Future Tense

Latest Episodes:

Future doom and the rose-coloured past Aug 25, 2019

Show notes

Why do we see the past through rose-coloured glasses, but not the future? Psychologists tell us that human beings have a tendency to be fearful and pessimistic about the future, while simultaneously romanticising the past. If the theory is true, it might help explain the difficulties we often have in making informed decisions and effectively planning for the future.

With nature against climate change Aug 18, 2019

Show notes

Nature Based Solutions is an environmental approach that seeks to counter the negative effects of climate change by working with nature.

Netflix's decline and why stricter regulation could strengthen the tech giants Aug 11, 2019

Show notes

Netflix dominates online TV streaming, but for how long? Also, Cory Doctorow on how more government regulation could inadvertently make the tech giants even stronger.

Ensuring a classical future Aug 04, 2019

Show notes

The world of classical music is changing. Some are predicting the demise of orchestral events. Others see opportunity in social media and a new sense of engagement between the audience and musicians.

Counterculture, consumerism and the far right Jul 28, 2019

Show notes

Countercultural movements, like Occupy Wall Street, are meant to be future-focussed — revolutionary even. So why do they often fade into commercialism? Are they simply a function of consumer capitalism? If so, what future do they have? And must they always be progressive?

Western spies face a difficult future Jul 21, 2019

Show notes

The CIA’s former counterintelligence chief warns Western spy agencies are being “overwhelmed” by their adversaries. And new surveillance technologies could spell the death of the traditional agent-in-the-field. The future of espionage looks problematic indeed.

Outsourcing, automation and the messiness of global labour Jul 14, 2019

Show notes

Automation and outsourcing are dirty words for many people in Western countries worried about their future employment prospects. Developing countries are seen to be the major beneficiaries of off-shore labour, with multinationals hoovering up increased profits. But the reality is a lot more complex and even messy. Now, even developing countries are starting to feel the pain.

Prescient Predictions: 1984; Brave New World; and Network Jul 07, 2019

Show notes

The dystopian best-seller 1984 was published exactly seventy years ago. Its influence has been profound. But does it really speak to today’s politico-cultural environment?

Show notes

Many Western governments continue to struggle with free speech. It’s not that they’re necessarily against it, it’s just that they don’t know how to effectively regulate out the offensive stuff.

Emotions, relationships & technology Jun 23, 2019

Show notes

Our emotions are being manipulated, hacked and shared like never before. So what does this mean for their future, our relationships and the technology that's reading them?

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Future Tense

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6