The Impossible Network Fabrica Collective

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
 

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Last week, I sat down with Stephen Davies, a unique voice in sustainable architecture and community development. Stephen's journey from the gritty streets of Bolton and the Manchester party scene to a cycling enthusiast and socially-conscious designer in a quiet town in Cornwall was both unexpected and inspiring.
He reflected on how personal challenges and a near-death experience shaped his perspective on life and work. His approach blends philosophical musings with practical solutions to the problems of globalism by embracing a localism strategy for building sustainable food systems, communities, and building practices. Stephen is particularly passionate about hempcrete, a carbon-negative building material that he sees as a game-changer for the construction industry and local economies.
Stephen embodies the power of embracing change and is a testament to how personal transformation can drive broader social and environmental change.
I hope you enjoy this refreshing and thought-provoking take on creating resilient communities in an uncertain world. Thanks to Alex Fish for the recommendation.
00:00 Introduction
02:34 Who is Stephen as a human?
05:13 Who or What Made Him?
10:34 Education and Party Culture
14:49 Cycling and a Life-Changing Accident
18:16 Pursuing Architecture
30:10 Social Conscience and Family Dynamics
37:26 Localization and Community Building
49:49 Community Projects and Company Formation
51:27 Skills Training and Women in Construction
52:07 Innovative Use of Hempcrete
53:06 Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable Building
58:00 Funding Strategies and Community Support
01:00:20 Collaborating with Local Authorities
01:05:31 Philanthropy and Commercial Partnerships
01:11:47 Personal Reflections and Inspirations
01:23:57 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Social Links
Links in Show
Hemcrete
Cornwall

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This week the tables are turned as I’m the guest on the Funds & Founders Podcast. Hosted by Abhinav Sinha, the pod explores the untold Journeys Behind Founders Breakthroughs.
Across this broad conversation Abhi explores my view on life-long learning, building community, the differences between New York and Austin, forming Fabrica and the power of Storytelling, lessons from my failed start-up, Creating The Impossible Network, memorable interviews, the power of the network, my support system and my most transformational business experience. 
What I thoughtlessly forgot to acknowledge was the importance of my partner Elaine on my journey.. so making amends; thank you now Elaine. 
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:51 Commitment to Lifelong Learning
02:03 Exploring the Impact of AI
04:40 Defining and Building Community
08:28 Comparing Communities: New York vs. Austin
13:13 Journey from Advertising to Founding Fabrica Collective
20:24 Challenges and Lessons from Pundit Club
29:16 Transitioning to a Service Agency
30:43 Starting The Impossible Network Podcast
31:28 Procrastination and the Birth of Fabrica
32:12 Exploring Serendipity Through Podcasting
33:20 Building a Community Around the Podcast
33:57 Random Collisions and Serendipitous Connections
35:37 Challenges and Rewards of Podcasting
48:31 Support Systems and Personal Reflections
53:16 Transformational Business Experiences
57:29 Final Thoughts and Future Questions
Social Links 
The Impossible Network
YouTube 
Instagram
Links 
Funds and Founders Podcast


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In this week's episode, I sit down with Amanda Hamilton, a renowned nutrition expert, ex-broadcaster, and founder of retreats focused on holistic well-being and women’s health.
We cover how Amanda's innate curiosity drove her to independently travel the globe, open a fasting retreat, aged 27, create a groundbreaking TV show, and ultimately redefine what it means to live a truly nourished life. 
Amanda shares her pragmatic perspective on nourishing the body and mind through real, unprocessed foods, restorative sleep, movement, and most importantly - learning to listen to and trust your own body's cues over external data and trends and making small "edits" for graceful aging. 
Amanda also discusses fasting, food accessibility, and her wellness reset program.
Amanda's journey is one of inspiration and innovation so whether you're seeking to optimize your well-being, navigate the overwhelming world of health information, or simply learn from a woman who has fearlessly followed her curiosity, this episode is not to be missed. Now over to Amanda. 
Thanks Dr Morgaine Gaye for the connection
Time stamps 
00:00 Introduction
00:55 Meet Amanda Hamilton: A Journey of Curiosity and Innovation
02:25 Amanda -Who is she as a human?
04:08 Who or What Made Her?
09:35 The Role of Travel in Shaping Perspectives
15:08 From Journalism to Nutrition: A Career Evolution
21:34 The Power of Fasting: Amanda's Breakthrough
24:27 Challenges and Successes in Broadcasting Fasting Retreats
32:07 What is Amanda Working to Achieve?
34:12 Holistic Wellbeing: Beyond Nutrition
46:42 Exploring the Complexities of Nutrition
47:48 Guiding Parents on Nutrition
48:43 Fundamentals of a Healthy Diet
50:12 The Impact of Sugar on Health
53:01 Navigating Modern Nutrition Challenges
01:01:59 The Importance of Sleep
01:07:52 Aging and Nutrition
01:15:09 The Role of Exercise
01:16:22 Programs and Future Plans
01:19:49 Dealing with Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
01:22:40 Guiding Children Towards Independence
01:24:32 Principles and Inspirations
01:26:45 Recommended Books and Life Hacks
01:30:16 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Social Links 
Amanda’s website 
Instagram
Facebook
Links in the show 
Food Inc 2 
Books 
Fast Food Nation 
The Singularity Is Nearer
Outlive 
The One Thing 
Show 
My Octopus Teacher

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I recently interviewed Suba Vasudevan, a tech optimist and eternal learner who has made a lasting impact in the realm of trust, safety, and responsible innovation.
Growing up in Mumbai, Suba was shaped by her parents' unwavering support. Her innate curiosity led her to pursue computer engineering while also working as a journalist, exposing her to the importance of risk management and trust in technology.
Over the years, Suba has worked at renowned companies such as News Corp, KPMG, and Meta, where she has been a driving force in operationalizing strategies and promoting responsible technology practices. In our conversation, she shares her insights on the importance of education, collaboration, and embracing change in the face of rapid advancements in AI. Suba also discusses the future of work, offering valuable advice on navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Now over to Suba. 
Timestamps 
00:00 Introduction 
01:41 Who is Suba as a human
03:26 Who or what made her?
09:31 The Intersection of Technology and Business
16:07 Understanding Trust, Safety, and Responsible Technology
19:16 Practical Examples from Meta
22:30 What she is Working to Achieve?
24:21 Embracing AI: Challenges and Opportunities
26:43 Emerging Big Tech Movements
27:34 The Importance of User Choice and Transparency
28:08 Collaborative Efforts and Regulatory Frameworks
29:13 Addressing Election Risks and Deepfakes
33:29 AI's Impact on Business Leadership
39:55 Parenting in the Age of AI
44:04 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights
49:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Social Links 
Linkedin 
X/Twitter
Links In Show 
Mozilla
Book - The Checklist Manifesto 
Show - The Gentleman 

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Natalia Talkowska shares her journey from Poland to London's startup ecosystem and how her insatiable curiosity led her to transform lives through visual storytelling. Interviewed at the Austin Public Library, Natalia delves into her mission of connecting people and making them feel seen and understood. She recounts the pivotal encounter with Darren Robson, a mentor who fundamentally shaped her career and personal growth. Natalia also discusses her approach to visual thinking as a strategic tool for distilling complex challenges and empowering decision-making within businesses. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of human connection, creativity, and storytelling in an increasingly digital world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative problem-solving, personal development, and the evolving role of AI in creativity. Thanks to Dave Birss for the recommendation.
Time Codes
00:00 Intro
01:46 The Impact of Mentorship and Personal Growth
02:08 Exploring the Roots of Creativity and Connection
04:40 The Transformative Power of Curiosity and Networking
05:39 The Entrepreneurial Leap: Support and Strategy
10:40 Reflecting on Legacy and Future Ambitions
18:32 Strategic Storytelling and Visual Thinking Explained
20:05 Unlocking Creativity in the Corporate World
20:33 Why Visual Storytelling Works for Businesses
21:38 Overcoming Brand Fear with Creative Solutions
22:45 The Power of Simplifying Complex Ideas
23:10 Developing a Unique Methodology for Engagement
26:19 The Journey of Visual Storytelling and Its Impact
33:14 Navigating the Future of Storytelling in the AI Era
40:28 Advice for Navigating Uncertainty and Embracing Creativity
44:35 Final Thoughts and the Importance of Community
 
Social Links 
Website
Linkedin
IG
YouTube
 
Links 
Books:
The Creative Act
Movie:
The Matrix
 

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