
Modem Futura
Modem Futura is your weekly guide to the future of science, technology, and society—where futures and foresight meets real-world impact. Hosts Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard—educators, futurists, and public scholars—dive into the breakthroughs and big questions shaping tomorrow: AI ethics, space exploration, climate tech, bio-engineering, digital media, STEM education, and the shifting future of work. In candid, banter-filled conversations with innovators, scholars, and storytellers, they unpack how emerging technologies influence human values, creativity, and culture—and what these trends mean for you today.
Whether you’re curious about quantum computing, electric air taxis, or the sociology of robots, Modem Futura connects cutting-edge research with the narratives that drive innovation. Join us each week to explore possible, probable, and preferred futures, and discover practical insights for navigating an increasingly tech-driven world. Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and be part of the conversation exploring what it will mean to be human in the future!
Latest episodes

Oct 15, 2024 • 47min
What does it mean to be human in the future?
In this episode of Modem Futura, hosts Andrew and Sean get into the complexities of the future of being human, exploring the role of technology, innovation, and individual perspectives in shaping our collective futures. They discuss the importance of curiosity, creativity, and inclusivity in futures studies, while also reflecting on the historical context provided by figures like H.G. Wells. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to navigating technological advancements and the responsibility of individuals in co-creating the future.Links:H.G. Wells 1902 / 1913 "The Discovery of the future" (available via HathiTrust)Key TakeawaysAI tools have seen a rise and fall in popularity.The Future of Being Human initiative aims to explore diverse perspectives.Future studies help us imagine and shape our futures.Individual futures are as important as collective futures.Technological advancements require careful navigation.Innovation is an inevitable part of being human.Curiosity and creativity are essential for future thinking.Inclusivity in discussions leads to richer insights.H.G. Wells laid the groundwork for future studies.Humanity is still evolving and not the final product. Chapters (if you want to skip around)00:00 The Rise and Fall of AI Tools03:03 Exploring the Future of Being Human05:52 The Purpose of Future Studies09:04 Individual vs. Collective Futures11:54 Navigating Technological Advancements15:13 The Role of Innovation in Humanity17:55 Guiding Principles for Future Thinking20:51 Catalytic Serendipity and Inclusivity24:05 Curiosity and Creativity in Future Studies27:13 The Fragility of Human Existence29:58 H.G. Wells and the Science of Futures32:46 The Evolution of Humanity36:07 Conclusion and Future Directions
-----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.-----

Oct 8, 2024 • 22min
The Pilot - Exploring the Future of Being Human
In this pilot episode of Modem Futura, hosts Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard explore the intersection of technology, society, and the human experience. They discuss the origins of the podcast, the significance of the Future of Being Human Initiative, and the importance of inclusive conversations about the future. The episode highlights personal journeys into futurism, the need for diverse voices in discussions about emerging technologies, and the wonder of scientific exploration. The hosts also tease future topics and themes for upcoming episodes, emphasizing the podcast's goal of inspiring curiosity and dialogue. Key takeawaysThe podcast aims to explore the intersection of technology and humanity.Modems symbolize the translation of complex signals into understandable insights.The Future of Being Human Initiative seeks to create inclusive conversations about the future.Personal experiences shape our understanding of futurism and technology.Everyone has valuable insights to contribute to discussions about the future.Creating spaces for difficult conversations is essential in a polarized world.Science and wonder can coexist in discussions about the future.The podcast will cover a wide range of intriguing topics.Engaging with diverse voices enriches the conversation about the future.Sean and Andrew are excited to explore the unknown and challenge conventional thinking. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Modem Futura01:53 The Concept of Modems and Futures04:51 The Future of Being Human Initiative08:41 Personal Journeys into Futurism12:21 The Importance of Inclusive Conversations16:24 Exploring the Intersection of Science and Wonder19:05 Looking Ahead: Topics and Themes for Future Episodes
-----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.-----

Oct 1, 2024 • 3min
Hello World! [it's a trailer]
Welcome to Modem Futura, where we journey into the future to explore the dynamic intersection of technology, society, and humanity. In this trailer, get a glimpse of how we dive into the innovations shaping our world and challenge the myths and narratives that define what it means to be human in a rapidly changing landscape. Tune in for an adventurous exploration of the ideas that will inspire new ways of thinking about tomorrow.
-----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.-----