Modem Futura

Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard dive into the philosophical implications of AI fatigue and the balance between technology and personal identity. They explore how storytelling shapes our interactions with tech and the nostalgia linked to past gadgets. The conversation highlights the need for intentional downtime away from big tech, fostering creativity amidst a fast-paced digital world. They also reflect on the influence of science fiction on innovation and the evolving relationship between art and life, encouraging listeners to embrace reflective moments and original thought.

Dive into the fascinating intersection of AI and academia, exploring how tools like OpenAI can accelerate research while posing challenges like citation accuracy. Discover the transformative power of communication technology, echoing Marshall McLuhan's theories on how mediums shape perceptions and societal change. The conversation also balances the creative potential of amateurism against professional norms, questioning the ethical implications of rapid innovation and championing responsible engagement in a tech-driven world.

The hosts tackle the evolving role of AI in academia, sharing frustrations and excitement about new tools. They reflect on how tech reshapes human identity and emphasize the need for critical thinking. With a humorous twist, they discuss personal experiences with fame and the importance of listener engagement from around the globe. Philosophical insights reveal the risks of over-reliance on technology while advocating for a balanced, adaptable approach in the face of rapid change. The conversation ultimately champions the journey of knowledge creation.

Andrew Maynard, Sean Leahy, and special guest Mark Daly explore the rapid advancements in AI technology with a spotlight on OpenAI's 01 Pro model. They examine how AI is reshaping game development, creative industries, and research, and discuss the urgent need for academia to adapt to these changes. The panel also tackles ethical issues in education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human values amid rapid technological progress.Highlighting AI's transformative potential for Gen Z, the conversation explores experiential learning and the benefits of personalized AI tutors (evoking Neal Stephenson's 'The Diamond Age'). The discussion further explores the impact of open-source models like DeepSeek on AI safety and accessibility, and considers the broader geopolitical and regulatory challenges that come with AI's evolution. Finally, the speakers reflect on the philosophical and practical implications of a future where powerful, personalized AI tools become widely available, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to navigate this new landscape.Links: Mark Daley [LinkedIn]Noetic engines [Mark's Substack]Frontier AI systems have surpassed the self-replicating red line - [Arxiv.org article]The Bitter Lesson (Rich Sutton) -----Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.eduSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFuturaFollow us on Instagram: @ModemFuturaHost Bios:Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU BioSean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU BioAndrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----

Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard dive into the revolutionary Stargate AI initiative, addressing the urgent need for AI regulation amid rapid technological advancements. They explore the potential of mRNA vaccines in cancer treatment and unpack the societal implications of corporate power in AI development. The concept of 'enshitification' highlights the pitfalls of prioritizing profit over user experience. The hosts stress the importance of civic engagement and responsible innovation, ultimately seeking a balanced approach to ensure technology serves humanity's best interests.

Delve into the intriguing world of Artificial General Intelligence and superintelligence. The hosts tackle the rise of synthetic personas in social media, addressing ethical dilemmas and user interactions with AI avatars. They explore the unsettling concept of a 'dead internet,' dominated by AI-generated content. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of critical thinking as technology advances, highlighting the responsibility that comes with democratizing AI. With humor and insightful analysis, they reflect on the balance between innovation and societal impact.

Sean and Andrew are joined by Brunno Moretti (President of ADAS Solutions, Ascential Technologies) for a conversation that explores the current state and futures of autonomous vehicles, particularly focusing on RoboTaxis, the challenges faced in their development, and the implications of public testing. We get Brunno's expert input on the differences between LIDAR and camera systems in autonomous driving technology, the levels of autonomy, and the role of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in enhancing vehicle safety. In this enlightening conversation, we discuss and emphasize the importance of designing systems that not only match human capabilities but exceed them, while also addressing the ethical considerations of testing these technologies in public spaces, and cover topics such as the complexities of automotive technology, focusing on the limitations of current systems, the importance of safety standards, and the challenges posed by cost and calibration. The discussion also highlights some eyebrow-raising challenges on the hidden dangers of sensor calibration, and the future of autonomous vehicles, particularly Tesla's ambitious robo-taxi plans.Links: Brunno Moretti - connect on LinkedIn Brunno Moretti - Forbes Technology CouncilAutomated Vehicles for Safety (NHSTA)Special Acknowledgment We'd like to acknowledge the partial funding support provided by the US Department of Transportation-sponsored Travel Behavior and Demand National University Transportation Center led by The University of Texas at Austin. The Center, of which Arizona State University is a consortium member, has helped make this podcast episode, and the research we're discussing, possible -----Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.eduSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFuturaFollow us on Instagram: @ModemFuturaHost Bios:Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU BioSean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU BioAndrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----

In this engaging conversation with Sean and Andrew, Cady Coleman, a former NASA astronaut, shares her experiences and insights from her time in space, the importance of recognition in the space culture, and the evolving dynamics between human and robotic roles in space exploration. The discussion also touches on the significance of efficiency in operations, the personal touch of bringing books to space, and the challenges faced in preparing humans for deeper space missions. Cady's new book, 'Sharing Space', offers a glimpse into her journey and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, Cady shares her experiences and insights on the importance of diversity in space exploration, the impact of representation in media, and the role of storytelling in inspiring future generations. The discussions explore the challenges of designing inclusive spacesuits, the significance of human elements in space missions, and the psychological aspects of one-way trips to Mars. The discussion also touches on the differences between commercial and government space exploration and the collaborative efforts that drive progress in the field. Cady expresses hope for the future of human space exploration, emphasizing the need for education and support for the next generation of explorers.Links: Cady Colman - https://www.cadycoleman.com Get a personalized copy of "Sharing Space" from Cady's websiteWatch Cady in the film "The Longest Goodbye" [Trailer]Intuitive Machines Chapters00:00 Next Steps: IM-2 Mission and Innovations00:27 Exploring the Culture at Intuitive Machines03:25 The Importance of Efficiency in Space Missions06:35 Katie Coleman's Journey and Achievements09:38 Books and Inspiration in Space12:40 Challenges in Space Exploration and Team Dynamics14:11 Embracing Differences for Progress15:14 Experiencing Space: The First Morning21:00 The Role of Humans vs. Robots in Space27:34 Preparing Humans for Long-Distance Space Travel38:22 Diversity in Space Exploration42:50 The Power of Storytelling in Inspiring Future Generations46:32 Normalizing Leadership in Space Exploration49:35 The Human Element of Space Missions52:51 Public Fascination with Space and Its Challenges57:11 The Psychology of One-Way Space Missions01:02:15 Commercial vs. Government Space Exploration01:06:15 Building Bridges in International Space Collaboration01:09:21 Future Aspirations for Human Space Exploration  -----Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.eduSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFuturaFollow us on Instagram: @ModemFuturaHost Bios:Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU BioSean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU BioAndrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----

In this engaging conversation, Sean and Andrew are joined by Joe O'Rourke and Caitlin Roe to explore a variety of topics ranging from the new ChatGPT phone feature to significant advancements in space exploration in 2024. They discuss the Europa Clipper mission, the implications of feminist theory in space exploration, and the importance of care in technology development. The dialogue is filled with humor and insightful commentary on the future of technology and space missions. In this conversation, the panel discusses various themes surrounding technology, particularly focusing on the Apple Vision Pro, virtual reality, and its implications for education and space exploration. They explore the advancements in consumer electronics, the potential of immersive experiences, and the role of AI and Neuralink in enhancing accessibility. The discussion also touches on the impact of visual data in space missions and the future of immersive experiences in education and entertainment. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of technology, focusing on the intersection of emerging technologies, human interaction, and ethical considerations. They discuss the implications of biological intelligence, quantum computing breakthroughs, and the future of AI, while also reflecting on the potential of generative AI in creative expression. The retrospective-prospective highlights the excitement and uncertainty surrounding these advancements, emphasizing the need for thoughtful engagement with the future of technology, with a look ahead to 2025! Links: Joe O'RourkeCaitlin RoeWorld Economic Forum Top 10 Emerging Technologies 2024Black Magic Release Immersive camera Future Today Institute Annual Letter 2024 > 2025Gartner Top 10 Trends for 2025NASA Voyager Interstellar Messengers NASA Europa Clipper Mission to Jupiter's Icy Moon  -----Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.eduSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFuturaFollow us on Instagram: @ModemFuturaHost Bios:Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU BioSean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU BioAndrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----

In this lively and thought-provoking episode, Sean and Andrew team up with Ed Finn, Ruth Wylie, and Bob Beard from ASU’s Center for Science and the Imagination for a rapid-fire discussion on the future of humanity. Together, they explore themes like the values that will shape our future, the role of kindness in communities, AI's potential role in governance, and how humor evolves alongside technology.The conversation delves into fascinating intersections between technology, nature, and human experience. Topics include plant communication, the Gaia hypothesis, the future of transportation and tourism, the evolution of universities, and the existential question: does the future need humanity? This engaging live discussion underscores the importance of balancing technological progress with a deeper connection to nature and community.Links:ASU Center for Science and the ImaginationEd FinnRuth WylieBob BeardChapters00:00 Introduction to the Future of Being Human Initiative02:40 Exploring Values in the Future05:02 The Role of Kindness in Future Societies12:50 AI, Politics, and the Future of Governance19:23 The Future of Humor and AI26:22 Interpreting Communication in Nature27:38 Plant Communication and Intelligence30:57 The Gaia Hypothesis and Planetary Awareness33:41 Technology vs. Nature: A Double-Edged Sword34:37 The Future of Transportation and Tourism39:18 The Evolution of Universities in the Future44:25 The Role of Kindness in Future Communities48:25 Does the Future Need Us? -----Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.eduSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFuturaFollow us on Instagram: @ModemFuturaHost Bios:Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU BioSean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU BioAndrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----