In Conversation with Nathalie Nahai

Nathalie Nahai
  • 4.9 (19)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

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. 1D AGO

    160. The Power of Curiosity: How To Cope With Uncertainty / Richard Gerver

    Today I’m speaking with Richard Gerver - one of the foremost experts on change and human leadership, described by the late Sir Ken Robinson as, “One of the clearest and most passionate voices for radical change both in education and in business.” A best-selling author, educator and keynote speaker, Richard’s work draws upon a deep understanding and compassionate interpretation of change and human potential, and – as Sir Robinson describes – “In his compelling presentations and books, he takes his powerful message of hope and possibility to educators, business leaders and policy makers around the world.” The mind behind two hugely successful courses on LinkedIn Learning, Richard is also the author of four renowned books – Change, Simple Thinking, Education: A Manifesto for Change and Creating Tomorrow's Schools Today – guides that draw upon his experience as an educator and consultant to businesses and organisations, to help readers think in new ways about the people we know and the places we work in. I first met Richard at the World Business Forum last year in Madrid, where we talked about his forthcoming book, Curiosity, which is due out in Spring 2027. We hit if off immediately and I just had to invite him onto the show to explore the many themes about which we are both deeply passionate. This was a moving conversation for me, and I hope you enjoy it. SUMMARY Richard Gerver and Nathalie Nahai explore the depths of human psyche, change, curiosity, and collective resilience. They discuss how uncertainty, fear, and the need for certainty shape our world, and how storytelling, vulnerability, and micro-activism can foster hope and transformation. WEBSITE https://richardgerver.com/ BOOKS & RESOURCES Books:https://richardgerver.com/books/ CHAPTERS 00:00 The Global Human Psyche: Uncertainty and Fear 06:23 The Fragility of Certainty: Learning from Failure 11:59 Risk and Growth: The Importance of Taking Chances 19:27 Personal Journeys: Adversity and Resilience 23:38 Curiosity: The Key to Navigating Change 34:58 Questioning vs. Condemnation: The Power of Curiosity 36:07 The Dignity of Disagreement 37:35 The Power of Storytelling in Change 41:43 Micro Activism and Personal Responsibility 44:28 The Renaissance of Humanity 48:14 Navigating Darkness Together 52:40 The Role of Shame in Human Connection 58:56 Empowering Change Through Responsibility

    1h 13m

  2. MAR 1

    159. The Evolved Brain: How To Thrive In A Complex World / Dr Paul Goldsmith

    To kick off this new season, I’m speaking with Dr Paul Goldsmith, a neuroscientist and practising neurologist with a background in founding and building life sciences companies across both the drug and digital therapeutics space, in addition to NHS systems and strategic experience, clinical networks, vanguard and clinical senate roles. Having studied natural sciences at the University of Cambridge and gained a clinical scholarship from the University of Oxford, Paul undertook postgraduate medical training in Oxford, at the National Hospital for Neurology in London, and in Cambridge, and went on to take a Ph.D. in developmental neuroscience at Cambridge, which lead to an interest in evolutionary medicine. A visiting professor at Imperial College London in the Institute of Global Health Innovation, he is also the author of a new book, “The Evolving Brain: How to thrive in a world we weren’t meant for”, a guide that draws from his clinical to offer compassionate, practical insights on the evolutionary origins of our brain and how we can best use it to thrive in our daily lives. Given the increasing complexity and turbulence we face today, this felt like a poignant place from which to open this series of conversations, and I hope you find this episode as uplifting, companionate and insightful as I did. SUMMARY In this conversation, Paul Goldsmith and Nathalie Nahai explore the intricate connections between the human psyche, the evolving brain, and the challenges of modern life. They discuss the importance of understanding our place within a larger system, the role of social goals in happiness, and the impact of meaningful relationships on well-being. They examine the complexities of modern existence, including the decline in fertility rates, the influence of social media on loneliness, and the significance of community and shared experiences. Finally, Paul and Nathalie emphasise the need for self-compassion, the power of physical activity, and the potential for finding beauty in adversity. WEBSITE https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-goldsmith-624241/ BOOKS The Evolving Brain: How to thrive in a world we weren’t meant for (https://www.hachette.co.uk/contributor/dr-paul-goldsmith/) CHAPTERS 00:00 The Global Human Psyche 02:39 Understanding the Evolving Brain 05:40 The Complexity of Modern Goals 08:29 Navigating Social Dynamics and Relationships 11:40 The Role of Melancholy in Goal Pursuit 14:38 The Impact of Modern Society on Fertility and Loneliness 17:35 Finding Meaning and Belonging in Life 33:16 The Quest for Validation in Modern Life 36:21 Understanding Neurodivergence and Focus 40:50 Auditing Personal Goals and Life Purpose 44:40 The Power of Connection and Community 56:25 The Role of Ego in Our Perception of Reality

    1h 6m

  3. 12/22/2025

    158. Solstice Special / Manda scott and Della Duncan

    Hello, and welcome to this special Solstice episode of the podcast. It’s been a while since the last show, and that’s because this year has been a bit of a whirlwind for me. I was hosting over the summer, the nascent season of a new show called “I am not creative” for Do Radio, and I’ve since been on the road for a solid three months giving talks on how we might navigate this age of AI and automation with greater criticality, agency, humanity and discernment. I’ve shared stages with Brené Brown, Adam Grant and Grace Blakeley, and I’ve even dared an auditorium full of 1300 business people to sing together at a moment’s notice, and joined futurists in conversations around longevity and the future of the human race. I’ve also been spending time painting towards a solo exhibition which will be launching in London in late Autumn 2026, and I’ve been back in the studio recording a third album with Mercury nominated producer, Drew Horley, down in Somerset. It’s been a really bonkers year, full of intensity, beauty, challenges and surprises, and so I’m delighted to be rejoining you once again for this touchstone, and 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 to the highlights we’re taking from the year, this is a ritual that I’ve come to really look forward to, and I hope you find it as uplifting as I do. 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

    1h 12m

  4. 08/24/2025

    157. BONUS EPISODE: Towards Transformative Adaptation / Manda Scott and Rupert Read

    Hello and welcome to a special episode of In Conversation with Nathalie Nahai – the podcast that explores our relationship with one another, with technology and with the animate world. On this rare occasion, I have the pleasure of interviewing two friends of the podcast – Manda Scott and Rupert Read – about their powerful, compelling and practical new book, Transformative Adaptation. A selection of essays by leading practitioners and pioneers this book lays out approaches for adaptation that work with, not against nature, and it is a theory and a practice, a community and an attitude, designed to support us in imagining and creating a flourishing future even in the jaws of adversity. Rupert Read is an eco-philosopher, academic, author, campaigner, UK Green politician, and environmental activist. Having been a key spokesperson for the Extinction Rebellion movement, Rupert now dedicates his time to the Climate Majority Project as its Co-Director. Manda Scott is a Thrutopian 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 she has won the McIlvanney Prize. She is host of the popular 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. SUMMARY In this conversation, Nathalie Nahai, Manda Scott, and Rupert Read explore the themes of collective awakening to climate risks, the importance of imagination in envisioning a flourishing future, and the vital role of art and creativity in shaping narratives. They discuss the necessity of community action for transformative adaptation and the significance of acknowledging despair as a pathway to empowerment. The conversation emphasises learning from the Global South's experiences and the evolving consciousness among politicians regarding climate realities. Ultimately, they call for individuals to recognise their power to influence change and to build a shared narrative of possibility for a sustainable future. BOOK US edition of TrAd: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/801723/transformative-adaptation-by-edited-by-rupert-read-and-morgan-phillips-with-manda-scott/UK edition of TrAd: https://www.permanentpublications.co.uk/port/transformative-adaptation/ WEBSITES Edge Cities: https://www.edgecity.live/Edge City in California: https://www.edgeesmeralda.com/Our House (creating civil charters by Peoples’ Assemblies): https://ourhouseuk.org/OPUS in Sheffield: https://www.weareopus.org/ Rupert Read https://rupertread.net/https://climatemajorityproject.com/ Manda Scott https://mandascott.co.uk/https://accidentalgods.life/https://thrutopia.life/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Awakening to Collective Realisation 01:55 The Role of AI in Society 05:10 Imagining a Flourishing Future 08:11 Transformative Adaptation and Climate Crisis 11:06 The Power of Narrative and Imagination 14:00 Creating Alternative Futures 17:07 The Role of Artists in Change 20:10 Building a Shared Vision 23:03 Gathering Spaces for Creative Collaboration 35:29 Reimagining Storytelling for a New Era 38:15 The Role of Emotional Literacy in Media 39:15 Welcoming Our Shadows for Healing 42:13 Embracing Despair as a Path to Growth 47:38 The Interplay of Love and Fear 51:21 Integrating Inner Conflicts for Collective Action 56:33 Transformative Adaptation: A Hopeful Future

    1h 5m

  5. 07/27/2025

    156. How to fall in love with the future… Where does AI fit? / Rob Hopkins

    For the final episode of the season, I have the distinct pleasure of being in conversation with the renowned author, activist and friend of the podcast, Rob Hopkins. Having interviewed him about his powerful book,  From What Is to What If: Unleashing The Power Of Imagination To Create The Future We Want in episode 87, I had to invite him to return to the show to dive into his new, eagerly awaited sequel: How to Fall in Love with the Future: A Time Traveller’s Guide To Changing The World. To give you a bit of background, Rob is the co-founder of Transition Town Totnes and the Transition Network, he has authored several titles including The Transition Handbook, The Transition Companion, The Power of Just Doing Stuff, and 21 Stories of Transition , and he presents the podcast series From What If to What Next. In 2012, he was voted one of the Independent’s top 100 environmentalists and was on Nesta and the Observer’s list of Britain’s 50 New Radicals. Rob has also appeared on BBC Radio 4’s “Four Thought” and “A Good Read”, in the French film phenomenon Demain and its sequel Après Demain, and has spoken at TEDGlobal and three TEDx events. An Ashoka Fellow, Rob also holds a doctorate degree from the University of Plymouth and has received two honorary doctorates from the University of the West of England and the University of Namur. In November 2022 he was made an Honorary Citizen of Liège in Belgium by the Mayor of the city. Rob runs ‘Imagination Catalyst’ trainings for organisations as diverse as Balenciaga, London Marathon Group, local councils and Museum Booster, he’s collaborated with musician Mr Kit on a project called Field Recordings from the Future, due out in 2025, and he is a keen gardener and a director of Totnes Community Development Society, the group behind Atmos Totnes, an ambitious, community-led development project. Now, this season has been focusing heavily on AI – its impact in the world, how we develop it, how we approach it, discerning fact from fiction, uncovering some of the more existential questions, and figuring out how to chart a path forward that gives us back our sense of agency, creativity, imagination, and collective power. And so for me it felt really fitting to land this series speaking to Rob about his extraordinary ways in which we can really breathe ourselves into a future that is flourishing, beautiful and just. And to take that as a starting place, the fertile ground, from which to anchor any imagination around what technology and other aspects of life, could bring. ... A brief note: When we recorded this episode, there were road-works being carried out in the street outside - and while we’ve done our best to reduce the noise, I’m including a note here to flag that the audio drop outs in my voice are not due to Caro C’s work, but are the result of pre-editing carried out by someone else. I hope you’ll enjoy the episode nonetheless! ... SUMMARY In this conversation, Rob Hopkins and Nathalie Nahai explore the importance of imagination and longing in activism. They discuss the need for community, the skepticism towards AI, and the power of collective action in creating a flourishing future. Rob shares insights from his book, 'How to Fall in Love with the Future,' emphasizing the significance of storytelling and social technologies in shaping a better world. The dialogue highlights the necessity of nurturing imagination and the potential for human beings to enact extraordinary change. WEBSITES http://transitionnetwork.org/https://www.robhopkins.net/https://www.atmosfortotnes.org/https://plumvillage.org/ BOOKS How to Fall in Love with the Future: A Time Traveller’s Guide To Changing The World (https://www.robhopkins.net/the-book/)From What Is to What If: Unleashing The Power Of Imagination To Create The Future We Want – Rob Hopkins (https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/from-what-is-to-what-if-paperback/)Transition Handbook (https://amzn.to/3IHIn7e)The Transition Companion (https://amzn.to/4597gjN)The Power of Just Doing Stuff (https://amzn.to/45gJe7A)21 Stories of Transition (https://archive.transitionnetwork.org/resources/21-stories-of-transition-pdf-to-download/) PODCAST From What If to What Next (https://www.patreon.com/fromwhatiftowhatnext) MUSIC Field Recordings from the Future (https://www.robhopkins.net/field-recordings-from-the-future/) CHAPTERS 04:59 The Role of AI in Our Future 09:40 The Importance of Longing and Imagination 19:26 Activism and the Cultivation of Longing 33:47 Cultivating a Positive Mindset 36:14 Imagining a Better Future 37:32 Experiencing the Present 41:00 The Power of Imagination 47:31 Field Recordings from the Future 55:42 Finding Hope in Difficult Times

