The Future of Everything

Stanford Engineering
  • 4.8 (148)
  • SCIENCE
  • COMPLETE

Host Russ Altman, a professor of bioengineering, genetics, and medicine at Stanford, is your guide to the latest science and engineering breakthroughs. Join Russ and his guests as they explore cutting-edge advances that are shaping the future of everything from AI to health and renewable energy. Along the way, “The Future of Everything” delves into ethical implications to give listeners a well-rounded understanding of how new technologies and discoveries will impact society. Whether you’re a researcher, a student, or simply curious about what’s on the horizon, tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments that are transforming our world.

  1. The future of entrepreneurship

    1D AGO

    The future of entrepreneurship

    Chuck Eesley, a professor of management science and engineering, studies entrepreneurship across diverse contexts – from refugee entrepreneurs in Uganda to semiconductor startups navigating U.S.-China economic policy. His research on recent export controls revealed a counterintuitive outcome: Rather than solely strengthening U.S. semiconductor innovation, these policies accelerated Chinese investment in its own domestic chip industry, boosting startups there as much as – or more than – here. This finding underscores how global technology markets are deeply interconnected: Barriers can produce unintended consequences that accelerate innovation abroad rather than protecting it at home. Open technology trade and investment create larger markets for American innovations, strengthen collaborative partnerships, and demonstrate that interconnected markets drive progress for all participants. “Entrepreneurial talent exists everywhere,” Eesley tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Charles (Chuck) EesleyConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Chuck Eesley, a professor of management and engineering at Stanford University. (00:03:04) Why Study Entrepreneurship? Chuck explains why entrepreneurs are drivers of modern economic growth. (00:03:30) Defining Entrepreneurship Broad vs. narrow entrepreneurship, from startups to large organizations. (00:04:33) Institutional Environments How policies and culture both shape entrepreneurial outcomes. (00:05:44) Studying Institutions & Entrepreneurship Measuring ​institutional shifts to isolate entrepreneurial outcomes. (00:08:12) Founder & Talent Incentives What’s needed for high-opportunity-cost talent to start companies. (00:09:36) AI Entrepreneurship The impact of data and compute concentration on startup dynamism. (00:11:28) Designing AI Regulation Historical examples of regulation enabling startups to compete fairly. (00:13:43) Incentives Inside Big Tech Why some incumbents support startups while others tilt the playing field. (00:15:28) Ad Placement & Misinformation Funding How digital advertising can unintentionally fund low-credibility content. (00:21:24) Misinformation Market Solution The disclosure mechanisms that may reduce misinformation incentives. (00:25:23) Semiconductors & Entrepreneurship The importance of startups in a field often dominated by large incumbents. (00:29:30) Unintended Policy Effects How U.S. policy may be accelerating Chinese semiconductor investments. (00:31:09) Competing Industrial Policies Why evaluation and iteration are essential for effective policy design. (00:32:31) Global Entrepreneurship Emerging entrepreneurship models spreading across regions and contexts. (00:36:26) The Universal Entrepreneurial Mindset Shared entrepreneurial traits across cultures, contexts, and countries. (00:37:14) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: democratizing entrepreneurship, context, and equitable inclusivity. (00:41:02) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    42 min
  2. The future of substance abuse in youth

    JAN 30

    The future of substance abuse in youth

    Developmental psychologist Bonnie Halpern-Felsher specializes in teenage health-related decision-making, especially in their use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other substances. Young people, she says, value immediate social benefits over long-term risks. In response, she supports bans on flavored nicotine products and has developed nationally and internationally used evidence-based substance use prevention and intervention programs, including some that are culturally targeted, such as her vaping prevention curriculum in Hawaii zeroing in on popular flavors like mango and poi. The reward, she says, is reduced substance use and better mental health. “Talk to your kids. Don’t lecture. Have a conversation,” Halpern-Felsher tells host Russ Altman of the best way to break through on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: ​​Bonnie Halpern-FelsherHalpern-Felsher REACH Lab | Stanford MedicineConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a developmental psychologist at Stanford University. (00:03:52) Focus on Youth Substance Use Bonnie explains her focus on studying substance behaviors in adolescents. (00:05:32) Current Trends in Youth Health The mixed indicators across behavior and mental health in youth. (00:08:46) Effective Health Communication Why long-horizon risk messaging often underperforms in adolescents. (00:11:16) Policy Translation & Advocacy How Bonnie translates research findings into policy advocacy. (00:13:54) School-Based Prevention Programs An overview of evidence-based curricula and target age groups. (00:15:04) Measuring Program Impact The evaluation approaches and challenges of the prevention programs. (00:16:41) Youth Dependence & Cessation Why addiction develops quickly and the limited treatment options. (00:18:18) Program Adaptation Across Contexts How curricula are localized without redesigning core methods. (00:21:00) Youth-Oriented Product Marketing The strategies used by substance industries to market to youth. (00:23:38) Cannabis Potency & Health Risk The link between higher THC concentrations and medical outcomes. (00:26:48) Patterns of Cannabis Use The common modes of cannabis use and related exposure risks. (00:28:10) Early Exposure & Prevention Needs The reports of substance exposure and use at increasingly early ages. (00:29:10) Guidance for Caregivers Practical guidance for caregivers concerned about substance use. (00:31:23) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: asking for help, substance regulation, and alternate degree. (00:33:37) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min
  3. Best of: The future of depression care

    JAN 23

    Best of: The future of depression care

    As 2026 gets underway we know that many take time around this new beginning to improve not only their physical, but also their mental health. With that in mind, we’re rerunning an episode with Leanne Williams on the future of depression care. Leanne is an expert on clinical depression and is working on new ways to more precisely diagnose depression in order to develop more effective treatment. For anyone who has suffered from depression or knows someone who has, it’s an episode that provides hope for what’s on the horizon. We hope you’ll take another listen and also share this episode with anyone who you think may benefit from the conversation.  Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Leanne WilliamsConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Leanne Williams, a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Stanford University. (00:01:43) What Is Depression? Distinguishing clinical depression from everyday sadness. (00:03:31) Current Depression Treatment Challenges The trial-and-error of traditional depression treatments and their timelines. (00:06:16) Brain Mapping and Circuit Dysfunctions Advanced imaging techniques and their role in understanding depression. (00:09:03) Diagnosing with Brain Imaging How brain imaging can complement traditional diagnostic methods in psychiatry. (00:10:22) Depression Biotypes Identifying six distinct biotypes of depression through brain imaging. (00:12:31) Cognitive Features of Depression How cognitive impairment plays a major role in certain depression biotypes. (00:14:11) Matching Treatments to Biotypes Finding appropriate treatments sooner using brain-based diagnostics. (00:15:38) Expanding Treatment Options Personalizing therapies and improving treatment outcomes based on biotypes. (00:19:03) AI in Depression Treatment Using AI to refine biotypes and predict treatment outcomes with greater accuracy. (00:22:15) Psychedelics in Depression Treatment The potential for psychedelic drugs to target specific biotypes of depression. (00:23:46) Expanding the Biotypes Framework Integrating multimodal approaches into the biotype framework. (00:27:29) Reducing Stigma in Depression How showing patients their brain imaging results reduces self-blame and stigma. (00:29:38) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    30 min
  4. The future of ADHD

