Episodios

  • The future of sleep

    The future of sleep
    May 23 2025
    Neurobiologist Jamie Zeitzer is an expert on sleep – or, more accurately, an expert on why so many can’t sleep. He notes that, ironically, it’s often anxiety about sleep that prevents good sleep. In short, we lose sleep over lost sleep. Wearables and other tools can help but only to a point, and medications do not induce natural sleep. Instead, he counsels consistent routines, less stimulation at bedtime, and cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce worry about insomnia. Unfortunately, you can’t work harder to get better sleep – you have to learn to relax, Zeitzer tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Jamie ZeitzerConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Jamie Zeitzer, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University.(00:03:12) Understanding Circadian RhythmsHow the biological clock regulates sleep and other body functions.(00:04:57) The Mystery of Sleep’s PurposeWhat is still unknown about the fundamental need for sleep.(00:06:00) Light and the Circadian ClockThe impact light exposure has on the body’s internal sleep timing.(00:08:13) Day and Night Light ContrastThe importance of creating a light-dark contrast for healthy rhythms.(00:11:18) Phones, Screens, and the Blue LightWhether blue light from screen use affects sleep quality.(00:13:49) Defining and Diagnosing Sleep ProblemsHow stress and over-focus on sleep quality worsen insomnia.(00:16:02) Sleep Anxiety and WearablesThe psychological downsides of sleep data from tracking devices.(00:17:14) CBT-I and Rethinking InsomniaMentally reframing sleep with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.(00:21:21) Desynchronized Sleep PatternsStudying student sleep patterns to separate circadian vs. sleep effects.(00:23:49) Shift Work and Circadian MisalignmentThe difficulty of re-aligning circadian clocks in rotating shifts.(00:26:26) Effectiveness of Sleep MedicationsThe various drugs used to promote sleep and their pros and cons.(00:29:46) Circadian “Sleep Cliff” and MelatoninThe brain’s “wake zone” before sleep and the limited effects of melatonin.(00:32:52) Do’s & Don’ts for Better SleepAdvice for those looking to improve their sleep quality.(00:34:55) Alcohol and Caffeine EffectsHow metabolism influences the effects of alcohol and caffeine on sleep.(00:37:24) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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    38 m
  • The future of geriatric care

    The future of geriatric care
    May 16 2025

    Deborah Kado is a geriatrician who believes her field is misunderstood. Her interest in the science of aging began with a childhood encounter in a nursing home but recently resulted in intriguing work in which Kado linked microbes in the gut to vitamin D metabolism and poor sleep. Kado refuses to blame aging alone for health problems, advocating for better care regardless of age. It’s never too late to strive for better health, Kado tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

    Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

    Episode Reference Links:

    • Stanford Profile: Deborah Kado

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    • Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
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    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Russ Altman introduces guest Deborah Kado, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at Stanford University.

    (00:03:22) Origin Story in Geriatrics

    How a childhood encounter led to Deborah’s career in geriatrics.

    (00:06:04) Geriatrics vs. Gerontology

    The clinical and research distinctions between the two related fields.

    (00:06:58) Rethinking Aging

    Reframing aging as a lifelong process rather than decline and loss.

    (00:08:34) Patient Care Approach

    Why symptoms should be investigated, not dismissed as inevitable aging.

    (00:11:33) Linking Bone Health, Gut, and Brain

    The surprising relationship between microbiomes, bones, and cognition.

    (00:14:34) Vitamin D: Storage vs. Active Form

    Why only the active form of vitamin D correlates with microbiome health.

    (00:17:22) Gut Health and Sleep

    How better sleep quality is linked to healthier microbiomes.

    (00:21:20) Medical Education & Geriatric Training

    The shortage of geriatrics training in U.S. medical schools.

    (00:23:08) Measuring Geriatric Knowledge

    The challenges and efforts to measure student knowledge about aging.

    (00:27:24) Takeaways for Medical Professionals

    Two anecdotes where symptoms were misattributed to old age.

    (00:30:51) Empowering Aging Patients

    Advice to aging individuals: agency, purpose, and not settling for less care.

    (00:34:02) Conclusion

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    35 m
  • Best of: The future of educational technology

    Best of: The future of educational technology
    May 9 2025

    It's teacher appreciation week and along with schools across the country, we here at The Future of Everything want to send out a heartfelt thank you to the teachers who make a difference every day in the lives of our children and in society as a whole. In light of this, we’re re-running an education related episode, and more specifically one on the future of educational technology with the Dean of the Stanford School of Education, Dan Schwartz. Dan is exploring effective ways to use AI in the classroom to support teachers–not to replace them–and to enhance student learning. We hope you’ll take a moment to tune in again and enjoy.

    Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

    Episode Reference Links:

    • Stanford Profile: Daniel Schwartz

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    • Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
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    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Host Russ Altman introduces guest Dan Schwartz, Dean of the School of Education at Stanford University.

    (00:01:44) The Role of AI in Modern Education

    The widespread reactions and implications of AI in education.

    (00:02:59) Technology in the Classroom

    The historical and evolving relationship between technology and education.

    (00:04:51) Engaging Students with AI

    How AI can enhance engagement through innovative teaching.

    (00:07:45) Impact of AI on Student Learning

    The balance between AI tools and maintaining educational standards.

    (00:13:21) Challenges with EdTech Collaboration

    Concerns about industry prioritizing speed over creativity in learning tools.

    (00:15:23) Teachers Adapting to AI

    The role of teachers in effectively integrating AI into the classroom.

    (00:18:21) Assessment and Grading with AI

    The potential and concerns of using AI for educational assessment

    (00:22:16) AI and Conceptual Understanding

    How AI can shift focus from task completion to true understanding.

    (00:24:49) Physical Activity and Learning

    The connection between physical activity and improved learning outcomes.

    (00:28:59) Conclusion

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    30 m
  • The future of children’s health

    The future of children’s health
    May 2 2025
    Lisa Patel is a pediatrician and an expert in environmental health who says that pollution is taking an increasing toll on children’s health. Pollution from wildfires, fossil fuels, and plastics can cause asthma, pneumonia, and risks dementia in the long-term. But, she says, all hope is not lost. Solutions range from DIY air filters to choosing induction stoves over gas, cutting down on meat consumption and plastics use, and pursuing clean energy, among other strategies. If we all take local action, we can solve this problem globally, Patel tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Lisa PatelConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Lisa Patel, a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University.(00:03:39) Climate Advocacy JourneyThe personal events that drove Lisa’s focus to environmental health.(00:04:53) Fossil Fuels and Clean Air ActHow fossil fuels and weakened regulations harm public health.(00:07:20 Long-Term Health ImpactsLinks between pollution to asthma, cancer, and early Alzheimer’s.(00:10:12) Air Quality Guidance for FamiliesAdvising parents on air quality monitoring and precautions.(00:13:04) Indoor Cooking and Gas PollutionHow pollution from gas stoves impacts indoor air quality.(00:14:37) Lead in Water and Health RisksCurrent issues with lead exposure in water for children.(00:16:24) Microplastics and Early Health DamageEvidence showing widespread microplastics are harmful to health.(00:19:12) Clean Energy Progress and SetbacksBenefits of renewable energy and dangers of policy rollback.(00:21:22) Active Transport and Better AirThe environmental impact of increasing public transit.(00:22:44) Benefits of Electric VehiclesHow electric vehicles are linked to cleaner air and healthier kids.(00:23:51) Plant-Forward Diets for HealthWhether plant-forward diets aid personal and planetary health.(00:25:33) Kids Leading Dietary ChangesChildren’s reactions and adaptations to plant-forward diets.(00:28:12) Taking Local ActionThe local actions that can offer real solutions for change.(00:31:01) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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    32 m
  • The future of wildfire management

    The future of wildfire management
    Apr 25 2025

    Michael Wara is a lawyer and an expert in wildfire policy who says that solutions are out there, but face financial, political, and cultural resistance. What’s needed, he says, are “whole-of-society” approaches that raise wildfire risk to the community level. In this regard, the devastation in Los Angeles in 2025 could provide the spark needed for smarter communication, better policies, and renewed urgency on wildfires, Wara tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

    Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

    Episode Reference Links:

    • Stanford Profile: Michael Wara

    Connect With Us:

    • Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
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    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Russ Altman introduces guest Michael Wara, a wildfire expert and professor of law at Stanford University.

    (00:03:17) Journey to Wildfire Research

    How Michael’s clean energy work led to wildfire research.

    (00:04:48) Communities at the Frontlines

    The community-level challenges and responsibilities in fire prevention.

    (00:07:05) Shifting Community Perspectives

    How awareness is rising but state efforts remain misaligned.

    (00:09:28) Legacy Homes, Modern Risk

    Why older homes pose a major risk and retrofitting is crucial.

    (00:11:06) The Limits of Utility-Led Safety Efforts

    The significant but insufficient progress utilities have made.

    (00:14:35) Targeting High-Risk Areas

    How utilities now prioritize high-risk areas for safety upgrades.

    (00:15:42) Insurance Industry Realities

    Why insurers can't price risk without crashing markets.

    (00:18:24) Urban Wildfires

    How today's major fires in suburbs are mostly fueled by homes.

    (00:23:24) The Climate Change Multiplier

    The impact of atmospheric dryness and fuel moisture on fire risk.

    (00:25:57) New Fire Regulations

    Recent mandates that have been implemented to decrease fire risk.

    (00:30:58) Hollywood’s Role in Culture Change

    Michael’s suggestion to showcase fire-safe landscaping.

    (00:33:04) Conclusion

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    34 m
  • The future of pediatric development and disability

    The future of pediatric development and disability
    Apr 18 2025

    Physician and psychologist Heidi Feldman is a pioneer in the field of developmental behavioral pediatrics who says that the world’s understanding of childhood disability is changing and so too are the ways we approach it. Where once institutionalization was common, today we find integrative, family-centered approaches, charting a more humane, hopeful path forward. For example, for children born prematurely with increased likelihood of disability, increasing skin-to-skin contact – what is called “kangaroo care” – can literally reshape that child’s brain development, she tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

    Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

    Episode Reference Links:

    • Stanford Profile: Heidi M. Feldman

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    • Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
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    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Russ Altman introduces guest Heidi Feldman, professor of pediatrics at Stanford University.

    (00:03:26) Path to Developmental Pediatrics

    Heidi’s journey from education to developmental-behavioral pediatrics.

    (00:05:10) The Emergence of Developmental Pediatrics

    How developmental disabilities entered the medical mainstream.

    (00:07:30) Common Disorders in Children

    The most prevalent disabilities seen in practice and diagnostic trends.

    (00:09:46) Preterm Birth and Disability Risk

    Why premature birth is a major risk factor for developmental challenges.

    (00:13:53) Brain Connections and Outcomes

    How white matter and brain circuitry impact development.

    (00:17:09) Kangaroo Care’s Potential

    How skin-to-skin contact positively influences brain development.

    (00:21:30) Inclusive Family and Community Support

    Why integrated care and inclusive classrooms benefit all children.

    (00:23:37) Social and Economic Upsides

    Cost savings and increased independence from inclusive care.

    (00:24:33) Transitioning to Adult Care

    Gaps and opportunities in supporting disabled youth into adulthood.

    (00:27:12) Using AI to Improve Care Quality

    AI models help track whether care guidelines are being followed.

