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In Episode 90 of the Near Future Laboratory podcast, Julian Bleecker, founder of the Near Future Laboratory, sits down with Kyle Ng, creative director and founder of Braindead, to discuss his journey through creativity and innovation.

Kyle shares his experiences from a young age, detailing his diverse creative influences, from sports and punk rock to film and new media. He speaks about his brand evolution, beginning with Farm Tactics, and how he navigated the fashion world with a unique DIY ethos. We get into the importance of storytelling, building immersive worlds, and staying true to one's creative instincts.

00:00 Introduction

02:33 Upcoming Event: Detroit Imagines Harder

03:22 Design Fiction Books and Merchandise

04:03 Conversation with Kyle Ng Begins

04:10 Kyle Ng on Curiosity and Inspiration

08:25 Exploring Technology and Identity

16:44 Kyle Ng's Journey and Influences

22:43 Early Career and Creative Exploration

31:27 The Birth of Farm Tactics

32:54 From Biking to Business: Early Hustles

35:33 Scaling Up: From Local to Major Collaborations

37:41 The DIY Ethos and Business Growth

39:33 The Philosophy of Success and Failure

42:34 Brain Dead: Evolution and Expansion

48:03 Building Cultural Experiences

55:05 The Future Vision and Personal Anecdotes

57:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts