Send us a text In this episode of Signal Shift, we explore the future of workplace design with guest Kaelynn Reid, a design futurist at Kimball International. From AI voice booths to cobot hubs to smart, hyper-personalized offices, we unpack three powerful signals redefining how and where we work. What happens when desks disappear, walls become int…

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the rise of alternative income models—new ways people are earning, sharing and surviving in a shifting economy. We discuss the spread of gig platforms into retail, the emergence of B2B asset-sharing, and how IKEA is paying employees to work inside Roblox. We also spotlight one woman’s choice to live withou…

Send us a text We kick off our series on the future of work by exploring the rapid rise of AI in hiring and recruitment. From AI interviewers analyzing facial expressions to skill-based recruiting that renders resumes obsolete, we unpack how AI is transforming the earliest stages of the job cycle. As companies turn to AI to optimize recruitment, we…

Send us a text In this episode, we explore global migration trends—what’s driving people to move, where they’re heading, and how climate change, geopolitics, and shifting demographics are rewriting the rules. We dig into emerging talent hubs like Indonesia, the rise of mobility as a hedge for Americans, and the paradox of migration into climate-vul…

Send us a text In this episode, we explore climate resilient design—how homes and communities can adapt to a rapidly changing world. We highlight innovations like solar-powered towns, fog-harvesting mesh, recycled construction materials, and closed-loop water systems. We ask: should the future of housing center on mobility or deep-rooted resilience…

Send us a text Smart cities promise efficiency and innovation—but how do they truly function, and what challenges must they overcome? Often associated with cutting-edge tech, real progress depends on sustainability, accessibility, and designing for all who share urban spaces. As cities grow and wildlife adapts to urban life, how can we create envir…

Send us a text We explore the power of everyday signals—those seemingly mundane moments that reveal deeper trends shaping our future. Through personal observations—from pet-centric commercials to the impact of declining birth rates and the challenges of urban infrastructure—we uncover how these signals reflect broader societal changes. We also disc…

Send us a text In this episode of Signal Shift, we explore the fragility of our food system, focusing on food safety and the innovations shaping its future. We start with some alarming food recall statistics from 2024, the impact of climate change, and the increasing risks in the food supply chain. We also discuss how emerging technologies like AI …

Send us a text In this episode we explore the challenges and opportunities of zero waste living—from behavioral shifts to breakthrough innovations and policy changes. We examine the impact of de-influencing, a growing movement helping consumers rethink wasteful purchases, and spotlight a paper-based electronics innovation that could reduce e-waste.…

Send us a text We’ve all heard about go bags and emergency kits, but in a rapidly changing world, are they enough to keep us safe? In this episode, we explore how emergency preparedness is evolving beyond outdated survival kits. From self-driving evacuation vehicles to drone-powered disaster response, we look at the technologies transforming resili…

Send us a text We know climate anxiety is real—and it’s growing. Searches for the term are skyrocketing, and studies show that over half of young people feel deeply worried about climate change. In this episode, we explore signals of how people are collectively processing eco-anxiety and climate grief. From the rise of climate cafés—spaces for shar…

Send us a text In this episode we explore how the decline of alcohol consumption is reshaping nightlife, wellness, and social behavior. We discuss the rise of alternatives—such as cannabis-infused beverages and functional drinks marketed for mood enhancement—along with the growing interest in sober curiosity. But not all alcohol is disappearing. De…

Send us a text We explore an emerging question in social media: can we move beyond algorithms for addiction and design systems that support mental health? Our signals research reveals a complex landscape where immediate solutions, like teaching algorithmic literacy, exist alongside calls for emerging alternatives and policy changes. Through examini…

Send us a text We use the Futures Wheel framework to explore a provocative scenario: What happens when toxic air becomes an 18-month reality? Our mapping of possible consequences reveals surprising cascading effects, from "clean air caravan communities" to digital twin homes that optimize for health. Drawing from current examples and real-world tox…

Send us a text First and foremost, we acknowledge the devastating fires in Los Angeles and our hearts go out to all those affected. This episode is the first in our health and wellness series, and in it we explore the frontiers of human longevity, starting with tech billionaire Bryan Johnson's controversial anti-aging regime. We examine the growing…

Send us a text We examine how generative AI is transforming creative work and expression. Our conversation weaves through three distinct signals: a $1.8 million AI-created portrait, Gen Z's creative approach to job hunting, and New York's guaranteed income program for artists. We discuss how the creative economy might transform into an ownership ec…

Send us a text In this episode we explore both challenges and hopeful developments regarding the future of forests, balancing current threats with emerging solutions. While climate change and pest infestations pose serious risks to our forests, innovative developments offer rays of hope. Examining America's dismal wood recycling rates, we discover …

Send us a text Enjoy this episode from the archives. In this episode, we discuss trends from the Pew Research Center's latest findings on religious identification, revealing that 28% of U.S. adults are religiously unaffiliated "nones" - those who describe themselves as "nothing in particular" when asked about their religion. Given this significant …

Send us a text In this reflective end-of-year episode, we explore how our weekly signal scanning practice has transformed our perspectives and daily lives. From reimagining retirement to embracing creative pursuits and making proactive health choices, we share personal stories of how scanning for signals has helped us face uncertainty with hope and…

Send us a text We explore Time Magazine's annual Best Inventions list to uncover signals about our future. From Toi Labs' AI-powered toilet seat revolutionizing personal health monitoring, to Volvo's innovative driver safety system becoming EU law by 2026, to Light Bio's bioluminescent Firefly Petunia reimagining gardening -- we discuss how these i…

Send us a text Enjoy this episode from the archives. In this episode we explore three emerging trends in real estate development: A multi-generational housing complex in Berlin, China's pre-construction crisis affecting millions of homebuyers, and how digital twin technology is revolutionizing property management. Join us as we examine the future o…

Send us a text We explore how farming innovation is reshaping our relationship with food and each other. From LA's community farming initiative turning front yards into neighborhood food sources, to innovative hydroponic systems bringing agriculture into grocery stores, to the remarkable Global Seed Vault preserving our agricultural heritage – we d…

Send us a text In this episode, we explore music technology trends through three distinct signals. We discuss how classical music is breaking down traditional barriers, examine AI's impact on DJing and music curation, and investigate the surprising revival of physical media. Through these lenses, we uncover a fundamental tension between technologic…

Send us a text We explore the unsettling landscape of data privacy through three emerging trends: a website publishing detailed voter information, car manufacturers collecting (and selling) intimate details about drivers and passengers, and a new technology scanning human irises for identity verification. As we discover how our personal information…

Send us a text We explore the significant changes coming to aviation, from Dubai's autism-friendly airport to the emergence of urban air taxis and flying car racing. While these innovations promise exciting possibilities—like one-hour flights from Delhi to London on hypersonic jets—they also raise important questions about our future skies. How wil…

Send us a text In this episode, we explore three potential pandemic threats through very different lenses. We dive into antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the "silent pandemic" that could rival COVID-19's impact; investigate the booming $11 billion emergency preparedness industry, including luxury bunkers; and track H5N1's concerning spread from birds…

Send us a text In this special episode, we explore a "Signals Mashup," combining three real-life stories that could shape our future. Though we could pick anything, we all wound up picking signals from healthcare! We discuss an AI tool that predicts patient outcomes, a device enabling communication through lucid dreams, and a groundbreaking ultraso…

Send us a text In our 26th episode, we explore some pretty cool innovations in experiential food. We discuss Barilla's scientifically-composed pasta soundtrack (with a throwback to White Lotus), designed to enhance flavors through sound. We then take our conversation into space, examining how researchers are revolutionizing astronaut cuisine and ev…

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the rapid evolution of robots and their growing roles in our society. We introduce Moxie, a robot designed to help children develop social skills, and discuss Amazon's massive robot workforce, now 750,000 strong. Our conversation spans from sidewalk to sky as we examine autonomous delivery systems. We cons…

Send us a text A Stanford study revealing rapid aging at 44 and 60 kickstarts our exploration of how aging perceptions are changing. We examine ageism in workplaces and the nuances of intergenerational dynamics, from reverse mentoring to Gen Z bringing parents to interviews. The story of a 70-year-old medical school graduate sparks debate about pur…

Send us a text In this eye-opening episode, we explore the surprising emergence of psychedelics in mainstream society, particularly in corporate settings. We discuss how companies are offering psychedelic-assisted therapy as part of employee benefits, the growing trend of microdosing among professional women, and the rise of psychedelic leadership …

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the evolving nature of citizenship in our increasingly interconnected world. We discuss how wealthy individuals are building "passport portfolios" and how DNA testing is reshaping citizenship claims. We examine the concept of digital citizenship and its importance in our online lives. The conversation then…

Send us a text We explore the evolving landscape of death and remembrance in our increasingly digital world. From the growing death-positive movement to the rise of death doulas, we uncover how society is shifting its approach to mortality. We discuss the emergence of AI-powered grief bots and digital avatars, questioning their impact on the grievi…

Send us a text In this episode, originally recorded in February, we explore how technology and environmental changes are reshaping the world of fitness and sports. We learn about groundbreaking AI applications like SwingVision, which transforms smartphones into personal tennis coaches. We discuss the challenges ski resorts face from climate change …

Send us a text In this episode, we explore an expansive view of ergonomics. Join us as we uncover the hidden "left-handed tax" and its surprising economic impact. We also consider some mind- (and finger-) bending human augmentation technologies. But it's not all physical–we also discuss emotional ergonomics and how it's reshaping our daily interact…

Send us a text Join us in this special behind-the-scenes episode on how we find signals. We share how to cultivate a mindset that sees the extraordinary in the ordinary, from daily habits to real-world observations. Discover our diverse approaches to signal scanning, including AI tools, historical contexts, and observing local changes. Learn how tr…

Send us a text This week we're exploring the unexpected evolution of shopping malls. We stumbled upon some fascinating signals -- from Asian-American cultural hubs to... well, let's just say an unusual activity involving sticks and imagination. We're seeing parking lots transform into community parks and wondering what "going to the mall" might mea…

Send us a text This week we explore the evolving world of weddings and some trends that are reshaping this age-old tradition. We discuss how different generations might view marriage, some signals on unconventional ceremonies, and even the possibility of changing legal marriage ages. Is there a future where platonic friendship weddings are normaliz…

Send us a text This week we're exploring the power of laughter in our rapidly changing world. We uncover signals about comedy's impact on health, mental wellbeing, and even climate change awareness. From scientific studies showing laughter's benefits for heart patients, to mental health patients using humor as a tool, to climate scientists partneri…

Send us a text It’s Olympic season! Join us as we gear up for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and explore some angles you might not expect. We'll dive into the mind-boggling logistics of feeding thousands of athletes (millions of bananas!), the innovative ways cities are repurposing Olympic venues, and how digital twin technology is revolutionizing …

Send us a text In this episode we explore the future of books, and the innovative ways we might interact with the written word. We learn about a new platform to collaborate and release work together, promoting shared ownership of creative projects. We explore the future of audiobooks, and how we can further the potential of immersive audio experien…

Send us a text This week we discuss a personal and pressing topic: the future of caregiving. As the care crisis deepens, we explore innovative solutions--from wearable sensors revolutionizing at-home care to the evolution of pet benefits in the workplace. We discuss groundbreaking developments in early Alzheimer's detection and what they mean for f…

Send us a text In honor of the UN's first International Day of Play, we discuss the importance of play at every stage of life. We explore recent innovations including kid-designed playgrounds and glow-in-the-dark night parks, as well as retail spaces reimagined from storefronts to playfronts. We touch on play's impact on brain health and creativity…

Send us a text As the world rapidly changes, so too must our approaches to education and continuous learning. We discuss innovative approaches like Singapore's Skills-Future Credit program, supporting mid-life learners, and the rise of multidisciplinary majors. We question whether universities are keeping pace with demands for flexibility, affordab…

Send us a text As global travel rebounds to pre-pandemic levels with 1.4 billion international arrivals in early 2024, the environmental cost is increasingly apparent. From Mount Fuji swarmed by tourists to over-crowded buses in Barcelona, we discuss over-tourism and measures to address it. Join us as we examine global signals, like Spain's proposa…

Send us a text Discover the evolving landscape of social networks and how technology is reshaping our means of connection. In a lively discussion, we examine the interplay between traditional and digital networking, exploring what it means to form and maintain relationships in a world increasingly dominated by virtual interactions. We wonder: will …

Send us a text Join us as we delve into the pivotal changes shaping the world of chocolate and cacao. Amid rising cocoa prices and environmental challenges, we explore innovations like cocoa-free alternatives and CRISPR-enhanced cacao crops. From discussions on fair trade's growing impact to how indigenous communities safeguard livelihoods through …

Send us a text Explore the changing landscape of retirement as we confront challenges and reveal hopeful strategies for a future that will inherently differ from the past. We discuss the financial hurdles women face and spotlight the rising financial savvy among younger generations. Challenging traditional life stages, we introduce a 'new map of li…

Send us a text Discover how the future of social dining is transforming through innovative spaces and cultural shifts. We share real-world stories that preview what dining out might look like in the coming years. From libraries transforming into communal hubs to innovative drive-in diners with charging stations, we delve into how these spaces might…

Send us a text Uncover the groundbreaking ways AI and new technologies are transforming how we communicate. We explore the future of language, sharing real-world stories from AI tools that bridge language gaps in romance to brain-computer interfaces giving voice to those who cannot speak. We discuss the future of language learning and ponder whethe…