thinkfuture: technology, philosophy and the future

See more: https://thinkfuture.comConnect with Orel: https://writestack.io---What does it really take to build a product as a solo founder?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Orel, software developer and founder of WriteStack, a tool designed specifically for Substack creators to manage notes, content, and publishing workflows.Orel’s story isn’t overnight success. Before WriteStack, he built and shut down 12 failed startups. Instead of quitting, he used each failure as feedback—refining his understanding of product-market fit, marketing, and community-building.We cover:- Why most startups fail—and what you actually learn from them- The evolution of WriteStack from an AI outline tool to a full Substack productivity platform- The importance of listening to users and pivoting quickly- How community feedback shaped the product roadmap- What it’s like working 6 hours a day, 7 days a week as a solopreneur- Why marketing matters as much as code- The entrepreneurial mindset required to survive long-termOrel believes that even if AI eventually automates tools like WriteStack, the mindset of building, adapting, and serving a community will always matter.If you’re a Substack creator, indie hacker, solopreneur, or SaaS founder, this episode is a grounded look at persistence, iteration, and building tools for real users.

See more: https://thinkfuture.comConnect with Nick: https://www.trustmadegrowth.com---What if the open internet is already dead—and trust is the real battleground?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Nick Richtsmeier, founder of Trust Made Growth, about the collapse of digital trust and the rise of what he calls a techno-feudalist society.Nick argues that today’s digital world is dominated by rent-seeking platforms that neurologically overrun users with anxiety, exhaustion, and loneliness—the “Bermuda Triangle of the 21st-century human.” Businesses and creators face a stark choice:- Serve the platforms and become dependent on them- Or build a humanist alternative that restores agency and connectionWe cover:- Why trust is biological—a reptilian-brain function asking, “Will this person harm me?”- How digital platforms undermine that neurological trust signal- The concept of techno-feudalism and algorithmic control- Why AI is a “massive gift” that exposes the fraudulent nature of online interactions- The “dead internet” moment and the end of organic digital discovery- The “noticing meeting” method for rebuilding human connection- The search for the “3.5%” capable of driving social change- A 10-year vision for mercantile-style commerce beyond platform dependencyNick’s work is not about building another app. It’s about rebuilding trust at a human level—through deep listening, embodied leadership, and communities that prioritize connection over extraction.If you care about AI, digital trust, leadership, platform power, or the future of human connection, this episode will challenge how you see the internet—and your role in it.

See more: https://thinkfuture.comConnect with Gaurab: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurab-bansal/---What happens when technology moves faster than trust, regulation, and social systems?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Gaurab Bansal, founder of Responsible Innovation Labs, about why startups—especially those building AI and emerging technologies—can no longer afford to ignore responsibility, culture, and long-term impact.Gaurab explains that responsible innovation isn’t about slowing down progress—it’s about anticipating how technology will interact with people, communities, institutions, and power structures before friction and backlash emerge. As AI increasingly outpaces regulation, founders face growing tension with governments, civil society, and the public.We cover:- What “responsible innovation” actually means in practice- Why startups deploying AI often outpace regulation—and why that’s risky- How proactive engagement with regulators and stakeholders builds resilience- Why founders must think beyond product to systems-level impact- The role of company culture, mission, and values in attracting top talent- Why responsibility is becoming a competitive advantage—not a constraint- Gaurab’s vision for 2036, where AI and robotics enable human flourishingGaurab argues that responsibility won’t be optional in the future—it will be table stakes for companies that want to scale, survive, and earn trust.If you’re building in AI, emerging tech, startups, or innovation, this episode offers a rare, grounded look at how responsibility and progress can—and must—coexist.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Taylin: https://taylinsimmonds.substack.com---Why is creative work so emotionally powerful—and yet so hard to monetize?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Taylin John Simmonds, musician, educator, and online creator, about the real challenges creatives face when trying to turn passion into sustainable income.Taylin shares his personal journey—from struggling as a musician to building a more stable life through teaching and online business—and explains why society consistently undervalues creative labor compared to “practical” skills, even though art plays a huge role in shaping how we feel, think, and connect.The conversation dives into the tension between creativity and commerce, and how creators can better position, test, and communicate the value of their work.We cover:- Why creative work is emotionally impactful but economically undervalued- The mindset shift required to monetize creativity without “selling out”- How platforms like YouTube can be used to test ideas and build audiences- The pressure to “niche down”—and why it doesn’t work for everyone- Taylin’s framework for niching: people, transformation, and brand- The rise of multi-passionate creators in a digital-first world- How AI could both threaten and empower creatives over the next decade - Why a balanced, nuanced view of AI matters more than blanket rejectionTaylin argues that as tools get more powerful, clarity, positioning, and human connection will matter more than raw output. Creativity isn’t disappearing—but how it’s valued is changing fast.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Jordan: https://www.jpprince.com---AI is everywhere—but not everyone wants it. What happens when tech hype collides with creative backlash?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Jonathan Smith (JP Prince), a technologist working inside VC-backed startups and the author of the upcoming cyberpunk novel The Mess. Living in both worlds has given JP a rare vantage point on one of the biggest cultural fractures of our time: AI in tech vs. AI in creativity.On one side, venture-backed companies where having an “AI story” is no longer optional—it’s mandatory. On the other, creative communities that increasingly see AI as an existential threat to human artistry. JP explains how these two realities collide in practice, often in uncomfortable ways.We cover:- The growing schism between tech’s AI hype and creative backlash- Why VC expectations now demand AI-driven hypergrowth- The concept of “receptivity”—why messaging fails when you ignore audience identity- AI fatigue from poorly implemented features and forced automation- How AI exposes how much modern work is low-value and performative- The business realities of publishing and why many authors are turning to self-publishing- Exploitation of artists, unfair contracts, and why unions still matterJP’s new cyberpunk novel The Mess, set in a future where corporations replace a collapsed U.S. governmentJP argues that AI’s most disruptive power isn’t creativity—it’s revealing how much of our work and systems exist purely to look productive.If you’re interested in AI culture, creative labor, tech hype, or the future of human value, this conversation goes far beyond surface-level debate.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Jordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordon-millward-13115600---Our education system was built for the industrial age—so why are we still using it in the age of AI?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Jordon, a PhD student at Imperial College London and founder of Ask Jordon Ltd, an education consultancy focused on making learning more accessible, engaging, and future-ready.Jordon argues that modern education is still optimized for standardization, compliance, and rapid workforce onboarding—not for creativity, adaptability, or lifelong learning. As AI reshapes how knowledge is accessed and applied, he believes the traditional lecture-and-exam model is increasingly out of sync with reality.We explore:- Why the current education system was designed for factories, not futures- How exam-based assessment suppresses independent thinking- The case for competency-based and project-based learning- How AI could provide personalized, asynchronous support for students- Why teachers should shift from lecturers to facilitators- The risk of schools banning or over-standardizing AI instead of embracing it- A future divide between innovative “maverick” institutions and resistant onesJordon’s vision is bold but grounded: education should help people learn how to learn, not just memorize information. AI, when used correctly, could finally make that possible at scale.If you’re interested in AI, education reform, lifelong learning, or the future of work, this episode will challenge many assumptions you may still be holding.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Steve: https://stevebrown.ai---What happens when technology moves faster than our ability to forecast it?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Steve Brown, veteran technologist, former Intel futurist, and former member of Google DeepMind’s AI research lab. With over 35 years of experience across high-tech, digital transformation, and AI, Steve offers a rare long-view perspective on where we are—and why predicting what comes next has never been harder.Steve explains how long-term forecasting used to be feasible when technological progress followed clearer trajectories. Today, breakthroughs in AI—and soon quantum computing—are compressing decades of progress into just a few years. The result is a future that’s accelerating faster than our institutions, economic models, and assumptions can keep up with.We cover:- Why 10-year technology forecasts are now nearly impossible- How AI is already accelerating progress in math, physics, and science- Why the combination of AI and quantum computing could reshape material science, chemistry, and biology- The likelihood of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) arriving within 5–10 years- How AGI could disrupt jobs and force a rethink of capitalism itself- Why labor may increasingly turn into capital-The need for new economic models, shorter workweeks, or earlier retirement- How humans find meaning when machines handle most productive workSteve argues we may see more progress in the next five years than in the last fifty—and that the biggest challenge won’t be technological, but human.If you’re interested in AI, AGI, the future of work, economic disruption, or the limits of forecasting, this conversation offers a grounded, thoughtful look at what may be coming sooner than we expect.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Zoher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zzkaru/---Everyone talks about AI—but it’s data that still decides what works and what fails.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Zoher Karu, data and analytics leader with a PhD in engineering and experience at McKinsey, eBay, Citibank, Sears, and Blue Shield of California. Zoher now works with Taelor, a men’s clothing rental subscription service using data and AI to personalize style at scale.Zoher explains why “dirty data” remains one of the biggest unsolved problems in business—and why the issue isn’t technology, but how organizations are structured. Teams build data in silos to solve short-term problems, creating fragmented systems that AI can’t magically fix.The conversation moves from fashion and personalization to a much bigger question: what happens when AI quietly takes over everyday decision-making?We cover:- How Taelor uses data, metadata, and human stylists to curate clothing- Why clothing sizes are a data nightmare—and what that teaches us about AI limits- The real reason data quality is still broken across industries- How siloed teams create long-term data problems- Why AI will reduce the effort of finding information, not eliminate thinking -A future where tasks like planning events, shopping, and inventory management become automated- What humans should focus on when machines handle the mundaneZoher’s view of the future isn’t flashy—it’s practical. As AI handles more low-level optimization, human value shifts toward judgment, creativity, and deciding what actually matters.If you’re interested in AI, data, personalization, or the future of everyday decision-making, this episode offers a grounded look at where we’re really headed.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Ari: https://thetrustbook.com---What if the reason people hate selling… is because selling doesn’t work anymore?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis sits down with Ari Galper, founder of Unlock The Game and pioneer of trust-based selling, to challenge everything we think we know about sales.After 25 years in the field, Ari realized the problem wasn’t technique, persuasion, or closing tactics—it was mindset. Traditional sales methods treat prospects like targets. Ari argues they should be treated like patients.This conversation explores why selling has become commoditized, why buyers are more skeptical than ever, and why trust—not persuasion—is now the ultimate differentiator.We discuss:- Why most sales conversations fail before they even begin- The shift from a sales mindset to a doctor–patient mindset- Ari’s pivotal sales call that changed his philosophy forever- Why qualifying prospects too early kills trust- The difference between the traditional sales funnel and Ari’s “sales cylinder”- How trust-based content builds authority without pitching- What sales will look like in an AI-driven world where automation is everywhereAri predicts that as AI handles more transactional selling, human trust, empathy, and deep listening will become more valuable—not less.If you sell anything—or if you hate selling—this episode will change how you think about conversations, trust, and influence.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Jared: https://cryptoconfidence.substack.comIs crypto misunderstood—or deliberately misrepresented?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Jared Busby, writer of the Crypto Confidence Substack, about the real differences between crypto and blockchain, why scams dominate the headlines, and what the long-term future of money may actually look like.Jared breaks down why many companies avoid the word “crypto” while still relying on blockchain—and why blockchain without crypto often makes no sense at all. He also explains why scams are a feature of every new technology wave, not a reason to dismiss the technology itself.We cover:- The real difference between crypto and blockchain- Why “blockchain without crypto” is usually pointless- Why scams are common in new technologies—and why crypto is actually traceable- How to store crypto safely using hardware wallets and seed phrases- Why new investors should start with Bitcoin before touching altcoins- The risks of leaving assets on exchanges- Why Jared is skeptical of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)- The long-term risks facing fiat currencies—and why Bitcoin may matter more than everJared’s perspective is pragmatic, grounded, and refreshingly calm in a space full of hype and fear. Whether you’re crypto-curious or deeply skeptical, this conversation offers clarity without evangelism.

Connect with the future: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Kevin: https://www.kevinsurace.com---AI isn’t just changing business—it’s changing everything.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Kevin Surace, a technologist and AI advocate, about how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, creativity, and human life itself.Kevin shares how he uses AI to generate product designs, market analyses, and business insights in hours—work that used to take entire teams weeks. He explains why most companies still lag behind in adoption and how to overcome fear and inertia by showing AI’s power in action.We explore:- How AI is revolutionizing business productivity and product design- Why executives still resist AI—and how to change their minds- How AI is democratizing creative industries like music, film, and podcasting- What happens when anyone can create professional-quality content for free- The coming wave of AI-powered humanoid robots in homes and offices- The loss of shared cultural experiences in a hyper-personalized world- Why nostalgia will always coexist with innovationKevin’s message is clear: AI is not the enemy—it’s the amplifier. The sooner we learn to use it creatively and responsibly, the more we stand to gain.If you’re interested in AI innovation, creative disruption, or the next evolution of automation, this episode offers a glimpse into the near future.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Bojan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bojansimic---Passwords were supposed to die 20 years ago—so why are we still using them?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Bojan Simic, co-founder and CEO of HYPR, a cybersecurity company on a mission to finally eliminate passwords for good.Bojan shares how a personal hacking experience early in his career sparked his obsession with fixing identity security. That moment eventually led to the creation of HYPR, a platform that uses biometrics, tokenization, and passwordless authentication to secure users while simplifying the login process.We discuss:- Why the password problem has persisted for decades- How HYPR’s technology replaces passwords with biometrics and cryptographic keys- The challenges of mass adoption across enterprises and consumers- How HYPR is expanding into full identity verification—protecting the entire identity lifecycle- Why “passwordless” isn’t just about convenience, but trust and security- What the future of authentication might look like in 2035- The role AI could play in identity assurance and fraud detectionBojan’s vision is clear: the internet of the future won’t rely on secrets—it’ll rely on proof.If you’re interested in cybersecurity, authentication, biometrics, or the future of digital identity, this episode is a must-listen.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Greg: https://gregwolford.substack.com---Can AI make you a better writer—or does it risk flattening creativity?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis sits down with Greg Wolford, a writer who uses AI tools like ChatGPT to supercharge his creative process—without losing his human voice. Greg shares how he uses AI to generate plot ideas, refine language, and get feedback while keeping the soul of storytelling intact.Together, they explore why dystopian fiction often outshines utopian storytelling, and how AI might reshape the future of books, film, and entertainment. Could AI-generated art democratize creativity—or just flood the world with formulaic content?We cover:- How writers can use AI tools for brainstorming, editing, and worldbuilding- Why human emotion and personal voice are still irreplaceable- The storytelling tension between utopia and dystopia- How AI might transform filmmaking, acting, and creative industries- The importance of the humanities in an AI-driven future- Why emotion, perspective, and imperfection are the true markers of human artGreg’s take is both practical and philosophical—AI can be a powerful creative ally, but only if we remember what makes art human.If you’re interested in AI and creativity, writing, or the future of storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Olga: https://olia.art---If “success” is just a story we’ve been sold—what does it mean to live on your own terms?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Olga Zalite, illustrator and creative thinker, about how our understanding of success has been hijacked by external forces—and what it means to reclaim it in an AI-driven world.They question whether “success” even exists as a meaningful concept or if it’s just a social construct built on performance, comparison, and approval. Olga and Chris share their personal experiences of chasing externally defined goals—only to realize that fulfillment comes from alignment, not achievement.We cover:- Why “success” is more performance than purpose- How social media and consumer culture shape our desires- The evolving meaning of success through different life stages- The impact of AI on creative professions and artistic value- Why preserving human skills and critical thinking matters more than ever- How to define success on your own terms in an age of automationOlga also shares her perspective as an artist navigating a world where AI-generated art is flooding the market, challenging both value and originality.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re chasing your own dream—or someone else’s—this conversation will make you stop and think.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Ibby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibby/---Can AI actually be trusted to make decisions? In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis sits down with Ibby, founder of Cotera, a platform making it easier for non-technical people to build powerful AI agents that solve real-world problems—without the hallucinations.Cotera acts as a translation layer between business needs and technical AI capabilities, empowering teams to automate complex workflows safely and effectively. By using multiple AI models to cross-check outputs and a “tiebreaker” model to handle edge cases, Cotera ensures accuracy, reliability, and trust in automation.We explore:- How Cotera enables non-technical users to build their own AI agents- The company’s unique multi-model system to prevent hallucinations- Real-world applications in QA, fraud detection, and chatbot validation- Why critical thinking and creativity will define the future workforce- How education and job design must evolve for an AI-driven world- The balance between automation, human oversight, and trustIf you’re interested in AI safety, workflow automation, or the evolution of work, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful look at how we can make AI useful—without losing control.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Luke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukearrigoni/---In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Luke Arrigoni, founder and CEO of Loti, a company on a mission to protect your digital identity. Loti scans the internet to find where your face or voice is being used without consent—in scams, deepfakes, or explicit content—and gets it taken down, often within minutes.What started as a side project after Luke’s AI consulting work quickly became a full-scale operation tackling one of the most urgent challenges of the AI era: identity protection.We cover:- How Loti indexes the internet to detect misuse of faces and voices- Why the company achieves a 95% takedown success rate- How AI-generated content is both the problem and the solution- The ethical balance between removal, parody, and fair use- The future of identity, avatars, and personal likeness rights- How individuals could one day monetize their digital selves responsiblyLuke’s vision for 2035 is clear: a world where everyone controls their digital presence, from their face and voice to their virtual avatar—and even profits from it.If you’re curious about AI ethics, identity protection, and the evolving landscape of deepfakes and digital rights, this episode is essential listening.

See more: thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Shahzeb: https://shahzebali.com/---Meet the world’s youngest certified Python developer—and the founder of an AI startup.In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis talks with Shahzeb Ali, a 17-year-old entrepreneur from Pakistan who’s already the youngest certified Python developer recognized by the Python Institute and IBM. He’s also the author of Data Science for Teens and the founder of DevelMo, an AI startup helping businesses scale with smart, data-driven solutions.Shahzeb’s story is as inspiring as it is forward-looking. From struggling with Visual Basic as a kid to mastering Python and building computer vision products, he’s proof that the next generation isn’t waiting for permission to innovate.We explore:- How Shahzeb discovered Python and became the youngest certified developer- Why Python’s simplicity makes it perfect for teens learning to code- The story behind his AI-powered product, CrowdIQ, and its real-world applications- The pros and cons of “vibe coding” and AI-assisted development- Why critical thinking still matters—even in the age of AI- How easy MVPs and AI tools are fueling a wave of young entrepreneurs- Shahzeb’s mission to inspire more teens to pursue tech and entrepreneurshipIf you’re passionate about AI, programming, or the next generation of innovators, this episode will leave you feeling optimistic about the future of technology.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.com Connect with Maya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackerma/ --- Is AI here to replace creativity—or to unlock more of it? In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Maya Ackerman, generative AI pioneer and founder of WaveAI, one of the earliest startups in the space. Maya has been exploring the frontier of human–AI collaboration in creativity for over a decade, and she shares her perspective on how we should really think about these systems. We explore: - Maya’s journey as one of the first generative AI founders (2017) - Why AI should augment—not replace—human creativity - How to view AI as an “imagination engine,” not an oracle of truth - The big questions around consciousness and whether AI can ever be “aware” - Why expecting AI to deliver objective facts is a dangerous myth - What the next 10 years could look like for work, art, and human connection - The potential role of universal basic income in an AI-driven society - How AI might allow us to shift from machine-like labor to more creative, expressive lives Maya’s vision is optimistic yet grounded: if we embrace AI as a partner in creativity instead of a replacement, we can move into a future where imagination, art, and human connection become the center of our lives. If you’re curious about generative AI, creativity, truth, and the evolving role of humans in an AI-first world, this episode is a must-listen.

Google Ads is getting more complex, more automated—and harder for small businesses to control. Can AI level the playing field? In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis sits down with David, founder and CEO of Groas, to talk about how AI is reshaping advertising and why his company is tackling one of the biggest challenges in digital marketing: optimizing Google Ads for real profitability. David shares how Groas began as a landing-page optimization tool for advertisers and has since grown into a full AI-powered platform that dynamically adjusts ads and pages to maximize ROI. With Google pushing towards black-box automation, Groas offers a way for businesses to regain control. We cover: The origin story of Groas and its growth beyond e-commerce Why Google Ads keeps getting harder for small businesses to navigate How Groas optimizes landing pages and ad copy in real time Why the company chose to remain self-funded and profitable rather than take VC money The coming shift to AI-to-AI advertising and purchasing How AI could reshape jobs in marketing, sales, and beyond Why building a personal brand might be one of the best defenses against automation If you’re in digital marketing, advertising, e-commerce, or just curious about how AI is reshaping the future of work, this episode is a must-listen.

See more: https://thinkfuture.substack.comConnect with Loreta: https://www.loreta.today---As AI-generated content floods the workplace, how do companies keep communication authentic and human?In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis sits down with Loreta, founder of Loreta Today, to explore the future of corporate communication, leadership alignment, and the role of authenticity in an AI-driven world.With a background in journalism, corporate video, and now advising executives, Loreta has a unique perspective on how organizations can tell stories that build trust, not erode it. She believes video and human-centric communication will be more important than ever as AI avatars and auto-generated content become widespread.We discuss:- Loreta’s journey from journalism in Lithuania to corporate strategy in the U.S.- Why authentic, relatable communication is the foundation of trust- The risks of over-relying on AI avatars and synthetic content- How to navigate organizational dysfunction and drive cultural change- The need for persistent, data-driven approaches to align leadership- What corporate communication might look like in 2035—and why the human touch will remain essentialLoreta’s work focuses on helping B2B organizations align people, processes, and presence—and she shares strategies any company can use to improve communication, build credibility, and prepare for the future.If you’re in communications, leadership, or simply curious about how authenticity survives in the AI age, this episode is packed with insight.