Rediscovering Joy Through Play Signal Shift podcast

37:01

Send us a text In this episode of Signal Shift, we explore the future of workplace design with guest Kaelynn Reid, a design futurist at Kimball International. From AI voice booths to cobot hubs to smart, hyper-personalized offices, we unpack three powerful signals redefining how and where we work. What happens when desks disappear, walls become interactive, and sound transforms the experience of space? Join us as we imagine workplaces built for creativity, wellbeing, and human flourishing. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage Learn More: Alternative Design Podcast with Kaelynn Reid New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Alternative Income Models: From Gig Work to No-Money Living 23:50

14 days ago23:50

23:50

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the rise of alternative income models—new ways people are earning, sharing and surviving in a shifting economy. We discuss the spread of gig platforms into retail, the emergence of B2B asset-sharing, and how IKEA is paying employees to work inside Roblox. We also spotlight one woman’s choice to live without money, relying on social capital instead of cash. From shift-based apps to trust-based communities, we examine how values, technology, and necessity are reshaping what it means to make a living. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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The Future of AI in Hiring: Who Gets the Job—and Who Decides? 21:54

21 days ago21:54

21:54

Send us a text We kick off our series on the future of work by exploring the rapid rise of AI in hiring and recruitment. From AI interviewers analyzing facial expressions to skill-based recruiting that renders resumes obsolete, we unpack how AI is transforming the earliest stages of the job cycle. As companies turn to AI to optimize recruitment, we ask: what’s gained, what’s lost—and what should we prepare for? Tune in as we explore where AI in hiring is headed and how it’s already reshaping what it means, not just to apply for a job, but to be human in the working world. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Where Will Everyone Go? Global Migration Trends Shaping Our Future 22:33

28 days ago22:33

22:33

Send us a text In this episode, we explore global migration trends—what’s driving people to move, where they’re heading, and how climate change, geopolitics, and shifting demographics are rewriting the rules. We dig into emerging talent hubs like Indonesia, the rise of mobility as a hedge for Americans, and the paradox of migration into climate-vulnerable regions. We also touch on animal migration and interspecies impacts, reminding us that movement isn’t just a human story. What does it mean to move, stay, or belong in a future defined by change? We consider the signals shaping what’s next—and the possibilities that movement might open up. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Building for Tomorrow: Climate Resilient Design and Living 19:34

5 weeks ago19:34

19:34

Send us a text In this episode, we explore climate resilient design—how homes and communities can adapt to a rapidly changing world. We highlight innovations like solar-powered towns, fog-harvesting mesh, recycled construction materials, and closed-loop water systems. We ask: should the future of housing center on mobility or deep-rooted resilience? From rethinking how we use water to designing for disaster resistance, we explore how these shifts are shaping not only how we live—but also the kinds of jobs that will emerge in a climate-resilient future. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Smart Cities and the Future of Urban Living 25:41

6 weeks ago25:41

25:41

Send us a text Smart cities promise efficiency and innovation—but how do they truly function, and what challenges must they overcome? Often associated with cutting-edge tech, real progress depends on sustainability, accessibility, and designing for all who share urban spaces. As cities grow and wildlife adapts to urban life, how can we create environments that work for everyone? From Singapore’s walkable infrastructure to Columbus’s smart mobility solutions, we explore how cities can prioritize inclusive design, digital access, and environmental sustainability. We also discuss the digital divide and the need for smart citizens to make smart cities work. Join us as we unpack signals shaping the future of urban living. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Everyday Signals: How Daily Observations Reveal Future Trends 20:20

7 weeks ago20:20

20:20

Send us a text We explore the power of everyday signals—those seemingly mundane moments that reveal deeper trends shaping our future. Through personal observations—from pet-centric commercials to the impact of declining birth rates and the challenges of urban infrastructure—we uncover how these signals reflect broader societal changes. We also discuss the difficult choices communities face in adapting to these shifts. Will people stay or go? Join us as we decode hidden insights in our daily lives and consider what they might mean for our future. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Food Safety and the Fragile Supply Chain 20:55

8 weeks ago20:55

20:55

Send us a text In this episode of Signal Shift, we explore the fragility of our food system, focusing on food safety and the innovations shaping its future. We start with some alarming food recall statistics from 2024, the impact of climate change, and the increasing risks in the food supply chain. We also discuss how emerging technologies like AI and real-time monitoring are transforming food safety. From contamination concerns to the evolving role of farmers, we uncover signals that may redefine how we grow, handle, and consume food. Join us as we analyze what the future holds for our plates and beyond. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Waste Not, Want Not: The Future of Zero Waste Living 22:39

9 weeks ago22:39

22:39

Send us a text In this episode we explore the challenges and opportunities of zero waste living—from behavioral shifts to breakthrough innovations and policy changes. We examine the impact of de-influencing, a growing movement helping consumers rethink wasteful purchases, and spotlight a paper-based electronics innovation that could reduce e-waste. We also discuss how extended producer responsibility laws are shifting the burden of plastic waste from individuals to corporations. Join us as we uncover how technology, policy, and social influence are shaping a more sustainable future. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Rethinking Emergency Preparedness: Innovations Shaping Resilience 24:24

10 weeks ago24:24

24:24

Send us a text We’ve all heard about go bags and emergency kits, but in a rapidly changing world, are they enough to keep us safe? In this episode, we explore how emergency preparedness is evolving beyond outdated survival kits. From self-driving evacuation vehicles to drone-powered disaster response, we look at the technologies transforming resilience. We discuss AI risk models for personal preparedness, cybersecurity threats during crises, and the role of digital identity in emergency planning. Plus, we highlight global innovations like Singapore’s networked preparedness model and Denmark’s cybersecurity initiatives. Whether you're planning for climate disasters or digital warfare, these emerging signals redefine what it truly means to be prepared. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Navigating Climate Anxiety: Signals of Coping and Connection 20:29

11 weeks ago20:29

20:29

Send us a text We know climate anxiety is real—and it’s growing. Searches for the term are skyrocketing, and studies show that over half of young people feel deeply worried about climate change. In this episode, we explore signals of how people are collectively processing eco-anxiety and climate grief. From the rise of climate cafés—spaces for sharing fears—to the growing role of eco-chaplains in fostering emotional resilience, we examine how communities are coming together to navigate uncertainty. We also discuss how people are turning to ritual to honor disappearing landscapes. Join us as we explore emerging signals of collective care and how people are processing the emotional impact of climate change. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Drinking Less, Changing More: How the Decline of Alcohol Consumption Could Reshape Society 22:24

12 weeks ago22:24

22:24

Send us a text In this episode we explore how the decline of alcohol consumption is reshaping nightlife, wellness, and social behavior. We discuss the rise of alternatives—such as cannabis-infused beverages and functional drinks marketed for mood enhancement—along with the growing interest in sober curiosity. But not all alcohol is disappearing. Demand for natural wines is surging, as younger drinkers seek products with fewer additives and perceived health benefits. Meanwhile, cities are adapting, appointing Night Mayors to manage nightlife economies and supporting new forms of social spaces, including non-alcoholic bars. What does a world with less drinking mean—not just for nightlife, but for public safety, social connection, and even the future of intoxication itself? For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Can We Design Algorithms For Better Mental Health? 24:50

13 weeks ago24:50

24:50

Send us a text We explore an emerging question in social media: can we move beyond algorithms for addiction and design systems that support mental health? Our signals research reveals a complex landscape where immediate solutions, like teaching algorithmic literacy, exist alongside calls for emerging alternatives and policy changes. Through examining current research, platform experiments, and community-focused models, we uncover possibilities for how social media might evolve beyond engagement metrics towards wellbeing. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Air Quality Emergency: Imagining an 18-Month Crisis 18:25

14 weeks ago18:25

18:25

Send us a text We use the Futures Wheel framework to explore a provocative scenario: What happens when toxic air becomes an 18-month reality? Our mapping of possible consequences reveals surprising cascading effects, from "clean air caravan communities" to digital twin homes that optimize for health. Drawing from current examples and real-world toxic events—we examine how this crisis could transform housing, work, and social structures. Through our collaborative exercise, we uncover complex interconnections between air, water, and food systems. The implications for equity and adaptation resonate with challenges we're already facing today. For the full transcript and references: Episode Webpage New episodes every Thursday! Sign-up for our mailing list by clicking 'JOIN" to stay updated on group discussions, workshops and other upcoming events. Share your thoughts and suggestions, access our Terms & Privacy Policy, contact us and more at: www.horizonshiftlab.com…

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Extreme Longevity: The Science of Living Forever 28:39

15 weeks ago28:39