Future News - Four New Elements, VASIMR Plasma Drive, New Asteroid Defense Network, Chevy Bolt Debuts, Marty McFly Sneakers, Anti-Drone Laser Weapons, 3D Printed Alien Object, Robotic Falcon

Listen Now to Future News 1.12.2016

It is a safer world when our new Asteroid Defense system is deployed, a big issue if we are ever hit by one of those wayward space rocks. And to explore the solar system, getting to Mars in 39 days, we have the VASIMR plasma drive, promising to revolutionize space trave with its speed energy efficient design. (all you need is a powerful nuclear reactor to power it, minor details.) Meanwhile on Earth, we have discovered/created four new elements to complete the Periodic Table, we’ve have a new pair of heated shoes that self-tighten and track our movements, a new electric car from Chevrolet, hand held laser weapons and a robotic falcon for taking out drones, and a 3D printed metal spaceship model, made from an asteroid. Oh, and let us not forget trauma can be passed down through the generations via sperm!  Enjoy!

The new VASIMR Propulsion System , getting us to Mars to 39 Days

State of the Future Interview with NASA-trained Quantum Astronaut Christopher Altman and Kate Russell

Listen Now to Christopher Altman and Kate Russell

Happy New Year to you all! — We’re off to a fine start with our guests this week, NASA-trained quantum astronaut Christopher Altman (Facebook) and his muse, Kate Kie Russell, a professional model and actress, serendipity spark, technology catalyst, conference and events coordinator, DJ, host and emcee. Kate is fluent in Japanese, and a talented icebreaker into the vast, unexplored terrain of “Deep Future” thinking. 

On this show we explore such erudite topics as breakthroughs in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, Open AI, magnetic thorium nuclear plasma drives for deep space exploration, the Tau Zero Foundation pioneering interstellar flight, quantum entanglement/teleportation, multidisciplinary research institute Starlab, outer space and inner space, open source vs secrecy, and a myriad of other future trends making their way to the present. Enjoy!

Future News & Interview - Drones and Drone Racing with Zoe Katherine Stumbaugh

Listen Now to Zoe Katherine Stumbaugh

You ever wonder what it was like at the beginning of a new sport? Well, this time in history is the beginning of drone racing, fast little flying machines that can dazzle you with their speed and agility, able to turn on a dime and even sustain high speed crashes, and continue to race. 

As the pilot wearing FPV googles (First Person View), your eyes are fed live video from the drone’s camera as you control the flight sticks, essentially making YOU the aircraft, hurtling through the landscape at up to 100 mph, through abandoned buildings and forests. As Zoe intimates in her online ‘Outer Limits’ flying vids, you are in charge of the “vertical and horizonal.”

Zoe is a pioneer racer in this nascent new sport, one of the few (but rapidly growing) population of female drone pilots that love to feel that need for speed.  It also has to do with the freedom the sport offers. Having been bed-ridden in her early 20’s, the ability to suddenly be free of the tyrany of gravity and fly with the birds in your own neighborhood was tremendous.  And of course, having the mind and technical skills to build them and rebuild them after crashes certainly helps.

In our interview we discuss many significant aspects of the drone universe, including the new rules coming down from the Federal Aviation Administration.  With over half a million drones sold this Christmas, 2016 truly is the year of the drones.  Enjoy!

Interview/Discussion with Brett & Shannon Leonard, father/son filmmakers

Listen Now to Brett and Shannon Leonard

Join us as we explore the future of filmmaking and media as delve into virtual reality movies and ‘story worlders’ with the father/son team that is pioneering this realm of human creativity.  Unlike most shows, we even spend some time looking at politics and how well the candidates use social media for their campaigns.  Our conversation on Trump spawned some controversy with our audience.  Brett and Shannon also give us their review of the latest Star Wars film (no spoilers), thoughts on future money, like cryptocurrency, and new forms of democracy involving algorhythmic decision-making.   Enjoy!!

Filmmakers Brett and Shannon Leonard

Interview - Ellen Komp on her new book "Tokin' Women - A 4000-Year Herstory of Women and Marijuana"

Listen Now to Ellen Komp aka Nola Evangelista

Ellen is a ‘herstorian,’ looking at history from the point of view of women’s experiences of life.  In this case, she has written a delightfully intelligent collection of 50 short stories on famous women’s use and thoughts about the sacred herb, marijuana. 

Susan Sarandon, for example, once said “I’d rather have my kids smoke weed then drink, except that it’s illegal.” Or psychologist Susan Blackmore who said “without cannabis most of my scientific research would never have been done.” And Margaret Mead “marihuana is not harmful unless it is taken in enormous and excessive amounts.”

As the California deputy director of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marihuana Laws), Ellen is also up on the current status of Marihuna legalization efforts, sharing with us some info in this arena.

Beautifully layed out with an image and one page story for each tokin woman, this book makes a great ‘stocking stuffer’, and the perfect size for powder room reading. 

Come with us as we delve into the hidden world of female cannabis use through time with herstorian and storyteller, Ellen Komp.