By Fabrica Collective
The weekly podcast tells the stories of curious-minded, purposeful people, creating positive change for social good.
Our guests include creative problem-solvers, storytellers, activists and a
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The podcast currently has 266 episodes available.
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
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
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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Today, I want to discuss a concept that's been on my mind lately: what it truly means to be a reality distortion shaper. This idea was inspired by Steve Jobs' infamous "reality distortion field" - his almost mythical ability to make people believe in the impossible and, through sheer force of vision, bring ideas to life.
As I unboxed my new iPad Air and installed iOS 17, I couldn't help but reflect on how far we've come from Apple's beginnings. The evolution of Apple, and now Apple Intelligence, is another chapter in the legacy Jobs left behind—a legacy built on thinking differently, on bending reality to the will of a powerful idea.
Jobs' reality distortion field wasn't just about charisma or leadership. It was a powerful fusion of attitude and action. And it's this combination that defines what I call "reality distortion shapers." They're the ones who break new ground, challenge norms, and refuse to accept the limitations that the world presents.
And here's the thing—it wasn't just Jobs who had this ability. Throughout history, we've seen people like Elon Musk, Walt Disney, Nikola Tesla, and Oprah Winfrey exhibit this same characteristic. What they all share is a deep belief that reality can be shaped by their ideas, their attitudes, and most importantly, their actions.
This spirit of innovation is perfectly captured in Apple's "Here's to the Crazy Ones" campaign. It celebrated those who think differently—the ones who push boundaries, who disrupt the status quo, who see possibilities where others see limitations. This message resonates even more deeply today, in a world grappling with what many call a polycrisis—multiple global challenges unfolding simultaneously.
In the face of constant negativity from doom-mongers and naysayers, it's crucial to remember that each of us has the power to shape reality through our beliefs, our optimism, and our actions. We can either embrace pessimism, letting it define our future, or we can choose optimism, believing that tomorrow can be better than today.
Optimism is the fuel that accelerates this process. Without that deep-seated belief that things can change, that the impossible can be achieved, no action will ever take off. It's this combination—of vision, belief, and action—that compounds over time, creating something far greater than what we started with.
Each of us can shape reality by harnessing the interplay between our thoughts and our actions. Guests like Jon Alexander and Gavin Fernie Jones do this. The reality distortion shapers of the world aren't afraid to push boundaries and reject limitations. They don't just dream big—they act. And through those small, consistent steps, they bring their vision to life, pulling others along with them.
So, as you go through your day, ask yourself: what reality do you want to shape? What action can you take, no matter how small, that moves you closer to your vision? And most importantly, do you believe—truly believe—that you can bend reality in your favor?
If there's any truth to the idea that what we think manifests in the world around us, then it's on us—each of us—to think differently. To embrace optimism, not just for ourselves, but for the collective good. Because the future we create starts with the thoughts, feelings, and actions we put into motion today.
Remember, as Jobs and Apple have shown us time and again—those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. The truth is, you're already shaping reality.
So I ask: what reality are you shaping? And...What action can you take right now that pushes us all toward a better future?
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In this weeks episode we dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity with NY based AI creative trailblazer Tony Jones
From growing up in Ohio his creative ambitions led him to New York to work in numerous leading ad agencies where he carved out a niche at the intersection of creativity and technology.
Today, Tony is the co-founder and head instructor at Creative AI Academy, where he’s on a mission to help organizations and individuals harness the power of AI to enhance their creative processes. He also teaches AI Design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, equipping the next generation of creatives with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-augmented future.
Tony brings a unique perspective to the conversation about AI and creativity. He sees AI not as a replacement for human ingenuity but as a powerful tool that can augment and amplify our creative capabilities. He’s a strong advocate for embracing AI to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape while emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining human judgment, taste, and ethics.
This is a must listen episode for anyone interested in where AI is leading us and how to embrace the unrelenting pace of the change that is underway.
Now over to Tony.
Time Codes
00:00 Intro to Tony Jones
02:30 Who is Tony as a human
03:59 Embracing AI in Creativity
07:13 Tony's Family and Upbringing
16:34 Early Career and Move to New York
22:43 Digital Transformation in Advertising
26:34 Innovation and AI in Advertising
30:52 Founding Creative AI Academy
35:18 AI's Impact on Creativity and Industries
46:25 Challenges and Adoption of AI
57:05 Teaching AI Design at Pratt Institute
58:02 Course Structure and Student Projects
58:52 Diverse Student Backgrounds
01:00:08 Misconceptions About AI and Creativity
01:01:34 Personal Experience with AI Tools
01:02:49 Impact of AI on Creative Processes
01:04:57 Corporate Training and AI Integration
01:07:37 Patented Inventions and AI
01:10:27 AI in the Advertising Industry
01:18:01 Advice for Creatives and Ethical Considerations
01:23:54 Future of Education with AI
01:30:16 Speculations on AGI and Future Impacts
01:35:11 Serendipity and Personal Reflections
01:47:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Social Links
Tony on Linkedin
Creative Ai Academy On Linkedin
Links in the show
Creative AI Academy
Pratt AI Design Course
Andy Awards
McCann
Media Monks
Book - Future AI 2041
Podcasts - Last Week in AI
AI For humans
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Today, I'm joined by Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW).
For over three decades, Hugh has been at the helm of one of the most influential events in the world, celebrating creativity at the convergence of tech, film, music, and culture.
Hugh's journey is a fascinating one, rooted in Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant creative scene. From his early days running a local newspaper to becoming a key figure in the expansion and evolution of SXSW, Hugh's story is one of persistence, innovation, and a deep commitment to fostering creativity. In our conversation, we explore his unique upbringing with a Scottish father and American mother, the impact of Austin's cultural landscape on his development, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.
We also discuss the challenges and high points of running a globally recognized festival, the role of technology in connecting people, and the future of creativity in an increasingly AI and digitally driven world. Hugh shares his insights on the importance of community, the power of serendipitous encounters, and his vision for the future of SXSW and beyond.
If you are a creative person in any domain I am sure you will enjoy this conversation as as we uncover the human side of one of the driving forces behind one of the world's most dynamic events.
Thanks to Jennifer Hutchins for the connection
Time codes
00:00 Introduction 00:53 Meet Hugh Forest: The Man Behind SXSW
02:33 Who is Hugh? Personal Journey and Aspirations
03:45 Who or what made him Hugh?
09:54 The Evolution of SXSW
14:34 The Role of Technology in SXSW's Growth
18:18 Who is Hugh Working to Achieve?
28:27 SXSW's Community and Content Curation
32:35 Future Directions and Reflections
38:22 The Evolution of South by Southwest
38:57 Lessons in Persistence and Value Creation
40:53 Personal Growth and Organizational Leadership
42:17 Creating a Cohesive Experience
43:34 Challenges and Future Plans
46:12 Impact of COVID-19
47:14 The Importance of Human Connection
53:06 Balancing Commercial and Creative Interests
57:36 Future Directions and Personal Reflections
59:55 Personal Insights and Inspirations
01:06:20 Quickfire Questions and Recommendations
01:15:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Social Links
X
SXSW
Links in show
Testament of a furniture dealer
Books
Ministry of The Future
Cal Newport Deep Work
Show
The Greatest Night In Pop
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Last week, I sat down with Stephen Davies, a unique voice in sustainable architecture and community development. Stephen's journey from the gritty streets of Bolton and the Manchester party scene to a cycling enthusiast and socially-conscious designer in a quiet town in Cornwall was both unexpected and inspiring.
He reflected on how personal challenges and a near-death experience shaped his perspective on life and work. His approach blends philosophical musings with practical solutions to the problems of globalism by embracing a localism strategy for building sustainable food systems, communities, and building practices. Stephen is particularly passionate about hempcrete, a carbon-negative building material that he sees as a game-changer for the construction industry and local economies.
Stephen embodies the power of embracing change and is a testament to how personal transformation can drive broader social and environmental change.
I hope you enjoy this refreshing and thought-provoking take on creating resilient communities in an uncertain world. Thanks to Alex Fish for the recommendation.
00:00 Introduction
02:34 Who is Stephen as a human?
05:13 Who or What Made Him?
10:34 Education and Party Culture
14:49 Cycling and a Life-Changing Accident
18:16 Pursuing Architecture
30:10 Social Conscience and Family Dynamics
37:26 Localization and Community Building
49:49 Community Projects and Company Formation
51:27 Skills Training and Women in Construction
52:07 Innovative Use of Hempcrete
53:06 Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable Building
58:00 Funding Strategies and Community Support
01:00:20 Collaborating with Local Authorities
01:05:31 Philanthropy and Commercial Partnerships
01:11:47 Personal Reflections and Inspirations
01:23:57 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Social Links
Links in Show
Hemcrete
Cornwall
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This week the tables are turned as I’m the guest on the Funds & Founders Podcast. Hosted by Abhinav Sinha, the pod explores the untold Journeys Behind Founders Breakthroughs.
Across this broad conversation Abhi explores my view on life-long learning, building community, the differences between New York and Austin, forming Fabrica and the power of Storytelling, lessons from my failed start-up, Creating The Impossible Network, memorable interviews, the power of the network, my support system and my most transformational business experience.
What I thoughtlessly forgot to acknowledge was the importance of my partner Elaine on my journey.. so making amends; thank you now Elaine.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:51 Commitment to Lifelong Learning
02:03 Exploring the Impact of AI
04:40 Defining and Building Community
08:28 Comparing Communities: New York vs. Austin
13:13 Journey from Advertising to Founding Fabrica Collective
20:24 Challenges and Lessons from Pundit Club
29:16 Transitioning to a Service Agency
30:43 Starting The Impossible Network Podcast
31:28 Procrastination and the Birth of Fabrica
32:12 Exploring Serendipity Through Podcasting
33:20 Building a Community Around the Podcast
33:57 Random Collisions and Serendipitous Connections
35:37 Challenges and Rewards of Podcasting
48:31 Support Systems and Personal Reflections
53:16 Transformational Business Experiences
57:29 Final Thoughts and Future Questions
Social Links
The Impossible Network
YouTube
Links
Funds and Founders Podcast
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In this week's episode, I sit down with Amanda Hamilton, a renowned nutrition expert, ex-broadcaster, and founder of retreats focused on holistic well-being and women’s health.
We cover how Amanda's innate curiosity drove her to independently travel the globe, open a fasting retreat, aged 27, create a groundbreaking TV show, and ultimately redefine what it means to live a truly nourished life.
Amanda shares her pragmatic perspective on nourishing the body and mind through real, unprocessed foods, restorative sleep, movement, and most importantly - learning to listen to and trust your own body's cues over external data and trends and making small "edits" for graceful aging.
Amanda also discusses fasting, food accessibility, and her wellness reset program.
Amanda's journey is one of inspiration and innovation so whether you're seeking to optimize your well-being, navigate the overwhelming world of health information, or simply learn from a woman who has fearlessly followed her curiosity, this episode is not to be missed. Now over to Amanda.
Thanks Dr Morgaine Gaye for the connection
Time stamps
00:00 Introduction
00:55 Meet Amanda Hamilton: A Journey of Curiosity and Innovation
02:25 Amanda -Who is she as a human?
04:08 Who or What Made Her?
09:35 The Role of Travel in Shaping Perspectives
15:08 From Journalism to Nutrition: A Career Evolution
21:34 The Power of Fasting: Amanda's Breakthrough
24:27 Challenges and Successes in Broadcasting Fasting Retreats
32:07 What is Amanda Working to Achieve?
34:12 Holistic Wellbeing: Beyond Nutrition
46:42 Exploring the Complexities of Nutrition
47:48 Guiding Parents on Nutrition
48:43 Fundamentals of a Healthy Diet
50:12 The Impact of Sugar on Health
53:01 Navigating Modern Nutrition Challenges
01:01:59 The Importance of Sleep
01:07:52 Aging and Nutrition
01:15:09 The Role of Exercise
01:16:22 Programs and Future Plans
01:19:49 Dealing with Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
01:22:40 Guiding Children Towards Independence
01:24:32 Principles and Inspirations
01:26:45 Recommended Books and Life Hacks
01:30:16 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Social Links
Amanda’s website
Links in the show
Food Inc 2
Books
Fast Food Nation
The Singularity Is Nearer
Outlive
The One Thing
Show
My Octopus Teacher
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I recently interviewed Suba Vasudevan, a tech optimist and eternal learner who has made a lasting impact in the realm of trust, safety, and responsible innovation.
Growing up in Mumbai, Suba was shaped by her parents' unwavering support. Her innate curiosity led her to pursue computer engineering while also working as a journalist, exposing her to the importance of risk management and trust in technology.
Over the years, Suba has worked at renowned companies such as News Corp, KPMG, and Meta, where she has been a driving force in operationalizing strategies and promoting responsible technology practices. In our conversation, she shares her insights on the importance of education, collaboration, and embracing change in the face of rapid advancements in AI. Suba also discusses the future of work, offering valuable advice on navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Now over to Suba.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:41 Who is Suba as a human
03:26 Who or what made her?
09:31 The Intersection of Technology and Business
16:07 Understanding Trust, Safety, and Responsible Technology
19:16 Practical Examples from Meta
22:30 What she is Working to Achieve?
24:21 Embracing AI: Challenges and Opportunities
26:43 Emerging Big Tech Movements
27:34 The Importance of User Choice and Transparency
28:08 Collaborative Efforts and Regulatory Frameworks
29:13 Addressing Election Risks and Deepfakes
33:29 AI's Impact on Business Leadership
39:55 Parenting in the Age of AI
44:04 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights
49:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Social Links
X/Twitter
Links In Show
Mozilla
Book - The Checklist Manifesto
Show - The Gentleman
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The podcast currently has 266 episodes available.
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