Bölümler
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What does it really take to engineer life—and should we? In this wide-ranging conversation, Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard sit down with ASU colleague Dr. Emma Frow to unpack the promise and perils of synthetic biology. Emma traces the field’s origins—from the early “DNA-as-code” dream of rational genetic design to today’s reality of brute-force experimentation and highly automated biofoundries—and explains why biology stubbornly resists plug-and-play engineering. The trio dive into the tensions between control vs. care, showing how metaphors borrowed from electronics can miss the messy, evolving nature of living systems. They discuss emerging industrial platforms that treat DNA as “wetware,” the rise of robotic labs running thousands of parallel experiments, and the moral weight of releasing engineered organisms into open ecosystems. Throughout, Emma argues for a practice-based ethic of “taking care of”—a continual, relational approach that surfaces hidden risks, centers responsibility, and invites broader publics into decision-making. Along the way they draw surprising parallels with AI development, explore the economics shaping biotech innovation, and imagine futures where microbes help recycle toxic waste—or accidentally reboot entire ecosystems. It’s a candid, thought-provoking tour of how we might cultivate more caring—and more resilient—biotechnology futures.
Links:
Emma Frow, Ph.D. [ASU Bio]GROW (published by Ginkgo Bioworks) Report on biocontainment-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this lively round-table, hosts Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard sit down with renowned educational-technology scholar Dr. Punya Mishra to untangle the hype and hope around AI in education. Together they probe why “personalized learning” promises often miss the messy, human heart of learning; explore Sean and Punya’s shared devotion to John Dewey's natural impulses for learning—inquiry, communication, construction, expression—as a practical compass for designing AI-infused classrooms; and wrestle with the double-edged sword of chatbots that can both super-charge creativity and erode critical friction. The trio dig into cheating, caring, the myth of control, universal basic income, and what happens when large language models become persuasive co-teachers. Along the way you’ll get a glimpse into the master class of Punya’s graduate seminar, in which he turned students loose to build, explore, and challenge creative AI tools and bots, why radical transparency beats one-size-fits-all rules, and how universities can act as society’s “flywheel” to slow runaway tech. If you’ve ever wondered whether ChatGPT is the new Einstein in your pocket—or just another shiny distraction—this episode delivers nuance, laughs and fresh framing.
Links:
Punya's Blog [punyamishra.com]Punya's Four Quadrants of AI vs Domain Expertise [blog post]MODEM - Modulator, De-modulator [Wikipedia]ASU News Article on Modem Futura [Website]-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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Eksik bölüm mü var?
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Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard reunite after Sean’s trip to Lisbon’s Future Days conference to riff on everything from testing an Apple Vision Pro on an 11‑hour flight to the Iberian‑Peninsula blackout that plunged Portugal and Spain into darkness. They use those real‑world anecdotes to explore “symbiotic futures,” the fragility of complex socio‑technical systems, and why futures thinking — complete with megatrend scanning and human‑centered foresight — belongs in every profession. Along the way they celebrate reaching listeners in 74 countries, read a heartfelt note from Isabel in Zurich, and issue a friendly call for ratings and reviews to help Modem Futura crack the top‑ten tech‑and‑futures charts.
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Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this episode of Modem Futura, Sean L and Andrew M examine Apple TV+’s hit series Severance, using its mind-bending premise of surgically split consciousness to explore real-world questions around emerging science and technology, identity, and ethical responsibility. They unpack the show’s depiction of “innies” and “outies” as a metaphor for how modern workers often compartmentalize personal values from corporate expectations, and consider what brain-computer interfaces, memory editing, and AI welfare research might mean for the future of being human. Along the way they riff on Sam Altman’s tongue-in-cheek claim that polite prompts cost “tens of millions,” debate whether AI art could reveal machine self-expression, and ponder how free will, trauma, and societal power dynamics intertwine when technology can literally rewrite who we are. By the end, the hosts challenge listeners to ask: have we been metaphorically severed, and what does genuine human flourishing look like in an age of rapid technological innovation?
