Trailblazers with Walter Isaacson

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We tell the unexpected stories of digital disruption. Listen in as Walter Isaacson, digital revolution expert, explores the unknown drama behind some of the world’s biggest digital disruptions, the daring trailblazers willing to think differently, and the lessons learned along the way. Brought to yo…

Dell Technologies


    • Mar 13, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 29m AVG DURATION
    • 119 EPISODES

    4.8 from 489 ratings Listeners of Trailblazers with Walter Isaacson that love the show mention: trailblazers, dell, digital disruption, disrupted, walter, kodak, banking, relevance, innovation, keen, love these stories, well narrated, industries, great storyteller, technology, keep 'em coming, topics covered, business podcast, connections, built.


    Ivy Insights

    The Trailblazers with Walter Isaacson podcast is a truly remarkable show that combines captivating storytelling with thorough research. Professor Isaacson serves as the perfect host, with his calm and engaging voice drawing listeners in from the very beginning. The podcast stands out among others in its domain, offering concise and pertinent episodes that leave a lasting impact.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Professor Isaacson's ability to connect different subjects and weave them together into a cohesive narrative. His storytelling skills are second to none, making each episode both educational and entertaining. Whether it's delving into business history or exploring the world of product development, every topic is tackled with depth and insight.

    Another standout aspect of The Trailblazers with Walter Isaacson is the high level of production value. The podcast is well-structured, informative, and professionally produced. It's clear that a great deal of care and attention to detail goes into each episode, from the selection of guests to the thoughtful research that underpins every discussion. Furthermore, the music level is carefully balanced so as not to disrupt sleep for those who listen before bed.

    In terms of drawbacks, one could argue that there are not enough episodes available. Given the quality and depth of each topic covered, it would be wonderful to have more content to dive into on a regular basis. However, it's worth acknowledging that the time and effort put into creating each episode is evident, so it's understandable why there might be some limitations in terms of frequency.

    In conclusion, The Trailblazers with Walter Isaacson podcast is an outstanding show that offers a unique blend of storytelling and historical facts. Professor Isaacson proves himself to be an exceptional storyteller who engages listeners from start to finish. With its well-researched content and top-notch production value, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in history, science, or business innovation.



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    Latest episodes from Trailblazers with Walter Isaacson

    Encore - Formula 1: The Race to Keep Pace

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 25:55


    Walter Isaacson and guests engage in a fast-paced discussion on the history of Formula One, featuring stories from drivers, technicians and the scientists behind the auto industry's biggest breakthroughs.

    Encore - Dating: Be Mine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 26:44


    Finding love has evolved as we have. In this episode, we take a look back at the way we find, attract and pursue lifelong partnerships. It's time to get in your feelings, as we explore how technology is disrupting the very nature of our nature.

    Encore - Fitness: Working Out While Staying In

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 30:19


    Exercise is essential to increasing our lifespan, health and mood. With recent technological advancements, there's no need to leave the comfort of your living room to feel the burn. On the latest episode of Trailblazers, we weigh all the different options available to someone looking to take their workout somewhere new.

    Encore - Toys: Toy To The World

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 31:39


    The toy industry has a long history, but only really became a technology-heavy omnipresence since the 1970s. In this episode, see how toy manufacturers have adapted digital – or not – to win the battle for children's attention.

    Encore - Home Cooking: Technology Worth Savoring

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 27:38


    Walter Isaacson asks: how did we go from inventing fire to the Instant Pot? How much different is cooking from its genesis tens of thousands of years ago? And just what does a microwave have to do with weaponry?

    Encore - Wellness: Knowing Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 35:33


    What do we mean when we talk about wellness, and why do people want it so badly? In this episode, we dive deep into this sometimes-nebulous field, talking to practitioners who spend their time helping people become well.

    Encore - Education: Head of the Class

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 32:37


    From the blackboard to bots, technology has made inroads into classrooms all over the world. Where will the next innovation in education come from? We take you to the head of the class in this episode.

