The Futurist Society Podcast
Doctor Awesome
It’s time to get excited about the future! The Futurist Society podcast explores the cutting edge of technology, science, and culture to bring you an exciting glimpse of what the future may hold. Join host and futurist expert Dr. Awesome as we delve into the most fascinating advancements shaping our world, and the ethical dilemmas that come with them. This thought-provoking show delves into the latest breakthroughs in fields such as AI, biotech, and space exploration, and considers the potential consequences for society. From interviews with leading industry insiders to discussions on the latest futurist literature, "The Futurist Society" is a must-listen for anyone interested in where our world is headed.
Many people worry about the future, pointing to the destruction of the planet, the degeneration of society, and other equally bleak scenarios. But is that really what's to come? There are numerous possibilities for our future. We intend to cast a new and hopeful light on what's to come. This podcast provides a forum for people to discuss interesting and awesome topics and events.
Each episode invites thought leaders from various fields to share their perspectives on what's happening now and what's to come. Listen to inspiring roundtable discussions about ideas, concepts, and innovations. Prepare to be blown away as guests discuss exciting projects, studies, and developments to anticipate. The world is vast, and so is the realm of possibility. The show is here to remind you that the future is yet to happen, and there is so much we can do to improve it. Science can influence both good and evil. It's a tool, and just like everything else, the power is in the hands of the people.
Your host, Doctor Awesome, is a man who is excited about the future. As a practicing surgeon and professor in the Boston, Massachusetts area, he is constantly exposed to new information. His optimism is based on ongoing scientific and technological advancements. Doctor Awesome combines his hopefulness with current innovations that could help make a better tomorrow for future generations.
Doctor Awesome and his guests will inspire you with a wealth of new information, fascinating breakthroughs, and impressive developments that might be news to you. Experts from various backgrounds share compelling data points yet to be explored. You may be surprised by topics that interest you. Whether it's about medicine, technology, or agriculture, you're sure to take away interesting and encouraging knowledge.
Nobody knows what will happen until it occurs. When better things are possible, why settle for gloomy predictions and watch helplessly as they come true? Reimagine a better future by joining a community of futurists who strive for a remarkable world. Explore the options and open your eyes to an even greater life.
Take part in this growing network and contribute to making the world a more positive place. Visit http://thefuturistsociety.net/ (thefuturistsociety.net) and subscribe to the show so you don't miss a drop of hopeful futurism.
Many people worry about the future, pointing to the destruction of the planet, the degeneration of society, and other equally bleak scenarios. But is that really what's to come? There are numerous possibilities for our future. We intend to cast a new and hopeful light on what's to come. This podcast provides a forum for people to discuss interesting and awesome topics and events.
Each episode invites thought leaders from various fields to share their perspectives on what's happening now and what's to come. Listen to inspiring roundtable discussions about ideas, concepts, and innovations. Prepare to be blown away as guests discuss exciting projects, studies, and developments to anticipate. The world is vast, and so is the realm of possibility. The show is here to remind you that the future is yet to happen, and there is so much we can do to improve it. Science can influence both good and evil. It's a tool, and just like everything else, the power is in the hands of the people.
Your host, Doctor Awesome, is a man who is excited about the future. As a practicing surgeon and professor in the Boston, Massachusetts area, he is constantly exposed to new information. His optimism is based on ongoing scientific and technological advancements. Doctor Awesome combines his hopefulness with current innovations that could help make a better tomorrow for future generations.
Doctor Awesome and his guests will inspire you with a wealth of new information, fascinating breakthroughs, and impressive developments that might be news to you. Experts from various backgrounds share compelling data points yet to be explored. You may be surprised by topics that interest you. Whether it's about medicine, technology, or agriculture, you're sure to take away interesting and encouraging knowledge.
Nobody knows what will happen until it occurs. When better things are possible, why settle for gloomy predictions and watch helplessly as they come true? Reimagine a better future by joining a community of futurists who strive for a remarkable world. Explore the options and open your eyes to an even greater life.
Take part in this growing network and contribute to making the world a more positive place. Visit http://thefuturistsociety.net/ (thefuturistsociety.net) and subscribe to the show so you don't miss a drop of hopeful futurism.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 13, 2025 • 57min
Ambient Intelligence: Bringing Objectivity To The Physical World
What if airport “random checks” relied less on hunches and more on measurable behavior? CEO Galvin Widjaja of Lauretta AI explains how ambient intelligence can contextualize actions in physical spaces to reduce bias and improve safety without using facial recognition or permanent IDs. He shares the design choices behind “privacy by design,” why removing priors matters, and how behavior-first data can make decisions fairer at checkpoints, venues, and city streets.You’ll learn:How “ambient intelligence” interprets narratives of behavior rather than identitiesPractical ways computer vision can add objectivity without biometrics or long-term data retentionWhere legislation helps and where product design must leadWhy more data can shrink the role of stereotypes in frontline decisionsWhat breakthroughs in vision models mean for robotics and everyday toolsLinks:LaurettaMinority Report
Oct 6, 2025 • 46min
Empowering Neurodivergent Voices In A Tech-Driven World
What if 80% of capable autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed while companies still struggle to hire for quality and speed? CEO Tara May shares how a Chicago‑born team built a high‑performing, neurodivergent workforce delivering user testing, accessibility, and cybersecurity - and why excellence, not just mission, keeps clients returning. You’ll hear practical tactics for matching strengths to business needs, creating psychological safety that unlocks performance, and using AI thoughtfully to support communication, learning, and delivery. Tara also unpacks the risks of AI‑driven hiring filters, the growing demand in cybersecurity, and candid lessons from parenting and leading with clarity and care.You'll Learn:Practical ways to map individual strengths to real client workHow psychological safety drives quality, speed, and retentionWhy mission opens doors but proven execution wins contractsRoles where neurodivergent talent thrives across the org, not just QAA lightweight approach to continuous upskilling as tech shiftsUsing AI to augment communication and learning without leaking IPPitfalls to avoid, including screening bias and widening digital dividesLinks:AspiritechInterview with Nobel Laureate Simon JohnsonContextMeetGeekShortwave
Sep 22, 2025 • 54min
Fitness in the Future: Technology Meets Tradition at XGym
Can a 21‑minute workout twice a week rival seven hours at the gym? PJ Glassy, founder of XGym, explains the science and systems behind ultra‑efficient “time under tension” training, how nerve training boosts coordination and results, and why chasing complete muscle fatigue matters more than gadgets. You’ll hear how XGym blends controlled reps, method cycling, and smart equipment like load‑cell winch machines, vibration platforms, and precise VO2 and body‑comp testing to deliver strong, lean outcomes without bulk. We also dig into wearables, the promise and limits of AI coaches and robotics, and why EMF awareness and hard work still beat any shortcut.What you’ll learn:How to structure a 3‑minute set for strength and endurance without joint‑pounding loads A simple diet experiment framework: commit 100% for 3 months to find what actually lowers body fat When Mediterranean vs. low‑carb approaches make sense, and how to avoid common fitness plateaus Practical ways to use fitness tech for feedback and motivation without letting it replace fundamentals Why “train to true fatigue” is the lever that drives strength, definition, and real‑world fitnessThis conversation is for anyone who wants more fitness in less time, with a clear path to sustainable progress and smarter use of technology.
Sep 15, 2025 • 51min
How To Fix Fertility: A New Personalized Playbook
What if tracking ovulation isn’t the key to getting pregnant - fixing the reasons for late ovulation is?Dr. Awesome talks with Conceivable CEO Kirsten Karchmer about a practical, personalized approach to fertility that focuses on behavior change, heart rate variability, and addressing subclinical factors that derail conception. They unpack why period length, ovulation timing, hydration, sleep, and stress matter more than most apps suggest, and how AI can coach daily actions that improve outcomes for both women and men.You’ll learn:How late ovulation and short or long bleeding windows signal deeper issues you can fixA simple way to start improving heart rate variability with breathwork, singing, and laughterWhy “more workouts” can backfire when energy is low and HRV is poorThe role of hydration and nutrition in cervical fluid and sperm qualityWhat wearable data can (and can’t) do, and where personalized coaching adds valueA step-by-step mindset for small, fast wins that build lasting habitsWho this helps:Couples trying to conceive naturally or preparing for IUI or IVFAnyone seeing irregular cycles, fatigue, or high stress and wondering what to change firstClinicians curious about using HRV and behavior change as levers for better outcomes
Sep 1, 2025 • 49min
Small Businesses, Big Leverage: A Better Future With Practical AI
What if a 10-person team could personally reach 21,000 customers by Monday — and turn that outreach into six figures in weekend sales?Dr. Awesome talks with John Long, CEO of THYNK AI, about how small and midsize businesses are using communication agents to answer phones, qualify leads, schedule appointments, and follow up across calls, text, and email. The conversation cuts through the hype to show where AI is delivering real ROI today and where it still falls short.You’ll learn:Practical ways small teams deploy AI agents for sales and serviceWhen to disclose an agent is AI and how that affects conversionsA step-by-step look at an agent booking jobs end-to-endHow to evaluate ROI for outreach, scheduling, and customer supportTips for getting more value from general-purpose tools like ChatGPT’s agent modeHow to avoid overreliance while building new problem-solving habits with AI
Aug 11, 2025 • 57min
The Story Economy: Practical, Private And Personalized AI
Bill Welser, CEO and co-founder of Lotic AI and author of "The Story Economy," dives into the transformative power of personal narratives in AI. He discusses how storytelling can uncover valuable insights that traditional data misses, enhancing decision-making in health and finance. Bill warns against over-relying on generative AI and advocates for a proactive approach to data privacy, ensuring individuals benefit from their own information. Learn how AI can personalize experiences and reshape our understanding of health and well-being.
Jul 28, 2025 • 48min
Building A Better Future: Climate Tech That's Working Today
$2 trillion flowed into clean energy globally in 2024—more than fossil fuels have ever received in a single year. While political debates rage on, practical climate solutions are already transforming communities across America. Josh Dorfman, CEO and founder of Supercool, reveals how companies like Zum are revolutionizing school transportation by optimizing bus routes with technology and replacing diesel fleets with electric buses. Not only do these solutions reduce emissions, they're creating better experiences for families while saving school districts money.Josh shares insights from his conversations with climate innovators who are making buildings healthier, recycling rare earth magnets that power our modern world, and developing materials that grow 10 times faster than trees for home construction. He explains how urban trees in Barranquilla, Colombia not only prevent students from passing out from heat but also increase property values by 15% - proving environmental improvements can pay for themselves.Join us as we explore how market forces are driving the adoption of renewable energy even in politically conservative states. Josh offers a compelling vision of our future homes as mini power plants sharing energy with neighbors, cancer clinics built without cancer-causing materials, and racing innovations like Formula E that make climate solutions entertaining. This conversation bridges the gap between climate concerns and practical solutions that are creating healthier, more efficient communities today.
Jul 14, 2025 • 52min
How A Surprisingly Simple Patch Could Revolutionize Respiratory Care
Did you know that asthma attacks actually build up over weeks, not minutes? Most of us envision asthma attacks as sudden emergencies, but the truth is far more complex - and understanding this could save lives.Dr. Awesome sits down with Sharon Samjitsingh, CEO of Health Care Originals, to discuss their groundbreaking wearable technology that listens to deep organ sounds in real-time. This innovative patch, worn discreetly under clothing, can predict asthma attacks up to three months in advance by detecting subtle changes in lung sounds that occur weeks before visible symptoms appear.Key highlights from the conversation:How Health Care Originals developed a wearable device that processes organ sounds on-board rather than streaming to the cloudThe science behind using acoustic monitoring to detect respiratory changes weeks before traditional symptoms appearSharon's personal experience with asthma and how it drove her to create technology that could have prevented her own near-death experiencesThe Nightingale Virtual Respiratory Care system that combines early detection with personalized interventionCommercial milestones including becoming the exclusive virtual respiratory care supplier for a purchasing coalition managing 400,000 livesSharon shares her journey from winning a business plan competition to securing millions in funding, including her current community-focused fundraising round on WeFunder that allows everyday investors to participate alongside venture capitalists.The conversation also explores broader implications for healthcare technology, including the potential for democratizing access to health data, the role of AI in reducing administrative burdens, and how wearable technology could transform our understanding of the human body beyond respiratory conditions.Whether you're interested in health tech innovations, wearable devices, or the future of personalized medicine, this episode offers valuable insights into how simple technology can address complex health challenges.
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 7min
Future Perfect: A Listener's Vision Of A Better Tomorrow
What if aging was just another curable disease? What if we could explore Mars while controlling drones from our living rooms? These aren't just science fiction scenarios - they're potential realities that shape the vision of our guest, Sage, a roboticist and galactic colonist enthusiast.Sage shares insights on breakthrough technologies that are democratizing innovation and reshaping our future. From drone technology revolutionizing transportation to regenerative medicine extending human lifespans, the conversation explores how current technological progress is laying the groundwork for a more accessible and abundant tomorrow.Key topics covered:The democratization of space travel and its impact on resource availabilityTranshumanist perspectives on longevity and human enhancementHow drone technology could transform personal transportation and medical deliveryThe role of artificial intelligence in shaping our daily livesThe importance of maintaining optimism while embracing technological progressWhether you're interested in space colonization, longevity research, or the future of human enhancement, this conversation offers practical insights into how emerging technologies are creating pathways to a better future for everyone - not just the privileged few.Join us for an optimistic exploration of what's possible when we combine technological innovation with a vision for universal progress.
Jun 2, 2025 • 46min
Navigating The AI Transition: Expert Guide To Upskilling
Did you know that therapy and companionship have become the top use cases for AI in 2025? The technology that many feared would make us less human is actually helping us become more human.AI Dean Ben Tasker shares practical insights on how to navigate the current AI transition period, whether you're facing career changes or seeking to enhance your current role. Learn about the most effective ways to blend technical AI skills with essential human capabilities like leadership and communication.Key takeaways:Understanding the latest AI trends and their impact on education and workplacePractical steps for personal AI implementation, from fitness planning to career developmentHow to create a personalized learning plan using AI toolsStrategies for maintaining relevance in an AI-enhanced workplaceBen's unique perspective as both an AI expert and education leader offers valuable insights for anyone looking to adapt and thrive in our rapidly evolving technological landscape. Perfect for professionals, students, and anyone interested in understanding how to harness AI for personal and professional growth.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://thefuturistsociety.net/
