Welcome to See What You Think, the podcast where I share stories that spark reflection, connection, and a little bit of wonder. I'm Mark Sylvester, and each episode, I take you on a journey—sometimes personal, sometimes unexpected—but always meaningful. My hope is that you'll walk away seeing things just a little differently. This week's story begins on a Santa Barbara beach, where a conversation with an old friend sparked a revelation about the thread that's connected my seemingly scattered career path—from cooking meals for a thousand people to coding 3D animations to naming my AI partner Sam. It's about how living at the intersection of science and art isn't just possible—it's where the magic happens. So, settle in, listen, and as always... see what you think.

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This week on See What You Think, I'm sharing my winding path from reluctant teenage runner to martial artist to pickleball enthusiast at 71. But this isn't just about sports—it's about the communities that shape us and the decisions that determine how we'll experience our later years.

You'll discover why "training for the future" matters at every age, how finding your tribe transforms physical activity, and the one question that changed my entire approach to aging.

Whether you're 25 or 75, this episode offers a fresh perspective on creating a life of sustained vitality and meaningful connection. Listen now to find your own path to an intentional, active future.

Have you ever wondered what leadership lessons come from being fired in a restaurant on Mother's Day? I learned that true leadership isn't about controlling chaos—it's about becoming the calm center while everything spins around you. What does it take to be the eye of your own storms?

The story read by the author.

In this episode of See What You Think, we present an AI-generated conversation exploring the world of Oddly Useful Robots—a collection of quirky, AI-driven tools that are equal parts practical and whimsical. Using Notebook LM, we transformed raw insights into a casual, engaging dialogue, diving into how robots like Gastro Gnome, TeaKu, and The Veil & Crumb turn everyday moments into something extraordinary. From mystical fortune cookies to moon-powered BBQ advice, this episode is a playful experiment in AI-assisted storytelling—showing that sometimes, the best ideas come from letting the unexpected unfold.