The Adjacent Possible

Raya Bidshahri & Rohan Roberts

Raya and Rohan are co-founders of Awecademy, Intelligent Optimism and Cafe Scientifique Dubai. They are also founding members of SciFest Dubai. 

Podcast Summary

In this podcast, they talk about the meaning of STEAM education and the importance of taking a cross-curricular approaching to problem-solving. They also focus on how the Dubai Science Festival celebrates science through the arts and how exponential technologies like A.i. are redefining art and creativity

About AP
This podcast is all about probing what's possible, what's probable and what's preferable in education.  Join us as we explore how we can overhaul our current pedagogical systems, solve global grand challenges, and bring about civilization-level change. 
The focus is on the future of learning and on education to better our world. 
The Adjacent Possible Podcasts are held in partnership with AREA 2071 - an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. 

About Awecademy 
Awecademy is an online educational platform based out of Toronto, Canada, that offers future-focussed, wisdom-based education for high schools. Through an online platform and offline programs, Awecademy offers interdisciplinary modules that equip learners with the new competencies, future fluencies, and powerful values for them to have a positive impact on humanity.

Host:
Lara Matossian is the Founder and CEO of SciFest Dubai and Cheerleader-in-residence at Awecademy. She is also a trainer, MC, mime artist, storyteller, and actor in addition to playing other performing arts related roles. Lara has an eclectic portfolio featuring work in education, science and technology, culture and literature, food, and lifestyle.
She is passionate about scientific literacy, STEAM education, intelligent optimism, skepticism, and intellectual integrity and honesty. Lara is an enthusiastic popularizer of science through SciFest Dubai, its initiatives, through her storytelling and public speaking events, and as a regular guest on national radio shows. She is also the host of Café Scientifique Dubai and The Adjacent Possible podcast.

The Adjacent Possible podcast | www.adjacent-possible.com
Episode 7: Intelligent Optimism in Education
Guests: Raya Bidshahri & Rohan Roberts

Raya and Rohan are co-founders of Awecademy, Intelligent Optimism and Cafe Scientifique Dubai. They are also founding members of SciFest Dubai. 

Podcast Summary

In this podcast, Raya and Rohan talk about human progress, the role of the Intelligent Optimism movement, and evidence for the different ways in which the world is actually getting better - contrary to mainstream media. 

About AP
This podcast is all about probing what's possible, what's probable and what's preferable in education.  Join us as we explore how we can overhaul our current pedagogical systems, solve global grand challenges, and bring about civilization-level change. 
The focus is on the future of learning and on education to better our world. 
The Adjacent Possible Podcasts are held in partnership with AREA 2071 - an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. 

About Awecademy 
Awecademy is an online educational platform based out of Toronto, Canada, that offers future-focussed, wisdom-based education for high schools. Through an online platform and offline programs, Awecademy offers interdisciplinary modules that equip learners with the new competencies, future fluencies, and powerful values for them to have a positive impact on humanity.

Host:
Lara Matossian is the Founder and CEO of SciFest Dubai and Cheerleader-in-residence at Awecademy. She is also a trainer, MC, mime artist, storyteller, and actor in addition to playing other performing arts related roles. Lara has an eclectic portfolio featuring work in education, science and technology, culture and literature, food, and lifestyle.
She is passionate about scientific literacy, STEAM education, intelligent optimism, skepticism, and intellectual integrity and honesty. Lara is an enthusiastic popularizer of science through SciFest Dubai, its initiatives, through her storytelling and public speaking events, and as a regular guest on national radio shows. She is also the host of Café Scientifique Dubai and The Adjacent Possible podcast.

The Adjacent Possible podcast | www.adjacent-possible.com
Episode 9: Schools of the Future
Guest: Norm Dean

Norm Dean

Norm Dean is the Chief Education Officer at Taleem - one of the largest education providers in the Middle East

Podcast Summary
In this podcast, Norm talks about his vision for the future of education.

About AP

This podcast is all about probing what's possible, what's probable and what's preferable in education.  Join us as we explore how we can overhaul our current pedagogical systems, solve global grand challenges, and bring about civilization-level change. 

The focus is on the future of learning and on education to better our world. 

The Adjacent Possible Podcasts are held in partnership with AREA 2071 - an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. 

About Awecademy 

Awecademy is an online educational platform based out of Toronto, Canada, that offers future-focussed, wisdom-based education for high schools. Through an online platform and offline programs, Awecademy offers interdisciplinary modules that equip learners with the new competencies, future fluencies, and powerful values for them to have a positive impact on humanity.

Host:
Lara Matossian is the Founder and CEO of SciFest Dubai and Cheerleader-in-residence at Awecademy. She is also a trainer, MC, mime artist, storyteller, and actor in addition to playing other performing arts related roles. Lara has an eclectic portfolio featuring work in education, science and technology, culture and literature, food, and lifestyle.

She is passionate about scientific literacy, STEAM education, intelligent optimism, skepticism, and intellectual integrity and honesty. Lara is an enthusiastic popularizer of science through SciFest Dubai, its initiatives, through her storytelling and public speaking events, and as a regular guest on national radio shows. She is also the host of Café Scientifique Dubai and The Adjacent Possible podcast.

The Adjacent Possible podcast | www.adjacent-possible.com 
Episode 8: Scientific Literacy and Future Skills
Guest: Dr. Ken Silburn

Dr. Ken Silburn is an internationally renowned science educator and communicator based in Sydney, Australia. He is the Head Teacher Science at Casula High School in Sydney Australia, a Director of the Australian Mars Society, and founder of the iSTEM (Invigorating Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) project delivering science enrichment programs for high school science students. He is also a finalist of the $1 million Global Teacher Prize. 

Podcast Summary

In this podcast, Ken talks about the iSTEM project, his role as an educator, and the importance of science education in today’s world. 

About AP
This podcast is all about probing what's possible, what's probable and what's preferable in education.  Join us as we explore how we can overhaul our current pedagogical systems, solve global grand challenges, and bring about civilization-level change.
The focus is on the future of learning and on education to better our world.
The Adjacent Possible Podcasts are held in partnership with AREA 2071 - an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation.

About Awecademy
Awecademy is an online educational platform based out of Toronto, Canada, that offers future-focussed, wisdom-based education for high schools. Through an online platform and offline programs, Awecademy offers interdisciplinary modules that equip learners with the new competencies, future fluencies, and powerful values for them to have a positive impact on humanity.

Host:
Lara Matossian is the Founder and CEO of SciFest Dubai and Cheerleader-in-residence at Awecademy. She is also a trainer, MC, mime artist, storyteller, and actor in addition to playing other performing arts related roles. Lara has an eclectic portfolio featuring work in education, science and technology, culture and literature, food, and lifestyle.
She is passionate about scientific literacy, STEAM education, intelligent optimism, skepticism, and intellectual integrity and honesty. Lara is an enthusiastic popularizer of science through SciFest Dubai, its initiatives, through her storytelling and public speaking events, and as a regular guest on national radio shows. She is also the host of Café Scientifique Dubai and The Adjacent Possible podcast.

The Adjacent Possible podcast | www.adjacent-possible.com
Episode 6: Education and Exponential Technologies
Guest: Paul Epping

Paul is the co-founder and chairman at EQxponential. He is an alum of Singularity University and President of the Singularity University Dubai Chapter. He is also a member of the World Futurist Society.

Podcast Summary

In this podcast, Paul talks about the disruption brought about by emerging technologies and the need to prepare young minds to think exponentially and prepare for a world of accelerating change.

About AP
This podcast is all about probing what's possible, what's probable and what's preferable in education.  Join us as we explore how we can overhaul our current pedagogical systems, solve global grand challenges, and bring about civilization-level change. 
The focus is on the future of learning and on education to better our world. 
The Adjacent Possible Podcasts are held in partnership with AREA 2071 - an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. 

About Awecademy 
Awecademy is an online educational platform based out of Toronto, Canada, that offers future-focussed, wisdom-based education for high schools. Through an online platform and offline programs, Awecademy offers interdisciplinary modules that equip learners with the new competencies, future fluencies, and powerful values for them to have a positive impact on humanity.

Host:
Lara Matossian is the Founder and CEO of SciFest Dubai and Cheerleader-in-residence at Awecademy. She is also a trainer, MC, mime artist, storyteller, and actor in addition to playing other performing arts related roles. Lara has an eclectic portfolio featuring work in education, science and technology, culture and literature, food, and lifestyle.
She is passionate about scientific literacy, STEAM education, intelligent optimism, skepticism, and intellectual integrity and honesty. Lara is an enthusiastic popularizer of science through SciFest Dubai, its initiatives, through her storytelling and public speaking events, and as a regular guest on national radio shows. She is also the host of Café Scientifique Dubai and The Adjacent Possible podcast.

The Adjacent Possible podcast | www.adjacent-possible.com
Episode 5: Future of Corporate Education
Guest: Marita Mitschein

Marita is the Senior Vice President Digital Skills EMEA South & Managing Director, SAPTraining & Development Institute. She is also a member of SAP’s Global Executive Leadership Team.

Awarded the 2013 Women Leadership Award, Marita was acknowledged in the category of Business & Economic Development which is part of the prestigious Asian Leadership Awards. This award honors and recognizes the strategic role played by women, who embody the qualities of leadership to achieve the best possible results in shaping the future of the region.

