Un-Assuming

We can't build a new world on the beliefs that made the old one

The Podcast

Our mission:

Challenge assumptions and illuminate unexamined beliefs.

Dissect humanity's best and worst impulses so we can replicate our best.

Reimagine the paradigms that shape our society.

Conduct dialogues that cultivate personal growth.

Why

Modern civilization is at a crossroads. As AI and robotics increasingly mirror human thought and behavior, understanding ourselves becomes more urgent than ever—especially the troubling question of why we so often choose paths that lead to suffering. Despite having the tools and capacity to create enough for everyone, humanity continues to perpetuate scarcity, harm and violence. This podcast dives into the deepest questions about human nature, the systems we create, and the beliefs that underpin our norms. If we design technologies that think and act like us and amplify our reach, we must first gain a clearer understanding of who we are, what drives us, and how we really behave. We don’t claim to have the answers, Instead, through open dialogue and inquiry, we invite listeners to explore what it would take for humanity to be more thoughtful about the technology it creates - so that our choices benefit humankind rather than harm it.

“The real problem of humanity is the following: We have Paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions and godlike technology.” — Dr. E.O. Wilson, Sociobiologist

Potential Launch Episodes

Is lying part of human nature?

We tell white lies all the time. We construct fables and myths to make sense of the world. We currently complain about a post-truth world, but have we ever really been truthful? This episode will dive into the pros and cons of lying, whether truth and truthfulness are attainable, and how we inadvertently teach our children to lie.

Do people need to work?

For many, work provides a purpose and an identity. Yet, many jobs and even professions are disappearing with automation and AI. Some governments are experimenting with UBI to compensate for the lack of jobs. But is work solely about earnings or do people need work to have happy and productive lives? And does the type of work matter?

Is money evil?

We can see what rapacious greed is doing, not only to humanity, but to our planet and all living things. Can we have money without greed or is chasing wealth inherently destructive? This episode will explore whether we can have advanced society without currency and if we would even want that.

"An unexamined life is not worth living" - Socrates

Panelists

Karen Phelan

Julie Winkle Giulioni

TBD

We want you to join our panel. Please experiment with us as we launch our first episodes.

Let's Converse!

Would you like to be part of our panel? We are looking for guests who love to have a good conversation. Keep in mind, this is not an interview but an exploration of topics we conduct together. We are all about the discussion.

You'll have the chance to promote your content at the end. If you're eager, complete the form and choose your topic. We're also open to new topic ideas, too!

(Open it in a new tab or window.)

You can email us at host at this domain name.

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