In this 2018 conversation, Sim & Jack delve into the journey of self-discovery, breaking stereotypes, and embracing one's true self from the battlefield, to the kitchen, and in a bed.

Jack Vidra is a multifaceted human with a past in the military, as a gourmet chef, and as a porn actor.

• Jack's early aspirations and journey into the medical field.
• The transition from a conservative upbringing to joining the Marines.
• The challenges of being gay in the military during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era.
• Jack's post-military life and the search for identity.
• The inception of 'dinner club' and the eventual realization of his culinary passion.
• The importance of embracing one's sexuality and breaking free from the circle of shame.
• Insights into the world of adult entertainment and the behind-the-scenes challenges.

In this 2019 conversation, 4 years before LLMs gained mainstream popularity, Sim dives deep into the world of tech critique and the ego of metrics with Ben Grosser, an artist and scholar whose work focuses on the cultural, social, and political effects of software. They discuss the nuances of critiquing technology, the role of art in this domain, and how software shapes user behavior and vice versa.

Ben Grosser creates interactive experiences, machines, and systems that examine the cultural, social, and political implications of software. His works have been featured in The New Yorker, Wired, The Atlantic, and many other publications. Ben is also an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

• Ben shares insights into the world of tech critique and the importance of understanding the implications of software on society.
• The conversation touches upon the role of art in critiquing technology and how it can offer unique perspectives.
• They discuss the challenges and rewards of creating art that critiques tech, and how such art can lead to broader discussions and reflections.
• Ben also mentions his experiences as an educator and the importance of fostering critical thinking in students.

In this 2018 conversation, Sim delves into the world of podcasting with Jake Shapiro, co-founder of RadioPublic and Podfund, and a pioneer in the podcasting industry. They discuss the evolution of podcasting, the role of creators, and the future of the medium.

Jake Shapiro is a leading figure in the podcasting industry, having co-founded both RadioPublic and Podfund. With a passion for empowering creators and a vision for the future of podcasting, Jake has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of the medium.

• Jake shares his insights into the evolution of podcasting, from its early days to its current status as a mainstream medium.
• He discusses the role of creators in the podcasting industry, and how they can leverage their unique voices to connect with audiences.
• The conversation explores the future of podcasting, with Jake offering his predictions on where the medium is headed.

• Jake on LinkedIn
• RadioPublic
• Podfund

In this 2018 chat, Sim dives into the world of Pixar with Danielle Feinberg, Director of Photography for Lighting at Pixar Animation Studios. They discuss the magic of storytelling through animation, the intersection of art and technology, and the challenges and triumphs of bringing beloved Pixar characters to life.

Danielle Feinberg, an acclaimed Director of Photography for Lighting at Pixar Animation Studios, has been a part of the Pixar family for over two decades. She has contributed her expertise to some of Pixar's most iconic films, including “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles,” and “Coco.” Danielle is passionate about inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.)

• Danielle shares her journey at Pixar, from her early days to her role as Director of Photography for Lighting.
• She discusses the intricate process of lighting in animation, and how it contributes to the storytelling and emotional impact of a film.
• Danielle talks about the challenges of blending art and technology, and the joy of seeing a character come to life on the big screen.
• She also shares her passion for inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEAM, and her work in this area.

In this episode (recorded in 2018) Sim dives into the realm of conversational AI with Cathy Pearl, the author of Designing Voice User Interfaces and the Head of Conversation Design Outreach at Google. They touch on the humor and satire inherent in creating conversational AI, the evolution of voice technology, and its impact on our daily lives.

Cathy Pearl is an expert in conversation design and voice user interface (VUI) design. She is the author of Designing Voice User Interfaces, and currently serves as the Head of Conversation Design Outreach at Google. She has been involved in the conversation design space for over a decade, with a focus on creating more human-centered and empathetic AI experiences.

• Cathy discusses the evolution of voice technology and how it has made technology more accessible to a wider audience.
• She shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of creating conversational AI that can understand and respond to human needs.
• The conversation delves into the humorous aspects of conversational AI, including unintentionally hilarious responses and the inherent absurdity of talking to a machine.
• Cathy also discusses the future of conversational AI and the possibilities it holds, such as providing companionship and reducing loneliness.

In this episode (recorded in 2018,) Sim has a deep and engaging conversation with David Pasquesi, known for his work at The Second City, Tj&Dave, and appearances in movies like Groundhog Day and TV shows like VEEP (HBO). They discuss focus, improvisation, exploring life story moment by moment, comedy, and observing reality. David shares his journey into improvisation, his experiences working with Del Close, and the evolution of improvisation over the years.

David Pasquesi is a renowned actor and improviser. He's known for his work at The Second City, Tj&Dave, and his roles in movies like Groundhog Day and TV shows like VEEP (HBO). He recently played Mr. Immortal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. More about Dave can be found on davidpasquesi.com.

• David's journey into improvisation was unplanned and began when he took an improv class in college.
• He shares his experiences working with Del Close and being part of the group that developed The Harold, a long-form improvisation structure.
• David discusses the evolution of improvisation over the years and how it has gained recognition as a form of art and entertainment.
• He emphasizes the importance of being in the moment and paying attention to the other person in improvisation.
• David also discusses his improv show with TJ Jagodowski, Tj&Dave, and how their ability to communicate clearly from the beginning has contributed to the show's success.

Coding, arts, Cards Against Humanity, software, creativity, and self-imposed restraints. Scott is a web developer and co-creator (with Naz Hamid) of Vapid, an intentionally simple content management system to create websites.

Get more on https://www.simone.org.

Comedy. teaching, Drunk Jcrew, empowering others, and having fun.

Jen Ellison is an actor, writer, director, and professor focusing on comedy and theatre. She performed and directed at ComedySportz, Collaboraction, The Neo-Futurists, and The Second City—the legendary improv theater where Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Key and Peele, and Stephen Colbert first learned how to be be funny on stage. As a professor, she is the former lead of an Ethics in Gaming class, analyzing how we, as players, can become somebody else, living through another point of view, experience empahty, and how videogames and cinema are powerful tools of storytelling and human connection. Jen also mentors students on how to become funnier at Columbia College Chicago by teaching comedy classes in the Comedy Studies program. You can check out her work both on stage, and throuhg "Drunk JCrew", a parody of Jcrew's adversiting shots.

Get more on https://www.simone.org.

Radio, curiosity, podcasting, health, and becoming smarter.

Cody Gough is a radio host, producer, and audio editor. For over a decade he worked as a producer and content creator with WGN Radio, GonnaGeek Network, and Curiosity.com. Mr. Gough's skills help shows to take shape and become even more successful while he works with hosts like Spike O'Dell, Brian Noonan, Nick Digilio, Steve King and Johnnie Putnam, Milt Rosenberg, and Pete McMurray. He hosts the award-winning, daily curiosity.com podcast and Game/Life Balance U.S., a lifestyle show.

Get more on https://www.simone.org.

First-ever review of Space Channel 5 VR in May 2018, the day before the official opening of VRLA.

Okamura-san is the CEO of Grounding, an independent video-game company based in Japan and currently developing the virtual reality sequel to one of SEGA's most successful and bizarre games ever: Space Channel 5, a visionary music game first released in the late 90s where Ulala, a space news reporter in the 25th century, saves humanity by defeating evil aliens through dance moves and singing, sometimes even helped by Michael Jackson as Space Michael. As one of the few executive women and entrepreneurs in a male-dominated videogames industry, before founding her own company Okamura-san worked on many legendary SEGA games and developers like Tetsuya Mizuguchi's REZ, a musical shooter inspired by Kandinskji's work as a painter.

Get more on https://www.simone.org.