Podcast Summary

In this podcast, Martia talks about the skills required to succeed in the workplace of the future, how we can close the digital skills gap, and how corporations can upgrade their professional development to keep up with trends in the workforce and education? 

About AP
This podcast is all about probing what's possible, what's probable and what's preferable in education.  Join us as we explore how we can overhaul our current pedagogical systems, solve global grand challenges, and bring about civilization-level change. 
The focus is on the future of learning and on education to better our world. 
The Adjacent Possible Podcasts are held in partnership with AREA 2071 - an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. 

About Awecademy 
Awecademy is an online educational platform based out of Toronto, Canada, that offers future-focussed, wisdom-based education for high schools. Through an online platform and offline programs, Awecademy offers interdisciplinary modules that equip learners with the new competencies, future fluencies, and powerful values for them to have a positive impact on humanity.

Host:
Lara Matossian is the Founder and CEO of SciFest Dubai and Cheerleader-in-residence at Awecademy. She is also a trainer, MC, mime artist, storyteller, and actor in addition to playing other performing arts related roles. Lara has an eclectic portfolio featuring work in education, science and technology, culture and literature, food, and lifestyle.
She is passionate about scientific literacy, STEAM education, intelligent optimism, skepticism, and intellectual integrity and honesty. Lara is an enthusiastic popularizer of science through SciFest Dubai, its initiatives, through her storytelling and public speaking events, and as a regular guest on national radio shows. She is also the host of Café Scientifique Dubai and The Adjacent Possible podcast.

The Adjacent Possible podcast | www.adjacent-possible.com
Episode 4: Wisdom-based, Purpose-Driven Education
Guest: Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi

Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi qualified as a doctor of veterinary medicine at Saint Istvan University in Budapest, Hungary. He started his work as a veterinarian in the zoo and conservation field after graduating. He moved into an administration role as a Director to oversee the Terrestrial Biodiversity and conservation activities at the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi. He is now, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the UAE and currently Acting Assistant Undersecretary, of the Food Diversity sector, at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, UAE. 

Podcast Summary

In this podcast, Dr Majid talks about the importance of taking a multidisciplinary and cross-curricular approach to learning.  He also share his vision for creating an exciting future for humanity, while at the same time, respecting nature and the environment. 

About AP
This podcast is all about probing what's possible, what's probable and what's preferable in education.  Join us as we explore how we can overhaul our current pedagogical systems, solve global grand challenges, and bring about civilization-level change. 
The focus is on the future of learning and on education to better our world. 
The Adjacent Possible Podcasts are held in partnership with AREA 2071 - an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. 

About Awecademy 
Awecademy is an online educational platform based out of Toronto, Canada, that offers future-focussed, wisdom-based education for high schools. Through an online platform and offline programs, Awecademy offers interdisciplinary modules that equip learners with the new competencies, future fluencies, and powerful values for them to have a positive impact on humanity.

Host:
Lara Matossian is the Founder and CEO of SciFest Dubai and Cheerleader-in-residence at Awecademy. She is also a trainer, MC, mime artist, storyteller, and actor in addition to playing other performing arts related roles. Lara has an eclectic portfolio featuring work in education, science and technology, culture and literature, food, and lifestyle.
She is passionate about scientific literacy, STEAM education, intelligent optimism, skepticism, and intellectual integrity and honesty. Lara is an enthusiastic popularizer of science through SciFest Dubai, its initiatives, through her storytelling and public speaking events, and as a regular guest on national radio shows. She is also the host of Café Scientifique Dubai and The Adjacent Possible podcast.

The Adjacent Possible podcast | www.adjacent-possible.com
Episode 3: 21st Century Educational Foresight
Guest: Noah Raford

Noah Raford is the Futurist-in-Chief and Chief of Global Affairs for the Dubai Future Foundation. He is responsible for identifying emerging opportunities, strategic partnerships, and future initiatives for the Government of Dubai, as well as leading the Foundation’s thought leadership and partnerships activities.

Previously, Noah was the Chief Operating Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation and Acting Executive Director of the Museum of the Future. 

Podcast Summary

In this podcast, Noah talks about a wide range of issues, including educational foresight, the future landscape of learning, the role of government in promoting innovation and impact of policy on ushering positive change. 

About AP
This podcast is all about probing what's possible, what's probable and what's preferable in education.  Join us as we explore how we can overhaul our current pedagogical systems, solve global grand challenges, and bring about civilization-level change. 
The focus is on the future of learning and on education to better our world. 
The Adjacent Possible Podcasts are held in partnership with AREA 2071 - an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. 

About Awecademy 
Awecademy is an online educational platform based out of Toronto, Canada, that offers future-focussed, wisdom-based education for high schools. Through an online platform and offline programs, Awecademy offers interdisciplinary modules that equip learners with the new competencies, future fluencies, and powerful values for them to have a positive impact on humanity.

