Future Optimist

Ross Palmer
  • 5.0 (25)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Tech meets existential crisis. We talk about the future here—the good, the bad, and the... weird. Brought to you by aloa.agency. © 2025 Aloa LLC. All rights reserved.

  1. SEP 19

    $112 Million for Water from Thin Air with Brian Sheng of Aquaria - Ep. 233

    What Brian Sheng is doing with Aquaria isn't a pipe dream, it's reality. He's pioneering air-to-water infrastructure, creating a world where homes can get all of their water off the grid.Brian Sheng recently raised over $100 million in Series D for his company, and you can already buy his air-to-drinkable-water products today.It's one of those crazy, science-fiction sounding things that is actually true, and it's something we need so badly. This is one of the coolest companies and founder stories I've come across so far! ➡️ ⁠Brian Sheng ⁠➡️ Aquaria

    41 min

  2. JUL 18

    An AI Founder/Investor's Take on Raising $70M with Amir Barsoum - Ep. 232

    I chat with Amir Barsoum of InVitro Capital and Vezeeta, an AI VC firm and a thriving business that has raised over $70 million in capital. We discuss the enormous opportunity in AI investment, the world of tomorrow, and how we can capitalize on this once-in-several-generations moment. I also throw in a healthy dose of skepticism, cuz that's what I do! ➡️ Amir Barsoum ➡️ ⁠InVitro Capital

    32 min

  3. JUL 11

    [LIVE] Electrify Expo: Lightship EV RVs, Crazy Electric Unicycles & More - Ep.231

    Thanks to BJ Birtwell of Electrify Expo for hosting me, Ben Parker of Lightship RV, and the woman whose name I don't know representing the Mia 4 X4! ➡️ Electrify Expo ➡️ Lighship RV ➡️ Mia Dynamics Also thanks to Zachariah Dalton for camera!

    15 min

  4. MAY 28

    Millions of Followers for AI Art with James Gerde - Ep.230

    James Gerde watched his Instagram go from 2,000 to 800k+ followers in two weeks. His unique brand of human-inspired AI art captivated the world, showing us a marriage of cutting-edge techniques combined with the beauty of what it means to be human. He’s drawn both criticism and love for his unique approach to art, but in the end James Gerde is a consummate artist making use of the next generation of AI tools. ➡️ https://www.gerdegotit.com

    43 min

  5. MAY 6

    A "Body Doubling" App That Ends Procrastination with Taylor Jacobson - Ep.229

    Today we have Taylor Jacobson joining us, founder of Focusmate, to explore why hyper‑connectivity can actually diminish our accountability and personal growth—and how a simple “body‑doubling” video call can cure loneliness and procrastination. Taylor Jacobson shares the origins of Focusmate, the neuroscience of focus, inspiring user success stories, and practical tips to reclaim your life‑force energy. ➡️ https://focusmate.com

    39 min

  6. APR 7

    [LIVE] The Future of 3-Wheel Electric Scooters with Tim Huntzinger of XOTO - Ep.228

    Tim Huntzinger is the founder of XOTO, one of the most fun means of alternative mobility I've tried. I'm a bike fanatic, and I'll never take a car anywhere if I can help it. I met Tim and he let me try a demo of his new invention, and I was instantly hooked.In a world of options, XOTO represents a really interesting place in the market, and something that will be super useful for many people. ➡️ https://xotoinc.com

    16 min

  7. MAR 5

    A Brilliant Alternative to Unsustainable Precious Metals Mining with Don Weatherbee - Ep. 227

    Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx, discusses the company's innovative approach to regenerating platinum and palladium from used catalytic converters. I love businesses that embrace the circular economy, and this is an angle I hadn't heard of before.With a background in the mining industry, Don Weatherbee highlights the unsustainable nature of current mining practices, and explains the importance of recycling precious metals due to growing demand and geopolitical risks. 00:00 Introduction to Don Weatherbee and Regenex01:00 The Importance of Platinum and Palladium Recycling03:11 Challenges and Innovations in Catalytic Converter Recycling03:50 Regenex's Journey and Technological Advancements07:44 Economic and Environmental Impacts of Recycling08:24 Future of Platinum and Palladium in the Automotive Industry10:17 Personal Insights and Entrepreneurial Journey20:29 Collaboration and Optimism for a Sustainable Future22:47 Conclusion and Call to Action https://www.regenx.tech/ Watch the video of this episode: ⁠https://youtu.be/shtI-ImWR7g

    24 min

  8. 12/06/2024

    Tens of Millions Raised for Enlightening Neurotech with Valentin Randon of Muse - Ep. 226

    Is neurotech more exciting or terrifying? Is it a vehicle for optimizing our productivity or spying on is an a way humans never imagined? Joining me is Valentin Randon from Muse, a neurotech headset company that claims to have over 500,000 users. We pull no punches, as we go deep into philosophy to discuss the promising and perilous future of neurotechnology. Valentin Randon, the head of product at Muse, shares insights about the company's extensive brain data collection and its potential applications, including meditation, disease detection, and even thought recognition. We explore the philosophical and ethical implications of neurotech, the balance between thriving and privacy, and the intersection between personal growth, technology, and a dystopian future. 00:00 Intro 00:31 The Duality of Neurotech: Optimism and Fear(!) 03:17 Exploring the Potential and Risks of Brain Data 09:02 Personal Journey: Breaking Up with Tech  15:51 The Quest for Measuring Consciousness 20:37 The Paradox of Gamifying Zen and Higher Consciousness 24:01 The Paradox of Seeking Validation 29:19 The Balance Between Observation and Action 34:38 The Future of Wearable Technology 37:17 Philosophical Reflections on Technology and Society 40:30 Concluding Thoughts and Personal Reflections Subscribe to watch more videos https://choosemuse.com Watch the video of this episode: https://youtu.be/Eil-myltfMI

    44 min
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5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Tech meets existential crisis. We talk about the future here—the good, the bad, and the... weird. Brought to you by aloa.agency. © 2025 Aloa LLC. All rights reserved.

Information

  • Creator
    Ross Palmer
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    240
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ross Palmer
  • Show Website
    Future Optimist