Flash Forward

By Rose EvelethScience

Flash Forward episodes

December 22, 2021ROBOTS: Could Robots Replace Animals?
Today’s episode is the last of our FOUR PART MINI SEASON SERIES AND SHOW FINALE [airhorn noises]. This week we’re headed to a future where humans share our robotic knowledge with the rest of the animal kingdom—for better, and for worse.
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Guests:
Dr. Kate Darling, a researcher at the MIT Media Lab and author of The New Breed: What Our History with Animals Reveals about Our Future with Robots.
Emma Marris, a journalist and author of a book called Wild Souls: Freedom and Flourishing in the Non-Human World.
Dr. Giovanni Polverino, an animal behavior researcher at The University of Western Australia.
Dr. Rae Wynn Grant, a wildlife ecologist and host of the podcast Going Wild.
Voice Actors:
Rachael Deckard: Richelle Claiborne
Malik: Henry Alexander Kelly
Summer: Shara Kirby
Ashoka: Anjali Kunapaneni
Eliza: Chelsey B Coombs
Dorothy Levitt: Tamara Krinsky
John Dee: Keith Houston
Dr. Jane de Vaucanson: Jeffrey Nils Gardner
X Marks the Bot theme song written by Ilan Blanck.

→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.
Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]
Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox
Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:
BirdNote: BirdNote Daily, you get a short, 2-minute daily dose of bird — from wacky facts, to hard science, and even poetry. And now is the perfect time to catch up on BirdNote’s longform podcasts: Threatened and Bring Birds Back. Find them all in your podcast listening app or at BirdNote.org.
Nature: The leading international journal of science. Get 50% off your yearly subscription when you subscribe at go.nature.com/flashforward. And here is the video of the ancient crocodile robot I mentioned.
Dipsea: An audio app full of short, sexy stories designed to turn you on. Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to DipseaStories.com/flashforward.
BetterHelp: Affordable, private online counseling. Anytime, anywhere. Flash Forward listeners: get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/flashforward
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 16 min
December 14, 2021ROBOTS: Would You Date A Robot?
Today we travel to a future where we can take a robot home for a good time, or a long time, depending on what you’re into.
Content note: today’s episode discusses sex and includes explicit language. This one is more “mature” than most episodes, so proceed accordingly.
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Guests:
Tina Horn: author of SFSX (Volume 2 out now) and host of Why Are People Into That?
Danielle Blunt: dominatrix and community organizer with Hacking//Hustling
Samantha Floreani: Program Lead at Digital Rights Watch
Ingrid Burrington: journalist and host of RIP Corp
Dr. Debbie Chachra: professor of engineering at Olin College
Render Man: hacker & founder of the Internet of Dongs
Voice Actors:
Rachael Deckard: Richelle Claiborne
Brad: Brent Rose
Halimah: Zahra Noorbakhsh
Malik: Henry Alexander Kelly
Summer: Shara Kirby
Ashoka: Anjali Kunapaneni
Eliza: Chelsey B Coombs
Dorothy Levitt: Tamara Krinsky
John Dee: Keith Houston
Dr. Marcia Eckers: Andrea Silenzi
Original X Marks the Bot theme music by Ilan Blanck.

