Best Robert Plotkin Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 237: A Conversation with Jason Woywada of BCFIPA on Political Party Privacy and Bill C-4 37:23

1d ago37:23

37:23

The government’s unexpected privacy reform agenda includes both lawful access in Bill C-2 and the evisceration of political party privacy in Bill C-4. While Bill C-4 is framed as implementing affordability measures, it also exempts political parties from the application of privacy protections on a retroactive basis dating back to 2000.To examine th…

1
The Ethics of Human Germline Editing with Francoise Baylis 44:26

6d ago44:26

44:26

In this episode, I speak with Professor Francoise Baylis, a renowned Canadian bioethicist whose work lies at the intersection of applied ethics, health policy, and practice. We talk about the ethics of research on human embryos -- at what date the line should be drawn -- and whether it practically and morally makes sense to allow for human germline…

1
Plants of the Gods: S7E2. The Ethnobotany of Kratom with Dr. Chris McCurdy 34:02

7d ago34:02

34:02

The tropical Asian tree kratom – a member of the same botanical family that has given us both coffee and quinine – is showing great potential for successfully treating a variety of serious afflictions, from stress to opioid withdrawal. Ironically – depending on dosage – it can act either as a stimulant or a sedative. The episode features an insight…

1
Plants of the Gods: S7E2. The Ethnobotany of Kratom with Dr. Chris McCurdy 34:02

7d ago34:02

34:02

The tropical Asian tree kratom – a member of the same botanical family that has given us both coffee and quinine – is showing great potential for successfully treating a variety of serious afflictions, from stress to opioid withdrawal. Ironically – depending on dosage – it can act either as a stimulant or a sedative. The episode features an insight…

1
Episode 236: Robert Diab on the Return of Lawful Access 39:49

9d ago39:49

39:49

Lawful access is back. Bill C-2, the government’s border bill, includes a new information demand power that would result in warrantless disclosure of information about a subscriber, a new international production order, and requirements for providers to assist law enforcement in working with their networks. There will no doubt be multiple podcast e…

1
Episode 235: Teresa Scassa on the Alberta Clearview AI Ruling That Could Have a Big Impact on Privacy and Generative AI 31:00

16d ago31:00

31:00

The privacy concerns with Clearview AI sparked investigations and court cases around the world. The issues date back many years, but recently an Alberta court weighed in on the application of provincial privacy law in a decision that has big implications not only for that company but for the intersection between privacy and generative AI.To help un…

1
Plants of the Gods: S7E1. Lost Cities, Shamans, Hallucinogens and… King Kong! 24:43

21d ago24:43

24:43

The lure of lost cities is a deep and enduring fascination that combines equal parts mystery, adventure, treasure, and the promise of forgotten knowledge. The existence and discovery of these ruins – whether it was King Tut's tomb or Machu Picchu – demonstrates the brilliance of ancient civilizations and their impermanence and mortality. In this ep…

1
Plants of the Gods: S7E1. Lost Cities, Shamans, Hallucinogens and… King Kong! 24:43

21d ago24:43

24:43

The lure of lost cities is a deep and enduring fascination that combines equal parts mystery, adventure, treasure, and the promise of forgotten knowledge. The existence and discovery of these ruins – whether it was King Tut's tomb or Machu Picchu – demonstrates the brilliance of ancient civilizations and their impermanence and mortality. In this ep…

1
Episode 234: “Solutions Aren’t Going to be Found Through Nostalgia”: Mark Musselman on the CRTC Hearings on Canadian Content Rules 36:13

23d ago36:13

36:13

The CRTC recently wrapped up a two-week hearing on the Online Streaming Act that featured most of the usual suspects, though notably not the large streaming services. The Commission grappled with foundational issues such as modernizing the definition of Canadian content, instituting IP requirements, and introducing new discoverability rules into Ca…

1
Episode 233: Abdi Aidid on AI, the Law and the Future of Legal Practice 53:25

30d ago53:25

53:25

The discussion on the intersection between AI and the law, especially with respect to legal services continues to grow. From lawyers that mistakenly rely on AI generated cases to AI support for due diligence and comment review, the role of AI within legal practice has emerged as a critical issue. Professor Abdi Aidid is a law professor at the Unive…

1
George Church -- The Godfather of Synthetic Biology, CRISPR, and De-Extinction (Ep. 10) 40:06

1M ago40:06

40:06

In this episode, I speak with George Church—pioneer of human genome sequencing, co-inventor of CRISPR, and founder of over 50 biotech startups—on the future of synthetic biology: virus-proof cells, multiplex gene editing, and what it takes to reverse aging. We talk Ginkgo’s trajectory, 23andMe’s missed opportunity, and why the next bio revolution w…

1
Listener Favorites: Paul Millerd | The Pathless vs Default Path 1:05:17

1M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

Join us for a compelling conversation with Paul Millerd, author of The Pathless Path. In this episode, Paul shares his insights on finding yourself in the wrong life and the real work of figuring out how to live. Discover his journey through experiments, travels, and lessons learned, as he pieces together a set of principles to guide him from unful…

1
The Mind-Bending Science of Staying Alive -- Carl Zimmer on Aging, AGI, and Brain Organoids (Ep. 9) 30:39

1M ago30:39

30:39

In this episode, I speak with award-winning NYT science writer Carl Zimmer (“Life’s Edge”, “She Has Her Mother’s Laugh”) on the verbs of biology—homeostasis, life being organized rebellion against entropy, and whether brain organoids might wake up while we’re not looking.

1
Jamie Metzl - Will Humanity Survive Gene Editing and AI? (Ep. 8) 44:22

2M ago44:22

44:22

In this episode, I talk with Jamie Metzl — geopolitical futurist, former WHO advisor, and author of Superconvergence — about the future of gene editing, AGI, and the existential risks no one is talking about. We cover CRISPR will rewrite evolution and society, and why AGI is a myth (and what we're really building).…

1
Episode 232: What Will Canadian Digital Policy Look Like Under the New Liberal Carney Government? 25:11

2M ago25:11

25:11

Digital policy did not play a major role in the recent federal election, but the new Mark Carney Liberal government is quickly going to face a wide range of digital-related policy questions. This week’s Law Bytes podcast examines the short, medium and longer term issues including the future of the digital services tax, Canadian digital sovereignty,…

1
Listener Favorites: Arianna Warsaw | Navigating The Dynamics of Identity Change 1:00:52

2M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Join us as we sit down with music industry insider, Arianna Warsaw-Fan Rauch. Discover her unique perspective on navigating identity change and get an insider's tour of the industry. From musician life to proper clapping etiquette, Arianna shares her knowledge and experiences. Don't miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of the classical m…

1
Listener Favorites: Manisha Thakor | Money Zen: The Secret to Finding Your Enough 58:16

2M ago58:16

58:16

In the latest episode of The Unmistakable Creative Podcast titled 'Money Zen: The Secret to Finding Your Enough', we are joined by Manisha Thakor, a seasoned financial expert and the Founder of MoneyZen LLC. With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Manisha offers a fresh perspective on our relationship with money and success. Dra…

1
Listener Favorites: Aaron Dignan | How to Speed up The Organizational Decision Making Process 57:11

2M ago57:11

57:11

Aaron Dignan is using software to help scale new ways of working and expedite the decision making process of organizations. Discover the possibilities for transformation in the workplace and realize how we can use software like Murmur to revolutionize our slow and outdated systems. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and bonus episodes https://plus.ac…

1
Listener Favorites: Drew Plotkin | How to Use Tattoos to Rewrite Your Story and Reinvent Yourself 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Drew Plotkin, tattoo artist and filmmaker, shares his journey of self-discovery through tattoos in this episode. He recounts his adventures, from death row to Hollywood, and uses his experiences to inspire listeners with his resilience and determination to live life on his own terms. Don't miss this raw and honest account of success, failure, and f…

1
Listener Favorites: Gautam Mukunda | What Presidential Elections Can Teach us About Leadership 1:06:48

3M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In this podcast episode, we sit down with Gautam Mukunda, a Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Center for Public Leadership, to discuss what we can learn about leadership from presidential elections. Drawing on insights from his book 'Picking Presidents', which examines the qualities that make for successful leaders, Mukunda provides a…

1
Listener Favorites: Jeremey Utley | How Having Lots of Ideas Leads to Creative Breakthroughs 57:10

3M ago57:10

57:10

If you want to be more innovative, you need to start by changing the way you think about creativity. Good ideas aren't the result of pure wisdom, but rather the practice of innovation. Learn how to tap into surprising and valuable ideas on demand and fill the creative pipeline with breakthrough ideas. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and bonus epis…

1
Episode 231: Sara Bannerman on How Canadian Political Parties Maximize Voter Data Collection and Minimize Privacy Safeguards 30:44

3M ago30:44

30:44

As the 2025 federal election passes the midway point, it is increasingly apparent that the federal political parties are not only battling for votes, but also for data. Canadians may not see it but political parties are data machines anxious to collect and use as much data about potential supporters as possible. Sara Bannerman is the Canada Researc…

1
Listener Favorites: Russ Roberts | The Decisions that Define Us 1:02:18

3M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

We have apps telling us who we should date, what music to listen to and which route to take to work, but no algorithm or AI can tell us who we should marry, where we should live or at what age we should have children. According to economist Russ Roberts, these decisions are borne of the necessity to solve life's wild problems. They aren't decisions…

1
Listener Favorites: Camille Virginia | The Power of Offline Social Connection 1:01:50

3M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Camille Virginia presents a refreshing and influential solution to the conundrum of digital connection. That is- meeting offline and in the real world. Not only does Camille explain the power of offline connection but she also provides a handbook that will help you fast track your way to building a fulfilling and thriving connection with anyone. Su…

1
Listener Favorites: Michael Bungay Stanier | How to Unlock Your Greatness By Working on Hard Things 45:10

3M ago45:10

45:10

Welcome to an inspiring episode of Unmistakable Creative, featuring the brilliant Michael Bungay Stanier, a renowned coach and author, as we explore the path to unlocking greatness by embracing challenges. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of working on hard things and how it leads to personal and professional growth. Stanier shares…

1
Listener Favorites: Madeleine Dore | Redefining What it Means to be Productive 56:38

3M ago56:38

56:38

In this episode, Madeleine Dore discusses how we can redefine productivity by embracing the messiness of life. Dore shares her insights on dismantling comparison, aspirational routines, and unrealistic expectations, encouraging listeners to find their own way to navigate the never-ending list of things to do. Tune in to discover a new perspective o…

1
Listener Favorites: Tim Klein | The New Science of Navigating School, Careers and Life 1:02:34

3M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Tim Klein breaks down an evidence-based decision-making framework designed to help you make life's biggest decisions. Learn how to navigate the modern education system and ever-changing world of careers to find your purpose in life. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and bonus episodes https://plus.acast.com/s/the-unmistakable-creative-podcast. Hoste…

1
Episode 230: Aengus Bridgman on the 2025 Federal Election, Social Media Platforms, and Misinformation 38:30

3M ago38:30

38:30

The 2025 federal election is now in its second week and the battle for attention and ultimately votes is taking place both online and offline. The enormous influence of online sites such as Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and a handful of others raises real issues about how information spreads, its reliability, and risks of misinformation and disinformat…

1
Listener Favorites: Mike Liguori | How to Heal a Relationship with a Parent 56:08

3M ago56:08

56:08

We interview Mike Liguori, founder of Live Your Truth Media and author of The Road Ahead and Miles Behind. Mike shares his insights on how to heal relationships with parents, drawing on his experience reconciling with his father during a cross-country road trip. Tune in to learn more about Mike's journey and gain valuable insights on how to mend re…

