The Impossible Network

My guest this week is Jon Alexander, the author of "CITIZENS: Why the Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us," and the co-founder of the New Citizenship Project; a strategy and innovation consultancy with a mission to catalyze a shift to a more participatory, citizen-led society and driven by a belief that, given the right opportunity, people can and will shape the things that matter to them for the better.

Jon began his career in advertising, working at agencies including BBDO and Fallon, making ads for some of the world's biggest brands. However, Jon became disillusioned with the industry and realized he was caught up in a story he didn't believe in: the consumer story.

Through his book and his organization, Jon advocates for a new way of thinking, shifting the dominant story of the individual in society from consumer to citizen; reframing the moment in which we're living as a time of huge civic opportunity, emphasizing the world of possibility for countries, cities, organizations if they embrace the Citizen Story

Jon’s book may be the most important book I’ve read in years and I am convinced the story shift he’s advocating and fighting for will be pivotal if we are to overcome the meta-crisis we are facing as humans and as a planet. 

Now over to Jon

Social

Linkedin 

Twitter

NCP Twitter 

What we discuss 

00:00 Intro 

02:30 Who is Jon?

06:30 Who or what made Jon?

13:45 What Jon is working to achieve with Citizens Story

16:30 The subject story

17:40 Jon’s role 

20:00 Examples of the Citizen story is emerging

28:28 Discoverability of initiatives

30:35 Three key phases - naming, connecting and illustrating 

33:30 The Taiwan example 

36:30 The Steps people can take 

40:00 Other examples of Citizen story emerging 

42:30 The Tower Analogy

43:55 The Citizen Index 

48:30 Spreading the message

49:30 Growth and the Citizen story 

53:00 How to Market differently and consider growth

56:45 Growing Citizen agency

1:00:20 The 3 P’s - Purpose, Platform, Prototype

1:02:30 Jon on AI 

1:04:30 Designing AI from within the Citixen story

1:08:30 Citizen story in the USA

1:13:00 Cooperatives role 

1:15:00 Emergence of Citizen story 

Links in the show

Citizens Book

New Citizen Project 

PFG Doncaster 

Berkana Institute 

Citizen University 

How to Citizen 

Marshall McLuhan

Sand Talk

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This week, I have the pleasure of revisiting my 2021 interview with the talented filmmaker Sav Rodgers as he unveils his latest documentary, "Chasing Chasing Amy," at the esteemed Tribeca Film Festival. Sav's work is not merely a coming-of-age narrative, but it also offers an introspective journey of his process of reconciling with his identity. He unpacks how the 1990s rom-com "Chasing Amy," directed by Kevin Smith and featuring Ben Affleck, served as a catalyst for Sav to embrace his pansexuality authentically. The film also critically examines the contentious reputation of "Chasing Amy" within the LGBTQ+ community. With compelling interviews including Kevin Smith himself, the documentary stands as a testament to Sav's resilience in the face of prejudice and intolerance, his robust character, and his unwavering spirit of survival. It also showcases how serendipity can unveil promising opportunities.

Given that it's Pride Month, the timing for this interview couldn't be more apt.

Parents of children who identify as gender fluid, nonbinary, or genderqueer will find Sav’s interview to be of particular importance.

Sav is an acclaimed writer and director, who is nearing the end of post-production on his inaugural feature, "Chasing Chasing Amy". This documentary elucidates how "Chasing Amy," with its portrayal of fluid sexuality, empowered Sav to live his life authentically as a pansexual, resonating with the movie's tagline, "It’s Not who you love, but how."

Following his impactful TED talk in 2017, where Sav delved into the influence of "Chasing Amy," he tweeted about his experience, catching the attention of Kevin Smith. This interaction blossomed into a collaboration on "Chasing Chasing Amy."

During our discussion, Sav and I explored the persisting challenges in media, specifically the limited representation of trans people in shows and films. We reflected on the role media plays in reinforcing LGBTQ+ biases and the pressing need for reformation in the way sexuality is represented in education.

Sav's life journey serves as a beacon for creating the life you aspire to live and showcases how chance encounters can lead to tremendous opportunities.

Sav has profoundly broadened my understanding of sexuality and has sparked in me a desire to learn more. I hope his infectious optimism and vibrant energy resonate with you as you listen to the inspiring story of Sav Rodgers.

Thanks to Yana Buhrer Tavanier for the recommendation

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This week, I share a reflection. At JFK, using Descript's AI for an overdub of my voice, I embark on a journey of farewell to my beloved Mother.

Her life stretched across 92 cherished years. Although gone, her wisdom resonates within me. Her passing starkly reveals time's relentless march, and how quickly life's sands slip away.

Roman philosopher Seneca wisely noted that life is not short, but often wasted. As I mourn, I'll pause, reflecting on my past and considering my future.

