
FARSIGHT
Narrated articles and conversations with the world's foremost futures thinkers, delivered to you by FARSIGHT, a quarterly publication by the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies.
Latest episodes

Jul 29, 2024 • 17min
The Painless Future
Transhumanist philosopher David Pearce envisions a world filled with varying sizes of carrots, and no sticks.
Subscribe to FARSIGHT by becoming a Futures Member at the Institute.
Author: August Leo Liljenberg
Narration: Manya Lind (supported by ElevenLabs AI)
Published by the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies

Jul 12, 2024 • 12min
Fatal Equations
Israel’s deployment of the algorithmic targeting tool 'Lavender' in their ongoing war on Gaza has reignited the debate surrounding the use of autonomous technology for making life-and-death decisions. This raises important questions about a potential future where humans are progressively marginalised from decision-making in conflicts.
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Author: Solveij Mailänder
Narration: August Leo Liljenberg (supported by ElevenLabs AI)
Published by the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies

Jun 12, 2024 • 15min
Why Peak Uncertainty is a Myth
Public figures like to claim that the world has never been as volatile and complex as it is today - but is that really the case?
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Author: Alex Fergnani
Narration: August Leo Liljenberg (ElevenLabs AI)
Published by the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies

May 24, 2024 • 11min
A Visit
Three archetypal scenarios dominate the public perception of what an eventual encounter with extraterrestrials on Earth will look like. So what happens when the aliens arrive? A task force at the UN has a plan drawn up.
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Author: Christian Kaarup Baron
Narration: August Leo Liljenberg (AI with ElevenLabs)
Published by the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies

May 17, 2024 • 13min
The Grounded Mind
Explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the mental health crisis, revealing the social isolation's toll. Discover the complexities of diagnosing mental disorders and the stigma that complicates treatment. The discussion emphasizes a holistic approach to mental wellbeing, bridging neurology and psychiatry. Learn about the evolving relationship between mind and body, and how integrating these fields can lead to better understanding and care.

Apr 24, 2024 • 15min
Treacherous Utopia
‘Longtermism’ has emerged as one of the most influential ideas of our time. But is it safeguarding or sabotaging our common future?
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Authors: Casper Skovgaard Petersen & August Leo Liljenberg
Narration: August Leo Liljenberg
Published by the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies

Apr 15, 2024 • 15min
The Shape and Size of Wellbeing
Youth today showcase polarised views on well-being, revealing stark contrasts between developed and developing nations. While young people in wealthier countries often experience pessimism, their counterparts in less affluent regions tend to retain a hopeful outlook. The podcast also delves into the evolving perspectives of South Korean youth on family planning, driven by women's education and economic independence, calling attention to the societal implications of declining birth rates and demographic changes.

Apr 4, 2024 • 12min
Lunar Power Play
The world’s most populated country is throwing their weight into the space race – but is India a genuine contender?
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Author: Lena Hunter
Narrator: August Leo Liljenberg
Published by the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies

Mar 25, 2024 • 10min
No Children of Men
Chemicals are among the primary causes for dwindling sperm counts worldwide. How severe is the global male fertility crisis, and can an impending ‘spermpocalypse’ be avoided? To find out we spoke with two renowned fertility researchers.
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Author: Casper Skovgaard Petersen
Narrator: August Leo Liljenberg
Published by the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies

Mar 4, 2024 • 9min
Space for the Few
With recreational spaceflight taking off, onlookers are questioning whether something so grand can ever be for the many.
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Author: Artemis Karagkouni
Narration: August Leo Liljenberg
Published by the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies