The Future of Tech May Not Be What You Think | with Jesse Hirsh
01/22/25 • 68 min
In this thought-provoking episode, host Newton sits down with Jesse Hirsh, a unique voice at the intersection of technology and agriculture. Jesse is a technology futurist, farmer, and former tech journalist operating from his fiber-connected farm in Eastern Ontario.
Jesse has an infectious energy that lifts spirits and enables creative critical thinking.
As the founder of the Academy of the Impossible, Jesse conducts ground-breaking research into the future of media, technology, and culture while examining the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence and algorithmic media.
The conversation explores the future of information technology, highlighting how agriculture could become the centerpiece of technological evolution. Jesse and Newton discuss how early information technology was developed around the time of the second world war, and how it has slowly evolved into a tool of control—collecting data, capturing human attention, and ultimately influencing behavior. They delve into the uncomfortable realities of mass layoffs in the tech industry, driven by AI advancements, using examples like Elon Musk’s reduction of Twitter’s workforce and Mark Zuckerberg’s similar moves at Meta.
The episode introduces a compelling perspective on the rise of independent tech entrepreneurs and hacker communities, which operate outside the confines of corporate IT enterprises. These digital renegades, with their self-governed platforms and autonomous technologies, could serve as humanity’s defence against a future dominated by centralized authority. The discussion imagines a world where the threat of an authoritarian "President of Earth" is counterbalanced by these decentralized communities and their disruptive innovations.
The episode also offers practical strategies for listeners to prepare for the future. Jesse provides actionable insights on how to adapt to technological changes, maintain personal autonomy, and thrive in the evolving digital landscape. From embracing skills for the future job market to reconnecting with nature and living more sustainably, the conversation is both enlightening and empowering.
Additional topics include the ethical concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, the challenges of living under potential authoritarian rule, and the uneasy relationship between earning a living and staying happy. Jesse’s deep understanding of these issues, coupled with his unique perspective as a futurist farmer, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of technology and its impact on humanity.
In this thought-provoking episode, host Newton sits down with Jesse Hirsh, a unique voice at the intersection of technology and agriculture. Jesse is a technology futurist, farmer, and former tech journalist operating from his fiber-connected farm in Eastern Ontario.
Jesse has an infectious energy that lifts spirits and enables creative critical thinking.
As the founder of the Academy of the Impossible, Jesse conducts ground-breaking research into the future of media, technology, and culture while examining the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence and algorithmic media.
The conversation explores the future of information technology, highlighting how agriculture could become the centerpiece of technological evolution. Jesse and Newton discuss how early information technology was developed around the time of the second world war, and how it has slowly evolved into a tool of control—collecting data, capturing human attention, and ultimately influencing behavior. They delve into the uncomfortable realities of mass layoffs in the tech industry, driven by AI advancements, using examples like Elon Musk’s reduction of Twitter’s workforce and Mark Zuckerberg’s similar moves at Meta.
The episode introduces a compelling perspective on the rise of independent tech entrepreneurs and hacker communities, which operate outside the confines of corporate IT enterprises. These digital renegades, with their self-governed platforms and autonomous technologies, could serve as humanity’s defence against a future dominated by centralized authority. The discussion imagines a world where the threat of an authoritarian "President of Earth" is counterbalanced by these decentralized communities and their disruptive innovations.
The episode also offers practical strategies for listeners to prepare for the future. Jesse provides actionable insights on how to adapt to technological changes, maintain personal autonomy, and thrive in the evolving digital landscape. From embracing skills for the future job market to reconnecting with nature and living more sustainably, the conversation is both enlightening and empowering.
Additional topics include the ethical concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, the challenges of living under potential authoritarian rule, and the uneasy relationship between earning a living and staying happy. Jesse’s deep understanding of these issues, coupled with his unique perspective as a futurist farmer, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of technology and its impact on humanity.
Previous Episode
How to Build a Career in Web 3.0 | with Robert Roose
In this episode, Newton sits down with Robert Roose, founder of Mynth and a seasoned expert in Web 3 technologies. With over two decades of experience in business and technology, Robert shares his journey from entering the crypto space in 2013 to becoming a leader in synthetic asset and stablecoin protocols. His mission to democratize financial opportunities through blockchain forms the backbone of his work and this conversation.
The episode centers on career opportunities in Web 3.0, offering a roadmap for anyone eager to break into this rapidly evolving field. Robert defines Web 3 in practical terms and temporarily plays the role of a Web 3.0 career coach, delivering a step-by-step guide to starting and thriving in the Web 3 space. His advice is equally valuable for newcomers and those already involved in the ecosystem.
Key topics include:
· Robert’s unique career path, blending data science, software engineering, and blockchain entrepreneurship.
· Insights into the future of Web 3, including predictions about the Cardano Network and its ADA token.
· A deep dive into Web 3 technologies, delivering a level of analysis rarely found elsewhere.
· Strategies for building a successful career in Web 3.0 in this day and age.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about or already navigating the Web 3 landscape. It combines actionable career advice with thought-provoking discussions on the future of blockchain and decentralized finance.
Next Episode
Innovating with AI | with Nick Jain
In this episode, Newton sits down with Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale, the world’s largest innovation SaaS company. Nick’s journey—from being raised by a single grandmother in India to excelling at Harvard Business School and leading companies across diverse industries—has shaped his deep understanding of innovation and AI adoption.
As an early evangelist for AI, Nick implemented Large Language Models at IdeaScale before the AI boom, integrating generative AI across sales, product design, and software engineering.
In this episode, he breaks down:
- How businesses can incorporate AI into their operations
- The best ways to integrate AI into software businesses
- How to innovate effectively
Innovation is often complex and abstract, but Nick simplifies it into actionable insights, making AI adoption and innovation approachable for any business—whether tech-driven or not.
If you’ve ever struggled with efficient innovation or wondered how to leverage AI in your business, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.
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