ideaXme

What's gone wrong with the world and how can we fix it? The Good Country and its supporting tools The Good Country Index and The Global Vote, exist to focus our minds on what's wrong - the global problems facing the human race and to consider the global solutions which could address them. "Global problems need global solutions. Most of the world’s problems are just symptoms of a bigger, underlying problem, that we haven’t yet worked out how to organise ourselves as a single species inhabiting a single planet. This can change." Simon Anholt, Founder The Good Country ideaXme interviews Simon Anholt, Founder of The Good Country. He talks of how he came to the realisation, after 20 years of advising governments across the world, that collaboration not competition is key and how his big idea to harness world public opinion provides a pathway to providing solutions for our shared problems. Simon Anholt answers questions from Larry Sanger, Internet Knowledge Organiser, Co-Founder Wikipedia, Founder Reading Bear and Citizendium and John Houseal, Founder GIVN Water. Background Simon Anholt's recent work: Founder of The Good Country. Independent Policy Advisor for over 20 years advising heads of states and governments worldwide. Honorary Professor, Political Science and Government at East Anglia University. Formerly, UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Vice-Chair, Public Diplomacy Board. Education University of Oxford Master of Arts (MA) Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) International Strategic Studies International Relations and National Security Studies Simon's view of the negative and positive effects of globalisation "I have been thinking a lot about the world recently and how it's changed over that last 30 years. 20 or 30 years ago if a chicken had caught a cold, sneezed and died in East Asia it would have been a tragedy for the chicken and its closest relatives but I don't think that it would have developed into a world pandemic. 20 or 30 years ago if a bank in North American lent too much money to its lenders it would not have ended up creating a worldwide banking crisis" Simon Anholt's talk TedSalon Berlin "Globalisation has brought a lot of bad stuff but a lot of good stuff. The achievement of the Millennium Development Goals shows what is achievable with a bit of cooperation." Simon Anholt An opportunity to make the world a Good World? To make a Good World we need to encourage countries to be Good Countries. This movement has been created to urge voters and politicians to think more outwardly, to prioritise global issues and to make nationalism redundant. The Big Idea What is The Good Country? "It is not about money, it is about attitude. It is about trying to make countries think outwards and to publicise the ones that already are doing so. Good countries support the human race and the planet" Simon Anholt It about trying to make people think differently. To put the human race, the planet first. "The challenge for politicians is - can you reconcile your responsibility, your obligations to your own people with your responsibility to every person on the planet and the atmosphere above it?" Simon Anholt "The big secret is you don't have to do one thing. For example, you don't have to punish the climate if you want to grow economically." Simon Anholt "Theresa May, just like any other Head of State or Head of Government, needs to realise that when you're elected to run a country, you also join the team that runs the planet. Whether you like it or not. " Simon Anholt comments on his recent tweet to Theresa May. The Good Country Index It is a balance-sheet to show at a glance whether a country is a net creditor to mankind, a burden on the planet, or something in between. Categories in which each country are ranked include culture, science and technology, international peace and security, world order, planet and climate, prosperity and equality and health and wellbeing. There are now 163 countries which are ranked according to their contribution to both the planet and the human race. Simon compares Sweden No.1 to USA No.20. "20th place for the USA is good, they are in the top 20. I am interested in how countries contribute as a proportion of what they could contribute" "The idea is not about good and bad countries, it is about the goodest countries" Simon Anholt "The idea first came to me when former US President Barak Obama was first elected. I read in a newspaper that if this was an International vote he would sail into the White House." Simon Anholt Misconceptions relating to Simon Anholt's objectives addressed here: He is not in favour of one world government "The most common misconception is that I am militating for one world government. That is the worst idea." Simon Anholt By supporting this thinking, he wants to make it clear that you are not labelling