Links:
Do we have free will? [Book and Interview with Robert Sapolsky]Severance TV show [Wikipedia]Real life "Split-Brain' - [Nature]HitchBOT the hitchhiking robot [Wikipedia]-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this “student-takeover” episode, hosts Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard sit down with Arizona State University sophomores Caleb Lieberman and Bella Faria to explore what it’s really like to be “AI-native” undergraduates. The conversation ranges from their day-to-day use of tools like ChatGPT Plus (Caleb’s personalized “Arthur Ivan”), Spotify’s DJ, Perplexity, and Google’s Notebook LM podcast summaries, to the cultural dynamics of AI-assisted learning—when it feels taboo, when it builds community, and how it reshapes reading, research, and creativity. They tackle perennial fears about academic integrity, share strategies for checking hallucinations, and reflect on AI’s role in adaptive learning, embodied robotics, global justice, and future careers. The students close with advice to high-schoolers: let curiosity lead, tie technology to purpose, and safeguard humanity as the tech frontier accelerates.
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Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this deep dive of Modem Futura, Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard tackle the sensational claims surrounding the "de-extinction" of the dire wolf by Colossal Biosciences. Using the hype-heavy headlines as a jumping-off point, the hosts explore the real science behind resurrection biology, CRISPR gene editing, and the ethics of engineered evolution. From Jurassic Park references to cutting-edge synthetic biology, the episode unpacks what’s happening in labs today, what it means for biodiversity and conservation futures, and how the line between fact and science fiction is increasingly blurred. Along the way, they probe big questions about responsibility, scientific hubris, and the implications of designer organisms—including the very real future of custom-built pets and potentially, even humans. With wit, skepticism, and serious foresight, the episode challenges listeners to consider not just what we can create with biotech, but what we should create.
Links:
Colossal Biosciences [Company Website]Colossal Bioscience $10.2 Billion startup evaluationColossal Announces World’s First De-Extinction: Birth of Dire WolvesColossal CEO Ben Lamm says humanity has a ‘moral obligation’ to pursue de-extinction tech [Tech Crunch]A ‘De-extinction’ Company Wants to Bring Back the Dodo [bird] [Scientific American]Last male of his kind: The rhino that became a conservation icon [BBC]-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this lively, idea‑packed episode of Modem Futura, Sean and Andrew sit down with Taryn O’Neill—filmmaker, futurist, and impact storyteller—whose work bridges entertainment, emerging technology, and climate action. They trace the (nostalgic) arc from DVD‑by‑mail and the early YouTube web‑series boom to today’s streaming ecosystem, unpacking how residuals, budgets, and community engagement have all been up‑ended.Taryn explains why AI‑assisted production will slash visual‑effects costs while opening the door for global, community‑driven studios and more inclusive narratives, and the challenge of Hollywood to balance tent‑pole spectacle with ethically trained generative tools. The trio debate second‑screen “chat‑bot cinema,” immersive venues like the Las Vegas Sphere, and the promise of nonlinear, game‑like story structures that spiral far beyond the hero’s journey. Along the way they explore protopian futures, embodied AI on set, new guardrails for creative labor, and why cultivating “storytelling literacy” may be humanity’s most important operating system. Whether you’re a cinephile, tech optimist, or skeptic, this conversation will leave you re‑imagining what it means to make—and experience—movies in an accelerated, AI‑powered century.
More about Taryn O'Neill
Taryn recently directed two feature adaptations of bestselling fantasy novels and co-created The Assignment, a “positive climate fiction” short in partnership with ASU’s Center for Science and the Imagination. As the creator of the weekly #FutureFilmFridays series, ‘The Futurist Handbook for Hollywood’ and co-founder of Scirens - a creative team championing STEM and climate narratives in Hollywood - Taryn explores how science, AI, and cultural shifts are reshaping the stories we tell and how we tell them. We dive into the power of storytelling as a tool for transformation, why Hollywood needs more Protopias, and how futures thinking can help reimagine everything from film production to planetary survival.