    Encore - Ice Cream: Innovation on Ice

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 32:33


    Throughout the world and throughout history, you can find evidence of cultures enjoying cold desserts—precursors to the ice cream we love today. The desire to keep food cold led to the creation of European wine slushies in 1558 and to the transportation of ice from New England to the Caribbean in 1806. Soon enough, advances in production, serving and shipping methods made ice cream popular and more readily available throughout the United States. Through Prohibition, war and beyond, enterprising people continued to innovate with new flavors, mix-ins and ice cream making machines. Now, a new generation of entrepreneurs are helping ensure there's an ice cream for everyone to enjoy. Get the scoop on this episode of Trailblazers. Featuring Jeri Quinzio, Judy Herrell, Ben Cohen, Ben Van Leeuwen and Ryan Pandya. 

    Rebroadcast - Meat: Break a 2.5 Million Year Old Habit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 27:33


    The human obsession with meat has never wavered from prehistoric times until now. However, this food once reserved for the rich and powerful has led to global problems of an unprecedented scope and has exacerbated climate change in a way that few other industries have. Finding a way to break our reliance on animal-based meat is one of the top challenges of the day, and Trailblazers is taking a deep look into some of the leading candidates for our next protein of choice.

    Rebroadcast - Golf: Tee Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 33:13


    This episode originally aired on March 20, 2018.Whether you see golf as an intense, white-knuckle competition, or a leisurely stroll around a course, the game has endured and the magic of the sport keeps growing. In this episode, we'll take a look at how innovations have made golf bigger, better and more accessible than ever before.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Rebroadcast - Parenting: It Takes a Village

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 31:37


    This episode originally aired on August 11, 2021.You've probably heard the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” That's because for most of human history, when it came to child-care, people had the daily support of family, friends and neighbours. Today, that's not the reality for many young parents. Not only that, parents are raising their kids in a much more technologically complex world. So the question becomes, with a smaller support network, how can parents use technology to help raise their children, without letting it get in the way. Featuring Jennifer Traig, Alison Gopnik, Mike Rothman, Dr. Harvey Karp, Jill Gilkerson and Dana Porter. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Visual Effects: Making Magic on the Silver Screen

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 30:30


     The 1902 film "A Trip to the Moon," is considered one of the earliest films to incorporate visual effects. Using double exposure stop motion animation, director George Méliès created the iconic image of a rocket skip flying directly into the Moon's eye. This ingenious bit of visual trickery helped pave the way for the groundbreaking and award winning effects we seen in many of our favorite movies.Today, CGI, motion capture technology and infrared cameras are pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the big screen. Hear how on this episode of Trailblazers.Featuring Craig Barron, John Dykstra, Dennis Muren, Eric Saindon and Pablo Helman.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Prediction: Seeing the Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 30:45


    In the early twentieth century, Evangeline Adams was the most famous fortune teller in America. Kings, actors and even bankers came to her for predictions. Though Adams was an astrologer, she wasn't the only one predicting the future at the time. Government agencies started making predictions about the weather. As the years went by, science fiction writers and scientists predicted space travel, wind farms, hormone replacement therapy and more.Today, we're trying to predict the future of buyer behavior, the Earth's climate and health outcomes. But instead of relying on the stars, researchers use predictive models and deep learning algorithms. From the fate of our planet to what an individual will buy online to what crimes will occur next week, there's almost no limit to the questions many are trying to answer using artificial intelligence. Hear what's in the cards for predictions on this episode of Trailblazers.Featuring Jamie Pietruska, Bill Behrens, Eric Siegel, Aaron Andalman, Ben Reis and Ishanu Chattopadhyay.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Board Games: A Winning Strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2023 32:39


    Since its release in 1935, Monopoly has been translated into 37 languages and is played in more than 103 countries around the globe. It's arguably the world's most famous board game. But this iconic pastime we now associate with cutthroat capitalism had a very different message when it was first conceived. In fact, it was only transformed into the version of Monopoly we know today because the rules were tweaked and customized as it passed from person to person in the first few decades following its conception. Today, the same crowdsourced feedback that helped create Monopoly, has helped usher in a board game renaissance. Crowdfunding and digital game platforms have reinvigorated the industry and given enthusiasts a hand in developing the games they love. Learn how our digital hive mind is improving how we play on this episode of Trailblazers. Featuring Philip Orbanes, Guido Teuber, Jonathan Ritter-Roderick, Marcin Swierkot and Davide Garofalo.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Memory: The Science of How We Remember