yourself leftwing or rightwing or even somewhere in the middle. All it requires is for you to acknowledge that there some major problems that can only be resolved by us all working together. Simon admires cultural difference and diversity. "I would like a Foreign Minister's job to be to bring in inspiration from other countries, not simply to keep the foreigners out. I would like him or her to open the windows, to stir up the gene pool." Simon Anholt He is neither right or left wing. "I prefer not to be on the political spectrum at all. In my own background I have just as many reasons to consider myself right leaning as left leaning. I buy tracks not albums." Simon Anholt He does not want to create discord. "I want to discuss things in a rational way without labelling each other. It is important for people to speak to others that think differently." He does however want to make nationalism obsolete. "I want to make the world work better. The Good Country isn't an organisation or an NGO: it's an idea, just as feminism or environmentalism are ideas. I want nationalism to become obsolete. I don't disapprove of nations: I love cultural difference. I just think that one's first loyalty should be to the human race, to the planet, and to one's country somewhat lower down the list. "Simon Anholt "I do not think that the vote from someone in another country should have executive power. But I do think that politicians should be interested in what people think of their policies outside their countries." Simon Anholt The Global Vote Everyone is given a chance to vote in another country. The process is designed to encourage citizens and their politicians to think about the international implications of the political choices they make. "With Brexit, a relatively small number of British adults voted, but their decision directly affected the lives of billions...would the result have been different if the people affected had been able to vote?" Simon Anholt ""America First" is a perfectly normal thing for any President to say: of course Trump's first duty is to his country. What worries me is the assumption that if America is first, every other country needs to be last." Simon Anholt I began to see myself as part of the problem. I needed to tell the governments I advise to collaborate a lot more and compete a tiny bit less. Competition is a great thing, but it should never be the only altar at which we worship. We've forgotten that we need collaboration more than we need competition at the international level." Simon Anholt "The idea first came to me when Barak Obama was first elected. I read - if this was an International vote he would sail into the White House." We are hyper connected, so every decision in a country has a wider impact. This is to encourage people to understand how interconnected and how interdependent our countries are. 130 countries voted in the USA election on The Good Country. We cover approximately one election a month."Simon Anhalt The Human Story I have been moving toward this since I was at school. "Wisdom is about being simple again." Simon Anholt Personal experience, research and study. "I would like to see a revolution of co-opetition at the level of nations - we can work together and still compete. Life on earth is not about who comes first. It's a team sport!" Simon Anholt Further points covered: Who would Simon Anholt like to meet? What question would he like to ask that person? For more details contact The Good Country Follow @SimonAnholt Follow @ideaxm

Stephen Spender is an actor and singer songwriter. He has chosen this path in life because it makes him feel good. It is the spark that drives him forward. A year ago he moved from Vancouver to London to pursue his music career. He is about to release a new EP and is looking for a manager and record label to support him. Singing, songwriting and acting as a career gives him the best time in life and that is why he does it! "The best time I have is when I am really connected to a song. It is a sensual experience. It feels really good." Stephen Spender I came across Stephen Spender outside Greenwich Park, London on a cold day when I was rushing to an appointment. I was stopped in my tracks! When Stephen Spender sings, you just have to stop and listen. I am so happy that I did and now have the opportunity of introducing him to you. Covered in the interview: A preview of work in progress -"Drifting" from his new EP. If nothing else, please listen to him sing. You won't regret it! His Human Story Acting career - from major parts in Shakespearean plays, to roles as policemen in movies. How singing makes him feel. "It feels good. I am tapped into something. I just feel connected. It just feels right." Stephen Spender Love of Shakespeare. His musical influences - from Leonard Cohen to The Velvet Underground. Challenges of being a performer. His inspiration. From a family of Creators. His Big Ideas Songwriting and performing. Who he would like to meet The question he would like to ask The YouTube video he recommends Baby Blue Follow Stephen Spender @spendersmusic Follow ideaXme @ideaxm

