Should I let my dating app smell me? The answer to that question involves bad breath, primary colors, and scents that are also sounds.

Should I stop my kid from dating an artificial intelligence? The answer to that question involves Tamagotchi, AOL chatrooms, and Karl Marx.

Should I tell my child how she was really born? The answer to that question involves genetic testing, babies’ rights, and snoring giants.

Can I make my digital alter ego go to work for me? The answer to that question involves autocorrect, child actors, and resurrecting the dead for a blockbuster franchise.

Should I give my dog human intelligence? The answer to that question involves bird terraforming, cats as health inspectors, and dreams of an ant-like society.

Can I ask my partner to stop eating so much Soylent? The answer to that question involves pre-chopped garlic, slam poetry, and a little bit of cannibalism.

Should I move to an off-the-grid commune? The answer to that question involves train schedules, queer breakups, and an interview with our future selves.

After four years away, Advice for and from the Future is coming back. New hosts! New questions! New chaos! New episodes drop next week.

Should I sublimate to another dimension? What does that even mean? Are there other dimensions? What about wormholes? And what if, instead of trying to use physics to get away from it all, you actually faced your fears? Featuring physics and metaphysics wisdom from Dr. Katie Mack, author of The End of Everything: (Astrophysically Speaking) and an original poem by Jayne A. Quan, a transmasculine, non-binary writer living in Los Angeles (follow them on Twitter & Instagram).

〰️〰️〰️ More information and show notes here 〰️〰️〰️

Advice For And From The Future is written, edited and performed by Rose Eveleth. The theme music is by Also, Also, Also. The logo is by Frank Okay. Additional music this episode provided by Blue Dot Sessions.

To get even more, you can become a Flash Forward Presents Time Traveler for access to behind the scenes exclusive content, early access to new shows, and other surprises & goodies.

Episode sponsors:

• Shaker & Spoon: A subscription cocktail service that helps you learn how to make hand-crafted cocktails right at home. Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/futureadvice.
• Tab for a Cause: A browser extension that lets you raise money for charity while doing your thing online. Whenever you open a new tab, you’ll see a beautiful photo and a small ad. Part of that ad money goes toward a charity of your choice! Join team Advice For And From The future by signing up at tabforacause.org/futureadvice.
• Tavour: Tavour is THE app for fans of beer, craft brews, and trying new and exciting labels. You sign up in the app and can choose the beers you’re interested in (including two new ones DAILY) adding to your own personalized crate. Use code: futureadvice for $10 off after your first order of $25 or more. 
• Purple Carrot: Purple Carrot is THE plant-based subscription meal kit that makes it easy to cook irresistible meals to fuel your body. Each week, choose from an expansive and delicious menu of dinners, lunches, breakfasts, and snacks! Get $30 off your first box by going to www.purplecarrot.com and entering code futureadvice at checkout today! Purple Carrot, the easiest way to eat more plants!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can I ask my friend to turn off her Alexa when I go to her house? 

To answer that question, Dr. Simone Browne joins the show to talk about privacy, ethics, and whose job it is to convince someone to not opt into surveillance.

〰️〰️〰️ More information and show notes here 〰️〰️〰️

Advice For And From The Future is written, edited and performed by Rose Eveleth. The theme music is by Also, Also, Also. The logo is by Frank Okay. Additional music this episode provided by Blue Dot Sessions.

✨ To get even more, you can become a Flash Forward Presents Time Traveler for access to behind the scenes exclusive content, early access to new shows, and other surprises & goodies. ✨

Episode sponsors:

• The Listener: A daily podcast recommendation newsletter, sending three superb episodes to your inbox every week day. Get 20% off your first year using the code ADVICE20 at checkout at thelistener.co/advice.
• Shaker & Spoon: A subscription cocktail service that helps you learn how to make hand-crafted cocktails right at home. Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/futureadvice.
• Tab for a Cause: A browser extension that lets you raise money for charity while doing your thing online. Whenever you open a new tab, you’ll see a beautiful photo and a small ad. Part of that ad money goes toward a charity of your choice! Join team Advice For And From The future by signing up at tabforacause.org/futureadvice.
• Tavour: Tavour is THE app for fans of beer, craft brews, and trying new and exciting labels. You sign up in the app and can choose the beers you’re interested in (including two new ones DAILY) adding to your own personalized crate. Use code: futureadvice for $10 off after your first order of $25 or more. 
• Purple Carrot: Purple Carrot is THE plant-based subscription meal kit that makes it easy to cook irresistible meals to fuel your body. Each week, choose from an expansive and delicious menu of dinners, lunches, breakfasts, and snacks! Get $30 off your first box by going to www.purplecarrot.com and entering code futureadvice at checkout today! Purple Carrot, the easiest way to eat more plants!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices