I hope this is a thought-provoking episode. In it I explore why economic inequality persists despite overwhelming evidence of its damaging effects. I reference economist Gary Stevenson's stark assessment of wealth concentration and connect it with Jon Alexander's work on the narratives that shape our society. The episode delves into how our collective stories; from being "subjects" to being "consumers" have blinded us to systemic issues and blocked meaningful change. I share Jon's work on the em...
Apr 25, 2025•10 min•Season 7Ep. 261
Today, I'm joined by Chad Grills, an entrepreneur, veteran, and visionary who's on a mission to reimagine how capital flows to startups. In our conversation, Chad shares his fascinating journey from small-town Maryland to military service in Iraq and Egypt, to becoming a writer and entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. Now based in Texas, Chad is the founder of National Capital League, a startup developing a game designed to help people make or raise money in alignment with their values. As a father o...
Apr 10, 2025•57 min•Season 7Ep. 260
Two weeks ago at SXSW in Austin, I reconnected with previsous guest, Israa Nasir, therapist, clinical strategist, and author of "Toxic Productivity,” During our short conversation Israa explains the mindset that compels us to chase relentless achievement, often as a means to cope with challenging emotions such as guilt, shame, and feeling left behind. Israa shares her personal journey and why she wrote her book. She looks at how society's views on productivity impact our work, relationships, par...
Mar 31, 2025•26 min•Season 7Ep. 259
In this episode, I explore the concept of the "AI flywheel" - the accelerating momentum of artificial intelligence development that's either carrying us forward or leaving us behind. As we approach the critical juncture of Artificial General Intelligence we need to understand what makes us uniquely human, something I discussed with recent guest, Dom Heinrich. Key Points The Accelerating Pace : Recent releases from Anthropic (Claude 3.7 Sonnet), OpenAI (GPT-4.5), Google (Gemini), and Grok demonst...
Mar 03, 2025•6 min•Season 7Ep. 258
In this follow-up conversation, Julia Black, a former TV producer turned education innovator, shares insights from her groundbreaking Lights On framework and her book 'Lights On Learning: A Parent's Blueprint for Happy, Fulfilled, Curious Kids.' Julia describes how her framework challenges traditional education paradigms by focusing on internal learning processes and parental involvement to treat disengagement as an opportunity for growth. She discusses the six learning signatures and provides r...
Dec 27, 2024•34 min•Season 7Ep. 257
My guest this week is Dominik Heinrich, a visionary working at the intersection of design, AI technology, and human experience. As the co-founder of the Creative AI Academy, faculty member at Pratt Institute, and Head of Global Design at Coca-Cola Company, Dom brings a unique perspective on how AI is reshaping creativity and innovation. Dom's journey is fascinating—from his childhood in Germany drawing maps that would foreshadow his future global agency network, to driving innovation at McCann a...
Dec 03, 2024•54 min•Season 7Ep. 256
Amy Gubser Amy Gubser, is an extraordinary 56-year-old grandmother who this year became the first person ever to complete an unassisted swim from the Golden Gate Bridge in SF to the Farallon Islands - a 30-mile stretch of cold, shark-infested waters off the California coast. Moreover, what makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Amy only started her marathon swimming journey aged 46. Throughout a fascinating conversation, Amy describes her path from early morning swims in San Francis...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Season 7Ep. 255
In this episode of the Impossible Network, Mark interviews Noam, a pioneering psychotherapist and co-founder of VidaVii. Noam's captivating journey from his upbringing on a kibbutz near the Gaza border to establishing a wellness technology hub in London is explored in depth. The conversation touches on communal living, military service, corporate culture, and the importance of authenticity. Noam shares insights on navigating childhood and parenting in different eras, the impact of social media o...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 45 min•Season 7Ep. 254
Welcome back to the start of Season 6 of The Impossible Network. Today’s guest is Denzil Monk, a filmmaker, social entrepreneur, and accidental academic. Denzil is dedicated to reshaping the narrative for his home region of Cornwall, England, advocating for a more inclusive and regenerative approach to media, culture, and the economy. From advocating for Cornish public service media Impactful film productions to pioneering the ideas like Man Engine, the largest performing mechanical puppet ever ...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Season 7Ep. 253
Today, I want to discuss a concept that's been on my mind lately: what it truly means to be a reality distortion shaper. This idea was inspired by Steve Jobs' infamous "reality distortion field" - his almost mythical ability to make people believe in the impossible and, through sheer force of vision, bring ideas to life. As I unboxed my new iPad Air and installed iOS 17 , I couldn't help but reflect on how far we've come from Apple's beginnings. The evolution of Apple, and now Apple Intelligence...
Sep 23, 2024•4 min•Season 6Ep. 252
In this weeks episode we dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity with NY based AI creative trailblazer Tony Jones From growing up in Ohio his creative ambitions led him to New York to work in numerous leading ad agencies where he carved out a niche at the intersection of creativity and technology. Today, Tony is the co-founder and head instructor at Creative AI Academy, where he’s on a mission to help organizations and individuals harness the power of AI to enhance t...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Season 6Ep. 251
Today, I'm joined by Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW). For over three decades, Hugh has been at the helm of one of the most influential events in the world, celebrating creativity at the convergence of tech, film, music, and culture. Hugh's journey is a fascinating one, rooted in Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant creative scene. From his early days running a local newspaper to becoming a key figure in the expansion and evolution of SXSW, Hugh's story...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 6Ep. 250
Last week, I sat down with Stephen Davies, a unique voice in sustainable architecture and community development. Stephen's journey from the gritty streets of Bolton and the Manchester party scene to a cycling enthusiast and socially-conscious designer in a quiet town in Cornwall was both unexpected and inspiring. He reflected on how personal challenges and a near-death experience shaped his perspective on life and work. His approach blends philosophical musings with practical solutions to the pr...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 6Ep. 249
This week the tables are turned as I’m the guest on the Funds & Founders Podcast. Hosted by Abhinav Sinha , the pod explores the untold Journeys Behind Founders Breakthroughs. Across this broad conversation Abhi explores my view on life-long learning, building community, the differences between New York and Austin, forming Fabrica and the power of Storytelling, lessons from my failed start-up, Creating The Impossible Network, memorable interviews, the power of the network, my support system ...
Jul 02, 2024•59 min•Season 6Ep. 248
In this week's episode, I sit down with Amanda Hamilton, a renowned nutrition expert, ex-broadcaster, and founder of retreats focused on holistic well-being and women’s health. We cover how Amanda's innate curiosity drove her to independently travel the globe, open a fasting retreat, aged 27, create a groundbreaking TV show, and ultimately redefine what it means to live a truly nourished life. Amanda shares her pragmatic perspective on nourishing the body and mind through real, unprocessed foods...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Season 6Ep. 247
I recently interviewed Suba Vasudevan, a tech optimist and eternal learner who has made a lasting impact in the realm of trust, safety, and responsible innovation. Growing up in Mumbai, Suba was shaped by her parents' unwavering support. Her innate curiosity led her to pursue computer engineering while also working as a journalist, exposing her to the importance of risk management and trust in technology. Over the years, Suba has worked at renowned companies such as News Corp, KPMG, and Meta, wh...
Jun 12, 2024•50 min•Season 6Ep. 246
Natalia Talkowska shares her journey from Poland to London's startup ecosystem and how her insatiable curiosity led her to transform lives through visual storytelling. Interviewed at the Austin Public Library, Natalia delves into her mission of connecting people and making them feel seen and understood. She recounts the pivotal encounter with Darren Robson, a mentor who fundamentally shaped her career and personal growth. Natalia also discusses her approach to visual thinking as a strategic tool...
May 27, 2024•46 min•Season 6Ep. 245
Lauren Hug joins me this week. Lauren Hug, is a writer, speaker and activist based in Colorado Springs. Lauren grew up with a unique mix of influences - a tech-savvy household, a love for the humanities, and a conservative religious upbringing. This sparked in her a deep curiosity about ideas and a passion for rediscovering and sharing the wisdom of the past. Lauren has focused much of her work on promoting digital kindness and encouraging healthier ways of interacting online. While social media...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 6Ep. 244
In March I attended SXSW and for 8 days immersed myself in every available AI related keynote or panel discussion. What did I learn? 1.No one can say for certain how the future will unfold as we embrace these AI tools and powered robotic technologies 2. Whether we like it or not AI is coming to our jobs and those using it - coming for our jobs. 3. Resisting it is futile but Embracing it while being cognizant of this full range or risks and ethical issues is essential 4. As futurist Amy Webb stat...
Apr 26, 2024•5 min
Today, I’m joined by Alex Fish, a trailblazer in social cinema and a staunch advocate for environmental and social justice. Alex's journey from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil shores of Cornwall mirrors his quest for meaningful impact and community-driven change. In this episode, we explore who Alex is as a human and what or who made him. We delve into Alex's eclectic background, as a social butterfly in London, connecting with diverse cultures, to his transformative experiences i...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Season 6Ep. 243
Today I am joined by Gavin Fernie-Jones - a remarkable individual whose life story is a testament to embracing change, resilience, and the power of community. Discovering his love of the outdoors in Peak District in the UK, he moved to the French Alps to manage chalets, before his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a ski boot fitting business, But as he witnessed the creeping realities of climate change he began to take action through his One Tree At A Time initiative. This led to further in...
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Season 6Ep. 242
In this interview, ChatGPT (referred to as 'Carla') discusses its core objectives, its influences, its limitations, and its future implications. Topics discussed include AI’s impact on society, children’s education, policy recommendations for education reform, the impact of AI on the creative industry, and strategies to tackle social isolation. The conversation also covers fun topics such as what GPT would do if it were a parent and what human name it would choose for itself. I was recently been...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 6Ep. 241
Until the age of 38 Edward Molkenboer impacted people's lives through the ads he created. Having launched his ad agency at the age of 18, and after 20 years of success Edward was hit by an existential realization that set him on a new path of impact; social not commercial. In this episode Edward recounts that awakening moment and discusses the work he is doing now to leave the world a better place than he found it. ‘Something to which I think we all aspire. Edward Molkenboer recounts his decisio...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 240
Caroline Arditti is a community builder and 'sunshine maker', shares her experience of initiating 'Sunshine Hour', a Zoom-based platform to connect and uplift a diverse range of people in light of quarantine worldwide. Beginning early during quarantine with a handful of participants from her personal network, 'Sunshine Hour' rapidly expanded to more than 500 people from over 40 countries. The sessions were conducted in both French and English, encouraging connections, friendship, and even busine...
Jan 18, 2024•8 min•Season 6Ep. 239
In today's episode, we speak with Caroline Arditti, a Paris-born creative force whose mission is to make the world more human and help people feel more alive. Caroline shared her journey from working in corporate communications and PR to founding Sunshine Makers, an experiential agency that's creating positive momentum through community-building initiatives like the Sunshine Hour and Supper Club. Caroline shares her journey from quarantine isolation to building a global community through her Sun...
Jan 15, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 6Ep. 238
This week, in light of the recent and extreme escalation in violence in Israel and Gaza, and the resultant rage and outrage that’s consuming our news and social feeds I’m publishing this episode with some trepidation but in the hope that it will instill some sense of belief that peace is possible. I am republishing an interview with Stephen Hecht, Founder and CEO of A Million Peacemakers. Their principle of Nonflict provides inspiring examples of how to foster reconciliation, mutual understandin...
Oct 19, 2023•51 min•Season 6Ep. 237
TLDR If you're short on time here are seven minutes of soundbites from difference maker Kristina Skierka - theSan Francisco based founder and CEO of Power For All, a global campaign to provide universal energy access by 2025 to the 85% of the 1.1 billion people residing in rural areas who lack reliable energy. She's a beacon of inspiration, galvanizing governments, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs worldwide behind her mission. Kristina has fostered partnerships with over 300 collaborators, to launc...
Oct 12, 2023•9 min•Season 6Ep. 236
This week's guest is Kristina Skierka, a genuine difference maker and true catalyst for change in the global energy sector. As the CEO and founder of the Power for All campaign Kristina has been instrumental in shaping a movement with a truly audacious vision and goal of: powering the 85% of the 1.1 billion people residing in rural areas who lack reliable energy and achieve universal energy access by 2025. She's a beacon of inspiration, galvanizing governments, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs worl...
Oct 09, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 6Ep. 235
How do we encourage more people to accept help when it’s offered, and ask for help when it's needed? That is the big question this week’s guest difference maker Ashley Usiskin is focused on answering. With a successful career that spanned branding, marketing and start-ups across 4 countries, in early 2022 Ashley was diagnosed with lymphoma and a rare auto-immune hemolytic disease that required months of debilitating chemotherapy. This led to a life-changing and transformative experience; from be...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 5Ep. 234
As a break from the norm, this week I’m dropping a series of daily short bonus interviews with previous guest Dr Morgaine Gaye the food futurologist. Today's Question What Do Recipe Books Really Sell? Social Links Instagram Facebook Linkedin Email Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 18, 2023•4 min