1
Aubrey de Grey on Immortality, Longevity Research, and How to Live for 200 Years (Ep. 7) 51:35

3M ago51:35

51:35

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Aubrey de Grey, a leading researcher in the longevity space and co-founder of the SENS Research Foundation, known for his groundbreaking work in developing therapies that reverse DNA damage at the cellular level. We talk about the latest breakthroughs in aging science, what aging research looks like in a post-AGI wo…

1
Ethan Kross | How to Deal With The Voice in Your Head 55:43

3M ago55:43

55:43

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Unmistakable Creative, where we delve into the mind's intricacies with our esteemed guest, Ethan Kross. A renowned psychologist and author, Ethan Kross, is a leading expert in controlling the inner voice that often leads us astray. In this episode, titled 'Ethan Kross | How to Deal With The Voice in Your H…

1
Listener Favorites: Frederic Bahnson | How To Reduce the Impact of Cognitive Biases on Your Decisions 1:25:59

3M ago1:25:59

1:25:59

The choices we make are actively building the future that awaits us, so what better way to find joy, love and happiness than to become masters of our own decision making? Dr. Frederic Bahnson wants to teach you how to take the guesswork out of decision making so that you can unlock a power better than destiny: the power of choice. Subscribe for ad-…

1
Listener Favorites: Dennis Xu | A World Without Folders 55:43

3M ago55:43

55:43

Are you tired of the never-ending struggle to keep your files organized and easily accessible? We sit down with Dennis Xu, co-founder of Mem Labs, to discuss the revolutionary new self-organizing workspace that is changing the way we store and access information. Using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, Mem helps knowledge workers around the…

1
Episode 229: My Digital Access Day Keynote - Assessing the Canadian Digital Policy Record 28:26

3M ago28:26

28:26

With a federal election just called and the campaign now underway, the focus will turn - at least in very small part - to party policies. It is certainly possible that digital issues such as AI regulation, online harms, and the fate of Internet laws will merit a mention. I’m hoping to cover those issues in the weeks ahead, but this week, I offer on…

1
Listener Favorites: Masachs Boungou | Turning the Pain and Personal History into Meaning and Purpose 51:24

3M ago51:24

51:24

Dr. Masachs Boungou says that your personal history is not your past. It shapes who you are today and has the power to stir up a deeply moving and unshakable drive within you. Listen as Dr. Masachs shares his own personal history and how we can fulfill our true potential by embracing the history that shapes us. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and …

1
Listener Favorites: Alex Budak | Becoming a Changemaker: Leading Positive Change at Any Level 57:23

3M ago57:23

57:23

In this enlightening conversation, we're joined by Alex Budak, a professor at Haas Business School and the author of 'Becoming a Change Maker'. Alex shares his unique insights on micro leadership, the dynamics of champions, cynics, and fence sitters in our ability to make change, and the importance of taking a long-term perspective. Alex Budak is n…

1
Listener Favorites: Gloria Mark | Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity 58:35

3M ago58:35

58:35

Psychologist Gloria Mark shares her groundbreaking research on attention span and introduces the concept of "kinetic attention" as a new framework for understanding how our brains function in the digital age. In this podcast episode, she offers practical tips for restoring balance and improving our mental resources to find success and wellness in o…

1
Listener Favorites: Craig Swanson | The Power of a Willingness To Be Wrong 58:57

3M ago58:57

58:57

Entrepreneur and startup studio owner, Craig Swanson, argues that the ability to embrace being wrong is essential to success in any field. Swanson explains that most people are afraid of being wrong. As a result, they're constantly second-guessing themselves and their ideas, which stifles creativity and innovation. Instead of being afraid of being …

1
Listener Favorites: Kate Peterson | Coming up with Your Own Definition of What It Means to Live a Good Life 45:41

3M ago45:41

45:41

A brilliant travel writer and entrepreneur, Kate Peterson shares the wisdom she's attained from traveling the world on how to come up with your own definition on what it means to live well. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and bonus episodes https://plus.acast.com/s/the-unmistakable-creative-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more …

1
Listener Favorites: Dan Pink | The Power of Regret 1:10:36

3M ago1:10:36

1:10:36

Welcome to another episode of the Unmistakable Creative Podcast. In this episode, we're thrilled to have a conversation with Dan Pink. Dan is known for his insightful books, five of which are New York Times bestsellers, and his unique perspectives on motivation and human behavior. In this enlightening conversation, Dan Pink shares his wisdom on the…

1
Listener Favorites: Dandapani | The Power of Unwavering Focus 1:11:00

3M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

Dive into the world of unwavering focus with Dandapani, a renowned Hindu priest, entrepreneur, and former monk, in this enlightening episode of Unmistakable Creative. Dandapani's unique insights and experiences from his monastic life offer a deeper understanding of how focus can transform our lives. He delves into the intricacies of the mind, expla…

1
Listener Favorites: George Ko | Why it Takes 1000 Small Breaks to Get One Big One 48:21

3M ago48:21

48:21

George Ko, known for his dazzling sound and eloquence at the piano, is a pianist and composer who has played on stages around the world. George highlights the importance of dedication, grit and consistency when pursuing a creative path. Here's why being able to get 1000 small breaks instead of one big one will be what defines your ability to hit it…

1
Listener Favorites: Richard Newman | Lift Your Impact: Transform Your Mindset, Influence, and Future to Elevate Your Work, Team, and Life 1:05:58

4M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Join Richard Newman, an award-winning expert in communication, storytelling, and influence, as he shares groundbreaking techniques to increase your impact and influence. Discover how to align your values, create a better future, overcome limitations, and inspire others through powerful storytelling. Tune in to gain practical tools and insights that…

1
Listener Favorites: Akshay Nanavati | How to Use Pain as a Tool for Transformation 54:04

4M ago54:04

54:04

Akshay Nanavati is on a mission to help people transform their negative emotions into health, wealth and happiness. His book "Fearvana" is a revolutionary approach to conquering your fears and achieving anything you set your mind to. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and bonus episodes https://plus.acast.com/s/the-unmistakable-creative-podcast. Host…

1
Robert Langer: Founding Moderna and Publishing Over 1500 Research Papers (Ep. 6) 34:17

4M ago34:17

34:17

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Robert Langer, co-founder of Moderna and PI of the world’s largest biomedical engineering lab at MIT. We talk about his background, how to raise money for biotech ventures, and whether innovation can be born from the lab.

1
Episode 228: Kumanan Wilson on Why Canadian Health Data Requires Stronger Privacy Protection in the Trump Era 26:39

4M ago26:39

26:39

The craziness of the Trump administration relationship with Canada was on full display this past week as seemingly every day involved some form of policy change on tariffs – first on, then slightly delayed for some goods, then slightly delayed for more goods and by week’s end threats of new tariffs. Given the uncertainty, I recently co-wrote an op-…

1
Listener Favorites: Richard Leider | The Path of Purposeful Aging 52:44

4M ago52:44

52:44

How can we celebrate the experience of aging? How can we take the process of getting old and turn it into a purposeful journey? In this episode, we explore this very unexplored subject with aging expert Richard Leider in order to hopefully unveil the path of purposeful aging to all. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and bonus episodes https://plus.a…

1
Listener Favorites: Derek Gladwin | Rewriting Our Stories 54:09

4M ago54:09

54:09

1
Listener Favorites: Michael Mager | Pioneering the Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces 50:08

4M ago50:08

50:08

Join us in this captivating episode with Michael Mager, a pioneer in the realm of brain-computer interfaces. Dive deep into the groundbreaking technology that allows for reading and potentially writing into the human brain. Michael sheds light on the transformative potential of these advancements and their societal implications. Could we soon have …

1
The Man Who Used Gene Editing On Babies - He Jiankui (Ep. 5) 30:17

4M ago30:17

30:17

In this episode, I talk with Dr. He Jiankui, a gene editing pioneer who used CRISPR/Cas technology to edit the infamous twin babies Lulu and Nana. We talk about his goals, ethics behind the technology, and the potential for a utopian and dystopian future.

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Robert Plotkin Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide