Podcasts about Democratization

Dr. Carter Malkasian joins us to explore how the "democratization of violence"—driven by the availability of assault rifles and explosives—empowered non-state actors and challenged state authority throughout the Cold War. The conversation also addresses the role of Islam in legitimizing non-state violence and how foreign intervention accelerated these trends. Malkasian's latest article, "Wars of the Greater Middle East, 1945–92," is featured in TNSR Volume 9, Issue 1.

The interest in “customer insights” is higher than ever, and more people are interested in both research insights and carrying out research on their own. But, who's making sure research is done well? Therese sits down with Ned Dwyer, CEO and co-founder of Great Question, to talk about the balance between access and rigor in UX research. They discuss the need for democratization charters, how AI is reshaping research roles, and why enabling good research at scale is as much a cultural challenge as it is a technical one.Connect with Ned Dwyer: LinkedInLearn more about Great QuestionSubscribe to Great Question's NewsletterLearn about UX: nngroup.com/learningRelated NN/g Courses & Articles:ResearchOps: Scaling User Research (UX Certification course)Democratize Research in 5 Steps (free article)Democratization of UX (13-min video)

In this episode, Darin sits down with BioHarvest CEO Ilan Sobel, a leader who is redefining the future of plant compounds, human performance, and scalable biotech. Ilan shares the extraordinary origin story of BioHarvest's technology, how a single scientific breakthrough is disrupting global supply chains, and why "democratizing the power of the plant kingdom" has become his life mission. From hydration to longevity molecules to the French Paradox, Ilan reveals how his company is transforming ancient wisdom into modern, clinically validated solutions that can reach the masses.     What You'll Learn 00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:00:32 Sponsor: Thera Sage 00:02:10 Introducing Ilan Sobel (Bio Harvest Sciences) 00:03:37 Electrolyte Solution Powered by Circulation 00:04:37 Vinia's Baseline: Sea Salt, Coconut Water, Marine Magnesium 00:05:36 The Uniqueness of Pi-Seed Resveratrol 00:06:50 Solubility and Bioavailability: Lasting 12 Hours 00:08:48 Overview of Botanical Synthesis Technology and Cell Growth 00:13:58 Vinia's Potency: 1,000 Red Grapes in a Capsule 00:15:31 Why Blood Flow is Critical for Longevity 00:17:23 Increased Blood Flow to the Brain and Mental Alertness 00:19:00 Sponsor: Our Place Cookware 00:21:35 The Abuse of Nature and the Need for Preservation 00:24:15 Overcoming Pharma's Barriers: Consistency, Low Levels, and Patents 00:28:32 Vinia as a Validation of the Technology's Power 00:30:02 Scaling Production: 137 Bioreactors 00:32:21 Scaling Comparison: Manhattan Island's Worth of Resveratrol 00:34:26 Clinical Substantiation and Solubility 00:35:14 The Mechanism: Increasing Nitric Oxide and Reducing ET-1 00:38:33 The "Vinia Difference" - When Consumers Feel the Benefits 00:40:05 Unseen Benefits: Reducing Oxidative Damage 00:41:16 Low Churn Rate and Science-Backed Commitment 00:42:52 Sponsor: Manna Vitality 00:44:46 Commitment to Mission and Customer Reviews as Fuel 00:48:01 Support for First Responders and Veterans 00:51:32 Ilan's Journey to CEO and Unlocking the Gold Mine 00:55:37 The Plan to Build a Second 100-Ton Facility 00:57:12 Democratization and Scaling: Software Economics in Biotech 01:00:21 The French Paradox and Red Wine Connection 01:01:33 Next in DTC: Olive Cells and Forbascoside for Liver Health 01:05:36 New Partnership: Creating a Super Saffron for Cognitive Health 01:13:02 Partnership with Tate & Lyle for Non-Nutritive Sweeteners 01:16:11 The Movement of Change and Legacy for Future Generations 01:18:52 Introducing the Vinia Blood Flow Hydration Stick Packs     Thank You to Our Sponsors Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Go to their website at fromourplace.com/darin and get 35% off sitewide in their largest sale of the year. Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/ and use code DARIN12 for 12% off your order.     Join the SuperLife Community Get Darin's deeper wellness breakdowns — beyond social media restrictions: Weekly voice notes Ingredient deep dives Wellness challenges Energy + consciousness tools Community accountability Extended episodes Join for $7.49/month → https://patreon.com/darinolien     Find More from Ilan Sobel Website: bioharvest.com Instagram: @ilansobel Red Grape Cell Product: vinia.com     Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway "Democratizing the plant kingdom isn't just a business strategy — it's a responsibility. If science gives us the ability to help millions of people feel better, perform better, and live longer, then we have an obligation to scale it in a way the whole world can access."

This is one in a series about possible futures, which will be published in Booch News over the coming weeks. Episode 7 appeared last week. New episodes drop every Friday. Overview Peer-to-peer flavor-sharing platforms enabled home brewers to distribute taste profiles as digital files. Blockchain-verified SCOBY genetics allowed anyone to recreate award-winning kombucha flavors. Traditional beverage companies lost control as open-source fermentation recipes spread globally. This episode follows teenage hacker Luna Reyes as she reverse-engineers Heineken’s proprietary “A-yeast” strain and the century-old master strain used for Budweiser, releasing them under Creative Commons license, triggering a flavor renaissance that made corporate beverages taste like cardboard by comparison. Luna Reyes: The Seventeen-Year-Old Who Liberated Flavor Luna Reyes was brewing kombucha in her Oakland garage when she changed the course of human history. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, she had learned fermentation from her grandmother while teaching herself bioinformatics through YouTube tutorials and volunteering at the Counter Culture Labs Maker Space on Shattuck Avenue. By fifteen, she was running the Bay Area’s most sophisticated home laboratory, utilizing jury-rigged DNA sequencers and microscopes constructed from smartphone cameras. Her breakthrough came in February 2043 while investigating why her kombucha never tasted quite like expensive craft varieties and was different again from her grandmother’s home brew. Using Crispr techniques learned from online forums, Luna began reverse-engineering the microbial genetics of premium alcoholic beverages. Her target wasn’t kombucha—it was the closely guarded yeast strains that gave corporate beers their distinctive flavors. Luna hunched over her microscope, examining bacterial cultures from her latest kombucha batch. Around her, salvaged DNA sequencers hummed, fermentation vessels bubbled, and computer screens displayed multi-hued patterns of genetic sequences. Her grandmother, Rosa, entered carrying a tray with three glasses of homemade kombucha. “Mija, you’ve been working for six hours straight. Drink something.” Luna accepted the glass without looking up. “Abuela, your kombucha tastes better than anything I can buy in stores and the ones I’ve experimented with. Why? I’m using the same base ingredients—tea, sugar, water—but mine never has this complexity.” Her grandmother laughed. “Because I’ve been feeding this SCOBY for forty years. It knows what to do. You can’t rush relationships.” Luna’s sister Maya, lounging against a workbench, waved her phone. “Luna, people have noticed your forum post about Health-Ade’s fermentation process. Someone says you’re wasting your time trying to replicate commercial kombuchas.” “I’m not trying to replicate them,” Luna said, finally looking up. “I’m trying to understand why their kombucha tastes different than that I make at home. It’s not the ingredients. It’s not the process. It’s the microbial genetics.” Rosa sat down beside her granddaughter. “When I was young in Oaxaca, every family had their own kombucha culture, passed down generation to generation. Each tasted different because the bacteria adapted to their environment, their ingredients, their care. We had a saying, Hay tantas fermentaciones en el mundo como estrellas en el cielo nocturno – there are as many ferments in the world as stars in the night sky. The big companies want every bottle to be identical. That kills what makes fermentation special.” “Exactly!” Luna pulled up genetic sequences on her screen. “I’ve been reverse-engineering samples from different commercial kombuchas. Health-Ade, GT’s, Brew Dr—they all have consistent microbial profiles.” The Great Heist: Cracking Corporate DNA Luna’s first major hack targeted Heineken’s legendary “A-yeast” strain, developed in 1886 by Dr. Hartog Elion—a student of renowned chemist Louis Pasteur—in the company’s Amsterdam laboratory and protected by over 150 years of trade secret law. Using samples obtained from discarded brewery waste (technically legal under the “garbage doctrine”), she spent six months mapping the strain’s complete genetic sequence in her makeshift lab. The breakthrough required extraordinary ingenuity. Luna couldn’t afford professional gene sequencers, so she modified a broken Illumina iSeq100 purchased on eBay for $200. Her sequencing runs took weeks rather than hours; her results were identical to those produced by million-dollar laboratory equipment. Her detailed laboratory notebooks, later published as The Garage Genomics Manifesto, became essential reading for the biotech hacker movement. The Budweiser project proved even more challenging. Anheuser-Busch’s century-old master strain had been protected by layers of corporate secrecy rivaling classified military programs. The company maintained multiple backup cultures in cryogenic facilities across three continents, never allowing complete genetic mapping by outside researchers. Luna’s success required infiltrating the company’s waste-disposal systems at four breweries, collecting samples over 18 months while evading corporate security. The Decision The night before Luna was scheduled to meet her fellow bio-hackers at Oakland’s Counter Culture Labs, she sat at her workstation, hesitant, wondering if she was doing the right thing. Her sister Maya came in, looking worried. “Luna, I found something you need to see,” she says. “Remember Marcus Park? He tried releasing proprietary yeast information in 2039. Heineken buried him. He lost everything. His daughter dropped out of college. His wife left him. He’s working at a gas station now.” Luna spent the night researching what happened to Park. She found that almost everyone who challenged corporate IP ended up on the losing side of the law. It was not pretty. In the morning, Abuela Rosa finds her crying in her room. “Mija, what’s wrong?” she asks. “Oh, Abuela,” Luna says between sobs. “What am I doing? What if I’m wrong? What if I destroy our family? What if this ruins Mom and Dad? What if I’m just being selfish?” “That’s the fear talking.” Her grandmother reassured her. “Fear is wisdom warning you to be careful. But fear can also be a cage.” That evening at the Counter Culture Labs, Luna assembled a small group of advisors. She needed their guidance. She had the completed genetic sequences for Heineken A-yeast and Budweiser’s master strain on her laptop, ready for release. But is this the time and place to release them to the world? Dr. Marcus Webb, a bioinformatics researcher in his forties and Luna’s mentor, examined her sequencing data. “This is solid work, Luna. Your jury-rigged equipment is crude. The results are accurate. You’ve fully mapped both strains.” “The question isn’t whether I can do it,” Luna said. “It’s whether I should let the world know I did it.” On screen, Cory Doctorow, the author and digital rights activist, leaned forward. “Let’s be clear about what you’re proposing. You’d be releasing genetic information that corporations have protected as trade secrets for over a century. They’ll argue you stole their intellectual property. You’ll face lawsuits, possibly criminal charges.” “Is it their property?” Luna challenged. “These are naturally occurring organisms. They didn’t create that yeast. Evolution did. They just happened to be there when it appeared. That does not make it theirs any more than finding a wildflower means they own the species. Can you really own something that existed before you found it?” Doctorow, the Electronic Frontier Foundation representative spoke up. “There’s legal precedent both ways. Diamond v. Chakrabarty established that genetically modified organisms can be patented. But naturally occurring genetic sequences? That’s murky. The companies will argue that their decades of cultivation and protection created protectable trade secrets.” “Trade secrets require keeping information secret,” Luna argued. “They throw this yeast away constantly. If they’re not protecting it, how can they claim trade secret status?” Dr. Webb cautioned, “Luna, even if you’re legally in the right—which is debatable—you’re seventeen years old. You’ll be fighting multinational corporations with unlimited legal resources. They’ll bury you in litigation for years.” “That’s where we come in,” Doctorow said. “The EFF can provide legal defense. Creative Commons can help structure the license. You need to understand: this will consume your life. College, career plans, normal teenage experiences—all on hold while you fight this battle.” Luna was quiet for a moment, then pulled up a photo on her laptop: her grandmother Rosa, teaching her to ferment at age seven. “My abuela says fermentation is about sharing and passing living cultures between generations. Corporations have turned it into intellectual property to be protected and controlled. If I can break that control—even a little—isn’t that worth fighting for?” Maya spoke up from the back. “Luna, I love you, but you’re being naive. They won’t just sue you. They’ll make an example of you. Your face on every news channel, portrayed as a thief, a criminal. Our family harassed. Your future destroyed. For what? So people can brew beer with the same yeast as Heineken?” “Not just beer,” Luna responded passionately. “This is about whether living organisms can be owned. Whether genetic information—the code of life itself—can be locked behind intellectual property law. Yes, it starts with beer yeast. But what about beneficial bacteria? Life-saving microorganisms? Medicine-producing fungi? Where does it end?” Dr. Webb nodded slowly. “She’s right. This is bigger than beer. As biotech advances, genetic control becomes power over life itself. Do we want corporations owning that?” Doctorow sighed. “If you do this, Luna, do it right. Release everything simultaneously—BitTorrent, WikiLeaks, Creative Commons servers, distributed networks worldwide. Make it impossible to contain. Include complete cultivation protocols so anyone can reproduce your results. Make the data so damn widely available that suppressing it becomes futile.” “And write a manifesto,” he added. “Explain why you’re doing this. Frame the issue. Make it about principles, not piracy.” Luna nodded, fingers already typing. “When should I release?” “Pick a date with symbolic meaning,” Dr. Webb suggested. “Make it an event, not just a data dump.” Luna smiled. “December 15. The Bill of Rights Day. Appropriate for declaring biological rights, don’t you think?” Maya groaned. “You’re really doing this, aren’t you?” “Yes. I’m really doing this.” The Creative Commons Liberation On Tuesday, December 15, 2043—a date now celebrated as “Open Flavor Day”—Luna released the genetic sequences on multiple open-source networks. Her manifesto, titled Your Grandmother’s Yeast Is Your Birthright, argued that microbial genetics belonged to humanity’s shared heritage rather than corporate shareholders. It stated: Commercial companies have protected yeast strains for over a century. They’ve used intellectual property law to control flavor itself. But genetic information isn’t like a recipe or a formula—it’s biological code that evolved over millions of years before humans ever cultivated it. These strains are protected as trade secrets—the bacteria don’t belong to anyone. They existed before Heineken, before Budweiser, before trademark law. The companies just happened to isolate and cultivate them. Her data packages included DNA sequences and complete protocols for cultivating, modifying, and improving the strains. Luna’s releases came with user-friendly software that allowed amateur brewers to simulate genetic modifications before attempting them in real fermentations. Within 24 hours, over ten thousand people worldwide downloaded the files. The Creative Commons community erupted in celebration. Cory Doctorow’s blog post, The Teenager Who Stole Christmas (From Corporate Beer), went viral within hours. The Electronic Frontier Foundation immediately offered Luna legal protection, while the Free Software Foundation created the “Luna Defense Fund” to support her anticipated legal battles. The Legal Assault Heineken’s response was swift. The company filed emergency injunctions in 12 countries simultaneously, seeking to prevent the distribution of its “stolen intellectual property.” Their legal team, led by former U.S. Attorney General William Barr III, demanded Luna’s immediate arrest for “economic terrorism” and “theft of trade secrets valued at over $50 billion.” Anheuser-Busch’s reaction was even more extreme. CEO Marcel Telles IV appeared on CNBC, calling Luna “a bioterrorist who threatens the foundation of American capitalism.” The company hired private investigators to surveil Luna’s family and offered a $10 million reward for information leading to her prosecution. Their legal filing compared Luna’s actions to “stealing the formula for Coca-Cola and publishing it in the New York Times.” In Heineken’s Amsterdam headquarters, executives convened an emergency meeting. “Who is Luna Reyes?” the CEO demanded. The legal counsel pulled up information. “She’s a seventeen-year-old high school student in Oakland, California. No criminal record. Volunteers at a maker space. Has been posting about fermentation on various forums for years.” “A child released our proprietary yeast strain to the world, and we didn’t know she was even working on this?” The CEO’s face reddened. “How do we contain it?” “We can’t. It’s distributed across thousands of servers in dozens of countries with different IP laws. We can sue Reyes, but the information is out there permanently.” An executive interjected, “What about the other breweries? Will they join our lawsuit?” “Some are considering it. Others…” The counsel paused. “Others are quietly downloading the sequences themselves. They see an opportunity to break our market dominance.” “She obtained samples from our waste disposal,” another executive explained. “Technically legal under the garbage doctrine. The sequencing itself isn’t illegal. The release under Creative Commons…” “Is theft!” the CEO shouted. “File emergency injunctions. Twelve countries. Get her arrested for economic terrorism.” Similar scenes played out at Anheuser-Busch headquarters in St. Louis. CEO Telles addressed his team: “This is bioterrorism. She’s destroyed intellectual property worth billions. I want her prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Hire private investigators. Find everything about her and her family. Make her life hell!” By noon, both companies had filed lawsuits. By evening, Fox News was running stories about the “teenage bioterrorist” who “stole American corporate secrets.” Back in Oakland, Luna’s phone rang constantly. Her parents discovered what she’d done. Her mother cried. Her father was furious and terrified. Friends called with either congratulations or warnings. She was convinced that private investigators were photographing their house. Maya suspected she was followed to work. On Wednesday morning, Dr. Webb calls: “Luna, they’re offering me $2 million to testify against you. They’re going after everyone in your network.” Luna has a sickening feeling that she’s put everyone at risk. By Thursday, she is considering taking it all back somehow, sending an apology to the corporations, anything to protect her family. Luna turned off her phone and sat with her grandmother. “It’s started,” Luna said quietly. “Sí, mija. You’ve declared war. Now we see if you can survive it.” Maya burst in, laptop in hand. “Luna, you need to see this. The downloads aren’t slowing—they’re accelerating. Every time Heineken or Budweiser shuts down a website, ten mirror sites appear. People are treating this like a digital freedom fight. You’ve become a symbol.” Luna pulled up her own screen. The #FreeLuna hashtag was trending. Crowdfunding campaigns for her legal defense had raised $400,000 in twelve hours. Academic institutions were publicly endorsing her release, calling it “essential scientific information.” “They’re trying to destroy you,” Maya said, “but they’re making you famous instead.” Rosa handed Luna a fresh kombucha. “This is what happens when you fight for what’s right, mija. Sometimes the world surprises you by supporting you.” Luna’s Fame The corporations’ attempts to suppress Luna’s releases had the opposite effect. Every cease-and-desist letter generated thousands of new downloads. The genetic data became impossible to contain once the academic community embraced Luna’s work. Dr. Jennifer Doudna, the legendary Crispr pioneer now in her eighties, publicly endorsed Luna’s releases in a Science magazine editorial: Ms. Reyes has liberated essential scientific information that corporations held hostage for commercial gain. Genetic sequences from naturally occurring organisms should not be locked behind intellectual property law. They belong to humanity’s knowledge commons. While corporations claim Luna stole trade secrets, I argue she freed biological knowledge that was never theirs to own. There are no trade secrets in biology—only knowledge temporarily hidden from the commons. This is civil disobedience of the highest order—breaking unjust laws to advance human freedom. Ms. Reyes didn’t steal; she liberated. MIT’s biology department invited Luna to lecture, while Harvard offered her a full scholarship despite her lack of a high school diploma. The legal battles consumed corporate resources while generating negative publicity. Heineken’s stock price dropped 34% as consumers organized boycotts in support of Luna’s “yeast liberation.” Beer sales plummeted as customers waited for home-brewed alternatives using Luna’s open-source genetics. The Flavor Renaissance Luna’s releases triggered an explosion of creativity that corporate R&D departments had never imagined. Within six months, amateur brewers worldwide were producing thousands of flavor variations impossible under corporate constraints. The open-source model enabled rapid iteration and global collaboration, rendering traditional brewing companies obsolete. The world was engaged. In some of the most unlikely places. In Evanston, Illinois, a group of former seminary students who discovered fermentation during a silent retreat, transformed Gregorian chants into microbial devotionals. Tenor Marcus Webb (Dr. Webb’s nephew) realized symbiosis mirrored vocal harmony—multiple voices creating something greater than their parts. “In honoring the mystery of fermentation we express our love of the Creator,” he said. Here's ‘Consortium Vocalis' honoring the mother SCOBY. [Chorus]Our SCOBYIs pureOur SCOBYIs strongOur SCOBYKnows no boundariesOur SCOBYStrengthens as it fermentsOur SCOBYIs bacteria and yeast Our SCOBYTurns sucrose into glucose and fructoseIt ferments these simple sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide,Acetic acid bacteria oxidize much of that ethanol into organic acidsSuch as acetic, gluconic, and other acids.This steadily lowers the pHMaking the tea taste sour-tangy instead of purely sweet. [Chorus] Our SCOBYThen helps microbes produce acids, enzymes, and small amounts of B‑vitaminsWhile probiotics grow in the liquid.The pH falls to help inhibit unwanted microbesOur SCOBY creates a self-preserving, acidic environment in the tea [Chorus] In Kingston, Jamaica, Rastafarian’s combined an award-winning kombucha sequenced in Humboldt County, California, with locally grown ganja into a sacramental beverage to help open their mind to reasoning and focus on Jah. Once fermented, it was consumed over the course of a three-day Nyabinghi ceremony. “Luna Reyes is truly blessed. She strengthened our unity as a people, and our Rastafari’ booch help us chant down Babylon,” a Rasta man smiled, blowing smoke from a spliff the size of his arm. The Groundation Collective’s reggae anthem ‘Oh Luna’ joyfully celebrated Luna Reyes’ pioneering discovery. Oh Luna, Oh Luna, Oh Luna ReyesI love the sound of your nameYou so deserve your fame Luna, Luna, Oh Luna ReyesShining brightYou warm my heart Luna, Luna, Oh Luna ReyesYou cracked the codeTeenage prophet, fermentation queenSymbiosis roadA genius at seventeen Oh Luna, Luna, Luna ReyesBeautiful moonMakes me swoon Oh Luna, Luna, Luna ReyesFreedom to fermentYou are heaven sentTo save us Luna, Luna, Oh Luna ReyesYou opened the doorTo so much moreKombucha tastes so goodLike it should Oh Luna, Oh Luna, Oh LunaI love you, love you, love youOh Luna, Luna, LunaLove you, love you,Love Luna, Luna love. In São Paulo, Brazil, MAPA-certified Brazilian kombucha brands combined Heineken and cacao-fermenting yeasts with cupuaçu from indigenous Amazonian peoples, to create the chocolate-flavored ‘booch that won Gold at the 20th World Kombucha Awards. A cervejeiro explained to reporters: “Luna Reyes gave us the foundation. We added local innovation. This is what happens when you democratize biology.” The Brazilian singer Dandara Sereia covered ‘Our Fermented Future’—The Hollow Pines tune destined to become a hit at the 2053 Washington DC Fermentation Festival. Baby sit a little closer, sip some ‘booch with meI brewed this batch with the SCOBY my grandma gave to me.On the back porch swing at twilight, watching fireflies danceYour hand in mine, kombucha fine, the sweetest sweet romance. They say that wine and roses are the way to win the heartBut your kombucha warmed me right up from the start.Fermentation makes the heart grow fonder, truer words they ain’t been saidYour SCOBY’s got a place forever — in my heart, and in my bed. Let’s share our SCOBYs, baby, merge our ferments into oneLike cultures in a crock jar dancing, underneath the sun.The tang of your Lactobacillus is exactly what I’m missingYour Brettanomyces bacteria got this country girl reminiscing. Oh yeah, let’s share those SCOBYs, baby, merge our ferments into oneYour yeasts and my bacteria working till the magic’s doneYou’ve got the acetic acid honey, I’ve got the patience and the timeLet’s bubble up together, let our cultures intertwine. I’ve got that symbiotic feeling, something wild and something trueYour SCOBY’s in my heart, right there next to youThe way your Acetobacter turns sugar into goldIs how you turned my lonely life into a hand to hold. We’ve got the acetic acid and the glucuronic tooWe’ve got that symbiotic feeling, so righteous and so trueOne sip of your sweet ‘booch, Lord, and you had me from the start,It’s our fermented future, that no-one can tear apart. It’s our fermented future…It’s our fermented future…It’s our fermented future… “Luna Variants”—strains derived from her releases—began winning international brewing competitions, embarrassing corporate entries with their complexity and innovation. Traditional beer flavors seemed flat and artificial compared to the genetic symphonies created by collaborative open-source development. Despite the outpouring of positive vibes, the corporations spared no expense to hold Luna to account in the courts. The Preliminary Hearing A preliminary hearing was held in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on June 14, 2044. Luna sat at the defendant’s table, her hands folded so tightly her knuckles had gone white. She wore a borrowed blazer—too big in the shoulders—over a white button-down shirt Maya had ironed that morning. At seventeen, she looked even younger under the courtroom’s fluorescent lights. Across the aisle, Heineken’s legal team occupied three tables. Fifteen attorneys in matching navy suits shuffled documents and whispered into phones. Their lead counsel, William Barr III, wore gold cufflinks that caught the light when he gestured. Luna recognized him from the news—the former Attorney General, now commanding $2,000 an hour to destroy people like her. Her own legal representation consisted of two people: Rose Kennerson from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a public interest lawyer who’d flown in from DC on a red-eye, and Dr. Marcus Webb, technically a witness but sitting beside Luna because she’d asked him to. Behind them, the gallery was packed. Luna’s parents sat in the second row, her father’s face gray, her mother clutching a rosary. Maya had taken the day off work. Abuela Rosa sat in the front row directly behind Luna, her ancient SCOBY wrapped in silk in her lap, as if its presence might protect her granddaughter. Judge Catherine Ironwood entered—sixty-ish, steel-gray hair pulled back severely, known for pro-corporate rulings. She’d been a pharmaceutical industry lawyer for twenty years before her appointment. “All rise,” the bailiff called. Judge Ironwood settled into her chair and surveyed the courtroom with the expression of someone who’d already decided the outcome and resented having to perform the formalities. “We’re here for a preliminary injunction hearing in Heineken International B.V. versus Luna Marie Reyes.” She looked directly at Luna. “Ms. Reyes, you’re seventeen years old?” Luna stood, hesitant. “Yes, your honor.” “Where are your parents?” “Here, your honor.” Luna’s mother half-rose, then sat back down. “Ms. Kennerson, your client is a minor. Are the parents aware they could be held liable for damages?” Rose Kennerson stood smoothly. “Yes, your honor. The Reyes family has been fully advised of the legal implications.” Luna glanced back. Her father’s jaw was clenched so tight she could see the muscles working. He wouldn’t meet her eyes. “Very well. Mr. Barr, you may proceed.” Barr rose like a battleship emerging from fog—massive, expensive, inevitable. He buttoned his suit jacket and approached the bench without notes. “Your honor, this is the simplest case I’ve argued in thirty years. The defendant admits to obtaining my client’s proprietary biological materials. She admits to sequencing their genetic information. She admits to distributing that information globally, in deliberate violation of trade secret protections that have existed for over 150 years. She did this knowingly, systematically, and with the explicit intent to destroy my client’s competitive advantage.” Luna felt Sarah’s hand on her arm—stay calm. Barr continued. “Heineken International has invested over $200 million in the development, cultivation, and protection of the A-yeast strain. Then this teenager”—he pointed at Luna—”obtained samples from our waste disposal systems, reverse-engineered our genetic sequences, and released them to the world via BitTorrent, deliberately placing them beyond retrieval.” He paced now, warming to his theme. “The damage is incalculable. We estimate lost market value at $50 billion. But it’s not just about money. The defendant has destroyed the possibility of competition in the brewing industry. When everyone has access to the same genetic materials, there’s no innovation, no differentiation, no reason for consumers to choose one product over another. She has, in effect, communized an entire industry.” Luna couldn’t help herself. “That’s not—” Sarah grabbed her wrist. “Don’t.” Judge Ironwood’s eyes narrowed. “Ms. Reyes, you will have your opportunity to speak. Until then, you will remain silent, or I will have you removed from this courtroom. Do you understand?” “Yes, your honor.” Luna’s voice came out smaller than she intended. Barr smiled slightly. “Your honor, the relief we seek is straightforward. We ask this court to order the defendant to provide us with a complete list of all servers, websites, and distribution networks where the stolen genetic data currently resides. We ask that she be ordered to cooperate fully in suppressing the data. We ask that she be enjoined from any further distribution. And we ask that she be ordered to pay compensatory damages of $5 billion, plus punitive damages to be determined at trial.” He returned to his seat. One of his associate attorneys handed him a bottle of Pellegrino. He took a sip and waited. Judge Ironwood looked at Sarah. “Ms. Kennerson?” Sarah stood. She looked tiny compared to Barr—five-foot-three, maybe 110 pounds, wearing a suit from Target. But when she spoke, her voice filled the courtroom. “Your honor, Mr. Barr has given you a compelling story about a corporation that’s been wronged. But it’s not the right story. The right story is about whether naturally occurring organisms—creatures that evolved over millions of years, long before humans ever existed—can be owned by a corporation simply because that corporation happened to isolate them.” She walked toward the bench. “Let’s be clear about what the A-yeast strain is. It’s not a genetically modified organism. It’s not a patented invention. It’s a naturally occurring yeast. Heineken didn’t create it. Evolution created it. Heineken merely found it. And for 158 years, they’ve claimed that finding something gives them the right to prevent anyone else from studying it, understanding it, or using it.” Barr was on his feet. “Objection, your honor. This is a preliminary hearing about injunctive relief, not a philosophical debate about intellectual property theory.” “Sustained. Ms. Kennerson, please focus on the specific legal issues before this court.” “Your honor, the specific legal issue is whether naturally occurring genetic sequences constitute protectable trade secrets. My client contends they do not. She obtained the yeast samples from Heineken’s waste disposal—materials they had discarded. Under the garbage doctrine, she had every right to analyze those materials. The genetic sequences she discovered are factual information about naturally occurring organisms. You cannot trade-secret facts about nature.” Luna watched Judge Ironwood’s face. Nothing. No reaction. Sarah pressed on. “Mr. Barr claims my client ‘stole’ genetic information worth $5 billion. But information cannot be stolen—it can only be shared. When I tell you a fact, I don’t lose possession of that fact. We both have it. That’s how knowledge works. Heineken hasn’t lost their yeast. They still have it. They can still brew with it. What they’ve lost is their monopoly on that knowledge. And monopolies on facts about nature should never have existed in the first place.” “Your honor—” Barr tried to interrupt. Judge Ironwood waved him down. “Continue, Ms. Kennerson.” “Your honor, Heineken wants this court to order a seventeen-year-old girl to somehow suppress information that has already been distributed to over 100,000 people in 147 countries. That’s impossible. You can’t unring a bell. You can’t put knowledge back in a bottle. Even if this court ordered my client to provide a list of servers—which she shouldn’t have to do—that list would be incomplete within hours as new mirror sites appeared. The information is out. The only question is whether we punish my client for sharing factual information about naturally occurring organisms.” She turned to face Luna’s family. “Ms. Reyes taught herself bioinformatics from YouTube videos. She works at home with equipment she bought on eBay. She has no criminal record. She’s never been in trouble. She saw a question that interested her—why do commercial beers taste like they do?—and she pursued that question with the tools available to her. When she discovered the answer, she shared it with the world, under a Creative Commons license that specifically protects sharing for educational and scientific purposes. If that’s terrorism, your honor, then every scientist who’s ever published a research paper is a terrorist.” Sarah sat down. Luna wanted to hug her. Judge Ironwood leaned back. “Ms. Reyes, stand up.” Luna rose, her legs shaking. “Do you understand the seriousness of these proceedings?” “Yes, your honor.” “Do you understand that Heineken International is asking me to hold you in contempt of court if you refuse to help them suppress the information you released?” “Yes, your honor.” “Do you understand that contempt of court could result in your detention in a juvenile facility until you reach the age of eighteen, and potentially longer if the contempt continues?” Luna’s mother gasped audibly. Her father put his arm around her. “Yes, your honor,” Luna said, though her voice wavered. “Then let me ask you directly: If I order you to provide Heineken with a complete list of all locations where the genetic data you released currently resides, will you comply?” The courtroom went silent. Luna could hear her own heartbeat. Sarah started to stand—”Your honor, I advise my client not to answer—” “Sit down, Ms. Kennerson. I’m asking your client a direct question. She can choose to answer or not.” Judge Ironwood’s eyes never left Luna. “Well, Ms. Reyes? Will you comply with a court order to help Heineken suppress the information you released?” Luna looked at her parents. Her mother was crying silently. Her father’s face was stone. She looked at Abuela Rosa. Her grandmother nodded once—tell the truth. Luna looked back at the judge. “No, your honor.” Barr shot to his feet. “Your honor, the defendant has just admitted she intends to defy a court order—” “I heard her, Mr. Barr.” Judge Ironwood’s voice was ice. “Ms. Reyes, do you understand you’ve just told a federal judge you will refuse a direct order?” “Yes, your honor.” “And you’re still refusing?” “Yes, your honor.” “Why?” Sarah stood quickly. “Your honor, my client doesn’t have to explain—” “I want to hear it.” Judge Ironwood leaned forward. “Ms. Reyes, tell me why you would risk jail rather than help undo what you’ve done.” Luna took a breath. Her whole body was shaking, but her voice was steady. “Because it would be wrong, your honor.” “Wrong how?” “The genetic sequences I released evolved over millions of years. Heineken didn’t create that yeast. They isolated one strain and claimed ownership of it. The code of life belongs to everyone. That’s humanity’s heritage. Even if you send me to jail, I can’t help suppress the truth.” Judge Ironwood stared at her for a long moment. “That’s a very pretty speech, Ms. Reyes. But this court operates under the law, not your personal philosophy about what should or shouldn’t be owned. Trade secret law exists. Heineken’s rights exist. And you violated those rights.” Luna did not hesitate. “With respect, your honor, I don’t think those rights should exist.” Barr exploded. “Your honor, this is outrageous! The defendant is openly stating she believes she has the right to violate any law she disagrees with—” “That’s not what I said.” Luna’s fear was transforming into something else—something harder. “I’m saying that some laws are unjust. And when laws are unjust, civil disobedience becomes necessary. People broke unjust laws during the civil rights movement. People broke unjust laws when they helped slaves escape. The constitution says members of the military do not have to obey illegal orders, despite what those in power might claim. Sometimes the law is wrong. And when the law says corporations can own genetic information about naturally occurring organisms, the law is wrong.” Judge Ironwood’s face flushed. “Ms. Reyes, you are not Rosa Parks. This is not the civil rights movement. This is a case about intellectual property theft.” “It’s a case about whether life can be property, your honor.” “Enough.” Judge Ironwood slammed her gavel. “Ms. Kennerson, control your client.” Sarah pulled Luna back into her chair. “Luna, stop talking,” she hissed. Judge Ironwood shuffled papers, visibly trying to compose herself. “I’m taking a fifteen-minute recess to consider the injunction request. We’ll reconvene at 11:30. Ms. Reyes, I strongly suggest you use this time to reconsider your position.” The gavel fell again, and Judge Ironwood swept out. The hallway outside the courtroom erupted. Reporters swarmed. Luna’s father grabbed her arm and pulled her into a witness room. Her mother followed, still crying. Maya slipped in before Sarah closed the door. “What were you thinking?” Luna’s father’s voice shook. “You just told a federal judge you’ll defy her orders. They’re going to put you in jail, Luna. Do you understand that? Jail!” “Ricardo, please—” Her mother tried to calm him. “No, Elena. Our daughter just committed contempt of court in front of fifty witnesses. They’re going to take her from us.” He turned to Luna, his eyes wet. “Why? Why couldn’t you just apologize? Say you made a mistake? We could have ended this.” “Because I didn’t make a mistake, Papa.” “You destroyed their property!” “It wasn’t their property. It was never their property.” “The law says it was!” “Then the law is wrong!” Her father stepped back as if she’d slapped him. “Do you know what your mother and I have sacrificed to keep you out of trouble? Do you know how hard we’ve worked since we came to this country to give you opportunities we never had? And you throw it away for yeast. Not for justice. Not for people. For yeast.” Luna’s eyes filled with tears. “It’s not about yeast, Papa. It’s about whether corporations get to own life. If Heineken can own yeast, why not bacteria? Why not human genes? Where does it stop?” “It stops when my daughter goes to jail!” He was shouting now. “I don’t care about Heineken. I don’t care about yeast. I care about you. And you just told that judge you’ll defy her. She’s going to put you in jail, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.” “Ricardo, por favor—” Elena put her hand on his arm. He shook it off. “No. She needs to hear this. Luna, if you go to jail, your life is over. No college will accept you. No company will hire you. You’ll have a criminal record. You’ll be marked forever. Is that what you want?” “I want to do what’s right.” “What’s right is protecting your family! What’s right is not destroying your future for a principle!” he said. Luna responded, “What’s right is not letting corporations own the code of life!”They stared at each other. Maya spoke up quietly from the corner. “Papa, she can’t back down now. The whole world is watching.” “Let the world watch someone else!” Ricardo turned on Maya. “You encourage this. You film her, you post her manifestos online, you help her become famous. You’re her sister. You’re supposed to protect her, not help her destroy herself.” “I am protecting her,” Maya said. “I’m protecting her from becoming someone who backs down when the world tells her she’s wrong, even though she knows she’s right.” Ricardo looked between his daughters. “Ambos están locos! You’re both insane.” Abuela Rosa opened the door and entered. She’d been listening from the hallway. “Ricardo, enough.” “Mama, stay out of this.” “No.” Rosa moved between Ricardo and Luna. “You’re afraid. I understand. But fear makes you cruel, mijo. Your daughter is brave. She’s doing something important. And you’re making her choose between you and what’s right. Don’t do that.” “She’s seventeen years old! She’s a child!” “She’s old enough to know right from wrong.” Rosa put her hand on Ricardo’s cheek. “When I was sixteen, I left Oaxaca with nothing but the clothes on my back and this SCOBY. Everyone said I was crazy. Your father said I would fail. But I knew I had to go, even if it cost me everything. Sometimes our children have to do things that terrify us. That’s how the world changes.” Ricardo pulled away. “If they put her in jail, will that change the world, Mama? When she’s sitting in a cell while Heineken continues doing whatever they want, will that have been worth it?” “Yes,” Luna said quietly. “Even if I go to jail, yes. Because thousands of people now have the genetic sequences, Heineken can’t put that back. They can punish me, but they can’t undo what I did. The information is free. It’s going to stay free. And if the price of that is me going to jail, then that’s the price.” Her father looked at her as if seeing her for the first time. “I don’t know who you are anymore.” “I’m still your daughter, Papa. I’m just also someone who won’t let corporations own life.” A knock on the door. Sarah poked her head in. “They’re reconvening. Luna, we need to go.” Back in the courtroom, the atmosphere had shifted. The gallery was more crowded—word had spread during the recess. Luna recognized several people from online forums. Some held signs reading “FREE LUNA” and “GENETICS BELONG TO EVERYONE.” Judge Ironwood entered and sat without ceremony. “I’ve reviewed the submissions and heard the arguments. This is my ruling.” Luna’s hand found Maya’s in the row behind her. Squeezed tight. “The question before this court is whether to grant Heineken International’s motion for a preliminary injunction requiring Ms. Reyes to assist in suppressing the genetic information she released. To grant such an injunction, Heineken must demonstrate four things: likelihood of success on the merits, likelihood of irreparable harm without the injunction, balance of equities in their favor, and that an injunction serves the public interest.” Barr was nodding. These were his arguments. “Having considered the evidence and the applicable law, I find that Heineken has demonstrated likelihood of success on the merits. Trade secret law clearly protects proprietary business information, and the A-yeast strain appears to meet the legal definition of a trade secret.” Luna’s stomach dropped. “However, I also find that Heineken has failed to demonstrate that a preliminary injunction would effectively prevent the irreparable harm they claim. Ms. Kennerson is correct that the genetic information has already been distributed to over 100,000 people worldwide. Ordering one teenager to provide a list of servers would be, in technical terms, pointless. New copies would appear faster than they could be suppressed.” Barr’s face tightened. “Furthermore, I find that the balance of equities does not favor Heineken. They ask this court to potentially incarcerate a seventeen-year-old girl for refusing to suppress information that is, by her account, factual data about naturally occurring organisms. The potential harm to Ms. Reyes—including detention, criminal record, and foreclosure of educational and career opportunities—substantially outweighs any additional harm Heineken might suffer from continued distribution of information that is already widely distributed.” Luna felt Maya’s grip tighten. Was this good? This sounded good. “Finally, and most importantly, I find that granting this injunction would not serve the public interest. The court takes judicial notice that this case has generated substantial public debate about the scope of intellectual property protection in biotechnology. The questions raised by Ms. Reyes—whether naturally occurring genetic sequences should be ownable, whether facts about nature can be trade secrets, whether knowledge can be property—are questions that deserve answers from a higher authority than this court. These are questions for appellate courts, perhaps ultimately for the Supreme Court. And they are questions best answered in the context of a full trial on the merits, not in an emergency injunction hearing.” Barr was on his feet. “Your honor—” “Sit down, Mr. Barr. I’m not finished.” He sat, his face purple. “Therefore, Heineken International’s motion for preliminary injunction is denied. Ms. Reyes will not be required to assist in suppressing the genetic information she released. However,”—Judge Ironwood looked directly at Luna—”this ruling should not be construed as approval of Ms. Reyes’ actions. Heineken’s claims for damages and other relief remain viable and will proceed to trial. Ms. Reyes, you may have won this battle, but this war is far from over. Anything you want to say?” Luna stood slowly. “Your honor, I just want to say… thank you. For letting this go to trial. For letting these questions be answered properly. That’s all I ever wanted—for someone to seriously consider whether corporations should be allowed to own genetic information about naturally occurring organisms. So thank you.” Judge Ironwood’s expression softened slightly. “Ms. Reyes, I hope you’re prepared for what comes next. Heineken has unlimited resources. They will pursue this case for years if necessary. You’ll be in litigation until you’re twenty-five years old. Your entire young adulthood will be consumed by depositions, court appearances, and legal fees. Are you prepared for that?” “Yes, your honor.” “Why?” Luna glanced at her grandmother, who nodded. “Because some questions are worth answering, your honor. Even if it takes years. Even if it costs everything. The question of whether corporations can own life—that’s worth answering. And if I have to spend my twenties answering it, then that’s what I’ll do.” Judge Ironwood studied her for a long moment. “You remind me of someone I used to know. Someone who believed the law should serve justice, not just power.” She paused. “That person doesn’t exist anymore. The law ground her down. I hope it doesn’t do the same to you.” She raised her gavel. “This hearing is adjourned. The parties will be notified of the trial date once it’s scheduled. Ms. Reyes, good luck. I think you’re going to need it.” The gavel fell. Outside the courthouse, the scene was chaotic. News cameras surrounded Luna. Reporters shouted questions. But Luna barely heard them. She was looking at her father, who stood apart from the crowd, watching her. She walked over to him. “Papa, I’m sorry I yelled.” He didn’t speak for a moment. Then he pulled her into a hug so tight it hurt. “Don’t apologize for being brave,” he whispered into her hair. “I’m just afraid of losing you.” “You won’t lose me, Papa. I promise.” “You can’t promise that. Not anymore.” He pulled back, holding her shoulders. “But I’m proud of you. I’m terrified, but I’m proud.” Her mother joined them, tears streaming down her face. “No more court. Please, no more court.” “I can’t promise that either, Mama.” Elena touched Luna’s face. “Then promise me you’ll be careful. Promise me you’ll remember that you’re not just fighting for genetics. You’re fighting for your life.” Luna smiled. “I promise.” Abuela Rosa appeared, carrying her SCOBY. “Come, mija. We should go before the reporters follow us home.” As they pushed through the crowd toward Maya’s car, Luna's phone buzzed continuously. Text messages and emails pouring in. But what caught her attention was a text from Dr. Webb: You were right. I’m sorry I doubted. Check your email—Dr. Doudna wants to talk. Luna opened her email. The subject line made her stop walking: From: jennifer.doudna@berkeley.eduSubject: Civil Disobedience of the Highest Order She started to read: Dear Ms. Reyes, I watched your hearing this morning. What you did in that courtroom—refusing to back down even when threatened with jail—was one of the bravest things I’ve seen in forty years of science. You’re not just fighting for yeast genetics. You’re fighting for the principle that knowledge about nature belongs to humanity, not to corporations. I want to help… Luna looked up at her family—her father’s worried face, her mother’s tears, Maya’s proud smile, Abuela Rosa’s serene confidence. Behind them, the courthouse where she’d nearly been sent to jail. Around them, reporters and cameras and strangers who’d traveled across the country to support her. She thought about Judge Ironwood’s warning: This war is far from over. She thought about Barr’s face when the injunction was denied. She thought about the thousands who’d downloaded the genetic sequences and were, right now, brewing with genetics that had been locked away for 158 years. Worth it. All of it. Even the fear. Maya opened the car door. “Come on, little revolutionary. Let’s go home.” The Corporate Surrender By 2045, both Heineken and Anheuser-Busch quietly dropped their lawsuits against Luna. Their legal costs had exceeded $200 million while accomplishing nothing except generating bad publicity. More importantly, their “protected” strains had become worthless in a market flooded with superior alternatives. Heineken’s CEO attempted to salvage the company by embracing open-source brewing. His announcement that Heineken would “join the La Luna Revolution” was met with skepticism from the brewing community, which recalled the company’s aggressive legal tactics. The craft brewing community’s response was hostile. “They spent two years trying to destroy her,” a prominent brewmaster told The New Brewer Magazine. “Now they want credit for ’embracing’ the revolution she forced on them? Heineken didn’t join the Luna Revolution—they surrendered to it. There’s a difference.” The global brands never recovered their market share. Luna’s Transformation Luna’s success transformed her from a garage tinkerer into a global icon of the open knowledge movement. Her 2046 TED Talk, “Why Flavor Belongs to Everyone,” went viral. She argued that corporate control over living organisms represented “biological colonialism” that impoverished human culture by restricting natural diversity. Rather than commercializing her fame, Luna founded the Global Fermentation Commons, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing microbial genetics worldwide. Their laboratories operated as open-access research facilities where anyone could experiment with biological systems. The headquarters of the Global Fermentation Commons occupied a former Genentech facility donated by Dr. Webb. Six continents, forty researchers, one mission: preserve and share microbial genetics worldwide. Luna addressed a crowded auditorium at the organization’s third anniversary. “When I released Heineken and Budweiser’s yeast strains, some people called it theft. Others called it liberation. I called it returning biological knowledge to the commons, where it belongs. Three years later, so-called Luna Variants have created economic opportunities for thousands of small brewers, improved food security in developing regions, and demonstrated that genetic freedom drives innovation faster than corporate control.” She continued. “We’re not stopping with beer. The same principles apply to all fermentation: cheese cultures, yogurt bacteria, koji fungi, sourdough starters. Every traditionally fermented food relies on microorganisms that corporations increasingly claim to own. We’re systematically liberating them.” A World Health Organization representative raised a concern: “Ms. Reyes, while we support democratizing food fermentation, there are legitimate concerns about pharmaceutical applications. What prevents someone from using your open-source genetics to create dangerous organisms?” Luna nodded. “Fair question. First, the organisms we release are food-safe cultures with centuries of safe use. Second, dangerous genetic modifications require sophisticated laboratory equipment and expertise—far beyond what releasing genetic sequences enables. Third, determined bad actors already have access to dangerous biology, enabled by AI. We’re not creating new risks; we’re democratizing beneficial biology.” “Pharmaceutical companies argue you’re undermining their investments in beneficial organisms,” another representative pressed. “Pharmaceutical companies invest in modifying organisms,” Luna clarified. “Those modifications can be patented. What we oppose is claiming ownership over naturally occurring organisms or their baseline genetics. If you genetically engineer a bacterium to produce insulin, patent your engineering. Don’t claim ownership over the bacterial species itself.” A Monsanto representative stood. “Your organization recently cracked and released our proprietary seed genetics. That’s direct theft of our property.” Luna didn’t flinch. “Seeds that farmers cultivated for thousands of years before Monsanto existed? You didn’t invent corn, wheat, or soybeans. You modified them. Your modifications may be protectable; the baseline genetics are humanity’s heritage. We’re liberating what should never have been owned.” “The ‘Luna Legion’ has cost us hundreds of millions!” the representative protested. “Good,” Luna responded calmly. “You’ve cost farmers their sovereignty for decades. Consider it karma.” After the presentation, Dr. Doudna approached Luna privately. “You’ve accomplished something remarkable,” the elderly scientist said. “When I developed Crispr, I never imagined a teenager would use similar principles to challenge corporate biology. You’re forcing conversations about genetic ownership that we’ve avoided for decades.” “It needed forcing,” Luna replied. “Corporations were quietly owning life itself, one patent at a time. Someone had to say no.” “The pharmaceutical industry is terrified of you,” Doudna continued. “They see what happened to brewing and imagine the same for their carefully controlled bacterial strains. You’re going to face even more aggressive opposition.” “I know. Once people understand that biological knowledge can be liberated, they start questioning all biological ownership. We’re not stopping.” The New Economy of Taste Following Luna’s breakthrough, peer-to-peer flavor-sharing platforms emerged as the dominant force in food culture. The “FlavorChain” blockchain allowed brewers to track genetic lineages while ensuring proper attribution to original creators. SCOBY lineages were carefully sequenced, catalogued, and registered on global blockchain ledgers. Each award-winning kombucha strain carried a “genetic passport”—its microbial makeup, the unique balance of yeasts and bacteria that gave rise to particular mouthfeel, fizz, and flavor spectrum, was mapped, hashed, and permanently recorded. Brewers who created a new flavor could claim authorship, just as musicians once copyrighted songs. No matter how many times a SCOBY was divided, its fingerprint could be verified. Fermentation Guilds formed to share recipes through FlavorChain, enabling decentralized digital markets like SymbioTrdr, built on trust and transparency rather than speculation. They allowed people to interact and transact on a global, permissionless, self-executing platform. Within days, a SCOBY strain from the Himalayas could appear in a brew in Buenos Aires, its journey traced through open ledgers showing who tended, adapted, and shared it. Kombucha recipes were no longer jealously guarded secrets. They were open to anyone who wanted to brew. With a few clicks, a Guild member in Nairobi could download the blockchain-verified SCOBY genome that had won Gold at the Tokyo Fermentation Festival. Local biotech printers—as common in 2100 kitchens as microwave ovens had once been—could reconstitute the living culture cell by cell. Children began inheriting SCOBY lineages the way earlier generations inherited family names. Weddings combined SCOBY cultures as symbolic unions. (Let’s share our SCOBYs, baby, merge our ferments into one.) When someone died, their SCOBY was divided among friends and family—a continuation of essence through taste. Kombucha was no longer merely consumed; it was communed with. This transparency transformed kombucha from a minority regional curiosity into a universal language. A festival in Brazil might feature ten local interpretations of the same “Golden SCOBY” strain—one brewed with passionfruit, another with cupuaçu, a third with açaí berries. The core microbial signature remained intact, while the terroir of fruit and spice gave each version a unique accent. Brewers didn’t lose their craft—they gained a canvas. Award-winning SCOBYs were the foundations on which endless new flavor experiments flourished. Many people were now as prolific as William Esslinger, the founder of St Louis’s Confluence Kombucha, who was renowned for developing 800 flavors in the 2020s. Code of Symbiosis The Symbiosis Code, ratified at the first World Fermentation Gathering in Reykjavik (2063), bound Fermentation Guilds to three principles: Transparency — All microbial knowledge is to be shared freely. Reciprocity — No brew should be produced without acknowledging the source. Community — Every fermentation must nourish more than the brewer. This code replaced corporate law. It was enforced by reputation, not by governments. A Guild member who betrayed the code found their SCOBYs mysteriously refusing to thrive—a poetic justice the biologists never quite explained. Every Guild had elders—called Mothers of the Jar or Keepers of the Yeast. They carried living SCOBYs wrapped in silk pouches when traveling, exchanging fragments as blessings. These elders became moral anchors of the age, counselors and mediators trusted more than politicians. When disputes arose—over territory, resources, or ethics—brewers, not lawyers, met to share a round of Truth Brew, a ferment so balanced that it was said to reveal dishonesty through bitterness. The Fullness of Time The International Biotech Conference of 2052 invited Luna to give the closing keynote—a controversial decision that prompted several corporate sponsors to withdraw support. The auditorium was packed with supporters, critics, and the merely curious. “Nine years ago, I released genetic sequences for beer yeast strains protected as trade secrets. I was called a thief, a bioterrorist, worse. Today, I want to discuss what we’ve learned from those years of open-source biology.” She displayed a chart showing the explosion of brewing innovation since 2043. “In the traditional corporate model, a few companies control a few strains, producing a limited variety. With the open-source model, thousands of brewers using thousands of variants, producing infinite diversity. As Duff McDonald wrote “Anything that alive contains the universe, or infinite possibility. Kombucha is infinite possibility in a drink.” And the results speak for themselves—flavor innovation accelerated a thousand-fold when we removed corporate control.” A student activist approached the microphone. “Ms. Reyes, you’ve inspired movements to liberate seed genetics, soil bacteria, and traditional medicine cultures. The ‘Luna Legion’ is spreading globally. What’s your message to young people who want to continue this work?” Luna smiled. “First, understand the risks. I was sued by multinational corporations, received death threats, spent years fighting legal battles. This work has costs. Second, be strategic. Release information you’ve generated yourself through legal methods—no hacking, no theft. Third, build communities. I survived because people supported me—legally, financially, emotionally. You can’t fight corporations alone. Finally, remember why you’re doing it: to return biological knowledge to the commons where it belongs. That purpose will sustain you through the hard parts.” Teaching By twenty-eight, Luna was a MacArthur Fellow, teaching fermentation workshops in a converted Anheuser-Busch facility. As she watched her students—former corporate employees learning to think like ecosystems rather than factories—she reflected that her teenage hack had accomplished more than liberating yeast genetics. She had helped humanity remember that flavor, like knowledge, grows stronger when shared rather than hoarded. Luna’s garage had evolved into a sophisticated community biolab. The original jury-rigged equipment had been replaced with professional gear funded by her MacArthur Fellowship. Abuela Rosa still maintained her fermentation crocks in the corner—a reminder of where everything started. A group of five

Nikola Todorovic is the Co-Founder of Wonder Dynamics, an Autodesk company, which is one of the most groundbreaking AI companies transforming the future of filmmaking.In this episode, Nikola opens up about building an AI startup from scratch, surviving the early chaos of generative AI, and why he believes the future belongs to creators. We go deep on AI, tech, creativity, entrepreneurship, mental resilience, and the future of storytelling; including how Nikola and Tye Sheridan built a product people thought was “impossible,” what really happened behind the scenes of their viral launch, and why democratizing filmmaking matters more today than ever.If you're a filmmaker, 3D artist, startup founder, or AI-curious entrepreneur, this is one of the most important conversations of 2025.Episode 75 Chapter:00:00:00 – Introduction00:03:50 – Early days of Wonder Dynamics & scaling challenges00:05:45 – The power of “Permissionless Storytelling”00:07:10 – Nikola's childhood, war, and escaping through film00:11:45 – The origins of Wonder Studio 00:13:25 – Pivoting from VR to AI filmmaking00:15:10 – Funding, team size & early startup struggles00:20:20 – The emotional rollercoaster of building something new00:22:40 – Why creators forget their darkest moments00:24:45 – Fear, discomfort & pushing through self-doubt00:28:10 – Perspective: comparing yourself to your past, not others00:30:10 – What truly brings happiness (scarcity & meaning)00:32:30 – Why hiring curious people beats hiring experts00:35:15 – The “say yes and figure it out” philosophy00:37:00 – How uncertainty becomes a competitive advantage00:38:45 – Nature vs nurture00:41:20 – What top creatives really struggle with00:49:35 – The problem with modern AI launches00:51:10 – Generative AI editability00:53:00 – Multimodal future of filmmaking00:56:20 – AI's irony: the first jobs it replaced were creative00:58:00 – Why AI won't kill filmmaking01:02:40 – Democratization of filmmaking in 202501:05:50 – Why now is the best time ever to be a creator01:07:10 – Final thoughts on storytelling, creativity & the futureLearn Unreal Engine in 14 Days - $300 OFF https://join.baddecisions.studio/c/podcast?discounts=PODCASTIf this podcast is helping you, please take 2 minutes to rate our podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, It will help the Podcast reach and help more people! Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12jUe4lIJgxE4yst7rrfmW?si=ab98994cf57541cfApple Podcasts (Scroll down to review)- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-decisions-podcast/id1677462934Find out more about Brandon:https://www.instagram.com/lunchbqxJoin our discord server where we connect and share assets:https://discord.gg/zwycgqezfD Bad Decisions Audio Podcast

As the Cold War set in (1948), George Kennan urged MacArthur to halt progressive liberalization policies. Kennan argued that extensive democratization risked communist subversion, emphasizing the need for a strong, stable, anti-communist Japan. This marked a major shift, recognizing Japan, rather than China, as the crucial strategic anchor for American foreign policy in Asia.

How can you get real-time intelligence from space rapidly and cheaply? Novi Space is a startup from Virginia that uses its own hardware and on-orbit edge processing to do just that. Their CEO Michael Bartholomeusz is our guest this week.

In this episode of Insight is Capital, host Pierre Daillie welcomes Deborah Fuhr, one of the world's foremost authorities on ETFs and the Founder and Managing Partner of ETFGI. Together, they explore the explosive growth of the global ETF industry—now surpassing $18.8 trillion in assets—and what this means for advisors, investors, and the evolving landscape of financial innovation.Deborah shares her unique perspective ahead of the 7th Annual ETFGI Global ETF Insights Summit in Toronto, offering deep insight into the democratization of investing, the rise of active and structured ETFs, the role of women and wealth transfer, and the next wave of transformation—from tokenization to digital assets.

Apple's EU lobbying spend sparks panel debate beforeDavid Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, Chuck Joiner, Norbert Frassa, and Kelly Guimont turn to a bizarre case of stolen trade secrets being publicly presented. The discussion then shifts to Canva making the Affinity suite free, what that means for Adobe's dominance, long-term subscription concerns, and how AI-powered creative tools are reshaping design workflows.  MacVoices is supported by SurfShark. Go to https://surfshark.com/macvoices or use code “macvoices" at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Today's MacVoices is supported by MacPaw and their essential CleanMyMac.. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at http://CLNMY.COM/MACVOICES. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Apple's EU lobbying spend and industry context[1:30] Cost analysis and effectiveness of Apple's lobbying[3:20] Oppo engineer presents stolen trade secrets[5:00] Motivations, pride, and “dumb criminal” behavior[6:20] Affinity suite goes free under Canva[7:50] Concerns about long-term business model and sustainability[9:20] New unified Affinity app impressions and workflow changes[11:20] Subscription questions and Adobe comparisons[12:20] Pixelmator, Apple, and alternative creative tools[14:00] Canva's value and integration for creators[19:00] Canva vs. Adobe in enterprise environments[21:40] AI-enhanced tools and industry competition[23:55] Rising Creative Cloud pricing and user adoption trends[26:10] BYOD trends and iPad use in enterprise[28:01] Canva's AI “fix-it” button and one-click editing[29:30] Democratization of design tools[31:36] Training new users with Affinity and Canva[33:21] Closing remarks and community links Links: Apple spent $8M lobbying the EU last year and had 76 meetingshttps://9to5mac.com/2025/10/29/apple-spent-8m-lobbying-the-eu-last-year-and-had-76-meetings/ Apple says the Oppo engineer who stole trade secrets gave a presentation to ‘hundreds' about stolen infohttps://appleworld.today/2025/10/apple-says-the-oppo-engineer-who-stole-trade-secrets-gave-a-presentation-to-hundreds-about-stolen-info/ What has Canva done to the Affinity apps?https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/30/affinitys-entire-suite-goes-completely-free-on-mac-with-new-all-in-one-app Canva introduces an AI fix-it buttonhttps://www.fastcompany.com/91429908/canva-introduces-an-ai-fix-it-button   Guests:   Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky. Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Norbert Frassa is a technology “man about town”. Follow him on Twitter and see what he's up to. Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Kelly Guimont is a podcaster and friend of the Rebel Alliance. You can also hear her on The Aftershow with Mike Rose, and she still has more to say which she saves for Twitter and Mastodon.  Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,' including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon     http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:     http://macvoices.com      Twitter:     http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner     http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:     https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes     Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Apple's EU lobbying spend sparks panel debate beforeDavid Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, Chuck Joiner, Norbert Frassa, and Kelly Guimont turn to a bizarre case of stolen trade secrets being publicly presented. The discussion then shifts to Canva making the Affinity suite free, what that means for Adobe's dominance, long-term subscription concerns, and how AI-powered creative tools are reshaping design workflows.  MacVoices is supported by SurfShark. Go to https://surfshark.com/macvoices or use code "macvoices" at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Today's MacVoices is supported by MacPaw and their essential CleanMyMac.. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at http://CLNMY.COM/MACVOICES. Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Apple's EU lobbying spend and industry context [1:30] Cost analysis and effectiveness of Apple's lobbying [3:20] Oppo engineer presents stolen trade secrets [5:00] Motivations, pride, and "dumb criminal" behavior [6:20] Affinity suite goes free under Canva [7:50] Concerns about long-term business model and sustainability [9:20] New unified Affinity app impressions and workflow changes [11:20] Subscription questions and Adobe comparisons [12:20] Pixelmator, Apple, and alternative creative tools [14:00] Canva's value and integration for creators [19:00] Canva vs. Adobe in enterprise environments [21:40] AI-enhanced tools and industry competition [23:55] Rising Creative Cloud pricing and user adoption trends [26:10] BYOD trends and iPad use in enterprise [28:01] Canva's AI "fix-it" button and one-click editing [29:30] Democratization of design tools [31:36] Training new users with Affinity and Canva [33:21] Closing remarks and community links Links: Apple spent $8M lobbying the EU last year and had 76 meetings https://9to5mac.com/2025/10/29/apple-spent-8m-lobbying-the-eu-last-year-and-had-76-meetings/ Apple says the Oppo engineer who stole trade secrets gave a presentation to 'hundreds' about stolen info https://appleworld.today/2025/10/apple-says-the-oppo-engineer-who-stole-trade-secrets-gave-a-presentation-to-hundreds-about-stolen-info/ What has Canva done to the Affinity apps? https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/30/affinitys-entire-suite-goes-completely-free-on-mac-with-new-all-in-one-app Canva introduces an AI fix-it button https://www.fastcompany.com/91429908/canva-introduces-an-ai-fix-it-button   Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky. Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Norbert Frassa is a technology "man about town". Follow him on Twitter and see what he's up to. Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Kelly Guimont is a podcaster and friend of the Rebel Alliance. You can also hear her on The Aftershow with Mike Rose, and she still has more to say which she saves for Twitter and Mastodon.  Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession 'firsts,' including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

In this episode of Insight is Capital, Mark Jarosz, Head of Credit Alternatives at BMO Global Asset Management, joins us to demystify the world of Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) — a sophisticated yet increasingly accessible asset class, now reshaping how investors think about income, risk, and portfolio diversification.Jarosz explains how CLOs are structured, how they differ from the infamous CDOs of 2008, and why they've quietly become a go-to for institutional investors seeking floating-rate income with resilience across market cycles. With the launch of BMO's CLO ETFs (tickers: ZAAA and ZBBZ), everyday investors now have access to institutional-quality fixed income exposure for the first time in Canada.From the mechanics of tranche hierarchies and over-collateralization to the yield opportunities in BBB-rated tranches, we cut through the jargon to reveal why CLOs are becoming an essential building block for diversified income portfolios.3 Key TakeawaysCLOs Are Not CDOs: Jarosz clarifies that CLOs are built on pools of investment grade corporate loans, and are actively managed, transparent, and rigorously rated — with zero defaults at the AAA level over 30 years of history.Floating-Rate Advantage: In a “higher-for-longer” rate environment, CLOs' floating-rate structure protects investors from duration risk while providing yield enhancement and resilience during both rising and falling rate cycles.Democratization of Access: Through BMO's ZAAA (AAA CLO ETF) and ZBBZ (BBB CLO ETF), Canadian investors can now access institutional-grade credit in a liquid, transparent ETF format — a first in the Canadian market.Timestamps & Chapters[00:00] Introduction to Fixed Income Challenges[01:01] Guest Introduction: Mark Jarosz[02:30] Mark Jarosz's Career Journey[04:19] The Impact of the Financial Crisis on Career Development[05:21] Defining CLOs: Structure and Function[07:32] The Role of Rating Agencies in CLOs[08:43] CLOs vs. CDOs: Key Differences[10:54] Current Market Conditions for CLOs[11:55] Evaluating CLO Managers[13:22] Yield Opportunities in CLO Investments[16:02] Over-Collateralization Explained[17:50] Exploring BBB Rated CLOs[19:56] The Role of AAA CLOs in Investment Strategies[22:50] Institutional Investor Behavior in Volatile Markets[24:52] Benefits of CLOs in Portfolio Diversification[26:32] Floating Rate Structure of CLOs[30:44] Understanding Risks Associated with CLOs[35:12] Introduction of CLO ETFs for Retail Investors[38:25] Investor Preferences for Investment Grade Products[39:58] Monthly Distribution and Yield Pickup[41:05] Utilizing ETFs for Access to Asset Managers[42:01] ConclusionCopyright © AdvisorAnalyst#CLOInvesting #FixedIncome #AlternativeInvestments #BMOGAM #CreditMarkets #YieldStrategy #FloatingRate #StructuredCredit #InvestmentGrade #ZAAA #ZBBZ #AdvisorEducation #PortfolioDiversification #IncomeInvesting #InsightIsCapital #PierreDaillie #MarkJarosz #CanadianInvestors #CLOETF #WealthManagement

Today's guest is Matthias Wagner, chief executive and cofounder of Flux. Flux is maker of a Agentic AI-based PCB design platform and programmable simulator that runs in a browser environment. Regular listeners may know we have spoken with Matthias a few times in the past, most recently in February 2024. Since we last spoke, Flux has built out its platform with a variety of tools for design planning, parts searching, netlist generation, design review, firmware coding and testing and debugging, to name a few.   We discuss AI-powered PCB design challenges Language prompting capabilities  Democratization of product design, and Technical specifications and platform limits.      

Bioreactors and Light: The Future of Bio-Manufacturing Unveiled Prolific-machines.com About the Guest(s): Dr. Deniz Kent is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Prolific Machines, a biotech innovator at the forefront of utilizing light as a control mechanism for cellular behavior in biomanufacturing. With an academic background in molecular biology, Dr. Kent's expertise lies in optogenetics—the science of using light to control cells. Under his leadership, Prolific Machines is pioneering a new era in biotechnology with applications ranging from pharmaceuticals to cellular agriculture. Episode Summary: In this fascinating episode of The Chris Voss Show, listeners are introduced to the visionary world of Dr. Deniz Kent, CEO and co-founder of Prolific Machines. With a mission to revolutionize biotechnology, Dr. Kent explores the profound impact of using optogenetics, a process that employs light to communicate and control cellular functions. This innovative approach aims to drive significant advancements in biomanufacturing, offering potential solutions for diverse industries, from pharmaceuticals to food production. The discussion delves into how Prolific Machines strives to harness light for creating efficiencies in drug manufacturing, ultimately reducing costs and improving accessibility. Dr. Kent explains that the applications extend beyond pharmaceuticals, potentially transforming how we produce food and other essentials. As the conversation evolves, the potential future of bioreactors in homes is posited, signaling a shift towards personalized cell-based production. This episode promises intriguing insights into a future where biotechnology plays a pivotal role in daily life. Key Takeaways: Revolutionizing Biomanufacturing: Prolific Machines is utilizing optogenetics to enable precise control over cellular functions, impacting major sectors like pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Democratization of Medicine: The cost-effective and scalable nature of optogenetic biomanufacturing could make advanced therapies more accessible globally. Visionary Applications: While focusing on drug manufacturing now, the technology envisions a future where bioreactors could provide custom food and medical solutions at home. Historical Roots in Modern Innovation: The concept of biomanufacturing has ancient origins, showing its evolution from traditional practices to groundbreaking modern science. Industry and Public Engagement: Dr. Kent aims to raise awareness and foster understanding of biotechnology's potential, encouraging engagement from both industry professionals and the general public. Notable Quotes: "What we're building is a system where machines and cells can communicate with each other." "I believe that all biomanufacturing will eventually become optogenetic." "You can make anything made out of cells, which is, a lot of things." "The ultimate goal is anyone who wants to make something with cells can use our technology as the infrastructure to do that." "By switching to these more advanced, machine-controllable tools, we can dramatically reduce the cost of protein therapeutics or gene therapies."

After spending the last few weeks listening to Q3 earnings calls and product launches from the Magnificent 7 and their orbit, I think it's safe to say:We're approaching a fundamental shift where AI doesn't just scale operations—it enables radical personalization at scale. And this tension between “more” and “customized” will reshape how we communicate, campaign, and connect.Hi, are you new to Anchor Change? I'm Katie Harbath. Most people listen for the numbers. I listen for where product and policy are heading. And today's piece is a good example of the kinds of work I share in my newsletter every week. Subscribe today to get this kind of analysis right in your inbox.After listening to Salesforce's Mark Benioff talk about the future of customer service and Google's Sundar Pichai mention how browsing will change, here are six things that stood out to me—and what they mean for anyone navigating tech, politics, or the messy space between.1. Moving From Pages You Browse to Agents You BriefSalesforce calls it “the end of the do-not-reply era.” Google is reimagining search and Chrome as agentic interfaces. By next year, your customer won't scroll through your website—they'll ask a question, and an AI will answer on your behalf.What that means for you: If your content isn't structured for agents—clear product data, authenticated actions, safety guardrails—you're invisible in that conversation. Start designing for a “briefed” world now.2. The Democratization of Software DevelopmentNearly every company referenced how AI collapses the barrier between “having an idea” and “shipping something.” Andreessen Horowitz drew parallels to early YouTube: suddenly, anyone could create and distribute content without a studio. Now, anyone can build software without hiring developers.The catch: When everyone can create at scale, advantage shifts to orchestration—how seamlessly you connect identity, data, channels, and fulfillment. The magic isn't in making things; it's in making things work together reliably.3. Scale AND Personalization (Not Scale OR Personalization)After listening to these calls, this is the juxtaposition that intrigues me most. AI is enabling companies to reach a wider audience while simultaneously tailoring every interaction.* YouTube/Google is helping creators make episodic content shoppable—shortening the journey from “I'm interested” to “I bought it.”* Meta is optimizing ad delivery end-to-end, so advertisers just state their objective and the AI handles the rest.* Netflix's K-pop demon hunters became a surprise hit, showing studios need to move faster on merchandising cultural moments.For campaigns and advocacy: 2026 and 2028 will be the first elections where agentic stacks let you contact, persuade, and service constituents at unprecedented scale—but in messages that feel like they were written for each person. The transparency challenge here is huge.4. The Human Layer Isn't Going Away—It's ExpandingWhile it's popular to say that ”AI replaces people,” leaders kept describing AI as expanding what humans can handle:* Salesforce and Meta both argued you can finally answer every customer service inquiry—which means hiring more humans alongside automation, not fewer.* Sales changes too: AI lets your team pitch to more prospects and close faster. Same humans, exponentially more reach.The advantage isn't zero-human; it's right-human. To me, this means you put your best people where judgment, nuance, and relationships truly matter. Use agents to amplify their impact.5. Three Infrastructure Realities Shaping StrategyAcross every call and launch, no one could escape these these three elements that are impacting their next steps:* No One Has Enough Compute. Capacity planning is now a C-suite conversation. Every roadmap is gated by compute availability.* Energy Is Policy. OpenAI's framing was direct: building AI infrastructure requires a surge in skilled trades and electricity. “Unlocking electrons” is both an economic opportunity and a bottleneck—one that regulators will shape.* DC Proximity Is Now an Advantage. The industry that once prized distance from Washington is planting offices there. NVIDIA staged events in DC. Anthropic is opening an office. Policy fluency isn't optional anymore.Your move: Lock long-lead capacity early. Build relationships with policymakers before you need them. Align your safety and transparency practices with where regulation is heading, not where it is today.6. Platform Competition: The Creator Scramble Is Back* Substack is scaling fast, which means more content and harder discovery—echoing the early-2010s battle for creator loyalty that Facebook, Twitter and YouTube went through.* Meta frames a “third era” of social: friends (Era 1), creators (Era 2), and now a third era where AI-remixes change what gets made and how it spreads.* Google is pushing analytics and monetization tools to keep creators inside YouTube's ecosystem.What's happening: Platforms are competing for catalogs, not just users. More content means more moderation complexity. Global scale will stress those choices in ways we haven't seen yet.What This Means for Leaders in 2026* Design for agents, not just browsers. Your information architecture needs to answer questions, not just display pages.* Personalization is becoming table stakes. People will expect customized experiences. On the flip side, you'll need radical transparency about what you're saying to whom and how you'll be held accountable.* Invest where trust is created. The competitive edge isn't automation—it's knowing where to put your humans so they create relationships that matter.* Policy and capacity are product decisions now. You can't build a roadmap without thinking about compute, energy, and regulatory alignment.The Bigger QuestionWe're very close to witnessing a fundamental shift in how we interact with browsers, brands, and one another. Personalization at this level will change how we present information, the companies we work with to deliver it, and the necessary level of transparency about what we're doing.The companies getting this right won't be the ones who scale fastest or personalize best—they'll be the ones who figure out how to do both while earning trust along the way.What trend catches your eye the most and why? Tell me in the comments.Go DeeperIf you want to watch these events or read things yourself, here's all that I looked at:* Anthropic: Axios AI Keynote* Google: Q3 Earnings, New TV Features on YouTube and Alex Heath scoop on YouTube AI Re-Org and Layoffs* Meta: Q3 Earnings* Microsoft: Fiscal Year 2026 Q1 Earnings* Netflix: Q3 Earnings* NVIDIA: GTC Keynote* OpenAI: Dev Day Sam Altman Keynote* Salesforce: Dreamforce Investor and Analyst Session, Marketing Force and Conversation with David Sacks* Substack: Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe

Jan Szilayi is the co-founder of Reflexivity, a AI market research platform that is quietly becoming the secret weapon for some of the world's top investors.Backed by legendary figures like Stanley Druckenmiller, Thomas Peterffy, and Greg Coffey, and partnered with Microsoft, Reflexivity is already being used by major hedge funds like Millennium and Soros Fund Management to navigate the overwhelming flood of market data.In this conversation, we explore how AI is evolving from a simple data tool into an analytical partner that helps investors ask questions they didn't even know they should be asking.We discuss the key principles from legendary investors that are baked into the platform's DNA, and we tackle the big question: Could an AI one day compete with the best asset managers on the planet?⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comReflexivity website - https://reflexivity.com/enJan Szilagyi on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-szilagyi-12284ab

From a council estate in East London to the boardrooms ofventure capital, this is the story of Vishal Bhatia, founder of Forward Fund& Forward Studios. In this episode, Vishal shares how his family's history ofloss and resilience shaped his mission of building generational wealth, notjust for himself, but for underprivileged founders, creators, and communitiesoften left behind by the system. We explore: - How his father lost everything and rebuilt from nothing- Why legacy matters more than money- The future of building generational wealth in the creatoreconomy This is about more than money. It's about legacy,opportunity, and the power of purpose in business. Go follow him at: ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-bhatia-ff➡️ https://forwardfund.group ----- Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction and Background of Vishal Bhatia(00:58) - Family History and Upbringing(02:29) - Father's Business Journey and Challenges(03:37) - Impact of Father's Experiences on Vishal(08:03) - Moving to the UK and Childhood Experiences(12:03) - Reflections on Purpose and Legacy(13:07) - Importance of Legacy and Father's Influence(15:50) - Inspiration and Direction for Future Leaders(17:02) - Defining Good and Making a Lasting Impact(18:07) - Journey into Angel Investing(20:24 - Establishing London Fields Venture Capital(21:18) - Shift from Underrepresented to Underprivileged(24:39) - Transition into Content Creation(25:38) - Building Trust and Value in Venture Capital(27:33) - The Broken Model of Content Marketing(27:58) - Creating Commercial Value for Content Creators(29:34) - Tying it All Together: Helping UnderprivilegedPeople(31:13) - Turning Social Value into Corporate Value(32:04) - Democratization of Social Media(33:25) - Supporting Underprivileged and New Creators(35:05) - Expanding Opportunities for New Talent(37:16) - Maintaining Focus on Purpose and Accountability(39:55) - Envisioning a Content, Business, and MediaEcosystem(40:15) - Expanding into Different Areas of Engagement(40:48) - Advice for Content Creators(41:15) - Importance of Trust and Right Advisors(43:43) - Contact Information #buildinggenerationalwealth-----The Story Club Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thestoryclubpodcast⁠Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamjonnyrose⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnysrose

Send us a textThe Legal Bridge: Technology to Trust | S3E8Guest: Darryl Osuch - Unit Manager, Legal Operations at JERA Co., Inc. | Host of The Legal Ops PodcastEpisode Length: 51 minutesEpisode Description"I feel like I'm fighting an education battle."Darryl Osuch identifies what many organizations are missing about AI adoption. Not a technology battle. Not a process battle. An education battle.In this conversation, Darryl shares what he's learning at the intersection of legal operations, AI implementation, and organizational trust. His perspective—both mechanic and driver of AI systems—reveals why the gap between capability and comprehension might be the real bottleneck.Microsoft's research shows 70% of AI transformation involves people, 20% workflows, and only 10% algorithms. Yet many organizations find their resource allocation tells a different story. Darryl brings rare expertise: implementing generative AI at JERA while building frameworks that help people actually trust and adopt it.Key ThemesThe Translation Gap Legal teams are discovering they're not gatekeepers—they're translators between technical capability and human comprehension. When technical concepts get explained but not understood, that's where adoption stalls.Trust as Architecture Trust operates in layers: data, algorithm, company. When one layer doesn't hold, the entire stack can struggle—regardless of technical capability.The Education Battle The real challenge isn't teaching people to use AI tools. It's making complexity accessible without losing truth. Translation capability is becoming strategic, not supplementary.Democratization with Guardrails "Vibe coding" enables people who've never coded to build solutions. The question becomes: How do you create frameworks that enable exploration while maintaining standards?The Soft Skills Advantage When everyone has access to similar AI tools, what creates distinction? Humanity, authenticity, judgment, empathy, wisdom—the entirely human elements.Key Insights from Darryl

In this episode of The Defiant Podcast, Vinny sits down with Ahmad Shadid—former quant trader turned founder—who redirected the 2022 GPU crunch into a decentralized GPU network and now leads a bold push toward “sovereign superintelligence”: an AI CEO framework that can govern, fund, and scale itself transparently. We unpack vibe coding (building with AI at 20x speed), how zero-knowledge proofs and decentralized networks could reshape AI, and why security must keep pace in a world moving faster than audits. We talk leadership, the democratization of software, and the next wave of founders shipping products in days—not months.We discuss:How vibe coding empowers anyone to ship working demos fastWhere AI CEOs make sense—and where humans still matterWhy Web3 UX, wallets, and cross-chain could leap forwardThe real bottleneck: security and audits in a 20x build worldPractical risks for builders and consumers—and how to stay safeChapters00:00 The internet-magnitude moment for building01:13 Sovereign superintelligence and AI CEO01:38 Vibe coding: ship 20x faster01:53 Speed vs. security: the new bottleneck03:03 From GPU crunch to GPU networks03:22 Why AI + Web3 will drive the decade06:51 Will AI replace “managers” or leaders?09:53 Vibe coding explained—anyone can build14:05 Tools outpace human code reading16:30 Building an AI-first product workflow21:13 Build fast, but build safely32:00 Toward decentralized AI-managed organizations37:34 What's driving the vibe coding wave39:58 Democratization vs. industry gatekeeping42:45 Anyone can start—opportunities everywhere

How can we best navigate the AI revolution to leverage it for a greater good?It's here. What will we do about it as heart-centered leaders?We hear: "The machine is outperforming humans."What we need is to be more human.In this episode of 'Being Brave', I am joined by Justin Hall, CEO of AI UK ( who also spent many years in Christian ministry, coaching, and non-profit leadership) to explore the profound impact of AI on communication, work, and creativity. We discuss the importance of understanding AI's integration into businesses, the need for democratization and demystification of technology, and the moral responsibility we have as leaders.Justin shares the necessity of education in navigating the AI landscape, while also addressing the fears surrounding AI and its potential for both good and evil. We also explore the profound impact of AI on human identity, education, and personal growth and the necessity of redefining our understanding of ourselves and digital literacy, and the role of humanity in a technologically advanced world. We go deeper into the need for personal branding, human connection, and trust in an AI-driven society, as Justin shares: "AI amplifies whatever is within." The question then becomes: what is within us?Chapters00:00 Introduction to Purpose and AI12:56 Democratization and Demystification of AI19:48 The Role of AI in Human Connection 26:34 Engaging with AI: Opportunities and Challenges32:57 Engaging with AI for Good39:43 Navigating the Future of Work with AI46:50 The Shift in Education and Knowledge Access57:47 Building Trust in an AI-Driven Society01:02:55 AI as a Tool for Amplification and Engagement01:13:55 Finding Balance and Purpose in LifeJustin Hall is the CEO of Ai UK and Synergistics Coaching.Born in South Africa, Justin started his professional career empowering individuals and marginalised communities to reach their full potential and navigate social challenges through several charities of which he was a founding member. Registered with numerous governmental organisations, he has always been personally involved with the improvement of our most fundamental structures and with raising awareness of social issues on national TV, debate platforms, and his own radio talk show.Having completed several qualifications himself, Justin has taught at university level, in schools, and founded his own community enrichment school. These, combined with being a published poet and author, writing in the area of leadership development, strongly testify to his firm belief in the power of education.Justin has many years of experience in C-suite leadership, B2B and B2C sales, fundraising, training, management, leadership, and international executive coaching. All this expertise is now the driving force behind Justin's passion to empower individuals and organisations to reach their full potential as the CEO of AIUK.Connect with Justin Hall here:https://ai-uk.io/Synergistic Coaching:https://www.synergycoach.org/⚡️For 1:1 guidance and custom support inquiries, Book a Clarity Call with me: Bit.ly/DeepshiftGet immediate clarity and peace in your decisions:sasha-lipskaia-mindset.kit.com/clarity  Connect with me:▼Website▼ LinkedIn▼YouTube▼Instagram▼Substack:▼ https://www.facebook.com/sashalipskaia/▼Join the Unshakeable Leaders CommunityAbout me:Sasha Lipskaia, MA, ICF, MHC, is a Christian mindset coach and intuitive guide to founders and community leaders who want to lead with power and peace, purpose and fulfillment.Disclaimer: This episode is meant for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not to be taken or used as medical advice. As a certified coach and intuitive guide, I do not offer professional psychotherapeutic or medical advice or treatment. If you need mental or physical health support, please seek the help of a trained psychotherapist and physician.AI, purpose, leadership, trust, technology, coaching, spirituality, personal growth

As a hint at our next new series, we want to share with you our 2023 episode with Moshe Koppel—a computer scientist and Talmud scholar—about Torah and its intersection with artificial intelligence.In a world in which technology puts vast libraries of Torah at our fingertips, we are tasked with thinking more deeply about what essentially human abilities we bring to the enterprise of Torah and tefillah. In this episode we discuss:What computer-based innovations are on the horizon in the realm of Torah study?Will AI ever be able to reliably answer our halachic questions?Will advances in technology drastically change the experience of Shabbos observance?Tune in to hear a conversation about how AI has the potential to make our Jewish lives richer—if we use it wisely.Interview begins at 18:21.Dr. Moshe Koppel is a computer scientist, Talmud scholar, and political activist. Moshe is a professor of computer science at Bar-Ilan University, and a prolific author of academic articles and books on Jewish thought, computer science, economics, political science, and other disciplines. He is the founding director of Kohelet, a conservative-libertarian think tank in Israel, and he advises members of the Knesset on legislative matters. Dr. Koppel is the author of three sharply thought books on Jewish thought and previously joined 18Forty to talk about Halacha as Language.References:“Funes the Memorious” by Jorge Luis BorgesThe Mind of a Mnemonist by A.R. LuriaSurfaces and Essences: Analogy as the Fuel and Fire of Thinking by Douglas R. Hofstadter & Emmanuel SanderGödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas R. HofstadterMeta-Halakhah: Logic, Intuition, and the Unfolding of Jewish Law by Moshe Koppel2001: A Space OdysseyDICTA: Analytical tools for Hebrew texts“Digital Discourse and the Democratization of Jewish Learning” by Zev EleffTzidkat HaTzadik: 211 by Tzadok HaKohen of LublinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Laura Tempest Zakroff , https://lauratempestzakroff.com/ , author of Anatomy of a Witch, Weave The Liminal, The Witch's Cauldron, Visual Alchemy, etc, as well as visual artist, dancer, and creatrix extraordinaire joins Luxa https://linktr.ee/LuxaStrata to talk about Tarot, Numbers, the Archetypes of the Witch and the Magician, Sigil Craft, Embodied Magic and Dance, Authority and Authorship, Egragores and more!Luxa also shares announcements and an update about The Green Mushroom Project https://greenmushroomproject.com/ and Void House- creating consent forward magical spaces for conducting group work both in person and online, investigating the magical and alchemical properties of consent, and providing consent education to magically inclined people. Thanks for listening to the Lux Occult Podcast! Support the show by helping Luxa buy books and curtail other costs, as well as taking a bibliomancy break by giving on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/luxoccult . Or, Buy Me a Coffee.com is an option for a one time donation: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/luxoccultpod?new=1 We would love to hear from you! Please send your thoughts, questions, suggestions or arcane revelations to luxoccultpod@gmail.com or message on Instagram @luxoccultpod https://www.instagram.com/luxoccultpod/ and on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/luxastrata919.bsky.socialLaura Tempest Zakroffhttps://lauratempestzakroff.com/Referenced in today's episode:Jo “Boobs” Weldon's Elemental Burlesque https://www.patreon.com/posts/elemental-of-in-87631502Dave Neal on Lux Occult Podcast:26. Metacognition, Neuroplasticity, and Healing from Trauma with Dave Nealhttps://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/luxa-strata/episodes/26--Metacognition--Neuroplasticity--and-Healing-from-Trauma-with-Dave-Neal-e13b4fm45. The Democratization of Desire w/Dave Neal Walking Your Talk w/Shane Thomas https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/luxa-strata/episodes/45--The-Democratization-of-Desire-w-Dave-Neal--Walking-Your-Talk-w-Shane-Thomas-e1iuuv8/a-a7vv0pk31. Magick, Games, and Hypersigils with Frater Drednoughthttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/luxa-strata/episodes/31--Magick--Games--and-Hypersigils-with-Frater-Drednought-from-Faith-Blind-Council-e181fah/a-a6jsrbvVoid House Presents: Trauma Informed Practices or “Just the TIPs” https://youtu.be/gCrTpfsAAHcHeadless Rite Study Course Tuesdays 9-10pm EST Oct 21st-Dec.9th 2025 https://buymeacoffee.com/luxoccultpod/e/456648Check out The Consent Academy https://www.consent.academy/Find Luxa's work included in Serpents of Circe: A Manual to Magical Resilience edited by Laura Tempest Zakroff and Ron Padrón https://revelore.press/product/serpents-of-circe-a-manual-to-magical-resilience/Full Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTLoHEal3ZK7EWFeU4iQ182VeYq802yRutzvnJJsxOvOFsEcmnVJnhgY6Ny1WHuKxs-ifomHZLsLRk6/pubLux Occult Podcast is produced by Luxa Strata. All Rights Reserved. 2025.

Right About Now with Ryan Alford Join media personality and marketing expert Ryan Alford as he dives into dynamic conversations with top entrepreneurs, marketers, and influencers. "Right About Now" brings you actionable insights on business, marketing, and personal branding, helping you stay ahead in today's fast-paced digital world. Whether it's exploring how character and charisma can make millions or unveiling the strategies behind viral success, Ryan delivers a fresh perspective with every episode. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their business game and unlock their full potential.     Resources: Right About Now Newsletter | Free Podcast Monetization Course | Join The Network |Follow Us On Instagram | Subscribe To Our Youtube Channel | Vibe Science Media SUMMARY In this episode of "Right About Now," host Ryan Alford interviews David Gardner, co-founder of The Motley Fool. Gardner shares the story behind The Motley Fool’s growth from a small newsletter to a major investment platform, discusses the democratization of investing, and emphasizes the importance of long-term, patient investing in strong brands. He introduces his “rule breaker investing” philosophy, highlights companies like Amazon and Nvidia, and offers practical advice for building wealth. Gardner also recommends lesser-known stocks, discusses entrepreneurship, and promotes his new book, providing valuable insights for investors at any stage. TAKEAWAYS History and evolution of The Motley Fool as a print newsletter starting in 1993. Impact of the internet on investing and access to stock market information. Democratization of stock market access and reduction of trading costs. Importance of long-term investing and avoiding market timing. Investment philosophy centered around "rule breaker investing." Focus on brand strength and value in evaluating stocks. Examples of successful companies with strong brands (e.g., Amazon, Nvidia). Challenges faced during the dot-com crash and lessons learned. Recommendations for diversification and long-term stock ownership. Insights on entrepreneurship and the role of business leaders in society.

In this episode, Mark Longo and Matt Amberson (ORATS) reflect on the evolution of options trading and the role of financial advisors since the show's inception in 2011. They discuss the dramatic growth in options volume, the rise of zero-DTE trading, the democratization of tools and education for advisors, and the increasing client demand for options strategies. They also delve into current market conditions, strategies like collars and the wheel, and the potential impact of AI on options trading. Listener questions about tax implications and the implications of AI in options trading are answered, providing a comprehensive look at the state of options and advisory services today. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 04:40 Market Update: P&L Statement 11:19 Earnings Volatility Report 20:16 Options Market Evolution 31:39 The Evolution of Weekly Options 32:24 The Impact of Zero DTE Options 33:21 Backtesting and Zero DTE Strategies 36:21 The Democratization of Options Trading 38:06 The Rise of Trading Tools for Advisors 40:51 Understanding Volatility and VIX 43:31 Earnings Trading and Data Analysis 46:57 Client Demand and Advisor Evolution 49:08 Office Hours: Answering Listener Questions 59:45 Final Thoughts

Kai Heron, Keir Milburn and Bertie Russell discuss Radical Abundance, transition and public-commons partnerships. Shownotes Heron, K., Milburn, K., Russell, B. (2025). Radical Abundance. How to Win a Green Democratic Future. Pluto Press. https://www.plutobooks.com/product/radical-abundance/ Kai Heron at Lancaster University: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/about-us/people/kai-heron Keir Milburn's contributions at Novara Media: https://novaramedia.com/contributor/keir-milburn/ Bertie Russell at the Autonomous University of Barcelona: https://portalrecerca.uab.cat/en/persons/bertie-thomas-russell Abundance (the collective): https://www.in-abundance.org/ on Marta Harnecker: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marta_Harnecker on Michael A. Lebowitz: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_A._Lebowitz Lebowitz, M. A. (2013). Contested Reproduction and the Contradictions of Socialism. Socialist Project. https://socialistproject.ca/2013/09/b877/ on Yevgeni Preobrazhensky: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yevgeni_Preobrazhensky Preobrazhensky, Y. (1965). The New Economics. Oxford University Press. https://files.libcom.org/files/%5bPreobrazhensky%2C_Evgeny_Alekseevich%5d_The_New_Econo(BookZZ.org).pdf Nunes, R. (2021). Neither Vertical nor Horizontal. A Theory of Political Organization. Verso. https://www.versobooks.com/products/772-neither-vertical-nor-horizontal on Public-Commons Partnerships: https://www.in-abundance.org/what-is-a-public-commons-parntership https://www.in-abundance.org/reports/public-common-partnerships-building-new-circuits-of-collective-ownership for case studies on Public-Commons Partnerships, see: https://www.in-abundance.org/case-studies on Public-Private Partnerships: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public%E2%80%93private_partnership on council farms in the UK: https://www.cpre.org.uk/explainer/county-farms-explainer/ Common Wealth (the organization): https://www.common-wealth.org/ Common Wealth's recent project on privatization and Public-Private Partnerships in the UK: https://www.common-wealth.org/interactive/who-owns-britain/home on Che Guevara: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Che_Guevara on Stuart Hall: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Hall_(cultural_theorist) on Hugo Chávez: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Ch%C3%A1vez Gilbert, C. (2023). Commune or Nothing! Venezuela's Communal Movement and its Socialist Project. Monthly Review Press. https://monthlyreview.org/9781685900243/ on agroecology: https://agroecology-coalition.org/what-is-agroecology/ SCOP-TI: https://www.scop-ti.info/ the Berlin Housing Campaign: https://dwenteignen.de/en on the Wards Corner Market: https://www.in-abundance.org/case-studies/wards-corner Amarnath, S. et al. (2023): Varieties of Derisking. Phenomenal World. https://www.phenomenalworld.org/interviews/derisking/ on the Great Replacement conspiracy theory in the US: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Replacement_conspiracy_theory_in_the_United_States on marronage communities and their role in slave rebellions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maroons on the coal strikes in Appalachia in the late 19th and early 20th century: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_Wars on the Black Panther Party: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Panther_Party on SYRIZA and their development: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/rethinking-populism/the-systemic-metamorphosis-of-greeces-once-radical-left-wing-syriza-party/ on Erik Olin Wright's “Transition Troughs” concept, see chapter 9 and 10 of: Wright, E. O. (2010). Envisioning Real Utopias. Verso. https://www.versobooks.com/products/2143-envisioning-real-utopias the “Abundance” report on the social property of water in the UK: https://www.in-abundance.org/latest/beyond-bailouts on the 2023 strike in France where workers cut energy to certain sectors: https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/03/30/robin-hood-electricians-and-oil-blockades-the-radical-tactics-of-frances-striking-energy-w van Dyk, S. & Haubner, T. (2021). Community-Kapitalismus. Hamburger Edition. https://www.hamburger-edition.de/buecher-e-books/artikel-detail/community-kapitalismus/ van Dyk, S. (2018). Post-Wage Politics and the Rise of Community Capitalism. Work, Employment and Society, 32(3), 528-545. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0950017018755663 on municipalism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalism Bianchi, I. & Russell, B. (eds.) (2026). Radical Municipalism. The Politics of the Common and the Democratization of Public Services. Bristol University Press. (forthcoming) https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/radical-municipalism on the Occupy Movement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_movement on Climateflation: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/26/tuesday-briefing-how-climateflation-is-pushing-food-prices-ever-higher-and-changing-how-we-eat on hernani burujabe (the tripartite economic planning system in the city of Hernani): https://hernaniburujabe.eus/es/que-es/ Egia-Olaizola, A., Villalba-Eguiluz, U. and Gainza, X. (2025), Beyond the New Municipalism. Towards Post-Capitalist Territorial Sovereignty in the Case of Hernani Burujabe. Antipode, 57: 1448-1469. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/anti.70030 on the Commons (concept): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commons on Evergreening: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evergreening Klein, E. & Thompson, D. (2025). Abundance. Avid Reader Press. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Abundance/Ezra-Klein/9781668023488 on Marx's concept of the realm of necessity and freedom: https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/subject/hist-mat/capital/vol3-ch48.htm on David Graeber: https://davidgraeber.org/ Suits, B. (2005). The Grasshopper. Games, Life and Utopia. Broadview Press. https://kevinjpatton.com/teaching/phil_3230/readings/Bernard%20Suits%20-%20The%20Grasshopper.pdf on the socialist ecomodernism and degrowth debate: https://www.resilience.org/stories/2023-01-23/ecomodernism-on-its-own-terms/ Future Histories Episodes on Related Topics S3E44 | Anna Kornbluh on Climate Counteraesthetics https://www.futurehistories.today/episoden-blog/s03/e44-anna-kornbluh-on-climate-counteraesthetics/ S03E30 | Matt Huber & Kohei Saito on Growth, Progress and Left Imaginaries https://www.futurehistories.today/episoden-blog/s03/e30-matt-huber-kohei-saito-on-growth-progress-and-left-imaginaries/ S03E29 | Nancy Fraser on Alternatives to Capitalism https://www.futurehistories.today/episoden-blog/s03/e29-nancy-fraser-on-alternatives-to-capitalism/ S03E19 | Wendy Brown on Socialist Governmentality https://www.futurehistories.today/episoden-blog/s03/e19-wendy-brown-on-socialist-governmentality/ S03E03 | Planning for Entropy on Sociometabolic Planning https://www.futurehistories.today/episoden-blog/s03/e03-planning-for-entropy-on-sociometabolic-planning/ S02E51 | Silvia Federici on Progress, Reproduction and Commoning https://www.futurehistories.today/episoden-blog/s02/e51-silvia-federici-on-progress-reproduction-and-commoning/ S02E13 | Tine Haubner und Silke van Dyk zu Community-Kapitalismus https://www.futurehistories.today/episoden-blog/s02/e13-tine-haubner-und-silke-van-dyk-zu-community-kapitalismus/ --- If you are interested in democratic economic planning, these resources might be of help: Democratic planning – an information website https://www.democratic-planning.com/ Sorg, C. & Groos, J. (eds.)(2025). Rethinking Economic Planning. Competition & Change Special Issue Volume 29 Issue 1. https://journals.sagepub.com/toc/ccha/29/1 Groos, J. & Sorg, C. (2025). Creative Construction - Democratic Planning in the 21st Century and Beyond. Bristol University Press. [for a review copy, please contact: amber.lanfranchi[at]bristol.ac.uk] https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/creative-construction International Network for Democratic Economic Planning https://www.indep.network/ Democratic Planning Research Platform: https://www.planningresearch.net/ --- Future Histories Contact & Support If you like Future Histories, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/FutureHistories Contact: office@futurehistories.today Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehpodcast/ Mastodon: https://mstdn.social/@FutureHistories English webpage: https://futurehistories-international.com   Episode Keywords #KaiHeron, #KeirMilburn, #BertieRussell, #JanGroos, #Interview, #FutureHistories, #FutureHistoriesInternational, #futurehistoriesinternational, #Transition, #SocioecologicalTransition #DemocraticPlanning, #DemocraticEconomicPlanning, #Capitalism #BerlinHousingCampaign, #DWE, #Economics, #Socialism, #Socialisation, #Commons, #PublicCommonsPartnerships, #RadicalAbundance, #Abundance, #Municipalism, #Agroecology, #Derisking, #Investment, #Degrowth, #SocialistEcomodernism, #Ecomodernism

With as many as 120 million legal problems going unresolved in America each year, traditional lawyer-centered approaches to access to justice have consistently failed to meet the scale of need. But what if the solution is not just about providing more legal services — what if it lies in fundamentally rethinking who can provide legal help? In today's episode, host Bob Ambrogi is joined by two of the nation's leading researchers on access to justice: Rebecca Sandefur, professor and director of the Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics at Arizona State University and a faculty fellow at the American Bar Foundation, and Matthew Burnett, director of research and programs for the Access to Justice Research Initiative at the American Bar Foundation and an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center.  They argue that the access to justice crisis is actually a crisis of democracy. As cofounders of Frontline Justice, they have been pioneering research on "justice workers" — community members trained to help their neighbors navigate legal issues. Their recent article in the South Carolina Law Review, “Justice Work as Democracy Work: Reimagining Access to Justice as Democratization,” makes a provocative case: When people cannot access their own law, democracy itself fails. They present compelling evidence from Alaska, where nearly 200 community justice workers now serve over 40 rural communities, achieving a 1-to-25 return on investment while dramatically expanding legal aid's reach. In today's conversation, Sandefur and Burnett discuss the mounting evidence for justice worker effectiveness, including research from the U.K. demonstrating that trained non-lawyers often outperform attorneys on specialized tasks. They also discuss recent breakthroughs — including unprecedented support from both the Conference of Chief Justices and the American Bar Association — and examine what obstacles remain.  Sandefur and Burnett challenge the legal profession's monopoly on law, arguing that regulatory capture has estranged Americans from their own justice system. They envision justice workers as agents of democratization, expanding not just who can access legal help, but who can participate meaningfully in working democracy.  Related episodes: On the latest LawNext: Sociologist Rebecca Sandefur on Enhancing Access to Justice. On LawNext: How A New Kind of Justice Worker Could Narrow the Justice Gap, with Nikole Nelson, CEO of Frontline Justice.  On LawNext: CEO Nikole Nelson Returns with An Update on Frontline Justice's Mission to Empower Justice Workers and Bridge the Justice Gap.   Thank You To Our Sponsors This episode of LawNext is generously made possible by our sponsors. We appreciate their support and hope you will check them out. Paradigm, home to the practice management platforms PracticePanther, Bill4Time, MerusCase and LollyLaw; the e-payments platform Headnote; and the legal accounting software TrustBooks. Briefpoint, eliminating routine discovery response and request drafting tasks so you can focus on drafting what matters (or just make it home for dinner). Paxton, Rapidly conduct research, accelerate drafting, and analyze documents with Paxton. What do you need to get done today?    If you enjoy listening to LawNext, please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.  

In the last lesson, we explored how your own team needs to embrace a new role if you want to escape being treated as the “UX service desk.” But even if your team makes that shift, it's not enough.The truth is, you'll never have the time or resources to handle every touchpoint yourself. If you want user experience to really scale, you need to equip others across the organization to share the load.That doesn't mean they all become professional UX designers. It does mean they start taking more ownership of UX decisions in their projects.Let's recap why this shift is necessary before exploring what usually trips people up, and how to make those first moves without overwhelming anyone.Why Democratize UX?It's worth repeating myself, because this is so important: trying to do all the UX yourself is unsustainable.There are three strong reasons to start sharing responsibility:Resource limits. Even the best-staffed UX teams can't cover every product, campaign, or digital touchpoint. Democratization is the only way to scale.Organizational understanding. If you're the only one making user-centered decisions, the wider company never develops a shared appreciation of UX. It stays siloed.Bigger priorities. There are always strategic tasks (building a design system, auditing user journeys, or shaping long-term vision) that you never get to because you're tied up executing.Framing democratization this way helps people understand it's not about “pushing work off your plate.” It's about removing bottlenecks, growing organizational maturity, and freeing you to work on what matters most.How We Get in Our Own WayThe hardest part isn't colleagues resisting. It's us.UX practitioners often sabotage democratization without realizing it. Two impulses in particular are dangerous:Criticizing too quickly. When someone outside the team tries to run a survey or sketch a wireframe, it won't be perfect. But if your first instinct is to point out everything they got wrong, you kill their enthusiasm. A better approach is to acknowledge the effort and celebrate progress. Say something like, “This is a great first step. If you'd like feedback for next time, I'd be happy to help.” That way, they feel supported rather than embarrassed.Overcomplicating everything. We've spent years learning best practices and it's tempting to throw the whole textbook at people. But colleagues don't need a degree in cognitive psychology to clean up a page layout. They need a single, simple heuristic to get them started.A Simple ExampleWhen I help colleagues design a page, I don't lecture them about cognitive load, working memory, or progressive disclosure. Instead, I give them three simple questions to ask of every element:Can I remove this?If not, can I hide it?If not, can I shrink it?That's it. Just those three steps.Do they capture the full depth of interface design? Of course not. But they create cleaner, clearer pages almost immediately. And crucially, they give people confidence. Once they're comfortable with the basics, you can gradually introduce more advanced principles.The lesson here is to resist the urge to teach everything at once. UX is a huge field. Break it down into simple, usable steps that colleagues can actually apply.Start Small and Be StrategicAnother trap is trying to democratize UX across the whole organization in one go. That never works. You'll meet too much skepticism and spread yourself too thin.Instead, handpick your first allies. Look for:People who already value UX. They're the low-hanging fruit. Work with them and they'll amplify your message.People who keep asking for your help. They're motivated and will gladly take on more if you support them.People who feel the pain of poor UX. Marketing and customer support teams often fit here. They see first-hand the cost of bad experiences and are desperate for change.Invest heavily in these groups. Coach them. Provide resources. Sit with them through their first few attempts. Make your support visible.What happens next is important. Others will see the attention these teams are getting and want it too. When someone asks, “Why are you spending so much time with them?” you can respond, “I'd be glad to help you in the same way.” That's how momentum builds naturally.Setting ExpectationsI'm not suggesting you walk into the next all-hands meeting and declare, “From now on, everyone is a UX practitioner.” That's a fast way to scare people off.Instead, quietly build up examples of collaboration that work. Share success stories. Point to teams who ran a quick test or applied a simple design heuristic and saw results.Gradually, the narrative shifts. UX stops being “that team over there” and becomes “something we all do, with expert guidance.”You'll still face objections along the way; about time, skills, or risk. That's normal. In the next lesson, we'll explore the most common pushbacks you'll hear and how to respond without losing momentum.

Bret Taylor is the CEO of Sierra and Chairman of the Board of OpenAI. He previously served as co-CEO of Salesforce. I sat down with Bret to explore how the AI revolution compares to previous platform shifts and what it means for both startups and incumbents navigating this transition. (00:00) Introduction and Recent Milestone (00:38) AI Market and Historical Comparisons (02:30) Competitive Landscape and Business Models (06:02) Outcome-Based Pricing and Value Creation (13:52) Technological Shifts and Business Transitions (26:32) Adoption Challenges and Forward Deployed Engineering (37:21) Early Investment in Snowflake and Cloud Strategy (38:02) Enterprise Software Market Dynamics (38:38) AI Agents and Implementation Costs (41:06) Democratization of Software Development (43:35) The Future of Software Companies and AI Agents (49:36) Consumer Behavior and AI Agents (58:56) The Role of AI in Customer Experience (01:01:25) Career Advice in the Age of AI Executive Producer: Rashad Assir Mixing and editing: Justin Hrabovsky Check out Unsupervised Learning, Redpoint's AI Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUl-s_Vp-Kkk_XVyDylNwLA

In this episode, host Keith Newman welcomes Carine Schneider, founding partner at Compass Strategic Advisors and longtime advocate for broader access to private markets.Carine shares her journey from PwC to leading cap table companies and advising global firms, and why she believes the time is right to rethink private market access. She discusses the updates to her book The Democratization of Private Markets, highlighting:- Why she felt compelled to rewrite it just a few years after the first edition.- How the UK's new PISCES framework could inspire U.S. market reform.- Recent U.S. policy changes, including executive orders allowing 401Ks to invest in private assets.- The ongoing debate: Should private markets remain restricted to professionals, or should everyday investors have access?Along the way, Carine also opens up about her personal milestones, including an upcoming family trip to Hawaii, reminding us that behind market shifts are human stories.Whether you're an investor, policymaker, or simply curious about the future of private capital, this conversation offers a timely look at where the industry is heading.

In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy sits down with Tomas Roccia, a senior threat researcher at Microsoft, to delve into the evolving landscape of AI and cybersecurity. From AI-enhanced threat detection to the complexities of tracking cryptocurrency used in cybercrime, Tomas shares his extensive experience and insights. Discover how AI is transforming both defensive and offensive strategies in cybersecurity, learn about innovative tools like Nova for adversarial prompt detection, and explore the sophisticated techniques used by cybercriminals in high-profile crypto heists. This episode is packed with valuable information for cybersecurity professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing field. Defcon presentation: Where is my crypto Dude? https://media.defcon.org/DEF%20CON%2033/DEF%20CON%2033%20presentations/Thomas%20Roccia%20-%20Where%E2%80%99s%20My%20Crypto%2C%20Dude%20The%20Ultimate%20Guide%20to%20Crypto%20Money%20Laundering%20%28and%20How%20to%20Track%20It%29.pdf  GenAI Breaches Generative AI Breaches: Threats, Investigations, and Response - Speaker Deck https://speakerdeck.com/fr0gger/generative-ai-breaches-threats-investigations-and-response  Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZPkJ9P7Cm7D_JdgfgNGMH8O_2oPAbnlc Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Cryptocurrencies 00:27 Welcome to CISO Tradecraft 00:55 Guest Introduction: Tomas Roccia 01:06 Tomas Roccia's Background and Career 02:51 AI in Cybersecurity: Defensive Approaches 03:19 The Democratization of AI: Risks and Opportunities 06:09 AI Tools for Cyber Defense 08:09 Challenges and Limitations of AI in Cybersecurity 09:20 Microsoft's AI Tools for Defenders 12:13 Open Source AI Security: Project Nova 18:37 Community Contributions and Open Source Projects 19:30 Case Study: Babit Crypto Hack 22:12 Money Laundering Techniques in Cryptocurrency 23:01 AI in Tracking Cryptocurrency Transactions 26:09 Sophisticated Attacks and Money Laundering 33:50 Future of AI and Cryptocurrency 38:17 Final Thoughts and Advice for Security Executives 41:28 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of CISO Tradecraft, host G Mark Hardy sits down with Tomas Roccia, a senior threat researcher at Microsoft, to delve into the evolving landscape of AI and cybersecurity. From AI-enhanced threat detection to the complexities of tracking cryptocurrency used in cybercrime, Tomas shares his extensive experience and insights. Discover how AI is transforming both defensive and offensive strategies in cybersecurity, learn about innovative tools like Nova for adversarial prompt detection, and explore the sophisticated techniques used by cybercriminals in high-profile crypto heists. This episode is packed with valuable information for cybersecurity professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing field. Defcon presentation: Where is my crypto Dude? https://media.defcon.org/DEF%20CON%2033/DEF%20CON%2033%20presentations/Thomas%20Roccia%20-%20Where%E2%80%99s%20My%20Crypto%2C%20Dude%20The%20Ultimate%20Guide%20to%20Crypto%20Money%20Laundering%20%28and%20How%20to%20Track%20It%29.pdf GenAI Breaches Generative AI Breaches: Threats, Investigations, and Response - Speaker Deck https://speakerdeck.com/fr0gger/generative-ai-breaches-threats-investigations-and-response Transcripts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZPkJ9P7Cm7D_JdgfgNGMH8O_2oPAbnlc Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Cryptocurrencies 00:27 Welcome to CISO Tradecraft 00:55 Guest Introduction: Tomas Roccia 01:06 Tomas Roccia's Background and Career 02:51 AI in Cybersecurity: Defensive Approaches 03:19 The Democratization of AI: Risks and Opportunities 06:09 AI Tools for Cyber Defense 08:09 Challenges and Limitations of AI in Cybersecurity 09:20 Microsoft's AI Tools for Defenders 12:13 Open Source AI Security: Project Nova 18:37 Community Contributions and Open Source Projects 19:30 Case Study: Babit Crypto Hack 22:12 Money Laundering Techniques in Cryptocurrency 23:01 AI in Tracking Cryptocurrency Transactions 26:09 Sophisticated Attacks and Money Laundering 33:50 Future of AI and Cryptocurrency 38:17 Final Thoughts and Advice for Security Executives 41:28 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of Disruption Interruption, host KJ sits down with Karthik Manimozhi, Chief Growth Officer at MindBridge, to discuss the transformation of finance and auditing through human-centric AI. From the limitations of traditional sampling audits to the promise of AI-driven transparency, Karthik shares insights from his journey as a FinTech entrepreneur and offers a vision for a future where technology and human expertise work hand-in-hand to drive meaningful change in business and society. Key Takeaways: [4:00] - The End of Sampling in AuditsTraditional audit sampling only reviews a small fraction of data, leading to missed issues. AI now enables analysis of 100% of financial data, increasing trust and transparency. [10:20] - Human-Centric AI: Augment, Not ReplaceAI should empower people, not replace them. The future is about using AI to solve complex problems and enable small teams to manage massive operations. [36:45] - Digital Readiness is CriticalOnly 20% of finance organizations are currently digital-ready; this must reach 50% by 2030 for meaningful change. Upskilling and embracing new technology are essential. [29:00] - AI Democratizes OpportunityAI is not just for large enterprises—no-code platforms and accessible tools are unlocking value for small businesses and addressing global challenges like education and healthcare. Quote of the Show (31:38):"Artificial intelligence is an Iron Man suit on your conventional systems. You can still keep your data, your processes in the same place, and now you can collate all of them and create that unified view." - Karthik Manimozhi Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Karthik Manimozhi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karthikmanimozhi Company websites: MindBridge , mindbridge.ai How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode focuses on the intersection of Islam, society, and politics in Indonesia, the world's single-largest majority Muslim country and the world's third biggest democracy. Indonesian Islam is notable for its diversity, its associational strength, and its prominent role in both the transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in the late 1990s and in democratic politics in the country since that time. To discuss this huge, complicated topic, Dialogues on Southeast Asia turns to Professor Robert Hefner, Professor of Anthropology and Professor of Global Studies at Boston University. Professor Hefner is the author of four major studies of Islam in Indonesia: Hindu Javanese: Tengger Tradition and Islam (Princeton University Press, 1985), The Political Economy of Mountain Java: An Interpretive History (University of California Press, 1990), Civil Islam: Muslims and Democratization in Indonesia (Princeton University Press, 2000), and, most recently, Islam and Citizenship in Indonesia: Democracy and the Quest for an Inclusive Public Ethics (Routledge, 2024). He is also the author of a long list of journal articles and book chapters and the editor or co-editor of no less than fifteen edited or co-edited volumes, many of which serve as foundational texts in the comparative study of religion and of Islam in particular. A towering figure in the study of Islam in Indonesia and in the comparative study of religion more broadly. Robert Hefner's work spans the disciplines of anthropology, sociology, and political science to cover the intersection and interplay of religion, society, and politics in Indonesia and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Today's episode focuses on the intersection of Islam, society, and politics in Indonesia, the world's single-largest majority Muslim country and the world's third biggest democracy. Indonesian Islam is notable for its diversity, its associational strength, and its prominent role in both the transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in the late 1990s and in democratic politics in the country since that time. To discuss this huge, complicated topic, Dialogues on Southeast Asia turns to Professor Robert Hefner, Professor of Anthropology and Professor of Global Studies at Boston University. Professor Hefner is the author of four major studies of Islam in Indonesia: Hindu Javanese: Tengger Tradition and Islam (Princeton University Press, 1985), The Political Economy of Mountain Java: An Interpretive History (University of California Press, 1990), Civil Islam: Muslims and Democratization in Indonesia (Princeton University Press, 2000), and, most recently, Islam and Citizenship in Indonesia: Democracy and the Quest for an Inclusive Public Ethics (Routledge, 2024). He is also the author of a long list of journal articles and book chapters and the editor or co-editor of no less than fifteen edited or co-edited volumes, many of which serve as foundational texts in the comparative study of religion and of Islam in particular. A towering figure in the study of Islam in Indonesia and in the comparative study of religion more broadly. Robert Hefner's work spans the disciplines of anthropology, sociology, and political science to cover the intersection and interplay of religion, society, and politics in Indonesia and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/islamic-studies

Today's episode focuses on the intersection of Islam, society, and politics in Indonesia, the world's single-largest majority Muslim country and the world's third biggest democracy. Indonesian Islam is notable for its diversity, its associational strength, and its prominent role in both the transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in the late 1990s and in democratic politics in the country since that time. To discuss this huge, complicated topic, Dialogues on Southeast Asia turns to Professor Robert Hefner, Professor of Anthropology and Professor of Global Studies at Boston University. Professor Hefner is the author of four major studies of Islam in Indonesia: Hindu Javanese: Tengger Tradition and Islam (Princeton University Press, 1985), The Political Economy of Mountain Java: An Interpretive History (University of California Press, 1990), Civil Islam: Muslims and Democratization in Indonesia (Princeton University Press, 2000), and, most recently, Islam and Citizenship in Indonesia: Democracy and the Quest for an Inclusive Public Ethics (Routledge, 2024). He is also the author of a long list of journal articles and book chapters and the editor or co-editor of no less than fifteen edited or co-edited volumes, many of which serve as foundational texts in the comparative study of religion and of Islam in particular. A towering figure in the study of Islam in Indonesia and in the comparative study of religion more broadly. Robert Hefner's work spans the disciplines of anthropology, sociology, and political science to cover the intersection and interplay of religion, society, and politics in Indonesia and beyond. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies

Position Squared introduces StudioX, an innovative 3D rendering platform designed specifically for marketers in consumer electronics, computing, and automotive industries who need high-quality product visualizations without technical expertise or lengthy production cycles.• Purpose-built to address the speed, accuracy, and consistency demands of product marketers• Democratizes 3D rendering by consolidating complex workflows into a single browser-based platform• Enables marketers to generate product angles, zoom into details, and create exploded views without specialized skills• Eliminates dependency on external design teams and multiple software platforms• Creates photo-realistic renders that properly showcase product design details, textures, and materials• Significantly reduces time from weeks to days or even hours for generating marketing visuals• Particularly valuable when physical products are still in production or limited prototypes are available• Ensures products always look authentic while maintaining creative flexibility• Future roadmap includes AI-assisted shot generation for rapid creation of lifestyle visualsVisit position2.com to learn more about Studio X and schedule a trial to experience how it can transform your product marketing visualization process.Studio X emerges as a game-changing solution for marketers struggling with the limitations of traditional product visualization methods. Born from Position Squared's own pain points in delivering high-quality 3D content to clients, this browser-based platform transforms how marketers bring products to life visually.The frustration is universal among product marketers: getting stunning, accurate product visualizations typically requires weeks of back-and-forth with specialized teams, multiple software platforms, and significant technical expertise. Studio X shatters these barriers by consolidating everything into a single, user-friendly interface that democratizes 3D rendering. Marketers can now generate photorealistic product images from any angle, create exploded views showing internal components, and highlight specific product features—all without specialized 3D skills.What sets Studio X apart from generic rendering tools is its industry-specific focus and enterprise-grade quality controls. As Vikram Raghavachari explains, "Your product is your hero. It has to look exactly or better than what it should be and accurate at the same time."Rajesh "M" Muthyalu:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeshmuthyalu/Rajesh Muthyalu (or "M") is an award-winning creative professional with a 20-year track record in the digital space and currently our Experience Design team Position². M is a leader in transforming brands with creative excellence and strategic digital solutions. M has received multiple industry awards, notably being recognized as one of the 'Top 10 Chief Creative Officers' by CEO Insights.Vikram Raghavachari:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/raghavacharivikram/Vikram leads our Computing Systems Business unit for Position2. Vikram possesses a deep understanding of how marketing and sales integrate to achieve ultimate growth potential. He was a senior Product Marketing Leader at Lenovo and Intel. He was our client before leading our client facinWebsite: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: sparkofages.podcast@position2.com

Today's episode focuses on the intersection of Islam, society, and politics in Indonesia, the world's single-largest majority Muslim country and the world's third biggest democracy. Indonesian Islam is notable for its diversity, its associational strength, and its prominent role in both the transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in the late 1990s and in democratic politics in the country since that time. To discuss this huge, complicated topic, Dialogues on Southeast Asia turns to Professor Robert Hefner, Professor of Anthropology and Professor of Global Studies at Boston University. Professor Hefner is the author of four major studies of Islam in Indonesia: Hindu Javanese: Tengger Tradition and Islam (Princeton University Press, 1985), The Political Economy of Mountain Java: An Interpretive History (University of California Press, 1990), Civil Islam: Muslims and Democratization in Indonesia (Princeton University Press, 2000), and, most recently, Islam and Citizenship in Indonesia: Democracy and the Quest for an Inclusive Public Ethics (Routledge, 2024). He is also the author of a long list of journal articles and book chapters and the editor or co-editor of no less than fifteen edited or co-edited volumes, many of which serve as foundational texts in the comparative study of religion and of Islam in particular. A towering figure in the study of Islam in Indonesia and in the comparative study of religion more broadly. Robert Hefner's work spans the disciplines of anthropology, sociology, and political science to cover the intersection and interplay of religion, society, and politics in Indonesia and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

Today, the Spotlight shines On musician, software engineer, and plug-in developer Aqeel Aadam.Aqeel's got deep roots in Philadelphia's music scene—his grandfather was a jazz musician who gifted him his first guitar. That foundation led him from Princeton's computer science and music programs to a five-year stint at Google, and eventually to creating his own company, Aqeel Aadam Sound.His plug-ins aim to bring the magic of hardware synthesizers and modular workflows into the digital realm. His latest release, Waymaker, ties together his entire ecosystem of products in what he calls "an expansive, inspirational environment to get lost in." Aqeel's here to walk us through this unique approach to music technology and share how he's democratizing complex modular synthesis for producers everywhere.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Aqeel Aadam album Swim, Simian)–Dig DeeperVisit Aqeel Aadam Sound at aqeelaadamsound.comFollow Aqeel on Instagram and Aqeel Aadam Sound InstagramListen to Aqeel's music on Bandcamp and visit his personal site at aqeelaadam.comWatch Aqeel's videos on YouTubeWaymaker - MIDI sequencer plugin on KVR AudioWeeping Wall - Microlooper effect discussion on KVRRidgewalk - Granular looper (part of AAS ecosystem)Mystery Circles - Record label that released Aqeel's albumsDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On musician, software engineer, and plug-in developer Aqeel Aadam.Aqeel's got deep roots in Philadelphia's music scene—his grandfather was a jazz musician who gifted him his first guitar. That foundation led him from Princeton's computer science and music programs to a five-year stint at Google, and eventually to creating his own company, Aqeel Aadam Sound.His plug-ins aim to bring the magic of hardware synthesizers and modular workflows into the digital realm. His latest release, Waymaker, ties together his entire ecosystem of products in what he calls "an expansive, inspirational environment to get lost in." Aqeel's here to walk us through this unique approach to music technology and share how he's democratizing complex modular synthesis for producers everywhere.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Aqeel Aadam album Swim, Simian)–Dig DeeperVisit Aqeel Aadam Sound at aqeelaadamsound.comFollow Aqeel on Instagram and Aqeel Aadam Sound InstagramListen to Aqeel's music on Bandcamp and visit his personal site at aqeelaadam.comWatch Aqeel's videos on YouTubeWaymaker - MIDI sequencer plugin on KVR AudioWeeping Wall - Microlooper effect discussion on KVRRidgewalk - Granular looper (part of AAS ecosystem)Mystery Circles - Record label that released Aqeel's albumsDig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The video version of this podcast can be seen here. TakeawaysKrystina transitioned from journalism to event management, finding commonalities in storytelling and connecting people.The pandemic forced events to become more technology-driven and data-focused, enhancing attendee experiences.In-person events are evolving, with a focus on meaningful interactions rather than just networking.AI is rapidly changing the retail landscape, and many professionals are still figuring out how to adapt.Building community is essential for success in retail, fostering authentic connections among individuals.Resilience is key in overcoming professional challenges, as demonstrated by Krystina's experience with Tribe.AI can be used in personal and professional contexts, helping individuals streamline tasks and enhance productivity.The future of retail will involve integrating AI into various business models and strategies.Authenticity in conversations helps build lasting relationships in business.The pace of innovation requires continuous adaptation and learning in the retail industry. Chapters00:00 From Journalism to Event Management04:04 The Evolution of Events Post-Pandemic06:32 The Changing Landscape of In-Person Events09:17 Navigating AI in Retail and Events11:51 The Importance of Community in AI Adoption14:32 Leveraging AI for Personal and Professional Growth17:01 Real-World Applications of AI in Retail27:24 The Importance of Case Studies in Tech28:46 Navigating Challenges and Community Support32:08 Resilience and Personal Growth33:28 AI's Impact on Information Overload35:50 Democratization of Business Opportunities40:20 The Future of Retail and AI Integration45:13 Lightning Round Insights

The Industry Relations Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Rob and Greg welcome Coleton Boyer from OnTuesday.com for a spirited debate on whether AI will truly disrupt the real estate industry. They explore AI's potential to improve lead generation, client service, and agent efficiency, while questioning if these benefits will actually level the playing field or further concentrate market share among top agents. The conversation touches on ethics, the human element in client relationships, and how AI could reshape industry business models and pricing structures. Key Takeaways AI in Real Estate: Potential for personalized marketing at scale, faster client responses, and improved efficiency. Lead Generation: AI could enable unique, data-driven outreach, though ethics and authenticity are debated. Client Service: Tools can parse documents instantly, freeing agents to focus on relationships and strategy. Democratization vs. Consolidation: Debate over whether AI empowers new agents or strengthens established ones. Business Model Impact: Shift from “butts in seats” to usage-based or outcome-based pricing likely. Industry Stickiness: Despite technological changes, the human connection and trust factor remain central to real estate.   Links: ontuesday.com   Connect with Rob and Greg Rob's Website  Greg's Website    Watch us on YouTube   Our Sponsors: Cotality  Notorious VIP The Giant Steps Job Board    Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios  

A CMO Confidential Interview with David Aaker, Vice Chair of Prophet, author of numerous marketing books including Aaker on Branding 2nd Edition, formerly a Haas School of Business Professor. David discusses the history of brand equity starting with the BCG model from the 90's and why that model and scanner data drove a short-term sales focus at the expense of brand equity. After years of progress, he believes we are now experiencing "A revival of short-termism." Key topics include: the differences between B2B and B2C brand building; the need for marketers to appreciate that brands aren't built in isolation; and how to break through in a hostile communications environment. Tune in to hear why he believes "There are easy ways for companies to build better brands," and case studies from Dove and Uniqlo. Brand value has been discussed for decades—so why isn't it a universally accepted business principle? In this episode of CMO Confidential, host Mike Linton sits down with branding legend David Aaker, Vice Chair at Prophet, author of 18 books, and widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Branding,” to unpack why the fight for brand equity is far from over.From the origins of brand equity in the 1990s to today's hostile marketing environment, Aaker shares insights on: • Why brand should be treated as a long-term asset, not a short-term tactic • How short-termism and performance marketing are eroding brand value • The difference between B2B and B2C brand management (and why organizational values matter more in B2B) • Examples of brands that have nailed disruptive innovation and purpose-driven branding (Dove, Uniqlo, Habitat for Humanity) • Why most companies are managing brands poorly in today's cluttered, skeptical media environment • How AI could democratize creativity and make professional branding accessible to more companiesPacked with history, frameworks, and practical examples, this conversation will change the way you think about brand value, brand portfolios, and how to make your brand truly indispensable.00:00 – Introduction to CMO Confidential & Guest David Aaker01:15 – Why Brand Value Still Isn't a Universally Accepted Principle03:45 – The Birth of Brand Equity in the 1990s06:10 – Short-Termism, Performance Marketing, and the Brand Erosion Problem08:35 – How to Justify Brand as an Asset (Case Studies & Examples)11:20 – The Visibility Advantage and 14 Dimensions of Brand Value13:05 – Why CFOs and Boards Believe in Other Brands, but Not Their Own15:10 – B2B vs B2C Branding: Key Differences and What Matters Most17:45 – Why Many Companies Are Managing Brands Poorly Today20:00 – Branding in a Hostile Communication Environment22:05 – The Power of Brand Portfolios, Companion Brands, and “Silver Bullet” Brands24:30 – Examples: Uniqlo, HeatTech, and the Westin Heavenly Bed26:10 – Super Bowl Advertising: Breaking Through Clutter and Skepticism28:00 – AI, the Democratization of Creativity, and the Future of Branding29:20 – Final Advice: Your Duty as a Marketer to Build the Brand as an Asset30:15 – Closing Remarks & SubscribeHere's your list fully hashtagged and comma-separated:#cmoconfidential, #DavidAaker, #brandvalue, #brandequity, #brandstrategy, #marketingstrategy, #brandingadvice, #B2Bbranding, #B2Cbranding, #brandmanagement, #shorttermism, #performancemarketing, #purposedrivenbranding, #DoveRealBeauty, #UniqloHeatTech, #HabitatforHumanity, #marketingleadership, #brandportfolio, #brandeddifferentiators, #brandedenergizers, #brandedsourceofcredibility, #hostilemediaenvironment, #disruptiveinnovation, #AIinbranding, #democratizationofcreativity, #CMOpodcast, #marketingpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ready to take a deep dive and learn how to generate personal tax-free cash flow from your corporation? Enroll in our FREE masterclass here and book a call hereAre your retained earnings just sitting idle in your corporation — taxed if touched and seemingly out of reach?Many Canadian business owners struggle to unlock the full potential of their corporate cash. Between tax traps and limited investment options, it often feels like you're stuck watching your money stagnate. This episode uncovers a smart, lesser-known strategy to keep your retained earnings working for you — without triggering personal taxes or resorting to risky bets. This episode shares a recording of a joint webinar between PE-GATE and the team at Canadian Wealth Secrets. Tune in to discover:How to invest your corporation's retained earnings into private businesses while keeping the taxman at bayWhat makes private equity a powerful, tax-efficient asset class — and how regular business owners can finally access itWhy boring, cash-flowing businesses might be the best-kept secret to growing wealth in CanadaIf you're a Canadian business owner ready to put your corporate dollars to work, hit play now and learn how to unlock strategic growth without paying more tax.Discover which phase of wealth creation you are in. Take our quick assessment and you'll receive a custom wealth-building pathway that matches your phase and learn our CRA compliant tax optimized strategies. Take that assessment here.Canadian Wealth Secrets Show Notes Page:Consider reaching out to Kyle…taking a salary with a goal of stuffing RRSPs;…investing inside your corporation without a passive income tax minimization strategy;…letting a large sum of liquid assets sit in low interest earning savings accounts;…investing corporate dollars into GICs, dividend stocks/funds, or other investments attracting cordporate passive income taxes at greater than 50%; or,…wondering whether your current corporate wealth management strategy is optimal for your specific situation.Canadian entrepreneurs seeking financial independence and early retirement are increasingly turning to private equity as a core component of their corporate wealth planning. By strategically investing retained earnings into this high-performing asset class, business owners can unlock powerful tax-efficient investing opportunities that go beyond traditional RRSP optimization or real estate investing in Canada. With a focus on liquidity, corporate structure optimization, and tailored investment bucket strategies, this approach supports a modest lifestyle wealtReady to connect? Text us your comment including your phone number for a response!Canadian Wealth Secrets is an informative podcast that digs into the intricacies of building a robust portfolio, maximizing dividend returns, the nuances of real estate investment, and the complexities of business finance, while offering expert advice on wealth management, navigating capital gains tax, and understanding the role of financial institutions in personal finance.