Tim Urban, in "The Tail End," eloquently highlighted the fleeting time we have with our parents. Now, I must reassess my remaining, unknowable time.

Seventeenth-century preacher Jonathan Edwards urged his congregation to spend time wisely, creating meaningful actions. This timeless wisdom, regardless of faith, reminds us to chase purposeful endeavors, because once time has passed, it cannot be regained.

Psychologist Philip Zimbardo proposed an Optimal Temporal Mix, combining a positive past view, future-oriented goals, and a joyful present perspective. This mental agility to shift views is crucial to success.

Throughout my advertising career, I worked with talented colleagues and clients. However, it lacked social purpose and meaning. Since being let go from McCann NYC 10 years ago, I've aimed to create more value through my work, network, and podcast.

These podcast stories comfort me, showcasing individuals embracing their life's moments, upholding their values, and effecting positive change. They are ordinary people leading extraordinary lives. Their impact has prompted me to reassess my time's application and focus more intentionally on the future.

As I seek a meaningful life, my mother's words, learnt as a young girl during wartime Britain, ring true, quoting Shakespeare: ‘This above all: to thine own self be true... Thou canst not then be false to any man.’

Goodbye, Mum. Rest in peace.

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This week in light of the ongoing debates and discussion over the impact of Generative AI on work, society, and humanity I am publishing a re-edit of an interview from 2019 with John C Havens, the Executive Director of The IEEE Global Initiative on AI Ethics and their Sustainability Practice Lead 

John is a highly respected thought leader on artificial intelligence and ethics and the author of Heartificial Intelligence and Hacking Happiness. Long before AI entered our mainstream discourse John was working on the big ethical questions around AI. 

Although recorded in 2019 the issues we discuss are more pertinent today than they were then, including the negative externalities of technology; what we define as metrics of success for AI; the limits of exponential growth and innovation; finding a more human alternative to GDP; prioritizing human and ecological wellbeing; personal data monetization, control, and privacy; changing economic paradigm in the purpose-driven world; and John’s vision for a more sustainable future society.

Now over to John

What We Discuss

00:00 Intro 

01:14 John’s serendipitous journey becoming an expert in AI Ethics

06:00 John’s perspective on AI and Robots and metrics of success 

08:30 Challenge of exponential growth

11:10 Moore’s Law impact on society 

16:00 Value of our personal data  

18:40 Creating our personal terms and conditions for data exchange 

25:00 Ethics and user-centric design for AI 

28:00 Ethically Aligned Design 

31:40 Discussing societal progress 

34:40 Evolving economic priorities and general progress indicators 

40:50 John’s principles and quick fire questions

Social Links 

Linkedin 

Twitter

Links in Show 

Heartificial Intelligence

Martin Seligman

Rise of the robots 

Moore’s Law

Fabrice Grinda 

IEEE Standards Working Group

Doc Searls

Ethically Aligned Design 

Council on Extended Intelligence 

Joi Ito

Technology and the virtues 

Twain Liu

Theory of You 

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TL:DR If you're short on time, here are seven minutes of soundbites from Omar Friella - the Bronx-based social entrepreneur, movement builder, and founder of Collective Diaspora, the growing global community of Black cooperatives & Black-led cooperative support organizations. 

If you do have the time, on a run, cycle, or drive, check out the full episode, it is evident that desire, belief, and action we all have the power of self-determination.

If you enjoy the show, please share, follow us, like us on your podcast player, and subscribe on YouTube as it helps us grow our audience. Thanks to Marianna Koval for the connection

ABOUT OMAR

Omar Freilla is co-founder and steering committee member of Collective Diaspora, a global community of Black cooperatives & Black-led cooperative support organizations. 

Omar is a serial trailblazer, social entrepreneur, and movement builder dedicated to community self-determination and regenerative economies.

Drawing from his experiences growing up in the South Bronx and witnessing struggles for community empowerment, he has dedicated himself to creating just and regenerative economic systems. 

Omar's time with the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance and Sustainable South Bronx inspired him to utilize cooperatives as a vehicle for transformative economic development.

He established Green Worker Cooperatives and launched the first worker cooperative business accelerator in the United States, pioneering innovative approaches to cooperative development. Omar co-founded several local and national cooperative support organizations, including the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives, the Democracy At Work Institute, and the NYC Network of Worker Cooperatives. 

This interview opened my eyes to the potential of new worker-led economic models for historically marginalized and economically exploited communities. It also made me re-evaluate the privileges I’ve experienced.