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 29:10


    In 1933, a seven year old boy named Henry Molaison was knocked down by a passing bicycle. Shortly after, he started getting seizures. To fix the seizures, Henry underwent experimental brain surgery. Unfortunately, the procedure left him with amnesia from which he would never recover. Henry's tragedy was a critical turning point for brain science and helped us discover the complex functions of learning and memory. Today, there is still much that we don't know about memory, but there is exciting research underway exploring how damaged memories can be repaired and even how painful memories might, one day, be erased. Learn about the science of memory and forgetting on this episode of Trailblazers. Featuring Lisa Genova, Dan Schacter, Joshua Foer, James McGaugh, Daniela Schiller and Robert Hampson.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Birth: Giving Life to Innovation

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 33:06


    In the Middle Ages, women in labor could ask for a special birthing stone to help reduce the pain. While this was likely ineffective, pain reduction techniques and the midwives who practiced them were often suspected of witchcraft. We've come a long way since then but when it comes to pregnancy and labor but, just as in the past, there are still many challenges for those giving birth. Hear how advances in medicine and midwifery have improved the experience of labor and increased women's choice for how they give birth. And learn how companies use technology and collaboration to expand access to prenatal care to strengthen the relationship between doctors and midwives on this episode of Trailblazers.   Featuring Tina Cassidy, Ina May Gaskin, Jenny Joy, Kypros Nicolaides, Ryan Kraudel and Ila Dayananda. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Social Media: Keeping Up with Communities

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2022 30:17


    Since the 1970s, people have been using digital tech to share information and connect with others. As times changed and more people gained access to computers and the internet, social networking technology changed too. Now, social networking has been replaced with social media and networks with large corporate platforms. Despite the ubiquity of these platforms, some of their earliest employees are creating new decentralized, open-sourced networks in an effort to bring the humanity back to social media. As the big platforms face new challenges, the future of social media is still being written. Featuring Kevin Driscoll, Andrew Weinreich, Evan Henshaw-Plath, David Kirkpatrick and Tristan Harris.  

    Ice Cream: Innovation on Ice

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2022 31:47


    Throughout the world and throughout history, you can find evidence of cultures enjoying cold desserts—precursors to the ice cream we love today. The desire to keep food cold led to the creation of European wine slushies in 1558 and to the transportation of ice from New England to the Caribbean in 1806.  Soon enough, advances in production, serving and shipping methods made ice cream popular and more readily available throughout the United States. Through Prohibition, war and beyond, enterprising people continued to innovate with new flavors, mix-ins and ice cream making machines. Now, a new generation of entrepreneurs are helping ensure there's an ice cream for everyone to enjoy. Get the scoop on this episode of Trailblazers.Featuring Jeri Quinzio, Judy Herrell, Ben Cohen, Ben Van Leeuwen and Ryan Pandya. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Nutrition: A Recipe For Good Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 31:34


    In 1753 a Scottish doctor named James Lind published Treatise of the Scurvy where he named oranges and lemons as cures for the disease. However, it wasn't until 1912 when researcher Casimir Funk published The Etiology of Deficiency Diseases, introducing the concept of illness as a result of something lacking in the body, a concept unknown during Lind's initial study of scurvy.  Since then, major vitamins and their health effects were discovered and recommendations for vitamin intake were made. But as we learn more about how certain foods and nutrients interact with the body and even with the specific bacteria in our gut, we gain a greater understanding of nutrition and what it takes to be well. Gain insight into what's on your plate and in your body on this episode of Trailblazers.  Featuring Dariush Mozaffarian, Marion Nestle, T. Colin Campbell, Lee Chae and Tim Spector. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Dentistry: An Oral History of Disruption

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 29:56


    Ashes, burnt eggshells, stale toast and chalk. These are just some of the ingredients used to make toothpaste throughout the centuries. And though civilizations have always been concerned with oral hygiene, the methods they used to treat dental problems weren't always so effective and were often very painful. With the introduction of dental schools in the United States in the 1840s and through the work of pioneering dentists, dentistry became a legitimate medical practice focused more on prevention and repair. Now, researchers, engineers and business founders are developing new forms of dental treatments and new tools that will hopefully make quality dental care more accessible and affordable and even create truly regenerative and preventative solutions. Hear all about these innovations on this toothsome episode of Trailblazers.   Featuring Mary Otto, Adam Celiz, Swati Nehete, Max Lobovsky and Michel Koo. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Tattoos: Innovation in Ink

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2022 31:16


    Though evidence of tattooing exists worldwide in the remains of many Indigenous cultures, it was only in about the 18th century when sailors brought tattoos to Europe. The practice spread as sailors who learned to tattoo on ships began to open storefronts on land.Now, tattoos have sailed into the mainstream thanks to the efforts of many. Tattooists aren't just visionary artists, they're innovators who seized opportunities to further their craft through technology, advanced sanitation practices and the development of new colors and safer pigments. Now, social media both inspires artists and provides them with platforms to share their work with clients and the world. But beyond being wearable art, tattoos could give us the opportunity to monitor health conditions through biosensors in the skin. Needleless tattoos could even be a possibility. The ink hasn't dried on the future of this artform. Hear why on this episode of Trailblazers. Featuring Chuck Eldridge, Shanghai Kate, Omar Fame Gonzalez, David Fernandez Rivas and Katia Vega. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Sports Officiating: Changing The Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2022 29:24


    Video replay, tracking technology and new software in sports have the power to make calls quickly, eliminate arguments between players and officials and add speed and excitement back into centuries-old games. As officiating technology continues to evolve, professional leagues and officials weigh the potential for improvement and accuracy with the spirit of the game. Is this a competition between humans and tech—or are they on the same team? Listen to find out.Featuring Tom Webb, Howard Webb, Paul Hawkins, Morgan Sword and Steve Javie.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Festivals: Amped Up Experiences

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 30:20


    Over four days in 1969, more than half a million people gathered on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York for what would become known as one of the most legendary music festivals of all time—Woodstock. Though festivals had been celebrated since antiquity, Woodstock helped cement the music festival as an important part of North American culture and a thriving industry. Hear how new ideas, technology and design have transformed festivals into the immersive experiences they are today while providing spaces for human belonging and community. Featuring Joel Rosenman, Gina Arnold, Christina McBride, Stephen Lieberman and Dede Flemming. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Retirement: A New Way of Living

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2022 29:30


    Until the middle of the 20th century, most American workers didn't have the opportunity to plan for a long and fruitful retirement. But as life expectancy increased, government and employer policies changed and retirement communities developed, retirement at age 65 became another ritual of American life.Now as Americans live even longer, healthier lives, senior citizens are revolutionizing this facet of modern existence. Some choose to work into their 70s while others pursue new activities and learning opportunities. Though change might bring challenges as more seniors stay in the workforce, new ways of thinking around age and new technologies offer different approaches to community and connection. Join Walter Isaacson and guests as they rethink life after 65.Featuring Andy Achenbaum, Joe Coughlin, Chip Conley, Katie McCamant and Dor Skuler. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Emergency Response: The Science of How We Deal with Disasters

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2022 30:09


    Since ancient times, humans have balanced the risks of settling in hazardous places with the benefits of the resources and opportunities they provide. Though we've created thriving communities all over the world, we're still threatened by floods, fires, earthquakes and more. Thanks to climate change, these risks are expected to increase over time. Over the centuries, many individuals and organizations responded to disaster with innovation. They changed how we build our cities, how we equip first responders and even how we predict disasters. Our approaches to emergency response evolve with information and ideas that help us save lives and prepare for what's next.  Join host Walter Isaacson and guests as they uncover what forces led to today's emergency response methods and what drives the innovations of tomorrow on this episode of Trailblazers.  Featuring Matthew Hannaford, Craig Fugate, Ahmad Wani, Robin Murphy and Sam Cossman.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers/ 

    Running: Making Strides

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 29:46


    Many believe humans were born to run. It's our evolutionary advantage over other mammals. But were we really meant to run over  25 miles in a single race? Though the modern marathon got its start in 1896, almost a century passed before long distance running really took off in the mainstream. It took athletes willing to push their bodies to the limit, defy the conventions of the day and standardize racecourses to help running reach its stride.Now with over a million people running marathons each year, researchers, athletic wear companies and elite runners are looking for new ways to break records and run longer and faster with fewer injuries. In the race to the future of sport, how will technology and data impact the next generation of runners?Find out on this episode of Trailblazers. Featuring Roger Robinson, Jos Hermens, Gary Corbitt, Kathrine Switzer, Wouter Hoogkamer and  Reed Ferber.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers/  