Host:
Lara Matossian is the Founder and CEO of SciFest Dubai and Cheerleader-in-residence at Awecademy. She is also a trainer, MC, mime artist, storyteller, and actor in addition to playing other performing arts related roles. Lara has an eclectic portfolio featuring work in education, science and technology, culture and literature, food, and lifestyle.
She is passionate about scientific literacy, STEAM education, intelligent optimism, skepticism, and intellectual integrity and honesty. Lara is an enthusiastic popularizer of science through SciFest Dubai, its initiatives, through her storytelling and public speaking events, and as a regular guest on national radio shows. She is also the host of Café Scientifique Dubai and The Adjacent Possible podcast.

The Adjacent Possible podcast | www.adjacent-possible.com
Episode 2: Future of Education in Dubai
Guest: Dr. Abdulla Al Karam

Dr Abdulla Al Karam is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). He is responsible for a wide spectrum of education in Dubai’s private sector, spanning early learning, school, and higher education and training Institutes.

 Dr Abdulla has the distinction of holding key positions across the United Arab Emirates. As well as being a Board member of the National Qualifications Authority, of the UAE Federal Government, he also chairs the Dubai Council for the Future of Education.

More details: www.khda.gov.ae/en/drabdulla 

Podcast Summary

In this podcast, Dr Abdulla talks about the future of education in Dubai and how schools are working to prepare students for an increasingly uncertain future. 

About AP
This podcast is all about probing what's possible, what's probable and what's preferable in education.  Join us as we explore how we can overhaul our current pedagogical systems, solve global grand challenges, and bring about civilization-level change. 
The focus is on the future of learning and on education to better our world. 
The Adjacent Possible Podcasts are held in partnership with AREA 2071 - an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. 

About Awecademy 
Awecademy is an online educational platform based out of Toronto, Canada, that offers future-focussed, wisdom-based education for high schools. Through an online platform and offline programs, Awecademy offers interdisciplinary modules that equip learners with the new competencies, future fluencies, and powerful values for them to have a positive impact on humanity.

Host:
Lara Matossian is the Founder and CEO of SciFest Dubai and Cheerleader-in-residence at Awecademy. She is also a trainer, MC, mime artist, storyteller, and actor in addition to playing other performing arts related roles. Lara has an eclectic portfolio featuring work in education, science and technology, culture and literature, food, and lifestyle.
She is passionate about scientific literacy, STEAM education, intelligent optimism, skepticism, and intellectual integrity and honesty. Lara is an enthusiastic popularizer of science through SciFest Dubai, its initiatives, through her storytelling and public speaking events, and as a regular guest on national radio shows. She is also the host of Café Scientifique Dubai and The Adjacent Possible podcast.

The Adjacent Possible podcast | www.adjacent-possible.com
Episode 1: Education to Better Our World
Guest: Marc Prensky

Marc Prensky is an award-winning, internationally-acclaimed speaker, author, and “practical visionary” in the field of education. He is best known as the inventor and popularizer of the terms "Digital native" and "digital immigrant". He is currently the founder and Executive Director of The Global Future Education Foundation and Institute.

Marc has spoken in over 40 countries, authored seven books, and published over 100 essays; his writing has been translated into 11 languages.  

Podcast Summary

In this podcast, Marc talks about the future of education globally, why the world needs a new curriculum, and how education can better our world. 

About AP
This podcast is all about probing what's possible, what's probable and what's preferable in education.  Join us as we explore how we can overhaul our current pedagogical systems, solve global grand challenges, and bring about civilization-level change. 
The focus is on the future of learning and on education to better our world. 
The Adjacent Possible Podcasts are held in partnership with AREA 2071 - an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. 

About Awecademy 
Awecademy is an online educational platform based out of Toronto, Canada, that offers future-focussed, wisdom-based education for high schools. Through an online platform and offline programs, Awecademy offers interdisciplinary modules that equip learners with the new competencies, future fluencies, and powerful values for them to have a positive impact on humanity.

Host:
Lara Matossian is the Founder and CEO of SciFest Dubai and Cheerleader-in-residence at Awecademy. She is also a trainer, MC, mime artist, storyteller, and actor in addition to playing other performing arts related roles. Lara has an eclectic portfolio featuring work in education, science and technology, culture and literature, food, and lifestyle.
She is passionate about scientific literacy, STEAM education, intelligent optimism, skepticism, and intellectual integrity and honesty. Lara is an enthusiastic popularizer of science through SciFest Dubai, its initiatives, through her storytelling and public speaking events, and as a regular guest on national radio shows. She is also the host of Café Scientifique Dubai and The Adjacent Possible podcast.