Links:
Taryn O'Neill - Connect on LinkedInTaryn's directing, links, and writing [Linktree]James Cameron on AI in FilmM3GAN 2.0 Second Screen Tech The Assignment - Climate Short Film-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this episode of Modem Futura, co-hosts Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard sit down with special guest Dr. Jamey Wetmore, Associate Professor at Arizona State University and author of the Substack The Tech Skeptic Goes Electric. They explore the intricacies of owning an electric vehicle, including the joys of quick acceleration, the challenges of charging infrastructure, and the privacy concerns tied to data collection. Jamey offers insights into how skepticism can inform better decisions on adopting new technologies, highlighting the need for thoughtful governance and a realistic view of the EV lifestyle. Drawing from personal stories and broader societal implications, the conversation covers the evolving landscape of cars, data, and the future of transportation.
Links:
Tech Skeptics Goes Electric [Substack]Jameson Wetmore, Ph.D. [ASU Bio]Special Acknowledgment
We'd like to acknowledge the partial funding support provided by the US Department of Transportation-sponsored Travel Behavior and Demand National University Transportation Center led by The University of Texas at Austin. The Center, of which Arizona State University is a consortium member, has helped make this podcast episode, and the research we're discussing, possible-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this episode, Sean and Andrew navigate the complex landscape of generative AI image tools, using the new OpenAI image generator and its Studio Ghibli–style outputs as a springboard for broader ethical questions. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI capabilities, and the complicated relationship between intellectual property and emerging AI tools. Weighing both practical and philosophical perspectives, they debate whether these tools undermine human creativity or open new doors for artistic expression. The conversation also touches on fan art, the value of authorial intent, and whether the right to learn and replicate styles should extend to AI. Ultimately, they grapple with what it means to create art—and to be human—in a rapidly changing technological world.
Links:
Studio Ghibli [Wikipedia]Introducing OpenAI 4o Image Generation Jeff Goldblum's [Dr. Ian Malcom] monologue about power of scientific discovery-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this episode that features the shortest cold open to date, Sean face-plants the introduction hard with a good laugh. Sean and Andrew quickly shift into a deep dive on the state of AI-innovation by navigating the complexities of AI literacy, cultural responsiveness, and educational reform. Drawing on the launch of OpenAI Academy and insights from Andrew's keynote address from the Yidan Prize Conference, they question how rapid innovation cycles can be harnessed responsibly while warning that society risks chaos if change outpaces our readiness. Using a driving lesson metaphor, they illustrate the importance of structured guidance in mastering new technologies and underscore the urgency of adapting educational systems to nurture creativity, curiosity, and meaningful human engagement. Ultimately, they explore how concepts like post-scarcity and universal basic income might reshape our understanding of work and value creation, pointing to a future where AI transforms both our economic and human potential.
Links:
Yidan Prize Finland's Universal Basic Income experiment - initial results [World Economic Forum]Finland's basic-income trial found people were happier, but weren't more likely to get jobs [World Economic Forum]-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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Grab your flip flops and beach gear and join is us on this laid-back spring break episode, Sean and Andrew cover Apple’s latest hardware announcements, spotlighting the MacBook Air’s new M4 processor and the powerhouse M3 Ultra chip in the Mac Studio—both of which promise to accelerate AI workloads and offer impressive longevity. Andrew does his best to keep Sean from spending big $$$ on new computer hardware. Reminiscing about early computing nostalgia, they also explore the Future Today Strategy Group’s 2025 Tech Trends Report, discussing the merging of physical, digital, and biological technologies, the rise of humanoid robotics, and agentic AI pushing boundaries in research and day-to-day life. Along the way, they touch on metamaterials, tech alliances, the urgent innovations prompted by the climate crisis, breakthroughs in quantum computing’s error correction, and the burgeoning potential of private enterprises moving into cislunar space.
Links:
New Apple MacBook Air New Mac Studio Future Today Strategy Group 2025 Tech Trends Making the most of the 2025 Tech Trends ReportApple's AI Platform Pivot Potential - [Stratechery]-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this episode, Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard explore the impact of technology on everyday life and education. They discuss the rising costs and exaggerated hype surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) subscription services, and reflect thoughtfully on the potential consequences of overpromising on AI capabilities, emphasizing the need to strike a healthy balance between innovation and practical usefulness.
A significant focus of the conversation revolves around the transformative potential of AI in education. Sean and Andrew discuss how AI can enhance learning experiences, rather than merely replacing traditional methods. They highlight the crucial role educators play in thoughtfully integrating technology into the classroom and advocate for a care-centered approach to innovation, while briefly touching on TPACK and SAMR as existing frameworks for integrating emerging technology into educational environments.