Ready to take a deep dive and learn how to generate personal tax-free cash flow from your corporation? Enroll in our FREE masterclass here and book a call hereAre you racing to optimize your investments before figuring out if you're even on track for retirement?Many Canadians jump straight into strategies like the Smith Maneuver, tax efficiency, and leveraging — but skip the most critical question: What do I actually need to retire on my terms? This episode tackles the foundational work you must do before fine-tuning your wealth plan, so you don't optimize yourself into a shortfall.By listening, you'll discover:Why your “vision number” is more important than which spouse holds the investmentA simple way to reverse-engineer your retirement timeline based on what you already haveHow to calculate whether your current strategy is enough — or needs a total rethinkBefore you tweak another investment detail, hit play to learn how to build a retirement-ready plan that actually works.Discover which phase of wealth creation you are in. Take our quick assessment and you'll receive a custom wealth-building pathway that matches your phase and learn our CRA compliant tax optimized strategies. Take that assessment here.Canadian Wealth Secrets Show Notes Page:Consider reaching out to Kyle…taking a salary with a goal of stuffing RRSPs;…investing inside your corporation without a passive income tax minimization strategy;…letting a large sum of liquid assets sit in low interest earning savings accounts;…investing corporate dollars into GICs, dividend stocks/funds, or other investments attracting corporate passive income taxes at greater than 50%; or,…wondering whether your current corporate wealth management strategy is optimal for your specific situation.A successful Canadian wealth plan starts with clarity — not just on investment strategies like the Smith Maneuver or RRSP optimization, but on your bigger financial vision. Whether you're a high-income earner, entrepreneur, or planning for early retirement in Canada, aligning your budgeting, income needs, and long-term financial goals is key to true financial freedom. At Canadian Wealth Secrets, we help you move beyond surface-level wealth optimization into deeper strategies like corporate wealth planning, tax-efficient investing, and financial systems built for entrepreneurs. From balancing salary vs. dividends to choosing between real estate vs. renting, and crafting a capital gains or legacy plan, your path to building long-term wealth in Canada depends on answering the right vision question first. UsingReady to connect? Text us your comment including your phone number for a response!Canadian Wealth Secrets is an informative podcast that digs into the intricacies of building a robust portfolio, maximizing dividend returns, the nuances of real estate investment, and the complexities of business finance, while offering expert advice on wealth management, navigating capital gains tax, and understanding the role of financial institutions in personal finance.

For a long time many (although by no means all) scholars saw the relationship between capitalism and democracy as mutually reinforcing: economic competition and growth were expected to sustain democratic competition and improve governance and public good delivery for citizens, in turn creating a better environment for capitalist competition to flourish. But as capitalism has changed and has in many respects freed itself from the constraints of the state and of democratic processes, it has unleashed a new era of extreme wealth accumulation, deregulated markets, weak states, unresponsive political elites, and choiceless democracies. In this episode, CEDAR host Licia Cianetti talks to Rachel Riedl about her recent essay on “Neoliberalism and the Third Wave” to better understand why and how this happened and what we can do about it. This episode is part of PPP's ongoing collaboration with the Journal of Democracy. Rachel Beatty Riedl is Professor of public policy and government at Cornell University and the Peggy J. Koenig '78 Director of the Brooks Center on Global Democracy. Her latest co-edited book is entitled Global Challenges to Democracy: Comparative Perspectives on Backsliding, Autocracy, and Resilience (CUP 2025). Licia Cianetti is Lecturer in Political Science and International Studies at the University of Birmingham and Deputy Founding Director of CEDAR. Her latest publication is “What is a “regime”? Three definitions and their implications for the future of regime studies” (Democratization, 2025). The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

For a long time many (although by no means all) scholars saw the relationship between capitalism and democracy as mutually reinforcing: economic competition and growth were expected to sustain democratic competition and improve governance and public good delivery for citizens, in turn creating a better environment for capitalist competition to flourish. But as capitalism has changed and has in many respects freed itself from the constraints of the state and of democratic processes, it has unleashed a new era of extreme wealth accumulation, deregulated markets, weak states, unresponsive political elites, and choiceless democracies. In this episode, CEDAR host Licia Cianetti talks to Rachel Riedl about her recent essay on “Neoliberalism and the Third Wave” to better understand why and how this happened and what we can do about it. This episode is part of PPP's ongoing collaboration with the Journal of Democracy. Rachel Beatty Riedl is Professor of public policy and government at Cornell University and the Peggy J. Koenig '78 Director of the Brooks Center on Global Democracy. Her latest co-edited book is entitled Global Challenges to Democracy: Comparative Perspectives on Backsliding, Autocracy, and Resilience (CUP 2025). Licia Cianetti is Lecturer in Political Science and International Studies at the University of Birmingham and Deputy Founding Director of CEDAR. Her latest publication is “What is a “regime”? Three definitions and their implications for the future of regime studies” (Democratization, 2025). The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

For a long time many (although by no means all) scholars saw the relationship between capitalism and democracy as mutually reinforcing: economic competition and growth were expected to sustain democratic competition and improve governance and public good delivery for citizens, in turn creating a better environment for capitalist competition to flourish. But as capitalism has changed and has in many respects freed itself from the constraints of the state and of democratic processes, it has unleashed a new era of extreme wealth accumulation, deregulated markets, weak states, unresponsive political elites, and choiceless democracies. In this episode, CEDAR host Licia Cianetti talks to Rachel Riedl about her recent essay on “Neoliberalism and the Third Wave” to better understand why and how this happened and what we can do about it. This episode is part of PPP's ongoing collaboration with the Journal of Democracy. Rachel Beatty Riedl is Professor of public policy and government at Cornell University and the Peggy J. Koenig '78 Director of the Brooks Center on Global Democracy. Her latest co-edited book is entitled Global Challenges to Democracy: Comparative Perspectives on Backsliding, Autocracy, and Resilience (CUP 2025). Licia Cianetti is Lecturer in Political Science and International Studies at the University of Birmingham and Deputy Founding Director of CEDAR. Her latest publication is “What is a “regime”? Three definitions and their implications for the future of regime studies” (Democratization, 2025). The People, Power, Politics podcast brings you the latest insights into the factors that are shaping and re-shaping our political world. It is brought to you by the Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) based at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

Ellen Curtis Demorest and Ebeneezer Butterick are the two names most often invoked as the start of multi-sized patterns printed for home sewists. Once they proved it was a viable business, a lot of other offerings appeared. Research: Alcega, Joan de. “Libro de geometria, practica y traça.” Madrid.1580. Accessed online:https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdcwdl.wdl_07333/ Aldarondo, Abner. “A Master Tailor’s Manual.” Folger Shakespeare Library. Jan. 10, 2023. https://www.folger.edu/blogs/collation/a-master-tailors-manual/ Bertrand, J.E. “Descriptions des arts et métiers faites ou approuvées.” l'Imprimerie de la Société Typographique. 1780. Accessed online: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=SAWFeeXzMgYC&rdid=book-SAWFeeXzMgYC&rdot=1 Boullay, Benoit. “Le Tailleur Sincère, Contenant Ce Qu'il Faut Observer Pour Bien Tracer, Couper.” (Reproduction.) Hachette Livre Bnf. 2012. Buckley, Cheryl. “On the Margins: Theorizing the History and Significance of Making and Designing Clothes at Home.” Journal of Design History, vol. 11, no. 2, 1998, pp. 157–71. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/1316192 Crane, Ellen Bicknell. “Historic Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Personal memoirs of Worcester County, Massachusetts.” Lewis Publishing Company. 1907. Accessed online: https://books.google.com/books?id=nfhSZxL8bTEC&source=gbs_navlinks_s Crossland, Samantha R. “Made in Minneapolis, sewn all over the world.” Hennepin History. 2021, Vol. 80, No. 2. https://hennepinhistory.org/from-the-magazine-made-in-minneapolis/ Demorest, Ellen. “The Question of Labor. Women’s Work and Wages.” New York Times. Nov. 18, 1863. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1863/11/18/78710875.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 “The Educational Legacy of Simplicity Pattern Company.” Simplicity Patterns. September 2024. https://simplicity.com/blog/the-educational-legacy-of-simplicity-pattern-company Emery, Joy Spanabel. “A History of the Paper Pattern Industry: The Home Dressmaking Fashion Revolution.” Bloomsbury Visual Arts. 2020. Freyle, Diego de. “Geometria Y Traça Para El Oficio De Los Sastres.” Sevilla, Spain. 1588. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/1588-geometria-y-traca-para-el-oficio-de-los-sastres/page/n1/mode/2up Johnson, Susan. “’Madame’ Demorest—The Woman at the Top of a 19-Century Fashion Empire.” Museum of the City of New York. April 15, 2020. https://www.mcny.org/story/madame-demorest-woman-top-19-century-fashion-empire The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Ebenezer Butterick". Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 May. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ebenezer-Butterick Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Ellen Louise Curtis Demorest." Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Nov. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/money/Ellen-Louise-Curtis-Demorest “Demorest’s Illustrated Monthly and Mme. Demorest’s Mirror of Fashions.” April 1865. https://ia802801.us.archive.org/8/items/demorestsillustr00newy/demorestsillustr00newy_bw.pdf “Design Group Americas Voluntarily Files for Chapter 11 Protection, Initiates Sale Process Aimed at Maximizing Value Through Going Concern Transactions.” BusinessWire. July 3, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250703734892/en/Design-Group-Americas-Voluntarily-Files-for-Chapter-11-Protection-Initiates-Sale-Process-Aimed-at-Maximizing-Value-Through-Going-Concern-Transactions “Joseph M. Shapiro of Simplicity, 79.” New York Times. July 31, 1968. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1968/07/31/76959179.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 “Millinery.” New York Times. Nov. 7, 1853. https://www.newspapers.com/image/20309463/?match=1&terms=%22Mme.%20Demorest%22 “The 40’s from The War Effort to The New Look - Championing Fashion that Matters.” Simplicity Patterns. September 2024. https://simplicity.com/blog/vogue-patterns-an-evolution-of-american-style Queen, James and William Lapsley. “The Tailor’s Instructor.” Philadelphia. 1809. Accessed online: https://dn790007.ca.archive.org/0/items/taylorsinstructo00quee/taylorsinstructo00quee.pdf Reyes-Martinez, Marcos A. “The Vara: A Standard of Length With a Not-So-Standard History.” National Institute of Standards and Technology. Oct. 11, 2019. https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/vara-standard-length-not-so-standard-history Walsh, Margaret. “The Democratization of Fashion: The Emergence of the Women’s Dress Pattern Industry.” The Journal of American History, vol. 66, no. 2, 1979, pp. 299–313. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/1900878 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Commercially available sewing patterns have been a cornerstone of home stitching for a century. But well before they existed, there were people trying to share sewing patterns. Research: Alcega, Joan de. “Libro de geometria, practica y traça.” Madrid.1580. Accessed online:https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdcwdl.wdl_07333/ Aldarondo, Abner. “A Master Tailor’s Manual.” Folger Shakespeare Library. Jan. 10, 2023. https://www.folger.edu/blogs/collation/a-master-tailors-manual/ Bertrand, J.E. “Descriptions des arts et métiers faites ou approuvées.” l'Imprimerie de la Société Typographique. 1780. Accessed online: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=SAWFeeXzMgYC&rdid=book-SAWFeeXzMgYC&rdot=1 Boullay, Benoit. “Le Tailleur Sincère, Contenant Ce Qu'il Faut Observer Pour Bien Tracer, Couper.” (Reproduction.) Hachette Livre Bnf. 2012. Buckley, Cheryl. “On the Margins: Theorizing the History and Significance of Making and Designing Clothes at Home.” Journal of Design History, vol. 11, no. 2, 1998, pp. 157–71. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/1316192 Crane, Ellen Bicknell. “Historic Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Personal memoirs of Worcester County, Massachusetts.” Lewis Publishing Company. 1907. Accessed online: https://books.google.com/books?id=nfhSZxL8bTEC&source=gbs_navlinks_s Crossland, Samantha R. “Made in Minneapolis, sewn all over the world.” Hennepin History. 2021, Vol. 80, No. 2. https://hennepinhistory.org/from-the-magazine-made-in-minneapolis/ Demorest, Ellen. “The Question of Labor. Women’s Work and Wages.” New York Times. Nov. 18, 1863. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1863/11/18/78710875.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 “The Educational Legacy of Simplicity Pattern Company.” Simplicity Patterns. September 2024. https://simplicity.com/blog/the-educational-legacy-of-simplicity-pattern-company Emery, Joy Spanabel. “A History of the Paper Pattern Industry: The Home Dressmaking Fashion Revolution.” Bloomsbury Visual Arts. 2020. Freyle, Diego de. “Geometria Y Traça Para El Oficio De Los Sastres.” Sevilla, Spain. 1588. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/1588-geometria-y-traca-para-el-oficio-de-los-sastres/page/n1/mode/2up Johnson, Susan. “’Madame’ Demorest—The Woman at the Top of a 19-Century Fashion Empire.” Museum of the City of New York. April 15, 2020. https://www.mcny.org/story/madame-demorest-woman-top-19-century-fashion-empire The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Ebenezer Butterick". Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 May. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ebenezer-Butterick Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Ellen Louise Curtis Demorest." Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Nov. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/money/Ellen-Louise-Curtis-Demorest “Demorest’s Illustrated Monthly and Mme. Demorest’s Mirror of Fashions.” April 1865. https://ia802801.us.archive.org/8/items/demorestsillustr00newy/demorestsillustr00newy_bw.pdf “Design Group Americas Voluntarily Files for Chapter 11 Protection, Initiates Sale Process Aimed at Maximizing Value Through Going Concern Transactions.” BusinessWire. July 3, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250703734892/en/Design-Group-Americas-Voluntarily-Files-for-Chapter-11-Protection-Initiates-Sale-Process-Aimed-at-Maximizing-Value-Through-Going-Concern-Transactions “Joseph M. Shapiro of Simplicity, 79.” New York Times. July 31, 1968. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1968/07/31/76959179.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 “Millinery.” New York Times. Nov. 7, 1853. https://www.newspapers.com/image/20309463/?match=1&terms=%22Mme.%20Demorest%22 “The 40’s from The War Effort to The New Look - Championing Fashion that Matters.” Simplicity Patterns. September 2024. https://simplicity.com/blog/vogue-patterns-an-evolution-of-american-style Queen, James and William Lapsley. “The Tailor’s Instructor.” Philadelphia. 1809. Accessed online: https://dn790007.ca.archive.org/0/items/taylorsinstructo00quee/taylorsinstructo00quee.pdf Reyes-Martinez, Marcos A. “The Vara: A Standard of Length With a Not-So-Standard History.” National Institute of Standards and Technology. Oct. 11, 2019. https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/vara-standard-length-not-so-standard-history Walsh, Margaret. “The Democratization of Fashion: The Emergence of the Women’s Dress Pattern Industry.” The Journal of American History, vol. 66, no. 2, 1979, pp. 299–313. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/1900878 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While most people regularly check their blood pressure or glucose, few consider routinely assessing their body's ability to move—and yet, this may be just as crucial to long-term health. Andrew Menter, CEO of Physmodo, joined Peter Bowes to explore the software company's mission to raise the profile of movement as a vital sign of good health. Andrew shares his personal journey from a career in law and finance to entrepreneurship in movement science, motivated in part by his athletic pursuits and the injuries that accompanied them. He discusses Physmodo's innovative use of computer vision technology, enabling self-assessment of mobility and posture via simple smartphone or tablet tools—making this once-specialized information accessible to everyone, not just elite athletes. He highlights the power of early intervention, the surprising ways movement influences sleep and mental health, and the growing importance of personalized preventive care.  PartiQlar supplementsEnhance your wellness journey with PartiQlar supplements. No magic formulas, just pure single ingredients, like NMN, L-Glutathione, Spermidine, Resveratrol, TMG and Quercetin. Get a 15% discount with the code MASTERAGING15 at PartiQlarSupport the showThe Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.