Episodes

  • Ep 20 | The Future Unveiled: The grftf Podcast Season Finale
    May 1 2024

    In the season finale of The grftf Podcast, host Misha da Vinci reflects on her insightful discussions with a diverse set of guests including brilliant authors, genius technologists, neuroscientists, policy experts and other leading thinkers. This episode provides a recap of the most impactful moments, covering a wide range of topics from neurotechnology, the evolution of AI, the ethics of big tech, AI policy, and privacy rights, to dark matter and the multiverse, and much more. Misha's journey from a human potential coach to a tech thinker and influencer highlights the crucial relationship between humans and technology in shaping the future. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and mastering our relationship with technology, aiming to make technology our servant, not our master. As the season concludes, Misha teases the next season's focus on solutions to current technological and societal problems and the potential of neuroscience in personal development.

    00:00 Season Finale: Reflecting on a Journey of Discovery

    01:09 Embracing Technology: The New Frontier of Human Potential

    01:34 The grftf Podcast: A Beacon for the Future

    02:06 Exploring the Neural Interface: The Future of Interaction with Nita Farahany

    04:38 The Plurality of Futures: A Conversation with Tracey Follows

    05:49 Containing Big Tech: Insights from Tom Kemp

    08:19 The Allure of the Multiverse: A Dive into Physics with Paul Halpern

    11:02 AI's Trajectory and Big Tech's Dominance: A Discussion with Amba Kak

    14:22 Demanding Privacy Accountability: Daniel Solove's Perspective

    19:43 The Optimistic Future: Rohit Bhargava's Vision

    21:32 The Cognitive Age: John Nosta on AI and Human Thought

    23:35 Smart Cities: Balancing Technology and Humanity with John Lorinc

    25:48 Dr. Jennifer Sciubba on Demography in the 21st century, Preparing for an Aging Society & Workforce Resilience

    28:00 The Impact of VR on Cultural Appreciation and Empathy with Alvin Wang Graylin

    30:00 Navigating the Data-Driven World with Wendy Wong

    32:19 The Rise of AI in the Workplace: An Investigative Look with Hilke Schellmann

    35:34 Meditation and Creativity with Will Cady

    41:56 The Neuroscience of You with Chantel Prat

    44:46 Innovative Education with Ana Lorena Fabrega

    46:03 Techno-Social Engineering and the Future with Brett Frischmann

    48:26 Season Recap and Looking Ahead to Season Two

    Misha da Vinci is a futurologist and founder of grftf, a tech & media brand that is focused on preparing humanity for the future.

    Connect with Misha:

    Newsletter: https://mishadavinci.substack.com/

    Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mishadavinci

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    49 mins
  • Ep 19 | Will Humans Become Machines in the Future? — Professor Brett Frischmann
    Apr 24 2024

    In this episode, Misha and Professor Brett Frischmann discuss how technology is re-engineering humanity. They cover a wide range of topics including the current techno-social landscape, how techno-social engineering works, the Human Focused Turing Test, how user interface design decisions shape what we want and what we think we want, why engineering the world for happiness is a bad idea, how to detect if you’re becoming a machine, and more.

    “This episode will change everything you think you know about yourself.”

    00:00 Rethinking the Turing Test: A New Perspective

    02:51 Introducing Brett Frischmann

    06:08 Brett's Diverse Academic Journey

    20:19 The Human Impact of Techno-Social Engineering

    25:05 Reverse Turing Test: Evaluating Human & Machine Similarities

    28:11 The Dangers and Potentials of Techno-Social Engineering

    37:18 Challenging the Notion of Engineered Happiness

    47:53 The Role of Technology in Shaping Human Preferences

    51:13 Understanding Nudging in the Digital Age

    53:20 The Influence of Digital Environments on Behavior

    54:22 The Pitfalls of E-Contracting and Digital Agreements

    56:33 The Evolution of Contract Law in the Digital Age

    59:03 The Power Dynamics of Digital Contracting

    01:00:05 Reconfiguring Society Through Techno-Social Systems

    01:00:32 Challenging the Dominance of Big Tech

    01:02:43 The Role of Large Language Models in Shaping Humanity

    01:09:19 The Importance of Commons in a Techno-Social World

    01:25:38 Building a Future: Governance, Commons, and Technological Balance

    01:40:02 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

    Connect with Professor Brett Frischmann

    The book: Re-Engineering Humanity Home | Re-Engineering Humanity (reengineeringhumanity.com)

    TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/SgbC3hmhHAU?si=WyoneUU5zY8WgoKn

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrettFrischmann

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-frischmann-2592a616/

    Misha da Vinci is a futurologist & tech writer. She is the founder of grftf, a tech & media brand that is focused on getting humanity ready for the future.

    Connect with Misha

    The grftf Newsletter (a free life-changing newsletter): https://mishadavinci.substack.com/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci

    Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

    YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mishadavinci

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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • Ep 18 | Rethinking Education, Lessons to Unlearn, Become a Generalist, & More — Ana Lorena Fábrega
    Apr 17 2024

    This is a super cool and thought-provoking episode about new approaches to education. Misha da Vinci and edupreneur Ana Lorena Fábrega explore ways to transform schools so that students cultivate real-world skills, learn resilience and how to embrace challenges, and are prepared for an unpredictable future. They discuss how adults can keep learning no matter their age, especially given the need to adapt to the fast-changing world. They advocate for becoming generalists, leveraging technology wisely, and prioritizing lifelong learning. Ana's experiences visiting alternative schools worldwide shed light on practical methods for encouraging individuality and original thought and aim to inspire a shift towards more adaptive and enriching learning environments.

    00:43 Introducing the grftf Podcast with Misha da Vinci

    01:11 Meet Ana Lorena Fábrega: A Journey from Traditional Educator to Edupreneur

    12:57 The Synthesis School: Revolutionizing Education

    22:44 The Future of Education: Blending Traditional and Innovative Approaches

    33:53 Unlearning to Succeed: Lessons for Adults

    39:31 The Power of Embracing Failure

    40:31 Unlearning the Need to Fit In

    42:36 Rethinking Instruction: Fostering Initiative and Curiosity

    44:35 Navigating the Future: The Importance of Questioning and Adaptability

    46:30 The Dangers of Social Media and Technology on Young Minds

    57:11 Embracing Generalism in the Age of AI

    01:07:38 The Journey of Lifelong Learning and Curiosity

    01:08:53 Exploring Alternative Education Models

    Connect with Ana

    Website: https://afabrega.com/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnaLorenaFabregaMsFab

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/anafabrega11

    Get Ana's book The Learning Game: https://tr.ee/hCnrT6YZ4g


    Misha da Vinci is a futurologist & tech writer. She is the founder of grftf, a tech & media brand that is focused on getting humanity ready for the future.

    Connect with Misha

    The grftf Newsletter (a free life-changing newsletter): https://mishadavinci.substack.com/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mishadavinci

    Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Ep 17 | Your Unique Brain, Adapting to Exponential Change, Fostering Curiosity, & More — Cognitive Neuroscientist Chantel Prat
    Apr 10 2024

    Misha and cognitive neuroscientist Chantel Prat explore the brain's plasticity, the impact of experiences (both real and imagined), and the importance of individual cognitive differences in adapting to an AI-dominated future. The episode emphasizes the need to understand our brains, foster curiosity, and maintain a strong sense of self. The discussion also touches on practical advice for future readiness, including mindful consumption of information and self-knowledge training to leverage personal learning styles. With an eye towards personal growth, this conversation underscores the dynamic nature of individual development, advocating for a mindset of adaptability and continuous personal evolution in navigating the challenges of the 21st century.

    01:49 Meet Chantel Prat: A Journey into Cognitive Neuroscience

    02:45 Understanding Our Brains: The Key to Navigating the Future

    02:59 The Human Brain vs. Technology: A Fascinating Comparison

    05:25 The Impact of Fiction and Reality on Our Brains

    07:16 Personal Insights: Chantel Prat's Life and Motivations

    10:44 Exploring Consciousness and the Limits of Artificial Intelligence

    22:54 The Brain's Role in Shaping Our Reality and Beliefs

    36:38 The Dangers of Digital Echo Chambers and Brainwashing

    40:10 Taking Control: Understanding and Protecting Our Brains

    42:55 Exploring the Human Brain's Quest for Success

    44:12 The Influence of Technology and Information on Success

    44:43 Understanding Brain Hijacking and Control

    45:20 Reclaiming Personal Definitions of Success

    45:58 Political Influence on Personal Beliefs and Success

    47:28 The Power of Identity and Learning in Shaping Success

    49:27 Diving Deep into Focus: Automatic vs. Controlled Attention

    56:54 The Importance of Adaptability in an Exponentially Changing World

    01:02:25 Harnessing the Power of Curiosity for Learning and Adaptation

    01:07:12 Fostering Curiosity: A Key to Navigating Change

    01:18:22 Building Effective Teams with Diverse Brains and Perspectives

    01:23:19 Future-Proofing Ourselves: Responsible Information Consumption


    Connect with Chantel Prat

    Website: https://www.chantelprat.com/

    Get The Neuroscience of You https://www.chantelprat.com/book.html

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantel-prat-a5296b4

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/chantelpratphd


    Misha da Vinci is a futurologist & tech writer. She is the founder of grftf, a tech & media brand that is focused on getting humanity ready for the future.

    Connect with Misha

    The grftf Newsletter (a free life-changing newsletter): https://mishadavinci.substack.com/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci

    Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Ep 16 | Unlock Your Potential, Master AI, & Be Ready for the Future with Misha da Vinci
    Apr 3 2024

    In this episode, host Misha da Vinci answers listener questions about technology, creativity, and prepping for the future. She emphasizes being adaptable, innovative, and entrepreneurial in a world rapidly changed by technology. Misha gives her insights on the impact of AI, deepfakes, and the loss of trust online, & she highlights the need for countermeasures. She also talks about the importance of a broad education, understanding technology, and maintaining a moral compass while wielding the power that come from mastery of tech. The ep ends with a positive outlook that emphasizes optimism and creativity as tools for navigating and shaping the future.

    01:22 Why Another Podcast? The Unique Mission of The grftf Podcast

    02:53 Decoding the Podcasts Name: Why is it pronounced grift?

    03:55 AI's Impact: Are We Doomed or Is There Hope?

    07:24 Deep Fakes: Navigating the New Age of Digital Deception

    11:49 What Should Young People Study?

    The OpenAI study that was mentioned: Occupational Heterogeneity in Exposure to Generative AI https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4414065

    19:11 Book Recommendations to Prepare for the Future

    Get the book READ WRITE OWN by Chris Dixon https://readwriteown.com/

    21:15 A Day in the Life of Misha da Vinci: Balancing Work and Passion

    23:48 Essential Advice for Living in 2024: Adaptability, Creativity, and Optimism

    Listen, subscribe, and follow on our YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts. Let's get ready for the future!

    Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.

    Connect with Misha

    The grftf Newsletter (a free life-changing newsletter): https://mishadavinci.substack.com/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci

    Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

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    29 mins
  • Ep 15 | Creativity, Mastering AI, & Staying Human in the Age of Machines with Will Cady
    Mar 27 2024

    Host Misha da Vinci engages in a profound conversation with Will Cady, Reddit's global brand ambassador, about the essence and necessity of creativity in the rapidly evolving future. The discussion delves into Cady's multifaceted role as a musician, marketer, mystic, author, and meditation teacher, underlining his approach to enhancing human creativity and decision-making in personal and professional realms. They cover practical steps to tap into one's creative self, the integration of AI in the creative process, and the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach in the digital age. The episode is enriched with a guided meditation exercise led by Cady, aimed at fostering listener's creativity and readiness for future challenges.

    00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Meditation

    00:30 Welcome to The grftf Podcast: A Dive into Creativity

    01:00 Exploring Creativity with Will Cady

    01:34 Will Cady's Multifaceted Journey: From Music to Meditation

    02:50 Embracing Multiple Identities and Staying True to Oneself

    04:46 The Power of Context in Shaping Identity

    06:11 Will Cady's Roots: Growing Up in a Countercultural Household

    07:57 Navigating the Sameness of the Internet Era

    08:58 Creativity as a Counter to Digital Overload

    25:47 The Human Element in Creativity and Mistakes

    29:23 Harnessing Technology as Scaffolding for Human Potential

    32:22 Exploring the Depths of Creativity and Spatial Design

    32:45 The Power of Creativity: From Books to Emotional Landscapes

    34:56 Harnessing Creativity and the Role of Technology

    37:00 A Guided Meditation to Unlock Creative Potential

    44:22 Creativity in the Workplace: A New Approach to Wellness

    47:21 The Magic of Collective Creativity and Meditation

    53:37 Navigating the Future with AI and Creativity

    58:58 Extended Reality and Immersive Experiences: A New Frontier

    01:01:24 Simple Practices to Enhance Creativity and Connection

    01:03:24 Looking Ahead: Personal Journeys and Creative Adventures

    Connect with Will Cady

    Get the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/731274/which-way-is-north-by-will-cady/

    Will's website: https://www.will-cady.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willcady

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willcady

    Listen, subscribe, and follow on our YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts. Let's get ready for the future!

    Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.

    Connect with Misha

    The GRFTF Newsletter (a free life-changing newsletter): https://mishadavinci.substack.com/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci

    Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep 14 | The New World of Work: How AI Hires, Monitors, & Fires with Hilke Schellmann
    Mar 20 2024

    Misha and Emmy award-winning investigative reporter Hilke Schellmann explore the profound impact of AI on the job hiring process and employee management. They discuss the growing prevalence of AI in screening resumes, conducting video interviews, and making employment decisions in various companies, including the procedures that lead to biases and potentially unfair employment practices. The conversation also offers tangible strategies for job seekers to navigate this AI-dominated landscape, such as optimizing resumes for AI, utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT for interview preparation, and directly engaging with recruiters to bypass AI screening. The episode underscores the importance of understanding and combating the impersonal aspects of AI in hiring, pushing for a balance between automation and the human facets of employment, such as loyalty and passion for the work. The conversation is framed around Schellmann's research and her book 'The Algorithm: How AI Decides Who Gets Hired, Monitored, Promoted, and Fired and Why We Need to Fight Back,' urging a reevaluation of AI's role in society and work.

    00:00 The Rise of AI in Hiring: An Overview

    02:48 Introducing Hilke Schellmann

    03:37 Hilke's Journey: From Philosophy to Investigative Journalism

    11:58 Exploring the Impact of AI on Hiring and Work Culture

    16:37 The Flaws and Biases of AI in Recruitment

    23:57 Rethinking Hiring: The Need for a More Holistic Approach

    31:59 The Future of Hiring: Innovations and Ethical Considerations

    39:42 The Algorithmic Influence on Job Searches

    40:40 Gender Disparities in Job Applications

    41:36 The Role of Algorithms in Job Recommendations

    42:51 Encouraging Diversity Through Algorithmic Changes

    44:22 Exploring AI in Recruitment: Gamified Assessments

    47:25 The Impact of AI on Hiring and Workplace Diversity

    51:20 AI-Based Video Interviews: A New Hiring Trend

    58:35 The Controversial Use of AI in Employee Monitoring

    01:08:06 Navigating the Algorithm-Mediated World of Work

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Connect with Hilke Schellmann

    Website: https://www.hilkeschellmann.com/

    The book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/hilke-schellmann/the-algorithm/9780306827341/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilkeschellmann/

    Listen, subscribe, and follow on our YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts. Let's get ready for the future!

    Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.

    Connect with Misha

    The GRFTF Newsletter (a free life-changing newsletter): https://mishadavinci.substack.com/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci

    Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Ep 13 | In Case You Missed It: Mid-Season Recap of The grftf Podcast
    Mar 13 2024

    This episode of The grftf Podcast, hosted by Misha da Vinci, compiles thought-provoking clips from previous episodes. You’ll learn about: Gen Z's willingness to trust technology more than themselves, the evil of Big Tech, workplace surveillance, smart cities, human relationships & technology, and the impact of AI & XR on education and healthcare.

    Experts across various fields share their insights on how technology affects society, the economy, and individual privacy, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges posed by rapid technological advancements.

    The episode emphasizes the importance of embracing future technologies responsibly while advocating for data literacy and active participation in shaping a tech-enabled future.

    01:30 GenZ's Surrender to Technology – Tracey Follows

    03:12 The Dark Side of Big Tech's Dominance – Tom Kemp

    06:37 The Data Surveillance/Data Collection We Face – Daniel Solove

    12:18 Workplace Surveillance of Your Brain – Nita Farahany

    18:07 The Need for Data Literacy in a Data-Driven World – Wendy H. Wong

    22:03 How Big Tech Dominates AI – Amba Kak

    25:36 Smart Cities & Hundreds of Millions of Hidden Sensors – John Lorinc

    30:49 Gender Preferences, Tech & the Future of Human Relationships – Jennifer Sciubba

    39:40 Education & Healthcare Innovations: The Promise of AI and XR – Alvin W. Graylin

    42:03 The Transformative Power of Large Language Models – John Nosta

    46:29 Embracing the Future: Advice for the Next Generation & Everyone Else – Rohit Bhargava

    These are the full episode titles in clip order:

    Ep 2 | Who Will You Be in the Future — Tracey Follows

    Ep 3 | Controlling Our Toxic Relationship with Big Tech — Tom Kemp

    Ep 6 | AI, Digital Dossiers, & Our Lost Right to Privacy — Daniel Solove

    Ep 1 | Neurotechnology, Brain Transparency, & the Fight for Cognitive Freedom — Nita Farahany

    Ep 12 | AI & the Datafication of Our Everyday Lives — Wendy Wong

    Ep 5 | Whoever Owns AI Controls the Future — Amba Kak

    Ep 9 | The Rise of Smart Cities and How to Get Ready — John Lorinc

    Ep 10 | Population Changes & What the World Looks Like in the Future — Jennifer Sciubba

    Ep 11 | AI, the Metaverse, & Our Next Reality – Alvin Graylin

    Ep 8 | AI, Super Reality, & the Cognitive Age —John Nosta

    Ep 7 | The Future Normal: AI, Innovations, & Trends — Rohit Bhargava

    Listen, subscribe, and follow on our YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts. Let's get ready for the future!

    Misha da Vinci is a futurologist, tech thinker, and writer.

    Connect with Misha:

    The GRFTF Newsletter (a free life-changing newsletter): https://mishadavinci.substack.com/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/mishadavinci

    Website: https://www.mishadavinci.com/

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    49 mins