Back to the F**kture The Future Laboratory

Welcome back to the second series of our Back to the F**kture podcast, where we ask renowned thinkers to put foresight predictions under the hindsight spotlight. In the first episode of series two, The Future Laboratory co-founder Martin Raymond speaks to Belgian forecaster Herman Konings.

Herman Konings is author of seven books, studied theoretical psychology at the University of Leuven, and in his own words, ‘loves the theatrics of psychology and tomorrow as much as he does its theoretics’.

In this episode, he explains why forecasting is as much about drama, storytelling and the great potential and many possibilities of the human condition as it is about data, spreadsheets, and the forward extrapolation of bald facts and sometimes blind conjecture. Tune in to series 2 episode 1 now.

In the second episode of season 2 of our Back to the F**kture podcast, Martin Raymond speaks to Victoria Stoyanova, strategist by trade and connector at heart. Victoria recently founded Institute of Belonging, a studio exploring the generative power of networks, designed to bring people together to experiment, play, learn and co-create.

In this episode, we discuss the power of networking. For Victoria, networking is all about the five Cs – community, collaboration, conversation, creativity and curation. ‘But it is also about collectivist thinking, and about being generous with your time, with making connections and leaning in’. Listen to this episode now.

In this episode of our Back to the F**kture podcast, Martin Raymond speaks to Harry Jameson, performance coach and personal trainer to athletes, celebrities and professionals, and columnist at The Times.

Harry is also the founder of RAIN, a luxury CBD home and body balm range, and his latest company Pillar Wellbeing, which focuses on what he refers to as ‘the three guiding pillars of Synchronised Care and wellbeing – movement, nutrition and recovery'.

In this episode, we discuss how to get a better understanding of the mind, body, spirit and, most crucially, our energy. ‘At the moment, I believe we can use the tools and technologies we have to give the 65-year-old the energy of a 25-year-old,’ says Harry. Listen to this episode now to find out how.

In the fourth episode of season two of our Back to the F**kture podcast, Martin Raymond speaks with techno-optimist Bethany Koby-Hirschmann about the importance of a healthy relationship between children and technology.

Beth is the co-founder of Tech Will Save Us, and founder of FAM, the family inventions studio that’s already making waves in the world of health, wellbeing and the future happiness of families.

In this episode, we talk about re-assessing the role that families play in envisaging tomorrow, and how in turn they can use this optimistic understanding of technology and their relationship with it to make that future better, more inclusive and family-friendly. Listen now.

In the fifth episode of season two of our Back to the F**kture podcast, Martin Raymond speaks with innovation-seeker and author of The Serendipity Mindset, Dr. Christian Busch, about the importance of having an open and curious outlook.

Dr. Christian Busch is a globally renowned expert in innovation and serendipity and director of the CGA Global Economy Programme at New York University, also teaching at the London School of Economics.

In this episode, we discuss how opening our eyes to the unexpected and being open to connection can lead to valuable opportunities and solutions. Listen to this episode now to find out more.

In the sixth episode of season two of our Back to the F**kture podcast, Martin Raymond speaks with futurist, retail strategist and designer, Ibrahim Ibrahim, to discuss the emotional membership consumers can have with brands, the future of blended retail spaces and connecting online and offline data to shape tomorrow’s businesses.

Ibrahim Ibrahim is managing director of Portland Design, a multi-disciplinary retail design practice based in London’s East End and has worked with some of the best brands, malls and multi-sector stores globally.

In this episode, we discuss how we can reframe bricks-and-mortar around the stories and needs of consumers. Listen to this episode now to find out more.