thinkfuture: technology, philosophy and the future

chris kalaboukis

Welcome to thinkfuture, where host Chris Kalaboukis explores the bold ideas shaping tomorrow. From AI-driven creativity and personal growth to leadership in remote work, this podcast delves into the intersection of innovation, technology, and human connection. With visionary guests and thought-provoking conversations, thinkfuture helps listeners unlock new possibilities, challenge the status quo, and create the future they want to see. Tune in for fresh insights, actionable strategies, and unexpected inspiration.

  1. -6 J

    1114 The 17-Year-Old Building AI Startups | Shahzeb Ali on Coding, Python, and the Future of Tech

    See more: thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Shahzeb: https://shahzebali.com/---Meet the world’s youngest certified Python developer—and the founder of an AI startup.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Shahzeb Ali, a 17-year-old entrepreneur from Pakistan who’s already the youngest certified Python developer recognized by the Python Institute and IBM. He’s also the author of Data Science for Teens and the founder of DevelMo, an AI startup helping businesses scale with smart, data-driven solutions.Shahzeb’s story is as inspiring as it is forward-looking. From struggling with Visual Basic as a kid to mastering Python and building computer vision products, he’s proof that the next generation isn’t waiting for permission to innovate.We explore:- How Shahzeb discovered Python and became the youngest certified developer- Why Python’s simplicity makes it perfect for teens learning to code- The story behind his AI-powered product, CrowdIQ, and its real-world applications- The pros and cons of “vibe coding” and AI-assisted development- Why critical thinking still matters—even in the age of AI- How easy MVPs and AI tools are fueling a wave of young entrepreneurs- Shahzeb’s mission to inspire more teens to pursue tech and entrepreneurshipIf you’re passionate about AI, programming, or the next generation of innovators, this episode will leave you feeling optimistic about the future of technology.

    33 min
  2. 1 OCT.

    1113 Why I Stopped Fearing AI in Art

    See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.com Connect with Maya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackerma/ --- Is AI here to replace creativity—or to unlock more of it? In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Maya Ackerman, generative AI pioneer and founder of WaveAI, one of the earliest startups in the space. Maya has been exploring the frontier of human–AI collaboration in creativity for over a decade, and she shares her perspective on how we should really think about these systems. We explore: - Maya’s journey as one of the first generative AI founders (2017) - Why AI should augment—not replace—human creativity - How to view AI as an “imagination engine,” not an oracle of truth - The big questions around consciousness and whether AI can ever be “aware” - Why expecting AI to deliver objective facts is a dangerous myth - What the next 10 years could look like for work, art, and human connection - The potential role of universal basic income in an AI-driven society - How AI might allow us to shift from machine-like labor to more creative, expressive lives Maya’s vision is optimistic yet grounded: if we embrace AI as a partner in creativity instead of a replacement, we can move into a future where imagination, art, and human connection become the center of our lives. If you’re curious about generative AI, creativity, truth, and the evolving role of humans in an AI-first world, this episode is a must-listen.

    43 min
  3. 17 SEPT.

    1111 Authentic Communication in the Age of AI | Loreta Tarozaite on People, Process, and Presence

    See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Loreta: https://www.loreta.today---As AI-generated content floods the workplace, how do companies keep communication authentic and human?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis sits down with Loreta, founder of Loreta Today, to explore the future of corporate communication, leadership alignment, and the role of authenticity in an AI-driven world.With a background in journalism, corporate video, and now advising executives, Loreta has a unique perspective on how organizations can tell stories that build trust, not erode it. She believes video and human-centric communication will be more important than ever as AI avatars and auto-generated content become widespread.We discuss:- Loreta’s journey from journalism in Lithuania to corporate strategy in the U.S.- Why authentic, relatable communication is the foundation of trust- The risks of over-relying on AI avatars and synthetic content- How to navigate organizational dysfunction and drive cultural change- The need for persistent, data-driven approaches to align leadership- What corporate communication might look like in 2035—and why the human touch will remain essentialLoreta’s work focuses on helping B2B organizations align people, processes, and presence—and she shares strategies any company can use to improve communication, build credibility, and prepare for the future.If you’re in communications, leadership, or simply curious about how authenticity survives in the AI age, this episode is packed with insight.

    33 min
  4. 2 SEPT.

