In Conversation with Nathalie Nahai

Nathalie Nahai
  • 4.7 (33)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
In Conversation with Nathalie Nahai

Welcome to In Conversation with Nathalie Nahai (formerly known as The Hive Podcast), the series that enquires into our relationship with one another, technology and the natural world. Join me as we dive into the complex and challenging questions of our time, and explore how some of the greatest minds are forging new and exciting paths forward. For more resources and information about the show, please visit nathalienahai.com/in-conversation/

  1. 14 HR AGO

    146. Solstice Special / Manda Scott & Della Duncan

    As we approach the longest night in the North, I’m delighted to share with you what has become a cherished tradition of reflection, contemplation, and looking ahead to the year to come. In this conversation, I rejoin Manda Scott and Della Duncan for a collaborative midwinter offering from myself, Accidental Gods, and the Upstream Podcast.   From the questions we’re holding and the highlight’s we’re taking from the year, to the gifts we’d like to share with one another and with you as we cross the threshold into 2025, this is a ritual that I’ve come to really look forward to, and I hope you find it as uplifting as I do.   As always, Manda will close with a guided solstice meditation, the 7 Generations Perspective, which you can find over at Accidental Gods.   To introduced my companions…   Manda Scott is a novelist, podcaster and smallholder. Formerly a veterinary surgeon, Manda’s novels have been shortlisted for the Orange Prize, the Edgar and the Saltire Award and has won the McIlvanney Prize. She is host of the Accidental Gods podcast, which showcases individuals and organisations at the emerging edge of our world, to set the foundation for a future we’d be proud to leave to the generations that come after us.   We’re joined by Della Duncan, a Renegade Economist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a co-host of the Upstream Podcast, a Right Livelihood Coach, a faculty member at the California Institute of Integral Studies, a Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics, a founding member of the California Doughnut Economics Coalition, and the designer and co-facilitator of the Cultivating Regenerative Livelihood Course at Gaia Education.   This is always a special episode for me, and I’m very grateful to be able to dive into conversation with these two brilliant women. I hope you find it inviting and inspiring, and I wish you a peaceful Winter Solstice and a fruitful new year.   SUMMARY   In this enlightening conversation, Manda Scott, Della Duncan, and Nathalie Nahai reflect on their podcasting journey over the past year, sharing insights on the themes of conscious evolution, anti-capitalism, and the ethical implications of technology. They explore the importance of community, personal growth, and the interconnectedness of all life, while also addressing the urgent need for systemic change in the face of ecological and social crises. The discussion culminates in a collective inquiry into how to foster a more compassionate and equitable world, emphasizing the role of individual and collective action in shaping a sustainable future.     KEY THEMES   ·      The role of imperialism in capitalism ·      The importance of community and connection in activism ·      Conscious evolution requires a shift in values and worldview ·      Understanding the complexities of technology and its impact on society ·      The need for systemic change to address ecological crises ·      Personal practices can help maintain balance and well-being ·      Recognizing the interconnectedness of all life is crucial ·      Anti-capitalist strategies must consider the implications for all ·      Art and creativity are essential in the age of AI ·      Hope and resilience can emerge from collective action     WEBSITES Manda p...

    1h 27m

  2. 17 NOV

    145. Is AI Stripping Our rRights To Liberty, Privacy & Self-determination? / Joanna Kavenna

    In this final episode of the season, I speak with Joanna Kavenna - an English novelist, essayist and travel writer of Welsh extraction, who has written six books which explore themes of history, travel, reality and society. Having grown up in Britain, and lived in the US, France, Germany, China, Sri Lanka, Scandinavia, Italy and the Baltic states, Joanna is the author of several critically acclaimed works of fiction and nonfiction, including The Ice Museum, Inglorious, Come to the Edge, A Field Guide to Reality and – most recently - Zed. Her novel Inglorious won the Orange Award for New Writing, and her novel The Birth of Love was longlisted for the Orange Prize. Joanna’s writing has appeared in The New Yorker, London Review of Books, The New York Times and many other publications, and she was named as one of the Telegraph’s Best Writers under 40 in 2010 and as one of Granta's Best of Young British Novelists in 2013. She has also held the Alistair Horne Fellowship at St Antony’s College Oxford and the Harper-Wood at St John’s College Cambridge. I first came across Joanna at a philosophy festival in London over the summer, called How The Light Gets In, and I had the pleasure of hearing her speak on a panel about technology, society and the future. I was mesmerised by her shimmering, constellated and poetic way of thinking and speaking, and I couldn’t resist asking if she might join me on the show. Luckily for me (and for you) she said yes, and I’m excited to share this wide-ranging conversation with you today!   SUMMARY In this conversation, we explore the historical implications of technological advancements, the ethical considerations surrounding data usage, and the importance of agency and cognitive liberty. We touch on the nature of reality, the search for beauty in dark times, and the need for hope and resilience amidst societal challenges. Ultimately, we emphasise the necessity for participatory democracy and ethical frameworks in shaping the future of technology.   KEY THEMES ·      AI is a reflection of the global human psyche. ·      The historical context of technology influences art and society. ·      Data usage without consent raises ethical concerns. ·      Emerging technologies can lead to both progress and peril. ·      Agency is crucial in navigating a tech-driven world. ·      Cognitive liberty is essential for personal autonomy. ·      AI can simulate human interaction but lacks true consciousness. ·      Reality is often distorted by technological representations. ·      Finding beauty in everyday moments can foster resilience. ·      Hope is vital in facing the challenges of modern life.   WEBSITES http://www.joannakavenna.com/   BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCES Zed – Joanna Kavenna (http://www.joannakavenna.com/zed/) We – Eugene Zamiatin (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76171.We) Picnic Comma Lightning – Laurence Scott (https://amzn.to/4fKGnpW) History for Tomorrow – Roman Krznaric...

    1h 7m

  3. 3 NOV

    144. How To Harness AI In Business: On Risk, Responsibility & Resilience / Elliott Young

    This week, I’m speaking with Elliott Young, the Chief Technology Officer at Dell Technologies for EMEA, whose role focuses on supporting chief experience officers in leveraging Generative AI for business results. Having been a pilot, a solutions architect, and a consultant, he now leads the development of cutting-edge AI and multicloud strategies to drive digital transformation across industries. With a focus on simplifying AI and cloud adoption within business transformations, Elliott and his team work to help companies of all sizes - from large enterprises to mid-sized organisations - not only to optimise and create a competitive advantage with Generative AI, but also to develop entirely new business models that embrace this technology. With all of the conferences I’ve had the privilege of speaking at this year, exploring the complex place at which promise and perils of AI meet the hopes and fears of humanity, I was excited to have this opportunity to dig into some of the business challenges and applications that AI offers us in this moment. I’m also delighted to say that I’ll be speaking on a panel at Dell Technologies Forum in London, on the 26th November, and I’d love it if you’d join me. If you’re curious about innovation and the role AI plays in driving technological advancements, or you want to learn more about how AI-integrated solutions can reveal deeper insights from data, enhance productivity and inspire new ways of doing business, this is for you. Join me in London on Tuesday the 26th November, where I’ll be bringing a humanistic perspective as to how we can harness AI in a way that enriches and supports our individual and collective agency, wellbeing and the flourishing of healthy organisational cultures. The link to register is in the shownotes below: https://bit.ly/DTF_NN SUMMARY In this conversation, we explore the intersection of emerging technologies, particularly generative AI, and its implications for society, business, and governance. We discuss the rapid advancements in technology showcased at Gitex and the responsibilities of businesses in implementing these technologies responsibly, as well as the challenges of keeping up with the pace of change, ensuring oversight in complex systems, and navigating the Gartner hype cycle. As well as practical strategies organisations can adopt to effectively integrate AI into their operations, we also discuss the transformative potential of generative AI across various sectors, particularly healthcare, from the integration of AI in existing systems, to the role of robotic process automation, and the importance of resilience in digital infrastructures. KEY THEMES • Generative AI is reshaping how we think about technology and its applications. • Emerging technologies can enable communities to leapfrog traditional infrastructures. • The role of businesses in responsible tech is crucial for societal impact. • Organisations must prioritize ongoing education about AI for their employees. • Trusting employees with access to AI tools can foster innovation. • The Gartner hype cycle illustrates the fluctuating expectations of AI technologies. • Implementing 'hero AI' can demonstrate the potential of generative AI to employees. • Oversight mechanisms are necessary to ensure responsible AI usage. • Robotic process automation serves as a bridge for AI integration. • Organisations need robust backup plans for digital failures. • AI agents will transform job roles and responsibilities. WEBSITES https://bit.ly/DTF_NN BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCES https://www.gitex.com/ MUSIC https://nathalienahai.hearnow.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Emerging Technologies at Gitex 03:10 The Global Human Psyche and AI 06:04 Generative AI: Opportunities and...

    49 min

  4. 20 OCT

    143. Organisational Resilience: Embracing Change, Learning & Transformation / Tami Rosen

    Today I’m in conversation with Tami Rosen - a recognised thought leader, influencer and senior executive in HR, who has spent her career transforming the impact of Human Resources as a senior executive for some of the world’s most recognized companies, including Goldman Sachs, Apple, Luminar Technologies, Atlassian, and, most recently, Pagaya, where she currently holds the title of Chief People Officer and leads a dynamic workforce of over 750+ across Israel and the United States. Passionate about philanthropy, coaching, mentoring and helping the future generation of leaders, Tami embodies a leadership style steeped in inclusivity and innovation. She has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives focused on the advancement of underrepresented communities, from establishing Wall Street's inaugural, award-winning LGBTQ+ Ally Program at Goldman Sachs, to designing the framework for Atlassian's 'TEAM Anywhere' program that has redefined remote work paradigms. Her contribution to Pagaya is cemented in the company's foundational value: 'Culture of Learning,' which centralises learning and education in all aspects of the organisation. Tami's visionary perspective goes beyond viewing people as a company's most valuable asset; instead, she sees HR as a disruptive technology and innovative force that drives business operations and capabilities beyond the imaginable. Her forward-thinking approach positions HR as a catalyst for transformative change, shaping the future of organizations – which is exactly what drew me to speaking with her today. SUMMARY In this conversation, we explore the importance of embracing change and fostering a culture of continuous learning within organisations. Tami also discusses the role of AI in enhancing financial inclusion, while acknowledging the challenges and ethical considerations that come with its implementation. The conversation touches on the significance of feedback, resilience, and the need for human connection in the workplace, ultimately framing flourishing as a personal journey guided by one's passions and adaptability. KEY THEMES ·      Embracing change can lead to opportunities. ·      Continuous learning is essential for personal and organizational growth. ·      AI can enhance financial inclusion but comes with challenges. ·      People strategy must align with business strategy for success. ·      Feedback is a crucial tool for personal development. ·      Resilience is built through learning from failures. ·      Flourishing requires a clear sense of direction and control. ·      Flexibility in work arrangements is increasingly expected. ·      Music and the arts can provide solace and inspiration during tough times. WEBSITES https://pagaya.com/ BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCES Song Exploder (Podcast) - https://bit.ly/4aQ3HAe MUSIC https://nathalienahai.hearnow.com/ CHAPTERS 06:03 Challenges and Embracing Change 12:02 Pagaya: Using AI to Make Financial Opportunities More Accessible 16:06 Challenges and Pitfalls of AI in Finance 21:27 AI's Impact on Creativity and Imagination 24:12 Flourishing in a Time of Acceleration and Disruption 27:03 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Business Longevity 31:24 Mistakes Tech Companies Make in Business...

    56 min

  5. 6 OCT

    142. Transforming Our Future: Asabiya, Biophilia & Radical Revolt / Roman Krznaric

    This week, I have the pleasure of interviewing Roman Krznaric, a social philosopher, writer, and public intellectual who writes about the power of ideas to create change. A former political scientist, Roman has become a leading voice in the realm of practical philosophy, urging individuals and societies to prioritise future generations in our decision-making. A Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University’s Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, and co-founder of The School of Life, Roman is also the founder of the world’s first Empathy Museum, a series of participatory art projects dedicated to helping us look at the world through other people’s eyes. Renowned for his work on empathy and long-term thinking, Roman’s writing has been widely influential amongst political and ecological campaigners, education reformers, social entrepreneurs and designers, and he has been featured in major media outlets from the The Guardian and BBC to The New York Times. A member of the Club of Rome and a Research Fellow of the Long Now Foundation, Roman’s latest book, History for Tomorrow: Inspiration from the Past for the Future of Humanity (2024), explores how lessons from the past can inspire new ways of thinking about the future to guide more ethical, regenerative actions. I first came across Roman’s work a few years ago through his best-selling book, The Good Ancestor: How to Think Long Term in a Short-Term World (2020), and I found it so moving and capivating that I really wanted to bring him onto the show today to share his insights and vision with you. SUMMARY In this conversation, we explore the interconnectedness of time and humanity, and the role of radical revolt and Asabiya in societal change. We discuss the impact of technology on social connections, the importance of biophilia, conviviality and crisis response, and the necessity of transformative change through disruptive movements. Our dialogue emphasises the need for hope, meaning, and the reweaving of social fabric in a rapidly changing world. KEY THEMES ·      The global human psyche is interconnected with the planetary psyche. ·      Understanding our relationship with time is crucial for societal progress. ·      Radical revolts have historically led to significant societal changes. ·      Technology can both exacerbate and alleviate societal issues. ·      Reweaving social connections is essential for community resilience. ·      Biophilia fosters a deeper connection with the living world. ·      Crisis response is vital for navigating contemporary challenges. ·      Disruptive movements are necessary for transformative change. ·      Hope can be drawn from historical successes in overcoming crises. ·      Meaningful life is built on relationships, autonomy, and purpose.   WEBSITES https://www.romankrznaric.com/   BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCES History For Tomorrow – Roman Krznaric (https://www.romankrznaric.com/history-for-tomorrow) The Good Ancestor – Roman Krznaric (https://www.romankrznaric.com/good-ancestor) Carpe Diem – Roman Krznaric (https://www.romankrznaric.com/carpe-diem-regained) Time Rebels – VPRO Documentary (video:...

    1h 9m

  6. 22 SEPT

    141. The Deluge: On Literature, Science & The Art of Hope / Stephen Markley

    On this episode of In Conversation, I speak with Stephen Markley – an American journalist, screenwriter and author whose gripping novels explore the tangled political, economic and environmental issues we face across the world today. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Stephen’s Midwestern roots permeate his writing, and his debut novel, Ohio, garnered critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of a Rust Belt town and its residents grappling with the aftermath of the Iraq War, economic decline, and personal trauma. In 2023, he published The Deluge, an ambitious behemoth of a novel set in the near future, which tackles the urgent issue of climate change and its manifold impacts on society. Described by Stephen King  as “prophetic, terrifying, uplifting”, it was named by The New York Times as one of the 100 Notable Books of 2023, and reviewed as “realistic and nuanced, grim but playful.” Having been interviewed on Late Night with Seth Myers and at book launches by Chris Pine, Robbie Orvis and Dan Fogelman, Stephen has become one of the leading literary figures in the US and beyond to give voice to the complicated, distressing and at times redemptive forces at play in the scientific, climatic and geopolitical realms. This was a provocative, thoughtful and surprising conversation for me, and I hope you find it both sobering and uplifting. SUMMARY The conversation explores the global human psyche in the face of the climate crisis and the role of literature in inspiring action. It dives into the importance of finding joy and hope amidst the challenges, the power of community and face-to-face interactions, and the dangers of social media and surveillance capitalism. We also touch on the potential of technology, the need for a balance between hope and fear, and the role of culture in shaping our perspectives. We talk about Stephen’s most recent book, 'The Deluge,' and how it address the ways in which we might navigate the current crisis and create a more just and prosperous future. As both of us are authors (albeit of different genres), we talk about the psychological toll of writing about challenging topics, the importance of finding joy and balance in life, and the power of creativity. We also explore the need for humility and open-mindedness in conversations, the value of boredom and imagination, and the impact of the attention economy on our mental well-being. KEY THEMES •  Finding joy and hope is crucial in the face of the climate crisis. •  Community and face-to-face interactions play a vital role in addressing the challenges. •  Social media and surveillance capitalism have negatively impacted our sense of community and purpose. •  Technology, such as AI, can be both beneficial and authoritarian, requiring careful consideration. •  Literature and culture have the power to emotionally engage and inspire action. •  Balancing hope and fear is essential in motivating people to address the climate crisis. Writing about challenging topics can take a psychological toll, and it's important to find joy and balance in life. •  Creativity is a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth, regardless of whether it becomes a career. •  The attention economy and constant connectivity can negatively impact our mental well-being, and it's important to create boundaries and cultivate boredom and imagination. •  Humility and open-mindedness are essential in conversations, as they allow for growth and understanding. •  Diverse perspectives and questioning assumptions are vital for personal and societal growth. •  Finding hope and reflecting on the long view...

    1h 5m

  7. 8 SEPT

    140. Flourishing: Embracing Decay, Accepting Otherness & Loving Under Patriarchy / Rachel Donald

    Today I’m in conversation with Rachel Donald, an investigative journalist and activist dedicated to uncovering the root causes of global crises and advocating for change. With a background in managing international teams and teaching media and journalism at French universities, Rachel’s work focuses on what she terms "climate corruption"—the exploitation of natural resources at the expense of the environment and marginalised communities. Driven by a passion for climate advocacy, combating corruption, and storytelling, Rachel is perhaps best-known for her compelling podcast ‘Planet Critical’, a powerful series that explores pressing issues surrounding global energy, economics, and ecology. Her work and writing have featured in major publications, often serving to illuminate the gaslighting tactics that sustain exploitative systems, and her articles serve to connect the dots into a broader, more complex and complete narrative. A sought-after speaker at conferences, Rachel is currently authoring her debut book on the theme of violence, drawing from her extensive experience in print, online, and radio journalism. This episode has been a while in the making, but I’m really delighted to be able to share this conversation with you today. And if you’d like to find out more about Rachel’s work, check out her podcast and writing, the links for which are in the shownotes below. SUMMARY In this episode of In Conversation, we explore the concept of flourishing and the risks and opportunities facing us in the world today. From eco-fascism, authoritarianism, and the dangers of unregulated AI, to decreasing crop yields and mass migration, we discuss the need for adaptation and resilience in the face of a rapidly changing world. We also shed light on the green shoots of change, including the use of social media for radical information sharing ,the embrace of local economies and sustainable practices, and the need for social friction and curiosity in order to create connections and foster hope. Rachel raises some thoughtful, provocative challenges to the ways in which we love one another under patriarchy, and unpacks the lack of language and understanding around love. We also explore the importance of understanding where traditions and societal norms come from and how we might better understand and align our actions with the values we hold dear.   KEY THEMES •  The global human psyche is experiencing a recognition of pain and empathy, leading to a desire for change and a sense of global scream. •  Flourishing involves a willingness to embrace decay and death as part of a cycle, and to accept the otherness that comes with it. •  The risks in the world include eco-fascism, authoritarianism, and the dangers of unregulated AI. •  Adaptation and resilience are necessary in the face of challenges such as decreasing crop yields and mass migration. •  Shoots of hope can be found in the use of social media for radical information sharing and the embrace of local economies and sustainable practices. Building relationships and engaging in meaningful conversations are essential for creating connections and fostering hope. •  Social friction and curiosity are important for generating newness, creativity, and love. •  Loving one another under patriarchy is challenging due to power dynamics and the lack of understanding and language around love. •  Understanding the origins of traditions and aligning actions with values can lead to more fulfilling relationships. •  On dark days, finding beauty and resilience in laughter, feeling deeply, and holding the bigger picture can provide strength and hope. WEBSITES a href="https://www.planetcritical.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 13m

