The Future of Everything
Stanford Engineering
2 Listeners
All episodes
Best episodes
Top 10 The Future of Everything Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Future of Everything episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Future of Everything for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Future of Everything episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
The future of AI and democracy
The Future of Everything
12/06/24 • 29 min
Two-time guest Nate Persily is a professor of law and policy who studies the intersection of artificial intelligence and democracy. AI is creeping into democracy, he says, and 2024 saw its share of deepfakes and synthetic media, but with surprisingly little impact. His bigger concern is the opposite – politicians claiming the truth to be fake. It breeds distrust and, for democracy, that’s more pernicious, Persily tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to [email protected].
Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford Profile: Nathaniel Persily
Connect With Us:
- Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
- Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
- Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces guest Nate Persily, a professor of law at Stanford University.
(00:02:49) How AI Impacts Democracy
AI's role in influencing elections and its implications for democratic systems.
(00:03:38) Deepfakes and the Election
The limited impact of deepfakes and emerging disinformation trends.
(00:04:37) Is Skepticism Beneficial?
The role of skepticism in navigating AI-driven disinformation.
(00:06:06) AI and Social Media
How AI powers social media and its implications for democratic dialogue.
(00:08:40) AI Monopoly and Democracy
Risks of concentrated AI power among tech giants.
(00:12:03) Risks of Open AI Models
Balancing innovation and misuse risks of open AI models.
(00:17:20) Regulating AI
Global efforts to regulate AI and lessons from the European AI Act.
(00:19:54) The Global AI Race
The international race to balance progress and safeguards with AI.
(00:23:35) Global South and AI
The digital divide and role of open models in under-resourced nations.
(00:25:05) AI in Legal Practice
Potential and challenges of AI in law, from drafting to adjudication.
(00:28:55) Conclusion
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
1 Listener
The future of cognitive tools
The Future of Everything
08/02/24 • 34 min
Psychologist Judy Fan is an expert in how physical objects facilitate learning. In the classroom, these include pencils, pens, paper, and whiteboards. But in any learning situation, the physical world provides tools for learning and communicating, often trumping the speed and reach of today’s digital technologies. These objects are cognitive tools – physical representations of human thought, she says. They help us think, solve problems, and communicate with others better and more effectively, as she tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford Profile: Judy Fan
Connect With Us:
- Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
- Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
- Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces guest Judy Fan, a professor of psychology at Stanford University.
(00:02:02) The Essence of Cognitive Tools
What cognitive tools are and their importance from ancient times to the present.
(00:03:37) Historical Context of Cognitive Tools
The historical evolution of cognitive tools and their role in education.
(00:06:57) Cross-Cultural Insights on Cognitive Tools
The universality of cognitive tools and cross-cultural variations.
(00:12:39) Developmental Trajectories in Visual Communication
How children develop the ability to visually communicate concepts and the differences between cultures.
(00:17:01) The Influence of Cultural Artifacts on Perception
How cultural exposure shapes our perception and depiction of the world.
(00:22:15) The Future of Learning Technologies
The impact of technological advancements on cognitive tools and potential directions for the future.
(00:24:29) Hands-On Learning and Interactive Tools
The importance of interactive learning activities that allow students to engage with scientific processes.
(00:27:44) Enhancing Creative Processes Through Technology
Ways technology can aid creative professionals and the development of tools for high-level experts.
(00:30:44) Bridging Novice and Expert Needs
The challenges of designing technology that serves both novices and experts.
(00:33:19) Conclusion
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
1 Listener
Andrea Goldsmith: What is the future of wireless networking and communications?
The Future of Everything
02/25/17 • 28 min
In this episode of The Future of Everything, bioengineering professor Russ Altman talks with electrical engineer Andrea Goldsmith about the high-powered wireless networks we must build for widespread autonomous vehicles, smart garbage pick-up, and battery recharging.
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
1 Listener
Trailer: The Future of Everything
The Future of Everything
02/18/25 • 1 min
Welcome to Stanford Engineering's The Future of Everything, the podcast that delves into groundbreaking research and innovations that are shaping the world and inventing the future. The University has a long history of doing work to positively impact the world and it's a joy to share about the people who are doing this work, what motivates them, and how their work is creating a better future for everybody. Join us every Friday for new episodes featuring insightful conversations with Stanford faculty and to discover how Stanford's research is transforming tomorrow's world.
