))
How are emerging technologies shaping the future, and what does this mean for us all in the present? Join Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard each week as they explore the technologies, trends and breakthroughs that are impacting our lives and redefining what it means to be human in a rapidly evolving world. Modem Futura provides a unique glimpse into futures where technology, society, and humanity converge. Join us as we explore the emerging technologies and trends shaping tomorrow—from AI ethics ...
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Hero’s Journey: AI, Protopia & the Future of Film with Taryn O'Neill
1:23:53
1:23:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
1
Electronic Vehicles and the Future of Transportation with Jamey Wetmore
1:14:16
1:14:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
1
Vibecasting: Studio Ghibli and AI Redefining Creativity and Intellectual Property
1:12:49
1:12:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
1
When AI Takes the Wheel: Rethinking Education for a Post-Scarcity World
1:02:23
1:02:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
1
Tech Trends 2025: Exploring Futures of Living Intelligence
1:09:44
1:09:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
1
AI and Technological Change: the Postman Always Delivers
1:07:58
1:07:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Computational Photography: AI & Creative Process
1:13:03
1:13:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Artisanal Intellectual: a response to OpenAI's Deep Research
1:05:09
1:05:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
1
Going Pro with ChatGPT and DeepSeek - with Mark Daley
1:10:02
1:10:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
1
AGI, Superintelligence, Synthetic Personas, and is the Internet dead?
1:12:10
1:12:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
1
Autonomous Vehicles and Systems with Brunno Moretti
1:18:01
1:18:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading
1
Humans in Space with Astronaut Cady Coleman
1:16:45
1:16:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:45
In this engaging conversation with Sean and Andrew, Cady Coleman, a former NASA astronaut, shares her experiences and insights from her time in space, the importance of recognition in the space culture, and the evolving dynamics between human and robotic roles in space exploration. The discussion also touches on the significance of efficiency in op…
…
continue reading
In this engaging conversation, Sean and Andrew are joined by Joe O'Rourke and Caitlin Roe to explore a variety of topics ranging from the new ChatGPT phone feature to significant advancements in space exploration in 2024. They discuss the Europa Clipper mission, the implications of feminist theory in space exploration, and the importance of care in…
…
continue reading
1
Live Holiday Special: Futures Speed Round
54:32
54:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:32
In this lively and thought-provoking episode, Sean and Andrew team up with Ed Finn, Ruth Wylie, and Bob Beard from ASU’s Center for Science and the Imagination for a rapid-fire discussion on the future of humanity. Together, they explore themes like the values that will shape our future, the role of kindness in communities, AI's potential role in g…
…
continue reading
1
Live from the Pub! Exploring Digital Realities
39:32
39:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:32
In this episode of Modum Futura Live, Sean and Andrew explore the concept of digital realities and simulated worlds. They discuss the technological advancements that have made immersive virtual and augmented realities possible, the ethical implications of creating such environments, and the potential impact on human experiences and growth. The conv…
…
continue reading
1
Radical Creativity: A Future of Unconventional Possibilities
1:03:22
1:03:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:22
In this episode of Modem Futura, Sean and Andrew dive into the concept of radical creativity, examining its definition, significance, and transformative potential for the future. They challenge conventional thinking, champion unconventional ideas, and explore how creativity can address societal issues. The discussion spans the implications of AI on…
…
continue reading
1
Envisioning Tomorrow: The Power of Futures Thinking with Ruth Wylie
1:10:10
1:10:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:10
In this engaging conversation, Sean, Andrew, and Ruth explore the themes of visualization, futures thinking, and the importance of agency in shaping personal and collective futures. They discuss the challenges individuals face in visualizing concepts and the role of lived experiences in imagining future scenarios. The conversation also gets into th…
…
continue reading
Sean and Andrew explore the challenges and limitations of AI reasoning, especially in large language models (LLMs). They discuss recent Apple research questioning LLMs' true reasoning abilities, emphasizing that these models rely heavily on pattern recognition rather than genuine understanding. Their conversation addresses the hype around AI, its i…
…
continue reading
1
Simulation Hypothesis with Rizwan Virk
1:07:02
1:07:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:02
Are we living a simulation? We get 'real' with the simulation hypothesis, exploring its implications on reality, consciousness, and ethics. The conversation with Riz covers various themes including the nature of simulations, the multiverse, the Mandela effect, quantum physics, and the philosophical and religious implications of living in a simulate…
…
continue reading
1
Waymo we go! - Navigating the Future of Autonomous Driving
1:02:41
1:02:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:41
In this conversation, Sean and Andrew explore the future of transportation, particularly focusing on driverless cars and the implications of autonomous vehicles. They discuss the current state of technology, the various levels of automation, and the societal changes that may arise from widespread adoption of self-driving cars. The conversation also…
…
continue reading
Hosts Sean and Andrew reflect on the challenges of defining human identity in the context of advancing technology and the responsibilities of society in managing these innovations. In this conversation, our hosts explore the evolving landscape of AI, particularly focusing on OpenAI's transition to a for-profit model. They discuss the ethical implic…
…
continue reading
1
Halloween edition featuring War of the Worlds
42:32
42:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:32
In this Halloween special Sean and Andrew are joined by Ed Finn, the founding director of the Center for Science and the Imagination. The conversation explores the historical impact of Orson Welles' radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds, the role of technology in storytelling, and the cultural significance of Halloween. They discuss how…
…
continue reading
In this episode, hosts Sean and Andrew jump right into the complex themes surrounding biohacking, data ownership, and the ethical implications of genetic data. They explore the historical context of data ownership, the evolution of biohacking, and the responsibilities that come with technological advancements. The conversation also highlights the c…
…
continue reading
1
Daydreaming of digital notebooks and virtual artificial worlds
34:11
34:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:11
Links H.G. Wells 1902 / 1913 "The Discovery of the future" (available via HathiTrust) Andrew's Article on NotebookLM (available via Substack) Main talking points and takeaways Notebook LM allows AI to create podcast-like summaries. AI-generated content can sound convincingly human. Listening to AI can challenge our perception of truth. Generative A…
…
continue reading
1
What does it mean to be human in the future?
47:25
47:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:25
In this episode of Modem Futura, hosts Andrew and Sean get into the complexities of the future of being human, exploring the role of technology, innovation, and individual perspectives in shaping our collective futures. They discuss the importance of curiosity, creativity, and inclusivity in futures studies, while also reflecting on the historical …
…
continue reading
1
The Pilot - Exploring the Future of Being Human
21:49
21:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:49
In this pilot episode of Modem Futura, hosts Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard explore the intersection of technology, society, and the human experience. They discuss the origins of the podcast, the significance of the Future of Being Human Initiative, and the importance of inclusive conversations about the future. The episode highlights personal journ…
…
continue reading
Welcome to Modem Futura, where we journey into the future to explore the dynamic intersection of technology, society, and humanity. In this trailer, get a glimpse of how we dive into the innovations shaping our world and challenge the myths and narratives that define what it means to be human in a rapidly changing landscape. Tune in for an adventur…
…
continue reading
