The Synthetic Minds podcast (Dr Mark van Rijmenam)

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Doug Jacobson, the Co-founder of Big Rock Creative, an XR company producing large-scale events in VR. Big Rock’s first large project, BRCvr, created a fully immersive Burning Man festival in social VR starting in 2020, which generated much positive PR, including an article in Wired Magazine. He has since worked on projects ranging from directing an XR music video featuring Pitbull to throwing an event-packed 3-day New Year's Eve event to facilitating a Hollywood red carpet premiere in VR.

Doug’s background is in the film industry; he graduated from USC film school in the 90s with honours. Throughout his career, Doug has written, directed, produced, and edited several festival award-winning narratives and documentaries. His most notorious documentary features the Burning Man festival, "Journey to the Flames, " which has been screened nationally and internationally. His last documentary project was co-edited by the award-winning doc “Selling Lies”. He’s also had a long career as an award-winning editor in TV and film.

Doug is also one of the founders of the “Black Rock Yearbook”, one of the most significant and longest-running photography projects in Burning Man history. Every year, he produces the Yearbook – a photo book filled with thousands of individual Black Rock City Participants, group camp photos and art. A lover of technology and new ways of storytelling, Doug has been spending time in VR – shooting 3D video, building worlds, and guiding new users through Alternative realities in digital space.

He joined me to talk about Burning Man and later showed me around the Virtual Plier. We discussed the future of massive interactive live events, digital real estate in the metaverse, and its ethical challenges. Enjoy the conversation!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of The Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Jon Radoff, the Co-Founder and CEO of Beamable, the creator-centric platform for building live games. An internationally recognized entrepreneur and technology visionary, Mr Radoff has grown businesses in the fields of computer gaming, social networking, advertising and enterprise technology.

Before founding Beamable, Mr Radoff built one of the first commercial games on the Internet, took a web content management company public, grew a game advertising network, and launched mobile games played by millions of people, including Game of Thrones Ascent and Star Trek Timelines. His writing, captured in his blog Building the Metaverse, envisions a future driven by the culture change as people go digital. ReadWrite.com named Mr Radoff as one of the top 30 most influential people in the Metaverse.

We had a great conversation about what the Metaverse means for gaming, the seven layers of the Metaverse, how the Metaverse will change the future of work, and which things we have to do differently when developing Web 3.0 compared to Web 2.0. Stay tuned to this incredibly valuable 27-minute episode for that and more.

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

Navigating technological change requires futures thinking, and science fiction can be a powerful tool, according to Karl Schroeder. The renowned author blends storytelling with foresight expertise, using narrative to explore emerging techs' societal impact. In the Synthetic Minds podcast, Schroeder delved into AI, mixed reality, blockchain economies, and governance challenges. He argues that narratives reveal unexpected interactions by playing out ideas against each other. Organisations can translate findings into stories for clearer communication. Schroeder's "Stealing Worlds" depicts an AI/blockchain future reshaping reality. He suggests radically decentralised economic models and evolving human-AI governance structures. Ultimately, he posits governance as the "killer app" for the next generation amid rapid change. Biography Karl Schroeder Karl Schroeder is an award-winning author and a member of the Association of Professional Futurists. He writes to entertain and also as a way of analysing and anticipating the future for institutional clients as diverse as governments, consultancies and multinational corporations. He is an engaging public speaker who has given talks about the intersection of technology and culture across North America, Europe and Eurasia. His current project is a near-future adventure novel about Arctic sovereignty and climate change. Karl lives in Toronto, Canada, with his wife and daughter. Links Newsletter: kschroeder.substack.com Website: www.kschroeder.com X: @Karl Schroeder Books:

Stealing Worlds - 2019

Lady of Mazes - 2006

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Ryan Gill, the Founder of the Open Meta DAO, a community that supports the delivery of the products, experiences, services, best practices, and tools that will make the Open Metaverse a reality. Ryan is also the Founder of Crucible, a company that is working to create the universal open infrastructure that joins the worlds and economies of many talented game developers, web developers and artists so that can easily access new decentralized web technologies such as DeFi or NFTs, and networks of players and marketplaces where users are spending billions. He is also a venture partner at Outlier Ventures.

Ryan Gill is an innovator who is constantly looking out for new trends. Being a neo-polymath, his knowledge and discipline cover many fields, from finance, and blockchain, to technology. Prior to starting Crucible, Ryan was in the Los Angeles Venture Capital and Startup world, where he built companies with high-profile partners and made a living translating between founders and investors. He comes on to talk to us about the open metaverse and what it will take to get there. He will also share his knowledgeable insights on the role of NFTs in decentralized finance, what kind of new business models we can expect in the metaverse, and so much more. Stay tuned!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Justin Hochberg, the Founder and CEO of the Virtual Brand Group (VBG), which strategizes, builds, and monetizes brands in fashion, entertainment, sports, retail and lifestyle across all of web3. Some of their most recognized successes include turning Forever 21 into one of the Metaverse’s “top 10 brands for 2022”, launching “The Voice” singing competition, which airs in 145 territories, into Decentraland and designing Barbie’s first-ever virtual fashion line, which was one this year’s most successful launches.

Justin is an innovation, revenue, and partnership-focused senior executive with a multi-national career spanning the USA, the E.U., and Eastern Europe in technology and entertainment. He has a proven track record from Microsoft to Hollywood, creating 70+ multi-million-dollar deals, 40+ TV series, and over $500MM in new revenue.

Join us as we discuss how the metaverse will completely change marketing, why brands need to take a different approach if they want to be successful in the immersive internet, some of the brands that are doing a good job already, and much more. See you on the inside!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Richard Kerris, the Vice President of the Omniverse developer platform and the industry general manager for media and entertainment at NVIDIA. NVIDIA’s Omniverse is an easily extendible platform with 3D design collaboration and scalable multi-GPU real-time true-to-reality simulation. With a career spanning Apple, Lucasfilm and Amazon/AWS, Richard’s experience combine driving marketing and product development with a focus on bringing new ideas to life. At Apple, he directed developer relations and managed Final Cut Pro, Logic and Aperture.

At Lucasfilm, he served as CTO, managing research and development, IT and information services. Richard has given keynote addresses at GTC, Asia Broadcast and China Joy Expo and delivered multiple Apple Worldwide Developers Conference presentations. He currently serves on the Bay Area Board of the Visual Effects Society and is an active member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.

Richard and I discussed the importance of interoperability and transferability of assets across the metaverse. We talked about digital twins, how the Omniverse platform can help enterprise organizations, and how important content will be for the metaverse. Stay tuned and enjoy!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Cai Felip, the Founder and CEO of Union Avatars, a company blurring the lines between the virtual world and reality. Union leads the production of realistic 3D avatars for virtual worlds. Their mission is to help the future of virtual identity in the metaverse. They provide avatar solutions so you can realistically represent yourself in video games, social media, virtual reality worlds, or gamification.

Cai and I will talk about all things avatars, digital identities and online reputation. We’ll also dive into the threat of imposed avatars and how brands should approach Gen Zs and Gen Alphas, also known as the “Metaverse Natives”. It’s going to be a super interesting conversation, so don’t miss it.

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

Welcome to the Tech Journal. My name is Mark van Rijmenam, and I am the Digital Speaker.

In this episode of the Tech Journal, The Digital Speaker starts by exploring Data Privacy. Here he looks into the EU’s investigation in Instagram’s handling, or rather mishandling, of data, Facebook being sued over the Cambridge Analytica data scandal for a second time, and Differential Privacy, what it is and how it could potentially increase privacy. After, he moves on to Antitrust laws and the Tech Giants, having a closer look at how both Amazon and Google are being sued for breaching them. Then he ends by exploring Digital Censorship, and how the censorship debate is very much alive and well.

If you’re interested in any of these topics, stick around for Mark’s breakdown. So, put your feet up, get comfortable and let us start speaking digital. 

