The grftf Podcast

Ep 10 | Population Changes & What the World Looks Like in the Future — Jennifer Sciubba

Our host Misha da Vinci and Dr. Jennifer Sciubba, a renowned expert in political demography, dissect global demographic changes, including population growth, decline, aging societies and migration.
They delve into global population changes, exploring their impact on international power dynamics and technology's role in reshaping relationships and perceptions. Dr. Sciubba provides insight into fertility, mortality, and migration trends and their substantial implications for future investments. The conversation also examines the advent of virtual reality and its potential to both enhance and disrupt human connections.
Apart from technological progress, the podcast addresses the challenges of an aging population, emphasizing the importance of fostering resilience through lifelong learning, health investments, and preparation for extended working lives. Companies' role in driving innovations to navigate population aging and the difficulties in communicating complicated demographic data and policy responses also form an important part of this engaging and vital discussion.
00:00 Introduction to Global Demographic Changes
00:29 The Impact of Technology and Population Growth
01:01 Understanding Political Demography with Dr. Jennifer Sciubba
02:15 The Role of Demography in Shaping the Future
03:07 Exploring the Field of Political Demography
04:37 The Truth About Human Population Decline
06:47 The Impact of Demographic Changes on Society
09:45 The Future of Global Population
11:20 The Challenges of Aging and Shrinking Populations
11:26 The Role of Technology in Addressing Labor Shortage
17:17 The Future of Global Culture and Civilization
42:37 The Power Struggle in Global Conversations
43:27 Migration Trends and Their Impact on Global Population
44:05 The Role of Politics in Migration and Demographics
44:37 Japan's Approach to Population Decline and Immigration
45:06 The Human Element in Supply and Demand
45:32 The Impact of Political Decisions on Immigration Policies
46:04 The Future of Populism and Migration
46:46 The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Robots in Addressing Labor Shortage
47:53 The Importance of Engaging Older Workers in the Workforce
48:49 Rethinking the Concept of Aging and Work
54:54 The Impact of Technology on Population Growth and Development
01:03:00 The Challenge of Sex Ratio Imbalance & Male Loneliness
01:09:34 The Role of Technology in Shaping Human Relationships
01:14:30 Preparing for Changes in Population
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Connect with Dr. Jennifer Sciubba:
Website: https://www.jennifersciubba.com/
Book: https://www.novelmemphis.com/book/9781324002703
TEDTalk: https://youtu.be/PImDVT8fb-I?si=M-hSXUZ2ROo1g6UA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/profsciubba
Newsletter: https://jennifersciubba.substack.com/
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Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and founder of grftf.
Connect with Misha
Newsletter: https://mishadavinci.substack.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci
Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

Ep 9 | The Rise of Smart Cities and How to Get Ready — John Lorinc

Misha chats with Canadian journalist and author, John Lorinc about the evolving concept of smart cities. He highlights how the continual urbanization of the world, with technology being central to this transformation, has led to this concept gaining relevance. His book, 'Dream State: Smart Cities, Technology, and the Pursuit of Urban Utopias', which won the 2022 Writer's Trust Balsillie Prize, explores this technology revolution in cities. The interview covers his journey as a mathematician and journalist and touches upon key topics such as sensors, smart city technology, and surveillance in public spaces. Lorinc discusses examples of smart city mega-projects that are underway in various parts of the globe and shares his perspective on the pros and cons of smart cities. He also emphasizes the need for active public engagement in shaping city landscapes, safeguarding privacy and human rights in an era of technological advancements. Towards the end, he illustrates the positive potential of smart city tech, such as smart grids contributing to green electricity transformations.
 
00:00 Introduction to Urbanization and Smart Cities
00:32 Meet the Expert: John Lorinc
01:48 The Journey from Math to Urban Affairs
04:18 The Importance of Cities in the 21st Century
07:11 The Role of Technology in Urbanization
09:36 Understanding Smart Cities and Their Impact
16:58 The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Smart Cities
20:15 Privacy and Surveillance Concerns in Smart Cities
24:06 The Impact of Technology on Privacy
24:36 The Role of Legislators and Regulators in Technology
25:15 The Gap Between Technology and Government
25:22 The Inadequacy of Government Understanding of Technology
26:18 The Responsibility of Citizens in a Technological Society
26:30 The Surveillance Mechanism of Technology
27:05 The State of Privacy Legislation in Different Regions
28:23 Examples of Government Engagement with Technology
31:25 The Impact of Surveillance on Individual Privacy
31:50 The Manipulation of Personal Data and Image
32:21 The Erosion of Trust in Urban Spaces
33:18 The Concept of Smart City Mega Projects
37:04 The Future of Smart Cities
42:28 The Importance of Public Engagement in Smart Cities
48:07 The Role of Technology in Energy Systems
49:58 Conclusion: The Balance Between Positive and Negative Impacts of Technology
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Connect with John Lorinc:
Twitter: John Lorinc (@JohnLorinc) / X (twitter.com)
Books: John Lorinc | Coach House Books (chbooks.com)
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Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.
Connect with Misha:
Newsletter: https://mishadavinci.substack.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci
Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

Ep 8 | AI, Super Reality, & the Cognitive Age —John Nosta

Misha chats with visionary thinker, John Nosta. It’s a fascinating conversation about the future of AI and its impact on humanity. John shares his vision of a 'Super Reality' where AI enables us to see and understand the world in dimensions beyond our human senses. He discusses the future possibilities brought by AI technology, especially Large Language Models (LLMs), and why he believes AI is the 'third window' into humanity, following the telescope and microscope. Nosta, whose career spans the fields of technology, science, medicine, and innovation, urges us to embrace our humanity in this age of rapid technological advancement. This mind-blowing conversation explores the idea that LLMs could usher in a new era of human development, expand our understanding of the world around us, and make us better versions of ourselves.
00:00 Introduction to the Super Reality
00:24 The Craft Podcast Begins
00:44 Introducing John Noster: The Intersection of Technology, Science, Medicine, and Innovation
01:57 The Power of AI: Unleashing the Cognitive Age
03:00 John Noster's Journey: From Medicine to Innovation
04:46 The Convergence of Technology and Humanity
05:21 The Impact of Large Language Models
06:25 A Day in the Life of John Noster
13:23 The Productivity Triad: Speed, Quality, and Engagement
19:44 The Emergence of Super Reality
22:41 The Future of AI: Piercing the Veil of Mythology
25:44 AI: The Third Window into Humanity
27:24 The Transformative Power of Personal Discovery
27:51 The Evolution of Information Access: From Gutenberg to Google
28:21 The Power of Large Language Models in Activating Human Thought
29:12 The Infinite Capacity of the Human Brain
29:47 The Duality of Technological Advancements: Wonder and Fear
31:54 The Misconceptions of AI's Dystopian Reality
32:48 The Necessary Components for Technological Advancements
34:41 The Role of Technology in Solving Societal Problems
35:33 The Impact of Obsolescence on Innovation
36:27 The Importance of Human-Centric AI
37:43 The Influence of Human History on AI Training
42:56 The Power of Embracing Humanity in the Age of AI
47:14 The Influence of Personal Experiences on Career Paths
47:58 The Power of Taking the Shot: Embracing Opportunities
50:16 The Power of Human Genius and Cognitive Capacity
51:14 The Future of AI and Human Interaction
52:55 The Power of Collective Thinking: Super Radiance
53:50 The Importance of Engaging in Conversations and Sharing Ideas
 
Connect with John Nosta:
Website: https://johnnosta.com/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JohnNosta
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Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.
Connect with Misha:
Newsletter: https://mishadavinci.substack.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci
Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/
 

Ep 7 | The Future Normal: AI, Innovations, & Trends — Rohit Bhargava

Misha takes an in-depth look at the book 'The Future Normal' with its best-selling author, Rohit Bhargava.
They delve into future trends ranging from multiversal identities and immersive entertainment to new collectivism.
Rohit elucidates his concept of 'stealth learning' and 'virtual companionship' arguing for the positive impact of technology on our lives.
The discussion also covers other thought-provoking topics like 'ambient health', 'green prescriptions', and 'augmented creativity'.
Towards the end, they discuss the necessity of embracing and adapting to technological advancements rather than being wary of them.
Bonus: Rohit hints about his upcoming book intended to guide readers on 'how to become non-obvious thinkers'.
 
00:00 Introduction and Host's Thoughts on the Future
00:42 Meet the Guest: Rohit Bhargava
07:35 Rohit's Journey and Career Background
14:51 Rohit's Daily Life and Work Routine
22:50 Discussion on AI and Copyright Issues
25:18 Exploring Rohit's Latest Book: The Future Normal
32:19 The Era of Untrustworthy Online Content
32:40 Emerging Solutions for Authenticating Media
34:04 Stealth Learning: Education through Entertainment
35:27 The Future of Education: Virtual Reality
38:49 Virtual Companionship: Relationships with AI
46:53 Augmented Creativity: AI Enhancing Human Creativity
58:57 New Collectivism: Rethinking Startup Culture
01:00:12 Making Weather: Controlling Climate Change
Connect with Rohit Bhargava:
Non-Obvious Newsletter: https://rohitbhargava.com/subscribe/
Books: https://rohitbhargava.com/books/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rohitbhargava
Listen, subscribe, and follow on our YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts. Let's get ready for the future!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.
Connect with Misha:
Newsletter: https://mishadavinci.substack.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci
Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

Ep 6 | AI, Digital Dossiers, & Our Lost Right to Privacy — Daniel Solove

Misha gets an eye-opening education on digital privacy from world-renowned privacy law expert Professor Daniel Solove.
Prof. Solove reveals alarming privacy issues in our digital world and how AI exacerbates the problem. He lifts the veil on the 'digital dossier' that exists for every single person and how it is used against our will.
He reveals the risks of data harvesting, how AI can deduce sensitive information about us, and its misuse.
Solove clarifies common misconceptions and emphasizes the inadequacy of existing privacy laws. He encourages people to initiate changes in privacy laws rather than settling for the existing ones.
 
00:00 Introduction to Digital Privacy
00:23 The Importance of Privacy in the Digital Age
00:48 Interview with Digital Privacy Expert Daniel Solove
05:46 Understanding the Concept of Privacy
10:48 The Evolution of Privacy in the Internet Era
16:29 The Dangers of Digital Dossiers
23:43 The Impact of Online Shopping on Privacy
28:49 The Role of Law in Protecting Privacy
45:04 Understanding the Different Types of Privacy Harms
48:57 The Inconsistency of Law in Data Breach Cases
49:59 Understanding Autonomy Harms in Data Privacy
51:22 The Struggle of Courts in Recognizing Data Privacy Violations
52:03 The Impact of Data Privacy Violations on Companies
52:23 The Role of Mobile Phones in Data Tracking
53:21 The Deception of Companies in Data Privacy
53:56 The Ineffectiveness of Privacy Notices
54:48 The Problem with Default Settings in Data Privacy
55:58 The Complexity of Consent in Data Privacy
57:20 The Importance of Accountability in Data Privacy
01:10:26 The Role of AI in Data Privacy
01:16:56 The Future of Data Privacy
01:24:51 The Importance of Demanding Accountability in Data Privacy
01:29:00 The Potential Impact of State Laws on Data Privacy
01:29:52 Conclusion: The Essential Role of Data Privacy in the Future
 
Connect with Daniel Solove:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danielsolove
Publications: https://www.danielsolove.com/publications/
Newsletter: https://www.danielsolove.com/news/
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Listen, subscribe, and follow on our YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts. Let's get ready for the future!
 
Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.
Connect with Misha:
Newsletter: https://mishadavinci.substack.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci
Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/
 

Ep 5 | Whoever Owns AI Controls the Future — Amba Kak

Misha chats with Amba Kak, a globally recognized technology policy expert currently working as the executive director at AI Now.
They discuss the dominance of big tech companies over AI development and deployment, why it matters, and the possible implications if it continues unchecked.
Amba also shares her insights on the trajectory of AI and how it's shaped and controlled by power structures, infrastructure and data.
This conversation also explores the need for more public involvement in shaping technology's future, alongside the pursuit of decentralization and democratic control over AI.
 
00:00 Introduction and Overview of AI
00:35 Guest Introduction and Background
01:56 Journey from India to the UK and the US
02:18 Deep Dive into AI and its Future
02:35 Guest's Experience and Insights on Global Understanding
02:52 Exploring the Unconventional Path to AI
03:43 Understanding the Global Impact of AI
04:54 Guest's Early Career and Aspirations
05:15 The Role of Law and Activism in Tech
08:13 The Journey to Oxford and Beyond
12:39 Working on Net Neutrality in India
18:23 Transition to Mozilla and Advocacy for Privacy Rights
22:16 Joining AI Now Institute and Its Purpose
31:01 The Influence of Big Tech on AI
33:44 The Scarcity of Compute Resources and Its Impact on AI Development
34:21 The Role of Big Tech Firms in AI Research
34:30 The Influence of Microsoft on OpenAI
35:12 The Importance of Data in AI Development
35:39 The Dominance of Large Tech Firms in AI
36:04 The Debate on AI Safety and Acceleration
36:31 The Control of Infrastructure in AI
37:01 The Existential Risk of Concentrated Power in AI
37:56 The Impact of AI Narratives on Tech Companies' Profits
39:03 The Infrastructural Dependencies and Climate Impact of AI
39:44 The Growing Awareness of the Problem of Concentration in AI
40:06 The Role of Competition Regulators in AI
42:12 The Future of AI and Big Tech
54:27 The Business Model Powering AI
55:20 The Vision for AI in the Public Interest
57:02 The Future of AI and Its Impact on Society
Connect with Amba Kak:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ambaonadventure
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amba-kak-48569b108/
Learn more about AINow Institute:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ainowinstitute
Website/Newsletter: https://ainowinstitute.org/
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Listen, subscribe, and follow on our YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts. Let's get ready for the future!
Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.
Connect with Misha:
Newsletter: https://mishadavinci.substack.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci
Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/
 
 

Ep 4 | Understanding the Multiverse — Physicist & Author Paul Halpern

Misha joins American physicist and author Paul Halpern on a mind-expanding journey into the multiverse.
As a professor of physics at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia and author of 18 books on subjects like particle physics and the nature of time, Halpern explores compelling topics like general relativity, cosmology, chaos theory, and complexity.
They dive into topics like Oppenheimer, Einstein, dark matter, the future of our cosmos, and the concept of multiverse from a scientific, cultural, and psychological approach.
Halpern also discusses his own writing process, his career path, and the importance of maintaining an open mind when considering future possibilities.
This thought-provoking dialogue is guaranteed to inspire and intrigue anyone fascinated by physics, the nature of our universe, and the potential for other dimensions of existence.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:09 Paul Halpern's Writing Process and Journey
01:32 Exploring the Multiverse: A Discussion
01:45 Paul Halpern's Prolific Writing Career
03:51 Paul's Personal Journey to Physics and Writing
08:37 The Role of Quantum Physics in Understanding Reality
23:47 The Concept of Multiverse in Quantum Physics
27:08 The Impact of Quantum Physics on Human Perception
33:13 The Influence of Perception and Environment on Our Choices
33:58 The Power of Travel and Exposure to Different Cultures
35:05 The Role of Quantum Physics in Understanding Reality
36:02 Exploring the Concept of Multiverse
36:44 The Impact of Perception on Reality
37:21 Understanding the Abstract Space of Quantum Physics
37:46 The Infinite Possibilities in Hilbert's Space
39:06 The Power of Positive Thinking and Choice
43:09 The Allure of the Multiverse
47:37 The Mystery of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
56:49 The Possibility of Extraterrestrial Life
57:50 The Future of Human Life on Mars
59:58 The Importance of Open-mindedness and Exploration
 
Get Paul Halpern's latest book: The Allure of the Multiverse
More about Paul: Paul Halpern - Wikipedia
Connect with Paul: Paul Halpern (@phalpern) / X (twitter.com)
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Listen, subscribe, and follow on our YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts. Let's get ready for the future!
Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.
Connect with Misha: 
Newsletter: The GRFTF Newsletter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci
Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/
 
 
 

Ep 3 | Controlling Our Toxic Relationship with Big Tech — Tom Kemp

Host Misha da Vinci and Tom Kemp author of Containing Big Tech: How to Protect Our Civil Rights, Economy, and Democracy discuss the influence and impacts of big tech on our lives, touching on privacy concerns, data collection, surveillance, and steps individuals can take to protect their privacy.
They discuss the hegemony of big tech companies over data collection in detail and how this unchecked power can lead to potentially harmful impacts on society.
Tom shares his personal journey into tech and his experiences in Silicon Valley and as an angel investor. He asserts the urgent need for legislation and consumer education to combat rampant data collection and digital surveillance persisting in today's societies.
 
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Goals
00:51 Guest Introduction: Tom Kemp
01:58 Tom's Journey to Silicon Valley
02:54 The Importance of Balancing Tech and Humanities
04:33 Tom's Experience as a Founder and Angel Investor
06:21 Understanding the Role of an Angel Investor
09:36 Tom's Current Projects and Daily Life
12:54 The Toxic Relationship with Big Tech
16:14 The Impact of Big Tech Monopolies
25:18 The Need for Regulation and Antitrust Laws
30:34 Historical Perspective on Power Concentration
31:41 The Need for Pro-Innovation Legislation
32:20 The Unfairness of Tech Monopolies
33:33 Understanding Digital Surveillance
34:58 The Dangers of Data Weaponization
36:05 AI's Role in Personalization and Manipulation
42:21 The Importance of Privacy
50:36 The Future of Big Tech
55:28 Practical Steps to Reduce Data Footprint
57:20 Tech Companies' Double Standards
59:50 Closing Remarks
 
PRIVACY ENHANCING TOOLS:
- Privacy Badger - a browser extension that automatically learns to block invisible trackers. https://privacybadger.org/
- How to configure App Tracking Transparency in iOS and iPadOS https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/07/20/how-to-configure-app-tracking-transparency-in-ios-and-ipados
- DuckDuckGo — Privacy, simplified. https://duckduckgo.com/
- My Activity Google https://myactivity.google.com/
 
Tom's book: https://www.amazon.com/Containing-Big-Tech-Protect-Democracy/dp/1639080619
Connect with Tom: https://www.tomkemp.ai/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
Listen, subscribe, and follow on our YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts.
Let's get ready for the future!
 
Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and founder of GRFTF. 
Connect with Misha: The GRFTF Newsletter (a free life-changing newsletter): https://mishadavinci.substack.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci
Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

Ep 2 | Who Will You Be in the Future — Tracey Follows

Misha da Vinci and Tracey Follows explore the trajectory of human identity in the wake of advancing technology. They touch on the rise of technocracy, the intricacies of our digital identities, and the potential collapse of privacy due to surveillance and data mining. Tracey highlights the potential downsides of over-reliance on technology, the risk of losing our autonomy and the fragmentation of our identities. The conversation also covers the clash of authenticity vs. profiling in digital identities, the dilemma of corporate control vs. self-sovereign power in the digital infrastructure, and the need for reframing our conception of identity for our chaotic, complex future world.
 
Tracey's book: The Future of You 
Tracey's podcast: The Future of You
Connect with Tracey: https://www.traceyfollows.com/
 
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Listen, subscribe, and follow on our YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts. Let's get ready for the future!
Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.
Connect with Misha: 
Newsletter: The GRFTF Newsletter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci
Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/
 

Ep 1 | Neurotechnology, Brain Transparency, & the Fight for Cognitive Freedom — Nita Farahany

“Neurotechnology, or devices that let you track your own brain activity, could help you deeply understand your health. But without privacy protections, your innermost thoughts, emotions, and desires could be at risk of exploitation. “
Nita Farahany is a pioneering futurist and leading authority at the intersection of law, ethics, and technology.
As the Robinson O. Everett Distinguished Professor of Law & Philosophy at Duke Law School, and Founding Director of Duke Science & Society, she drives transformative discussions on technology’s ethical implications.
Her seminal book, The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology (2023), charts a pathway to cognitive freedom in an increasingly interconnected world.
She’s a highly sought after speaker, her insights resonate from TED stages to the World Economic Forum. Serving on President Obama’s Presidential Commission (2010-2017) and advising entities including the U.S. BRAIN Initiative and the World Economic Forum, her expertise influences global technology policy.
With a JD and Ph.D. in law and philosophy from Duke University, with degrees in Genetics from Dartmouth, and Biology from Harvard, Nita’s interdisciplinary background informs her role as a prominent voice shaping global discourse on emerging technologies.
Get Nita's book here: The Battle for Your Brain https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Your-Brain-Defending-Neurotechnology/dp/1250272955
Connect with Nita:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NitaFarahany
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitafarahany/
Website: https://www.nitafarahany.com/
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Listen, subscribe, and follow on our YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts.
Let's get ready for the future!
Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.
Connect with Misha:
The GRFTF Newsletter (a free life-changing newsletter): https://mishadavinci.substack.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci
Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/