is a show to transform you and help us make better use of our greatest natural resource: our attention. michaelgarfield.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Inner Life of a Responsible Tech Practitioner with Benjamin Olsen
Benjamin Olsen, Head of Windows Responsible AI & Data Compliance at Microsoft, advocates for ethical technology development. He shares his journey from philosophy to tech, stressing the importance of responsible AI and long-term corporate ethics. Olsen emphasizes the need for humility and diversity in perspectives within tech organizations. He also explores themes of love, responsibility, and informed consent in AI, encouraging listeners to reclaim control over their data. His insights offer a hopeful vision for merging technology with human flourishing.
6 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 40min
Reclaiming Attention from 'The Ravenous Maw of The Screen' with Richard Doyle
In this enlightening discussion, Richard Doyle, Edwin Erle Sparks Professor at Penn State and author of the thought-provoking "Darwin's Pharmacy," dives into the complexities of modern technology and its influence on human attention. He explores the digital age's impact on perception and agency, shares journeys of healing through psychedelics, and underscores the importance of mindfulness and grounding in our fast-paced lives. Doyle also critiques how AI reshapes consciousness, urging a reclamation of focus amidst information overload.
Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 6min
📚🧙🏼♂️🦾 232 - Myth & Magic in Technological Metamodernism
In this engaging discussion, Stephen Reid, founder of the Dandelion online learning program and The Psychedelic Society, dives into the fascinating blend of myth, magic, and technological metamodernism. He highlights the power of poetic frameworks in shaping our reality and the importance of personal narratives in tech innovation. The conversation also touches on adaptability in competition, suggesting we can learn from evolutionary biology. With insightful reflections on ancient myths and contemporary challenges, Reid invites listeners to rethink their relationship with technology.
42 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 33min
⏳🎨🔮 231 - Eric Wargo & J.F. Martel on Art as Precognition, Biblically-Accurate A.I., and How to Navigate Ruptures in Space-Time
Eric Wargo, an author exploring art's connection to precognition, joins J.F. Martel, who delves into symbolism and the uncanny. They discuss how art can predict the future, intertwining personal experiences with cultural narratives. The conversation covers the role of shamanism in creativity, the impact of cinematic techniques on our perception of time, and even the link between art and UFO phenomena. Their insights on intuition and artistic expression reveal a transformative view of how we navigate reality and human consciousness.
8 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 1min
🐦⬛🐙🖤 230 - Jamie Curcio on Living in Mythpunk, Eldritch Complexity, and Finding The Bright Side of Dark Ages
In this conversation, Jamie Curcio, a prolific writer and game world-builder, tackles the intricate interplay of power, narrative, and climate action. He delves into the revival of animistic traditions and how contemporary storytelling shapes identity and community. Jamie explores the shift from Gnostic idealism to materialism through systems thinking, emphasizing the role of art in personal transformation. The discussion also reflects on technology's impact on sustainability, the ethical complexities of AI in creativity, and the optimistic potentials of a post-civilizational future.
Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 22min
👾🖼️🏯 229 - Sara Phinn Huntley on Making A Field Guide to DMT Entities
Sara Phinn Huntley, a multimedia artist and writer exploring psychedelics and technology, joins to discuss her work on the forthcoming Illustrated Field Guide to DMT Entities. The conversation delves into how psychedelics like DMT shape creativity and self-discovery, intertwining personal narratives with larger cultural themes. Huntley emphasizes the need for a common language around DMT experiences and tackles the role of technology in understanding consciousness. They also explore the future of human advancement through psychedelics and virtual reality.
21 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 52min
🧬🕰️⚗️ 228 - William Sarill on Intuition in Science & The Physics of Philip K. Dick
William Sarill, a multidisciplinary researcher with a focus on biochemistry and physics, dives deep into the intricate relationship between intuition and scientific discovery. He shares insights on unifying thermodynamics with general relativity and explores time as a multi-dimensional concept influenced by culture. Listeners will be captivated by his discussions on reincarnation through a quantum lens, his innovative work with Vitamin B12, and the philosophical implications of time and consciousness, all interwoven with personal narratives and the enigmatic writings of Philip K. Dick.
Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 30min
🎙️🖇️🕸️ 227 - MG + Tim Adalin of Voicecraft: Network Philosophy, Caring Organizations, & Wiser Innovation
Tim Adalin, a thoughtful investigator from Voicecraft, dives deep into holistic innovation and the interconnectedness of art and science. He discusses the challenges of fostering collective intelligence and navigating the epidemic of loneliness within organizations. The conversation touches on the ethics of technology and the importance of trust in human connections. Adalin emphasizes the need for a pluralistic approach to problem-solving and warns against the obsession with novelty that can stifle true creativity.
17 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 14min
📚🧐🦾 226 - Stephen Reid on Technological Metamodernism
Stephen Reid, a transdisciplinary technologist and founder of The Psychedelic Society, discusses designing virtuous technologies while acknowledging their complexities. He emphasizes the importance of values-driven approaches and fostering curiosity in a world beset by anxiety. The conversation navigates the relationship between technology and evolution through the crab metaphor, exploring consumerism and democratic processes. Reid and the host highlight the necessity for deeper reflections on identity, ethics, and the need for ecological stewardship in technological advancements.
Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 45min
🤰🏽🧐🕸️ 225 - Alyssa Allegretti on Sacred Domesticity and Hard Times in The Liminal Web
Join Alyssa Allegretti, a professional organizer and independent public intellectual who juggles single motherhood with profound insights on digital life. They explore how to find the sacred in daily chaos, the invisible labor often overlooked in caregiving, and the complexities of parenting in today’s tech-driven world. Alyssa also shares her journey navigating identity and community in the digital age, shedding light on the emotional intricacies of online interactions and the importance of authenticity and connection.