→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.
Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]
Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox
Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:
Skillshare: an online learning community that offers membership with meaning. Explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/flashforward and get a one month free trial of Premium Membership.
BirdNote: BirdNote Daily, you get a short, 2-minute daily dose of bird -- from wacky facts, to hard science, and even poetry. And now is the perfect time to catch up on BirdNote’s longform podcasts: Threatened and Bring Birds Back. Find them all in your podcast listening app or at BirdNote.org.
Nature: Want to stay up-to-date on the latest in global science and research? Subscribe today to Nature, the leading international journal of science. Get 50% off your yearly subscription when you subscribe at go.nature.com/flashforward.
The Long Time Academy: a new podcast about time, and how we think about time. Life is short. Time is long. The Long Time Academy.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 8 min
November 24, 2021ROBOTS: Should A Robot Be Allowed To Kill?
Today we travel to a future where militaries employ killer robots. Should a robot be allowed to take a human life? Is the speed of war increasing too quickly? What does a tech worker do when they find out their work is being used for war?
Guests:
Kelsey Atherton, a reporter who covers military technology.
Ryan Calo, a professor of law at the University of Washington.
Dr. Ryan Jenkins, an associate professor of philosophy at California Polytechnic State University.
Liz O’Sullivan, the CEO of Parity.
Dr. Lucy Suchman, a professor emerita of sociology at Lancaster University.
Dr. Jesse Kirkpatrick, an assistant professor of philosophy at George Mason University.
Dr. Carlotta Berry, chair of the electrical and computer engineering department at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Kate Conger, a technology reporter at the New York Times.
Voice Actors:
Rachael Deckard: Richelle Claiborne
Chad: Brett Tubbs
Lina: Ashley Kellem
Brad: Brent Rose
Halimah: Zahra Noorbakhsh
Malik: Henry Alexander Kelly
Summer: Shara Kirby
Ashoka: Anjali Kunapaneni
Eliza: Chelsey B Coombs
Dorothy Levitt: Tamara Krinsky
John Dee: Keith Houston
Seargent William Walter: Jarrett Sleeper
→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←
Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.
Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]
Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox
Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify
Episode Sponsors:
The Long Time Academy: A new podcast about time, and how we think about time.
Bird Note Daily: A short, 2-minute daily dose of bird -- from wacky facts, to hard science, and even poetry.
Nature: The leading international journal of science. Get 50% off your yearly subscription when you subscribe at go.nature.com/flashforward.
BetterHelp: Making professional therapy accessible, affordable, and convenient. Visit betterhelp.com/flashforward and get 10% off your first month.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 12 min
November 10, 2021ROBOTS: Will Robots Ever Defeat Human Athletes?
Today’s episode is part one in our FOUR PART MINI SEASON SERIES AND SHOW FINALE [airhorn noises]. We’re going out with a robotic bang: four episodes about four different ways that robots might impact your life in the future, starting with sports. Also, you'll hear a special announcement about the future of the show.
For more about that go here.
Guests:
Joe Choong, gold medalist in the Tokyo Olympic games in modern pentathlon.
Dr. Peter Stone, a professor of computer science at the University of Texas at Austin, and president of the International RoboCup Federation.
Jessica Luther and Dr. Brenda Elsey, two of the co-hosts of sports podcast Burn it All Down.
Dr. Rayvon Fouché, a professor of American studies at Purdue University.
Dr. Josh Siegel, an assistant professor of computer science and engineering at Michigan State University.
Brent Verdialez, founder and CEO of STRYK.
Voice Actors:
Rachael Deckard: Richelle Claiborne
Alex: Aiya Islam
Amanda: Emma Bracy
Chad: Brett Tubbs
Lina: Ashley Kellem
Brad: Brent Rose
Halimah: Zahra Noorbakhsh
Malik: Henry Alexander Kelly
Summer: Shara Kirby
Ashoka: Anjali Kunapaneni
Eliza: Chelsey B Coombs
Dorothy Levitt: Tamara Krinsky
John Dee: Keith Houston
Pierre Balck: Jarrett Sleeper