Connect With Us:
- Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
- Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
- Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
1 Listener
Best of: The future of exercise
The Future of Everything
01/03/25 • 27 min
Happy New Year! For many of us, a new year brings a renewed sense of motivation when it comes to health. Earlier this year, Russ sat down to speak with Jonathan Long, a Stanford biochemist who studies the chemicals produced during exercise. The conversation was one of our most popular during 2024 and today we’re re-sharing it. As many of us look to create healthy habits in 2025, we hope you’ll tune in to hear the exciting research Professor Long is doing to better understand the deep chemical connections between diet, exercise, and human health.
Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to [email protected].
Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford Profile: Jonathan Z. Long
- Johnathan’s Lab: LongLab@Stanford
Connect With Us:
- Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
- Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
- Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces guest Johnathan Long, a professor of pathology at Stanford University.
(00:01:55) Effective Weight Loss Drugs
The history and development of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
(00:03:27) Understanding Metabolism and Exercise
The role of metabolic chemicals released during physical activity.
(00:05:02) Animal Models in Exercise Studies
The use of animal models in exercise studies and the discovery of Lac-Phe.
(00:06:40) Psychological Preparation for Exercise
The psychology of exercise preparation and the involvement of endocannabinoids.
(00:08:53) Lac-Phe's Role and Mechanism
Lac-Phe’s role in suppressing appetite and its production in the gut.
(00:11:46) Differences in Exercise Response
Exercise response between trained athletes and untrained individuals.
(00:12:50) Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases
The relationship between diabetes, exercise, and metabolic diseases.
(00:14:54) Lac-Phe as a Potential Therapeutic
Lac-Phe’s potential and parallels to the early stages of GLP-1 drug development.
(00:16:13) Importance of How Weight is Lost
The importance of losing fat while preserving lean muscle mass.
(00:19:04) Exercise as Medicine
The need to define physical activity at the same resolution as modern medicines.
(00:22:03) Metformin and Exercise Pathways
The unexpected connection between metformin and the Lac-Phe pathway.
(00:23:53) Prospects of an Exercise Pill
The future of an exercise pill, and challenges associated with its development.
(00:26:57) Conclusion
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
1 Listener
The future of perceptual phenomena
The Future of Everything
07/26/24 • 29 min
From witchcraft to shamans to those with schizophrenia, voices and visions have always been part of human experience and they have always intrigued anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann. She now studies how various cultures understand these mysterious mental phenomena. Luhrmann has observed and talked to hundreds who’ve experienced voices and visions and learned there are “different pathways” to understand them, as she tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford Profile: Tanya Marie Luhrmann
- Tanya Luhrmann: Website
Connect With Us:
- Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
- Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
- Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces guest Tanya Luhrmann, a professor of anthropology at Stanford University.
(00:02:18) Origins of Interest
Tanya shares her background and how it influenced her studies on the human mind and its perceptions.
(00:05:53) Methodologies in Anthropological Research
The methods used to understand experiences like hearing voices and seeing visions.
(00:07:04) Cultural Variability in Human Experiences
How hearing voices varies across cultures, and their implications on mental health.
(00:13:42) The Clinical and Non-Clinical Spectrum
The clinical aspects of hearing voices, and how they are perceived and treated in different contexts.
(00:18:01) Non-Clinical Manifestations and Practice
The influence of practices and beliefs on non-clinical supernatural experiences.
(00:22:24) Characteristics of Leaders
Factors that make certain individuals leaders in perceptual practices.
(00:23:43) AI and Relationships with Chatbots
Parallels between relationships with imagined entities and modern AI chatbots.
(00:28:40) Conclusion
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
1 Listener
The future of computer music
The Future of Everything
03/29/24 • 34 min
Humans and computers making music together, it’s the best of both worlds.
Ge Wang is a professor of music, a computer scientist, and director of the Stanford Laptop Orchestra – an orchestra in which human musicians and computers collaborate to make music. “I once thought computer music was abstract and inaccessible, but it can be very playful, too,” he says. Humans and computers making music together, it’s the best of both worlds, Wang tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
Episode Reference Links:
- Ge Wang's Stanford Profile
- Ge Wang's Personal Website
- Stanford Laptop Orchestra (SLOrk) Ge Wang directs: Stanford Laptop Orchestra
- Music programming language Ge Wang built: ChucK
- Ge Wang’s book: Artful Design: Technology in Search of the Sublime
- Artful Design | Pi-shaped Person
- Artful Design | Ocarina
- Scott A. Lindroth (Ge Wang’s professor at Duke who taught his first computer music class)
- Perry R. Cook (Ge Wang’s Computer Science professor at Princeton who inspired him to merge computers and music)
Connect With Us:
- Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
- Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
- Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces guest Professor Ge Wang and his work around the intersection of AI, computer science, and music.