In case you would like to view the video version of the podcast, please head to YouTube or Vimeo.

For more information:

• The Digital Speaker's website: https://TheDigitalSpeaker.com

• Dr Mark van Rijmenam's website: https://vanrijmenam.nl

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markvanrijmenam

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanrijmenam

• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_speaker/ 

• Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/the-digital-speaker

The Digital Speaker covers the digital world from inside the digital world and he was interviewed by Saana Azzam, founder of MENA Speakers, on the future of work and the organization of tomorrow.

Can science fiction storytellers predict and shape our future better than tech moguls? Brad Rochefort’s cinematic storytelling doesn’t just entertain—it provokes deep thought about our technological trajectory and its ethical implications. In the latest Synthetic Minds podcast, Brad discusses how his works, like "Zip Code" and "The Holdout," serve as blueprints for exploring futuristic concepts. Rochefort’s creative process blends real-world advancements with imaginative storytelling. His film "Zip Code," inspired by a real-life blogger's cybernetic journey, showcases how blending human experience with tech innovations can generate compelling narratives. These stories allow businesses to conceptualize future scenarios, anticipating the impacts of emerging technologies. Brad emphasizes the role of speculative fiction in strategic planning. By simulating potential futures, his narratives help organizations explore the societal impacts of new technologies in a risk-free environment. How can businesses leverage these insights to navigate technological advancements more ethically and effectively? About Brad Rochefort Brad is the author of The Secrets of Screenwriting, a textbook on unlocking your ideas for feature film screenplays. He wrote and produced The Holdout, a short film about a man who relives his life until he gets it just right. The Holdout played in festivals in New York, LA, London, Italy, Central America, and Online. Some of my other projects in development include the completed feature-length script for Zip Code, a story about the inventor of the bionic eye, as seen on the film development platform Film.io, and an upcoming limited series about a future world ruled by the powerful people in control of a global satellite system and the near-sentient AI rumored to have awakened within.

If a human can use a brain-computer interface, can an AI use a computer-brain interface?

In the 14th episode of The Digital Speaker series, I am going to take a more in-depth look into some of the latest breakthroughs and innovations in bioinformatics and what this means for our society.

In this new episode, I will also delve back into cyberpunk and take another look at brain-computer interfacing.

I will be exploring the latest medical, military and gaming advancements, taking a peek at what the future might hold for this cutting edge industry.

And so, what are we waiting for? It is time to start today’s digital download.

You can watch the video on:

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/CVYaEF4fEeg
• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker/EP14

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Jimi Daodu, the founder of Vault Hill, an extended reality (XR) blockchain-based metaverse designed to make you feel more you. Jimi has a strong focus on the open metaverse and is passionate about building a human-centric metaverse. Prior to Vault Hill, he ran a number of successful transformation and digital change programmes, including a divestment between Barclays Bank Plc and Absa.

Jimi will graciously share his wealth of expertise around the open metaverse, the importance of blockchain for the immersive internet, self-sovereign identities, the importance of data ownership, and what role decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) will play in the metaverse. This is one episode you will not wanna miss. Enjoy!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

Welcome to the Tech Journal. My name is Mark van Rijmenam, and I am The Digital Speaker. Today I’m going to be looking at AI and Journalism, the possibilities, limitations, and what outcomes we can expect.

AI journalists are increasingly ‘employed’ by publishers and organisations. The good news for human journalists is that there’s still very much a need for their services when writing articles.

But with machines now capable of doing more tasks than ever (and more complex ones), we face several important questions: what’s the role of AI in journalism, and what are the challenges and considerations when bringing AI into the newsroom?

So, get comfortable, sit back, and let us start speaking digital.

For more information:

• The Digital Speaker's website: https://TheDigitalSpeaker.com 
• Dr Mark van Rijmenam's website: https://vanrijmenam.nl
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markvanrijmenam
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanrijmenam
• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_speaker/
• Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/the-digital-speaker
• Beemup: https://www.beemup.com/partners/the-digital-speaker/

In this episode of The Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Hannah Glass, a senior associate in the leading financial markets team at King & Wood Mallesons, specialising in blockchain technology, fintech and payments. She advises a broad range of clients, from start-ups and crypto asset exchanges to ASX 50 companies and governments on current and emerging legal issues which arise from using innovative technologies in a complex regulatory environment.

Hannah is at the forefront of the development of the legal framework for fintech in Australia. She has worked with industry bodies and government on issues ranging from central bank digital currencies, regulatory sandboxes, legislative treatment crypto-asset and assisting industry on their response to the Senate inquiry into Fintech and Regtech. She is regularly invited to participate in forums with the government to discuss policy issues.

Hannah sits on the Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources’ National Blockchain Roadmap Steering Committee and is the chair of the Regtech Working Group, exploring the use of distributed ledger technology to assist in meeting legal, regulatory and compliance obligations. She is also a member of DISER’s RegTech Stakeholder Reference Group. She has been named “band 3” in Chambers and Partners FinTech Guide 2022, after 3 years as “up and coming”. Hannah is the only non-partner listed in this category. She is a fellow of Blockchain Australia, and a member of Global Blockchain Convergence and Wall Street Blockchain Alliance.

Hannah and I discussed the legal and regulatory issues surrounding the metaverse, NFTs, and crypto. We talked about the challenges surrounding NFTs, for example, when it comes to copyright and intellectual property issues, but also how we can protect consumers when it comes to the massive amount of data extraction we can expect to happen in the metaverse. Enjoy the conversation.

Highlights

● [01:19] - Diving into the combination of the real and the virtual.

● [03:53] - The state of copyright and ownership in NFTs.

● [10:46] - Ensuring people’s rights and overcoming the T&Cs conundrum.

● [13:56] - Legal challenges that might affect tokenization.

● [18:10] - Tackling the tons of privacy issues that affect the metaverse.

● [26:26] - How DAOs will enforce their rules and regulations in the metaverse.

● [31:37] - Why we must understand the difference between contracts and property.

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

Today, I am going to discuss the end of Liberalism and how Digitalism will replace it as the world’s first, true global political doctrine; a story where governments, companies and citizens battle for data.

In the 9th episode of The Tech Journal, The Digital Speaker will delve into and explore the positive and negative aspects of an economy run on data. Taking a closer look at some potential futures that are awaiting us depending on which direction we choose to go, which can either empower or enslave citizens.

The rise of Digitalism is unstoppable and depending on the country you live in, can either be something not to look forward to or help us solve some of today's pressing issues.

You can also watch the video here:

YouTube: youtu.be/l737pminkyc
Vimeo: vimeo.com/digitalspeaker/EP09

If you’re interested in any of these topics, follow or subscribe to any of the below channels:
• The Digital Speaker's website: TheDigitalSpeaker.com
• Dr Mark van Rijmenam's website: vanrijmenam.nl
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/markvanrijmenam
• Twitter: twitter.com/vanrijmenam
• Vimeo: vimeo.com/digitalspeaker
• YouTube: t.co/uACxYq1iok
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_digital_speaker/
• Anchor.fm: anchor.fm/the-digital-speaker

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Robert Rice, the Founder and CEO of Transmira, Inc., the developer of Omniscape, an XR platform seamlessly blending Augmented and Virtual Reality together, focusing on location and monetization. He is an experienced technology and startup executive and advisor with over 25+ years of experience. Noted as an Internet Gaming Pioneer by Advertising Age magazine in 1996, Robert was also called a “Founding Father of the Digital Nation” in 1998 by The Raleigh News & Observer.

He is an authority on mobile augmented reality, persistent immersive environments, virtual reality and worlds, massively multi-user online games, and simulations. Robert coined the term “XR” in 2014 as an umbrella term for AR, MR, and VR together or in a seamless combination of each together. It is now an industry standard term.

During the interview, we discussed how XR will change our society in the coming decade, the centralized versus decentralized metaverse, and how we move from one metaverse space to another. We also covered the role of digital twins and some of the dangers we can expect in the metaverse. Stay tuned for more.

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In the latest episode of The Digital Speaker series, The Digital Speaker interviews David Shrier. 

David Shrier is CEO and co-founder of Esme Learning and a leading AI futurist who has driven $9 billion worth of technology initiatives for Fortune 1000 companies and private equity. Shrier currently holds an appointment as Professor of Practice (AI and Innovation) at Imperial College Business School, and he is a former MIT New Ventures Officer and lecturer at the MIT Media Lab.

We covered a wide range of topics related to David’s latest book: “Augmenting Your Career: How to Win at Work in the Age of AI”, including: how to create ethical AI, how we can create human-machine symbiosis and whether we will ever merge with AI, why UX is so important when creating AI and why a philosopher makes an excellent AI programmer.

So, what are we waiting for? It is time to start today’s digital download.

The following companies, books and articles were discussed:

Esme Learning: https://esmelearning.com/

Rif Analytics: https://riffanalytics.ai/

Book: Augmenting your career: https://amzn.to/3l7aBZw

Book: Superforecasting: https://amzn.to/3zZu0Ss

Article: A Unified Framework of Five Principles for AI in Society - https://hdsr.mitpress.mit.edu/pub/l0jsh9d1/release/7

David Shrier’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidshrier

David Shrier’s website: http://www.visionaryfuture.com/

Hello everyone and welcome to the first episode of the Tech Journal. My name is Dr Mark van Rijmenam, and I am The Digital Speaker.    While I may look like a rogue sentient AI that's created its own show, I assure you I am as every bit as human as you are. I am here in digital form to cover the digital world from inside the digital world.     

On today's show, we will cover how quantum computing will change the future, but that future may be closer than you think. Cybernetic implants are leaving the pages of science fiction as Musk ramps up Neuralink operations and how scientists take us ever closer to a real-life Skynet, let's talk AI.     

Put your feet up, get comfortable, and let us start speaking digital. For more information, see https://TheDigitalSpeaker.com

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I chatted with Jason Cassidy, the Co-Founder of the Metaverse Group, the first virtual real estate company in the world offering exposure to the industry of virtual land via the metaverse. They facilitate virtual real estate buying, selling, renting, and investing. Jason founded Non-Fungible, an NFT luxury art curator and NFT artist incubator. He is also the Co-Founder of Not Fungible, Co-Founder of Digitible, and Owner and CEO of Game Credits.

He has over twenty years of financial and technical experience, including seven years managing various software technologies at BlackBerry. From working in concert with numerous Fortune 500 companies and governmental bodies to travelling the world to gain a global perspective, he has an eclectic background that spans the gamut.

Tune in as Jason, and I discuss the pros and cons of real estate in the metaverse. That will be especially interesting because our chat took place just a few days after the Metaverse Group had purchased 160 parcels of land in Decentraland for what was then $2.4 Million. We will also cover the role of NFTs for the next iteration of the internet and much more.

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Neil Trevett, the Vice President of Developer Ecosystems at NVIDIA, where he is responsible for enabling and encouraging advanced applications to use GPU acceleration. Neil is also serving as the elected President of the Khronos Group, where he created and chaired the OpenGL ES working group that defined the industry standard for 3D graphics on mobile devices. At Khronos, he also chairs the OpenCL working group for portable, parallel heterogeneous computing, helped initiate the WebGL standard that is bringing interactive 3D graphics to the web and is now working to help formulate standards for vision and neural network inferencing.

Previously, as Vice President of 3Dlabs, Neil was at the forefront of the silicon revolution bringing interactive 3D to the PC, and he established the embedded graphics division of 3Dlabs to bring advanced visual processing to a wide range of non-PC platforms. Neil was elected President for eight consecutive years of the Web3D Consortium dedicated to creating open standards for communicating real-time 3D on the Internet.

Neil will talk to us about a constellation of standards necessary to have a truly interconnected metaverse or an interoperable metaverse. We discussed the need for an open metaverse, what we need to do to achieve that, and how we can keep our data private in the metaverse. Don’t miss out on our super interesting conversation!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Kevin O'Donovan, the Founder of the boutique technology consultancy company, A Bit of This and That, which focused on the intersection of technology and the energy industry, delivering innovative technology consultations, sales advisory, speaker and B2B Influencer services. The company has been involved with new technologies and their potential in an economic and socio-cultural context for more than three decades.

Being a bit of a storyteller, Kevin has been evangelizing how new technologies can transform the way we do things throughout his career. He advises international clients in the digital evolution process and real-life digitalisation implementation, primarily in the energy industry. Kevin has a proven track record of bridging the gap between new technology's capabilities and the practicalities of bringing that technology to market.

He has held senior leadership technical sales and sales management roles at Compaq, HP and most recently at Intel, where he was Intel’s Worldwide Sales Director for the energy industry. He came on to share his wisdom on the Internet of things (IoT) and digital twins, how important they are for the metaverse, and how they will define the enterprise metaverse. He also talked about how governments can benefit from the immersive internet and how it could disrupt the energy sector. You won’t want to miss this episode. Enjoy!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In episode five of the Synthetic Minds podcast, we merge the imaginative realms of science fiction with practical insights for today's business leaders. In this engaging discussion, I hosted Ruthanna Emrys, a celebrated author known for her unique reinterpretation of Lovecraftian lore with a modern twist.

Ruthanna shares how speculative fiction can serve as a powerful tool for exploring future technologies, ethical considerations, and strategic foresight. Dive into our conversation as we explore the intricate ways in which Ruthanna’s narratives challenge us to think about identity, societal structures, and the ethical impacts of technological advancements.

Tune in to discover how embracing the lessons from speculative fiction can enhance futures thinking and strategic planning in any organization.

About Ruthanna Emrys: Ruthanna Emrys is the author of A Half-Built Garden, Winter Tide, and Deep Roots, as well as co-writer of Tor.com's Reading the Weird column with Anne M. Pillsworth. She also writes radically hopeful short stories about religion and aliens and psycholinguistics.

She lives in a mysterious manor house on the outskirts of Washington, DC with her wife and their large, strange family. There she creates real versions of imaginary foods, gives unsolicited advice, and occasionally attempts to save the world.

In the 10th episode of The Tech Journal, The Digital Speaker takes a look at a new breed of digitally savvy politicians emerging from the ashes of our democracy. 

Will having a Twitch Streamer President or an #Instagram Story Prime Minister make a difference, or is it more of the same? 

After, I will be moving away from #digital theory and exploring Liquid Neural Networks; what they are and how this type of AI is making big waves.

So, get comfortable, sit back, and let us start speaking digital.

If you’re interested in any of these topics, follow or subscribe to any of the below channels:

• The Digital Speaker's website: https://TheDigitalSpeaker.com
• DRead the transcript: https://vanrijmenam.nl/digitally-savvy-politicians-and-liquid-neural-networks/
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markvanrijmenam
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanrijmenam
• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker
• YouTube: https://t.co/uACxYq1iok  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_speaker/ 
• Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/the-digital-speaker

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Christian Ulstrup, the Co-Founder and CEO of Virgilis, which focuses on building bridges back to reality by helping parents and kids get control of family screen time. With his work, he aims to help psychiatrists understand virtual reality and coach them on how to use these digital tools for the benefit of patients.

During the interview, we discuss the mental health issues related to the metaverse and how it will change people’s behaviour. We covered how virtual reality can help people with mental issues and what ethical issues we can expect in the metaverse. Stay tuned for that and more!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Paul Hamilton, the Founder of vTogether, a consultancy and virtual space design and build team making good things happen in the real world across multiple VR platforms. He is also the Managing Director of MENA Ogilvy Consulting. Paul has been designing, building, and leading strategic innovation on the global growth agenda for over 30 years.​ ​

He combines creativity with top-level strategy, digital and innovation leadership using design thinking and human-centric approaches, traditional analytical strategy tools and techniques, and, more recently, applications of AR/VR.​

During the interview, we discuss the key characteristics of building an open metaverse, community role, and how we can create a diverse and inclusive metaverse. We also cover the role of identity, how avatars will help shape the metaverse and true identity, the dangers of the metaverse, how the enterprise can benefit from the metaverse, and so much more. Enjoy the conversation!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In episode nine of the “Synthetic Minds, podcast, we explore the complex relationship between digital rights, privacy, and technology with Cory Doctorow, a renowned science fiction author and digital rights activist. Doctorow delves into how privacy, once a fundamental right, has become a commodity in the digital age, traded by tech giants for profit. He discusses the growing influence of AI-driven surveillance and the erosion of privacy laws, which has left individuals vulnerable to exploitation. Doctorow also examines the consequences of platform dominance, where companies like Google and Amazon gradually degrade their services to maximize profits. This conversation is crucial for businesses that rely on these platforms, highlighting the risks of dependency and the need for diversification and innovation. Finally, Doctorow shares how science fiction serves as a powerful tool for imagining alternative futures and challenging the status quo. His insights encourage businesses to embrace forward-thinking strategies that anticipate and adapt to future challenges. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to gain valuable insights on navigating the digital landscape and safeguarding your organization’s future in an increasingly tech-driven world. About Cory Doctorow: Cory Doctorow (craphound.com) is a science fiction author, activist and journalist. He is the author of many books, most recently THE BEZZLE (a followup to RED TEAM BLUES) and THE LOST CAUSE, a solarpunk science fiction novel of hope amidst the climate emergency. His most recent nonfiction book is THE INTERNET CON: HOW TO SEIZE THE MEANS OF COMPUTATION, a Big Tech disassembly manual. Other recent books include RED TEAM BLUES, a science fiction crime thriller; CHOKEPOINT CAPITALISM, nonfiction about monopoly and creative labor markets; the LITTLE BROTHER series for young adults; IN REAL LIFE, a graphic novel; and the picture book POESY THE MONSTER SLAYER. In 2020, he was inducted into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. You can listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast platform or on TheDigitalSpeaker.com: https://www.thedigitalspeaker.com/podcasts-the-synthetic-minds-podcast/

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I chatted with Rabindra (Robby) Ratan, an Associate Professor and AT&T Scholar at Michigan State University’s Department of Media and Information. Ratan received his Ph.D. from USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, his M.A. in Communication from Stanford University, and his B.A. in Science, Technology and Society, also from Stanford University. 

Dr. Ratan’s research focuses primarily on the psychological experience and effects of media use, with an emphasis on avatars, video games, virtual worlds, and other interactive environments (e.g., the road, online education) that include mediated self-representations (e.g., avatars, automobiles, selfie videos).

He is particularly interested in how different facets of mediated self-representations (e.g., self-concept) influence the psychological experience of media use and how different parts of this psychological experience (e.g., embodiment, identification) affect a variety of outcomes, including education behaviours (e.g., classroom performance), health-related behaviours (e.g., food choice), and prejudicial/prosocial attitudes (e.g., gender/race bias).

His work also emphasizes the social implications of media use concerning gender and race-related disparities in meaningful contexts (e.g., STEM fields). In our in-depth conversation, we talked about the role of avatars, including what the requirements and characteristics of avatars will be. We discussed the risk of ending up in the Uncanny Valley, the risk of imposed avatars, and so much more. Tune in and enjoy!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

Can science fiction really guide us in shaping the future of our businesses, or is it just a realm of fantastical tales? In the 4th episode of Synthetic Minds, I explore how science fiction can serve as a powerful tool for strategic foresight. My guest, Brenda Cooper, a celebrated author and technologist, shares her unique perspective on the intersection of technology and society. Brenda’s novels, like "Edge of Dark" and "Wilders," blend speculative storytelling with real-world technological insights, offering valuable lessons for today’s leaders. Brenda highlights the rapid pace of technological change and its profound implications. Her work in integrating basic AI and robotics in construction exemplifies practical applications, while her narratives envision more advanced and autonomous futures. For instance, "Edge of Dark" delves into ethical dilemmas posed by advanced AIs, urging us to consider the long-term impacts and unintended consequences of our technological advancements. A key takeaway from our conversation is the necessity of strategic adaptation and ethical foresight in business leadership. Brenda advocates for a proactive approach to technology integration, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and ethical responsibility. She also underscores the role of AI and other technologies in addressing global challenges like climate change, urging businesses to align their strategies with sustainability goals. Brenda’s insights encourage us to harness the power of futures thinking, ensuring that our technological advancements are not only innovative but also ethical and sustainable. How can we better integrate these visionary perspectives into our strategic planning? To view or listen to the whole episode continue to: www.thedigitalspeaker.com/telling-stories-envision-future/ About Brenda Cooper

Brenda Cooper writes science fiction, fantasy, and the occasional poem. She also works in technology and writes and talks about the future. She has won multiple regional writing awards and her stories have often appeared in Year’s Best anthologies. Brenda lives and works in the Pacific Northwest with her wife and multiple border collies, and can sometimes be found biking around Seattle.

Some of her books include:

· Project Earth (2 book series)

· Fremont’s Children (4 book series)

· The Glittering (2 book series)

· Ruby’s Song (2 book series)

Can a science fiction author provide better business insights than your average consultant? In episode 8 of Synthetic Minds, renowned speculative fiction author Tobias Buckell reveals how his narratives can help business leaders anticipate and navigate future technological and societal shifts. Buckell’s works, such as "Arctic Rising," serve as powerful tools for exploring climate change and geopolitical challenges, offering a unique sandbox for strategic innovation. By envisioning "spiky futures," Buckell emphasizes the importance of agility and foresight in business planning. His stories not only spark creativity but also highlight the ethical considerations of technological progress, urging leaders to adopt inclusive and fair practices. How can your organization integrate such forward-thinking strategies to thrive in an uncertain future? About Tobias Buckell Tobias S. Buckell is a New York Times Bestselling author and World Fantasy Award winner born in the Caribbean. He grew up in Grenada and spent time in the British and US Virgin Islands, which influence much of his work. His novels and almost one hundred stories have been translated into twenty different languages. His work has been nominated for awards like the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, and the Astounding Award for Best New Science Fiction Author. He currently lives in Bluffton, Ohio with his wife and two daughters, where he teaches Creative Writing at Bluffton University. He’s online at http://www.TobiasBuckell.com and is also an instructor at the Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing program.

In the 8th episode of The Tech Journal, The Digital Speaker explores the digital realm, taking a closer look at CLIP and DALL-E, the latest networks to come out of OpenAI, ethics in computing, and how neural networks solved a 50-year-old biological problem.

We will have a look at what our good friends at OpenAI have been working on since the release of GPT-3. I want to explore CLIP and Dall-E, neural networks with a penchant for images. 

From there, I will explore what ethical issues neural networks raise, and how it is time we start moving digital ethics out of the classrooms and into the real world.

After, I will explore how neural networks and algorithms solved a 50-year-old biological problem, leading to a groundbreaking medical breakthrough.

So, get comfortable, sit back, and let us start speaking digital.

For more information:

• The Digital Speaker's website: https://TheDigitalSpeaker.com

• Dr Mark van Rijmenam's website: https://vanrijmenam.nl

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markvanrijmenam

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanrijmenam

• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker

• YouTube: https://t.co/uACxYq1iok  

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_speaker/ 

• Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/the-digital-speaker

In a world of digital landlords and nano-sensors, the ones and zeros are king. In this episode of The Digital Speaker series, I am going to explore an emerging trend in the digital sphere; an increasing aversion to over-digitised tech and why we may be on the cusp of an analogue renaissance.

After, I will go to the other end of the digital spectrum and examine how the digital world I exist in, could one day be worth more than land in the real world.

Then, for the final segment in today’s digital download, I am going to take a look at bioinformatics. What is it and what it spells for the digital future of healthcare.

So, get comfortable, sit back, and let us start speaking digital.

If you’re interested in any of these topics, follow or subscribe to any of the below channels:

· The Digital Speaker's website: https://TheDigitalSpeaker.com

· Dr Mark van Rijmenam's website: https://vanrijmenam.nl

· LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markvanrijmenam

· Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanrijmenam

· Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-digital-speaker

· Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/the-digital-speaker

· Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4y0e77EQRZijXzRSWLpY4O

· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkvanRijmenam-speaker

· Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_speaker/

If you want to read the transcript of this episode, please go here: https://vanrijmenam.nl/ analogue-renaissance-digital-real-estate-bioinformatics-digital-speaker-series-ep013/

In this episode of The Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Timmu Tõke, the Co-Founder and CEO of Ready Player Me!, a cross-game Metaverse Avatar platform that allows you to create a consistent virtual avatar to use to travel across virtual worlds or multiverses. Their goal is to become the default avatar system for the Metaverse. To achieve this, they work to facilitate avatar interoperability by providing developers a scalable avatar creation system to allow them to focus on creating games faster. They offer SDKs for Unity and Unreal Web, and many other platforms, as well as support.

Timmu and I will dive into what it takes to create an avatar system, how avatars ensure self-sovereign identity, the important role digital fashion will play in the metaverse, what life in the metaverse will look like, why there needs to be a universal system for different worlds, identity validation in the metaverse, avatar interoperability (And why building open worlds over closed worlds is key), and so much more. Stay tuned and enjoy!

Highlights

● [01:15] - Creating avatars that are used by more than 700 companies.

● [03:26] - An interactive 3D world that is connected.

● [04:09] - Ensuring identity and repetition in the metaverse.

● [07:46] - The main characteristics of an avatar and what they will look like in the future.

● [14:35] - Looking good virtually: The importance of digital products in the metaverse.

● [16:48] - How interoperability across platforms will be achieved in the metaverse.

● [21:00] - Will identity theft happen in the metaverse?

● [23:29] - What the retail industry will look like in a Direct-to-Avatar world.

Learn More About Timmu Tõke in the Links Below:

● LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmutoke/

● Website - https://readyplayer.me/

● Twitter - https://twitter.com/timmutoke

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Matthew Brewbaker, the Founder and CEO of VEU Inc., a metaverse development company focused on the future of virtual entertainment. Matthew started his career in entertainment development at companies including New Regency, The Donner's Company and Ithaka. He worked in production on Hollywood movies like Hancock and First Daughter. He previously worked first-hand at the intersection of technology and art, with Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis and his company, Imagemovers on 3D CGI films such as Beowulf and Disney's A Christmas Carol.

With over 15 years of experience, Matthew is most recently known for his role as chief producer on Followed, which toured the festival circuit winning, before opening as the #1 new release in drive-ins and theatres in Summer 2020. Matthew will share his great wisdom on how the metaverse will change entertainment as we know it and how brands should embrace this new paradigm if they want to remain relevant in the coming decade. He also talked about the role of user-generated content and how we can have a rich and vibrant economy. Tune in, enjoy, and don’t forget to share.

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In the dynamic landscape of the Synthetic Minds podcast, where science fiction converges with real-world technology and societal evolution, we delve into the intricate layers of futurism through the lens of celebrated narratives.

Today, we are thrilled to host Richard K. Morgan, the visionary behind the seminal cyberpunk novel and Netflix hit, "Altered Carbon." This work not only revolutionized the genre but also pushed the boundaries of how we perceive identity and morality in a digitized future. Set in a future where human consciousness can be digitised and transferred between bodies, Morgan's work challenges our perceptions of identity, morality, and society. His storytelling captivates and prompts deep reflection on the ethical implications of future technologies. Join us as Richard shares insights into his creative process and the futuristic visions that shape his novels. Biography Richard Morgan: Richard K. Morgan is the acclaimed author of Thin Air, The Dark Defiles, The Cold Commands, The Steel Remains, Thirteen, Woken Furies, Market Forces, Broken Angels, and Altered Carbon, a New York Times Notable Book that won the Philip K. Dick Award in 2003.

In the 7th episode of The Tech Journal, The Digital Speaker interviewed Dion Hinchcliffe, Digital Thought Leader, CXO Advisor, IT Expert, Professional Speaker, Book Author, and Industry Analyst.

An episode full of insights on digital transformation, disruptive change, the organization of tomorrow – and of 2050 – as well as how artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain are rapidly changing our society. Many organisations have been forced to rapidly become digital and Dion foresees new C-level leaders that will run the organization of tomorrow. Watch the episode to learn how converging technologies require leaders to change their culture and business and prepare for a digital future.

So, get comfortable, sit back, and let us start speaking digital.

For more information:

• The Digital Speaker's website: https://TheDigitalSpeaker.com

• Dr Mark van Rijmenam's website: https://vanrijmenam.nl

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markvanrijmenam

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanrijmenam

• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker

• YouTube: https://t.co/uACxYq1iok

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_speaker/

• Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/the-digital-speaker

Welcome to the Tech Journal. My name is Mark van Rijmenam, and I am the Digital Speaker.

In this episode of the Tech Journal, The Digital Speaker takes us through some of the biggest digital news to date. He starts by taking a look at Samsung’s plans for 6G and what this level of the internet could enable us to do. After, he boldly goes where no internet has gone before, and takes a look at Space internet, what it is, who’s doing it, and what it could mean for humanity. Then he finishes the show tackling digital currency, specifically China’s digital Yuan and how it’s on track to topple the dollar.

If you’re interested in any of these topics, stick around for Mark’s breakdown. So, put your feet up, get comfortable and let us start speaking digital. 

For more information:

• The Digital Speaker's website: https://TheDigitalSpeaker.com
• Dr Mark van Rijmenam's website: https://vanrijmenam.nl
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markvanrijmenam
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanrijmenam
• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_speaker/ 

In this episode of The Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Chris Matthieu, the Founder and CEO of XRPANET, a planet-scale digital twin platform with XR Cloud services for the outdoors that is lined up to become the world's first XR Spatial Web.

Chris is a serial entrepreneur with five emerging tech startup exits to date, and he currently focuses on decentralization and metaverse technologies and strategies. He is an entrepreneur in residence for Intel and is a former senior director for Magic Leap.

Join us as we discuss a wide range of metaverse topics ranging from the future of the metaverse, what we can expect from VR and AR in the years ahead, the role of communities in the metaverse, the business models of the metaverse and the role of digital twins. Enjoy the conversation!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this series, I project my digital twin into cyberspace to bring you the latest-and-greatest from the digital world. I cover all the latest digital news, from blockchain and crypto to quantum computing and AI.

I also always try to take it a step further and look into what these digital innovations mean for our personal and professional lives.

That’s why, today we are taking a different approach and I will be interviewing Jeff Herbst, Nvidia Vice President of Business Development and Head of Inception GPU Ventures.

During the interview, we will discuss Nvidia’s GPU Ventures, their conversational AI Jarvis framework, Nvidia’s partnership with Mercedes, machine learning and quantum computers. So, get comfortable, sit back, and let us start speaking digital.

For more information:

• The Digital Speaker's website: https://TheDigitalSpeaker.com

• Nvidia GPU Ventures: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/about-nvidia/gpu-ventures/

• Dr Mark van Rijmenam's website: https://vanrijmenam.nl

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markvanrijmenam

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanrijmenam

• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_speaker/ 

• Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/the-digital-speaker

• Beemup: https://www.beemup.com/partners/the-digital-speaker/

The Synthetic Minds podcast moves from science fiction to science reality. It is a podcast that delves into the imaginative yet insightful visions of science fiction authors, revealing how their explorations of future technologies and societal shifts can inform and guide us in the present. In the latest episode of Synthetic Minds, I had the pleasure of hosting Peter Watts, an esteemed science fiction author known for his deep dives into the biological and technological intricacies of future societies. Watts, a former marine biologist turned novelist, offers a rare blend of scientific knowledge and imaginative foresight, making him an ideal guest to discuss the complex interplay between emerging technologies and societal evolution. His work challenges conventional perspectives, urging us to consider the broader implications of our technological advancements. About Peter Watts Peter Watts is a distinguished Canadian science fiction author renowned for his hard science fiction works. With a PhD in Zoology and Resource Ecology and a background in marine-mammal biology, Watts blends scientific rigour with speculative fiction, offering profound insights into future possibilities. His Rifters trilogy and the acclaimed novel Blindsight challenge our perceptions of consciousness, identity, and technology. Website: Rifters.com Full episode details on: https://thedigitalspeaker.com/navigating-future-realms-science-meets-fiction/

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Benjamin Bertram Goldman. He is a producer, filmmaker, and media entrepreneur featured in The NY Times, CNN, WIRED, MSNBC, HBO, TechCrunch, BBC, FUJI TV, and Metavision. He has been exploring the metaverse creatively and professionally for over 10 years, with a particular focus on the intersection of the metaverse and the emerging world of virtual production.

Benjamin studied virtual production at NYU and CG Spectrum, built and moderated several online communities, and today leads the creation of a virtual production studio at the sustainable investing firm Ethic, in addition to serving as a metaverse advisor to multiple companies.

During the interview, we talked about avatars, identity in the metaverse, and how people interact with avatars. We also talked about how to deal with impostor avatars, some of the ethical challenges of the metaverse, and the role of NFTs in creating a rich and vibrant metaverse economy. Enjoy!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Christiaan Eisberg, the Founder and CEO of Straight Fire, a Web3 start-up bridging the real world with the metaverse, through building the first NFT Social dApp and unique NFT collections. He is a metaverse explorer, serial entrepreneur, and experienced operational and commercial executive, specialised in brand building, client management, digital commerce, and organisational transformation.

He has a 20-year background in Fortune 500 companies and start-ups, in heavy industries and consumer brands, in the West and the East. After various executive roles in BP, he co-founded and grew menswear brand Martyn Bal into an international success, served as CEO of celebrity- favourite handbag brand Meli Melo and co-founded European fashionTech platform “A lovely thing”.

Subsequently, Christiaan co-founded FIVE group, a Sino-European advisory firm, is mentor of various start-ups and a frequent speaker on branding, digital commerce and NFTs. Now he and his team are shaping the future of NFTs and building an essential part of the NFT infrastructure through Straight Fire. Christiaan and I had a fascinating conversation about all things NFTs, the rise of iCommerce, how brands can build loyalty within the metaverse, the use of IP and copyright with NFTs, and so much more. Stay tuned and enjoy!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In the last episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with John Gaeta, a creator, inventor and an Academy Award-winning designer best known for his work on the Matrix Trilogy, where he pioneered form-bending innovations such as "Bullet Time", “Virtual Cinema” and "Volumetric Capture" to envision human, hero and god-like moments. He was also involved in The Matrix Awakens from 2021 as Executive Creative Development, Executive Producer, Writer, and in the Unreal Engine 5 demonstration featuring the universe of The Matrix, which is a great watch for anyone who wants to know how close the metaverse really is. Recent areas of exploration include “Photo Anime”, “Nuvies” (Natural User Movies), “Holo Cinema”, “Immersive Cinema”, Mixed Reality, and The "Magicverse".

In 2015, John co-founded Lucasfilm’s Immersive Entertainment division: ILMxLAB. “ILMxLAB seeks to “Develop, Produce and Release premium, story-based Immersive Entertainment Experiences for Star Wars and other imaginative universes”.He served as its Executive Creative Director, overseeing content strategy and multi-platform portfolio development. John and I discussed how important AR and VR are, especially regarding hyper-realistic content. We discussed the role of user-generated content in the metaverse and the infrastructure challenges of creating a hyper-realistic metaverse. Please tune in for more of our value-packed conversation.

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Tiffany Xingyu Wang, the Chief Marketing Officer at OpenWeb, a premium community engagement platform that serves 1000+ publishers and advertisers with 100M+ monthly active users. She was named a Forbes Most Entrepreneurial CMO, and the Most Innovative CMO by the CMO Club. She was previously the Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Spectrum Labs, a contextual AI platform set to build a safer internet and keep over 1 billion users safe online.

Tiffany also co-founded Oasis Consortium, a think tank to advance digital sustainability through ethical standards and technologies for Web3.0, which launched the first comprehensive User Safety Standards for Web3. She is the host of Brand Safety Exchange, a destination of thought leadership for Trust and Safety leaders. She has been published and featured for her work in digital trust and safety on TIME, Harvard Business Review, MIT Technology Review, Forbes, VentureBeat, Digiday, Protocol, etc.

Tiffany shared her expertise regarding sustainability in the metaverse, the dangers of the metaverse and the need for ethical standards in the immersive internet. We also discussed the Oasis Consortium that she founded and its important role in creating an open metaverse. Stay tuned for more, and enjoy!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

Is technology a tool for progress or the ultimate mechanism for control? T.R. Napper's cyberpunk narratives might just have the unsettling answers we need.

In Episode Six of the Synthetic Minds podcast, T.R. Napper, a celebrated science fiction author, delves into the cyberpunk ethos, painting a dystopian vision of the future where technology wields power and surveillance.

Napper’s works, like "36 Streets," not only entertain but also serve as cautionary tales, challenging business leaders to think critically about the ethical implications of rapid technological advances.

His rich background in diplomacy and international relations enriches his narratives, offering profound insights into the societal impacts of technology.

Napper’s discussion emphasizes the importance of futures thinking—using speculative fiction as a strategic tool to navigate and shape tomorrow’s corporate landscapes. As leaders, how can we balance technological innovation with ethical considerations to ensure a fair and humane future?

About T.R. Napper

T. R. Napper is a multi-award-winning science fiction author, including the Aurealis three times. His short fiction has appeared in Asimov’s, Interzone, the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, and numerous others, and been translated into six different languages: http://nappertime.com/

He received a creative writing doctorate for his thesis: The Dark Century, 1946 - 2046. Noir, Cyberpunk, and Asian Modernity. Yes, he is officially a Doctor of Cyberpunk.

Before turning to writing, T. R. Napper was a diplomat and aid worker, delivering humanitarian programs in Southeast Asia for a decade. He also was a resident of the Old Quarter in Hanoi for several years, the setting for his debut novel, 36 Streets (winner of the 2022 Aurealis Award for 'Best Science Fiction Novel'): https://amzn.to/4cpJfqt

In this episode of The Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Jamie Burke, the Founder and CEO of Outlier Ventures, one of the most important incubators and accelerators in the Web3 space. Jamie provides an overview of bitcoin and blockchain and the ways that companies can aggressively push their businesses forward with emerging technologies. Burke is a pioneer in the blockchain industry.

As Europe's 1st Web 3.0 blockchain venture builder, he and his team have pushed forward on utilizing blockchain as a significant key to emerging trends (AI, Mixed Reality, IoT, and Autonomous Robotics) that will play key roles in multiple industries such as Industry 4.0, eGovt, Health, Mobility, and Smart Cities.

Jamie and I had a fascinating conversation about the open metaverse, something that Jamie is very vocal about. He says it’s important to understand that the beginnings of the Metaverse are already here, and we should not think of it as a far-off destination. He shares his deep insights based on his experience with the rise of Web 2.0, and how they relate to its successor and the growing digital asset space. We also discuss the economics of the metaverse, including metaverse finance or MetaFi, as well as the role of crypto and how brands can step into the metaverse. Enjoy the conversation!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of The Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Jerry Heinz, the Executive Vice President, the Global Publishing Platform at Genvid Holdings Inc., a company that is delivering a brand new form of entertainment combining the best of traditional storytelling with the immersion and interaction of video games. Genvid calls that category Massively Interactive Live Events (MILEs). Jerry is a thought leader in cloud gaming, beginning his career in network protocol design for multimedia data transport over low-bandwidth networks. He brought GPUs to the cloud, launched the first cloud GPU-based servers in AWS, and holds multiple patents in the space.

His desire to play any game on any screen, without the limits of hardware, led him to launch Amazon Test Drive, Amazon AppStream, and games on Fire TV. Because he believed that game streaming and related interactive experiences were fundamentally hardware problems, he moved to NVIDIA and built the infrastructure that supports their GeForce NOW service and their AI cloud data centres.

He is the previous CTO of ActZero, where he led all engineering and drove the company's Research and Development efforts in its evolution as an AI-powered cybersecurity service provider. Join Jerry and me, as we discuss the technical requirements to make the metaverse possible, the companies building the hardware required for it, how to scale the hardware to make immersive events with hundreds of thousands of people in the room possible, and so much more. Enjoy!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with Alec Lazarescu, the Vice President of Software Engineering at Savvas Learning Company. He also founded VerseTech Metaverse, an educational organization committed to growing conversations and thought leadership on applying emerging technologies, including AI, XR, VR, and AR, as well as blockchain, to the evolving concept of the metaverse. In addition, he runs the largest AI, chatbot, and voice community in New York City.

Alec has expertise in defining and executing the technical strategy and architecture for innovative solutions leveraging the latest in NLP research, voice, machine learning frameworks, and distributed cloud infrastructure best practices. A hands-on leader focused on working alongside C-level executives and founders from enterprise companies, SMBs, and startups to bring products from concept to market while building and empowering high-performing engineering teams.

Tune in to our conversation as we discuss the role of blockchain in the metaverse, the danger of the metaverse, and the role of digital fashion in the immersive internet. Enjoy!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

If you're ignoring speculative fiction, you're missing out on your company's future—and maybe its survival. Summary: In this episode of Synthetic Minds, S.B. Divya, a speculative fiction author and AI researcher, delves into the intersection of technology, ethics, and the future of humanity. Her works like Machinehood offer more than captivating narratives; they serve as strategic blueprints for businesses navigating the complexities of AI and automation. Divya highlights how speculative fiction allows organizations to explore "what if" scenarios, helping leaders anticipate the ethical challenges AI will bring. AI is not just a tool for efficiency but a potential ethical minefield, raising issues around bias, surveillance, and autonomy. By employing futures thinking, businesses can better prepare for long-term impacts, ensuring ethical foresight is part of their strategy. With AI shaping everything from work to identity, are you ready to explore the possible futures of your company? About S.B. Divya S.B. Divya (she/any) is a lover of science, math, fiction, and the Oxford comma. She is a Nebula, Hugo, Ignyte, and Locus Award finalist and the author of novels Runtime and Machinehood. Her short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, and she is a former editor of Escape Pod, the weekly science fiction podcast. Divya holds degrees in Computational Neuroscience and Signal Processing.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Bayan Towfiq, the Founder and CEO at Subspace, which is building a global private network for real-time applications and the new working-from-home reality as well as the metaverse. Subspace routes traffic over the world’s most highly available, ultra-low latency, global private network with a simple configuration change.

During the interview, we discussed the technical challenges of building an open metaverse and what we need to bring hyper-realistic volumetric data to VR and AR devices all around the world. We also covered in-network applications and why they are crucial for the metaverse, as well as the role of blockchain.

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In the latest episode of The Digital Speaker series, I take a look at what's new in the cryptocurrency world exploring some of the latest news and trying to get a clearer vision of what the future holds in the land of crypto.

Unfortunately, not all big events can be positive, especially when it comes to the digital sphere as cybercriminals have been around since the dawn of digitalization with hackers and scammers constantly patrolling the metaverse on the prowl for the next victim.

Finally, I will cover the various Digital Central Bank Currencies being developed around the world, with China far ahead of the pack.

For more information, visit TheDigitalSpeaker.com

If you are interested in the video, you can check:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/yAQX9O1A3q0

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker/ep17

Or for the transcript, you can go to: https://vanrijmenam.nl/ep17-crypto-regulators-digital-central-bank-currencies/

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Michaela Larosse, a founding member of The Fabricant Team and the Head of Content and Strategy. The Fabricant is a digital fashion house creating unique fashion items for the metaverse. As a conceptual writer for global brands and a business journalist specialising in media trends, Michaela is the creator of The Fabricant's brand narrative and philosophy.

Her writing is influential across the creative industries. It gives insight into The Fabricant's work splicing the worlds of fashion, tech, gaming and blockchain, where it wastes nothing but data and exploits nothing but imagination. Michaela and I will dive into digital fashion, its role in the metaverse, and how The Fabricant is embracing the future in a unique way. Tune in and enjoy!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I chatted with the Founder and CEO of VERSES Labs, Gabriel René. VERSES is a spatial web software development group. He is the author of the #1 International Bestseller "The Spatial Web - How Web 3.0 Connects Humans, Machines, and AI to Transform the World" Gabriel is a technologist, entrepreneur, and author with a 25-year career in the technology, telecom and media industries specializing in emerging technologies like AR / VR / AI / IoT / DLT and their applications for industrial, fintech, GovTech and global standards organizations.

René serves as the acting Executive Director of the Spatial Web Foundation, a non-profit organization developing standards for the ethical interoperability between Augmented and Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Robotics and Distributed Ledger technologies designed to power the Web 3.0 era and dedicated to the ethical, interoperable and equitable adoption of Spatial Web technologies across every major industry.

As a deep technology pioneer, Gabriel has architected enterprise and consumer software and services in partnership with multiple Fortune 100 companies. In our conversation, we discussed the importance of the spatial web and some of the challenges of the spatial web that we need to overcome if we want to create an open metaverse. Stay tuned for that and more.

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Vincent Hunt, the Founder of Better Design Co., a United States-based Cross Reality (XR) experience design company that specializes in the convergence of XD, Web3 and the Metaverse. He’s an American entrepreneur, multidisciplinary creative, investor and advisor with over two decades of experience in the digital domain. His work weaves experience in design, Web3 and the rapidly emerging ideas, concepts and technologies collectively known as the metaverse to deliver moments of truth across multiple realities for visionary brands.

Vincent envisions a future where brands and the experiences they deliver will live across multiple realities blurring the line between the physical and the virtual world. During the interview, we discussed how companies can build loyalty with Commerce, and the steps brands need to take if they want to enter the metaverse. We also covered how the metaverse will change education or marketing, and how the metaverse will change the future of work. Stay tuned for more!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

If you think you’re in control of your decisions, you might want to ask your AI assistant who’s really pulling the strings. Dr. Louis Rosenberg, a pioneer in virtual and augmented reality, warns that as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, it threatens human autonomy. In a discussion on the Synthetic Minds podcast, Rosenberg explores how conversational AI can subtly influence human behavior, from steering consumer choices to predicting personal preferences. The convenience of AI may come at the cost of our ability to make independent decisions, as algorithms quietly shape our lives. Dr. Rosenberg highlights concerns over "conversational advertising" and the ethical dilemmas that arise when AI-driven interactions blur the line between genuine human choices and AI manipulation. The conversation calls for stricter AI regulations and transparency to protect personal agency. Will we act before AI turns our decisions into predictable algorithmic outputs, or is free will already slipping from our grasp? Dr. Louis Rosenberg is a computer scientist, author, inventor, and entrepreneur. He is best known as an early pioneer of virtual reality, mixed reality, and haptics, and as a longtime AI researcher of Swarm Intelligence. Since 2014, Rosenberg has been CEO and Chief Scientist of Unanimous AI, a company that amplifies group intelligence in pursuit of Collective Superintelligence. His books about AI include Upgrade, Monkey Room, Arrival Mind and Our Next Reality. Rosenberg also writes for major publications about the dangers of technology.

In this episode of the Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed Lindsey McInerney, the Co-Founder and CEO of Sixth Wall, a new venture exploring the intersection of web3 and entertainment and the digital arm of Mila Kunis' Orchard Farm Productions. Lindsey calls herself an early internet nerd and tech futurist. She is consumed by the metaverse's emergence and excited about how crypto, blockchain, gaming, NFTs and XR will change our current digital and physical landscape.

As a former global head of technology and innovation at AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, she learned to brand into the metaverse. Tune in as we discuss the important role that NFTs will play in the metaverse, what brands need to do if they want to become successful in the metaverse, how the metaverse will change the future of work, as well as the ethical challenges of the metaverse. Enjoy!

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In the 6thepisode of The Tech Journal, The Digital Speaker discusses algorithmic management; what it is, how it helps, how it hurts, what the future holds, and how it will affect you personally. So, put your feet up, get comfortable and let us start speaking digital.

Algorithmic management is the use of computer algorithms and artificial intelligence techniques to manage a team of human employees. By collecting massive quantities of data, in particular data about employee performance, algorithmic management seeks to automate large portions of the managerial decision-making process. Since it is becoming increasingly commonplace within organisations, it is important to be aware how algorithmic management will affect your job.

So, get comfortable, sit back, and let us start speaking digital.

For the video, please watch it on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/L6xDm2YdmOI

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker/EP06

If you’re interested in any of these topics, stick around for Mark’s breakdown. So, put your feet up, get comfortable and let us start speaking digital.

For more information:

· The Digital Speaker's website: https://TheDigitalSpeaker.com

· Dr Mark van Rijmenam's website: https://vanrijmenam.nl

· LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markvanrijmenam

· Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanrijmenam

· Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker

· YouTube: https://t.co/uACxYq1iok

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_speaker/

· Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/the-digital-speaker

Most of us would agree that the world of work will change more in the next decade than it has probably in the last 250 years since the first industrial revolution. However, it is also the case that there has never been a time in history when so many critical decisions have been made on our behalf, with so little transparency.

In today's show, we have Dan Turchin, sharing his insights with us on the hype of today, AI, and especially AI ethics and how we can be human first in an era of technology, i.e. how to use AI technology in an ethical and responsible manner.

Artificial intelligence, in essence, is math + data. With AI becoming commonplace, the need for data is growing as well but we need to ensure that companies treat our data responsibly. As a result, data rights will be the new civil rights.

Show notes:

• Dan Turchin podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/520474/8594298
• Coded Bias: https://www.netflix.com/nl-en/title/81328723
• You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How Artificial Intelligence Works and Why It's Making the World a Weirder Place - Janelle Shane: https://amzn.to/2UoaOxU
• Zuckerberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2H8wx1aBiQ
• Advancing American AI Act - https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1353/text
• Facebook killed AI agents: https://www.fastcompany.com/90132632/ai-is-inventing-its-own-perfect-languages-should-we-let-it
• SuperIntelligence - Nick Bostrom - https://amzn.to/2UewqMX
• Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World (The MIT Press) - Meredith Broussard - https://amzn.to/3iUOFS2
• Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy - Cathy O'Neil - https://amzn.to/3vLikQu
• Algorithmic Justice League - https://www.ajl.org/
• Asimov - Runaround - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaround_(story)

More information:

If you’re interested in any of these topics, follow or subscribe to any of the below channels:

• The Digital Speaker's website: https://TheDigitalSpeaker.com 
• Dr Mark van Rijmenam's website: https://vanrijmenam.nl 
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/markvanrijmenam
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanrijmenam
• Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIKcqesdtWxCSvJGUDSY2X5aHi6k86iPm
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_digital_speaker/
• Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/the-digital-speaker
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-digital-speaker

If uploading your mind to a virtual world sounds like progress, what does that say about the future of being human? In this episode of Synthetic Minds, speculative fiction author and psychiatrist Grace Chan explores the moral complexities of emerging technologies like mind-uploading, virtual reality, and AI. Her novel Every Version of You imagines a world where consciousness can exist beyond the body—raising profound questions about identity, relationships, and what it means to stay human in an increasingly digital world. Chan cautions that businesses often focus on the coolness and convenience of tech innovations, sidelining their deeper ethical implications. - AI can complement but not replace human empathy and insight. - The “Four Cs” framework—Coolness, Convenience, Commercial Potential, and Consequences—helps evaluate new technologies. - Chan warns that mind-uploading may erode relationships and reduce human experience to mere data. The future demands not just innovation but thoughtful reflection—are we building technology that serves humanity, or are we adapting ourselves to serve the technology? About Grace Chan: Grace is an award-winning speculative fiction writer. She writes about brains, minds, and space. Her debut novel, Every Version of You, is about staying in love after mind-uploading into virtual reality. It won The University of Sydney’s People’s Choice Award, and was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and The Age Book of the Year. It was longlisted for the Stella Prize and the Indie Book Awards. It has been optioned for a film adaptation by Cognito Entertainment. Every Version of You: https://amzn.to/3YmZmB8 The Digital Speaker: https://thedigitalspeaker.com

In this episode, I explore more of the world I exist in, the Metaverse. Looking into where it was, where it is, and more importantly, where it is going. From virtual real estate and real-life virtual spaces, to battle royal social spaces selling digital fashion, and copyright infringements for Roblox, I aim to look into every corner of this digital world, shining a light on exactly what is going on and taking a closer look at what all of these ones and zeros mean for our public and private lives.  

Hopefully, by taking a closer look at this new frontier, we will get a better understanding of what it means for our professional and personal lives and how the metaverse will change our society.  

So, what are we waiting for? It is time to start today’s digital download.  

To view all the sources, please check out the transcript here: https://vanrijmenam.nl/metaverse-what-it-means-for-business-and-society-ep16/

If you wish to watch the video, please go here:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/K66iHJ_CBlc

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/digitalspeaker/EP16

In this episode of The Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I interviewed the Co-Founder/Producer of Big Rock Creative (BRCvr), Athena Demos. BRCvr is an award-winning XR experience company creating groundbreaking experiences for global clients. Big Rock Creative won the Producer’s Guild Award for Innovation, the Aurea Award for creativity, the No Proscenium award for Best VR experience of 2020, and the Hermes' Platinum Award. With over 20 years of experience producing iconic events, like the LA Burning Man Decompression Arts and Music Celebration, as well as the Art of Change Inaugural Ball for President Obama in LA, she transitioned to the metaverse to produce BRCvr (Black Rock City Virtual Reality).

BRCvr is an official virtual Burning Man Experience whose scope is unprecedented in the VR space. Athena produced internationally recognized social impact projects such as Breonna’s Garden, which premiered at SXSW 2022. She has developed a philosophical approach to guiding humanity to build a foundational fabric for creative collaboration in the metaverse. As a result, she has been quoted in leading books and articles and has spoken at leading industry events.

She founded the LA League of Arts, a 501c3 organization created to foster community by facilitating the creative process through public art, education and events. She spent 8+ years as the Production Manager of the two-time Academy Award Winning documentary film company Moriah Films. Don’t miss out on our conversation as we discuss how brands can contribute to the metaverse and how governments should embrace the metaverse to develop public virtual spaces for everyone to enjoy.

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.

In this episode of The Step into the Metaverse Podcast, I had a chat with David Francis,

David is a creative technologist and strategy specialist in the complexities of working with augmented, assisted, and virtual reality, as well as IoT and AI. He’s heavily involved in extending AR and VR into the industrial world, introducing various advanced wearable solutions that facilitate industrial 4.0 and industrial internet of things plus AI. He has conceived, produced and launched AR and VR for many of the world’s biggest brands for more than a decade.

During the interview, we discuss the technical challenges of building the metaverse, how big the metaverse will be, how important the metaverse will be for the enterprise, and the various new jobs the metaverse will create.

If you are interested in learning more about the metaverse, you can order my book Step into the Metaverse here.