I hope this is a thought-provoking episode. In it I explore why economic inequality persists despite overwhelming evidence of its damaging effects. I reference economist Gary Stevenson's stark assessment of wealth concentration and connect it with Jon Alexander's work on the narratives that shape our society. The episode delves into how our collective stories; from being "subjects" to being "consumers" have blinded us to systemic issues and blocked meaningful change. I share Jon's work on the emerging "Citizen Story" as an alternative framework that could transform how we address inequality through collaboration, agency, and shared responsibility. This episode may challenges you to reconsider the stories you live by and their power to reshape your economic future.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview00:52 The Problem of Economic Inequality00:55 Gary Stevenson's Insights02:15 The Consumer Story05:11 The Citizen Story06:04 Practical Steps Towards Change08:55 Conclusion and Call to ActionSOCIALShttps://instagram.com/markfallowshttps://linkedin.com/in/markfallowsLINKS Citizens Jon AlexanderGary Stevenson The Trading Game Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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9:45
Building a New Game for Capitalism - A Conversation with Chad Grills
Today, I'm joined by Chad Grills, an entrepreneur, veteran, and visionary who's on a mission to reimagine how capital flows to startups.In our conversation, Chad shares his fascinating journey from small-town Maryland to military service in Iraq and Egypt, to becoming a writer and entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. Now based in Texas, Chad is the founder of National Capital League, a startup developing a game designed to help people make or raise money in alignment with their values.As a father of five, Chad offers thought-provoking perspectives on education, raising children in today's digital world, and the importance of outdoor play. We discuss the challenges facing young men in society, the shifting economic landscape, and how courage might be our most needed and contagious virtue.As usual I ask the three fundamental questions at the heart of The Impossible Network: Who are you as a human being? What made you the human you are? And what are you working to achieve?This is a conversation about faith, entrepreneurship, and creating a future where capital flows to those embodying virtue. Let's dive in with Chad Grills.Time stamps 00:00 Introduction to Chad Grills01:39 Chad's Early Life and Values08:01 Parenting and Education in the Digital Age10:45 The Impact of AI on Society13:07 Chad's Professional Journey21:01 Challenges Facing Young Men23:45 Geopolitical and Economic Observations30:03 Transitioning from Silicon Valley to New Beginnings30:25 Introducing National Capital League31:09 The Concept of Private Markets32:55 Building a Game for Entrepreneurs35:16 Challenges in Entrepreneurship38:30 Virtue and Capital Flow45:27 Guiding the Next Generation47:57 Inspirations and Legacy51:29 Documentaries and UAPs54:56 Final Thoughts and Next InterviewSocial Links LinkedinLinks In The Show Age of Disclosure The Fourth TurningOnly The paranoid SurviveThe Man Who Solved the Market Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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57:02
Israa Nasir – Breaking Free From Toxic Productivity
Two weeks ago at SXSW in Austin, I reconnected with previsous guest, Israa Nasir, therapist, clinical strategist, and author of "Toxic Productivity,” During our short conversation Israa explains the mindset that compels us to chase relentless achievement, often as a means to cope with challenging emotions such as guilt, shame, and feeling left behind.Israa shares her personal journey and why she wrote her book. She looks at how society's views on productivity impact our work, relationships, parenting, and self-image. We also discuss the emotional side of productivity advice. It is important to recognize our core values to achieve healthy productivity.We also cover the impact of AI on the future of work, mental health, and leadership. Israa highlights both the risks and opportunities that AI presents, stressing the need for thoughtful guardrails and intentional use to enhance, rather than diminish, human value and connection.Whether you're grappling with burnout, feeling pressured to constantly perform, or curious about navigating productivity in the age of AI, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical advice. Enjoy the episode.Social Links Instagram Well.guide Israa’s Linkedin Links In the ShowToxic ProductivityHBR article on Toxic productivity Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Reconnection01:28 Discussing Toxic Productivity02:25 Personal Journey and Book Genesis03:16 Impact on Relationships and Society06:20 AI and the Future of Work15:11 AI in Mental Health: Risks and Benefits15:56 Regulatory Challenges in AI Adoption16:49 Disparities in AI Adoption Among Clinicians18:30 Personal Reflections on Productivity20:04 Where to Find the Book20:48 Future Plans and Career Aspirations21:24 Speaking Engagements and Workshops23:21 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Productivity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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25:46
The AI FlyWheel – Are You In or Out?
In this episode, I explore the concept of the "AI flywheel" - the accelerating momentum of artificial intelligence development that's either carrying us forward or leaving us behind. As we approach the critical juncture of Artificial General Intelligence we need to understand what makes us uniquely human, something I discussed with recent guest, Dom Heinrich. Key PointsThe Accelerating Pace: Recent releases from Anthropic (Claude 3.7 Sonnet), OpenAI (GPT-4.5), Google (Gemini), and Grok demonstrate how each breakthrough contributes to faster development.Choosing Your Tools: Mark uses different AI models for specific purposes - Claude for creative work, Gemini for Google's ecosystem, and Grok for Twitter-based insights.Human Uniqueness: As AI handles analytical tasks with ease, our distinct value may lie in emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and wisdom from lived experience.Finding Balance: Technology should be used thoughtfully. AI might help us become more human by handling routine tasks, freeing us to focus on relationships, creativity, and empathy.Notable Quote"As controllers of technology, we must balance technological connection with disconnection, have the discipline to lose ourselves in our unconscious minds, and have the focus to listen to our souls."Join the ConversationI invites listeners to share how they're navigating the AI flywheel and what human qualities they believe will become more valuable as AI advances.Timestamps00:00 Introduction 00:08 The AI Flywheel Concept00:38 Recent AI Developments01:49 Choosing the Right AI Tool02:49 Human Qualities in the Age of AI03:43 Balancing Technology and Humanity04:33 Engaging with AI Technology05:12 Conclusion and Call to Action LinksLinkedin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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5:32
Transforming Education with Julia Black's Lights On Framework
In this follow-up conversation, Julia Black, a former TV producer turned education innovator, shares insights from her groundbreaking Lights On framework and her book 'Lights On Learning: A Parent's Blueprint for Happy, Fulfilled, Curious Kids.' Julia describes how her framework challenges traditional education paradigms by focusing on internal learning processes and parental involvement to treat disengagement as an opportunity for growth. She discusses the six learning signatures and provides real-life examples, including a case study of a six-year-old, demonstrating transformative changes. The discussion also touches on the relevance of her approach in the age of AI, emphasizing the importance of creativity and problem-solving. Additionally, Julia talks about her upcoming audiobook and collaborative projects aimed at building a community of curious, fulfilled learners.Timestamps00:00 Introduction 01:25 Julia's Journey and Book Release01:55 Understanding the Lights On Approach05:28 Parental Role in Education10:06 Real-Life Success Stories18:35 Empowering Parents and Teachers32:12 Future Projects and ConclusionSocial Links Explorium Facebook Instagram Links Lights On Learning Book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The weekly podcast tells the stories of curious-minded, purposeful people, creating positive change for social good.Our guests include creative problem-solvers, storytellers, activists and artists, social impact entrepreneurs, and philanthropists from across the arts, business, science, and technology, working to solve some of our more pressing problems. Each week, host Mark Fallows explores who his guests are as humans, who or what made them, what they are working to achieve or impact in the world, and where serendipity has impacted their journey. Learn, gain insights, and be inspired by how a diverse range of people have broken through obstacles, fearlessly exceeded the boundaries society sets, and taken chances, regardless of risk, that most fear, in pursuit of their ‘impossible’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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