Best Robert Plotkin Podcasts (2025)

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The Operating System of Transformation: Salim Ismail on Exponential Thinking, Leadership, and Inner Engineering 57:33

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24m ago57:33

57:33

In this episode, Salim Ismail — founding executive director of Singularity University and author of *Exponential Organizations* — maps out what it takes to adapt, lead, and build in a world defined by accelerating change.He unpacks the frameworks behind exponential growth, the future of learning, and the architecture of modern organizations. But th…

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Dennis Xu: Designing Tools That Think Like We Do 47:01

6m ago47:01

47:01

Dennis Xu, co-founder of Mem, unpacks the future of personal knowledge and how it’s being reshaped by networked thinking, cognitive design, and human-centered AI. Drawing on his Stanford background, founder journey, and product philosophy, Dennis challenges the folder-based paradigms of information management — replacing them with malleable, graph-…

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The Science of Focus: Gloria Mark on Attention Rhythms, Flow Myths, and Digital Control 52:12

20m ago52:12

52:12

Cognitive scientist Gloria Mark explains why modern knowledge work sabotages attention — and how to fight back. Drawing from her decades of research, she breaks down internal vs. external distraction, meta-awareness, cognitive rhythms, and the misunderstood nature of flow states. This episode delivers practical insights for reclaiming agency over y…

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Sonkhe Ahrens: Building a Thinking System That Generates Insight, Not Noise 46:13

7m ago46:13

46:13

Sonkhe Ahrens shares how traditional approaches to knowledge — highlighting, tagging, collecting — fail to support actual thinking. Drawing from Niklas Luhmann’s Zettelkasten method, Ahrens explains why insight isn’t something you plan for, but something you engineer into existence by connecting information deliberately over time. The conversation …

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Plants of the Gods: S7E8. Psychonauts: A New Book by Mike Jay 19:07

2h ago19:07

19:07

The Plants of the Gods podcast has pioneered the concept of mind-altering substances not being merely hallucinogens but also "ideogens," substances that generate new ideas and creative concepts. Nowhere was this more evident than among artists and the scientists in 19th-century Europe, from Sigmund Freud to Samuel Taylor Coleridge to William James.…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E8. Psychonauts: A New Book by Mike Jay 19:07

18m ago19:07

19:07

The Plants of the Gods podcast has pioneered the concept of mind-altering substances not being merely hallucinogens but also "ideogens," substances that generate new ideas and creative concepts. Nowhere was this more evident than among artists and the scientists in 19th-century Europe, from Sigmund Freud to Samuel Taylor Coleridge to William James.…

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Kevin Surace — Building Smarter, Leading Better, and Adapting to AI 1:10:56

18d ago1:10:56

1:10:56

Kevin Surace breaks down how AI is reshaping the future of work — not by eliminating jobs, but by replacing repetitive tasks and redefining what humans are actually needed for. He explains why productivity, not headcount, will determine company growth in a labor-constrained world. Drawing from decades of applied AI experience, Surace outlines the e…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E7. The Ethnobotany of Brugmansia, the Tree of the Evil Eagle. 31:15

13d ago31:15

31:15

Ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin discusses Brugmansia, some of the most beautiful hallucinogenic plants in the botanical world. Their bright flowers hang like sacred trumpets and have long been used by traditional healers of the Andes-Amazon region as an important component of their medicine chest. Closely related to the ‘hexing herbs’ of European wi…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E7. The Ethnobotany of Brugmansia, the Tree of the Evil Eagle. 31:15

13d ago31:15

31:15

Ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin discusses Brugmansia, some of the most beautiful hallucinogenic plants in the botanical world. Their bright flowers hang like sacred trumpets and have long been used by traditional healers of the Andes-Amazon region as an important component of their medicine chest. Closely related to the ‘hexing herbs’ of European wi…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E6. The Ethnobotany of the Spice Trade: How it Built the Modern World 28:12

1M ago28:12

28:12

The spice trade was one of the most influential economic and cultural forces that shaped the modern world. It profoundly impacted cultural exchange, cartographic knowledge and technology, cuisine, spycraft, and medicine. The spice trade strengthened mercantile capitalism and spread both Islam and Christianity while destroying indigenous cultures an…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E6. The Ethnobotany of the Spice Trade: How it Built the Modern World 28:12

1M ago28:12

28:12

The spice trade was one of the most influential economic and cultural forces that shaped the modern world. It profoundly impacted cultural exchange, cartographic knowledge and technology, cuisine, spycraft, and medicine. The spice trade strengthened mercantile capitalism and spread both Islam and Christianity while destroying indigenous cultures an…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E5. Use of Mushrooms and Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Rob Silver 53:18

1M ago53:18

53:18

If herbal remedies can help humans, why not our pets? In this fascinating episode of Plants of the Gods, ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin sits down with veterinarian Dr. Rob Silver, who has spent decades using cannabis, mushrooms, and other botanical medicines to treat animals. From clinical breakthroughs to the surprising science behind plant-based …

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Plants of the Gods: S7E5. Use of Mushrooms and Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine with Dr. Rob Silver 53:18

1M ago53:18

53:18

If herbal remedies can help humans, why not our pets? In this fascinating episode of Plants of the Gods, ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin sits down with veterinarian Dr. Rob Silver, who has spent decades using cannabis, mushrooms, and other botanical medicines to treat animals. From clinical breakthroughs to the surprising science behind plant-based …

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Plants of the Gods: S7E4. Dr. Joe Watkins: Indigenous Perspectives on the Psychedelic Renaissance 41:15

2M ago41:15

41:15

“Plants of the Gods” has featured dozens of episodes detailing the power, potential, and pitfalls of using hallucinogenic plants and fungi – and even frogs – for healing purposes. The Psychedelic Renaissance is in full swing — but what does it look like to the indigenous peoples themselves? Anthropologist Dr. Joe Watkins of the Choctaw Nation offer…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E4. Dr. Joe Watkins: Indigenous Perspectives on the Psychedelic Renaissance 41:15

2M ago41:15

41:15

“Plants of the Gods” has featured dozens of episodes detailing the power, potential, and pitfalls of using hallucinogenic plants and fungi – and even frogs – for healing purposes. The Psychedelic Renaissance is in full swing — but what does it look like to the indigenous peoples themselves? Anthropologist Dr. Joe Watkins of the Choctaw Nation offer…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E3. Part Two —The Ethnobotany of Salvia with Dr. Chris McCurdy 15:53

2M ago15:53

15:53

A mind-blowing mint? Salvia divinorum, a perennial herb in the mint family, has been used by traditional healers in Oaxaca, Mexico, to understand more about what ails a patient. Known for its potent psychoactive effects, Salvia can induce dysphoria and dissociation. But new scientific research is shedding light on the plant's unique effect on the b…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E3. Part Two —The Ethnobotany of Salvia with Dr. Chris McCurdy 15:53

2M ago15:53

15:53

A mind-blowing mint? Salvia divinorum, a perennial herb in the mint family, has been used by traditional healers in Oaxaca, Mexico, to understand more about what ails a patient. Known for its potent psychoactive effects, Salvia can induce dysphoria and dissociation. But new scientific research is shedding light on the plant's unique effect on the b…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E2. The Ethnobotany of Kratom with Dr. Chris McCurdy 34:02

3M ago34:02

34:02

The tropical Asian tree kratom – a member of the same botanical family that has given us both coffee and quinine – is showing great potential for successfully treating a variety of serious afflictions, from stress to opioid withdrawal. Ironically – depending on dosage – it can act either as a stimulant or a sedative. The episode features an insight…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E2. The Ethnobotany of Kratom with Dr. Chris McCurdy 34:02

