Navigating the future of technology and humanity in an increasingly complex world
Modem Futura is a weekly podcast from Arizona State University’s Future of Being Human initiative, hosted by futurist technologist Sean Leahy and initiative director Andrew Maynard. Together, they explore the dynamic intersection of technology, society, and what it means to be human in an ever-evolving world.
Each episode offers an engaging journey into emerging technologies and how they are affecting the world we live in, tackling topics such as AI, synthetic biology, immersive media, and the narratives that shape our collective future. The conversations are candid, thought-provoking, and infused with curiosity and humor, making complex ideas accessible and relevant.
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For a complete list of episodes, visit our podcast archive.
What to expect:
- Timely Topics: From the ethics of de-extinction and AI in education to the future of transportation and digital creativity, the podcast covers a broad spectrum of subjects that impact our lives and futures.
- Expert Insights: Featuring conversations with leading thinkers and practitioners, providing diverse perspectives on pressing issues.
- Inclusive Dialogue: Emphasizing the importance of diverse voices and inclusive conversations in shaping the future.
About your hosts
Andrew Maynard
Andrew is a scientist, author, and professor whose work explores how emerging technologies are reshaping society — and how we can navigate that change responsibly. He is Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions at Arizona State University and director of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative.
A former physicist and public health researcher, Andrew’s career spans nanotechnology, AI, risk innovation, and science communication. He has advised U.S. and international policymakers, contributed to high-profile initiatives with the World Economic Forum and National Academies, and written for outlets including The Conversation, Slate, and Scientific American.
Through his books, public writing, teaching, and YouTube channel Risk Bites, Andrew brings clarity to complexity and empowers people from all backgrounds to engage with the future. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a leading voice in making knowledge accessible, impactful, and inclusive.
When he’s not grappling with the intricacies of AI or pondering a future filled with brain implants, Andrew is likely lost in a good book—or, given the right weather and an open field, flying a kite.
Sean Leahy
Sean is an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator dedicated to exploring humanistic approaches to emerging technologies through the lens of Futures Studies. At Arizona State University, he serves as a Foresight Catalyst and Research Scientist within the Future of Being Human Initiative, part of the School for the Future of Innovation in Society, and is a Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory .
Dr. Leahy’s work bridges academia, research, and practice, focusing on the interface between transformative technological capabilities and human flourishing. He is the founding director of several innovative technology laboratories at ASU, including the Digital Maker Studio and IgnitED Labs, which aim to foster creativity and innovation in education and beyond.
When he’s not navigating the future of humanity, Sean is often found tinkering with obscure gadgets, watching convoluted sci-fi TV series, or capturing fleeting moments through the lens of his camera.