    (00:31:00) Conclusion

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    32 m
  • Best of: The future of female athletic health

    Best of: The future of female athletic health
    Apr 11 2025
    The world of women’s sports is experiencing unprecedented growth, attention, recognition, and investment. Elite athletes including Simone Biles, Caitlin Clark, Serena Williams, and many others are having a significant impact on culture, and more women than ever are participating in both professional and recreational sports. Earlier this year, Russ sat down with Dr. Emily Kraus to talk about the future of female athletic health and we’re re-running the episode today. She shared a number of key differences between women and men in sport, and illuminates that these differences are vastly understudied, though she’s working to close that gap. This is an episode we shared with a number of athletes we know, and we hope you’ll do the same.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Emily Kraus Emily’s Survey: Centering The Female Athlete Voice in a Sports Science Research AgendaStanford FASTR ProgramWu Tsai Human Performance AllianceConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces Dr. Emily Kraus, professor of orthopedics at Stanford University.(00:01:55) Injury Trends in Female AthletesPrevalent injuries and health issues unique to female athletes.(00:03:34) Menstrual Health in Young AthletesHow training affects puberty, periods, and long-term health.(00:06:30) Body Image & Mental HealthNavigating body composition, stigma, and disordered eating.(00:08:30) Competing Through MotherhoodPostpartum athletes and the need for more scientific support.(00:11:34) Sharing vs. Guarding Performance DataWhether female athletes are sharing information or staying competitive.(00:12:25) Fueling, Recovery & Modern TrainingNutrition, rest, and strength training as key performance tools.(00:15:31) Gender-Based Nutrition DifferencesHow under-researched female athletes are fueling without guidance.(00:18:55) The Female Athlete Voice ProjectWhat elite athletes want researched—and what’s missing.(00:21:21) FASTR & the Science of RED-SNew initiatives addressing energy deficiency and performance.(00:24:05) Applying Elite Insights to All WomenHow weekend warriors can benefit from elite research.(00:25:11) Cultural Challenges in SportSexism, inequity, and overlooked institutional barriers.(00:27:03) Getting the Word OutFinding ways to educate athletes, coaches, and clinicians more effectively.(00:29:37) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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    30 m
  • The future of legal representation

    The future of legal representation
    Apr 4 2025

    Nora Freeman Engstrom is a professor of law who says that in three-quarters of cases one or more of the parties lacks legal representation. Worse yet, often the litigants are involved in high-consequence civil cases where there is no right to a lawyer and costs are prohibitive. Some states are looking at alternatives including non-lawyer representation, curated legal help for low-income citizens, and even AI, as Engstrom tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering's The Future of Everything podcast.

    Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

    Episode Reference Links:

    • Stanford Profile: Nora Freeman Engstrom

    Connect With Us:

    • Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
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    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Russ Altman introduces guest Nora Freeman Engstrom, a professor of law at Stanford University.

    (00:03:11) Path to Justice Work

    Nora’s journey into legal ethics and justice reform.

    (00:04:46) Misconceptions About Civil Court

    How civil cases often involve one represented and one unrepresented party.

    (00:08:40) Limits of Judicial Help

    Why the U.S. adversarial system limits judicial involvement.

    (00:10:40) Problems with Self-Help

    The lack of reliable resources for people trying to represent themselves.

    (00:13:41) The Cost of Legal Help

    The high cost of representation and how legal aid is overwhelmed.

    (00:15:20) A Missing Middle

    How law lacks mid-level professionals to offer affordable legal help.

    (00:17:41) Expanding Legal Access

    Why law lacks mid-level roles and bans non-lawyer advice.

    (00:22:22) New Models for Legal Support

    The ways some states are testing trained non-lawyers to expand access.

    (00:27:22) Legal Help in the Past

    The history of legal access, including lawyers in banks and auto clubs.

    (00:30:29) Legal Protectionism

    How depression-era protectionism led to today’s lawyer-only model

    (00:32:48) The Role of AI in Legal Access

    The potential of AI for creating smarter legal tools for courts.

    (00:35:52) Conclusion

    Connect With Us:

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    37 m
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