We have entered a post-nuclear warfare period because of AI. When it comes to offensive capability, AI creates new weapons of war, with the biggest being drones. Most of us are aware of how drones are currently used on the battlefield: a lone human operator drives a drone into enemy territory for the purpose of gathering intelligence or to drop a very limited ordnance, like a single grenade, onto the enemy. Indeed, we have seen this repeatedly in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

However, military futurists are already homing in on the capability of drones to be bolstered to a staggering degree when AI is introduced into the mix. The most talked about is the ability of large groups of drones to create drone swarms. These very large groups of drones would be able to launch coordinated attacks that would overwhelm enemy defenses.

In this episode, host Mark Beckman interviews Aviv Shapira, CEO and founder of XTEND, a leading company in AI-powered autonomy and tactical drone solutions. They discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in post-nuclear warfare, focusing on the evolution of drone technology and its applications in military, public safety, and search and rescue missions. Aviv shares insights on the future of warfare, the ethical implications of AI in decision-making, and the company’s contributions to the U.S. Department of Defense.

The conversation also delves into Aviv’s entrepreneurial journey, balancing innovation with ethical considerations, and the potential global impact of autonomous systems on security and defense.

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Episode Links:
Aviv Shapira on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aviv-shapira/?originalSubdomain=il

XTEND: https://www.xtend.me/

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“For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living. He has no right to deprive future generations of a past that belongs to our collective memory. To forget would be not only dangerous, but offensive.” These are the immortal words of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. 

You are about to hear the enduring words of Aviva Siegel. Aviva was a hostage in Gaza. Aviva's husband, Keith Siegel, is still a hostage in Gaza. At six in the morning on October 7th, fifteen terrorists shot their way into Aviva and Keith's home. Aviva's primal scream reached the heavens. The terrorists shot Keith, and they broke his rib.

Soon thereafter Aviva and Keith, still in their pajamas, were forced at gunpoint to enter their own car. The kidnappers drove to Gaza where more terrorists, people with sticks, mothers, children, and even elders and babies lined the streets, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Jews from the nearby kibbutz, who were immediately forced underground, into dark tunnels, into captivity.

And since then, for more than 440 days, Keith has been trapped, numbed, beaten, starved, tortured, asphyxiated, drained, psychologically battered, and the inexhaustible list of atrocities continues.

In this episode, Aviva Siegel shares her harrowing experience of being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas. She recounts the traumatic events that began on October 7th, when terrorists invaded her home, shot her husband Keith, and took them both captives.

Aviva details the ordeal of being moved between multiple locations, subjected to brutal treatment, and the continuous fear and uncertainty they faced. She speaks about the deep love for her husband and her relentless hope for his return, as well as her belief in the power of love and humanity despite the atrocities she witnessed.

The episode also delves into her life before the kidnapping and her dedication to teaching young children. Calling for unity and compassion, Aviva voices a heartfelt plea for peace and the return of all hostages.

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Episode Links:
Bring them home now: https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/

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I had the honor of meeting Ambassador John Rakolta, Jr. this past summer in New York City. His name may not sound familiar, but John is a serious visionary who currently serves as chairman of Walbridge, a $6.5 billion construction firm based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1916, Walbridge boasts being one of America's largest contractors with deep roots tied to building automotive and manufacturing facilities. Impressively, John predicted the importance of technology in American commerce and steered Walbridge into the future.

Today, Walbridge is a leader in building electric vehicle facilities and hyperscale data centers. But here's where it gets interesting: Mr. Rakolta served as the United States Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and played a lead role in architecting the Abraham Accords between the UAE and Israel. Since then, the Middle East has been literally on fire.

On this episode, Ambassador Rakolta provides an in-depth analysis of the Middle East and shares for the first time how the Abraham Accords were established, how they have been effective, and what's next in the region. Ambassador Rakolta also shares his insights on effective leadership, his personal work ethic, and reflections on the current state and future prospects of peace in the region.

The episode concludes with thoughts on national security and the importance of bringing manufacturing back to the United States.

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Episode Links:
Amb. John Rakolta Jr.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amb-john-rakolta-jr-ret-9883507/
Walbridge: https://www.walbridge.com/people/john-rakolta-jr/

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The bravest person on the planet is Iranian. Her name is Ahoo Daryaei. Ahoo is a student who stripped to her underwear on the streets of Iran after the Iranian morality police accosted her for not wearing a hijab. There is an honorific title for this kind of Iranian woman: shirzan. Ahoo is shirzan: a lioness; a woman who protects herself, her family, friends, community, and country at all costs.

Shirzan.

Iran has many shirzans, including my guest, Nazee Moinian. Nazee was born in Iran but fled with her family for freedom. She holds a PhD in Iranian studies with a sharp understanding of the nation's rich, rich history, plus its modern-day leaders from the Shah through the Ayatollah Khomeini. Nazee currently serves as a fellow at the Middle East Institute, speaks five languages, and hosts various think tanks on this subject matter. 

Could a feminist uprising topple Iran's theocracy? Is the Iranian regime on the verge of collapsing? 

In this episode of Some Future Day, host Marc Beckman sits down with Nazee Moinian, an insightful voice on Iranian culture, history, and geopolitics. Nazee takes us on a journey through the vibrant and transformative years of 1960s and 70s Iran, recounting the country's progress under the Shah's modernization efforts and its dramatic shift following the Islamic Revolution.

Delving into her personal experiences growing up in Iran, Nazee reflects on the socio-cultural evolution of the nation, the role of women as fearless change agents, and the historic bond between Iran and Israel. The conversation explores the complexities of Iran’s current regime, its foreign policies, and the ongoing resistance led by courageous Iranian women.

With historical depth and poignant storytelling, this episode highlights the resilience of a people yearning for freedom and the potential for a brighter future. Tune in for a riveting discussion on leadership, cultural transformation, and the enduring power of hope.

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Episode Links:
Nazee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazeemahnazmoinian

Nazee on Twitter: https://x.com/nazeemoinian?lang=en

Jpost Article: https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-820947

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Here's the thing about the 101 Israeli hostages in Gaza: they were torn from their lives over 400 days ago. Here's the thing about the only two Jewish children who are currently hostages in Gaza: their parents are also hostages. Here's the thing about Ariel and Kfir Bibas' grandparents: they were both burnt to death in their home. One was a teacher with Parkinson's and the other was a painter.

The entire family lived on a kibbutz juxtaposed with Gaza and supported equal rights, freedom, liberty, and of course, legal statehood for their Palestinian neighbors. Here's the thing that we have lost from terrorism, conflict, information wars, antisemitism, falsification, and politics: our humanity. We have forgotten that the 101 hostages have first names, passions, careers, humility, love, and dreams. Ofri Bibas Levy and Yifat Zailer took the time to remind me, and now the rest of the world, about humanity lost in our very emotional conversation.

In this emotional episode, Marc welcomes Yifat Zailer and Ofri Bibas Levy to share their poignant stories and experiences over the past year. Yifat, an architect and passionate photographer, and Ofri, an occupational therapist, provide a deeply personal insight into their connections with the Bibas family and the impact of the traumatic events they endured on October 7th.

They discuss their struggles, emotions, and the changes that have reshaped their lives and identities since then. The conversation reveals the heartbreaking realities of having family members, including young children, taken hostage by terrorists, and the resulting emotional and physical toll. Both guests reflect on their resilience, hope for the future, and the significant need for global humanitarian considerations.

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Episode Links:
Bring Bibas Back on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bring.bibas.back/
Bring Bibas Back on FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554308188558

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I expected to speak with Dr. Naomi Wolf about technology's impact on our community here on planet Earth. But our discussion evolved into something much more meaningful: God, Jesus, and all living things.

Naomi Wolf was widely considered the preeminent feminist in the early ‘90s and since then has radically changed her position in the community.

In this profound episode of Some Future Day, host Marc Beckman sits down with Dr. Naomi Wolf to explore the intricate landscapes of spiritual experience, consciousness, and human connection. Through a deeply personal narrative centered around a transformative hypnotic encounter, Wolf shares her extraordinary experience of meeting Jesus and the profound insights she gained about co-creation, kindness, and the true meaning of spiritual alignment.

Whether you believe Naomi met Jesus or not, it's irrelevant. Her spiritual message of kindness gives hope and even made me reconsider my own personal religion. Naomi, thank you so much for sharing this incredible story and for joining me on this episode of Some Future Day.

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Sign up for the Some Future Day Newsletter here: https://marcbeckman.substack.com/

Episode Links:
Dr. Naomi Wolf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-naomi-wolf-324460b4/

Substack: https://naomiwolf.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomirwolf/
DailyClout: https://dailyclout.io/

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According to the United Nations website, World Children's Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day. It is celebrated on the 20th of November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.

This important conversation is about Ariel and Kfir Bibas, the only children currently in captivity. They have been hostages in Gaza for more than one year, for over 400 days. 

Now is the time for you to find your humanity. To rescue these children. To save Ariel and Kfir.

The full Some Future Day podcast conversation with Ofri Bibas Levy and Yifat Zailer will be published in the coming weeks.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:17 Describing Ariel and Kfir
03:40 Hostage Conditions Affecting Child Development
09:13 An Emotional Plea to Political Leaders

Episode Links:
Bring Bibas Back on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bring.bibas.back/

To join the conversation follow Marc here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbeckman/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarcBeckman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcbeckman/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcbeckman

Marc Beckman is a Senior Fellow of Emerging Technologies at NYU, the CEO of DMA United, and is on the New York State Bar Association's Taskforce for Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets.

Preorder Marc's new book, "Some Future Day: How AI Is Going to Change Everything": https://shorturl.at/GVTBX

Sign up for the Some Future Day Newsletter here: https://marcbeckman.substack.com/

DMA United: https://dmaunited.com/

Some Future Day is produced and edited by Make More Media: https://makemore.media/

Over the last 25 years, Jameel Spencer has held pivotal marketing roles with Jay-Z, Pharrell, Justin Timberlake, Shaquille O'Neal, and even Sean “Diddy” Combs. In fact, Jameel was president of the advertising arm of Diddy's record label, Bad Boy Entertainment. Back then Diddy asserted, “Jameel is a close personal friend, a trusted partner, and a valued member of our team; a young leader with a tremendous future in marketing and advertising.” And boy, did Jameel step up!

Today, Jameel is Chief Marketing Officer of WHP Global, a consumer brand powerhouse that generates over $7 Billion in sales. Jameel leads creative marketing, celebrity talent development, and diversity and inclusion efforts across the entire brand portfolio, including Anne Klein, Toys “R” Us, Express, Bonobos, and Rag & Bone.

On this episode of Some Future Day, Marc Beckman sits down with the dynamic Jameel Spencer, a cultural visionary, brand marketing expert, and lifelong advocate for authenticity and purpose. Together, they explore Jameel’s groundbreaking journey, from leading Blue Flame Marketing alongside Sean “Diddy” Combs to shaping the intersection of culture, business, and social impact.

Jameel also opens up about personal responsibility, the importance of integrity, and how brands can make an emotional impact while doing good. From championing inclusivity at Ann Klein to empowering future generations, Jameel shares his unique perspective on using culture as a force for positive transformation.

This episode is packed with inspiring anecdotes, powerful lessons, and a thought-provoking vision for a better future where culture leads the way. Tune in for an engaging dialogue that bridges the worlds of marketing, art, and humanity.

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Episode Links:
Jameel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameel-spencer-145790166?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Writeful Place LLC: https://writefulplace.com/

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The hot pepper business is en fuego! While total market size in the United States stood at about $1.28 billion in 2022, predictably, it will continue to grow as the chili pepper has become an American kitchen staple. Although multinational corporations like the Kraft Heinz Company, McCormick, Campbell, and Unilever lead the way, the next tier of privately held businesses are catching up, fueled by innovation, trends, and leaning into the diversification of American cultural taste demands.

Enter Smokin' Ed Currie, the most famous pepper breeder on the planet. In fact, Ed's farm grows more than 100,000 pepper plants annually. A modern day Gregor Mendel, this three-time Guinness Book World of Records holder has created the world's hottest chilis: the Carolina Reaper, and the current hottie of hotties, Pepper X.

In this episode, Marc speaks with Ed Currie, founder and president of the Pucker Butt Pepper Company. Ed shares his journey from learning about plants from his mother to becoming an innovator in the pepper farming industry. During the discussion, Ed reveals insights into his sustainable farming practices, the scientific methods he uses to create super hot peppers, and his record-breaking pepper, Pepper X.

He also touches on the health benefits of capsaicin, the impact of hurricanes on his farm, and the growth of hot sauce popularity in the U.S. Ed's personal stories, including the adoption of his children and living in a Frank Lloyd Wright home, add a heartfelt dimension to the conversation. The episode concludes with Ed's vision for the future of his company in advancing medical research.

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Episode Links:
Ed Currie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edcurrie1/
Pucker Butt Pepper Company: https://puckerbuttpeppercompany.com/

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Election Day. Alexander Hamilton recognized the potential harm to the minority's rights when he stated, "Democracy is like two wolves and a lamb voting on what to eat for lunch, but a republic is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." The electoral college remains an important aspect of the American republic as it was instituted to protect the minority and ensure that everyone's opinion could be heard.
 

In this episode of Some Future Day, Dinesh D'Souza shares his detailed personal story, starting with his immigration from Mumbai, India, at 17 through a Rotary Club exchange program. He discusses his unique experiences living in a small Arizona town, his shift in career direction influenced by Reaganism, his time at the Reagan White House, and his evolution into a prolific author and documentary filmmaker. D'Souza delves into topics such as election fraud, the disruptive potential of technology like AI and blockchain, and Trump’s influence and character. The episode concludes with Dinesh's thoughts on free speech, political polarization, and the possibility of restoring respectful intellectual debates in the future.

Key Topics:

• Dinesh's immigration story and background
• Working in the Reagan administration
• Dinesh's prolific career as an author
• Pivoting to filmmaking (he made 3 of the top 10 political documentaries)
• How Dinesh secures and structures the financing of his films
• The ins and outs of movie distribution for political docs
• The demographics that political docs appeal to (a small %)
• Tech and AI's possible effects on politics, filmmaking, etc.
• The difference between election fraud and voter fraud
• How easy it would be to hypothetically commit election fraud
• Why did Dinesh want to make Vindicating Trump?
• The difference between Trump in public and Trump in private
• Why Dinesh defends Trump in the film and book
• The effects of anti-Trump rhetoric on Americans and their political views
• The future of election security

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Episode Links:
Dinesh D'Souza: https://dineshdsouza.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8GAOCAJxBL4bExaUCvwL4Q
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSouzaDinesh

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