    JAN 16

    The future of ADHD

    Pediatrician Yair Bannett studies and treats ADHD in preschool-age children. His interests stem from watching too many families struggle to understand their child’s behavior. He now focuses on improving frontline care using artificial intelligence to analyze electronic health records. One recent study explored whether doctors are making appropriate non-drug interventions before choosing to medicate children. Through his research, he hopes to raise the standard of ADHD care for thousands – and perhaps millions – of children. Early diagnosis and better care can prevent later problems, Bannett tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: ​​Yair BannettConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Yair Bannett, a developmental behavioral pediatrician at Stanford University. (00:03:44) Why Study ADHD Yair’s path from primary care pediatrics to ADHD research. (00:04:32) Understanding ADHD The core symptoms and diagnostic criteria for ADHD. (00:05:57) Diagnosing ADHD in Youth Why diagnosis is challenging and relies on clinical judgment. (00:08:21) Known Causes of ADHD What is known about biological origins and environmental influence. (00:10:08) Geographic and Cultural Differences The variations in ADHD prevalence across regions and populations. (00:11:37) ADHD Across Countries Prevalence of ADHD globally and challenges with monitoring diagnosis. (00:12:23) Natural History of Untreated ADHD The lifelong persistence of ADHD and associated risks when untreated. (00:14:28) ADHD Diagnosis in Adults The challenges in identifying and diagnosing ADHD later in life. (00:16:27) ADHD Treatments An overview of the two treatment interventions used to treat ADHD. (00:18:16) Stimulant Medications The effectiveness and long-term benefits of stimulant treatments. (00:21:30) Non-Stimulant Medications When and why alternative medications for ADHD are used. (00:22:31) Non-pharmacological Interventions The alternative interventions used outside pharmacological treatments. (00:23:18) Reducing Household Chaos Strategies for structure and behavior management within the home. (00:24:55) Measuring Quality of ADHD Care Using electronic health records and AI to improve treatment. (00:28:10) Importance of Early Diagnosis The benefits of identifying ADHD before school entry. (00:29:29) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: applying AI, collaboration, and theatre dreams. (00:31:55) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min
  5. The future of alcohol

    JAN 9

    The future of alcohol

    Physician-scientist Randall Stafford studies the effects of alcohol use on population health – the true health impact, he emphasizes. Stafford explains how early research suggested that drinking is beneficial – or at least not bad – for people. That mindset produced decades of wishful thinking based on inconsistent science driven by social, emotional, and industry forces. The small cardiovascular benefits, he says, are far outweighed by the risks of cancer, liver disease, depression, and other ills. Although the harms of low-level consumption are small, there is no safe level of alcohol use, Stafford tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: ​​Randall StaffordConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Randall Stafford, a professor of medicine at Stanford University. (00:03:35) Challenges in Alcohol Research Why cultural norms and study limitations complicate evidence. (00:03:56) Historical Perspectives on Drinking How early studies suggested benefits and why those conclusions shifted. (00:09:12) Risk, Dose, and Drinking Patterns The increased risks with binge drinking and higher doses of alcohol. (00:12:15) Health Benefits vs. Lifestyle Enjoyment Clarifying what alcohol does—and does not—provide medically. (00:13:37) Alcohol and Mental Health The bidirectional effects between alcohol use and mental health. (00:17:37) Broader Mental and Social Effects Alcohol’s connection to bipolar disorder, unemployment, and social harm. (00:20:12) How Alcohol Myths Persist Why simplified conclusions endured despite contradictory data. (00:22:46) Changing Cultural Attitudes Cultural trends toward reduced drinking and alcohol-free periods. (00:25:49) Alcohol and Liver Disease The effects of alcohol beyond heavy use, including metabolic disease. (00:27:29) Strategies to Reduce Harm Way to reduce alcohol consumption and avoid binge drinking. (00:29:25) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: avoiding alcohol, research needs, and studying liver disease. (00:31:04) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    32 min
  6. Best of: The future of motivation

