SPECIAL GUEST: Richard MacManus (Presence). Since the early days of humanity, we’ve dreamed of entering other worlds. Virtual reality is the technology that could make those dreams and myths into an experiential reality. In this episode, we’re joined by science fiction author Richard MacManus to talk about this possibility, which is explored heavily in his new book PRESENCE. Recorded 9/18/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/425-ep00308-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Jenna Owsianik (FutureOfSex.net). Sex. It’s one of the fundamental human experiences. We have always used technology to enhance, control, understand our sexuality. And the future of sex and technology is set to transform even more as new tech comes online. From sexbots to VR, regenerative medicine to new condoms, wifi connected sex toys and all of the privacy and security issues that come along with that. In this episode we’re joined by Jenna from the Future Of Sex, to talk a bit about how technology is reshaping sex (and how sex is impacting tech). Recorded 9/20/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/423-ep00307-notes.

Technology has reshaped our lives and in many ways offers improvement over the way things were before technology came along. Yet there are also downsides, tradeoffs that we don't always see in our rush to the newest thing. Back in July when we talked with Kevin Kelly, we covered some of these issues that he brought up in his book The Inevitable. And we've also had a fun and stimulating back and forth with the Singularity Bros about OWNERSHIP. In this episode we use a Cracked article as a jumping off point to dig further into some of the ways that technology and the Silicon Valley way of doing things actually makes our lives worse, now and in the future. Recorded 9/18/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/422-ep00306-notes.

SPECIAL GUESTS: Lesley Carhart & Johnny Xmas. Hacking. The very word conjures up media-saturated images of hoodie-wearing nerds, Guy Fawkes' masks, and multiple monitors filled with command windows. But are these media images accurate? We're joined by two white hat hackers (the proverbial good guys) to talk about what the media and society get wrong (and right), and all things hacking. Recorded 9/13/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/418-ep00305-notes.

SPECIAL GUESTS: Isaac & Fiona (Therapalz). For those with Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementia conditions, and those that care for them, technology is offering new hope for connection, comfort, and care. We’re joined by the student entrepreneurs behind Therapalz, a therapeutic robotic animal companion for those suffering from these conditions. Technology in service to socially responsible goals. Take that, cynics about the younger generations. Join us and find out more. Recorded 9/7/2016. Show notes available at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/417-ep00304-notes.

This episode is all about #CORDCUTTING. It’s the way of the future for entertainment, tv shows and short videos. We first talked about this way back in 2011, in our episode 11. This time we’re doing an update on the state of cord-cutting in 2016. Mike’s been a full cord-cutter since 2009, and Matt is (still) debating how to best make the leap into the future. Join us on an odyssey into the future of entertainment. Recorded 9/1/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/416-ep00303-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Zak Field. We’ve talked with Kate, aka Miss Metaverse from BodAI before… now we’re joined by Zak from BodAI to talk about the virtual lab where they’re building their companion AI and how the future of virtual reality is going to open new worlds and possibilities for all of us. And a bit about SEX ROBOTS too, ‘cuz they’re just fun to talk about. Recorded 8/21/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/415-ep00302-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Gerd Leonhard. What does it mean to be human? And how is technology redefining the answer to that question? We’re joined by futurist Gerd Leonhard to talk about his upcoming book Technology Vs Human, and the ways in which technology, social media, Silicon Valley, and commerce are reshaping humanity all around us. Recorded 8/19/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/414-ep00301-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Heather Schlegel. We’ve hit episode 300!! And in this extra special episode we’re joined for her fifth appearance by futurist and social scientist Heather Schlegel, to dig into the way our society is changing all around us. From economics to politics… this one ended up a little heavier and more serious than we expected but a very good conversation with one of our favorite guests!! Recorded 8/16/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/413-ep00300-notes.

SPECIAL GUEST: Nikola Danaylov (Singularity Weblog). The Singularity. The point at which accelerating change really takes off. The moment when humans are no longer the smartest species on Earth. However you define it, it remains a fascinating possibility. In this episode we’re joined by Socrates himself from the Singularity Weblog and the Singularity 1-On-1 podcast to talk all things SINGULARITY. From the 7 year voyage of the Weblog to the Singularity University, from the joys of podcasting to the wonders and frustrations of AI. Recorded 8/18/2016. Find out more at https://robotoverlordz.fm/show/412-ep00299-notes.