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Urgent Futures with Jesse Damiani

Jesse Damiani
Artificial Intelligence
Algorithmic Resistance
Iraqi Kurdistan
Nationalism
Liberland
Blockchain Technology
Community Engagement
Critical Design
Human Rights
Cognitive Liberty
Self-Identity
Anthropology
Empathy Machine
Ethnography
Post-Reality
Virtual Reality
Los Angeles
Hollywood
Activism
Social Justice

Welcome to the Urgent Futures Podcast, the show that finds signal in the noise. Each episode, I sit down with leading thinkers for dialogues that clarify the chaos, from culture to the cosmos. www.realitystudies.co

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes76Founded2 years ago
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Society & CultureTechnology

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Latest Episodes

How can we think differently about what AI means?

Today's guest, Michael Garfield, is somebody I’ve learned a lot from over the years—primarily through his tireless work with the podcast formerly known as Future Fossils—now Humans On The Loop—but al... more

I thought this was going to be a conversation about solar energy, decarbonization, ClimateTech, grid infrastructure—I wasn't quite prepared for an in-depth analysis of Pete Hegseth's psychology. Hopefully that gives you a quick sense of what you're i... more

YouTube

In many ways, the big story in the aftermath of the 2024 election in the U.S. was: young men. Mainstream media was aflurry in conversations about how the Dems lost boys, how the manosphere and male-centric podcasters swung the election in favor of Do... more

A couple plot twists to note with this episode!

First: instead of my usual intro, you’ll notice we’re showing a clip from Steve’s new feature-length video essay/doc Reality Frictions. So I’d strongly recommend that you watch at least the first few m... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Colin Davis
Fitness coach and political activist
Episode: Unpacking ‘Fascist Fitness’ & Reclaiming Gym Culture from the Far Right - Colin Davis | Rapid Response #15
Steve Anderson
Director of the documentary 'Reality Frictions' and professor at UCLA
UCLA
Episode: Can Media Depict Reality in the Age of AI? Did It Ever, Really? Discussing the Interplay of Fact & Fiction in ‘Reality Frictions’ - Steve Anderson | #57
Colin Raymond
Research Scientist at University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Los Angeles
Episode: Understanding Wet-Bulb Temperature, Climate Extremes, & Systemic Risk—& How We Build Resilience - Colin Raymond | #56
Jacob Ward
A veteran journalist covering technology, human behavior, and social change.
Omidyar Network
Episode: How AI Futures, Authoritarianism, & Behavioral Science Fit Together - Jacob Ward | #55
Anya Kamenetz
Author and journalist known for her writings on education and social issues.
Author
Episode: Protecting Your Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing Amid Polycrisis, Responding to ICE, 'Bullying Bari Weiss,' & The Futures of Journalism - Anya Kamenetz | Rapid Response #14
Grace Byron
A writer based in Queens, known for contributions to major publications like The New Yorker and Vogue and author of "Herculine".
Episode: Grace Byron: 'Herculine,' Haunting, & Being Trans in America | Riffs & Speculations #2
Luke Kemp
Research affiliate at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk at the University of Cambridge, author of Goliath's Curse.
Centre for the Study of Existential Risk at the University of Cambridge
Episode: Goliath's Curse: How & Why Societies Collapse, & What We Can Do About It - Luke Kemp | #54
Andy Hines
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for the University of Houston's Graduate Program in Foresight.
University of Houston
Episode: Andy Hines: How to Imagine 'After Capitalism'—and Why We Must | #53
Danny Snelson
A writer, editor, and archivist, Associate Professor in the departments of English and Design Media Arts at UCLA.
UCLA
Episode: Danny Snelson: The Little Database vs. Large AI Models | #52

Host

Jesse Damiani
Host of the show, Jesse engages with guests across fields, guiding nuanced discussions that navigate the complex landscape of technology, society, and culture.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 58 ratings
  • the best!

    one of my favorite podcasts! jesse is a great host + has such an incredible variety of guests.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    fake.milo
    United States9 months ago
  • A+ Podcast

    Deeply needed in these times and highly informative. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DashaKitt
    United Statesa year ago
  • Relevant, researched and accessible

    This podcast is truly a gem. Not only Jesse’s curation of guests is refreshing, and very relevant, the content is enlightening and accessible without being superficial. I learnt so much listening to some of the episodes and truly wished more people knew about it.

    Jesse is also a great interviewer with kindness, nuance and humility always on the agenda. Cannot recommend this podcast enough!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    lili069475
    United Statesa year ago
  • High def glimpses into the chaos

    What is reality in a world dominated by rapid cycles of technological and cultural production? In the clear speak I’ve always valued in his writing, Damiani delves into the frayed edges of thought and creativity by assembling experts from a fresh cross-section of disciplines to synthesize visions of a post-real now. With each episode, am consistently enthralled by the subtlety and mastery with which Damiani teases out critical issues and weaves these into piercing dialogues, in real time. Also a... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    missrenao
    United Statesa year ago
  • One of the Best Podcasts in America

    Anyone interested in cutting-edge ideas about culture, tech, and philosophy needs to be listening to this podcast. The variety of guests is incredible, and all of them have something urgent to say. I always feel smarter and more generatively perplexed after listening to Urgent Futures, and I keep coming back because I want to know what the most intelligent, idiosyncratic thinkers are thinking and talking about amongst themselves. You will not regret becoming a regular listener!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Daniel S. Isaac
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many express gratitude for the thoughtful exploration of pressing societal issues, with a frequent emphasis on the expert insights shared during episodes.
The podcast is characterized as essential listening for those interested in technology, culture, and urgent global topics.
The host's interviewing style is particularly noted for its depth and ability to stimulate critical thought.
Listeners praise the insightful and urgent nature of the discussions, highlighting a great variety of knowledgeable guests.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Unpacking ‘Fascist Fitness’ & Reclaiming Gym Culture from the Far Right - Colin Davis | Rapid Response #15
Q: What is one moment when your sense of reality was disrupted?
Seeing police brutality in DC during protests in 2020, which shook my trust in the government.
Unpacking ‘Fascist Fitness’ & Reclaiming Gym Culture from the Far Right - Colin Davis | Rapid Response #15
Q: What is one resource that you recommend for making better sense of reality?
Being in nature and unplugging from digital distractions to have real-world conversations.
Unpacking ‘Fascist Fitness’ & Reclaiming Gym Culture from the Far Right - Colin Davis | Rapid Response #15
Q: What is one thing you wish people paid more attention to?
The ties between corporations and politics, and how lobbying influences political decisions.
Can Media Depict Reality in the Age of AI? Did It Ever, Really? Discussing the Interplay of Fact & Fiction in ‘Reality Frictions’ - Steve Anderson | #57
Q: What do you view as the responsibility of documentary directors in particular if they are electing to use generative AI?
Documentary filmmakers need to navigate ethical questions seriously when utilizing generative AI, ensuring that the use is respectful and maintains integrity in representation.
Understanding Wet-Bulb Temperature, Climate Extremes, & Systemic Risk—& How We Build Resilience - Colin Raymond | #56
Q: What will it take?
Raymond speculates that significant changes may require visible disasters impacting the wealthy and influential to galvanize action.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Urgent Futures

What is Urgent Futures about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Key themes explored include the complexities surrounding artificial intelligence, climate change, societal collapse, and the ethical responsibilities tied to media representation. The discussions often feature thought-provoking dialogues with guests from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including academia, journalism, and literature, providing listeners with a multifaceted understanding of current global challenges. This podcast is particularly noteworthy for its engagement with urgent topics that are critical to contemporary society, aiming to stimulate deep reflection and discussion surrounding the future of humanity and the planet.

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Which podcasts are similar to Urgent Futures?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Urgent Futures:

1. Planet: Critical
2. The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens
3. Team Human
4. The Gray Area with Sean Illing
5. Novara Media

How many episodes of Urgent Futures are there?

Urgent Futures launched 2 years ago and published 76 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Urgent Futures?

Recent guests on Urgent Futures include:

1. Colin Davis
2. Steve Anderson
3. Colin Raymond
4. Jacob Ward
5. Anya Kamenetz
6. Grace Byron
7. Luke Kemp
8. Andy Hines

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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