Best Futurology Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 699: AI, Regulation, and the Human Touch 28:10

22h ago28:10

28:10

The entire recruiting landscape is undergoing a profound transformation as organizations grapple with the implications of AI and the economic disruption 2025 is bringing. Talent acquisition teams are drowning in applications while simultaneously being asked to do more with fewer resources. Candidates find themselves in increasingly dehumanized proc…

1
Ep 698: From AI Anxiety to AI Advantage 30:50

2d ago30:50

30:50

AI adoption is still slow in talent acquisition. Employers are experimenting with AI for tactical tasks while missing its transformative potential. This gap between tentative experimentation and strategic implementation stems from multiple challenges, including ethical concerns, a lack of training and awareness, overblown vendor claims, and anxiety…

1
Beyond the Hero’s Journey: AI, Protopia & the Future of Film with Taryn O'Neill 1:23:53

5d ago1:23:53

1:23:53

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 re…

1
Ep 697: The Behavioural Science Advantage 29:27

9d ago29:27

29:27

Understanding human behavior in recruitment is far more complex than it appears on the surface. Employers often misinterpret what truly motivates candidates to accept positions. At the same time, recruiters and hiring managers remain unaware of how their own unconscious biases influence selection decisions. Traditional approaches built on assumptio…

1
Ep 696: Can AI Make Hiring More Human? 38:46

11d ago38:46

38:46

The acceleration of AI in talent acquisition has sparked both excitement and concern across the industry. While many fear automation might make recruiting more mechanical and impersonal, what if the opposite were true? Traditional recruiting processes already force candidates and recruiters into transactional relationships - with endless applicatio…

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Electronic Vehicles and the Future of Transportation with Jamey Wetmore 1:14:16

12d ago1:14:16

1:14:16

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 char…

1
Ep 695: How To Thrive In The AI Revolution 37:03

16d ago37:03

37:03

I firmly believe that AI is the most significant technological transformation of our lifetime. What will separate talent acquisition professionals who'll thrive in this new world from those who'll get left behind? The answer isn't about the technology itself, but our mindset towards it. Viewing AI as an opportunity rather than a threat might be you…

1
Ep 694: Supercharging Talent Mobility With Science 26:46

17d ago26:46

26:46

Internal talent mobility remains a significant challenge for organizations despite widespread recognition of its importance. While companies understand the value of deploying existing talent to meet changing business needs, they often lack the scientific approach needed to make this work at scale. Many organizations collect a lot of data on people …

1
Vibecasting: Studio Ghibli and AI Redefining Creativity and Intellectual Property 1:12:49

19d ago1:12:49

1:12:49

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 too…

1
Ep 693: Are We Getting Happier At Work? 22:34

23d ago22:34

22:34

Research consistently shows that happy employees are more engaged, more productive, and stay with their companies longer. While many organizations recognize this connection, they often lack the data and insights needed to make meaningful improvements in their workplace culture. With different generations having different expectations from work and …

1
Ep 692: Labour Markets In Transition 32:58

23d ago32:58

32:58

Understanding today's complex labor market requires accurate data rather than just following headlines or anecdotes. For businesses and talent professionals, having reliable insights into hiring trends, wage movements, and worker expectations is essential for making informed decisions in these uncertain times. My guest this week is Jack Kennedy, Se…

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Ep 691: Are We Thinking Big Enough About AI? 29:36

25d ago29:36

29:36

The pace of AI adoption is accelerating rapidly, yet most organizations aren't integrating it effectively into talent acquisition—and they certainly aren't thinking big enough about its implications. Many companies are simply automating existing processes rather than reimagining what recruitment could become in an AI-driven world. So, how can talen…

1
Round Up March 2025 12:13

25d ago12:13

12:13

Round up is the monthly show on The Recruiting Future Podcast channel that highlights episodes you may have missed and gives you my take on some of the key learnings from the guests. Episodes mentioned in this Round Up: Foresight Ep 690: How Can TA Make A Measurable Impact? Influence Ep 689: How TA Can Adopt A Change Mindset Ep 687: Agile EVPs For …

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When AI Takes the Wheel: Rethinking Education for a Post-Scarcity World 1:02:23

26d ago1:02:23

1:02:23

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…

1
Ep 690: How Can TA Make A Measurable Impact? 38:13

27d ago38:13

38:13

There have never been as many forces driving change in Talent Acquisition as there are in 2025. Skills-based thinking, economic pressures, the rise of AI, and the resulting change in both C-Suite expectations and Job Seeker behavior, to name a few. Unsurprisingly, then, TA Teams are scrambling to demonstrate the impact they have on and the value th…

1
Ep 689: How TA Can Adopt A Change Mindset 31:59

1M ago31:59

31:59

The talent acquisition landscape is fundamentally transforming. AI and automation are eliminating repetitive tasks and creating space for recruiters to become true strategic partners. This shift demands that TA professionals evolve beyond transaction-focused activities to provide consultative guidance backed by data and their unique expertise. So, …

1
Ep 688: Is AI’s Impact On TA Underhyped? 26:47

1M ago26:47

26:47

The conversation around AI in talent acquisition often focuses on incremental improvements and point solutions – better job descriptions, faster candidate matching, or automated interview scheduling. But this limited view dramatically underestimates the fundamental transformation that's already underway. While many are still debating whether AI is …

1
Tech Trends 2025: Exploring Futures of Living Intelligence 1:09:44

1M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

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 be…

1
AI and the Natural Impulses for Learning 59:25

1M ago59:25

59:25

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 …

1
Ep 687: Agile EVPs For Faster Employer Brand Impact 26:09

1M ago26:09

26:09

The traditional approach to developing employer value propositions can often be complex and time-consuming. While this in-depth methodology might work well for large, complex organizations, many employers invest months or even years in exhaustive research and complex frameworks only to often end up with EVPs that sound remarkably similar to their c…

1
Ep 686: Personalizing The Employee Experience 28:30

1M ago28:30

28:30

Technology-driven mass personalization has completely transformed how we engage with brands as consumers. However, while companies have raced to deliver tailored products and services to their customers, the employee experience has lagged behind, with most organizations still operating standardized processes that treat all employees the same. At th…

1
Ep 685: Rethinking Skills In An AI-Powered Workplace 25:13

1M ago25:13

25:13

AI is starting to drive a profound shift in the workplace. The skills we've prioritized for decades are becoming automated, with uniquely human capabilities beginning to emerge as the true differentiators. So, are your hiring and development strategies still focused on what machines can already do, or are you investing in the skills that AI can't r…

1
AI and Technological Change: the Postman Always Delivers 1:07:58

2M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

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 …

1
Ep 684: Are We Now Living In A Video First World? 31:29

2M ago31:29

31:29

Ep 684: Are We Now Living In A Video First World? Using video is no longer optional in talent attraction. Candidates now expect to engage with short-form, authentic video content, and LinkedIn is now prioritizing vertical video to play catch up with TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Candidates are no longer just reading job descriptions—they're enga…

1
Computational Photography: AI & Creative Process 1:13:03

2M ago1:13:03

1:13:03

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 …

1
Round Up February 2025 18:26

2M ago18:26

18:26

Round up is the monthly show on The Recruiting Future Podcast channel that highlights episodes you may have missed and gives you my take on some of the key learnings from the guests. Episodes mentioned in this Round Up: Foresight Ep 679: The Future of TA – Breaking Silos Ep 683: The AI Revolution Is About People, Not Technology Influence Ep 680: Ho…

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Ep 683: The AI Revolution Is About People, Not Technology 20:10

2M ago20:10

20:10

AI isn't just a technology revolution—it's a people and talent revolution. AI could transform businesses at every level, but many HR and TA teams are still on the sidelines. The reality is that AI adoption, workforce transformation, and enterprise strategy aren't just IT or executive priorities—they're fundamentally people challenges. So, how are C…

1
Ep 682: What Can Talent Acquisition Learn From Network Science? 29:05

2M ago29:05

29:05

What if everything we thought about how organizations function was wrong? For decades, businesses have been structured around hierarchies and rigid processes, assuming this was the best way to manage talent, collaboration, and leadership. But what if the real key to high performance and better talent acquisition lies not in org charts but in networ…

1
Ep 681: Can AI Fix TA's Biggest Problem? 29:06

2M ago29:06

29:06

People are worried about the use of AI in recruiting. Headlines warn us that artificial intelligence might amplify biases and automate unfairness. Regulators are scrambling to introduce legislation, and talent acquisition leaders are cautious about adopting these new tools. But is this fear causing us to miss the bigger picture? When implemented in…

1
The Art of Doing Nothing 1:01:09

2M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

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 bui…

1
Ep 680: How To Secure A Budget For TA Technology 37:42

2M ago37:42

37:42

According to Gartner 83% of HR technology buying decisions end in regret. In a world where talent acquisition is more complex and business-critical than ever, why are so many organizations making technology investments they later wish they hadn't? The challenge isn't just about picking the right tools; it's about proving its value, winning stakehol…

1
Ep 679: The Future of TA - Breaking Silos and Embracing Change 25:52

2M ago25:52

25:52

Talent acquisition is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping the hiring landscape, skill gaps widening across industries, and businesses facing constant disruption, the role of TA leaders is shifting significantly. It’s no longer just about hiring—it’s about breaking down silos, driving workforce transformation, and ensuring companies have th…

1
AI: the Medium is the Message 1:08:41

2M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

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 …

1
Ep 678: Assessing Durable Skills To Future Proof Hiring 28:57

2M ago28:57

28:57

For as long as we can all remember, hiring has been built around resumes detailing previous experience, qualifications, job titles, and technical skills. But in a world where jobs are changing faster than ever, the skills that seem essential today can quickly become obsolete tomorrow. Hard skills are perishable, but durable skills like adaptability…

1
Ep 677: Rethinking Recruiting For AI 23:22

2M ago23:22

23:22

Eleven years ago, I wrote a blog post with a title that asked the question, “Can you replace a recruiter with an algorithm?”. It provoked an instant reaction and a resounding no from everyone who read it. Fast forward to the present day, and technology has moved on exponentially, but the debate about technology replacing what have always been consi…

1
Artisanal Intellectual: a response to OpenAI's Deep Research 1:05:09

3M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

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 h…

1
Ep 676: Why Behavioral Science Is The Future Of Talent Acquisition 37:08

3M ago37:08

37:08

Talent acquisition is fundamentally about people making decisions, but how often do we stop to consider why people make the decisions they do? Whether it’s a recruiter screening a resume, a hiring manager assessing a candidate or a successful applicant deciding whether to accept the role, behavioral science plays a role in every step of the process…

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Ep 675: Hiring Without Limits: Why Accessibility Matters 26:09

3M ago26:09

26:09

At a time when DE&I initiatives are facing increasing hostility, it's more important than ever to highlight the real value of inclusive hiring. Beyond being the right thing to do, inclusive hiring broadens talent pools, fosters innovation, and ensures that organizations tap into the full spectrum of people's skills and potential. But what does true…

1
Ep 674: Seeing Skills Differently: Lessons from Elite Sports 27:07

3M ago27:07

27:07

Have you ever wondered how an elite baseball player can track a 95-mile-per-hour fastball and actually connect? Or how a Premier League footballer can deliver a perfect pass over half the pitch to a moving teammate? The way elite athletes develop their attributes and build skills has big lessons for how we need to think about talent and hiring in t…

1
Round Up January 2025 14:48

3M ago14:48

14:48

Round Up is the monthly show on The Recruiting Future Podcast channel that highlights episodes you may have missed and gives you my take on some of the key learnings from the guests. Episodes mentioned in this Round Up: Ep 666: The ROI Of Employer Branding Ep 667: Traditional HR is Dead, Here’s What’s Next Ep 668: Strategic Budgeting For TA Leaders…

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Going Pro with ChatGPT and DeepSeek - with Mark Daley 1:10:02

3M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

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 educatio…

1
Ep 673: The Route To Skills-Based Hiring 31:11

3M ago31:11

31:11

The move towards skills-based strategies in organizations is still a big topic. This is unsurprising, as the advantages are significant. Skills-based thinking solves critical business challenges by better aligning talent strategies to business goals and offering the skills agility many employers badly need. Skills-based hiring also widens talent po…

1
Ep 672: Are Career Sites Evolving Quickly Enough? 23:43

3M ago23:43

23:43

Career Sites still play a central role in talent acquisition, but are they evolving quickly enough? With many employers still working in career site redevelopment cycles that take years rather than months, are they keeping pace with candidate expectations and rapid advances in technology? My guest this week is Bas van de Haterd, who is returning to…

1
Ep 671: Balancing AI & The Human Touch 28:02

3M ago28:02

28:02

Frontline hiring is more competitive than ever, with speed and efficiency now critical for success. However, the challenge doesn't stop at making the hiring process faster; employers also need to stand out from their competition by offering a high-quality candidate experience and having a recruiting process that allows them to showcase what makes t…

1
Stargate AG-I 1:05:00

3M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

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 infra…

1
Ep 670: Jeff Taylor: Rethinking Hiring for the AI Age 1:02:31

3M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

It feels like Recruiting has come a long way since the days of help-wanted ads in newspapers, but are we genuinely innovating or just consistently repackaging outdated ways of doing things? For well over a century, versions of the resume and job ad have been the foundation of hiring, but as technology and work itself move on at an ever-increasing p…

1
AGI, Superintelligence, Synthetic Personas, and is the Internet dead? 1:12:10

3M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

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 synth…

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Ep 669: How L'Oréal Group is Using AI To Evolve Talent Acquisition 31:08

3M ago31:08

31:08

With 1.5 million applications each year, L'Oréal Group's talent acquisition team faces challenges on a scale most organizations would never experience. Managing this volume while ensuring a high-quality candidate experience demands innovation, agility, and the right balance between humans and technology AI plays a key role in L'Oréal Group's TA evo…

1
Ep 668: Strategic Budgeting For TA Leaders 35:00

3M ago35:00

35:00

Budgeting has long been challenging for talent acquisition teams, but the stakes have never been higher in today's volatile economic environment. Many TA leaders find themselves stuck in a cycle of defending past decisions, managing cuts, and struggling to align budgets with business strategy. Meanwhile, CFOs expect data-driven proposals, ROI insig…

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Autonomous Vehicles and Systems with Brunno Moretti 1:18:01

3M ago1:18:01

1:18:01

Sean and Andrew are joined by Brunno Moretti (President of ADAS Solutions, Ascential Technologies) for a conversation that explores the current state and futures of autonomous vehicles, particularly focusing on RoboTaxis, the challenges faced in their development, and the implications of public testing. We get Brunno's expert input on the differenc…

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