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
Mar 24, 2025 • 58min
How To Carry Star Trek's Vision Of Hope Into The Future
Can education and technology create a more optimistic future for humanity? Rod Roddenberry, CEO of Roddenberry Entertainment and son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, shares his vision for moving humanity forward through innovative education, biomedical breakthroughs, and the enduring philosophy of infinite diversity from infinite combinations (IDIC).Rod discusses the Roddenberry Foundation's focus on long-term solutions to systemic challenges, highlighting their work with the Gladstone Institute on groundbreaking stem cell research. He explores how artificial intelligence could revolutionize personalized learning and help develop crucial emotional and social skills alongside traditional education.Drawing from Star Trek's legacy of positive leadership and inclusivity, Rod explains how the franchise continues to inspire problem-solving through cooperation rather than conflict. He emphasizes the importance of embracing change, seeking diverse perspectives, and maintaining optimism while acknowledging current challenges.Key topics covered:The evolution of Star Trek and its continued relevance for modern audiencesHow personalized AI education could transform learningThe Roddenberry Foundation's approach to long-term philanthropyLeadership lessons from Star Trek captains Picard, Pike, and JanewayThe importance of maintaining optimism while working toward meaningful changeLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://thefuturistsociety.net/
Mar 17, 2025 • 53min
AI For Better Career Resilience: A Tech Optimist's Perspective
70% of people find their next job through introductions, not through sending out resumes. Former academic and AI expert Joan Palmiter Bajorek shares practical insights on building career resilience in an AI-driven world.Joan brings her experience from building infrastructure for Alexa and Siri, surviving two major tech layoffs, and successfully pivoting to run her own AI consultancy. She discusses how small teams are leveraging AI to generate millions in revenue, ways businesses can start implementing AI solutions, and why the future of work requires both technical skills and strong human connections.Key topics covered:Building multiple income streams for career resilience and stabilityHow small businesses and enterprises can effectively implement AIThe importance of quality data before implementing AI solutionsFinding the balance between AI-driven productivity and burnoutFuture opportunities in AI across healthcare, agriculture, and climate techWhether you're a business owner looking to implement AI or a professional wanting to future-proof your career, this conversation offers practical perspectives on thriving in an AI-enhanced future.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://thefuturistsociety.net/
Mar 10, 2025 • 51min
Strong Biotech Leadership: From Research To Commercial Success
The journey from scientific discovery to commercial success takes more than just a breakthrough - it requires strategic biotech leadership and vision. Steve Swan, a seasoned executive recruiter with 26 years in the biotech industry, reveals how companies navigate the complex path from laboratory research to market success. Swan shares insights on what makes biotech leaders effective, from securing funding in today's challenging economic climate to building teams that combine scientific expertise with business acumen.You'll learn how successful biotech ventures like Roivant found opportunity in overlooked drug candidates, why gene therapy faces manufacturing challenges despite scientific progress, and which geographic hubs are leading biotech innovation in America. Whether you're considering a career transition to biotech or simply interested in how the industry can keep pushing for a brighter future, this conversation offers valuable perspective on leadership at the intersection of science and business.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://thefuturistsociety.net/
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 8min
Beyond Beautiful Buildings: Innovative Architecture And The City
How does architecture shape our daily lives beyond just aesthetics? Nader Tehrani, principal at NADAAA and former Cooper Union Dean, reveals the hidden systems behind modern buildings and cities that most of us never consider.Tehrani challenges conventional architectural thinking by prioritizing construction techniques before design concepts - a complete reversal of traditional methods. He explains how his firm reclaimed control over building processes when contractors deemed certain designs "unbuildable," and discusses the transition from mass production to mass customization in architecture.The conversation explores how climate change is forcing architects to rethink building longevity, the unexpected environmental impact of glass facades, and why Boston has more architects per capita than anywhere else in the world. Tehrani also shares insights on architectural education, explaining why he teaches students to "design for uncertainty" rather than specific workplace skills.Whether you're fascinated by urban spaces, sustainability, or how technology is transforming creative fields, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the innovative architecture that shapes our built environment.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://thefuturistsociety.net/
Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 3min
Building a Resilient Boston: How Technology is Reshaping City Life
