In this episode of Inquiring Minds, host Adam Bristol sits down with Silicon Valley tech expert, philosopher, and acclaimed science fiction author Gary Bengier to discuss his new novel, Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges. As a prequel to his celebrated book Unfettered Journey, this latest work delves into the pivotal technological, political, and societal challenges humanity may face in the next century, all framed through the lens of a multi-generational family saga.

Bengier’s unique background—spanning a career as eBay’s Chief Financial Officer to his roles in astrophysics and philosophy—brings an unparalleled depth of realism and foresight to his writing. In Journey to 2125, he explores themes like climate change, robotics, AI, biotechnology, and the shifting labor landscape. The book blends hard science fiction with philosophical reflections, offering both a sobering view of the obstacles ahead and an optimistic call to action for addressing humanity’s most pressing issues.

They discuss:

• The challenges of automation and labor displacement in a rapidly advancing technological landscape.
• The integration of cutting-edge biotechnology and its societal implications.
• The global energy crisis and the pivotal role of nuclear fission in the future.
• The philosophical and economic systems required to navigate an increasingly automated world.

Bengier shares insights from his career in Silicon Valley, his work with the Santa Fe Institute, and his early life experiences that shaped his empathetic approach to storytelling. This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to thrive in an era of exponential technological change.

Listen in to uncover actionable insights and a hopeful vision for building a sustainable and equitable future.

Journey to 2125 is available everywhere books are sold.

Links:

Get Gary’s new Book at Amazon

Follow Gary on Facebook @garybengierauthor,

Good Reads @Gary_F_Bengier

and Twitter (X): @GaryFBengier

and visit his website: GaryfBengier.com/journey-to-2125/

Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/

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In this episode of Inquiring Minds, Indre Viskontas sits down with award-winning journalist and author Vince Beiser to delve into the environmental, social, and ethical implications of our growing reliance on electronics and artificial intelligence. Drawing from his new book, Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future, Vince sheds light on the often-overlooked competition and global race for the critical metals essential for renewable energy, digital technology, and the foundation of the future. Together, they explore the environmental havoc and political upheaval these resources are already causing—such as unsustainable mining practices and the limitations of recycling—the ways the situation could worsen, the steps we can take to minimize the damage, and the hidden human cost behind the gadgets we use every day.

The result is a gripping and sobering account of the battle between what civilization demands and what the planet can withstand.

They also discuss:

• The trade-offs between recycling and reducing consumption.
• How mining for essential metals like cobalt and lithium impacts the environment and marginalized communities.
• Promising innovations in resource extraction and sustainable practices.
• The importance of reducing reliance on cars and investing in bike-friendly, walkable cities.

This conversation highlights practical steps individuals and corporations can take to align their values with their actions, from supporting right-to-repair legislation to embracing reuse over constant upgrades.

Listen in to uncover actionable insights and hope for building a more sustainable technological future.

Links:

Read Vince Beiser's book Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future

Connect with Vince Beiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-beiser/

Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/

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Indre sits to chat with co-author of "Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI" and chair of business analytics at the University of Minnesota, Ravi Bapna, to explore the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and society.

They talk about the potential benefits and risks of AI and how we need to be aware and balance both narratives, how we need to understand the various types of AI out there (descriptive, predictive, prescriptive, and generative), the importance of data engineering in today's data economy, and how to protect our personal data in the age of AI.

The conversation also covers topics such as job displacement, governance and ethical considerations, and AI's role in enhancing human interactions, especially in healthcare and customer services, and storytelling.

Listen in to learn the different techniques to thrive in this new technological era.

Links:

Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

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Connect with Ravi Bapna on LinkedIn

Ravi Bapna’s Book: Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI