The Impossible Network

Tamar Kasriel is a futurist and author of Could: The Smart Thinking Handbook for When Nothing Is Certain.

In this conversation, Tamar traces her unconventional path, from studying history at Oxford to teaching English in rural Japan to advising some of the world's biggest brands on what's coming next. Along the way, she explains why the skills she learned studying historiography (the study of how history is written) are surprisingly useful in an age of disinformation, and why the goal of futures work isn't prediction. It's readiness.

We explore why multiple truths can coexist, why pessimism has no predictive advantage, and why agency, not certainty, is what leaders actually need right now.

This is Part One of two conversations. In Part Two, we'll dive deeper into the ideas in Tamar's book.

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction

02:00 From Oxford to Japan: An unplanned path

08:00 Why multiple truths can coexist

13:00 Retail as "the sharp end of consumption"

21:00 Selfridges: From icon to cautionary tale

28:00 "It's not about being right, it's about being ready"

37:00 How scenario planning saved supermarkets in COVID

44:00 Herman Kahn and the origins of scenario planning

47:00 Why the book is called "Could"

50:00 "Pessimism has no predictive advantage"

55:00 Agency comes with accountability

Socials

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarkasriel/

Website https://www.tamarkasriel.com/

Links

Could: The Smart Thinking Handbook for When Nothing Is Certain.

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I hope this is a thought-provoking episode. In it I explore why economic inequality persists despite overwhelming evidence of its damaging effects. I reference economist Gary Stevenson's stark assessment of wealth concentration and connect it with Jon Alexander's work on the narratives that shape our society. The episode delves into how our collective stories; from being "subjects" to being "consumers" have blinded us to systemic issues and blocked meaningful change. I share Jon's work on the emerging "Citizen Story" as an alternative framework that could transform how we address inequality through collaboration, agency, and shared responsibility. This episode may challenges you to reconsider the stories you live by and their power to reshape your economic future.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

00:52 The Problem of Economic Inequality

00:55 Gary Stevenson's Insights

02:15 The Consumer Story

05:11 The Citizen Story

06:04 Practical Steps Towards Change

08:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/markfallows

https://linkedin.com/in/markfallows

LINKS 

Citizens Jon Alexander

Gary Stevenson The Trading Game 

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Today, I'm joined by Chad Grills, an entrepreneur, veteran, and visionary who's on a mission to reimagine how capital flows to startups.

In our conversation, Chad shares his fascinating journey from small-town Maryland to military service in Iraq and Egypt, to becoming a writer and entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. Now based in Texas, Chad is the founder of National Capital League, a startup developing a game designed to help people make or raise money in alignment with their values.

As a father of five, Chad offers thought-provoking perspectives on education, raising children in today's digital world, and the importance of outdoor play. We discuss the challenges facing young men in society, the shifting economic landscape, and how courage might be our most needed and contagious virtue.

As usual I  ask the three fundamental questions at the heart of The Impossible Network: Who are you as a human being? What made you the human you are? And what are you working to achieve?

This is a conversation about faith, entrepreneurship, and creating a future where capital flows to those embodying virtue. Let's dive in with Chad Grills.

Time stamps 

00:00 Introduction to Chad Grills

01:39 Chad's Early Life and Values

08:01 Parenting and Education in the Digital Age

10:45 The Impact of AI on Society

13:07 Chad's Professional Journey

21:01 Challenges Facing Young Men

23:45 Geopolitical and Economic Observations

30:03 Transitioning from Silicon Valley to New Beginnings

30:25 Introducing National Capital League

31:09 The Concept of Private Markets

32:55 Building a Game for Entrepreneurs

35:16 Challenges in Entrepreneurship

38:30 Virtue and Capital Flow

45:27 Guiding the Next Generation

47:57 Inspirations and Legacy

51:29 Documentaries and UAPs

54:56 Final Thoughts and Next Interview

Social Links 

Linkedin

Links In The Show 

Age of Disclosure 

The Fourth Turning

Only The paranoid Survive

The Man Who Solved the Market

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Two weeks ago at SXSW in Austin, I reconnected with previsous guest, Israa Nasir, therapist, clinical strategist, and author of "Toxic Productivity,” During our short conversation Israa explains the mindset that compels us to chase relentless achievement, often as a means to cope with challenging emotions such as guilt, shame, and feeling left behind.

Israa shares her personal journey and why she wrote her book. She looks at how society's views on productivity impact our work, relationships, parenting, and self-image. We also discuss the emotional side of productivity advice. It is important to recognize our core values to achieve healthy productivity.

We also cover the impact of AI on the future of work, mental health, and leadership. Israa highlights both the risks and opportunities that AI presents, stressing the need for thoughtful guardrails and intentional use to enhance, rather than diminish, human value and connection.

Whether you're grappling with burnout, feeling pressured to constantly perform, or curious about navigating productivity in the age of AI, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical advice. Enjoy the episode.

Social Links 

Instagram Well.guide 

Israa’s Linkedin 

Links In the Show

Toxic Productivity

HBR article on Toxic productivity 

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Reconnection

01:28 Discussing Toxic Productivity

02:25 Personal Journey and Book Genesis

03:16 Impact on Relationships and Society

06:20 AI and the Future of Work

15:11 AI in Mental Health: Risks and Benefits

15:56 Regulatory Challenges in AI Adoption

16:49 Disparities in AI Adoption Among Clinicians

18:30 Personal Reflections on Productivity

20:04 Where to Find the Book

20:48 Future Plans and Career Aspirations

21:24 Speaking Engagements and Workshops

23:21 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Productivity

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In this episode, I explore the concept of the "AI flywheel" - the accelerating momentum of artificial intelligence development that's either carrying us forward or leaving us behind. As we approach the critical juncture of Artificial General Intelligence we need to understand what makes us uniquely human, something I discussed with recent guest, Dom Heinrich. 

Key Points

• The Accelerating Pace: Recent releases from Anthropic (Claude 3.7 Sonnet), OpenAI (GPT-4.5), Google (Gemini), and Grok demonstrate how each breakthrough contributes to faster development.
• Choosing Your Tools: Mark uses different AI models for specific purposes - Claude for creative work, Gemini for Google's ecosystem, and Grok for Twitter-based insights.
• Human Uniqueness: As AI handles analytical tasks with ease, our distinct value may lie in emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and wisdom from lived experience.
• Finding Balance: Technology should be used thoughtfully. AI might help us become more human by handling routine tasks, freeing us to focus on relationships, creativity, and empathy.

"As controllers of technology, we must balance technological connection with disconnection, have the discipline to lose ourselves in our unconscious minds, and have the focus to listen to our souls."

I invites listeners to share how they're navigating the AI flywheel and what human qualities they believe will become more valuable as AI advances.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 

00:08 The AI Flywheel Concept

00:38 Recent AI Developments

01:49 Choosing the Right AI Tool

02:49 Human Qualities in the Age of AI

03:43 Balancing Technology and Humanity

04:33 Engaging with AI Technology

05:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

Linkedin

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In this follow-up conversation, Julia Black, a former TV producer turned education innovator, shares insights from her groundbreaking Lights On framework and her book 'Lights On Learning: A Parent's Blueprint for Happy, Fulfilled, Curious Kids.' Julia describes how her framework challenges traditional education paradigms by focusing on internal learning processes and parental involvement to treat disengagement as an opportunity for growth. She discusses the six learning signatures and provides real-life examples, including a case study of a six-year-old, demonstrating transformative changes. The discussion also touches on the relevance of her approach in the age of AI, emphasizing the importance of creativity and problem-solving. Additionally, Julia talks about her upcoming audiobook and collaborative projects aimed at building a community of curious, fulfilled learners.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 

01:25 Julia's Journey and Book Release

01:55 Understanding the Lights On Approach

05:28 Parental Role in Education

10:06 Real-Life Success Stories

18:35 Empowering Parents and Teachers

32:12 Future Projects and Conclusion

Social Links 

Explorium 

Facebook 

Instagram 

Links 

Lights On Learning Book

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My guest this week is Dominik Heinrich, a visionary working at the intersection of design, AI technology, and human experience. As the co-founder of the Creative AI Academy, faculty member at Pratt Institute, and Head of Global Design at Coca-Cola Company, Dom brings a unique perspective on how AI is reshaping creativity and innovation.

Dom's journey is fascinating—from his childhood in Germany drawing maps that would foreshadow his future global agency network, to driving innovation at McCann and MRM in NYC, to forming the Creative AI Academy. He has become a highly respected, influential voice in AI and design.

What I loved about this conversation, was how Dom emphasized the importance of remaining curious, authentic, and most importantly, human in an increasingly AI-driven world.

We explore everything from his early days as an entrepreneur and agency owner to his current mission of helping organizations and individuals navigate the transformation that AI brings to creative work. 

What emerges is not just a discussion about technology but a deeper reflection on how we can become better humans in an AI-enhanced future.

Now over to Dom. 

Time stamps 

00:00 Introduction 

00:50 Meet Dominic Heinrich: A Visionary in AI and Design

02:20 The Human Side of AI: Dom's Personal Journey

03:54 Early Influences and Career Beginnings

11:07 From Germany to New York: A Career Evolution

13:20 Pioneering AI in Creativity and Design

19:30 The Intersection of Roles: Coca-Cola, Creative AI Academy, and Pratt

23:25 The Future of Creative Agencies in an AI-Driven World

26:57 The Future of Agencies and Creativity

27:41 AI Mind Shift and Critical Thinking

28:22 Challenges in Creativity and Education

33:31 The Role of AI in Human Behavior

36:20 Preparing for a Rapidly Changing Future

42:02 Personal Insights and Reflections

42:07 Thoughts on AGI and Future Technologies

44:49 Principles and Inspirations

47:54 Managing Fears and Uncertainties

51:22 Book Recommendations and Networking

52:43 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Social Links 

Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/domheinrich

Creative AI Academy 

Links in the Show

Book 

AI 2041

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Amy Gubser 

Amy Gubser, is an extraordinary 56-year-old grandmother who this year became the first person ever to complete an unassisted swim from the Golden Gate Bridge in SF to the Farallon Islands - a 30-mile stretch of cold, shark-infested waters off the California coast. Moreover, what makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Amy only started her marathon swimming journey aged 46.

Throughout a fascinating conversation, Amy describes her path from early morning swims in San Francisco Bay through increasingly arduous challenges, including consequently crossing the treacherous North Channel between Ireland and Scotland. Furthermore, Amy shares her insights into the physical and mental preparation required for ultra-marathon swimming, from nutrition strategies to managing the understandable fear of great white sharks and jellyfish swarms.

In addition to her swimming achievements, Amy discusses how her work as a nurse has informed her mental toughness, the importance of breaking age-related stereotypes, and as a result, her mission to inspire others - especially women - to pursue ambitious goals at any age.

With upcoming swims planned for Scotland's deep and mysterious Loch Ness, therefore Amy is proof that human potential knows no bounds when matched with determination, careful preparation, and above all her simple mantra: 'I can do hard things.'

Amy's story is an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to pursue extraordinary achievements. Note to self! Now over to Amy.

 Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

03:10 Who is Amy as a Human?

05:35 Childhood and Family Background

10:48 Early Swimming and Lifeguarding

14:26 Nursing Career and Mental Toughness

26:12 Rediscovering Swimming

33:24 First Marathon Swim: Gibraltar Straits

35:59 Conquering Lake Tahoe

37:20 The North Channel Challenge

39:24 Molokai to Oahu Swim

39:56 Local Swims and Challenges

40:47 The Alcatraz Swim

42:15 Manhattan Island Swim

45:23 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies

53:18 Facing the Farallon Islands

55:34 Shark and Jellyfish Encounters

01:01:32 Mental and Physical Endurance

01:06:24 Inspiration and Future Goals

01:11:11 Advice for Aspiring Swimmers

01:18:04 Final Thoughts and Inspirations

 Social posts 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amygubser92?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Links in show 

Books:

"The Devil's Teeth" (Book about the Farallon Islands mentioned as inspiration)

- "Tough Broads" by Caroline Paul (Recent book Amy highly recommends)

- Young Woman in the Sea (About Trudy Ederle, first woman to swim the English Channel)

Films/Media:

 Documentary about Mercedes Gleitze 

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In this episode of the Impossible Network, Mark interviews Noam, a pioneering psychotherapist and co-founder of VidaVii. Noam's captivating journey from his upbringing on a kibbutz near the Gaza border to establishing a wellness technology hub in London is explored in depth. The conversation touches on communal living, military service, corporate culture, and the importance of authenticity. Noam shares insights on navigating childhood and parenting in different eras, the impact of social media on mental health, and the potential future challenges for children growing up in isolated environments. Noam also highlights the integration of body-centered psychotherapy, the concept of 'befriending vulnerability,' and innovative wellness treatments like cryotherapy and breathwork. Mark and Noam discuss the shift from symptomatic treatment to preventative health through biohacking, AI-driven health suggestions, and the significance of a balanced approach to life following the 80/20 rule. Noam also shares his personal stories of emotional resilience, and the harrowing yet inspiring account of Noam's mother's kidnapping and release by Hamas, and his hope for peace amidst global conflicts.

TimeCodes

00:00 Introduction 

01:14 Who is Noam as a human?

04:26 The Kibbutz Experience

08:10 Reflections on Childhood and Group Dynamics

21:06 Transition to Adulthood and Military Service

22:12 Career Shift to Psychotherapy

35:48 Founding VidaVi1: A Wellness Tech Venture

48:02 Innovative Health Solutions for Everyone

49:04 The Power of Cryotherapy: Real-Life Stories

50:06 Bringing Nature's Best to Urban Centers

50:41 The Science Behind Dry Cryotherapy

53:00 Personalized Health and Wellness

01:07:20 The Future of Health: AI and Technology

01:17:45 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

01:27:24 A Personal Story of Resilience and Hope

01:42:47 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Social Links 

Vidavii

Linkedin 

Links in the show

Cure" (or "Cured") by Dr. Jeff Rediger - specifically recommended by Noam for understanding medicine and wellness

Outlive" by Peter Attia - mentioned in discussion but not specifically recommended

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Welcome back to the start of Season 6 of The Impossible Network. 

Today’s guest is Denzil Monk, a filmmaker, social entrepreneur, and accidental academic. Denzil is dedicated to reshaping the narrative for his home region of Cornwall, England, advocating for a more inclusive and regenerative approach to media, culture, and the economy. From advocating for Cornish public service media

Impactful film productions to pioneering the ideas like Man Engine, the largest performing mechanical puppet ever created in Britain, Denzil’s work is rooted in a deep sense of place, purpose, and the power of storytelling. In this episode, we explore his journey, his thoughts on the need to rethink capitalism, and the impact local communities can have on the global stage. 

Thanks to Stephen Davies for the connection.

Now over to Denzil. 

Time stamps 

01:21 Who is Denzil?  

07:15 The Impact of the 1980s on Denzil's Worldview

08:42 Cornish Identity and the Mining Heritage

09:51 The Global Connection and Local Responsibility

12:59 Denzil's Journey into Social Entrepreneurship

22:32 Advocating for Cornish Public Service Media

30:45 Reimagining Economic Systems and Local Empowerment

47:53 The Role of Storytelling in Social Change

50:31 The Power of Connections

51:10 Journey into Academia

54:12 Creating Bocena Productions

56:03 Sustainable Filmmaking

01:08:51 The Man Engine Project

01:19:56 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

01:22:23 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

01:23:37 Quick Fire Questions

01:32:40 Final Thoughts 

Social Media 

Denzil’s Website 

Bosena

LinkedIn

Instagram

Show Links 

Books 

“The Dawn of Everything” by David Graeber and David Wengrow

“Donut Economics” by Kate Raworth

Films and Documentaries:

“The Corporation”

“Manufacturing Consent” by Noam Chomsky

“Dreams” by Akira Kurosawa

“Memoria” by Apichatpong Weerasethakul

“Kneecap”

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