Follow the Rabbit

Axel Quack, an expert in AI-driven product development, shares his insights on the democratization of AI technology. He discusses how open-source models like DeepSeek empower smaller organizations by offering data control and independence. The conversation touches on Europe's unique opportunity to adopt privacy-focused AI approaches, contrasting with trends in the US and China. Axel emphasizes hands-on experimentation to improve AI literacy and encourages businesses to explore local solutions for greater accessibility and customization.

From Trump's mastery of attention to fashion's new masculinity, exploring January's most thought-provoking cultural signals In this episode, Igor and Johannes kick off 2025 with a new monthly format exploring the media and cultural phenomena that captured their attention. They dive into two key topics that set the tone for the year ahead: First, they examine Chris Hayes and Ezra Klein's conversation about the attention economy and its implications for politics, drawing parallels between U.S. and German political landscapes. The discussion reveals how attention, rather than traditional metrics like fundraising, increasingly shapes political outcomes and cultural discourse. Second, they explore the role of curiosity and informed naivety through the lens of ERL, a Venice Beach fashion brand that offers an alternative approach to masculine aesthetics. This leads to broader reflections on meta-modernism and ways to engage with complex cultural topics beyond pure cynicism or oversimplification. The episode concludes with updates on GLP-1 medications, exploring new research about natural alternatives and emerging evidence about their effects on addiction, bringing fresh perspective to themes from previous seasons. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & New Format 02:14 - Attention Economy in Politics 14:45 - ERL & Meta-modernist Approaches 29:22 - GLP-1 Updates & Natural Alternatives 44:51 - Closing Thoughts Links: Podcast episode with Ezra Klein and Chris Hayes: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-chris-hayes.html  Erl Website: https://erl.store/ Systems Magazine interview with Erl founder Eli Russel Linnetz: https://system-magazine.com/issues/issue-18/erl-eli-russell-linnetz-interview-andrew-bolton Dr. Michael Greger on restoring our natural GLP-1 satiety circuit with fiber (video): https://nutritionfacts.org/video/a-plant-based-diet-for-weight-loss-boosting-glp-1-and-restoring-our-natural-satiety-circuit/ OZEMPIC: Risks, Benefits, and Natural Alternatives to GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs (book) by Michael Greger: https://nutritionfacts.org/book/ozempic/ Weight Loss Drugs for Curing Addiction? Podcast episode with Chris Hayes and Nicholas Reville: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weight-loss-drugs-for-curing-addiction-with-nicholas/id1382983397?i=1000683904777 This episode marks a shift to a new monthly format where Igor and Johannes will reflect on the articles, conversations, and cultural phenomena that shaped their thinking. The discussion weaves together themes of attention economics, cultural aesthetics, and health trends while maintaining the show's focus on helping listeners update their mental models of how the world is changing. Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Spotify⁠ Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Youtube⁠ Follow the Rabbit is a Known Unknowns production Known Unknowns on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠  Known Unknowns on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Follow the Rabbit is hosted by Igor Schwarzmann & Johannes Kleske Find out more about ⁠⁠Igor Schwarzmann⁠⁠  Find out moire about ⁠⁠Johannes Kleske⁠⁠

Welcome to the multiverse, where every present contains new futures In this special year-end episode of Follow the Rabbit, Igor and Johannes are joined by Simone Rebaudengo to explore new ways of thinking about futures and presents. As a creative director who "builds products and tools for a less boring future," Simone introduces his concept of the "future burrito" as an alternative to traditional future cones, suggesting we need to expand our understanding of the present rather than just projecting into the future. The conversation weaves together several key themes: How accelerating technology and AI are compressing our sense of future timelines Why traditional futurism methods may need updating for our current moment The value of exploring parallel presents rather than just imagining distant futures How design can maintain critical perspectives while working within industry The challenge of maintaining distinct viewpoints without becoming reductive Moving from science fiction to multiverse narratives, the discussion reveals how our cultural imagination is shifting from linear future projections to exploring parallel possibilities. Through examining changes in design, technology, and cultural narratives, the episode offers fresh perspectives on how we might imagine and shape possible futures while staying grounded in an increasingly complex present. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & Future Burritos 02:02 - Simone's Background and Design Evolution 05:03 - From Future Cones to Present Complexity 07:17 - Multiple Presents: Lessons from China 09:55 - The Loss of Future Interest 12:55 - Rise of Multiverse Thinking 14:18 - The Future Burrito Concept 16:53 - Navigating Present Complexity 21:27 - From “What If” to “What Else” 24:36 - The ChatGPT Moment and Acceleration 27:34 - Design Fiction and Parallel Presents 29:57 - Challenging the Status Quo 34:48 - Reclaiming Point of View in Design 38:38 - Small Changes vs Grand Visions 41:14 - The Infinite Space of Imagination 42:13 - Closing Thoughts and Thanks This final episode of 2024 provides a thoughtful exploration of how we might reimagine futures and presents as we move into the new year. Links to Simone: oio on Instagram --------------- Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Spotify⁠ Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Youtube⁠ Follow the Rabbit is a Known Unknowns production Known Unknowns on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠  Known Unknowns on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Follow the Rabbit is hosted by Igor Schwarzmann & Johannes Kleske Find out more about ⁠⁠Igor Schwarzmann⁠⁠  Find out moire about ⁠⁠Johannes Kleske⁠⁠

Climate change isn't just transforming our cities - it's reshaping where and how we gather. In this special episode of Follow the Rabbit, we're joined by Juli Sikorska, a designer and researcher exploring how extreme heat is already reshaping our urban spaces. Through her work with the Urban Heat Studio, Juli reveals how climate adaptation isn't just about infrastructure - it's about reimagining how we live, gather, and support each other. The conversation weaves together several key themes we've explored this season - from the evolution of third places to health as a luxury - while examining how climate change might accelerate social transformation. Juli shares fascinating examples of how cities are already adapting, from the ancient wisdom of southern European urban design to emerging community cooling centers in the Pacific Northwest. We explore: How extreme heat exposes and amplifies social inequities in cities Why technical solutions alone won't be enough without stronger communities How existing spaces like supermarkets and churches might evolve into climate refuges The opportunity to rebuild social connections through shared challenges What European cities can learn from places already dealing with extreme heat The discussion reveals an unexpected silver lining: while climate adaptation poses immense challenges, it might also create opportunities to overcome the isolation of modern urban life and build more resilient communities. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:20 - Juli's Journey to Heat Resilience Research  03:15 - Current Impact of Extreme Heat 06:07 - Urban Planning & Heat Adaptation  08:29 - From Third Places to Cooling Centers  11:34 - Community Solutions & Shared Spaces  15:21 - Rethinking Retail & Public Spaces  21:26 - Social Justice & Access to Cool Spaces  25:47 - Churches as Community Cooling Centers  28:41 - Community Building & Behavioral Change  31:14 - Opportunities in Crisis  34:00 - Urban Economics & Real Estate Challenges  37:20 - Closing Thoughts: Building Networks for the Future Photo Credits: Jana Margarete Schuler + Komptenzzentrum Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaft des Bundes Julius Falk / Urban Heat Studio Links to Juli Urban Heat Studio Juli Sikorska --------------- Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Spotify⁠ Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Youtube⁠ Follow the Rabbit is a Known Unknowns production Known Unknowns on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠  Known Unknowns on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Follow the Rabbit is hosted by Igor Schwarzmann & Johannes Kleske Find out more about ⁠⁠Igor Schwarzmann⁠⁠  Find out moire about ⁠⁠Johannes Kleske⁠⁠

From podcast gems to critical essays, exploring how we maintain agency in an algorithm-driven world In this special year-end episode of Follow the Rabbit, Igor and Johannes share their favorite and most thought-provoking content from 2024. From podcasts and essays to interviews and cultural criticism, they explore works that have shaped their thinking about agency, algorithmic culture, and societal change. Key highlights include: Sam Fragoso's Talk Easy podcast and its unique approach to emotional interviews The evolving role of science fiction in an era dominated by tech company predictions How complex systems impact decision-making and cognitive load Critical perspectives on broad-stroke cultural analysis and tech criticism The concept of "personalized culture scapes" and their societal impact Finding balance between algorithmic personalization and authentic community The conversation weaves together themes of individual agency, collective experience, and the challenge of maintaining perspective in an increasingly personalized digital world. It offers insights into how we might approach technology and cultural criticism more thoughtfully in 2025. Chapters:  00:00 Introduction & Overview  01:12 Talkeasy Podcast Discussion  08:23 Science Fiction & Tech Culture  14:07 Decision Making & Complex Systems  18:55 Cultural Criticism & Broad Analysis  24:16 Personalization & Cultural Landscapes  34:16 Digital Detox & Finding Balance  38:45 Closing Thoughts & Future Format Links: Talk Easy Pod: Jesse Eisenberg Josh Brolin Vinson Cunningham  Lily Gladstone Elvia Wilk and Claire L. Evans on the changing role of science fiction in the age of COVID-19 and catastrophic climate change  Odd Lots Podcast – The Theory Why Everyone Went Crazy A Brief History of Yuval Noah Harari  The Ezra Klein Show – How to discover your own taste - a conversation with Kyle Chayka Ian Bogost on Airpods in The Atlantic Denial of Future Attack Unplugging Is Not The Solution You Want  --------------- Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Spotify⁠ Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Youtube⁠ Follow the Rabbit is a Known Unknowns production Known Unknowns on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠  Known Unknowns on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Follow the Rabbit is hosted by Igor Schwarzmann & Johannes Kleske Find out more about ⁠⁠Igor Schwarzmann⁠⁠  Find out moire about ⁠⁠Johannes Kleske⁠⁠

How did getting enough sleep transform from a sign of laziness to the ultimate luxury status symbol? In this episode of Follow the Rabbit, Igor and Johannes explore how sleep has evolved from being seen as a weakness in hustle culture to becoming a luxury status symbol. Through examining historical shifts, technological innovations, and cultural changes, they reveal how proper rest became a marker of privilege and success. The conversation traces this evolution from Matthew Walker's influential book "Why We Sleep" to Kim Kardashian's viral sleep scores, showing how scientific research and social media have transformed our relationship with rest. They discuss how this shift has spawned a billion-dollar industry of high-end mattresses, sleep tracking devices, and luxury sleep retreats, while also examining the deeper socioeconomic implications of who gets access to quality sleep. Chapters:  00:00 Introduction & Historical Context  02:02 The Waterbed Era & Early Sleep Luxury  03:50 From Hustle Culture to Sleep Science 08:08 Technology's Role in Sleep Tracking  10:31 Sleep as Social Currency  13:24 The Luxury Sleep Industry  17:34 Hotels & Travel: The Sleep Experience  19:59 Class & Environmental Sleep Factors  22:33 The Huberman Effect & Lifestyle Changes  23:46 Orthosomnia: When Sleep Tracking Backfires  26:51 Practical Applications & Lessons  30:42 Closing Thoughts Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Spotify⁠ Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ Follow the Rabbit on ⁠Youtube⁠ Follow the Rabbit is a Known Unknowns production Known Unknowns on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠  Known Unknowns on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Follow the Rabbit is hosted by Igor Schwarzmann & Johannes Kleske Find out more about ⁠⁠Igor Schwarzmann⁠⁠  Find out moire about ⁠⁠Johannes Kleske⁠⁠

Susan Cox-Smith, a partner at Changeist and expert on the societal impacts of GLP-1 medications, dives into how these weight loss drugs are transforming our world. She discusses the surprising ripple effects on industries like retail and dining, as companies adapt to a society that may weigh less. The conversation highlights new social divides, psychological benefits for users, and how these drugs are reshaping self-image and relationships with food. Susan raises important questions about access, equity, and the long-term implications of this cultural shift.

Discover the rise of GLP-1 drugs, originally for diabetes, now hailed as status symbols in weight loss. The discussion dives into how these medications blur the lines between health and consumerism, reflecting luxury-driven societal values. Social media's role in healthcare accessibility is examined, revealing the challenges of misinformation and self-treatment trends. The impact on cultural perceptions of beauty and obesity is also analyzed, highlighting the urgent need for improved nutritional education and the potential for healthier alternatives.

Dive into the world where health meets luxury! Discover how Erewhon turned $20 smoothies into social media spectacles that redefine grocery shopping. Explore the rise of AG1, a supplement that leads the podcast advertising game with just one product. The discussion unpacks the intersection of wellness and consumerism, revealing how social media shapes our health perceptions. Examine the evolving landscape of luxury branding and learn why some health trends thrive while others fizzle. It's a fascinating look at wellness reimagined!

In this episode of Follow the Rabbit, we explore the fascinating world of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and their evolution from medical devices to luxury wellness products. Starting with Oura's acquisition of Veri, Johannes and Igor unpack how CGMs have become status symbols in the wellness industry. They discuss the technology behind these devices, their intended medical purpose for diabetes management, and how they've been repurposed for the “quantified self” movement. The conversation dives into the broader implications of this trend, from the rise of “metabolic health” as a buzzword to the potential dangers of obsessive health tracking. Through examining user behaviors and market dynamics, they reveal how these devices exemplify “health as the new luxury” – where even basic wellness becomes another facet of status signaling.  Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about the intersection of technology, wellness, and luxury, and what it reveals about our contemporary relationship with health.