Drawing inspiration from philosopher John Dewey and the four natural impulses of learners (1899), they emphasize the importance of shifting from traditional assessments toward performance-based, authentic learning experiences. Ultimately, this episode highlights the exciting possibilities AI offers for creating more engaging, meaningful, and human-centered educational environments.
Links:
John Dewey - American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer [wikipedia]TPACK - Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge SAMR - Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive $30k CameraOpenAI's NextGenAI Consortium Announcement $50M-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this insightful episode, Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard frame ways of thinking and processing the increased speed of technological change, examining the complexities of AI (and other emergent technologies) and its profound implications for society. Drawing historical parallels and reflecting on cultural narratives, the hosts discuss technology's dual nature—both beneficial and harmful—referencing Neil Postman’s critical perspectives as presented in his 1998 talk "Five Things We Need to Know About Technological Change". They explore the 'Faustian bargain' of technological trade-offs, the winners and losers, embedded biases, ecological impact, and mythic status of technologic innovations and change. Through their exploration, Sean and Andrew underscore the necessity of critical thinking and foundational skills, advocating for responsible and inclusive approaches to technological development.
Links:
Neil Postman's Five Things We Need to Know About Technological Change (1998) [PDF]About Neil Postman Future of Being Human initiative (ASU)Modem Futura – YouTube-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this episode, Sean and Andrew dig into the intersection of photography and technology, focusing on the evolution of cameras, the impact of smartphones, and the rise of computational photography. The hosts discuss how AI is transforming the creative process and the implications for human expression in photography. In this conversation, the hosts explore the evolution of photography, focusing on the impact of technology, particularly AI, on the art form. The hosts explore the balance between capturing reality and artistic expression, the philosophical questions AI introduces, and the importance of the photographer’s unique perspective in a world where technology is taking on more creative agency. It’s a thoughtful look at how photography’s past and future intersect, with plenty of lighthearted insights along the way.
Links:
Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Decisive Moment Earliest Surviving Photograph (heliograph) recording: "Point de vue du Gras" (1827)-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this episode Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard discuss AI fatigue, the philosophical implications of technology, and the storytelling behind technological progress as they ponder the quote from Oscar Wilde does 'life imitate art, or does art imitate life'? Their conversation covers the allure and nostalgia of new technologies, the way technology builds community, and the intricate relationship between consumerism, authenticity, and personal narratives. Rich with references to Oscar Wilde and personal anecdotes, they examine the influence of big corporations and AI, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, creative space, and reflective boredom in our fast-paced digital world. They also explore how science fiction and imaginative narratives shape our understanding of the future, humanity’s legacy, and our existential relationship with art and technology.
Links:
Oscar Wilde's - The Decay of Lying (1891)Niksen - the Art of Doing NothingKashmir Hill's Article on Cutting out the "Big 5" tech companies from her daily life-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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Join Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard as they navigate the evolving landscape of technology and its influence on our personal and professional lives. The conversation addresses OpenAI’s Deep Research and others growing role in academic work, highlighting both its value in accelerating research and its limitations—particularly around citation accuracy and the need for genuine human interpretation. Drawing on concepts like Marshall McLuhan’s “the medium is the message” and historical analogies such as the electric light, they illustrate how one technological leap can trigger vast societal changes in the 'adjacent possible' space. Throughout, they consider the balance of gains and losses that come with rapid innovation, the merits of amateurism in driving creative breakthroughs, and the importance of responsible, permissionless innovation. Ultimately, this dialogue underscores how human ingenuity, paired with emerging technologies, can open new frontiers while preserving the essence of what makes us uniquely human.
Links:
OpenAI's Deep Research writes a full PhD thesis [Future of Being Human initiative Substack] The Medium is the Massage (1967) - Marshall McLuhan & Quentin Fiore [Book]OpenAI's Announcement of their GPT Roadmap-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this episode of Modem Futura, hosts Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard discuss the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for humanity. This episode highlights the challenges and frustrations faced when using AI tools, particularly in academic contexts, while also emphasizing the exciting possibilities that arise from the partnership between humans and AI. In this episode the hosts take a close look at their experience with the newly released Deep Research from OpenAI Pro and share initial impressions and some suggestions for much needed improvement. They discuss how AI can generate new ideas, challenge traditional academic perspectives, and enhance the research process. Drawing on philosophical insights, including Heidegger’s (1954) views on technology pitfalls of 'gestell' (enframing), they examine the existential risks of over-reliance on AI and emphasize the importance of critical thinking in navigating technological change. Throughout the discussion, they advocate for a nuanced, flexible approach to technology adoption and scientific discourse, underscoring the value of the knowledge-seeking journey itself.
Links:
OpenAI's Deep ResearchHeidegger (1954) The Question Concerning Technology-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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Andrew Maynard, Sean Leahy, and special guest Mark Daly explore the rapid advancements in AI technology with a spotlight on OpenAI's 01 Pro model. They examine how AI is reshaping game development, creative industries, and research, and discuss the urgent need for academia to adapt to these changes. The panel also tackles ethical issues in education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human values amid rapid technological progress.
Highlighting AI's transformative potential for Gen Z, the conversation explores experiential learning and the benefits of personalized AI tutors (evoking Neal Stephenson's 'The Diamond Age'). The discussion further explores the impact of open-source models like DeepSeek on AI safety and accessibility, and considers the broader geopolitical and regulatory challenges that come with AI's evolution. Finally, the speakers reflect on the philosophical and practical implications of a future where powerful, personalized AI tools become widely available, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to navigate this new landscape.
Links:
Mark Daley [LinkedIn]Noetic engines [Mark's Substack]Frontier AI systems have surpassed the self-replicating red line - [Arxiv.org article]The Bitter Lesson (Rich Sutton)-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this conversation, Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard discuss the rapid developments in AI technology, particularly focusing on the newly announced Stargate AI initiative. They explore the implications of the inauguration week, the political landscape surrounding AI regulation, and the potential economic impacts of this massive investment in AI infrastructure. The discussion also touches on historical parallels, public perception, and the ambitious claims made during the press conference announcing the initiative. Andrew and Sean also explore the transformative potential of AI and mRNA vaccines in medicine, the ethical implications of tech companies' responsibilities, and the societal risks associated with unchecked technological advancement. They discuss the concept of 'enshitification,' where companies prioritize profit over user experience, and emphasize the need for responsible development and regulation in the tech industry. In this conversation, the hosts explore the implications of corporate power in the context of AI development, the merging of corporate and governmental roles, and the potential dystopian futures that may arise. They discuss the responsibilities of society in shaping AI's trajectory, the energy demands of AI infrastructure, and the gamble of sacrificing current quality of life for future benefits. The conversation emphasizes the importance of quality control in innovation and ends on a note of optimism, urging individuals to engage in discussions about the future of AI and its impact on human flourishing.
Links:
OpenAI's Stargate AnnouncementCory Doctrow's 'Enshittification' CNN's Coverage of Project Stargate-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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In this engaging conversation, Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard explore the rapid developments in technology as we enter 2025. They discuss the implications of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the potential for superintelligence, and the ethical considerations surrounding these advancements. The conversation also touches on the creation of synthetic personas in social media and the challenges of distinguishing between real and artificial interactions. The hosts explore the implications of synthetic personas and data, the concept of the dead internet, and the future of AI technology. They discusses the potential dangers of social media manipulation, the ethical considerations of using synthetic data for research, and the responsibilities that come with democratizing AI technology. The conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking and ethical awareness as we navigate the evolving landscape of AI and digital interactions.
Links:
Sam Altman's blog post on AGI AI Social Media Users Not Always a Totally Dumb Idea (Wired)Meta's AI-generated bot profiles are not being received well (The Verge)The 'dead internet theory' makes eerie claims about an AI-run web. The truth is more sinister (UNSW Sydney)NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super DEveloper Kit ($249)NVIDIA Project DIGITS A Grace Blackwell AI Supercomputer on your desk ($3k)-----
Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @ModemFutura
Follow us on Instagram: @ModemFutura
Host Bios:
Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.-----
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