Future Tense

ABC listen

4.4 (61)
SOCIETY & CULTURE

A critical look at new technologies, new approaches and new ways of thinking, from politics to media to environmental sustainability.

NOV 21

Whatever happened to...?

Sometimes, despite the hype, despite extensive funding, and despite clever and ingenious thinking, good ideas fail. Or at least don’t live up to their initial promise. There are lessons to be learnt and interesting anecdotes to be told. In this episode we look at four future-focused projects that have never really taken off: Google Glass, solar roads, space tourism and hyperloop technology. Guests Dr Paul Sutter – Astrophysicist, SUNY Stony Brook and the Flatiron Institute, New York Sarah Marquart – freelance journalist, editor of From Quarks to Quasars Andrew Hawkins – Transportation editor, The Verge Quinn Myers – Chicago-based journalist and author 'Google Glass'

29 min
4 DAYS AGO

A declaration on future generations

The UN General Assembly has passed a Declaration on Future Generations. It’s designed to ensure the generations of tomorrow aren’t disadvantaged by the decisions we make today. But is it more than feel good symbolism? Could it one day be as powerful as the Declaration on Human Rights? Also, how a focus on the here and now restricts visionary thinking; and we get the results from the latest 4-day work week trial, this time in Germany. Guests Professor Thomas Hale – Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University Professor Brett Bowden – Professor of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, School of Humanities & Communication Arts, Western Sydney University Professor Julia Backmann – University of Münster Further information University of Münster - Germany’s four-day working week trial Blavatnik School of Government - Implementing a Declaration on Future Generations Brett Bowden - Now is Not the Time: Inside our Obsession with the Present

29 min
NOV 7

Robots in the home – friend or foe?

Robot vacuum cleaners are so innocuous, many people treat them almost like pets. But they're also potential portals into our private life. Story Lab journalist, Julian Fell, learns how to hack a robot vacuum cleaner and uncovers some disturbing facts about the security of connected household appliances. Also, acts of aggression and abuse committed in virtual reality environments. So-called "metacrimes" may be cyber in nature, but they can feel very real and have physical world consequences. Guests Dr Milind Tiwari – Postdoctoral research fellow, Charles Sturt University Dennis Giese – independent security researcher Sean Kelly – robot vacuum owner Daniel Swenson – US-based victim of robot vacuum hack Donald Dansereau – senior lecturer, Australian Centre for Robotics, University of Sydney Yong Zhi Lim – former cybersecurity tester, TUV SUD Further information ABC News - Hackers take control of robot vacuums in multiple cities, yell racial slurs ABC News - We hacked a robot vacuum — and could watch live through its camera

29 min
OCT 31

Melting brains and climate anxiety

The heating climate is now recognised as a threat to our inner world – to brain health and rationality. Extreme temperatures not only impact our ability to think and our decision-making they also increase the presence of neurotoxins in the environment. And that can lead to disease and mental degeneration. We speak with the head of the newly formed International Neuro Climate Working Group. Climate anxiety is also caused by changes in our brains. So, is that a blessing or a curse? Guests Clayton Page Aldern – Neuroscientist, author and senior reporter, Grist. Dr Burcin Ikiz – Neuroscientist and Chair of the International Neuro Climate Working Group Professor Joshua Carlson – Director of the Cognitive X Affective Behaviour and Integrative Neuroscience Lab, Northern Michigan University Further information Clayton Aldern - The Weight of Nature.How a Changing Climate Changes Our Minds, Brains and Bodies The Melting brain Joshua Carlon - The Age of Climate Anxiety Climate change on the brain: Neural correlates of climate anxiety

29 min
OCT 24

Frozen frogs, tissues and cells — the health and environmental benefits of keeping it chill

Rana Sylvatica is an unassuming wood frog with an extraordinary gift. In the depths of winter, it can slow down its metabolism, flood its cells with ice and remain in a state of suspended animation for months. But it's what it might be able to teach us about preserving human organs for transplant that has scientists really excited. Also, the menagerie in an icy test tube — San Diego's Frozen Zoo and the fight to preserve biodiversity. Guests Dr Ken Storey — Professor of Biology and Biochemistry, Carleton University, Canada. Dr Saffron Bryant – Senior lecturer, Department of Physics, RMIT University Marlys Houck – Curator, Frozen Zoo, San Diego Wildlife Alliance Dr Justine O’Brien – Manager, Conservation Science,Taronga Conservation Society Australia Further information Youtube video of a frozen frog thawing

29 min
OCT 17

Sex tech, AI and the centrality of consent

The demand for sex tech is booming. That is, toys and apps that can be used for pleasure, communication or to improve sexual health. Developers are using innovative ways to incorporate AI in a way that is respectful of both consent and the diversity of human desire. But it seems some male developers are intent on weaponising it against women. In this special episode of Future Tense, Stephen Stockwell, explores the power of the emerging technology, its potential benefits and harms, and the need to keep a clear focus on consent. Guests Madison Griffiths – Melbourne-based writer, artist and producer Bryony Cole – host of the Future of Sex Podcast Professor Alan McKee – pornography researcher and Head of the School of Art, Communication and English, University of Sydney Ashley Neale – founder of My Peach AI Further information Madison Griffiths - Orifice.ai, and the Arousal of Rejection

29 min
OCT 10

Wolf Warrior diplomacy — Have we finally seen an end to undiplomatic diplomacy?

It was known as Wolf Warrior diplomacy – a brand of Chinese foreign ministry posturing that was as aggressive as it was unexpected. But has Beijing now changed tack? And if so, why? Also, does the theory of Institutional Amnesia explain why our preparedness for natural disasters is often found wanting? Guests Assistant Professor Tyler Jost — Political Science, International and Public Affairs, Brown University (US) Dr Sarah Robertson – Research Fellow in sustainability, RMIT University Dr Paul Barnes — Senior Research Fellow and emergency and risk management expert, Griffith University Dr Alastair Stark – Associate Professor in Public Policy, School of Political Science and International Studies, Queensland University Further information Future Tense - The best response to disasters: centralised strength or community mitigation? Select Committee on Australia's Disaster Resilience Have China's Wolf Warriors Gone Extinct?

29 min
OCT 3

Why China has tightened its belt and road

Gone are the grandiose infrastructure projects, replaced by an emphasis on smaller development opportunities. China's Belt and Road initiative has entered its second decade — and it's changing. It now also includes a determined focus on green technology. But is the recalibration a sign of the project's overall success? Or a scaling back because of China's growing economic problems? And what has Beijing learnt about debt-levels and governance? Guests Professor Christoph Nedopil – Director of Asia Institute, Griffith University Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian – Political Science, National University of Singapore Associate Professor Jessica Liao – Political Science, North Carolina State University

29 min

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Antony Funnell

Host

4.4

out of 5

61 Ratings

Mapping the Future

06/24/2019

Jack_McCoy

This show tackles a new concept about the future every week. Whether it’s the future of corruption in politics, innovation in the business world, new sources of energy, transportation, robotics or communication, this show maps it out in fascinating detail. Great guests, great production.
I was furious listening to this

11/06/2020

Jon AM

Wow, an episode about the future of entrepreneurship and innovation which featured no entrepreneurs or innovators. Be sure to check out the next Episode, “The future of space travel”, featuring interviews with a house painter and a bottle of laundry detergent. Well done.
Gameification on!

05/24/2012

Ron Mader

I've been listening to Future Tense on RN & Radio Australia since 2009 and what won me over early on was a show on the Future of Conferences. Events need to evolve and this particular show was a show and tell of what can work well if we do things differently. Future Tense helps listeners become future fit. Gameification on!
Please set the date correctly, not in the future

01/13/2017

ameleh

This note is to the ABC. Please use the actual release date, using a date in the future makes your podcast incorrectly pinned to the top of the list.