    1h 7m

  6. 07/13/2025

    155. Art, Beauty & Imagination: Is It In The AI Of The Beholder? / Carl De Jager

    Today I have the pleasure of speaking with a dear friend and one of the most extraordinary Realist Painters of our generation, Carl de Jager. Born and raised in South Africa, Carl is a fine artist and co-founder of The Realist Painter, a project that delivers painting and drawing workshops across multiple European locations including Greece, Spain, Cyprus, and Austria, distilling years of classical training into highly focused learning experiences.  Having originally obtained a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Art History, Carl went on to have a successful career as a software engineer in Melbourne, and he later pivoted to pursue classical drawing and painting at the prestigious Barcelona Academy of Art. A well loved and respected teacher and program coordinator, delivering instruction from fundamental drawing techniques to advanced painting methods, Carl also oversees specialised courses including Light and Form and Portrait programs. I actually had the pleasure of being taught by Carl in person while studying at BAA, an experience which (as some of you may know), fundamentally changed the course of my life – prompting a change in country, an expanding of community, and a shifting of priorities that gave rise not only to this podcast and the Salons, but to my painting and music-making that are now at the heart of my daily life. I’ve been wanting to bring Carl onto the show for a long while, especially since he brings such a unique, multifaceted approach to creativity, art and AI. It’s not often one gets the opportunity to speak to someone with such deep expertise in both art and technology, which is why this conversation was such a gift. And another gift – if you’ve ever felt a call to paint or draw, The Realist Painter are hosting a really exciting collaborative workshop this September with one of the most celebrated painters of the contemporary art world, Scott Waddell, formerly from the Grand Central Academy in New York. This rare workshop will focus on the great 19th century master , Bouguereau, and it’s selling out fast – so if you’ve been holding back on your creative impulse and you want to experience the best teaching the art world has to offer, from some of the most sought-after artists, this is for you. I’ll put the links in the shownotes, or you can visit The Realist Painter.com.   SUMMARY In this conversation, Carl and Nathalie explore the intersection of creativity and AI, discussing the nature and process of creativity and the implications of AI on artistic expression. They discuss the complexities of cultural gatekeeping, the future of art in an AI-driven world, and the challenges surrounding intellectual property. The dialogue highlights the importance of personal experience in creativity and the evolving role of technology in artistic practices.   LINKS https://www.instagram.com/carldejager.art/ https://www.carldejager.com/ https://www.therealistpainter.com/ https://www.instagram.com/therealistpainter/   CHAPTERS 02:58 The Essence of Creativity 05:59 AI's Role in Artistic Expression 08:55 The Intersection of Human and AI Creativity 12:03 The Complexity of Artistic Creation 15:11 Cultural Gatekeeping in Art 17:52 The Future of Art and AI 21:06 Responsibility and Understanding AI's Impact 34:22 The Trust Crisis in Governance 36:18 Reconsidering Copyright and Intellectual Property 42:49 The Evolution of AI Tools in Art 48:25 Navigating the AI Landscape in Creativity 55:50 Art as a Community Experience 57:24 The Realist Painter: A New Venture

    1h 2m

  7. 06/29/2025

    154. The Search For Meaning, Creativity & Distinctiveness In An Age Of AI / Dr Tomas Chamorro Premuzic

    In today’s episode, I speak with Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic - Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University, co-founder of deepersignals.com, and an associate at Harvard’s Entrepreneurial Finance Lab. Tomas is the author of 12 books, including Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (and How to Fix It), upon which his TED talk was based, and I, Human: AI, Automation, and the Quest to Reclaim What Makes Us Unique, and his next book (out this fall) is Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity is Overrated and What to Do Instead – the link for which is in the shownotes below. An international authority in people analytics, talent management, leadership development, and the human-AI interface, Tomas’ commercial work focuses on the creation of science-based tools that improve organizations' ability to predict performance, and people's ability to understand themselves. Having previously held academic positions at New York University and the London School of Economics, and lectured at Harvard Business School, Stanford Business School, London Business School, Johns Hopkins, IMD, and INSEAD, as well as being the CEO at Hogan Assessment Systems, Dr. Tomas has written over 200 scientific papers on the psychology of talent, leadership, innovation, and AI, making him one of the most prolific social scientists of his generation. Over the past 20 years, Tomas has consulted for a range of clients across financial services, advertising, media, consumer goods, fashion, government and intergovernmental organizations. His media career comprises over 200 TV appearances, including on the BBC, CNN, TED, and Sky, and over 300 features in Harvard Business Review, the Guardian, Fast Company, Forbes, and the Huffington Post. SUMMARY In this conversation, Nathalie Nahai interviews Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic about the impact of AI on creativity, authenticity, and the future of work. They discuss the dangers of over-reliance on technology, the need for critical thinking, and the importance of maintaining human connection in a digital age. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of creativity and the potential inequities that may arise from AI advancements, ultimately questioning what it means to be human in an increasingly synthetic world. WEBSITES https://www.drtomas.com/ deepersignals.com    BOOKS & RESOURCES Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity is Overrated and What to Do Instead - Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic (https://amzn.to/3FVAVV4) Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (and How to Fix It)  - Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic (https://amzn.to/3G2Poys) I, Human: AI, Automation, and the Quest to Reclaim What Makes Us Unique  - Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic (https://amzn.to/4kPKc05) TED Talk: Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeAEFEXvcBg)   CHAPTERS 02:50 Exploring Authenticity in a Digital Age 05:50 AI and the Future of Creativity 08:59 The Paradox of AI Dependence 11:53 Human Complexity vs. AI Limitations 14:54 The Impact of Technology on Society 17:49 The Counter-Trend of Digital Fatigue 20:49 The Role of AI in Job Automation 23:50 The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World 31:20 The Future of Work and AI's Role 37:50 Cognitive Overload and Information Detox 44:11 The Evolution of Knowledge Work 50:33 Rethinking Value in an AI-Driven World 58:37 Humanity in the Age of AI

    1h 7m

  8. 06/15/2025

    153. On Interbeing: AI, Synthetic Relationships & The Cosmic Unconscious / Dr Aaron Balick

    Today I have the absolute pleasure of being in conversation with a very dear friend, Dr Aaron Balick. A long-time companion of the podcast, Aaron is an internationally recognised psychotherapist, keynote speaker, author, and business and media consultant who applies depth-psychology to help people better understand themselves, business, and culture in the digital age. Specialising in the psychological impact of technology, AI, and social media, Aaron translates complex ideas into accessible insights for professional development, leadership, and business transformation. With over 20 years of clinical and academic experience, he’s one of the most scintillating, thought-provoking and wise thought-leaders I’ve encountered in my many years on the speaker circuit. He’s a sought after keynote speaker, renowned for his poignant and actionable insights about how we meet and grow through our challenges, understand human relational dynamics, and navigate the myriad ways in which technologies are shaping our inner and outer lives. A trusted media contributor and long-time collaborator with the BBC, Aaron also has a regular psychology column at GQ and his broadcast work includes the BAFTA-nominated Suicide and Me, BBC Radio 1’s The Surgery, and Radio 4’s The Moral Maze and The Digital Human. His insights have been featured in The Guardian, Wired, Newsweek, and beyond. SUMMARY In this conversation, Nathalie Nahai and Dr Aaron Balick discuss the complexities of the global human psyche, exploring themes of fear, the impact of AI on therapy, and the nature of synthetic relationships. They discuss the challenges posed by technology in human connection, the polarization of society, and the need for economic and social change. The dialogue also touches on the importance of interpersonal relationships, the search for meaning in discomfort, and the role of myths in navigating contemporary challenges. Ultimately, they emphasize the necessity of grounding oneself in reality and fostering genuine connections to navigate the complexities of modern life. WEBSITES https://www.aaronbalick.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/draaronb/ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/profile/aaron-balick BOOKS & RESOURCES The Little Book of Calm: Tame Your Anxieties, Face Your Fears, and Live Free – Dr Aaron Balick (https://www.aaronbalick.com/books) The Psychodynamics of Social Networking: Connected-up instantaneous culture and the self – Dr Aaron Balick (https://www.aaronbalick.com/books) The Trading Game: A Confession – Gary Stevenson (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/727417/the-trading-game-by-gary-stevenson/)   CHAPTERS 02:18 The Impact of AI on Therapy 05:28 Navigating Polarization and Media Influence 08:13 The Role of Community in Addressing Loneliness 11:15 The Dangers of Synthetic Relationships 14:25 The Importance of Pain in Growth 17:18 Philosophical Perspectives on Free Will and Relationships 29:57 The Nature of AI Relationships 30:52 Human Consciousness and Algorithms 33:33 Exploring the Unconscious Mind 37:35 The Cosmic Unconscious 40:19 Responding to Life's Challenges 43:01 Liminal Moments and Initiation 45:43 Myths for the Modern Age 49:37 Personal Myths and Individual Responsibility 53:37 Practices for Self-Discovery

    1h 1m
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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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