Pulse by AlphaWire

AlphaWire

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Entrepreneurship
Updated Weekly

Welcome to Pulse by AlphaWire, the podcast where science and education meet cutting edge technology and artificial intelligence. My name is Aldo de Pape and each week I sit down with innovators, thinkers and doers who are working to change our world for the better. Together, we explore their journeys, uncover the lessons they've learned and take the entrepreneurial pulse that drives them on their path to success.

3d ago

Education at Scale: What Actually Works with Janhvi Kanoria, Executive Director of Innovation Development at Education Above All

In this episode, Aldo sits down with Janhvi Maheshwari-Kanoria, Executive Director of Innovation Development at Education Above All, to explore what it really takes to expand access to quality education at a global scale. The conversation moves beyond technology to the deeper questions: How do we create solutions that governments can adopt? What does meaningful innovation look like in education? And why is human connection still the foundation of learning in an AI-powered world? Items discussed: Why innovation isn't always about technology.How governments and innovators can work together to scale impact.Lessons from education initiatives across Zambia, India, Lebanon, Palestine, Ukraine, Peru, and beyond.The role of AI in education—and where it should never replace people.Why context, culture, and community matter more than one-size-fits-all solutions.How education creates opportunity, dignity, and long-term change.Sometimes the greatest innovation isn't building something new—it's creating something others can truly own and scale. We hope this conversation leaves you inspired. You can read more on how EEA is leading further discussions around AI here: https://www.educationaboveall.org/library/artificial-intelligence-discussion-paper Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaWireHQ This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/

50 min
Jun 18

The Future of Learning: Startups, AI and Human Agency with Houtan Froushan

In this episode of Pulse, Aldo sits down with Houtan Froushan, the driving force behind UCL EdTech Labs, to explore what happens when research, entrepreneurship, and education meet. We discuss why founders need evidence just as much as conviction, how educational impact can coexist with commercial sustainability, and why understanding your competition starts with understanding where people spend their time and money. We also reflect on AI, human agency, and the role universities can play in helping society navigate technological change without losing sight of what makes us human. Some ideas explored: • Why founders need people who disagree with them • Building a research library before building a product • Understanding who is really competing for your customer's attention • The tension between impact and revenue in education • What makes UCL EdTech Labs different from traditional accelerators • How AI can support human agency rather than diminish it • Why education should focus on learning, not just exam performance • The importance of founder communities and shared experience A conversation about evidence, curiosity, and building things that matter. You can find out more about UCL EdTech Labs here: https://www.ucledtechlabs.com/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaWireHQ This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/

57 min
Jun 11

The Role of AI in Human Longevity with Dr. Johann Malawana

In this conversation, Aldo sits down with Dr. Johann Malawana—former physician, founder of Medics Academy and the Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA), and Associate Dean for Innovation at the University of Lancashire—to explore the intersection of healthcare, leadership, technology, and AI. Together they discuss why innovation often happens outside traditional systems, how AI is accelerating change across medicine, and how longevity advancement informs cancer research. In this episode: Why Johann left a successful medical career to build Medics Academy and HLAThe challenge of creating change from within large institutionsHow AI is reshaping healthcare, medical education, and researchWhat longevity research reveals about the future of medicineThe risks of concentrating technological power in the hands of a fewLeadership, curiosity, and building communities that create lasting impactWhy human relationships remain more valuable than everA thought worth reflecting on: "I can't change the whole world, but I can change this bit of it—and perhaps create a ripple effect." If you're interested in healthcare innovation, leadership, education, or the future of AI, this conversation offers plenty to think about. Connect with Dr. Johann Malawana: Medics AcademyHealthcare Leadership Academy (HLA)School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of LancashireEnjoy the conversation. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaWireHQ This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/

32 min
Jun 4

Can AI Prevent a Mental Health Crisis Before It Begins? with Emmanuel Stiels, CEO of Reinhart

What happens when mental healthcare becomes proactive instead of reactive? If you're looking for a politically correct summary of AI and healthcare you won't find it here. In this thoughtful conversation, psychologist and Reinhart Group founder Emmanuel Stiels joins Aldo de Pape to explore the future of mental health, AI, and preventative care. From NHS backlogs to wearable health data, from trauma therapy to ethical questions around AI, this episode examines what becomes possible when technology is used to support people before crisis hits. A thoughtful discussion on trust, human connection, and why the biggest risk may be doing nothing at all. Why mental healthcare today is still largely reactiveThe growing role of AI in therapy and psychological supportHow wearable tech may help detect mental health decline earlyThe hidden ethical dilemma of long waiting listsWhy preventative mental health could reshape healthcare systemsThe challenge of balancing innovation with regulationHow shame and stigma affect access to therapyEmmanuel’s vision for the future of mental healthcareKey reflection: “Sometimes the ethical question is not whether we should use technology — but what happens if we don’t.” About Emmanuel Stiels Psychologist, entrepreneur, and founder of the Reinhart Group, Emmanuel works at the intersection of mental health, behavioral science, and emerging technology. His work focuses on making mental healthcare more proactive, scalable, and accessible. Links Learn more about Reinhart Group: https://www.reinhart.uk/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaWireHQ This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/

57 min
May 28

The Urgent Need for Computational Thinking in an AI World with Conrad Wolfram

In this episode of Pulse, host Aldo de Pape sits down with Conrad Wolfram, Mathematician, Technologist and Author of 'The Math(s) Fix: An Education Blueprint for the AI Age'. Aldo and Conrad explore how AI is transforming education, computation, and society itself. From the failures of traditional maths curricula to the urgent need for “computational literacy,” Conrad explains why schools are still preparing students for a world that no longer exists. The conversation dives into AI hype cycles, Wolfram Alpha’s early role in artificial intelligence, human versus machine thinking, and why adapting education may be the most important challenge of our time. Find out more about Conrad Wolfram's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Math-Fix-Education-Blueprint-Wolfram/dp/1579550290 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaWireHQ This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/

51 min
May 21

Beyond Screen Time: What Parents Are Really Afraid of in the AI Era with Dr. Viola Liu

What happens when researchers, parents, and entrepreneurs ask a deeper question about technology and education? In this conversation, Aldo sits down with Dr. Viola Liu — learning science researcher, Harvard graduate, and AI-in-education expert — to reflect on our experience at MIT’s Entrepreneurship Development Program and the unexpected journey that led to the creation of Norie. Together, we explore: Why AI is changing far more than content deliveryThe growing tension parents feel around screens and digital childhoodThe importance of critical thinking and metacognition in the AI eraHow primary market research reshaped our assumptionsWhy the real challenge is not screen time — but understanding what children absorbThe role of AI as a thinking partner, not just a toolWhat entrepreneurship can teach researchers — and vice versaThis episode is ultimately about one question: How do we preserve humanity, curiosity, and wisdom in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent machines? A thoughtful conversation on education, parenting, AI, and building technology with intention. Learn more about Norie: https://getnorie.com/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaWireHQ This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/

33 min
May 14

The Future of Brain Health: Scientific Innovation, Startups and AI with Dr. Craig Ritchie Founder of Scottish Brain Sciences

