The Future of Everything

Stanford Engineering
  • 5.0 (10)
  • SCIENCE
  • COMPLETE
The Future of Everything

Host Russ Altman, a professor of bioengineering, genetics, and medicine at Stanford, is your guide to the latest science and engineering breakthroughs. Join Russ and his guests as they explore cutting-edge advances that are shaping the future of everything from AI to health and renewable energy. Along the way, “The Future of Everything” delves into ethical implications to give listeners a well-rounded understanding of how new technologies and discoveries will impact society. Whether you’re a researcher, a student, or simply curious about what’s on the horizon, tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments that are transforming our world.

  1. The future of hoarding disorder

    6 DAYS AGO

    The future of hoarding disorder

    Psychiatrist Carolyn Rodriguez studies hoarding disorder and says that all of us have attachments to our possessions. But for many, these attachments can disrupt daily life and even pose health risks. For those with loved ones who struggle with hoarding disorder, she says treatments exist, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Lately, she’s been studying how virtual reality can augment CBT through virtual discarding practice and ways brain stimulation may improve symptoms. But, Rodriguez says, never underestimate the value of empathy for those in need of help, as she tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Carolyn RodriguezConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces Carolyn Rodriguez, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Stanford University. (00:02:47) Motivation to Study Hoarding Disorder Why Carolyn chose to focus her research on hoarding disorder. (00:03:44) Collecting Versus Hoarding Distinguishing between normal behavior and clinically significant hoarding. (00:05:47) Prevalence of Hoarding Disorder The universality and pervasiveness of hoarding disorder. (00:07:11) The Brain Science Behind Hoarding Early neuroscience findings on attachment and discarding behavior. (00:08:47) Dopamine and Excessive Acquisition The connection between hoarding and potential dopamine reward pathways. (00:09:55) Risk Factors and Cognitive Challenges Personality traits, genetics, and processing difficulties involved in hoarding. (00:11:14) Gender Differences and Insight Issues Gender prevalence in treatment-seeking and the concept of anosognosia. (00:12:35) The “Why” Behind Hoarding How motivations and emotional attachments influence behavior. (00:13:50) Onset and Progression of Disorder Typical onset age, aging effects, and early warning signs. (00:15:05) Historical References to Hoarding Accounts from ancient literature of hoarding-like behavior (00:17:16) Attachment to Objects The emotional, aesthetic, and identity-based reasons people retain objects. (00:20:45) Current Treatment Options The treatment landscape, including lack of medications and focus on CBT. (00:22:30) Chronic Nature of Hoarding Disorder Framing hoarding as a long-term condition with hopeful outcomes. (00:23:08) Virtual Reality for Treatment A study on using VR to safely practice letting go of personal items. (00:25:58) Neuromodulation Research Using non-invasive brain stimulation to reduce acquisition urges. (00:27:00) Advice for Individuals and Families The importance of empathy and self-care for individuals and caregivers. (00:28:47) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    30 min
  2. Best of: The future of skin longevity

    27 JUN

    Best of: The future of skin longevity

    Summer is in full swing and we hope you are enjoying it with family and friends. As we spend more time outdoors, it’s an opportune moment to revisit a conversation we had with Zakia Rahman, a dermatologist who shared a number of helpful measures we can take to care for our skin. She reminds us that skincare is about more than vanity — it’s about vitality. We hope you’ll tune in again and enjoy. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Zakia RahmanStanford Center on LongevityConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Host Russ Altman introduces guest Zakia Rahman, a professor of dermatology at Stanford University. (00:01:57) The Impact of Digital Technologies How digital media shapes dermatology and self-perception (00:03:13) Effects of Self-Image on Dermatology Balancing vanity and vitality in modern skincare trends. (00:04:38) The Role of Lasers in Dermatology The uses and types of laser technology in dermatology. (00:08:17) Lasers in Skin Cancer Treatment How laser technology aids in the treatment and prevention of skin cancer. (00:09:44) Progress in Skin Cancer Skin cancer prevention and the effectiveness of sun protection measures. (00:13:02) Effectiveness of Physical Sun Protection Guidance on protecting from UV damage using physical sun protection. (00:18:27) Ethnic Differences in Skin Health Differences in skin health and sun exposure across ethnic groups. (00:20:30) Tanning: Protective or Problematic? The science behind tanning and the skin’s role as an endocrine organ. (00:23:16) Aesthetics and Culture in Skin Care How cultural perceptions of beauty intersect with skincare and health. (00:25:38) Therapeutic Effects of Light Potential benefits of red light exposure from masks and sunsets. (00:28:28) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    29 min
  3. The future of food security

    20 JUN

    The future of food security

    Guest Lisa Goldman Rosas is an authority on public health who says that food insecurity goes deeper than hunger and can lead to chronic diabetes, heart disease, and even anxiety and depression. Rosas champions a concept she calls “nutrition security,” which focuses on food’s health value over mere calories. She discusses her work with “Recipe4Health,” an Alameda County-led program that issues produce prescriptions, offers health coaching, and integrates electronic health records to improve diets and well-being. Food is medicine, Rosas tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Lisa Goldman RosasRecipe4HealthConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces Lisa Goldman Rosas, a professor of epidemiology and population health, medicine and pediatrics at Stanford University. (00:03:56) Journey Into Food & Health Lisa’s path from environmental science to food security and medicine. (00:05:54) Food Insecurity vs. Nutrition Security Distinguishing between food insecurity and nutrition security. (00:07:12) Food Choices Under Pressure Factors that contribute to food insecurity in families. (00:09:03) Health Impacts of Food Insecurity Links between food insecurity, chronic illness and mental health issues. (00:12:04) Government & Policy Support How programs like SNAP and WIC support food access. (00:14:15) Food as Medicine A growing movement connecting healthcare with nutrition support. (00:17:34) Trial Periods & Lasting Impact Why short-term programs can help families discover healthier habits. (00:21:27) What is Recipe4Health? An outline of a clinic-based produce and behavior prescription program. (00:24:07) When Disease Causes Food Insecurity How expensive chronic disease can push people into food insecurity. (00:24:23) Medicaid Waivers for Food Prescriptions The state level policy shifts that allow food as a reimbursable health expense. (00:26:27) Private Sector’s Role in Food Insecurity How companies are getting involved in promoting healthy foods. (00:27:34) Simple Tips for Eating Better Strategies to make small but impactful changes for eating healthier. (00:30:39) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    32 min
  4. The future of motivation

    13 JUN

    The future of motivation

    Everyone has goals — some are monumental, others modest — but every goal matters. Join guest Szu-chi Huang, an expert in sustaining enthusiasm for individuals, customers, and employees across global corporations and organizations, as she delves into the science of motivation. Discover how the gap between where you are and where you want to be is bridged by a dynamic blend of psychology, sociology, behavioral economics, neuroscience, and the latest in AI. The secret to achieving your goals? Stay adaptable. If one approach falters, switch gears to keep your drive alive, Huang tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Szu-chi HuangConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces Szu-Chi Huang, professor of marketing at Stanford GSB. (00:03:31) Studying Motivation Szu-chi shares what led her to study motivational science (00:04:03) Defining Motivation Motivation as the drive to close the gap between current and ideal self. (00:04:57) The Science of Motivation Studying motivation through behavioral and neurological data. (00:05:48) Why It Matters in Business How motivation science applies to leaders, teams, and customers. (00:06:39) Motivation Framework The strategies needed in order to stay motivated over time. (00:07:42) The Mindset of Motivation The different mindsets needed throughout the stages of motivation. (00:09:21) Motivating Kids to Choose Healthy A Collaboration with UNICEF to study what motivates children. (00:10:55) Gamified Coupons in Panama A study using gamified coupons to influence children's food choices. (00:14:26) Loyalty Programs as Motivation How customer reward programs act as structured goal journeys. (00:16:47) Progress Versus Purpose The different incentives needed in each stage of loyalty programs. (00:18:29) Retirement Saving Lessons How financial institutions apply motivational science to long-term goals. (00:21:12) Motivation in Social Context The role of social connections in goal pursuit and sustaining motivation. (00:26:10) Designing Apps for Motivation How redesigning user interfaces can help users stay motivated. (00:27:20) AI as a Motivation Coach Using AI to personalize feedback across all stages of goal pursuit. (00:30:09) Starting and Sustaining a Goal Practical strategies for launching and sustaining a goal. (00:31:57) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    33 min
  5. Best of: Training the next generation of entrepreneurs

    6 JUN

    Best of: Training the next generation of entrepreneurs

    It’s graduation season here at Stanford and students are getting ready to collect their diplomas and take their education out into the real world. A couple years ago, we sat down with Tina Seelig, a professor in our Management Science and Engineering department who’s done a lot of research on how we can teach skills including imagination, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship — all things that can come in handy when you’re setting out to make a positive contribution to the world. We’re re-running this episode today, so whether you’re a new grad trying to figure out your next steps, or someone simply looking for a solution to a big challenge, we hope you’ll tune in again and be inspired.  Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Tina SeeligConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces Tina Seelig, professor of management science and engineering at Stanford University. (00:02:04) Is Entrepreneurship Teachable? Whether entrepreneurial traits can be learned or are innate. (00:04:22) Parsing the Creative Process Differences between imagination, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. (00:05:52) Universality of Entrepreneurial Skills How entrepreneurial skills apply to industries beyond tech. (00:07:33) Teaching with Framestorming A method to redefine problems before jumping to solutions. (00:10:29) Framestorming vs Brainstorming The concept of “framestorming” and why it’s critical for innovation. (00:12:05) Inventing the Future Course Tina’s course where students debate the ethics of emerging technologies. (00:13:35) Creativity and Ethical Considerations The importance of separating ideas from judgment while innovating. (00:16:20) Anticipating the Downside How students often identify ethical risks in technologies even experts miss. (00:18:49) Creativity and Leadership Why leaders need creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking. (00:19:42) Teaching Leadership Cultivating leadership through values-driven education and training. (00:21:01) Combatting Leadership Stereotypes Creating diversity cohorts to show leadership comes in many forms. (00:22:58) How to Engineer Your Own Luck Outlining the differences between fortune, chance, and luck. (00:25:50) The Micro-Decisions of Luck How consistent effort and initiative lead to perceived “luck.” (00:27:34) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    29 min
  6. The future of learning to read

    30 MAY

    The future of learning to read

    Jason Yeatman is an expert in the neurobiology of literacy whose lab is fostering a virtuous research cycle between academia and school communities, aligning scientific inquiry with real-world needs of students, parents, and educators. His lab has developed ROAR – the Rapid Online Assessment of Reading—a gamified, web-based dyslexia screening tool. ROAR provides fast, precise, and scalable assessments, helping educators identify and get support to struggling students. We’re aligning cutting-edge reading science with the challenges teachers face every day, Yeatman tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Listen to the end to hear a question from one of our listeners for Professor Renee Zhao, as well as Professor Zhao's response.  Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Jason YeatmanRapid Online Assessment of Reading (ROAR)Jason and his team just launched ROAR@Home BETA, a parent research portal. Any parent who listens can sign up for ROAR here - https://roar.stanford.edu/signup/Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces Jason Yeatman, a professor of pediatrics education and psychology at Stanford University. (00:03:12) Why Reading? Why Jason dedicated his career to studying reading acquisition. (00:04:12) Are We Built to Read? How reading is a relatively new invention using older brain systems. (00:06:41) Reading as a Continuum Whether reading ability is distributed like other genetic human traits. (00:07:53) Defining Dyslexia Reframing dyslexia as a label for support, not a binary diagnosis. (00:10:19) Phonological Awareness Understanding how speech sound recognition underpins reading. (00:13:37) Nature vs. Nurture The influence of both genetics and environment in reading ability. (00:16:40) The Origin of ROAR An online reading assessment tool created during the pandemic. (00:19:06) ROAR’s Effectiveness The accuracy in which ROAR can assess reading capability. (00:22:45) Reading Interventions That Work Expanding support with evidence-based interventions for all ages. (00:25:25) Personalized Diagnoses Tailoring interventions based on detailed individual skill diagnostics. (00:26:36) Scaling ROAR Scaling ROAR via an academic research-practice partnership model. (00:29:34) Infrastructure Behind ROAR The team and technology required to scale ROAR in schools. (00:31:54) Future of Reading Assessment Expanding ROAR to include other dimensions of reading development. (00:33:44) Reading Across Languages Why English poses more reading difficulties than many languages. (00:35:34) Listener Q&A New segment answering audience questions from past episodes. (00:37:46) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    39 min
  7. The future of sleep

    23 MAY

    The future of sleep

    Neurobiologist Jamie Zeitzer is an expert on sleep – or, more accurately, an expert on why so many can’t sleep. He notes that, ironically, it’s often anxiety about sleep that prevents good sleep. In short, we lose sleep over lost sleep. Wearables and other tools can help but only to a point, and medications do not induce natural sleep. Instead, he counsels consistent routines, less stimulation at bedtime, and cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce worry about insomnia. Unfortunately, you can’t work harder to get better sleep – you have to learn to relax, Zeitzer tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Jamie ZeitzerConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Jamie Zeitzer, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. (00:03:12) Understanding Circadian Rhythms How the biological clock regulates sleep and other body functions. (00:04:57) The Mystery of Sleep’s Purpose What is still unknown about the fundamental need for sleep. (00:06:00) Light and the Circadian Clock The impact light exposure has on the body’s internal sleep timing. (00:08:13) Day and Night Light Contrast The importance of creating a light-dark contrast for healthy rhythms. (00:11:18) Phones, Screens, and the Blue Light Whether blue light from screen use affects sleep quality. (00:13:49) Defining and Diagnosing Sleep Problems How stress and over-focus on sleep quality worsen insomnia. (00:16:02) Sleep Anxiety and Wearables The psychological downsides of sleep data from tracking devices. (00:17:14) CBT-I and Rethinking Insomnia Mentally reframing sleep with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. (00:21:21) Desynchronized Sleep Patterns Studying student sleep patterns to separate circadian vs. sleep effects. (00:23:49) Shift Work and Circadian Misalignment The difficulty of re-aligning circadian clocks in rotating shifts. (00:26:26) Effectiveness of Sleep Medications The various drugs used to promote sleep and their pros and cons. (00:29:46) Circadian “Sleep Cliff” and Melatonin The brain’s “wake zone” before sleep and the limited effects of melatonin. (00:32:52) Do’s & Don’ts for Better Sleep Advice for those looking to improve their sleep quality. (00:34:55) Alcohol and Caffeine Effects How metabolism influences the effects of alcohol and caffeine on sleep. (00:37:24) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    38 min
  8. The future of geriatric care

    16 MAY

    The future of geriatric care

    Deborah Kado is a geriatrician who believes her field is misunderstood. Her interest in the science of aging began with a childhood encounter in a nursing home but recently resulted in intriguing work in which Kado linked microbes in the gut to vitamin D metabolism and poor sleep. Kado refuses to blame aging alone for health problems, advocating for better care regardless of age. It’s never too late to strive for better health, Kado tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Deborah KadoConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Deborah Kado, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at Stanford University. (00:03:22) Origin Story in Geriatrics How a childhood encounter led to Deborah’s career in geriatrics. (00:06:04) Geriatrics vs. Gerontology The clinical and research distinctions between the two related fields. (00:06:58) Rethinking Aging Reframing aging as a lifelong process rather than decline and loss. (00:08:34) Patient Care Approach Why symptoms should be investigated, not dismissed as inevitable aging. (00:11:33) Linking Bone Health, Gut, and Brain The surprising relationship between microbiomes, bones, and cognition. (00:14:34) Vitamin D: Storage vs. Active Form Why only the active form of vitamin D correlates with microbiome health. (00:17:22) Gut Health and Sleep How better sleep quality is linked to healthier microbiomes. (00:21:20) Medical Education & Geriatric Training The shortage of geriatrics training in U.S. medical schools. (00:23:08) Measuring Geriatric Knowledge The challenges and efforts to measure student knowledge about aging. (00:27:24) Takeaways for Medical Professionals Two anecdotes where symptoms were misattributed to old age. (00:30:51) Empowering Aging Patients Advice to aging individuals: agency, purpose, and not settling for less care. (00:34:02) Conclusion   Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    35 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Host Russ Altman, a professor of bioengineering, genetics, and medicine at Stanford, is your guide to the latest science and engineering breakthroughs. Join Russ and his guests as they explore cutting-edge advances that are shaping the future of everything from AI to health and renewable energy. Along the way, “The Future of Everything” delves into ethical implications to give listeners a well-rounded understanding of how new technologies and discoveries will impact society. Whether you’re a researcher, a student, or simply curious about what’s on the horizon, tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments that are transforming our world.

Information

  • Creator
    Stanford Engineering
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    330
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Future of Everything

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