  8. 25 AUG

    139. Call Of The Wild: Nature Connection, Mystery & Post-Economic Paradigms / Dr Matthew Zylstra

    Today I speak with Dr Matthew Zylstra, a systems ecologist passionate about deepening the human-nature relationship for the flourishing of people and planet. With an MSc in Environmental Science (2005) and PhD in Conservation Ecology & Sustainability Education (2014), his doctorate research explored how meaningful nature experiences and nature connectedness motivate pro-environmental behaviour and regenerative leadership.  Drawing upon his 20 years of international experience in social-ecological research and outdoor education, Matthew’s publications have informed global initiatives and university curricula. Currently the Programme Director with the Kwendalo Institute, Matthew is also Scientific Advisor to NatureFix, and is a Research Fellow with the Centre for Sustainability Transitions at Stellenbosch University. For more on Matthew’s past research and current endeavours, you can check out earthcollective.net  SUMMARY In this conversation, we touch on nature connection, the power of mystical experience and how this can bring a deeper meaning to our lives. We explore the idea that humanity is facing a reckoning with its relationship with one another and the Earth, and discuss the fragmentation and desensitization of the human psyche, particularly in relation to technology and the attention economy. Matt talks about the NatureFix app, which aims to make nature connection more accessible and encourages engagement with the natural world, and we touch on the importance of feeling safe and comfortable in nature and the potential for awe and wonder in wild spaces. We discuss the idea that our mode of consciousness is not universal, that our perception of the world is shaped by our cultural and individual backgrounds, and the role of ceremony and mindfulness in deepening our connection with nature and the potential for a post-economic paradigm that values localisation, autonomy, and our relationship with nature.   KEY THEMES • Humanity is facing a reckoning with its relationship with one another and the Earth. • The human psyche is fragmented, distracted, and desensitized, particularly in relation to technology and the attention economy. • The NatureFix app aims to make nature connection more accessible and encourages engagement with the natural world. • Feeling safe and comfortable in nature is important for deepening our connection with the natural world. • Wild spaces offer the potential for awe and wonder, but also require a sense of openness and willingness to embrace the unknown. Our mode of consciousness is not universal and our perception of the world is shaped by our cultural and individual backgrounds. • Ceremony and mindfulness can deepen our connection with nature and bring a sense of reverence and meaning to our experiences. • A post-economic paradigm could involve localization, autonomy, and a shift in values to prioritize our relationship with nature. • Taking time to sit in nature and observe can help us reconnect with the joy and beauty that is always present. • Our actions, even if seemingly insignificant, can contribute to a shift in consciousness and the preservation of our connection with nature. WEBSITES https://bio.site/drmattz https://www.naturefix.life/ https://earthcollective.net/ BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCES Journey to Ixtlan: The Lessons of Don Juan - Carlos Castaneda...

    1h 4m
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4.7
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About

Welcome to In Conversation with Nathalie Nahai (formerly known as The Hive Podcast), the series that enquires into our relationship with one another, technology and the natural world. Join me as we dive into the complex and challenging questions of our time, and explore how some of the greatest minds are forging new and exciting paths forward. For more resources and information about the show, please visit nathalienahai.com/in-conversation/

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