The Friendly Futurist: Towards Society 5.0

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Are you ready to board the good ship SS Tomorrow? The Friendly Futurist. The podcast all about a user-friendly future, covering the intersection of social change, big tech, and megatrends, mixed with some dope ass beats. Think of the show as the intersection between Emerging Technology with Implications on Society and The Environment. Each week we chat with experts in: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, The Metaverse, Agtech, Future of Food, Future of Work, Future of Energy, Biotech, Transhumanism, Biohacking, AI, Quantum Computing, Regenerative Agriculture, Nanotechnology, Climate Change, Electric Vehicles, Space Exploration, CBD Products, Introduction of UBI (Universal Basic Income), Return to Slow Fashion and so much more Remember to Stay Curious and The Future is User Friendly! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

  1. Episode 1

    A warning from the distant future? Interview with John Carlos

    A small heads up, poor audio quality in some parts. We have taken a small sabbatical and will be recording new episodes shortly. In the meantime here is a interview we did with Australian Science Fiction Author, John Carlos in November 2025.

    A warning from the distant future? Interview with John Carlos

  2. Episode 2

    Are voice cloning and deep fake scams on the rise? Interview with Anastasia Tikhonova from Group-IB

    We're back after a six-month sabbatical! Joining us on board the goodship SS Tomorrow this week is Anastasia Tikhonova from Group-IB.  We will discuss the evolving threat landscape, including social engineering, AI-driven attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and future trends in cybercrime. She shares insights on how small businesses and individuals can protect themselves in a rapidly changing digital world.  Keywords: cybersecurity, AI threats, social engineering, supply chain attacks, cybercrime trends, ransomware, deepfakes, threat landscape, cybersecurity tips You can find the full report here.  key topics Evolving cyber threats and threat landscape AI's role in cybercrime and scams Supply chain attacks and vulnerabilities

    Are voice cloning and deep fake scams on the rise? Interview with Anastasia Tikhonova from Group-IB

  3. Episode 3

    How Does Design Flow Through Everything? Interview with Alex and Michel from Figma

    Joining us today on board the good ship SS Tomorrow are Alex and Michel from Figma. We explore how AI is transforming design, the evolving role of designers in an AI-driven world, and the importance of human-centred thinking. Our guests, Alex from Figma and Michel, a seasoned designer advocate, share their perspectives on navigating this rapidly changing landscape, emphasising adaptability, differentiation, and collaboration. In this episode: The pervasive influence of design as a guiding force across industries How AI is shifting design from visual polish to systems thinking and intent The role of workflows, user experience, and human interaction in the AI-era design The tension between speed, differentiation, and direction in product developmentUnifying customer touchpoints for seamless end-to-end experiencesThe importance of craft, hand-made aesthetics, and the human touch How tools like Figma are integrating AI to augment creativity and productivityThe critical skill of asking the right questions to navigate automation and AIThe future of spatial webs, holographic interfaces, and agent-based design systems Advice for young designers: curiosity, communication, and understanding human behaviour Join us as we navigate the fog of innovation and step confidently into a future where human-centred design collaborates seamlessly with AI. The key takeaway: design is never finished—never has been—and the best designers are those who embrace the messiness and always ask why.

    How Does Design Flow Through Everything? Interview with Alex and Michel from Figma

  4. Episode 4

    What are Humans For? Interview with Dr Rod Gutierrez from dss+

    Joining us aboard the good ship SS tomorrow is Dr Rod Gutierrez, who will share insights on human sustainability, the challenges of AI governance, and the future of technology and society. Discover how lenses, systemic thinking, and responsible innovation can shape a better future.  Keywords AI governance, human sustainability, technology, systemic thinking, future of AI, climate goals, regulation, innovation, societal impact  Key topics Human sustainability and its importance The systemic view of technology and disciplines Gaps in AI governance and regulation The speed of AI development versus institutional readiness Environmental impact of AI data centres and climate goals Counteracting AI anxiety through community and governance The future of AI and human potential in the 2030s The role of humans in civilisation and technology Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 02:03 Lenses and systemic thinking in technology 04:00 What is human sustainability? 05:01 Disparities between AI advancement and governance 06:58 Risks of unregulated AI growth 08:54 Global governance and collaboration on AI 10:59 Environmental challenges of AI data centres 14:07 The need for regulation and responsible growth 16:10 Counteracting AI anxiety and community action 18:05 Advice for STEM students and future innovators 19:47 The future of AI and human potential 26:04 Final thoughts: What are humans for?

    What are Humans For? Interview with Dr Rod Gutierrez from dss+

  5. Episode 5

    Protein in Space? Interview with Melissa Clark Reynolds ONZM

    Joining us aboard the good ship SS Tomorrow is Melissa Clark Reynolds, a certified futurist with a background in food technology and AI, who shares insights on the future of food, protein sources, and AI's impact on society and industry. Discover how space travel, climate change, and technological advancements are shaping the next decades.  Keywords Future of food, AI, protein, space travel, climate change, technology, futurist, food industry, innovation, sustainability  Key topics Future of protein and food sources Impact of AI on industry and society Sustainable farming and climate change Space travel and food innovation Changing dietary identities and trends Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Melissa Clark Reynolds and her background 02:08 The future of food and protein sources 04:00 The hype around protein and nutrition 06:06 Luxury versus everyday proteins in the future 07:05 Impact of climate change on agriculture and emissions 07:56 Changing meat consumption patterns in Asia 09:00 The role of technology in reducing agriculture's carbon footprint 09:59 The future of AI and its development 10:51 Recursive code and AI safety concerns 11:58 Teaching skills in the age of AI 13:14 The evolution of coding and AI's role in programming 13:57 AI in space travel and food production in space 14:49 The importance of social skills in exploration 16:01 Redefining the basics of education for the future 17:05 Preparing children for a future with AI 18:01 The role of philosophy, arts, and social sciences in education 18:56 Food in space and innovations for extraterrestrial living 20:03 The importance of space exploration for humanity 20:57 Next steps for food technology and space travel 22:12 Final thoughts and where to find Melissa

    Protein in Space? Interview with Melissa Clark Reynolds ONZM
See All Season 17 (5)

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About

Are you ready to board the good ship SS Tomorrow? The Friendly Futurist. The podcast all about a user-friendly future, covering the intersection of social change, big tech, and megatrends, mixed with some dope ass beats. Think of the show as the intersection between Emerging Technology with Implications on Society and The Environment. Each week we chat with experts in: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, The Metaverse, Agtech, Future of Food, Future of Work, Future of Energy, Biotech, Transhumanism, Biohacking, AI, Quantum Computing, Regenerative Agriculture, Nanotechnology, Climate Change, Electric Vehicles, Space Exploration, CBD Products, Introduction of UBI (Universal Basic Income), Return to Slow Fashion and so much more Remember to Stay Curious and The Future is User Friendly! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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