3M ago34:02

34:02

The tropical Asian tree kratom – a member of the same botanical family that has given us both coffee and quinine – is showing great potential for successfully treating a variety of serious afflictions, from stress to opioid withdrawal. Ironically – depending on dosage – it can act either as a stimulant or a sedative. The episode features an insight…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E1. Lost Cities, Shamans, Hallucinogens and… King Kong! 24:43

4M ago24:43

24:43

The lure of lost cities is a deep and enduring fascination that combines equal parts mystery, adventure, treasure, and the promise of forgotten knowledge. The existence and discovery of these ruins – whether it was King Tut's tomb or Machu Picchu – demonstrates the brilliance of ancient civilizations and their impermanence and mortality. In this ep…

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Plants of the Gods: S7E1. Lost Cities, Shamans, Hallucinogens and… King Kong! 24:43

3M ago24:43

24:43

The lure of lost cities is a deep and enduring fascination that combines equal parts mystery, adventure, treasure, and the promise of forgotten knowledge. The existence and discovery of these ruins – whether it was King Tut's tomb or Machu Picchu – demonstrates the brilliance of ancient civilizations and their impermanence and mortality. In this ep…

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Listener Favorites: Paul Millerd | The Pathless vs Default Path 1:05:17

4M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

Join us for a compelling conversation with Paul Millerd, author of The Pathless Path. In this episode, Paul shares his insights on finding yourself in the wrong life and the real work of figuring out how to live. Discover his journey through experiments, travels, and lessons learned, as he pieces together a set of principles to guide him from unful…

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Listener Favorites: Arianna Warsaw | Navigating The Dynamics of Identity Change 1:00:52

4M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Join us as we sit down with music industry insider, Arianna Warsaw-Fan Rauch. Discover her unique perspective on navigating identity change and get an insider's tour of the industry. From musician life to proper clapping etiquette, Arianna shares her knowledge and experiences. Don't miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of the classical m…

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Listener Favorites: Manisha Thakor | Money Zen: The Secret to Finding Your Enough 58:16

5M ago58:16

58:16

In the latest episode of The Unmistakable Creative Podcast titled 'Money Zen: The Secret to Finding Your Enough', we are joined by Manisha Thakor, a seasoned financial expert and the Founder of MoneyZen LLC. With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Manisha offers a fresh perspective on our relationship with money and success. Dra…

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Listener Favorites: Aaron Dignan | How to Speed up The Organizational Decision Making Process 57:11

5M ago57:11

57:11

Aaron Dignan is using software to help scale new ways of working and expedite the decision making process of organizations. Discover the possibilities for transformation in the workplace and realize how we can use software like Murmur to revolutionize our slow and outdated systems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Listener Favorites: Drew Plotkin | How to Use Tattoos to Rewrite Your Story and Reinvent Yourself 1:00:01

5M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Drew Plotkin, tattoo artist and filmmaker, shares his journey of self-discovery through tattoos in this episode. He recounts his adventures, from death row to Hollywood, and uses his experiences to inspire listeners with his resilience and determination to live life on his own terms. Don't miss this raw and honest account of success, failure, and f…

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Listener Favorites: Gautam Mukunda | What Presidential Elections Can Teach us About Leadership 1:06:48

5M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In this podcast episode, we sit down with Gautam Mukunda, a Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Center for Public Leadership, to discuss what we can learn about leadership from presidential elections. Drawing on insights from his book 'Picking Presidents', which examines the qualities that make for successful leaders, Mukunda provides a…

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Listener Favorites: Jeremey Utley | How Having Lots of Ideas Leads to Creative Breakthroughs 57:10

5M ago57:10

57:10

If you want to be more innovative, you need to start by changing the way you think about creativity. Good ideas aren't the result of pure wisdom, but rather the practice of innovation. Learn how to tap into surprising and valuable ideas on demand and fill the creative pipeline with breakthrough ideas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

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Listener Favorites: Russ Roberts | The Decisions that Define Us 1:02:18

5M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

We have apps telling us who we should date, what music to listen to and which route to take to work, but no algorithm or AI can tell us who we should marry, where we should live or at what age we should have children. According to economist Russ Roberts, these decisions are borne of the necessity to solve life's wild problems. They aren't decisions…

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Listener Favorites: Camille Virginia | The Power of Offline Social Connection 1:01:50

5M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Camille Virginia presents a refreshing and influential solution to the conundrum of digital connection. That is- meeting offline and in the real world. Not only does Camille explain the power of offline connection but she also provides a handbook that will help you fast track your way to building a fulfilling and thriving connection with anyone. Ho…

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Listener Favorites: Michael Bungay Stanier | How to Unlock Your Greatness By Working on Hard Things 45:10

5M ago45:10

45:10

Welcome to an inspiring episode of Unmistakable Creative, featuring the brilliant Michael Bungay Stanier, a renowned coach and author, as we explore the path to unlocking greatness by embracing challenges. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of working on hard things and how it leads to personal and professional growth. Stanier shares…

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Listener Favorites: Madeleine Dore | Redefining What it Means to be Productive 56:38

5M ago56:38

56:38

In this episode, Madeleine Dore discusses how we can redefine productivity by embracing the messiness of life. Dore shares her insights on dismantling comparison, aspirational routines, and unrealistic expectations, encouraging listeners to find their own way to navigate the never-ending list of things to do. Tune in to discover a new perspective o…

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Listener Favorites: Tim Klein | The New Science of Navigating School, Careers and Life 1:02:34

6M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Tim Klein breaks down an evidence-based decision-making framework designed to help you make life's biggest decisions. Learn how to navigate the modern education system and ever-changing world of careers to find your purpose in life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Listener Favorites: Mike Liguori | How to Heal a Relationship with a Parent 56:08

5M ago56:08

56:08

We interview Mike Liguori, founder of Live Your Truth Media and author of The Road Ahead and Miles Behind. Mike shares his insights on how to heal relationships with parents, drawing on his experience reconciling with his father during a cross-country road trip. Tune in to learn more about Mike's journey and gain valuable insights on how to mend re…

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Ethan Kross | How to Deal With The Voice in Your Head 55:43

6M ago55:43

55:43

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Unmistakable Creative, where we delve into the mind's intricacies with our esteemed guest, Ethan Kross. A renowned psychologist and author, Ethan Kross, is a leading expert in controlling the inner voice that often leads us astray. In this episode, titled 'Ethan Kross | How to Deal With The Voice in Your H…

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Listener Favorites: Frederic Bahnson | How To Reduce the Impact of Cognitive Biases on Your Decisions 1:25:59

6M ago1:25:59

1:25:59

The choices we make are actively building the future that awaits us, so what better way to find joy, love and happiness than to become masters of our own decision making? Dr. Frederic Bahnson wants to teach you how to take the guesswork out of decision making so that you can unlock a power better than destiny: the power of choice. Hosted on Acast. …

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Listener Favorites: Dennis Xu | A World Without Folders 55:43

6M ago55:43

55:43

Are you tired of the never-ending struggle to keep your files organized and easily accessible? We sit down with Dennis Xu, co-founder of Mem Labs, to discuss the revolutionary new self-organizing workspace that is changing the way we store and access information. Using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, Mem helps knowledge workers around the…

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Listener Favorites: Masachs Boungou | Turning the Pain and Personal History into Meaning and Purpose 51:24

6M ago51:24

51:24

Dr. Masachs Boungou says that your personal history is not your past. It shapes who you are today and has the power to stir up a deeply moving and unshakable drive within you. Listen as Dr. Masachs shares his own personal history and how we can fulfill our true potential by embracing the history that shapes us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac…

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Listener Favorites: Alex Budak | Becoming a Changemaker: Leading Positive Change at Any Level 57:23

6M ago57:23

57:23

In this enlightening conversation, we're joined by Alex Budak, a professor at Haas Business School and the author of 'Becoming a Change Maker'. Alex shares his unique insights on micro leadership, the dynamics of champions, cynics, and fence sitters in our ability to make change, and the importance of taking a long-term perspective. Alex Budak is n…

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Listener Favorites: Gloria Mark | Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity 58:35

6M ago58:35

58:35

Psychologist Gloria Mark shares her groundbreaking research on attention span and introduces the concept of "kinetic attention" as a new framework for understanding how our brains function in the digital age. In this podcast episode, she offers practical tips for restoring balance and improving our mental resources to find success and wellness in o…

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Listener Favorites: Craig Swanson | The Power of a Willingness To Be Wrong 58:57

6M ago58:57

58:57

Entrepreneur and startup studio owner, Craig Swanson, argues that the ability to embrace being wrong is essential to success in any field. Swanson explains that most people are afraid of being wrong. As a result, they're constantly second-guessing themselves and their ideas, which stifles creativity and innovation. Instead of being afraid of being …

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Listener Favorites: Kate Peterson | Coming up with Your Own Definition of What It Means to Live a Good Life 45:41

6M ago45:41

45:41

A brilliant travel writer and entrepreneur, Kate Peterson shares the wisdom she's attained from traveling the world on how to come up with your own definition on what it means to live well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Listener Favorites: Dan Pink | The Power of Regret 1:10:36

6M ago1:10:36

1:10:36

Welcome to another episode of the Unmistakable Creative Podcast. In this episode, we're thrilled to have a conversation with Dan Pink. Dan is known for his insightful books, five of which are New York Times bestsellers, and his unique perspectives on motivation and human behavior. In this enlightening conversation, Dan Pink shares his wisdom on the…

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Listener Favorites: Dandapani | The Power of Unwavering Focus 1:11:00

6M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

Dive into the world of unwavering focus with Dandapani, a renowned Hindu priest, entrepreneur, and former monk, in this enlightening episode of Unmistakable Creative. Dandapani's unique insights and experiences from his monastic life offer a deeper understanding of how focus can transform our lives. He delves into the intricacies of the mind, expla…

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Listener Favorites: George Ko | Why it Takes 1000 Small Breaks to Get One Big One 48:21

6M ago48:21

48:21

George Ko, known for his dazzling sound and eloquence at the piano, is a pianist and composer who has played on stages around the world. George highlights the importance of dedication, grit and consistency when pursuing a creative path. Here's why being able to get 1000 small breaks instead of one big one will be what defines your ability to hit it…

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Listener Favorites: Richard Newman | Lift Your Impact: Transform Your Mindset, Influence, and Future to Elevate Your Work, Team, and Life 1:05:58

6M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Join Richard Newman, an award-winning expert in communication, storytelling, and influence, as he shares groundbreaking techniques to increase your impact and influence. Discover how to align your values, create a better future, overcome limitations, and inspire others through powerful storytelling. Tune in to gain practical tools and insights that…

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Listener Favorites: Akshay Nanavati | How to Use Pain as a Tool for Transformation 54:04

6M ago54:04

54:04

Akshay Nanavati is on a mission to help people transform their negative emotions into health, wealth and happiness. His book "Fearvana" is a revolutionary approach to conquering your fears and achieving anything you set your mind to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Listener Favorites: Richard Leider | The Path of Purposeful Aging 52:44

6M ago52:44

52:44

How can we celebrate the experience of aging? How can we take the process of getting old and turn it into a purposeful journey? In this episode, we explore this very unexplored subject with aging expert Richard Leider in order to hopefully unveil the path of purposeful aging to all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Listener Favorites: Derek Gladwin | Rewriting Our Stories 54:09

7M ago54:09

54:09

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

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Listener Favorites: Michael Mager | Pioneering the Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces 50:08

6M ago50:08

50:08

Join us in this captivating episode with Michael Mager, a pioneer in the realm of brain-computer interfaces. Dive deep into the groundbreaking technology that allows for reading and potentially writing into the human brain. Michael sheds light on the transformative potential of these advancements and their societal implications. Could we soon have …