    1109 The Death of SEO? Bruce Clay on AI Search, PreWriter, and the Future of Traffic

    See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Bruce: https://bruceclay.com---AI is changing search forever—and the old rules of SEO may no longer apply.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Bruce Clay, an early pioneer of search engine optimization who literally coined the term “SEO” back in the 1990s. Bruce has been on the front lines of search since AltaVista and InfoSeek—and now, he’s sounding the alarm about how AI assistants like ChatGPT are rewriting the rules.We explore:- The evolution of search engines, from early hacks to today’s complex algorithms- Why Google updates have made visibility harder to maintain- How AI-powered search assistants are bypassing websites by giving direct answers- The looming decline of traffic to informational sites- How SEO professionals can adapt to the AI-powered search landscape- The role of trust, authority, and structured content in an AI-first world -PreWriter: Bruce’s AI-powered research suite that helps creators identify gaps, generate personas, and streamline content creation- The future of search, advertising, and AI-powered personal assistants handling everyday tasks like booking travel or recommending productsBruce brings a rare long-view perspective—having shaped the early SEO industry—and a pragmatic take on how creators, businesses, and marketers can survive and thrive in the AI era.If you’re in marketing, SEO, content creation, or just curious about how AI is disrupting the web as we know it, this episode is essential listening.

    1 h 8 min
  5. 27 AOÛT

    1108 Curious AI: Rethinking How Machines Learn the Real World | Sam Bigdeli of KavAI

    See More: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect With Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-bigdeli-5310b923/---Why the next wave of AI won’t just answer questions—it will explore, sense, and predict.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Sam Bigdeli, co-founder and CEO of KavAI, about his vision for Curious AI—a new approach that moves beyond language models to create AI that actively engages with the physical world.Sam explains why today’s AI systems are like “savants”—brilliant at data recall, but poor at contextual reasoning. Curious AI, on the other hand, is designed to simulate the way humans explore, hypothesize, and learn from limited sensory input.We cover:- Why large language models (LLMs) aren’t enough for real-world intelligence- The importance of embodiment and multimodal sensing for AI systems- How Curious AI actively acquires information instead of waiting to be prompted- Applications in industrial domains like refineries, power plants, and predictive maintenance- The future of AI and robotics—human-like avatars vs. task-optimized systems- Why human creativity and judgment will always remain essentialSam envisions a future where AI isn’t just reactive—it’s proactive, curious, and capable of helping us manage complex, dynamic systems more effectively.If you’re interested in the cutting edge of AI, robotics, and the future of human-machine collaboration, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    40 min
  6. 20 AOÛT

    1107 Why I Stopped Playing Safe | Jillian Reilly on Embracing Change and Reclaiming Agency

    See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Jillian: https://tenpermissions.com---Learning how to embrace change, reclaim agency, and build a future on your own terms.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Jillian Reilly, founder of Antacara, about how to navigate profound change in uncertain times and why reclaiming your personal agency is the most important skill of the 21st century.Jillian believes that fear of change keeps most of us trapped in outdated roles and expectations. But by building our “change muscle” through small, intentional choices, we can prepare ourselves for life’s bigger transitions.We discuss:- Why most people doubledown on the familiar—even when it no longer works- How to develop “change readiness” and adapt with confidence- The importance of reclaiming personal agency instead of outsourcing your choices- Navigating social pressure when making unconventional life decisions- Why linear, 20th-century models of success are holding us back- Jillian’s hopeful vision of 2035: portfolio careers, free agency, and lives built on balance, not sacrificeThis episode is both practical and inspiring—a roadmap for anyone feeling stuck, afraid of change, or unsure how to shape their next chapter. Jillian’s work helps people unlock their ability to evolve, create their own path, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.If you’re interested in personal growth, adaptability, future of work, career reinvention, or learning how to navigate change intentionally, this conversation is for you.🔗 Connect with Jillian: https://tenpermissions.com🎧 Subscribe to thinkfuture for more interviews on the future of work, technology, and human potential. https://thinkfuture.substack.com

    34 min
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À propos

Welcome to thinkfuture, where host Chris Kalaboukis explores the bold ideas shaping tomorrow. From AI-driven creativity and personal growth to leadership in remote work, this podcast delves into the intersection of innovation, technology, and human connection. With visionary guests and thought-provoking conversations, thinkfuture helps listeners unlock new possibilities, challenge the status quo, and create the future they want to see. Tune in for fresh insights, actionable strategies, and unexpected inspiration.