Can technology make a city more livable? Boston's Office of Emerging Technologies is tackling this challenge head-on through innovative solutions in climate monitoring, traffic management, and urban planning.Michael Lawrence Evans and Abigail Menendez share how Boston is using AI-powered traffic signals to reduce congestion, deploying environmental sensors to monitor air quality in real-time, and preparing for climate challenges like coastal flooding. Learn about Project Greenlight's impact on traffic flow, community-led initiatives measuring air quality in Blue Hill Ave, and how the city is building resilience through data-driven decision making.Join Dr. Awesome and his guests as they discuss current efforts, cities and technologies that inspire them, and their hopes for a brighter and more resilient Boston. Key topics covered:How AI and machine learning are improving government operationsCommunity-driven environmental monitoringTraffic optimization through Google Maps data and signal timingClimate resilience strategies for flooding and heat managementThe future of Boston's transportation and climate infrastructureLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://thefuturistsociety.net/
Feb 17, 2025 • 1h
The Future Of Parenting: Building Better Families Through Data
Modern parenting faces unique challenges as families become more isolated and traditional support systems fade away. Ami Meoded, co-founder of littleone.care, introduces Elora - a revolutionary baby wellness monitor that goes beyond basic sleep tracking to provide 24/7 insights into infant development.Meoded explains how Elora's wearable technology analyzes baby movements and sounds to track key developmental metrics including activity levels, sleep patterns, and exposure to language. The device helps address modern parenting challenges by enabling multiple caregivers to stay connected through a shared app.Drawing from personal experience of how early caregiving impacts development, Meoded discusses the importance of consistent, quality interactions in a baby's first 24 months. Learn how technology can support (not replace) the fundamentals of parenting - smiling, hugging, and engaging with your child. Welcome to the future of parenting!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://thefuturistsociety.net/
Jan 27, 2025 • 56min
Smart Robots, Social Rules: Learning To Build Trust In Robots
Will robots eventually take our jobs? The reality is more nuanced. Robotics expert Matthias Scheutz explains how robots are meant to augment human capabilities rather than replace us entirely. From automated warehouses to healthcare assistance, discover how the next generation of robots will transform our workplaces and homes.Learn why creating robots that can function in unpredictable environments remains a major challenge, why human-like robots might not be the best approach, and how teaching machines to understand social norms is crucial for their successful integration into society. Scheutz shares insights on the practical limitations of current robotics technology and offers a realistic vision of how robots will shape our future in the next decade.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://thefuturistsociety.net/
Jan 20, 2025 • 50min
Powerful Local Solutions: Transforming Our Green Tech Game
Did you know that healthcare and biotech facilities produce more emissions than the airline industry? While medical innovation saves lives, it comes with an environmental cost. Meet Sam White, an innovator tackling this challenge by revolutionizing how biotech waste is recycled and transformed into new products.This conversation explores:How a simple recycling solution is turning biotech waste into valuable products A groundbreaking cooling technology helping 95,000 farmers in India triple their income without relying on diesel generatorsThe future of energy storage that could enable wind and solar to operate as reliably as nuclear powerWhy small, local innovations might be the key to fighting climate changeJoin us for a practical look at how climate technology is transforming industries and creating sustainable solutions for our future.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://thefuturistsociety.net/
Dec 6, 2024 • 3min
Thank you! See you again in the not too distant future
Thank you all for your amazing support. We want to wish you a wonderful holiday season. We are taking a short break but will be back on January 20th, 2025. We're working on lots of exciting new episodes and some fun surprises. Looking forward to talking with you all again in the near future - 2025 is going to be awesome!Enjoy the show? Have some suggestions? We'd love to hear from you at thefuturistsociety@gmail.com
Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 7min
The Future of Economics - A Conversation with Nobel Laureate Simon Johnson
In this thought-provoking episode of The Futurist Society, Dr. Awesome welcomes Nobel Prize-winning economist Simon Johnson to explore the future of economics and its impact on society. Professor Johnson, from MIT's Sloan School of Management, shares insights from his recent work on technological progress and economic disparities. The conversation delves into the challenges of job market polarization, the potential of AI to reshape the workforce, and innovative approaches to creating more good jobs. Johnson also discusses the importance of investment in breakthrough technologies and the concept of a "protopia" - a continuously improving world enabled by responsible innovation.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://thefuturistsociety.net/
