The Future of You
Tracey Follows
The Future of You is the home of Tracey Follows’ ongoing work on identity, agency, and the changing relationship between systems and selves in an AI-mediated world.This channel now brings together three strands of that work.The Future of You podcast explores how technology is reshaping identity, from digital selves and predictive systems to automation, intimacy, trust, and human futures.The Future of You audio series is the original 2021 book, released here chapter by chapter. It explores what Tracey came to call the technology of the self: a third dimension of identity, alongside the psychology of the self and the biology of the self. These recordings are presented as an audio archive of the original published text. Me:chine Dialogues is a special series from The Future of You exploring identity, agency, and AI-mediated systems — where the machinable and unmachinable selves meet. It follows the emerging synthetic condition shaping who we are becoming: not man versus machine, but the meeting of selves, the part that can be copied and the part that can never be caught. Together, these three strands trace an evolving inquiry into identity: from the digital self, to the technological self, to the Me:chine self.Across all of them runs one continuous question: what happens to human identity when the systems around us begin to see us, sort us, predict us, generate us, and increasingly speak in our name?Identity is becoming infrastructure for systems. This channel explores what remains of the self inside them.Core concepts include:Systems & SelfIdentity as InfrastructureThe Technology of the SelfMe:chine — the machinable and unmachinable selfNew here? Start with:→ Me:chine Dialogues: Manifesto→ The Future of You audio series: Chapter 1, Knowing You→ The Future of You podcast archiveVisit:→ Me:chine World and essays: me-chine.com→ Podcast archive: The Future of You→ Audio series: weekly chapters on this channel Introduction About Tracey FollowsTracey Follows is a futurist specialising in identity, agency, and the relationship between systems and selves in an AI-mediated world. Her work includes the frameworks Systems & Self, Identity as Infrastructure, and Me:chine, exploring the machinable and unmachinable dimensions of human identity.The Future of You was named Best Tech Show at the Independent Podcast Awards 2023.Her central premise: “The future is written between the system and the self.”Follow to receive each new transmission as it is released.AI-mediated systems - where the machinable and unmachinable selves meet.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 16, 2024 • 53min
Surveillance and Data: Byron Tau on Government Monitoring and AI Risks
Byron Tau is an American investigative journalist and author of the new book "Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance of Tech and Government Is Creating a New American Surveillance State” so in this episode I’m talking to Byron about the intricate world of government surveillance. We discuss how commercial data is leveraged by the US government and other entities for extensive monitoring. We also talk about the public’s seeming lack of awareness, the role of data brokers, the impact of surveillance on personal identity, and the implications of AI. During our conversation Byron shares insights from his own research, talks about how he self-financed his investigation and emphasises the importance of supporting independent journalism. Byron Tau photo credit: Elliott O’DonovanThe Future of You podcast investigates and analyses all the ways emerging technologies are going to affect our identity. Join futurist Tracey Follows as she explores our changing identity in a digital world.Byron’s new book: Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance of Tech and Government Is Creating a New American Surveillance State is available now https://www.amazon.co.uk/Means-Control-Alliance-Government-Surveillance/dp/0593443225Check out Notus at https://www.notus.org/Tracey's book 'The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology?' available in the UK (https://bit.ly/44ObTha) and US (https://bit.ly/3OlDxgk)The Future of You was named Best Technology Podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards 2023.The Future of You podcast homepage https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-youFind Tracey at https://www.futuremade.group/abouttraceyExplore more on The Future of You at https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-you
Oct 3, 2024 • 51min
Weaponising Identity in the Algorithmic Age with Chase Hughes
In this episode I’m talking to Chase Hughes – a US military veteran-turned-expert in human behaviour, profiling, and persuasion, regularly training elite govt and big business on behaviour skills. He is a leading trial consultant too. Chase delves into the complexities of identity manipulation in the digital age and the urgent need to safeguard our identities. We cover the weaponisation of identity, the power of cognitive biases, and the growing bystander effect. With insights from his best-selling book, "The Ellipsis Manual," and his work with the Behavior Panel, Chase offers practical tips for resisting manipulation and training your critical thinking. Chase on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@chasehughesofficial/featuredWebsite https://www.chasehughes.com/The Ellipses Manual on amazon in UK and USA The Behaviour Panel https://www.youtube.com/@TheBehaviorPanelThe Future of You podcast investigates and analyses all the ways emerging technologies are going to affect our identity. Join futurist Tracey Follows as she explores our changing identity in a digital world.Tracey's book 'The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology?' available in the UK (https://bit.ly/44ObTha) and US (https://bit.ly/3OlDxgk)The Future of You was named Best Technology Podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards 2023.The Future of You podcast homepage https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-youFind Tracey at https://www.futuremade.group/abouttraceyExplore more on The Future of You at https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-you(note: in their discussion Tracey mentions the Apple Vision Pro ad. The correct wording of the voice over on that ad is “your favourite apps live right in front of you”)
Sep 30, 2024 • 14min
BONUS: The Future of You(r) Podcast: Is NotebookLM a Game-Changing Tool?
Welcome to The Future! This special episode of The Future of You has been created using the tool everybody’s talking about; Notebook LM.With just a few taps of the keyboard this 10-minute bonus podcast has been created from the information on my website www.futuremade.group. It took minutes for AI to distil the information and create what sounds like two people discussing my work. The conversation covers everything from my credentials, to my book, to this very podcast. Is this a tech tool that will change the shape of podcasting and audio forever? Or a stark reminder not to believe everything you hear?Try notebookLM for yourself https://blog.google/technology/ai/notebooklm-audio-video-sources/(NB: Tracey inputted the main Futuremade website address plus the other pages: five sources from the same one website)The Future of You podcast investigates and analyses all the ways emerging technologies are going to affect our identity. Join futurist Tracey Follows as she explores our changing identity in a digital world.Tracey's book 'The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology?' available in the UK (https://bit.ly/44ObTha) and US (https://bit.ly/3OlDxgk)The Future of You was named Best Technology Podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards 2023.The Future of You podcast homepage https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-youFind Tracey at https://www.futuremade.group/abouttraceyExplore more on The Future of You at https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-you
Sep 18, 2024 • 42min
Language Loss and Identity with Jack Connor
In this episode I’m chatting about the importance of language to our identity with linguist and tech entrepreneur Jack Connor.Jack is about to embark on a trip to the Arctic where he will deposit language data from more than 500 languages into a preservation vault.We delve into the intricacies of language preservation, the impact of the internet on dialects, and the fascinating intersection between technology, language and identity. We also discuss the urgency around saving endangered languages and the potential of AI to revolutionise language preservation. Email Jack jack@endangeredlanguagesfilm.comOr get in touch on X https://x.com/Jac5ConnorEndangered Languages film https://www.endangeredlanguagesfilm.com/Tracey's book 'The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology?' available in the UK (https://bit.ly/44ObTha) and US (https://bit.ly/3OlDxgk)The Future of You was named Best Technology Podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards 2023.Find Tracey at https://www.futuremade.group/abouttraceyExplore more on The Future of You at https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-you
Sep 4, 2024 • 43min
Meet Your Future Self with Pattie Maes and Pat Pataranutaporn
What if you could use AI to see what your life would be like when you are 60, or better understand how you got there? Today on The Future of You I’m talking to the creators of an interactive experience that will allow you to do just that.In this episode I speak with Germeshausen Professor Pattie Maes and technologist and researcher Pat Pataranutaporn from MIT Media Lab. Pattie and Pat are working on "Future You", a project using AI to create our own digital twin.We talk about human-AI interaction, human attachment to machine conversation, and what questions we might pose to our future selves when given the opportunity.Try Future You from MIT Media Lab https://futureyou.media.mit.edu/Tracey's book 'The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology?' available in the UK (https://bit.ly/44ObTha) and US (https://bit.ly/3OlDxgk)The Future of You was named Best Technology Podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards 2023.Find Tracey at https://www.futuremade.group/abouttraceyExplore more on The Future of You at https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-you
Aug 21, 2024 • 1h 5min
The State of AI with Richard Yonck and Lord Chris Holmes
In this episode of The Future of You, we hear from futurist and author Richard Yonck. We discuss some common fears and misconceptions around AI. We also consider a realistic timeline for AI advancements such as self-driving cars and consider the importance of balancing AI's benefits with ethics.I also welcome Lord Chris Holmes MBE back to the podcast. We talk about his private member’s bill which covers everything from consumer protection to intellectual property and the creation of an AI authority to oversee the UK’s ever evolving AI landscape.Find out more about Richard at www.richardyonck.comRichard is the author of “Heart of the Machine” https://bit.ly/3AyLQAL and “Futureminds” https://bit.ly/4dIXlUA both available via Amazon.Find out more about Lord Chris Holmes MBE at https://lordchrisholmes.com/ and connect with him via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lord-chris-holmes/Latest on the AI BIll see Lord Holmes’ blog https://lordchrisholmes.com/Tracey's book 'The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology?' available in the UK (https://bit.ly/44ObTha) and US (https://bit.ly/3OlDxgk)The Future of You was named Best Technology Podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards 2023.Find Tracey at https://www.futuremade.group/abouttraceyExplore more on The Future of You at https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-you
Aug 21, 2024 • 41min
Your Identity, Unplugged with Erik Prince
In this episode of The Future of You I’m talking to Erik Prince, co-founder of Unplugged, a privacy-first smartphone to rival Big Tech. A former Navy SEAL, Erik is also the founder and former CEO of Blackwater—the world’s largest and most effective private military firm. Erik discusses the creation and importance of the Unplugged phone and highlights the growing concerns around data collection, surveillance, and the misuse of technology by governments and big tech companies. He delves into the unique features of the Unplugged phone, including its lack of an advertising ID, secure messenger, and kill switch, all designed to protect user privacy. We also touch on the broader issues of digital surveillance, the role of AI, and the future of personal security in an increasingly connected world.Erik's website https://erikdprince.comUNplugged website https://unplugged.comSomalian Project on You Tube The Somali Project - Official Trailer (HD) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEPtXOCCzREShawn Ryan Show Erik Prince - Breakdown of the Donald Trump Assassination Attempt | SRS #123 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t81CeoEcCik&t=956sErik's book: Civilian Warriors https://erikdprince.com/civilian-warriors/UNherd with Silki Carlo on The UK’s Counter Disinformation Unit https://unherd.com/watch-listen/get-ready-for-the-crackdown/Video audio included with permission from Erik PrinceTracey's book 'The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology?' available in the UK (https://bit.ly/44ObTha) and US (https://bit.ly/3OlDxgk)The Future of You was named Best Technology Podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards 2023.Find Tracey at https://www.futuremade.group/abouttraceyExplore more on The Future of You at https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-you
Aug 8, 2024 • 22min
The Children's Book of the Future with Richard Watson
Welcome back to the Future of You! Season four kicks off with an insightful conversation with renowned futurist Richard Watson. This episode delves into the inspiration behind and creation of his latest work, "The Children's Book of the Future," a beautifully illustrated book designed to fill children with optimism and imagination about the future. Richard shares the creative process behind the book, the importance of optimism and the challenges of writing for young minds in a world often filled with gloom. Join us as we explore the optimistic visions of tomorrow and the role of futurism in shaping young minds.Richard is an author, speaker and thinker! Find his work at nowandnext.comGet your copy of The Children’s Book of the Future at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Childrens-Book-Future-Lavie-Tidhar/dp/0241647479Tracey's book 'The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology?' available in the UK (https://bit.ly/44ObTha) and US (https://bit.ly/3OlDxgk)The Future of You was named Best Technology Podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards 2023.Find Tracey at https://www.futuremade.group/abouttraceyExplore more on The Future of You at https://www.futuremade.group/the-future-of-you
Nov 9, 2023 • 51min
The Discussion: Identity, Ownership and the new role of Crypto #29
In the age of AI is proof of personhood more important than anonymity?In this episode of The Discussion I speak with Steven Boykey Sidley about cryptography, identity and ownership in the digital world.We discuss privacy, anonymity and personhood in the digital age and the importance of crypto regulation, touching on the debate around central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and the need for stable, decentralised alternatives like stablecoins. We think about how people in emerging markets can protect against currency debasement and where tokenization and NFTs fit in.Steven is Professor of Practice at the University of Johannesburg and the author of several books on cryptocurrency including “It’s Mine” (https://bit.ly/3Qtvm1e) and “Beyond Bitcoin” (https://bit.ly/3MyYd2V).Tracey's book 'The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology?' available in the UK (https://bit.ly/44ObTha) and US (https://bit.ly/3OlDxgk)Find Tracey or book her to speak at https://www.traceyfollows.com/
Nov 2, 2023 • 23min
The Briefing: On Identity: A Special Edition #28
The podcast explores how technology and social media impact personal identity, from the fluidity of identity to the shift from 'authentic self' to 'complex self'. It also discusses Meta's celebrity likeness AI chatbots and the debate on ownership, along with the role of profiling and personal data in self-representation.