In this episode of Pulse, host Aldo de Pape sits down with Craig Ritchie, founder and CEO of Scottish Brain Sciences, for a deep conversation about brain health, Alzheimer’s disease, entrepreneurship, genetics, AI, and the future of healthcare innovation. Craig shares his journey from medical school in Aberdeen to becoming a globally recognized leader in neurodegenerative medicine. He discusses why he left the security of academia to build a startup focused on accelerating breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research and explains why he believes a cure is closer than many people think. The conversation also explores the impact of screen time on children, how AI may transform healthcare, the role of genetics in dementia risk, and why entrepreneurship can move faster than traditional institutions when solving major global health challenges. Key Topics Covered The mission behind Scottish Brain SciencesWhy Craig Ritchie believes Alzheimer’s disease is curableThe future of brain health and neurodegenerative medicineTransitioning from academia to entrepreneurshipThe “triple helix” model: healthcare, universities, and startups working togetherHow AI is reshaping medicine and diagnosticsThe dangers of excessive screen time for childrenGenetics and Alzheimer’s disease risk factorsWhy innovation in healthcare often moves too slowlyThe importance of balance, rhythm, and community for brain healthCraig’s personal morning routine and favorite book recommendationsNotable Quotes “Research is a means to an end. It’s not an end in itself.” “A cure for Alzheimer’s is just around the corner, but we have to believe it’s possible.” “The biggest problems facing society aren’t solved by governments or corporations alone — they’re solved through entrepreneurship.” “If children are spending all their time on screens, they’re not doing the things that help healthy brain development.” About Craig Ritchie Craig Ritchie is a leading expert in Alzheimer’s disease, dementia prevention, and brain health research. Originally from Aberdeen, Scotland, he trained in psychiatry and later worked with renowned Alzheimer’s researcher Colin Masters in Melbourne, Australia. Today, Craig serves as CEO and founder of Scottish Brain Sciences, a company focused on accelerating clinical research, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation in neurodegenerative disease. He also holds academic positions at University of St Andrews and University of Aberdeen. To learn more about Scottish Brain Sciences: https://brainsciences.scot/who-we-are/team/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaWireHQ This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/

53 min
May 7

Unraveling the Story Behind Tony Mafia: An Artist and a Life of Freedom with Film Writer and Director, Sabine Lubbe Bakker

In this episode, Aldo sits down with the award winning Dutch filmmaker Sabine Lubbe Bakker for a deeply personal and reflective conversation about a man whose life resists simple definition. Through memory, research, and storytelling, we explore the world of ‘Tony Mafia‘ - a painter shaped by a restless pursuit of freedom - a troubled past, and a legacy carried as much by myth as well as fact. This conversation is about questioning how we remember, interpret, and ultimately honor the lives of those who leave an imprint through art. It is our sincere hope that this conversation helps you in telling the story of your life bringing all the colour into it, it deserves. Keywords Tony Mafia, art biography, creative freedom, art legacy, personal stories, art analysis, biography research, art history, artist mental models Key Topics The influence of personal history on artThe story behind Tony Mafia's paintingsThe process of researching an artist's lifeKey Frameworks Storytelling in ArtBiographical Research TechniquesSound Bites "Imagination opens up a story to get closer to someone""It's about the possibility, not just the truth""The paintings are a treasure, a story worth telling"Chapters Introduction to Tony Mafia and Personal Biography 02:17 The Search for Truth and Possibility in Stories 04:22 The Influence of Art in Personal and Family History 06:04 Unraveling the Life of Tony Mafia: Childhood and Early Talent 12:06 The Significance of the Paintings and Their Value 20:17 The Blog and Public Perception of Tony Mafia 22:14 Reflections on Tony Mafia's Character and Legacy 30:53 Archiving and Understanding the Paintings 32:04 The Personal Meaning of Tony Mafia's Art 36:08 The Impact of Society and Era on Tony Mafia's Life 40:19 The Artistic Spirit and Longing for Freedom 43:14 Art as a Reflection of Inner Life and Society 50:26 The Relationship Between the Artist and the Viewer 51:53 Imagining the Narrative of Tony Mafia's Life 53:56 Next Steps: Preserving and Sharing Tony Mafia's Legacy This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/

57 min

Trailer

Welcome to Pulse by AlphaWire

Welcome to Pulse by AlphaWire, the podcast where science and education meet cutting edge technology and artificial intelligence. My name is Aldo de Pape and each week I sit down with innovators, thinkers and doers who are working to change our world for the better. Together, we explore their journeys, uncover the lessons they've learned and take the entrepreneurial pulse that drives them on their path to success. This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/

11/01/2025

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1 min

Welcome to Pulse by AlphaWire, the podcast where science and education meet cutting edge technology and artificial intelligence. My name is Aldo de Pape and each week I sit down with innovators, thinkers and doers who are working to change our world for the better. Together, we explore their journeys, uncover the lessons they've learned and take the entrepreneurial pulse that drives them on their path to success.

Creator

AlphaWire
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

32
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Pulse by AlphaWire
Show Website

Pulse by AlphaWire