    Weddings: To Have and to Hold

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2022 29:57


    The first recorded evidence of weddings comes from ancient Mesopotamia around 2350 B.C. In those days, marriage was a strategic, political alliance that expanded a tribe's circle of trust and resources. Later, marriages became so economically important that they needed to be recognized publicly—often by throwing a huge party. As the middle class grew and ideas around marriage changed, so too did wedding customs.  Famous royals from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana influenced wedding fashions the way social media, influencers and reality television do today. And as happy couples plan their dream celebrations, they're helped not only by vision boards but also by the planners, wedding professionals and small businesses that comprise this $300 billion dollar a year industry. So if you're looking for “I do” inspiration or just curious about the origins and innovations behind these age-old celebrations, get ready to lift the veil on this episode of Trailblazers.  Featuring Stephanie Coontz, Chloe Schachter, David Tutera and Hamish Shephard. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    City Planning: Design for Daily Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 30:53


    The world's first cities sprung up around 6,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia. Since then, many men and women have influenced their planning and design. William Penn believed a grid of wide streets with intersecting right angles would help prevent overcrowding, fire and disease. Norman Bel Geddes and Robert Moses imagined and planned cities shaped by cars. Jane Jacobs championed walkable, community-centered cities. Now, countries like India are planning to build hundreds of smart cities where sensors gather all kinds of data. As cities endure ups and downs, growth and change, what can we expect from their design and what have we learned by the urban planning movements of the past? Join host Walter Isaacson and guests as they map the past, present and future of the urban centers so many people call home. Featuring Ed Glaeser, Emily Talen, Andres Duany, Jeff Speck and Anthony Townsend. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers/

    Coffee: Brewing Innovation

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 30:16


    For centuries, people have relied on coffee to fuel innovative ideas, revolutionary movements, and everyday morning routines. But how did we go from foraging coffee cherries in ancient Ethiopian forests to standing in line at a hipster café ordering a triple venti, half sweet, non-fat, no foam caramel latte? And is the next big disruption to this $100-billion industry a molecularly reconstructed bean-less brew? Get an inside look at your cup of joe on a new episode of Trailblazers.  Featuring Jonathan Morris, Zev Siegl, Kent Bakke, Trish Rothgeb and Jarret Stopforth.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Subscriptions: Everything-as-a-Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 28:59


    If you spend your day listening to music on Spotify while you work and then go home and relax with a movie on Netflix while perusing what meal kit you'll order for dinner tomorrow, then, whether you know it or not, you're participating in the subscription economy. What many newspaper and magazine publishers have struggled with for centuries is now a successful and growing business model for companies in diverse industries. But how did this model expand from print and software to food and heavy machinery? We chart the course to see why everyone is subscribing to this way of selling. Hear from experts and founders in the space like Tien Tzuo, Marc Randolph, Matthew Wadiak, Robbie Kellman Baxter and Katie Vanneck-Smith.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Pets: Our Closest Companions

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2021 29:25


    Humanity's connection with pets goes back thousands of years. In fact, evidence indicates we've been keeping dogs for at least 14,000 years. Today, more than two-thirds of American households own a pet. We love our fluffy companions and the technology we've developed to adopt, relocate, resurrect and communicate with them is proof that the value of their companionship is immeasurable. Featuring Katherine Grier, Elizabeth Holmes, John Polimeno, Blake Russell and Con Slobodchikoff. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers 

    The Electrical Grid: Keeping the Lights On

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2021 31:16


    The electrical grid is the most important innovation of the 20th century. What started out as a series of micro grids powering small areas eventually grew into what is now widely considered the world's biggest machine. But this machine needs a tune-up. Our energy demands are on the rise and severe weather events caused by climate change are becoming more frequent. Luckily, renewable energy and modern smart technology are helping us reimagine the grid so we can keep the lights on. Hear from from Gretchen Bakke, Peter Asmus, Bryan Hannegan, Andres Carvallo and Gregory Poilasne. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Parenting: It Takes a Village

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 30:37


    You've probably heard the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” That's because for most of human history, when it came to child-care, people had the daily support of family, friends and neighbours. Today, that's not the reality for many young parents. Not only that, parents are raising their kids in a much more technologically complex world. So the question becomes, with a smaller support network, how can parents use technology to help raise their children, without letting it get in the way. Featuring Jennifer Traig, Alison Gopnik, Mike Rothman, Dr. Harvey Karp, Jill Gilkerson and Dana Porter. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers 

    Snacks: Delight in Every Bite

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021 28:59


    Take a look in your pantry. Chances are, there are at least a few different snacks in there right now. Sweet, savory, salty, we all love them all. From the invention of the potato chip bag to high-tech machine-learning algorithms that predict the flavors of the future, snacking and science are deeply intertwined. We talk to experts to find out why we love snacks and what we can expect from the snack foods of tomorrow.Featuring Nadia Berenstein, Howard Moskowitz, Daniel Lubetzky, Heather Daniell and Jason Cohen. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Vaccines: An Injection of Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 33:08


    Vaccines are headline news all over the world these days. The rapid development of several COVID-19 vaccines during the last year has save countless lives. From smallpox and polio to ebola and HPV, scientists have done amazing things to prevent the spread of lethal viruses. But recent advancements in vaccine technology might just change the way we fight disease forever.Hear from some of these researchers, doctors and scientists like Michael Kinch, David Oshinsky, Stanley Plotkin, Ian Frazer, Heinz Feldmann and Stephen Hoge. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Eyesight: Vision's Visionaries

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2021 29:36


    Vision problems have always affected humanity, but until the invention of eyeglasses, there wasn't much that could be done. Now, with lasers, retinal implants, AR, gene therapy and more, we may have the technology it takes to permanently solve many vision problems. Featuring innovators like Mike Marmor, Lisa Nijm, Mark Humayun, Drew Perkins and Jean Bennett.  For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Poverty: Economic Advancement in the Developing World

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 29:22


    Poverty is a challenge facing over one billion people across the globe so, as far as challenges go, this is a big one. So big, it will take a multi-faceted, multi-dimensional set of solutions involving banking, food production, internet access and more. All across the developing world, inspired trailblazers are finding innovative ways to use technology new and old to help lift people out of poverty. Featuring solution builders like William Kamkwamba, Angus Deaton, Ram Kiran Dhulipala, Ken Njoroge, Nivi Sharma and Alexandria Lafci.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Reviews: Empowering the Consumer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2021 32:50


    Before the internet, we largely depended on professional reviewers to tell us what movies to see and products to buy. But consumer review sites and social media changed that. Now we seek out the opinions of other customers. It's almost impossible to buy anything today without seeing thousands of ratings and reviews. But fake reviews are muddying the water. How do we know whose opinion to trust? In this episode, we trace the evolution of the modern review. Featuring Kim Kleeman, Liza Featherstone, R.V. Guha, Patrick Lee, Saoud Khalifah and Marques Brownlee, aka MKBHD. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Sports Medicine: Pushing Ourselves to the Limit

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 31:10


    As long as there have been sports, there have been sports injuries. Sports medicine is relatively new, but the high stakes nature of athletics and the profitability of professional leagues are catalyzing technological innovation in the field. Meet the doctors, scientists, educators and innovators helping predict, prevent and repair injuries so athletes can push themselves to new limits.Featuring experts such as Jack Berryman, Rob Neyer, James Noble, Marcus Elliott and Andy Etches. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers 

    Dan Rather Talks CRISPR with Walter Isaacson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2021 26:18


    CRISPR gene-editing technology has been all over the news lately, and not just because of its application in coronavirus detection and vaccine development. Walter Isaacson's new book, The Code Breaker, tells the story of CRISPR and Nobel Prize winning scientist Jennifer Doudna who helped developed this revolutionary new technology. In this special episode of Trailblazers, world-famous journalist Dan Rather interviews Walter about the past, present and future of CRISPR and its potential to change the future of the human race. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers 

    Recycling: Turning Trash into Treasure

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 29:03


    Recycling used to just be called "scrap metal salvage" and it was thought of as an unsavory practice. That all changed as recently as the 1970s, when it became the curb side amenity it is today and part of a multi-billion-dollar industry. Now, the question isn't can we recycle, but can we recycle everything? Innovators in the field are trying to find out. Find out more about these innovators like Carl Zimring, Tom Szaky, Martin Bourque, Jim Puckett, Peter Christensen and Veena Sahajwalla on an all-new episode of Trailblazers. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers 

    Cryptography: The Key to Sending Secret Messages

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2021 28:35


    For most of human history, cryptography wasn’t part of most people’s lives, unless they were a military commander or spy. But now it's literally in the palm of your hand and everyone else's too. And whether you know it or not, your life wouldn't be the same without it. In this episode, you’ll hear from industry thought leaders and innovators like Andrew Hodges, Steven Levy, Whitfield Diffie, Phil Zimmermann and Alex Stamos.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers 

    Happy Holidays from Trailblazers with Walter Isaacson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2020 1:12


    Happy Holidays from Walter Isaacson! We'll be back in 2021 with more great stories.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Genomics: Rewriting Our Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2020 29:13


    Recombinant DNA. The double helix. Mapping the human genome. You know these are all related to our genes, but you might now know how, or what connects them. In this episode of Trailblazers, we answer those questions while exploring the world of genomics. Gain a deeper understanding of our genetic code and how that knowledge is changing how we think about our health with experts like Hallam Stevens, Glenn Cohen, Rick Myers, Eric Green, Amit Khera and Jennifer Doudna. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Beauty: More Than Skin Deep

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 29:26


    Beauty might only be skin deep, but the rivalry that helped create the industry is much deeper. And today's cosmetics trailblazers are helping reach new depths when it comes to the techniques and technology they're developing, all in the name of beauty care. In this episode, you'll hear from industry innovators and thought leaders like Lindy Woodhead, Gabriela Hernandez, Linda Johnson-Rice, Lauren Luke, Anne Wetter and Parham Aarabi.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers 

    eSports: More Than Just a Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2020 29:10


    With legacy sports leagues drastically modified or on hiatus, something had to step up to take their place. For many, that is eSports. eSports might seem incredibly new but the industry is more storied than you might think and it's already racking up big revenues. This year alone, it's brought in over $1 billion. So what is fuelling this increased interest in competitive gaming? Hear from current and former eSports competitors like Jonathan "Fatality" Wendel, Stephanie "missharvey" Harvey, Daniel "FunnyAstro" Hathaway and those studying this young industry like James Dean, Jon-Paul Dyson and Robert Overweg. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Ocean Exploration: Into the Deep

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2020 29:25


    For most of human history, what goes on under the surface of the ocean has been a complete mystery. A fascinating one, but a mystery nonetheless. In fact, only 20% of the ocean's depths have been explored.But we're developing the technology to finally uncover what lies beneath thanks to innovators like Jacques Cousteau, Sylvia Earle, Mark Dalio and Ron Allum. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Scams: The Oldest Tricks in the Book

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 27:19


    Scams and cons have been around since the dawn of currency. Wherever there is money, there is likely someone trying to get it through illicit means.  Technology, with its corresponding oversharing of personal information, has only made this more prevalent in the recent past. Hear expert insights about the history of scams and how they've evolved from Maria Konnikova, Frank Abagnale, Karl Rock, Joshua Browder and Ken Gamble. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Offices: The Evolving Workplace

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020 29:55


    Office design was originally focused on getting the most productivity out of every worker, but as ideas like creativity and employee satisfaction began to gain prominence, changes needed to be made.And then the 2020 pandemic came along and changed everything.On this episode, you'll hear from Nikil Saval, Ryan Mullinex, Kate Lister, Ben Waber and Tanuj Mohan. These trailblazers are helping create and study the modern workplace.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers 

    Podcasts: A Storytelling Breakthrough

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2020 28:26


    Podcasts are everywhere right now and this new mode of storytelling is only getting more popular. In fact, 73 million Americans now listen to podcasts regularly. How did this happen over such a remarkably short period of time?And, more importantly, what comes next?On this episode of Trailblazers, you'll hear from the people who have shaped the past, present and future of podcasting including Derek Vaillant, Dave Winer, Julie Shapiro, Ben Calhoun, Marshall Williams and Jacob Weisberg.For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers

    Water: A Thirst for Innovation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2020 30:09


    The planet is covered in water, but only three percent is drinkable. One of the biggest challenges facing all of us is finding an affordable way to move, treat and manage the world's water supply. It's not like a solution to the world's water shortage will just appear out of thin air. Or will it? On this episode of Trailblazers, you'll hear from experts working to solve the global water problems, including Seth Siegel, Takashi Kato, Peter Janicki and Zach Fenster. For more on the podcast go to delltechnologies.com/trailblazers 

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