The Impossible Network

Fabrica Collective
The Impossible Network

The weekly podcast tells the stories of curious-minded, purposeful people, creating positive change for social good. Our guests include creative problem-solvers, storytellers, activists and artists, social impact entrepreneurs, and philanthropists from across the arts, business, science, and technology, working to solve some of our more pressing problems.  Each week, host Mark Fallows explores who his guests are as humans, who or what made them, what they are working to achieve or impact in the world, and where serendipity has impacted their journey.   Learn, gain insights, and be inspired by how a diverse range of people have broken through obstacles, fearlessly exceeded the boundaries society sets, and taken chances, regardless of risk, that most fear, in pursuit of their ‘impossible’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Dominik Heinrich - Navigating the Future: Design, AI, and the Human Touch

    12/03/2024

    Dominik Heinrich - Navigating the Future: Design, AI, and the Human Touch

    My guest this week is Dominik Heinrich, a visionary working at the intersection of design, AI technology, and human experience. As the co-founder of the Creative AI Academy, faculty member at Pratt Institute, and Head of Global Design at Coca-Cola Company, Dom brings a unique perspective on how AI is reshaping creativity and innovation. Dom's journey is fascinating—from his childhood in Germany drawing maps that would foreshadow his future global agency network, to driving innovation at McCann and MRM in NYC, to forming the Creative AI Academy. He has become a highly respected, influential voice in AI and design. What I loved about this conversation, was how Dom emphasized the importance of remaining curious, authentic, and most importantly, human in an increasingly AI-driven world. We explore everything from his early days as an entrepreneur and agency owner to his current mission of helping organizations and individuals navigate the transformation that AI brings to creative work.  What emerges is not just a discussion about technology but a deeper reflection on how we can become better humans in an AI-enhanced future. Now over to Dom.  Time stamps  00:00 Introduction  00:50 Meet Dominic Heinrich: A Visionary in AI and Design 02:20 The Human Side of AI: Dom's Personal Journey 03:54 Early Influences and Career Beginnings 11:07 From Germany to New York: A Career Evolution 13:20 Pioneering AI in Creativity and Design 19:30 The Intersection of Roles: Coca-Cola, Creative AI Academy, and Pratt 23:25 The Future of Creative Agencies in an AI-Driven World 26:57 The Future of Agencies and Creativity 27:41 AI Mind Shift and Critical Thinking 28:22 Challenges in Creativity and Education 33:31 The Role of AI in Human Behavior 36:20 Preparing for a Rapidly Changing Future 42:02 Personal Insights and Reflections 42:07 Thoughts on AGI and Future Technologies 44:49 Principles and Inspirations 47:54 Managing Fears and Uncertainties 51:22 Book Recommendations and Networking 52:43 Final Thoughts and Farewell Social Links  Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/domheinrich Creative AI Academy  Links in the Show Book  AI 2041 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  2. Amy Gubser - "I Can Do Hard Things" How a 56-Year-Old Grandmother Conquered Shark-Infested Waters

    11/05/2024

    Amy Gubser - "I Can Do Hard Things" How a 56-Year-Old Grandmother Conquered Shark-Infested Waters

    Amy Gubser  Amy Gubser, is an extraordinary 56-year-old grandmother who this year became the first person ever to complete an unassisted swim from the Golden Gate Bridge in SF to the Farallon Islands - a 30-mile stretch of cold, shark-infested waters off the California coast. Moreover, what makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Amy only started her marathon swimming journey aged 46. Throughout a fascinating conversation, Amy describes her path from early morning swims in San Francisco Bay through increasingly arduous challenges, including consequently crossing the treacherous North Channel between Ireland and Scotland. Furthermore, Amy shares her insights into the physical and mental preparation required for ultra-marathon swimming, from nutrition strategies to managing the understandable fear of great white sharks and jellyfish swarms. In addition to her swimming achievements, Amy discusses how her work as a nurse has informed her mental toughness, the importance of breaking age-related stereotypes, and as a result, her mission to inspire others - especially women - to pursue ambitious goals at any age. With upcoming swims planned for Scotland's deep and mysterious Loch Ness, therefore Amy is proof that human potential knows no bounds when matched with determination, careful preparation, and above all her simple mantra: 'I can do hard things.' Amy's story is an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to pursue extraordinary achievements. Note to self! Now over to Amy.  Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:10 Who is Amy as a Human? 05:35 Childhood and Family Background 10:48 Early Swimming and Lifeguarding 14:26 Nursing Career and Mental Toughness 26:12 Rediscovering Swimming 33:24 First Marathon Swim: Gibraltar Straits 35:59 Conquering Lake Tahoe 37:20 The North Channel Challenge 39:24 Molokai to Oahu Swim 39:56 Local Swims and Challenges 40:47 The Alcatraz Swim 42:15 Manhattan Island Swim 45:23 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies 53:18 Facing the Farallon Islands 55:34 Shark and Jellyfish Encounters 01:01:32 Mental and Physical Endurance 01:06:24 Inspiration and Future Goals 01:11:11 Advice for Aspiring Swimmers 01:18:04 Final Thoughts and Inspirations    Social posts  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amygubser92?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Links in show  Books: "The Devil's Teeth" (Book about the Farallon Islands mentioned as inspiration) - "Tough Broads" by Caroline Paul (Recent book Amy highly recommends) - Young Woman in the Sea (About Trudy Ederle, first woman to swim the English Channel)   Films/Media:  Documentary about Mercedes Gleitze    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 30m
  3. Noam Sagi - Transforming Wellness: A Path to Personalized Wellbeing

    10/28/2024

    Noam Sagi - Transforming Wellness: A Path to Personalized Wellbeing

    In this episode of the Impossible Network, Mark interviews Noam, a pioneering psychotherapist and co-founder of VidaVii. Noam's captivating journey from his upbringing on a kibbutz near the Gaza border to establishing a wellness technology hub in London is explored in depth. The conversation touches on communal living, military service, corporate culture, and the importance of authenticity. Noam shares insights on navigating childhood and parenting in different eras, the impact of social media on mental health, and the potential future challenges for children growing up in isolated environments. Noam also highlights the integration of body-centered psychotherapy, the concept of 'befriending vulnerability,' and innovative wellness treatments like cryotherapy and breathwork. Mark and Noam discuss the shift from symptomatic treatment to preventative health through biohacking, AI-driven health suggestions, and the significance of a balanced approach to life following the 80/20 rule. Noam also shares his personal stories of emotional resilience, and the harrowing yet inspiring account of Noam's mother's kidnapping and release by Hamas, and his hope for peace amidst global conflicts. TimeCodes 00:00 Introduction  01:14 Who is Noam as a human? 04:26 The Kibbutz Experience 08:10 Reflections on Childhood and Group Dynamics 21:06 Transition to Adulthood and Military Service 22:12 Career Shift to Psychotherapy 35:48 Founding VidaVi1: A Wellness Tech Venture 48:02 Innovative Health Solutions for Everyone 49:04 The Power of Cryotherapy: Real-Life Stories 50:06 Bringing Nature's Best to Urban Centers 50:41 The Science Behind Dry Cryotherapy 53:00 Personalized Health and Wellness 01:07:20 The Future of Health: AI and Technology 01:17:45 Personal Reflections and Inspirations 01:27:24 A Personal Story of Resilience and Hope 01:42:47 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Social Links  Vidavii Linkedin  Links in the show Cure" (or "Cured") by Dr. Jeff Rediger - specifically recommended by Noam for understanding medicine and wellness Outlive" by Peter Attia - mentioned in discussion but not specifically recommended   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 45m
  4. Denzil Monk On Storytelling, Regenerative Economics, and Creative Resistance

    10/22/2024

    Denzil Monk On Storytelling, Regenerative Economics, and Creative Resistance

    Welcome back to the start of Season 6 of The Impossible Network.  Today’s guest is Denzil Monk, a filmmaker, social entrepreneur, and accidental academic. Denzil is dedicated to reshaping the narrative for his home region of Cornwall, England, advocating for a more inclusive and regenerative approach to media, culture, and the economy. From advocating for Cornish public service media Impactful film productions to pioneering the ideas like Man Engine, the largest performing mechanical puppet ever created in Britain, Denzil’s work is rooted in a deep sense of place, purpose, and the power of storytelling. In this episode, we explore his journey, his thoughts on the need to rethink capitalism, and the impact local communities can have on the global stage.  Thanks to Stephen Davies for the connection. Now over to Denzil.  Time stamps  01:21 Who is Denzil?   07:15 The Impact of the 1980s on Denzil's Worldview 08:42 Cornish Identity and the Mining Heritage 09:51 The Global Connection and Local Responsibility 12:59 Denzil's Journey into Social Entrepreneurship 22:32 Advocating for Cornish Public Service Media 30:45 Reimagining Economic Systems and Local Empowerment 47:53 The Role of Storytelling in Social Change 50:31 The Power of Connections 51:10 Journey into Academia 54:12 Creating Bocena Productions 56:03 Sustainable Filmmaking 01:08:51 The Man Engine Project 01:19:56 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers 01:22:23 Personal Reflections and Inspirations 01:23:37 Quick Fire Questions 01:32:40 Final Thoughts  Social Media  Denzil’s Website  Bosena LinkedIn Instagram Show Links  Books  “The Dawn of Everything” by David Graeber and David Wengrow “Donut Economics” by Kate Raworth Films and Documentaries: “The Corporation” “Manufacturing Consent” by Noam Chomsky “Dreams” by Akira Kurosawa “Memoria” by Apichatpong Weerasethakul “Kneecap” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 33m
  5. Reality Distortion Shapers: The Power of Attitude and Action in a Shifting World

    09/23/2024

    Reality Distortion Shapers: The Power of Attitude and Action in a Shifting World

    Today, I want to discuss a concept that's been on my mind lately: what it truly means to be a reality distortion shaper. This idea was inspired by Steve Jobs' infamous "reality distortion field" - his almost mythical ability to make people believe in the impossible and, through sheer force of vision, bring ideas to life. As I unboxed my new iPad Air and installed iOS 17, I couldn't help but reflect on how far we've come from Apple's beginnings. The evolution of Apple, and now Apple Intelligence, is another chapter in the legacy Jobs left behind—a legacy built on thinking differently, on bending reality to the will of a powerful idea. Jobs' reality distortion field wasn't just about charisma or leadership. It was a powerful fusion of attitude and action. And it's this combination that defines what I call "reality distortion shapers." They're the ones who break new ground, challenge norms, and refuse to accept the limitations that the world presents. And here's the thing—it wasn't just Jobs who had this ability. Throughout history, we've seen people like Elon Musk, Walt Disney, Nikola Tesla, and Oprah Winfrey exhibit this same characteristic. What they all share is a deep belief that reality can be shaped by their ideas, their attitudes, and most importantly, their actions. This spirit of innovation is perfectly captured in Apple's "Here's to the Crazy Ones" campaign. It celebrated those who think differently—the ones who push boundaries, who disrupt the status quo, who see possibilities where others see limitations. This message resonates even more deeply today, in a world grappling with what many call a polycrisis—multiple global challenges unfolding simultaneously. In the face of constant negativity from doom-mongers and naysayers, it's crucial to remember that each of us has the power to shape reality through our beliefs, our optimism, and our actions. We can either embrace pessimism, letting it define our future, or we can choose optimism, believing that tomorrow can be better than today. Optimism is the fuel that accelerates this process. Without that deep-seated belief that things can change, that the impossible can be achieved, no action will ever take off. It's this combination—of vision, belief, and action—that compounds over time, creating something far greater than what we started with. Each of us can shape reality by harnessing the interplay between our thoughts and our actions. Guests like Jon Alexander and Gavin Fernie Jones do this. The reality distortion shapers of the world aren't afraid to push boundaries and reject limitations. They don't just dream big—they act. And through those small, consistent steps, they bring their vision to life, pulling others along with them. So, as you go through your day, ask yourself: what reality do you want to shape? What action can you take, no matter how small, that moves you closer to your vision? And most importantly, do you believe—truly believe—that you can bend reality in your favor? If there's any truth to the idea that what we think manifests in the world around us, then it's on us—each of us—to think differently. To embrace optimism, not just for ourselves, but for the collective good. Because the future we create starts with the thoughts, feelings, and actions we put into motion today. Remember, as Jobs and Apple have shown us time and again—those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. The truth is, you're already shaping reality.  So I ask: what reality are you shaping? And...What action can you take right now that pushes us all toward a better future? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    4 min
  6. Tony Jones on Augmenting Creativity: AI's Role in Shaping the Future of Creative Work

    08/12/2024

    Tony Jones on Augmenting Creativity: AI's Role in Shaping the Future of Creative Work

    In this weeks episode we dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity with NY based AI creative trailblazer Tony Jones From growing up in Ohio his creative ambitions led him to New York to work in numerous leading ad agencies where he carved out a niche at the intersection of creativity and technology. Today, Tony is the co-founder and head instructor at Creative AI Academy, where he’s on a mission to help organizations and individuals harness the power of AI to enhance their creative processes. He also teaches AI Design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, equipping the next generation of creatives with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-augmented future. Tony brings a unique perspective to the conversation about AI and creativity. He sees AI not as a replacement for human ingenuity but as a powerful tool that can augment and amplify our creative capabilities. He’s a strong advocate for embracing AI to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape while emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining human judgment, taste, and ethics. This is a must listen episode for anyone interested in where AI is leading us and how to embrace the unrelenting pace of the change that is underway.  Now over to Tony.  Time Codes 00:00 Intro to Tony Jones 02:30 Who is Tony as a human  03:59 Embracing AI in Creativity 07:13 Tony's Family and Upbringing 16:34 Early Career and Move to New York 22:43 Digital Transformation in Advertising 26:34 Innovation and AI in Advertising 30:52 Founding Creative AI Academy 35:18 AI's Impact on Creativity and Industries 46:25 Challenges and Adoption of AI 57:05 Teaching AI Design at Pratt Institute 58:02 Course Structure and Student Projects 58:52 Diverse Student Backgrounds 01:00:08 Misconceptions About AI and Creativity 01:01:34 Personal Experience with AI Tools 01:02:49 Impact of AI on Creative Processes 01:04:57 Corporate Training and AI Integration 01:07:37 Patented Inventions and AI 01:10:27 AI in the Advertising Industry 01:18:01 Advice for Creatives and Ethical Considerations 01:23:54 Future of Education with AI 01:30:16 Speculations on AGI and Future Impacts 01:35:11 Serendipity and Personal Reflections 01:47:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Social Links Tony on Linkedin  Creative Ai Academy On Linkedin  Links in the show  Creative AI Academy  Pratt AI Design Course  Andy Awards McCann Media Monks Book - Future AI 2041 Podcasts - Last Week in AI  AI For humans  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 48m
  7. Orchestrating Creativity, Engineering Serendipity At SXSW -  Hugh Forrest

    07/16/2024

    Orchestrating Creativity, Engineering Serendipity At SXSW - Hugh Forrest

    Today, I'm joined by Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW).  For over three decades, Hugh has been at the helm of one of the most influential events in the world, celebrating creativity at the convergence of tech, film, music, and culture. Hugh's journey is a fascinating one, rooted in Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant creative scene. From his early days running a local newspaper to becoming a key figure in the expansion and evolution of SXSW, Hugh's story is one of persistence, innovation, and a deep commitment to fostering creativity. In our conversation, we explore his unique upbringing with a Scottish father and American mother, the impact of Austin's cultural landscape on his development, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. We also discuss the challenges and high points of running a globally recognized festival, the role of technology in connecting people, and the future of creativity in an increasingly AI and digitally driven world. Hugh shares his insights on the importance of community, the power of serendipitous encounters, and his vision for the future of SXSW and beyond. If you are a creative person in any domain I am sure you will enjoy this conversation as as we uncover the human side of one of the driving forces behind one of the world's most dynamic events. Thanks to Jennifer Hutchins for the connection Time codes  00:00 Introduction 00:53 Meet Hugh Forest: The Man Behind SXSW 02:33 Who is Hugh? Personal Journey and Aspirations 03:45 Who or what made him Hugh? 09:54 The Evolution of SXSW 14:34 The Role of Technology in SXSW's Growth 18:18 Who is Hugh Working to Achieve? 28:27 SXSW's Community and Content Curation 32:35 Future Directions and Reflections 38:22 The Evolution of South by Southwest 38:57 Lessons in Persistence and Value Creation 40:53 Personal Growth and Organizational Leadership 42:17 Creating a Cohesive Experience 43:34 Challenges and Future Plans 46:12 Impact of COVID-19 47:14 The Importance of Human Connection 53:06 Balancing Commercial and Creative Interests 57:36 Future Directions and Personal Reflections 59:55 Personal Insights and Inspirations 01:06:20 Quickfire Questions and Recommendations 01:15:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude   Social Links  Linkedin X SXSW  Email Links in show  Testament of a furniture dealer  Books  Ministry of The Future  Cal Newport Deep Work  Show  The Greatest Night In Pop   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 17m

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5
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

The weekly podcast tells the stories of curious-minded, purposeful people, creating positive change for social good. Our guests include creative problem-solvers, storytellers, activists and artists, social impact entrepreneurs, and philanthropists from across the arts, business, science, and technology, working to solve some of our more pressing problems.  Each week, host Mark Fallows explores who his guests are as humans, who or what made them, what they are working to achieve or impact in the world, and where serendipity has impacted their journey.   Learn, gain insights, and be inspired by how a diverse range of people have broken through obstacles, fearlessly exceeded the boundaries society sets, and taken chances, regardless of risk, that most fear, in pursuit of their ‘impossible’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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