Exploring Our Connection to the Future: A Journey Begins
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Chapter 1: Understanding Our Future Connection
What does the future truly mean, and how are we intertwined with it? These pivotal questions are at the heart of the new podcast, Future Rising, which invites listeners to embark on a journey that starts with the Big Bang and leads to our obligations toward future generations in an increasingly intricate world.
As an Associate Dean at the Arizona State University College of Global Futures, I find these inquiries particularly relevant. They challenge me to consider how we can collectively create a more just, equitable, and vibrant future, ensuring that everyone has a role in this endeavor. This podcast has been on my mind for quite a while, as I sought new ways to broaden the reach of my work. I felt it essential to address how our connection to the future influences our actions and decisions in the present.
The podcast derives its foundation from my book Future Rising and delves into the complexities and humanity of our relationship with the future through a series of brief reflections.
Section 1.1: Podcast Format and Insights
Each episode—lasting only 3 to 5 minutes—draws inspiration from a chapter in the book. These episodes offer intriguing insights into various facets of our future relationship, exploring concepts such as time, the rise of intelligence, the role of memory and learning, and how empathy shapes our perceptions of others' futures. Collectively, they illustrate how our choices impact the future and highlight ways we can leverage this understanding to foster a better tomorrow.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Art of Listening and Writing
As a writer, I often think of myself as "aural" in my approach. The rhythm and tone of my writing reflect how I envision my words being spoken. Consequently, I frequently ponder how much of my intended meaning might be lost when my written words are interpreted by readers.
Since the release of Future Rising in 2020, I've been concerned about this potential disconnect. I hope my readers can hear my voice and grasp the subtleties embedded in my writing, but I remain uncertain.
The first season of the Future Rising Podcast has recently launched, with new episodes available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Section 1.2: The Journey Through Time
This inaugural season guides listeners through the initial segment of the book, titled "A Journey Into The Past." The journey begins with Bill Anders' iconic 1968 Earthrise photograph, traverses the universe's earliest moments, and examines humanity's emergence as a species capable of using intelligence and reason to envision various futures. Depending on listener interest, a second season may be released later this summer.
The first video, "Future of Science and Technology Q&A (December 22, 2023)," offers insights and discussions that align with the themes of the podcast, bridging our understanding of scientific advancement and its implications for the future.
The second video, "What Future Humans, Cities and Bodies Will Look Like | Space and Astronomy," explores speculative ideas about our evolution and urban development, resonating with the podcast's exploration of humanity's trajectory.
You can catch Future Rising wherever you listen to podcasts. Enjoy the journey!