The Synthetic Minds podcast

Dr Mark van Rijmenam

Welcome to the Synthetic Minds Podcast, a thought-provoking podcast where the boundary between the imagined and the real blurs as we traverse from Science Fiction to Science Reality. In each episode, we delve deep into the visionary worlds of science fiction writers, uncovering the profound insights these storytellers offer about our future. This isn't just about the art of science fiction; it's a journey to explore how these futuristic narratives can inform and shape our actual world in business and our personal lives. For more information, see https://thedigitalspeaker.com read less
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Episodes

Exploring Mind Uploading & Ethics in a Virtual World with Grace Chan – Synthetic Minds EP12
16-10-2024
Exploring Mind Uploading & Ethics in a Virtual World with Grace Chan – Synthetic Minds EP12
If uploading your mind to a virtual world sounds like progress, what does that say about the future of being human? In this episode of Synthetic Minds, speculative fiction author and psychiatrist Grace Chan explores the moral complexities of emerging technologies like mind-uploading, virtual reality, and AI. Her novel Every Version of You imagines a world where consciousness can exist beyond the body—raising profound questions about identity, relationships, and what it means to stay human in an increasingly digital world. Chan cautions that businesses often focus on the coolness and convenience of tech innovations, sidelining their deeper ethical implications. - AI can complement but not replace human empathy and insight. - The “Four Cs” framework—Coolness, Convenience, Commercial Potential, and Consequences—helps evaluate new technologies. - Chan warns that mind-uploading may erode relationships and reduce human experience to mere data. The future demands not just innovation but thoughtful reflection—are we building technology that serves humanity, or are we adapting ourselves to serve the technology? About Grace Chan: Grace is an award-winning speculative fiction writer. She writes about brains, minds, and space. Her debut novel, Every Version of You, is about staying in love after mind-uploading into virtual reality. It won The University of Sydney’s People’s Choice Award, and was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and The Age Book of the Year. It was longlisted for the Stella Prize and the Indie Book Awards. It has been optioned for a film adaptation by Cognito Entertainment. Every Version of You: https://amzn.to/3YmZmB8 The Digital Speaker: https://thedigitalspeaker.com
AI Ethics and Human Futures: Navigating Tech with Purpose with S.B. Divya – Synthetic Minds EP11
25-09-2024
AI Ethics and Human Futures: Navigating Tech with Purpose with S.B. Divya – Synthetic Minds EP11
If you're ignoring speculative fiction, you're missing out on your company's future—and maybe its survival. Summary: In this episode of Synthetic Minds, S.B. Divya, a speculative fiction author and AI researcher, delves into the intersection of technology, ethics, and the future of humanity. Her works like Machinehood offer more than captivating narratives; they serve as strategic blueprints for businesses navigating the complexities of AI and automation. Divya highlights how speculative fiction allows organizations to explore "what if" scenarios, helping leaders anticipate the ethical challenges AI will bring. AI is not just a tool for efficiency but a potential ethical minefield, raising issues around bias, surveillance, and autonomy. By employing futures thinking, businesses can better prepare for long-term impacts, ensuring ethical foresight is part of their strategy. With AI shaping everything from work to identity, are you ready to explore the possible futures of your company? About S.B. Divya S.B. Divya (she/any) is a lover of science, math, fiction, and the Oxford comma. She is a Nebula, Hugo, Ignyte, and Locus Award finalist and the author of novels Runtime and Machinehood. Her short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, and she is a former editor of Escape Pod, the weekly science fiction podcast. Divya holds degrees in Computational Neuroscience and Signal Processing.
AI Manipulation & The Future of Human Autonomy with Louis Rosenberg - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP10
11-09-2024
AI Manipulation & The Future of Human Autonomy with Louis Rosenberg - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP10
If you think you’re in control of your decisions, you might want to ask your AI assistant who’s really pulling the strings. Dr. Louis Rosenberg, a pioneer in virtual and augmented reality, warns that as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, it threatens human autonomy. In a discussion on the Synthetic Minds podcast, Rosenberg explores how conversational AI can subtly influence human behavior, from steering consumer choices to predicting personal preferences. The convenience of AI may come at the cost of our ability to make independent decisions, as algorithms quietly shape our lives. Dr. Rosenberg highlights concerns over "conversational advertising" and the ethical dilemmas that arise when AI-driven interactions blur the line between genuine human choices and AI manipulation. The conversation calls for stricter AI regulations and transparency to protect personal agency. Will we act before AI turns our decisions into predictable algorithmic outputs, or is free will already slipping from our grasp? Dr. Louis Rosenberg is a computer scientist, author, inventor, and entrepreneur. He is best known as an early pioneer of virtual reality, mixed reality, and haptics, and as a longtime AI researcher of Swarm Intelligence. Since 2014, Rosenberg has been CEO and Chief Scientist of Unanimous AI, a company that amplifies group intelligence in pursuit of Collective Superintelligence. His books about AI include Upgrade, Monkey Room, Arrival Mind and Our Next Reality. Rosenberg also writes for major publications about the dangers of technology.
Tech Rights & The Future of Privacy with Cory Doctorow - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP09
15-08-2024
Tech Rights & The Future of Privacy with Cory Doctorow - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP09
In episode nine of the “Synthetic Minds, podcast, we explore the complex relationship between digital rights, privacy, and technology with Cory Doctorow, a renowned science fiction author and digital rights activist. Doctorow delves into how privacy, once a fundamental right, has become a commodity in the digital age, traded by tech giants for profit. He discusses the growing influence of AI-driven surveillance and the erosion of privacy laws, which has left individuals vulnerable to exploitation. Doctorow also examines the consequences of platform dominance, where companies like Google and Amazon gradually degrade their services to maximize profits. This conversation is crucial for businesses that rely on these platforms, highlighting the risks of dependency and the need for diversification and innovation. Finally, Doctorow shares how science fiction serves as a powerful tool for imagining alternative futures and challenging the status quo. His insights encourage businesses to embrace forward-thinking strategies that anticipate and adapt to future challenges. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to gain valuable insights on navigating the digital landscape and safeguarding your organization’s future in an increasingly tech-driven world. About Cory Doctorow: Cory Doctorow (craphound.com) is a science fiction author, activist and journalist. He is the author of many books, most recently THE BEZZLE (a followup to RED TEAM BLUES) and THE LOST CAUSE, a solarpunk science fiction novel of hope amidst the climate emergency. His most recent nonfiction book is THE INTERNET CON: HOW TO SEIZE THE MEANS OF COMPUTATION, a Big Tech disassembly manual. Other recent books include RED TEAM BLUES, a science fiction crime thriller; CHOKEPOINT CAPITALISM, nonfiction about monopoly and creative labor markets; the LITTLE BROTHER series for young adults; IN REAL LIFE, a graphic novel; and the picture book POESY THE MONSTER SLAYER. In 2020, he was inducted into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. You can listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform or on TheDigitalSpeaker.com: https://www.thedigitalspeaker.com/podcasts-the-synthetic-minds-podcast/
Harnessing Speculative Fiction for Strategic Innovation with Tobias Buckell - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP08
08-08-2024
Harnessing Speculative Fiction for Strategic Innovation with Tobias Buckell - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP08
Can a science fiction author provide better business insights than your average consultant? In episode 8 of Synthetic Minds, renowned speculative fiction author Tobias Buckell reveals how his narratives can help business leaders anticipate and navigate future technological and societal shifts. Buckell’s works, such as "Arctic Rising," serve as powerful tools for exploring climate change and geopolitical challenges, offering a unique sandbox for strategic innovation. By envisioning "spiky futures," Buckell emphasizes the importance of agility and foresight in business planning. His stories not only spark creativity but also highlight the ethical considerations of technological progress, urging leaders to adopt inclusive and fair practices. How can your organization integrate such forward-thinking strategies to thrive in an uncertain future? About Tobias Buckell Tobias S. Buckell is a New York Times Bestselling author and World Fantasy Award winner born in the Caribbean. He grew up in Grenada and spent time in the British and US Virgin Islands, which influence much of his work. His novels and almost one hundred stories have been translated into twenty different languages. His work has been nominated for awards like the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, and the Astounding Award for Best New Science Fiction Author. He currently lives in Bluffton, Ohio with his wife and two daughters, where he teaches Creative Writing at Bluffton University. He’s online at http://www.TobiasBuckell.com and is also an instructor at the Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing program.