Music by Ilan Blanck.
→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.
Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]
Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox
Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 4 min
October 27, 2021What If We Could Shrink Humans?
Today’s episode is about a future where humans learn how to shrink ourselves. What are the ethics of making someone smaller against their will? Would we keep all our fingers and toes? Would we even be considered humans anymore?
Guests:
Dr. Fei Chen, an assistant professor of stem cell and regenerative biology at Harvard.
Dr. Jonathan Payne, a professor of geological sciences at Stanford.
Dr. Sebastian Alvarado, an assistant professor of biology at Queens College, CUNY.
Dr. Joyce Lee, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Michigan.
Silvia Yee, a senior staff attorney at the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund.
Micah Perks, an author and director of creative writing at UC Santa Cruz.
Voice Actors:
Parvus Employee #1: Henry Alexander Kelly
Parvus Employee #2: Ashley Kellem
Harry Purvis — Brett Tubbs
Parvis Tour Guide — Chelsey B. Coombs
→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.
Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]
Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox
Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:
BetterHelp: Affordable, private online counseling. Anytime, anywhere. Flash Forward listeners: get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/flashforward
BirdNote Daily: BirdNote Daily is a short, two-minute podcast that answers all of your burning bird-related questions — like, how do birds stay perched in a tree when they’re asleep? What’s the difference between a raven and crow? What’s the biggest bird that’s ever lived? Find our on Bird Note Daily, wherever you get your podcasts.
Subscribe to American Hysteria on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
52 min
October 13, 2021What If We Could Shrink Technology?
Today’s episode is all about making our technologies and medicines tiny. Like, super tiny.
Guests:
Ainissa Ramirez -- scientist, speaker, author of The Alchemy of Us
Eun Ji Chung -- biomedical engineer at the University of Southern California
Inge Hermann -- chemical engineer at ETH Zürich
Raj Bawa -- biotechnologist at Bawa Biotech
Richard Handy -- environmental toxicologist at University of Plymouth
Lisa Yaszek -- professor of science fiction studies at Georgia Tech
Voice Actors:
Harry Purvis -- Brett Tubbs
Parvis Tech -- Chelsey B. Coombs
→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Music provided by Jay_You and Ketsa.
Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.
Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]
Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox
Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:
BirdNote Daily: BirdNote Daily is a short, two-minute podcast that answers all of your burning bird-related questions — like, how do birds stay perched in a tree when they’re asleep? What's the difference between a raven and crow? What’s the biggest bird that’s ever lived?
The World As You'll Know It: a podcast about the forces shaping our future.
Skillshare: Skillshare is an online learning community where millions come together to take the next step in their creative journey, with thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people, on topics including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. Start with a free month of Premium Membership, and explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/flashforward.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
54 min
September 28, 2021Can You Find This Human?
Today we travel to a future where your face is findable no matter where you go.
Guests:
Scott Myers — former editor of the Perplex City Wiki
Laura E. Hall — game designer and author of Planning Your Escape
Tom-Lucas Säger — technologist & Satoshi finder
Stan Alcorn — senior reporter at Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting
Erin — long lost camp friend
Dr. Kate Klonick — assistant professor of law at St. John’s University School of Law
→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.
Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]
Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox
Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:
BirdNote Daily: BirdNote Daily is a short, two-minute podcast that answers all of your burning bird-related questions — like, how do birds stay perched in a tree when they’re asleep? What's the difference between a raven and crow? What’s the biggest bird that’s ever lived?
The World As You'll Know It: a podcast about the forces shaping our future.
BetterHelp: Affordable, private online counseling. Anytime, anywhere. Flash Forward listeners: get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/flashforward
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/ffwd.
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/flashforward.
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: flashforward 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 FLASH at checkout today! Purple Carrot, the easiest way to eat more plants!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
55 min
September 22, 2021What Is The Future Of Gender?
Today we revisit an episode from way back in season one, and ask: what even is gender in the first place? How could it be different? Why does science fiction like playing with gender? And what would happen if we removed it from our legal identities?
Guests:
Os Keyes, a PhD student at the University of Washington who studies gender, disability, and technology.
Dr. Flora Renz, co-director of the Centre for Sexuality, Race and Gender Justice at Kent Law School.
Tuck Woodstock, a professional gender detective and host of the podcast Gender Reveal.
Dr. Oliver Haimson, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Information.
Blue Delliquanti, a contributor to the Flash Forward book and author of the forthcoming graphic novel Across A Field Of Starlight.
→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outtro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky. Our ads and sponsorships are handled by Multitude.
Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]
Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox
Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:
Bird Note: Stories about the enduring connections between birds, people and landscapes.
The World As You'll Know It: Technology is at an inflection point. Can we harness it to make life better...or will it harness us? Join Kurt Andersen as he and a world-class selection of thinkers explore this question as it pertains to our brains, our personal lives, our laws and our government.
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/ffwd.
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/flashforward.
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: flashforward 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 FLASH at checkout today! Purple Carrot, the easiest way to eat more plants!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
54 min
September 01, 2021Can We Conquer Fire?
Today’s episode is all about fire: how does it work? Why is it so dangerous? And could we ever make it safe? And it's an extra special episode because it's hosted by Julia Llinas Goodman!
Guests:
John Lentini, a certified fire investigator who has served as an expert witness in over 200 legal cases.
Dr. Lynn Hulse, a psychologist with the University of Greenwich’s Fire Safety Engineering Group.
Nisha Baliga, the co-executive director of urban planning nonprofit Hester Street, and Jimena Veloz, a senior project manager at Hester Street.
Dr. Frank Lake, a research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service who has family in the Karuk Tribe and the Yurok Tribe.
→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←
Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outtro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Matt Lubchansky.
Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]
Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox
Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:
Dipsea: An audio app full of short, sexy stories designed to turn you on. Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to DipseaStories.com/flashforward.
NordVPN: Get secure and private access to the Internet. Get 74% off NordPass at https://nordpass.com/flashforward. Plus, you get 4 additional months for FREE!
BetterHelp: Affordable, private online counseling. Anytime, anywhere. Flash Forward listeners: get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/flashforward
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/ffwd.
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/flashforward.
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: flashforward 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 FLASH at checkout today! Purple Carrot, the easiest way to eat more plants!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
45 min
August 18, 2021What Could A Better Economy Look Like?
Today’s episode is about a future where the economy revolves around gifts, instead of money.
Guests:
Ilana Strauss, a journalist and producer at National Geographic’s podcast, “Overheard.”
Dr. Niels Thygesen, an associate professor at the Copenhagen Business School.
Dr. James Parisot, a researcher at the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley and author of How America Became Capitalist: Imperial Expansion and the Conquest of the West.
Dr. Anna Grear, a professor of law at Cardiff University and author of The Great Awakening: New Modes of Life Amidst Capitalist Ruins.
Ricardo Nuñez, the director of economic democracy at the Sustainable Economies Law Center.
Dr. Sara Nelson, an economic policy fellow at the University of British Columbia.
Dean Spade, an activist, professor at Seattle University School of Law, and author of Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next).
Dr. Hyunseok Hwang, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Houston.
Monica Byrne, a novelist, playwright, and author of The Actual Star.
→ → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ←

Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Julia Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outtro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Matt Lubchansky.
Get in touch: Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected]
Support the show: Patreon // Donorbox
Subscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify

Episode Sponsors:
Threatened: A new podcast from Bird Note about stories from around the world about people who are taking action on behalf of our fragile ecosystems and the birds that depend on them.
BetterHelp: Affordable, private online counseling. Anytime, anywhere. Flash Forward listeners: get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/flashforward
Skillshare: Skillshare is an online learning community where millions come together to take the next step in their creative journey, with thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people, on topics including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. Start with two free months of Premium Membership, and explore your creativity at Skillshare.com/flashforward.
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/ffwd.
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/flashforward.
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: flashforward 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 FLASH at checkout today! Purple Carrot, the easiest way to eat more plants!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
53 min

About Flash Forward

From the publisher's feed

Flash Forward is a show about possible (and not so possible) future scenarios. What would the warranty on a sex robot look like? How would diplomacy work if we couldn’t lie? Could there ever be a…