Urgent Futures is a deep-dive interview podcast about the future and topics that its host, Jesse Damiani, deems urgent. A look at his site realitystudies.co shows the following categories which map to topics discussed on the pod:
- Polycrisis & Postreality
- Resilience & Prepping
- Tech Analysis (AI, QC, Blockchain)
Jesse has produced nearly 100 episodes in under three years, each an hour or two in length. The YouTube version also has video, if that is your thing.
I'm always impressed by the depth of discussion. Expect a challenge and resulting growth in your understanding. If an episode doesn't connect with me, it's always because of the specific topic, never the guest and discussion.
The guests are solid in their fields, and not the typical people who do the rounds on talk podcasts. Jesse does a great job leading them through the interview. He is well-prepared and well-spoken, always having something to add to the discussion.
If you are interested in the future and technology and are looking for a cerebral challenge that is still digestible, look to Urgent Futures.
Recent episodes I recommend include:
- Enshittification: Why the Internet Sucks Now - Cory Doctorow | #68
- The Reason Renewables Aren't Replacing Fossil Fuels at Scale - Brett Christophers | #47
- Can Digital Media Represent Reality in the AI Age? Did it Ever? - Steve Anderson | #57
- "Democracy is No Longer Expanding Agency"—Planetary Civics in the AI Age - Indy Johar | #59