Cinematic Futures: Crafting Tomorrow's World with Brad Rochefort - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP07
03-07-2024
Cinematic Futures: Crafting Tomorrow's World with Brad Rochefort - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP07
Can science fiction storytellers predict and shape our future better than tech moguls? Brad Rochefort’s cinematic storytelling doesn’t just entertain—it provokes deep thought about our technological trajectory and its ethical implications. In the latest Synthetic Minds podcast, Brad discusses how his works, like "Zip Code" and "The Holdout," serve as blueprints for exploring futuristic concepts. Rochefort’s creative process blends real-world advancements with imaginative storytelling. His film "Zip Code," inspired by a real-life blogger's cybernetic journey, showcases how blending human experience with tech innovations can generate compelling narratives. These stories allow businesses to conceptualize future scenarios, anticipating the impacts of emerging technologies. Brad emphasizes the role of speculative fiction in strategic planning. By simulating potential futures, his narratives help organizations explore the societal impacts of new technologies in a risk-free environment. How can businesses leverage these insights to navigate technological advancements more ethically and effectively? About Brad Rochefort Brad is the author of The Secrets of Screenwriting, a textbook on unlocking your ideas for feature film screenplays. He wrote and produced The Holdout, a short film about a man who relives his life until he gets it just right. The Holdout played in festivals in New York, LA, London, Italy, Central America, and Online. Some of my other projects in development include the completed feature-length script for Zip Code, a story about the inventor of the bionic eye, as seen on the film development platform Film.io, and an upcoming limited series about a future world ruled by the powerful people in control of a global satellite system and the near-sentient AI rumored to have awakened within.
Cyberpunk Insights: Navigating Tomorrow with T.R. Napper - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP06
24-06-2024
Cyberpunk Insights: Navigating Tomorrow with T.R. Napper - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP06
Is technology a tool for progress or the ultimate mechanism for control? T.R. Napper's cyberpunk narratives might just have the unsettling answers we need. In Episode Six of the Synthetic Minds podcast, T.R. Napper, a celebrated science fiction author, delves into the cyberpunk ethos, painting a dystopian vision of the future where technology wields power and surveillance. Napper’s works, like "36 Streets," not only entertain but also serve as cautionary tales, challenging business leaders to think critically about the ethical implications of rapid technological advances. His rich background in diplomacy and international relations enriches his narratives, offering profound insights into the societal impacts of technology. Napper’s discussion emphasizes the importance of futures thinking—using speculative fiction as a strategic tool to navigate and shape tomorrow’s corporate landscapes. As leaders, how can we balance technological innovation with ethical considerations to ensure a fair and humane future? About T.R. Napper T. R. Napper is a multi-award-winning science fiction author, including the Aurealis three times. His short fiction has appeared in Asimov’s, Interzone, the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, and numerous others, and been translated into six different languages: http://nappertime.com/ He received a creative writing doctorate for his thesis: The Dark Century, 1946 - 2046. Noir, Cyberpunk, and Asian Modernity. Yes, he is officially a Doctor of Cyberpunk. Before turning to writing, T. R. Napper was a diplomat and aid worker, delivering humanitarian programs in Southeast Asia for a decade. He also was a resident of the Old Quarter in Hanoi for several years, the setting for his debut novel, 36 Streets (winner of the 2022 Aurealis Award for 'Best Science Fiction Novel'): https://amzn.to/4cpJfqt
Telling Stories to Envision the Future with Brenda Cooper - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP04
30-05-2024
Telling Stories to Envision the Future with Brenda Cooper - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP04
Can science fiction really guide us in shaping the future of our businesses, or is it just a realm of fantastical tales? In the 4th episode of Synthetic Minds, I explore how science fiction can serve as a powerful tool for strategic foresight. My guest, Brenda Cooper, a celebrated author and technologist, shares her unique perspective on the intersection of technology and society. Brenda’s novels, like "Edge of Dark" and "Wilders," blend speculative storytelling with real-world technological insights, offering valuable lessons for today’s leaders. Brenda highlights the rapid pace of technological change and its profound implications. Her work in integrating basic AI and robotics in construction exemplifies practical applications, while her narratives envision more advanced and autonomous futures. For instance, "Edge of Dark" delves into ethical dilemmas posed by advanced AIs, urging us to consider the long-term impacts and unintended consequences of our technological advancements. A key takeaway from our conversation is the necessity of strategic adaptation and ethical foresight in business leadership. Brenda advocates for a proactive approach to technology integration, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and ethical responsibility. She also underscores the role of AI and other technologies in addressing global challenges like climate change, urging businesses to align their strategies with sustainability goals. Brenda’s insights encourage us to harness the power of futures thinking, ensuring that our technological advancements are not only innovative but also ethical and sustainable. How can we better integrate these visionary perspectives into our strategic planning? To view or listen to the whole episode continue to: www.thedigitalspeaker.com/telling-stories-envision-future/ About Brenda Cooper Brenda Cooper writes science fiction, fantasy, and the occasional poem. She also works in technology and writes and talks about the future. She has won multiple regional writing awards and her stories have often appeared in Year’s Best anthologies. Brenda lives and works in the Pacific Northwest with her wife and multiple border collies, and can sometimes be found biking around Seattle. Some of her books include: · Project Earth (2 book series) · Fremont’s Children (4 book series) · The Glittering (2 book series) · Ruby’s Song (2 book series)
Navigating Future Realms: Science Meets Fiction with Peter Watts
22-05-2024
Navigating Future Realms: Science Meets Fiction with Peter Watts
The Synthetic Minds podcast moves from science fiction to science reality. It is a podcast that delves into the imaginative yet insightful visions of science fiction authors, revealing how their explorations of future technologies and societal shifts can inform and guide us in the present. In the latest episode of Synthetic Minds, I had the pleasure of hosting Peter Watts, an esteemed science fiction author known for his deep dives into the biological and technological intricacies of future societies. Watts, a former marine biologist turned novelist, offers a rare blend of scientific knowledge and imaginative foresight, making him an ideal guest to discuss the complex interplay between emerging technologies and societal evolution. His work challenges conventional perspectives, urging us to consider the broader implications of our technological advancements. About Peter Watts Peter Watts is a distinguished Canadian science fiction author renowned for his hard science fiction works. With a PhD in Zoology and Resource Ecology and a background in marine-mammal biology, Watts blends scientific rigour with speculative fiction, offering profound insights into future possibilities. His Rifters trilogy and the acclaimed novel Blindsight challenge our perceptions of consciousness, identity, and technology. Website: Rifters.com Full episode details on: https://thedigitalspeaker.com/navigating-future-realms-science-meets-fiction/
Downloading Tomorrow: How to Embrace Futures Thinking - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP01
09-05-2024
Downloading Tomorrow: How to Embrace Futures Thinking - Synthetic Minds Podcast EP01
Navigating technological change requires futures thinking, and science fiction can be a powerful tool, according to Karl Schroeder. The renowned author blends storytelling with foresight expertise, using narrative to explore emerging techs' societal impact. In the Synthetic Minds podcast, Schroeder delved into AI, mixed reality, blockchain economies, and governance challenges. He argues that narratives reveal unexpected interactions by playing out ideas against each other. Organisations can translate findings into stories for clearer communication. Schroeder's "Stealing Worlds" depicts an AI/blockchain future reshaping reality. He suggests radically decentralised economic models and evolving human-AI governance structures. Ultimately, he posits governance as the "killer app" for the next generation amid rapid change. Biography Karl Schroeder Karl Schroeder is an award-winning author and a member of the Association of Professional Futurists. He writes to entertain and also as a way of analysing and anticipating the future for institutional clients as diverse as governments, consultancies and multinational corporations. He is an engaging public speaker who has given talks about the intersection of technology and culture across North America, Europe and Eurasia. His current project is a near-future adventure novel about Arctic sovereignty and climate change. Karl lives in Toronto, Canada, with his wife and daughter. Links Newsletter: kschroeder.substack.com Website: www.kschroeder.com X: @Karl Schroeder Books: Stealing Worlds - 2019 Lady of Mazes - 2006
Creating a Hyper-realistic Metaverse Sooner with John Gaeta - Step into the Metaverse podcast: EP34
19-01-2023
Creating a Hyper-realistic Metaverse Sooner with John Gaeta - Step into the Metaverse podcast: EP34
In the last episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with John Gaeta, a creator, inventor and an Academy Award-winning designer best known for his work on the Matrix Trilogy, where he pioneered form-bending innovations such as "Bullet Time", “Virtual Cinema” and "Volumetric Capture" to envision human, hero and god-like moments. He was also involved in The Matrix Awakens from 2021 as Executive Creative Development, Executive Producer, Writer, and in the Unreal Engine 5 demonstration featuring the universe of The Matrix, which is a great watch for anyone who wants to know how close the metaverse really is. Recent areas of exploration include “Photo Anime”, “Nuvies” (Natural User Movies), “Holo Cinema”, “Immersive Cinema”, Mixed Reality, and The "Magicverse". In 2015, John co-founded Lucasfilm’s Immersive Entertainment division: ILMxLAB. “ILMxLAB seeks to “Develop, Produce and Release premium, story-based Immersive Entertainment Experiences for Star Wars and other imaginative universes”.He served as its Executive Creative Director, overseeing content strategy and multi-platform portfolio development. John and I discussed how important AR and VR are, especially regarding hyper-realistic content. We discussed the role of user-generated content in the metaverse and the infrastructure challenges of creating a hyper-realistic metaverse. Please tune in for more of our value-packed conversation. If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.
Solutions to Drive Safety and Privacy in the Metaverse with Tiffany Xingyu Wang - Step into the Metaverse podcast: EP33
17-01-2023
Solutions to Drive Safety and Privacy in the Metaverse with Tiffany Xingyu Wang - Step into the Metaverse podcast: EP33
In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Tiffany Xingyu Wang, the Chief Marketing Officer at OpenWeb, a premium community engagement platform that serves 1000+ publishers and advertisers with 100M+ monthly active users. She was named a Forbes Most Entrepreneurial CMO, and the Most Innovative CMO by the CMO Club. She was previously the Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Spectrum Labs, a contextual AI platform set to build a safer internet and keep over 1 billion users safe online. Tiffany also co-founded Oasis Consortium, a think tank to advance digital sustainability through ethical standards and technologies for Web3.0, which launched the first comprehensive User Safety Standards for Web3. She is the host of Brand Safety Exchange, a destination of thought leadership for Trust and Safety leaders. She has been published and featured for her work in digital trust and safety on TIME, Harvard Business Review, MIT Technology Review, Forbes, VentureBeat, Digiday, Protocol, etc. Tiffany shared her expertise regarding sustainability in the metaverse, the dangers of the metaverse and the need for ethical standards in the immersive internet. We also discussed the Oasis Consortium that she founded and its important role in creating an open metaverse. Stay tuned for more, and enjoy! If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.
The Secret Tool to the Metaverse's Success with Gabriel René - Step into the Metaverse podcast: EP32
11-01-2023
The Secret Tool to the Metaverse's Success with Gabriel René - Step into the Metaverse podcast: EP32
In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I chatted with the Founder and CEO of VERSES Labs, Gabriel René. VERSES is a spatial web software development group. He is the author of the #1 International Bestseller "The Spatial Web - How Web 3.0 Connects Humans, Machines, and AI to Transform the World" Gabriel is a technologist, entrepreneur, and author with a 25-year career in the technology, telecom and media industries specializing in emerging technologies like AR / VR / AI / IoT / DLT and their applications for industrial, fintech, GovTech and global standards organizations. René serves as the acting Executive Director of the Spatial Web Foundation, a non-profit organization developing standards for the ethical interoperability between Augmented and Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Robotics and Distributed Ledger technologies designed to power the Web 3.0 era and dedicated to the ethical, interoperable and equitable adoption of Spatial Web technologies across every major industry. As a deep technology pioneer, Gabriel has architected enterprise and consumer software and services in partnership with multiple Fortune 100 companies. In our conversation, we discussed the importance of the spatial web and some of the challenges of the spatial web that we need to overcome if we want to create an open metaverse. Stay tuned for that and more. If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.
Building Communities in The Metaverse with Athena Demos - Step into the Metaverse podcast: EP31
09-01-2023
Building Communities in The Metaverse with Athena Demos - Step into the Metaverse podcast: EP31
In this episode of The Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed the Co-Founder/Producer of Big Rock Creative (BRCvr), Athena Demos. BRCvr is an award-winning XR experience company creating groundbreaking experiences for global clients. Big Rock Creative won the Producer’s Guild Award for Innovation, the Aurea Award for creativity, the No Proscenium award for Best VR experience of 2020, and the Hermes' Platinum Award. With over 20 years of experience producing iconic events, like the LA Burning Man Decompression Arts and Music Celebration, as well as the Art of Change Inaugural Ball for President Obama in LA, she transitioned to the metaverse to produce BRCvr (Black Rock City Virtual Reality). BRCvr is an official virtual Burning Man Experience whose scope is unprecedented in the VR space. Athena produced internationally recognized social impact projects such as Breonna’s Garden, which premiered at SXSW 2022. She has developed a philosophical approach to guiding humanity to build a foundational fabric for creative collaboration in the metaverse. As a result, she has been quoted in leading books and articles and has spoken at leading industry events. She founded the LA League of Arts, a 501c3 organization created to foster community by facilitating the creative process through public art, education and events. She spent 8+ years as the Production Manager of the two-time Academy Award Winning documentary film company Moriah Films. Don’t miss out on our conversation as we discuss how brands can contribute to the metaverse and how governments should embrace the metaverse to develop public virtual spaces for everyone to enjoy. If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.
Why Establishing Standards Will Be Key to the Metaverse’s Future with Neil Trevett - Step into the Metaverse podcast: EP26
13-12-2022
Why Establishing Standards Will Be Key to the Metaverse’s Future with Neil Trevett - Step into the Metaverse podcast: EP26
In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Neil Trevett, the Vice President of Developer Ecosystems at NVIDIA, where he is responsible for enabling and encouraging advanced applications to use GPU acceleration. Neil is also serving as the elected President of the Khronos Group, where he created and chaired the OpenGL ES working group that defined the industry standard for 3D graphics on mobile devices. At Khronos, he also chairs the OpenCL working group for portable, parallel heterogeneous computing, helped initiate the WebGL standard that is bringing interactive 3D graphics to the web and is now working to help formulate standards for vision and neural network inferencing. Previously, as Vice President of 3Dlabs, Neil was at the forefront of the silicon revolution bringing interactive 3D to the PC, and he established the embedded graphics division of 3Dlabs to bring advanced visual processing to a wide range of non-PC platforms. Neil was elected President for eight consecutive years of the Web3D Consortium dedicated to creating open standards for communicating real-time 3D on the Internet. Neil will talk to us about a constellation of standards necessary to have a truly interconnected metaverse or an interoperable metaverse. We discussed the need for an open metaverse, what we need to do to achieve that, and how we can keep our data private in the metaverse. Don’t miss out on our super interesting conversation! If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.