Thanks to Marianne Koval

What We Discuss

00:00 Intro 

00:36 Early realization of inequity 

03:54 The case for a solidarity economy 

07:19 Omars goal for 2030

Social Links 

Linkedin 

Twitter 

Collective Diaspora

Links 

The Bronx 

Black Panther party

Young Lords 

Green Worker Cooperatives

U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives,

Marcus Garvey 

Malcolm X 

Seed Commons 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TL:DR If you're short on time, here are seven minutes of soundbites from Omar Friella - the Bronx-based social entrepreneur, movement builder, and founder of Collective Diaspora, the growing global community of Black cooperatives & Black-led cooperative support organizations. 

If you do have the time, on a run, cycle, or drive, check out the full episode, it is evident that with desire, belief, and action, we all have the power of self-determination.

If you enjoy the show please share, follow us, like us on your podcast player, and subscribe on YouTube, as it helps us grow our audience. Thanks to Marianna Koval for the connection

ABOUT OMAR

Omar Freilla is co-founder and steering committee member of Collective Diaspora, a global community of Black cooperatives & Black-led cooperative support organizations. 

Omar is a serial trailblazer, social entrepreneur, and movement builder dedicated to community self-determination and regenerative economies.

Drawing from his experiences growing up in the South Bronx and witnessing struggles for community empowerment, he has dedicated himself to creating just and regenerative economic systems. 

Omar's time with the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance and Sustainable South Bronx inspired him to utilize cooperatives as a vehicle for transformative economic development.

He established Green Worker Cooperatives and launched the first worker cooperative business accelerator in the United States, pioneering innovative approaches to cooperative development. Omar co-founded several local and national cooperative support organizations, including the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives, the Democracy At Work Institute, and the NYC Network of Worker Cooperatives. 

Omar is also an adjunct lecturer at the City College of New York, serves on the City of New York's Environmental Justice Advisory Board, and is a member of New York State's Just Transition Working Group.

This interview opened my eyes to the potential of new worker-led economic models for historically marginalized and economically exploited communities. It also made me re-evaluate the privileges I’ve experienced.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Omar Freilla is co-founder and steering committee member of Collective Diaspora, a global community of Black cooperatives & Black-led cooperative support organizations. 

Omar is a serial trailblazer, social entrepreneur, and movement builder dedicated to community self-determination and regenerative economies.

Drawing from his experiences growing up in the South Bronx and witnessing struggles for community empowerment, he has dedicated himself to creating just and regenerative economic systems.

This interview opened my eyes to the potential of new worker-led economic models for historically marginalized and economically exploited communities. It also made me re-evaluate the privileges I’ve experienced.

What We Discuss

What we discuss 

00:00 Intro 

02:50 Who is Omar?

03:50 Who or what made him? 

06:50 The impact of Neoliberalism on marginalized Communities 

08:50 A defining memory that affected his life direction 

17:50 Nature or nurture impact on his development 

21:30 Early activism against apartheid

25:20 Early ambitions 

27:30 Becoming environmentally conscious 

30:50 Activism triggered by the Rodney King beating 

34:35 Seeking out new economic alternatives in Cooperatives

40:50 The lack of Venture funding for cooperatives

43:40 Creating new Benchmarks for Return on Investment

45:10 What Omar is working to achieve with Collective Diaspora

49:45 Forming a Cooperative Business 

54:00 Becoming a Fellow of Echoing Green 

1:00:30 Imperative for Black and Latin Cooperatives  

1:07:54 Omar’s ambitions for 2030 

1:10:00 Raising funding 

1:16:00 How to become part of the Collective Diaspora 

1:18:00 Remaining resolute 

1:19:45 Omar’s gifts 

1:20:40 What he’s complimented for

1:22:00 Omar’s advice for anyone wanting to support 

Social Links 

Linkedin 

Twitter 

Collective Diaspora

Links 

The Bronx 

Black Panther party

Young Lords 

Green Worker Cooperatives

U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives,

Marcus Garvey 

Malcolm X 

Seed Commons 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TL:DR If you're short on time and want to be inspired and uplifted, here are seven minutes of soundbites from Camerados founder Maff Potts.  

If you do have the time on a run, cycle, or drive, check out the full episode. It refreshingly good

If you enjoy the show, please share, follow us, like us on your podcast player, and subscribe on YouTube, as it helps us grow our audience.

About Maff

Maff Potts, is the pioneering force behind Camerados, an ever-expanding global social movement centered around one simple yet powerful concept: Public Living Rooms. Designed to foster a sense of togetherness within our communities, these spaces provide a welcoming environment where people can come together, share a cup of tea or coffee, engage in conversation, and experience the transformative power of human connection - all without any expectations or agenda.

Before launching Camerados, Maff served as CEO for various charities, witnessing firsthand how traditional approaches to tackling social issues like homelessness, domestic abuse, and social isolation often fell short by merely addressing the symptoms rather than the root causes. This revelation led him to the realization that the two fundamental needs every individual requires are "friends and purpose."

By stepping outside conventional frameworks, Maff has harnessed the potential of Public Living Rooms to alleviate the symptoms of numerous social issues and address their underlying causes. As a genuine difference maker, Maff has successfully established over 170 Public Living Rooms across five countries.

If you're feeling disheartened by the current state of our societies and the erosion of social connection in the wake of the pandemic, this episode will inspire and uplift you. To join Maff's mission, become a Camerados, and create your own local Public Living Room, simply follow the link in the show notes

What we discuss 

00:00 Intro 

00:27 Discovering what matters in life?

02:02 Issue with existing Charity models

03:49 Ingredients for a happy life 

05:17 Reality of life

05:50 Taxes, Death and Trouble

06:26 Why Maslow's Hierarchy is wrong?

07:17 How the Public Living Rooms Work

Social Links

Camerados

Maff on Linkedin 

Youtube 

Instagram 

Links 

Oscar Peterson

 Noah and The Loners

Winners Take All book 

Citizens Jon Alexander 

Cooperation Town London  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest, Maff Potts, is the pioneering force behind Camerados, an ever-expanding global social movement centered around one simple yet powerful concept: Public Living Rooms. Designed to foster a sense of togetherness within our communities, these spaces provide a welcoming environment where people can come together, share a cup of tea or coffee, engage in conversation, and experience the transformative power of human connection - all without any expectations or agenda.

Before launching Camerados, Maff served as CEO for various charities, witnessing firsthand how traditional approaches to tackling social issues like homelessness, domestic abuse, and social isolation often fell short by merely addressing the symptoms rather than the root causes. This revelation led him to the realization that the two fundamental needs every individual requires are "friends and purpose."

By stepping outside conventional frameworks, Maff has harnessed the potential of Public Living Rooms to not only alleviate the symptoms of numerous social issues but also to address their underlying causes. As a genuine difference maker, Maff has successfully established over 170 Public Living Rooms across five countries.

If you're feeling disheartened by the current state of our societies and the erosion of social connection in the wake of the pandemic, this episode will inspire and uplift you. To join Maff's mission, become a Camerados, and create your own local Public Living Room, follow the link in the show notes.

Now, let's hear from Maff Potts himself.

What we discuss

00:00 Intro

03:00 Who is Maff Potts?

04:10 What made Maff?

06:15 The values instilled in him

09:41 His love of Jazz and music

13:30 Seven days that changes his life

18:00 What he is working to achieve?

22:00 His experiences in running homeless charities

25:20 The problem with the charity model

30:45 The emergence of Camerados as an idea

36:10 Witnessing death caused by isolation

38:30 The value and Impact of Camerados

42:50 Mutal Aid as a model

46:00 Maff explains the Public Living Room concept and principles

50:00 How it works in practice

51:50 My Camerados commitment

53:00 Taking Camerados on the road in the UK

57:00 The origins of the name

58:20 Where Maff want to be by 2030

59:30 Can brands play a role?

01:02:00 The actions people can take

01:05:00 Dealing with doubt

01:07:25 On failure and emergence

01:10:00 His talents

Social Links

https://camerados.org Camerados

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maff-potts-4044b915/ Maff on Linkedin

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGit00ofSez5BndPru0Z5gA YouTube

https://www.instagram.com/camerados_org/?hl=en Instagram

Links

https://oscarpeterson.com/ Oscar Peterson

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2ZuvkS_sALJfTNCpHK3N1g - Noah and The Loners

https://www.amazon.com/Winners-Take-All-Charade-Changing/dp/0451493249 - Winners Take All book

https://www.jonalexander.net/ - Citizens Jon Alexander

https://cooperation.town/ - Cooperation Town London

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're short on time and want some hear some of Food Futurologist Dr. Morgaine Gaye’s trend insights, then here are 7 minutes of soundbites.  

If you do have the time, on a run, cycle, or drive, check out the full episode. It's a shorter than normal 42 min episode.

Morgaine explores food and eating from a social, cultural, economic, branding, and geo-political perspective. She also consults food companies, develops new products and ideas, and writes trend reports for forecasting sites to PR and ad agencies.

Morgaine was staying with me during this year's SXSW, where she was presenting Trend to Table, her latest trends presentation, and the title of her upcoming book. Therefore I used the opportunity to have her share some of the trends she’s witnessing..

What We Discuss

00:00 Intro 

00:30 Morgaine discusses her SXSW trends presentation and the subject of her new book.

01:30 What it means to be human post-Covid in the AI world?

03:00 3D printed food and the use of ‘air protein’ in food.

05:02 Nourishment

05:30 Why she wrote her book

06:00 The Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen from the Environmental Working Group  

07:02 Morgaine’s hope for the future

Social Links 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Linkedin

Email 

Links Show 

The Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen from the Environmental Working Group  

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