(00:02:48) Early Inspirations and Merging Music with Technology
Ge Wang shares his early experiences with music and computers, leading to his unique career path combining both passions.
(00:07:42) Developing Musical Tools and Instruments
Significance of playfulness in merging music with computer science, illustrated by projects like the Ocarina app and the Stanford Laptop Orchestra.
(00:13:27) The Role and Impact of AI in Music
The evolution of AI in music, with deeper questions about AI's role and the value of human creativity.
(00:18:28) Music, AI, and Future Generations
The future of music and AI in the context of a parent, and the cultural dimensions and values that will shape the use of technology in art.
(00:20:19) Ethical and Cultural Concerns of AI in Music
Ethical dilemmas and cultural implications of using AI in music, copyright issues and the potential for generic AI-generated content.
(00:25:09) Rethinking the Role of AI in the Creative Process
AI’s role in creativity, the value of the creative process over the mere output, and the potential for AI to enrich rather than replace human creativity.
(00:29:32) The Concept of a Pi-Shaped Person
The "Pi-Shaped Person," with emphasis on the importance of disciplinary expertise, domain knowledge, and an aesthetic lens.
(00:33:52) Conclusion
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram /
Best of - How light can power higher speed computing
The Future of Everything
07/21/23 • 28 min
Delve into the possibilities of silicon photonics as a game-changer in chip manufacturing. This is a re-run of a show that Russ did with David Miller back in 2021. David is an electrical engineer, and works in the field of photonics. As he shares in this conversation, there’s great potential for the field of photonics to help solve the problems posed by an increasing demand for computing power. Silicon-chip computers are starting to hit fundamental limits, and advances in the field of photonics – technology that uses light waves – may be just the help we need. David’s research offers a bright spot as we look to a future that continuously demands more computing power. Enjoy!
Chapter Notes
(00:00:00) Introduction
Join us as we delve into the world of optical computing, exploring its potential to revolutionize information processing and overcome the limitations of traditional electronic systems.
(00:00:27) Limitations of electronic systems
Gain insights into the current constraints faced by electronic systems, such as speed and energy efficiency, and discover why alternative approaches are necessary.
(00:01:42) Challenges of copper wire interconnects
Understand the challenges associated with copper wire interconnects and how optical interconnects offer a promising solution with their potential for increased speed and bandwidth.
(00:04:12) Optical interconnects explained
Dive deeper into the concept of optical interconnects, exploring the principles behind transmitting data through light and the advantages they hold over traditional copper wires.
(00:06:08) Optics in long-distance communication
Learn about the significant role optics plays in long-distance communication, from transmitting data through undersea cables to interconnecting cities with optical fiber networks.
(00:07:41) Growing demand for high-speed data transmission
Discover the growing demand for high-speed data transmission in data centers and the need for scalable solutions that can handle the increasing volume of information.
(00:09:50) Silicon photonics
Explore the cutting-edge technology of silicon photonics, which leverages existing manufacturing processes to create photonic chips, opening new possibilities for optical computing.
(00:11:08) Transparency of materials, germanium's role & integration challenges
Delve into the optical properties of materials like silicon and glass, the potential of germanium as a complementary material to silicon, and the challenges of integrating new materials into existing silicon-based manufacturing processes.
(00:13:37) Overcoming device energy limitations
Learn about the progress made in reducing the energy consumption of devices that convert electrical signals into optical signals, a crucial step in achieving efficient optical computing.
(00:15:48) Introduction to "deep optics" and future prospects
Explore the concept of "deep optics," which goes beyond interconnects to encompass the potential use of optics for processing tasks within computing systems, and discover the immense potential of deep optics to transform computing systems and pave the way for a new era of information processing.
(00:19:04) Programmable and self-configuring optical systems
Gain insights into the development of programmable and self-configuring optical systems that can adapt their behavior, optimize light streams, and open up possibilities for advanced information processing.
(00:23:36) Future prospects
Explore the immense potential of deep optics to transform computing systems and pave the way for a new era of information processing.
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
The future of Muslim mental health
The Future of Everything
09/08/23 • 28 min
Join host Russ Altman with guest Rania Awaad, M.D., a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine where she is the Director of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab. Delve into the intersection of mental health and spirituality, shedding light on the importance of holistic approaches for comprehensive healing. Drawing from historical wisdom, Awaad introduces the concept of Maristans, ancient healing centers that integrate physical, mental, and spiritual therapies to offer a holistic model of care.
As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how these principles can be applied in modern healthcare, fostering patient-centric approaches that consider mind, body, and spirit. From addressing diverse faiths to collaboration between medical and spiritual practitioners, Awaad's insights pave the way for a future where holistic healing is at the forefront of medical practice.
Chapter Timestamps:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Rania Awaad discusses her journey in studying the connection between Islam and mental health, including historical understandings of mental illness and treatments, such as talk therapy.
(00:03:05) Special Challenges in Studying Muslim Mental Health
Professor Awaad discusses the challenges of providing mental health care to the diverse Muslim community in the United States. The impact of immigration, intergenerational trauma, and racial diversity on mental health is highlighted. Factors like acculturation, family dynamics, and historical trauma are considered.
(00:06:50) The Intersection of Faith and Mental Health
Professor Awaad shares insights into how the Islamic faith intersects with mental health. The concept of holistic health in Islam and its implications for mental health are explained. Early Muslim scholars' references to scripture in understanding and treating mental illness are discussed.
(00:13:13) Faith and Resistance to Treatment
The conversation delves into addressing resistance to medical treatment based on religious beliefs. The concept of "spiritual bypassing" is introduced, where religious frameworks are used to explain mental health issues. Professor Awaad shares her unique approach as a dual-trained psychiatrist and theologian.
(00:14:22) Transferring Knowledge to Practitioners
Russ Altman inquires how to transfer Professor Awaad's insights and dual training to other practitioners. The role of her nonprofit, Maristan, in providing training and resources is highlighted. The development of integrated psychotherapy models and training is discussed.
(00:17:09) Common Threads in Different Faiths
The discussion explores commonalities in mental health challenges and solutions across Abrahamic faiths. The potential for sharing insights and strategies among different religious communities is emphasized.
(00:19:19) The Impact of COVID-19 on Muslim Mental Health
The challenges faced by the Muslim community during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during Ramadan, are discussed. Professor Awaad shares findings from a global study on Muslims' mental health perceptions during the pandemic.
(00:23:00) Maristan: A Place of Healing
The nonprofit organization Maristan is introduced, and its name's historical significance is explained. The role of Maristan in integrating spirituality and mental health care is discussed, along with its goal of making mental health care more accessible to all communities. While modern languages have introduced alternative terms for hospitals, the historical terminology persists in some regions.
(00:25:10) Bringing Holistic Healing to Modern Medicine
Russ Altman discusses the concept of healing centers and the need to reintroduce holistic healing into modern medicine. Professor Awaad shares her vision of Maristans serving as a model for modern healthcare, emphasizing holistic care for the mind, body, and soul.
(00:27:21) Maristans: A Model for Holistic Healing
Russ Altman reflects on the patient's desire for holistic care and the limitations of current medical practices. Professor Awaad describes the architectural and therapeutic aspects of Maristans, highlighting their use of water fountains, greenery, acoustics, and sound therapy. The contrast between Maristans and historical asylums/prisons for the mentally ill is discussed.
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>>
How social media can help gauge societal health
The Future of Everything
04/07/22 • 27 min
Are U.S. adults happy? Sad? Depressed? One can answer these questions by calling thousands of people and surveying their psychological state, a strategy that’s both costly and time-consuming. But with the help of machine learning and artificial intelligence, you can also measure a population’s well-being by turning to social media platforms and tracking what millions of people are talking about.
In this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything, computational social scientist Johannes Eichstaedt and host, bioengineer Russ Altman, discuss how social media can be used to gauge a population’s psychological state, including how events like COVID-19 have impacted well-being. They also discuss how social media has the potential to work as an early warning system for public health crises to help cities and counties deploy resources where they’re most needed. Listen and subscribe here.
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does The Future of Everything have?
The Future of Everything currently has 318 episodes available.
What topics does The Future of Everything cover?
The podcast is about Mathematics, Podcasts, Technology, Science, Arts and Engineering.
What is the most popular episode on The Future of Everything?
The episode title 'Best of: The future of exercise' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Future of Everything?
The average episode length on The Future of Everything is 29 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Future of Everything released?
Episodes of The Future of Everything are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Future of Everything?
The first episode of The Future of Everything was released on Feb 11, 2017.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