Discover why Dr Robert Brown, CEO of the American Institute of Physics would like to meet the world famous concert pianist Yuja Wang and the question he would like to ask her. Learn of his human story; his inventions, blueprints and patents and his rich career to date, spanning the physics, education, defence, space, technology and music industries. Update March 2017: Further to the publication of this article in 2016 Yuja Wang has responded to Dr Robert Brown's request to meet her and invited him to one of her concerts. Background Dr Robert Brown FIEE, FInstP, MAE : Dr Robert Brown is a polymath, a whirlwind of curiosity with an ear for music and a fascination with light. Dr Robert Brown's resume is held at the American Institute of Physics Highly topical: Dr Robert Brown holds 2 Patents for blueprints of a Quantum Computer on QC - US 8,633,729 granted in 2014 - -and US 9,244,333 granted in 2016, both available from the USPTO or via Google Patents. His is a scientific and technical professional with decades of experience in photonics research - the study of light, development and long-term strategic vision-direction; military, corporate and academic. Leadership roles as an Executive Director, Non-Exec Board member/Treasurer, Research Director, CTO and Full Professor (20 years). Dr Brown has extensive business experience in Asia: China, Japan, Korea – and Russia. Expertise in theory, simulation and experimental photonics and nano-photonics: lasers, photo-detectors, optical-fibers and systems; large numbers of Patents-granted and research-publications. He owns 65 IP Disclosures & Patents; 12 Pending and has written125 peer-reviewed research papers which have been published. Current positions: He holds the position of CEO at the American Institute of Physics; also Adjunct Full Professor, University of California Irvine: Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic. He is a Member of The Cosmos Club. Past positions: At the Advanced Technology Center at Rockwell Collins. CTO at Ostendo Technologies Inc. CA. Professor & Director of Nanotechnology for Northern Ireland, at Queens University Belfast. Executive Director of the UK Institute of Physics. Head of Opto-electronics Research for Sharp Laboratories of Europe in Oxford, UK. Elected Member of the European Academy of the Sciences and Arts (Academia Europaea). At the UK Ministry of Defence ‘Royal Signals and Radar Establishment’ Dr Brown invented a new electronic correlator, photo-detector, laser-diode and optical-fiber technologuies that have since been developed into successful products for experiments involving jet engines, macromolecules, submarines, and aboard the Space Shuttle three times. Principal Flutist, Chandos Orchestra. Music is the other side of Dr Brown's life. "I am huge fan of Yuja Wang, who some say is the greatest living pianist". Dr Robert Brown. So Dr Brown, is a scientist of photonics and optics, an inventor, creator and musician. He is also a traveller and excellent communicator. Covered in Dr Robert Brown's ideaXme interview: The Big Ideas Globalise AIP. Promote diversity at AIP. Research proposal to see into people's brains using light technology, for which funding is sought! 3D Endoscopy as a surgical tool. Teaching methods to tutor future creators, students of physics. Theory stimulation, experimental photonics and nano photonics, lasers, photo-detectors, optical fibres and systems. The Human Story The Spark - a book read as a 3 year old. Glandular fever and a persistent maths teacher who helped to mould the course of his life. A favourite teacher who instilled in him a love for physics. A mentor he met in his early 20's, "without whom none of this would be possible". His time as a professional musician. The support of his parents. 20 years of teaching experience. Professor of Nanotechnology, Queens University Belfast and later Adjunct Professor, The Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Centre, California University, Irvine. Dr Brown's answers to questions from: Jaideep Prabhu, Nehru Professor Judge Business School, Cambridge University and Co-Author Frugal Innovation, Published by The Economist Books. Gitte Pedersen, Founder, Genomic Expression. Vinita Marwaha Madhill, Founder, Rocket Women. And of course his question for Yuja Wang! Follow: ideaXme @ideaxm

