Biohacking & implantables.
In this episode, we speak with Amal Graafstra, technologist, Author & Double RFID Implantee. We delve into “biohacking” and the world of implantables. Back in 2005, he implanted an RFID chip in his hand to open doors and control his gadgets – talk about futuristic! But what exactly is biohacking? It's an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of DIY and open-source hardware projects, from Arduino to RFID toys and beyond. Some may find the concept controversial, but there's no denying the fascinating possibilities it offers. We talk about these topics and more to understand what the future holds and how we can design against crime.
Insect cameras & more.
In this episode, we speak with George Church, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Health Sciences and Technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). With an impressive background as a serial entrepreneur, having co-founded 46 companies and holding 156 patent publications, George gives us his perspectives on technology, entrepreneurship, and the future of communication. He talks to us about the importance of ethics, safety, security, and equitable costs in relation to transformative technologies for reading and writing three-dimensional and four-dimensional structures. We geek out on science and re-learn the word "future" to mean now; like the idea of recording sensory experiences directly through biological means without the need for external devices. We talk about synaesthesia, gene therapy, super-cells, the connectome and more to understand what the future holds and how we can design against crime.
Bioelectricity, Sentient Beings, & Proof of Humanity.
In this episode, we speak with Michael Levin, Professor of developmental and synthetic biology at Tufts University focusing on Morphological and behavioural information processing in living systems. Wondering what the heck that means? Michael walks us through the concept of diverse intelligence evolving through morphogenesis: the ability of multicellular bodies to self-assemble, repair, and improvise novel solutions to anatomical goals. We explore what "agential" materials or materials with an agenda are and investigate the magic of bioelectricity. Michael shares his extraordinary research on chimeric frogolotls (Frog + Axolotl) and what they offer in the study of xenobots. We talk about bioelectricity, sentient beings, proof of humanity and more to understand what the future holds and how we can design against crime.
AI battles, the cyber mega-mesh, & security democratisation.
In this episode, we have an insightful conversation with Uri Bar-el, a seasoned cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in leading and building cybersecurity practices across different sectors and regions, from insurance to banking on a global scale. Uri shares his thoughts on the next significant threat, which he identifies as artificial intelligence (AI). To defend against this looming threat, Uri proposes the creation of a new type of expert called the "Cyber-philosopher." This novel approach may lead to AI battles, pitting the forces of good against the forces of bad in the cybersecurity realm. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on the future of security and how we can design strategies to combat cybercrime effectively. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what lies ahead for the field of cybersecurity.
A Legal Lens on Hacking, Privacy, & Biotech.
In this episode, we feature a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Scott Shapiro, a distinguished figure in the world of Law and Philosophy at Yale Law School. An insightful exploration of the intricate relationship between security, biotechnology, and the ever-evolving legal landscape. From the historical origins of privacy regulations to the captivating evolution of internet security, Professor Shapiro provides a unique perspective, combining his legal expertise with a profound understanding of cybersecurity.
We delve into the intriguing historical context of security, from ancient physical safeguards to the modern-day battle against digital threats. Discover the unexpected connection between youthful curiosity and hacking incidents, as we unravel the motivations behind these actions and explore strategies for prevention. Professor Shapiro sheds light on the fascinating intersection of law and technology, discussing the journey from overeducated boredom to a form of creative expression through hacking. Join us for this engaging episode where we uncover the synergy between legal insights and cybersecurity expertise.
Talent is fundamentally social.
In this episode, our guest Arnaud Schenk talks about tech and startups, as well as the concept of talent being fundamentally social. Arnaud has been working in tech and startups for over a decade, starting at a young age after dropping out of high school. We chat about various topics such as personal journeys, education, intentionality, entrepreneurial experiences, and the influence of others on personal achievements. Arnaud's ultimate mission is to build "Institutions of Becoming" and we delve into his new project "Polaris - A fellowship for the underestimated", funded by Entrepreneur First, a talent investing firm. The fellowship is to pursue the work you feel most drawn to — whether mastering the established, or exploring the unknown — unencumbered by institutions and the second cohort is currently open for applications & brewing. Is creation an ideological pursuit? Should all startups work in public? Is the early expectation of having good judgement on your career selection the best strategy to your road of becoming? We answer these questions and much more!
Striving for a utopia of utopias.
In this episode, we jump on a journey with our guest Allison Duettmann that started out as a cold call and got her leading the Foresight Institute as CEO - an organisation founded in 1986 to pursue long-term futures today. But futures can be scary and often dystopian. Allison talks to us about Existential Hope scenarios instead, displacing the concept of catastrophic risk with utopian alternatives. We explore the power of cooperation and privacy-preserving technology development and debate on whether open or closed security building is more effective. Allison explains her belief in "swarming problem solving" and we discuss the promise of multi-polar Artificial Intelligence (AI) as security design of a better future. Tune in to discover how to attend Vision Weekend and how you can contribute to AI safety!
