12 Geniuses Podcast

In Season One of 12 Geniuses, energy expert Lauren Azar joined the show to discuss trends in energy consumption. Those subjects included the viability of coal, where we can find long-term sources of energy and the impact of emerging technologies. Since that conversation in October 2018, there have been incredible advancements in energy production and storage. This week, Lauren and Don meet again to discuss those advancements, recent catastrophic events such as the 2021 Texas power crisis and what the current presidential administration has in store for the future of energy in the United States and abroad.

In Season Three of 12 Geniuses, trust expert Álvaro Marquez joined the show. At the time, he and Don discussed the future of trust and how a disruptive global event could alter society’s concept of trust. Little did they know at the time how much trust would be compromised over the next 18 months as the Covid-19 pandemic spread throughout the world. This week, Álvaro and Don MacPherson reconvene to discuss the different approaches countries took to handle the pandemic, how those responses affected the public’s conceptualization of trust and what those societies may look like going forward. They also discuss autonomous cars and cryptocurrency with regard to trust.

It’s been two years since cybersecurity expert Max Heinemeyer first joined the show to discuss trends in cybersecurity. In this update, Don and Max discuss the people and organizations behind the hacks that have recently devastated companies, our infrastructure and governments. They also discuss current cyberthreats and vulnerabilities, and how joint efforts between government and the private sector can help protect citizens all over the world against cybercrime.

In this episode, Don MacPherson is joined by journalist, author and retirement expert Chris Farrell. In their conversation, Don and Chris explore the ways in which the pandemic has impacted the ability to save for retirement for people of all walks of life. They also discuss the rate of new business creation, reskilling the older generation, and the impact of Covid-19 on the overall economy.

In this episode, Don MacPherson is joined by workplace expert, author, podcaster and speaker Minda Harts. Together they discuss how women -- especially women of color -- have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and what organizations can do to bring back women who have left the workforce. They also discuss paid maternity leave, the wage gap and what is needed to create an equitable work environment.

In this episode, Don MacPherson is joined by University of Minnesota professor and family therapist Bill Doherty. He’s the co-founder of Braver Angels, an organization that aims to help Americans with differing political beliefs understand each other beyond stereotypes. Don and Bill discuss how extreme the political divide has become in recent decades, the methodologies used by the Braver Angels in workshops and events, and the benefits that American citizens and politicians alike can gain from learning to communicate better with those who align themselves differently on the political spectrum.

In this episode, Don MacPherson is joined by celebrity chef and restaurant owner Justin Sutherland. When Justin isn’t in front of a camera, he can be found in one of his several Minnesota restaurants making culinary works of art. He’s also heavily involved with the community, opening up a free food shelter to distribute food to those in need during the pandemic. Don and Justin discuss the future of food, including the concept of “food deserts” and how this contributes to food insecurity for disadvantaged Americans, how the food industry can help fight climate change and the impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry.

In this episode, Don MacPherson is joined by sextech futurist, podcaster and speaker Bryony Cole. Bryony is on the front lines of sex technology innovation and adoption. She joined the show to discuss what exactly sextech is and how developments in sextech will change the way humans explore their sexuality, find potential partners and build relationships. Don and Bryony also discuss the importance of sex education and the possibility of a new sexual revolution.

In this episode, Don MacPherson is joined by the President of the National Police Foundation, Jim Burch. They discuss the research the National Police Foundation has collected on policing technology, training, and community building as well as the importance of procedural justice. They also discuss the impact of the death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter movement and the subsequent protests and unrest across the United States. 

In this episode, Don MacPherson is joined by Futurist Ross Dawson to discuss the future of social media. They explore the growth of social media over the last two decades, potential forms of regulation, and the role of social media in the coming decades. Ross provides some potential solutions for the negative effects of social media use including nonprofit networks, user ownership of data, and AI technologies for regulating harmful content.