For those of you who missed John Kershaw's pitch presentation in Episode 15, Series 14 of BBC Dragons Den, it's worth a look. He divulges more than he intended to, but it serves as a timely reminder, that in an era of fake news, it pays to be honest, it pays to be authentic! *On spilling the beans about his major partners to the Dragons: "I try to be really honest. If I don't know the answer I say. I am not trying to be a sales person. I am just trying to say it as it is." John Kershaw Why the unprecedented positive response and support of all the Dragons in Dragons Den? "That honest approach, combined with the fact that the business is in a proven industry, we have backers and we have shown our technology works lead to a position where people, that is the Dragons were confident to invest." John Kershaw Still in the midst of his celebrations, ideaXme was lucky to be granted a quick half hour with John to discover more about his human story, his secret weapon and about the big ideas which are, with the support of Dragons Nick Jenkins and Peter Jones about to become a lot bigger! Background John Kershaw is the founder of M14 Industries & bristlr . Furthermore, he is an avid follower of the extreme contact sport Roller Derby, "a beard haver" and admirer of Alan Turing. M14 Industries is a technology company which powers dating. M14 Industries, is the world’s first white label dating platform that "builds both mobile first websites and apps for any platform without hassle. There’s no infrastructure to buy, set up, or manage. You just sign up, bring your idea, and we do the rest." Discovery of a unique proposition: "In the process of building Bristlr we realised that it would never be that massive company that changes the world. But we discovered something very important, that there are lots of tools to build dating websites but none to build dating apps." John Kershaw M14 is your complete and managed toolbox, they build dating apps from the ground up to be "flexible, extensible and stylish." For just £99 setup and £149 monthly (on a 12 month contract), you can have your own app. Bristlr is a service created and owned by MI4 Industries. It is a dating app "which matches beard havers with beard lovers. It started as something of a joke in October 2014. Yet, Bristlr has now created more than half a million connections between those with beards, and those who want to stroke them. Bristlr is powered by M14 Industries, "the platform that allows anyone to have their own dating app." Bristlr is described as the "Tinder for beards." Covered in the ideaXme interview The human story University. Roller Derby. What frightens John the most in life? Influence of Alan Turing. Learning to be kind to himself. The big Ideas Why being your authentic self and in doing that, really looking after yourself is so important. M14 concept. Bristlr Online security, user moderation and operational guidelines. Preparing for Dragons Den. The Dragons Den pitch - the 2 turning points. "Making all the Dragons laugh was an important turning point" John Kershaw Advice to technology students "If you want to do something like this. Start building stuff. Bristlr was about the 20th idea. Make something that you can put in your hand. Even if it is out of paper. You will learn more doing that, than writing a business plan." John Kershaw Who would John Kershaw like to meet? What question would he like to ask that person? Questions from Ben Hammersley BBC correspondent and reporter, contributing editor Wired and Futurist and Alan Firmin CVO Founder www.squirrol.com and Chief Marketing Officer Bridgeman Images. Follow John Kershaw @wardrox Follow ideaXme @ideaxm Follow Ben Hammersley @benhammersley Follow Alan Firmin @afirmin *John Kershaw was not in breach of his NDA in the Den, as he received the approval from his media partners to discuss their participation in M14, if absolutely necessary.

John Houseal is Co-Founder of GIVN. He'd like us all to realise that we can help those in need by "simply moving a little to the left, or a little to the right." Give in everything you do! His Message: Use the POWER in your pocket to help others. Background John Houseal is Co-Founder of GIVN and Director of Jabian Consultancy. He is a social entrepreneur and strategic business adviser with over 15 years experience in a wide range of industries. His specialities include "figuring it out and getting it done." What makes him special, is a completely unique way of looking at challenges and opportunities to identify a path to success. Jabian Consulting is a Management and IT consultancy that applies senior level consulting specialists to client’s top priority projects. Jabian, are untangling some of the most complex problems that businesses face. Jabian focuses on creating and implementing strategies, enhancing business processes, developing human capital, and better aligning technology to help their clients drive business value by increasing revenue and decreasing operational costs. Jabian is headquartered in Atlanta, with offices in Dallas and Charlotte. GIVN is a social enterprise "infused with good karma" and focused on developing high-quality consumer products that enable conscious consumers to give in everything they do. At GIVN, they believe that giving should be easy and the impact of your choice to give should be clear and meaningful. Their flagship product, GIVN Water, lets you enjoy premium North American spring water and give one day of clean water to a person in need. Their mantra is "give in everything you do!" Covered in the ideaXme interview The Big Idea "Everyone aspires to a higher purpose. In every day purchases we get to connect with that energy. That in a nutshell is the big idea!" John Houseal GIVN Water Mission "We call it water infused with good Karma." John Houseal The partners The water: "All of our sources are small family owned businesses. It tastes amazingly crisp and refreshing." John Houseal The competitive advantage: "Our price is never more than and is often less than the premium brands." John Houseal Global Plans "We want to extend into Canada and then our impact from Africa in to Asia and South America." John Houseal Countering the negative impact of one for one: "We are very deliberate in trying to offset any negative impacts of one to one business model." John Houseal How GIVN addresses the criticism of the one for one business model. "In South Sudan we are employing a local workforce to build wells. We are not displacing local business to work there." John Houseal Long term plans: "We don't want to just help the community survive, we want to help them thrive."John Houseal Journey to achieving corporation B status. "Not just responsible to share holders but to the community and the environment. A rigorous process in which they assess whether we fit. In 2016 we scored 2% which meant we were at the top best for the world nominee." John Houseal Product extensions of GIVN water and new GIVN products to launch. Obstacles to doing better? Why John would like to chat with actor and entrepreneur Matt Damon. The biggest challenge to growth is the distribution footprint which is tightly managed by the big cola companies. The Human Story How a university professor helped him learn, "in a very unkind and pressing way" what he wanted to do. "The blessing of working with the CDC and WHO. Working with people in need. I learnt that all people aspire to a higher purpose and that large scale charities can sometimes be inefficient." Politics The person John would like to meet The question he would like to ask that person Follow GIVN @givnwater Follow ideaXme @ideaxm

Kim Guest Co-founder of Isoshealth is shaking up the health industry. She wants patients to be viewed as people, treated as humans, not labelled in accordance with their health conditions or wellness challenges. She is a digital healthcare pioneer who believes in personalised medicine and wants to empower people to manage their health by providing them with a tailored team of health and wellness professionals who communicate with each other to optimise people's wellbeing. "I want Isoshealth to treat people as human beings with individual needs. I don't want to offer a short term solution. I want to focus on the bigger picture, people's overall health and how one condition impacts another. To do this everyone needs to be communicating, that is all the people managing an individuals' health." Kim Guest. Background: Prior to Co-founding Isoshealth Kim Guest held senior positions in the corporate world for the Milestone Group PLC, O2 Health, Cielo Talent, Celsian, Advantage and Nestar. Kim Guest's Awards: Leadership and Innovation award from Telefonica O2 - August 2012 Finalist for EHI Awards - Best healthcare IT Product Innovation - Sept 2011 Winner EHI Awards - Best use of Mobile Technology in Healthcare - Sept 2011 Finalist of Telecare/Telehealth Provider of the Year - Health Investor Awards - 2012Finalist for Leadership Award at TfL - Nov 08 Finalist for RAD Award - Best Public Sector - Jan 09 Best Graduate Website - Times Top 100 - March 09 Best Graduate Brochure - Times Top 100 - March 09 Commendation for Best Integrated Marketing Campaign at AGR - 09 The Big Idea: Isoshealth provides on-demand consultations where professionals and clients can securely connect, share and communicate to reach better #Health #Wellness #Sports goals. Isoshealth focuses on the individuals needs and connects you with validated, leading nutrition, physical and mind wellness experts, giving trusted health information, answers, and tips, and holding virtual consultations, all designed to make you a healthier, happier you. You can now have the support of your own personal specialist, anytime and anywhere. Ask the experts your wellness question and get free expert replies. The Human Story Education Father's influence Corporate ladder Single mother Motorcycling Who Kim Guest would like to meet The question she would like to ask that person. Follow Isoshealth @isoshealth Follow ideaXme @ideaxm

ideaXme interviews Larry Sanger, Philosopher and Co-Founder of Wikipedia and discovers some surprising things about him! This is unlike any other interview of Larry Sanger in print or on the Internet. Background: From Larry Sanger's Wikipedia Page "Lawrence Mark "Larry" Sanger /sæŋər/[1] (born July 16, 1968[2]) is an American Internet project developer, co-founder of Wikipedia, and the founder of Citizendium.[3][4][5] He grew up in Anchorage, Alaska.[4] From an early age he has been interested in philosophy.[6] Sanger received a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Reed College in 1991 and a Doctor of Philosophy in philosophy from Ohio State University in 2000.[7] Most of his philosophical work has focused on epistemology, the theory of knowledge.[6]". He has been involved with various online encyclopedia projects.[8] He is the former editor-in-chief of Nupedia,[9] chief organizer (2001–02) of its successor, Wikipedia,[10] and founding editor-in-chief of Citizendium.[11] From his position at Nupedia, he assembled the process for article development.[12] Sanger proposed implementing a wiki, which led directly to the creation of Wikipedia.[13] Initially Wikipedia was a complementary project for Nupedia.[13] He was Wikipedia's early community leader[14] and established many of its original policies.[15] Sanger left Wikipedia in 2002, and has since been critical of the project.[16][17] He states that, despite its merits, Wikipedia lacks credibility due to, among other things, a lack of respect for expertise.[18] In October 2006, Sanger started a somewhat similar encyclopedia to Wikipedia, Citizendium.[19] Sanger has taught philosophy at Ohio State University[6] and was an early strategist for the expert-authored Encyclopedia of Earth.[20] He has worked on developing educational projects for individuals behind WatchKnowLearn.[21] He has designed a web-based reading program named Reading Bear which aims to teach children how to read.[22] In February 2013, he attempted to start a news crowdsourcing project named Infobitt;[3] it ran out of money in mid-2015 without the code being ready to handle a fullscale launch.[23][24]. Larry Sanger's ideaXme interview The Big Ideas Wikipedia Open Source News Education Libertarian Politics Philosophy The Human Story Growing up His love of Philosophy Home schooling his kids The people Larry would like to meet The questions he would like to ask them Follow Larry Sanger: @lsanger Follow ideaXme @ideaxm

Nicole Stott talks about her very human story and the big ideas she continues to play a part in to shape our world. Watch and discover how the support of mentors, love of her family, a passion for flying and aeronautical engineering led to her spending over a hundred days in Space and experiencing a life changing event which she brings to life in her paintings today. Scroll down for Nicole Stott's interview with ideaXme. Background: So who is Nicole Stott? "Seeing the Earth from space, Nicole had an epiphany. In awe of the overwhelming beauty of our planet, she knew that she would dedicate the rest of her life to sharing that experience with others. She believes that sharing this perspective can increase everyone's appreciation of and obligation to care for our home planet and each other. Always an Artist, Nicole brought a small watercolor kit with her on her mission to the International Space Station (ISS). She is the first Astronaut to paint in space. Nicole is a veteran astronaut with two spaceflights and 104 days living and working on both the Space Shuttle and ISS. She performed one spacewalk, was the first person to fly the robotic arm to capture the free flying HTV cargo vehicle, she was the last crew member to fly to and from their ISS mission on a Space Shuttle, and she was a member of the crew of the final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-133. She is also a NASA Aquanaut and holds the Women's World Record for saturation diving following her 18-day mission with the NEEMO9 crew on the Aquarius undersea habitat. After 28 years with NASA, she is on her next adventure as a full-time Artist and SciArt education advocate. Through her artwork, she uniquely shares the awesome beauty and impression she was blessed to experience through the windows of her spacecraft. She also continues to promote the amazing things we're doing every day in space that benefit us all right here on Earth. Combining her artwork and spaceflight experience, she is actively working to generate widespread interest in the inspiration that comes so wonderfully through the integration of Art and Science." Covered in the interview: The Human story Nicole talks of how she developed a passion for flying and aeronautical engineering, through spending many hours at the local airport with her father and family. She tells us who she would like to meet and the question she would like to ask them. "I am almost crying to talk about this" Nicole Stott She conveys the immense appreciation she has for the support of her family. She explains why she thinks mentors are so important and why it is critical to have mentors to help build confidence and propel people forward. "Even now, in my new role I sometimes struggle with why people would want to see me. I need to push myself forward". Nicole Stott "I never thought that I could be an astronaut but not because anyone ever told me that I couldn't be one but later in life I had people who encouraged me to take that step to apply. If you don't have enough confidence, it is amazing how you can hold yourself back. My mentors pushed me to pick up a pen and apply." Nicole Stott. She talks of The Glass Floor - reaching for the stars. The Big ideas Nicole continues to play a major role in ideas which are shaping our world. Here are just some of those ideas which are discussed in her ideaXme interview below. Space exploration. How the International Space Station (ISS) was created with the co-operation of 15 nations. How that co-operation could be applied further for the greater good. The Overview Effect How looking at the Earth from Space made Nicole feel and why she thinks it is important to convey that to others. Nicole Stott's Space walk. The spiritual side to creating - "an internal joy". Why it is so important to do what you love. "I want a world where everyone appreciates the Earth and recognises that we all have to get along and take care of it and each other." Nicole Stott Nicole Stott's Art Finding her own unique way to share the impact of her spaceflight experience with others. The significance of the position of Earth in relation to the Sun - our significance. The first Astronaut to paint in Space. The Space Suit Art Project in aid of raising awareness of pediatric cancer and the power of art and healing. Fragile Oasis The first Tweet Up in Space Questions also asked by Mike Mongo, Board Member Students for Exploration and Development in Space (SEDS) and author of The Astronaut Instruction Manual and Alexander Behrang Keshtkar, Actor The Bridge. Visit Nicole Stott's website The Artistic Astronaut https://www.npsdiscovery.com Follow ideaXme @ideaxm "The humans behind the big ideas shaping our world".

Zoltan Istvan was the Anti Death Candidate of the 2016 US Presidential Election. He wants to live forever. He wants to conquer death. He is Founder of The Transhumanist Party, a journalist who has covered a myriad of subjects from futurism to war, an entrepreneur, inventor of an extreme sport and author of The Transhumanist Wager. BREAKING NEWS  February 12, 2017 "Friends and supporters, Today I'm announcing my run for California Governor in 2018 as a Libertarian. Many of you have known that I have long supported libertarian ideas (including in my book The Transhumanist Wager). So in a continuing effort to improve America and bring radical science, technology, and freedom to the people, I'm going to run in my home state for Governor under the Libertarian banner. More than ever we need new ideas and policies to help us get through these changing and challenging times." Zoltan Istvan   Below, Zoltan Istvan's ideaXme interview. Find out how he is challenging our belief system and convincing many that death, just like a disease needs to be cured. Background: Zoltan is an American-Hungarian, a religious and philosophy graduate with a chip in his hand that unlocks his front door and starts his car. He is looking forward to the day when he doesn't need to eat and he can merge with a machine. Zoltan Istvan has explored over 100 countries, many as a journalist for the National Geographic Channel, writing, filming, and appearing in dozens of television stories, articles, and webcasts. His work has also been featured by The New York Times, Outside, Wired UK, Slate, Vice, San Francisco Chronicle, BBC Radio, CNN, CBS, RT, Fox News, the Travel Channel, and in much other media. In addition to his award-winning coverage of the war in Kashmir, he gained worldwide attention for pioneering and popularising the extreme sport of volcano boarding. He has also held the position of director for the international conservation group WildAid, leading armed patrol units to stop the billion-dollar illegal wildlife trade in Southeast Asia. In 2013 Zoltan published "The Transhumanist Wager," an award-winning fictional thriller describing philosopher Jethro Knights and his unwavering quest for immortality via science and technology. Zoltan writes futurist and transhumanist-themed blogs for The Huffington Post, Psychology Today, and Vice's Motherboard. Zoltan is also founder of the Transhumanist Party and ran a successful and widely viewed 2016 US presidential campaign. He is one of the most visible and popular futurists in the world. The ideaXme interview The Big Ideas How would you winning the US Presidential Election have affected the average US citizen? What is Transhumanism? "........a social movement that wants to use science and technology to radically change the human species....." Zoltan Istvan Is Transhumanism a cult? What is the main opposition to The Transhumanist movement? The Transhumanist Wager - how far would you go to live forever? "Set in the present day, the novel tells the story of transhumanist Jethro Knights and his unwavering quest for immortality via science and technology. Fighting against him are fanatical religious groups, economically depressed governments, and mystic Zoe Bach: a dazzling trauma surgeon and the love of his life, whose belief in spirituality and the afterlife is absolute...." The 3 laws of Transhumanism. Why China is likely to lead the way in Transhumanism. Why collaboration of scientists worldwide is necessary to cure death. "I want to eliminate suffering and death". Zoltan Istvan "I don't think nations are going to survive past 25 years." Zoltan Istvan The Future of Cryonics. The Human Story Philosophy and religious studies graduate. How an interest in cryonics developed at College. The importance of travelling to understand cultures. How a near death experience led to Zoltan becoming a Transhumanist. Who has influenced Zoltan most in his life? "I have been shaped by author Ayn Rand "The greatest champion of individualism" and from a string of failed love affairs." Zoltan Istvan. The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand How do your beliefs effect your daily life and you look after yourself and your family? Who would Zoltan like to meet? What question would he like to ask this person? #zoltanistvan #transhumanism #uspolitics #health #technology #news #president #donaldtrump

Hollie Fraser, founder of Books on the Underground would love to meet Emma Watson to say thank you in person for helping to bring her big idea to the attention of the world! The campaign #love2meetemma starts here! On 1 November, 2016 Emma Watson became a book fairy for the day. It was her participation in Books on the Underground, a movement to share books and encourage more people to read that led to worldwide media coverage for the organisation. A global reading movement was ignited. Covered in the ideaXme interview: The Big Idea People donate books which are then left by book fairies on trains and in stations for readers to borrow. It is all free! The movement exists in more than 10 of the world's major cities and more to come. "When you start reading about Books on the Underground, you realise it really is as simple as it sounds. We make sure that there are books travelling the London Underground, to be found by lucky travellers who then read them, and return them to the tube. Books on the Underground was created in 2012 by Hollie Fraser, but since its foundation she has moved to NYC to run Books on the Subway with Rosy Kehdi. We are now managed by Cordelia Oxley in the UK, who has been involved since early on in our history. Cordelia now runs Books on the Underground, and is supported by a team of Book Fairies." Books on the Underground. A worldwide reading phenomenon, that needs more celebrity support to encourage people to donate books, collaborate, participate and of course get reading! Shout out to celebrities that love reading! Looking for more collaborators in Shanghai, Tokyo and all major cities with train networks! "We make an effort to go up to the Bronx and give people who would not have access to books the opportunity to get involved with Books on the Subway" Hollie Fraser Why it should always stay a grass roots project. Want to help make this meeting happen? Twitter: @holliefraser @EmmaWatson ideaXme @ideaxm #love2meetemma. #love2meetemma launched on 8 February 2017 by ideaXme "The Humans behind the big ideas shaping our world. Help and inspiration for future creators and for all those who love big ideas and great stories. Social media campaign, podcast and soon to launch social network. The Human Story "I've always been an avid reader and had spoken about this idea for such a long time when my husband just told me to get on and do it!" Hollie Fraser The first book Hollie read. Books Hollie suggests that you read before you die. As a believer in the sharing economy, Hollie shares her time with other causes in New York, where she recently moved. Words to inspire young people who are thinking of launching a big idea. "If you've got an idea that you are passionate about, you've just got to act on it and put the time and effort in" Hollie Fraser If you would like to support this campaign #love2meetemma, launch Books on the Underground in your city, donate books, become a book fairy or would like to help spread the word of this worldwide reading movement: Twitter @holliefraser Twitter @EmmaWatson Twitter ideaXme @ideaxm