    JAN 2

    Best of: The future of motivation

    We're here to wish you a very happy New Year! We hope you’re ringing in the new year in good health and looking forward to what’s ahead in 2026. As people are setting goals and making resolutions, we’re re-running an episode today on the future of motivation. Last year, we sat down with Szu-chi Huang, an expert in motivation. She explained how science is changing our understanding of goal-setting and achievement, and offered a few tricks you can try when you feel stuck. We hope you’ll tune in again today and pick up a few insights on how to sustain enthusiasm for your goals over time. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: ​​Szu-chi HuangConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces Szu-chi Huang, a professor of Marketing at Stanford GSB. (00:02:13) Studying Motivation Szu-chi shares what led her to study motivational science. (00:02:45) Defining Motivation Motivation as the drive to close the gap between current and ideal self. (00:03:39) The Science of Motivation Studying motivation through behavioral and neurological data. (00:04:30) Why It Matters in Business How motivation science applies to leaders, teams, and customers. (00:05:21) The Motivation Framework The strategies needed in order to stay motivated over time. (00:06:24) Journey vs. Destination Mindset The different mindsets needed throughout the stages of motivation. (00:08:03) Motivating Kids to Choose Healthy Collaborating with UNICEF to study what motivates children. (00:09:37) Gamified Coupons in Panama A study using gamified coupons to influence children's food choices. (00:13:08) Loyalty Programs as Motivation How customer reward programs act as structured goal journeys. (00:15:29) Progress Versus Purpose The different incentives needed in each stage of loyalty programs. (00:17:11) Retirement Saving Lessons How financial institutions apply motivational science to long-term goals. (00:19:54) Motivation in Social Context The role of social connections in goal pursuit and sustaining motivation. (00:21:20) Support vs. Competition in Shared Goals The benefits and drawbacks of sharing goal journeys with others. (00:24:52) Designing Apps for Motivation How redesigning user interfaces can help users stay motivated. (00:26:02) AI as a Motivation Coach Using AI to personalize feedback across all stages of goal pursuit. (00:28:50) Starting and Sustaining a Goal Practical strategies for launching and sustaining a goal. (00:30:59) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min

  7. 12/31/2025 · BONUS

    Happy New Year From The Future of Everything

    Hi everyone, it’s your host, Russ. As we celebrate another holiday season and round out the year, I want to take a moment to say thank you for listening. This show started out over 8 years ago as an experiment and has not only grown to become a passion project, but also an archive of the impactful work my colleagues across Stanford dedicate their lives to. In a time when the sheer volume of information available to us can make it hard to determine what’s accurate, I’m proud to be able to bring you information directly from expert scientists in the fields of physics, medicine, technology, computer science, law, and much more. The show, however, would not exist without you. So thank you for giving us your time and attention; it means a lot and also makes what we do possible. Happy holidays and happy new year! Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 min
  8. Best of: The future of AI coaching

    12/26/2025

    Best of: The future of AI coaching

    We hope you’re enjoying the holiday season with family, friends, and loved ones. We’ll be releasing new episodes again in the new year – in the meantime, today, we’re re-running a fascinating episode on The future of AI coaching. The past few years have seen an incredible boom in AI and one of our colleagues, James Landay, a professor in Computer Science, thinks that when it comes to AI and education, things are just getting started. He’s particularly excited about the potential for AI to serve as a coach or tutor. We hope you’ll take another listen to this conversation and come away with some optimism for the potential AI has to help make us smarter and healthier.  Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: ​​James LandayConnect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest James Landay, a professor of Computer Science at Stanford University. (00:01:44) Evolving AI Applications How large language models can replicate personal coaching experiences. (00:06:24) Role of Health Experts in AI Integrating insights from medical professionals into AI coaching systems. (00:10:01) Personalization in AI Coaching How AI coaches can adapt personalities and avatars to cater to user preferences. (00:12:30) Group Dynamics in AI Coaching Pros and cons of adding social features and group support to AI coaching systems. (00:13:48) Ambient Awareness in Technology Ambient awareness and how it enhances user engagement without active attention. (00:17:24) Using AI in Elementary Education Narrative-driven tutoring systems to inspire kids' learning and creativity. (00:22:39) Encouraging Student Writing with AI Using LLMs to  motivate students to write  through personalized feedback. (00:23:32) Scaling AI Educational Tools The ACORN project and creating dynamic, scalable learning experiences. (00:27:38) Human-Centered AI The concept of human-centered AI and its focus on designing for society. (00:30:13) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
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About

Host Russ Altman, a professor of bioengineering, genetics, and medicine at Stanford, is your guide to the latest science and engineering breakthroughs. Join Russ and his guests as they explore cutting-edge advances that are shaping the future of everything from AI to health and renewable energy. Along the way, “The Future of Everything” delves into ethical implications to give listeners a well-rounded understanding of how new technologies and discoveries will impact society. Whether you’re a researcher, a student, or simply curious about what’s on the horizon, tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments that are transforming our world.

Information

  • Creator
    Stanford Engineering
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    363
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Future of Everything

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