Dive into conversations with visionaries who are actively reshaping our future. Each episode offers insights into groundbreaking ideas and transformative actions that are redefining what’s possible.
Episodes
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
In This Episode
In this episode of Redefining Tomorrow, Zoltan Istvan joins David Goldsmith for a bold and wide-ranging conversation on transhumanism, the future of humanity, and the role of science and technology in reshaping what it means to be human.
Zoltan brings his perspective as a futurist, author, and political candidate to explore how advancements in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and human enhancement are challenging long-held assumptions about life, death, and identity. The discussion moves beyond surface-level futurism into the deeper philosophical and societal implications of extending human capability and lifespan.
Together, they examine the tension between technological progress and ethical responsibility, and what it means to consciously design the future of civilization rather than react to it.
Episode Outlines
- What transhumanism actually means beyond the headlines
- Technology as a force for redefining human limits
- The future of life extension and human enhancement
- Ethics, identity, and the boundaries of being human
- From journalism to futurism: Zoltan’s path
- The role of politics in shaping technological futures
- Fear vs. possibility in emerging science
- Artificial intelligence and human evolution
- Designing the future vs. inheriting it
- Civilization at an inflection point
Biography of the Guest
Zoltan Istvan is a futurist, author, entrepreneur, and political figure known for advancing the global conversation around transhumanism and the role of science and technology in shaping humanity’s future.
With a background as a journalist for National Geographic and a career spanning over 100 countries, Zoltan has explored the intersection of technology, philosophy, and human potential. He is the author of The Transhumanist Wager, a #1 bestseller in philosophy, and has spoken at institutions including the World Bank, World Economic Forum, and UK Parliament.
Zoltan has advised organizations ranging from the U.S. Navy to international governments, and continues to write for major publications such as The New York Times, Newsweek, Vice, and Wired. He is currently running for California Governor in 2026 and remains a leading voice in the movement to rethink human capability, longevity, and the future of civilization.
This is an episode of the Redefining Tomorrow podcast.
🎧 Listen now: Spotify
🔗 Learn more at: www.projectmoonhut.org — where the future is being built.
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
In This Episode
In this episode of Redefining Tomorrow, Dr. Olivia Ly Lesslar joins David Goldsmith for a deep exploration into the intelligence of the human body, the limits of conventional diagnosis, and the idea that the body is not broken but often trying to communicate.
As an Australian medical doctor working across psychoneuroimmunology, longevity, functional medicine, and complex-condition medicine, Olivia brings a systems-level view of health. She explains why symptoms are not always failures in the body, but signals shaped by environment, history, nervous system state, lifestyle, stress resilience, and evolutionary biology.
Together, David and Olivia explore what happens when medicine becomes too specialized, when patients lose agency, and when diagnosis becomes a label rather than a path to understanding. The conversation moves through the nervous system, placebo and nocebo, chronic illness, environmental toxicity, fertility, stress resilience, and the deeper question of how we learn to listen to the body before assuming it needs to be fixed.
Episode Outlines
- Why listening may matter more than diagnosis
- The loss of patient agency in modern medicine
- Psychoneuroimmunology and the mind-body feedback loop
- Placebo, nocebo, belief, and biological chemistry
- Stress, eustress, resilience, and the language we use around health
- Why history-taking is becoming a lost medical skill
- How genetics, lifestyle, environment, and behavior interact
- Lactose intolerance, chronic disease, and the misunderstanding of “faults”
- The nervous system’s role in healing and performance
- Fight, flight, rest, digest, and the biology of recovery
- Environmental toxicity, microplastics, food systems, and modern disease
- Sex, safety signals, intimacy, and nervous system regulation
- Evolutionary biology and why ancient survival responses can become maladaptive today
- Why sustainable health may require curiosity, autonomy, and trust in the body
Biography of the Guest
Dr. Olivia Lesslar is an Australian medical doctor internationally recognized for her work in psychoneuroimmunology, longevity, and complex-condition medicine. With formal training in medicine and international relations, she brings an interdisciplinary perspective that bridges neuroscience, immunology, behavioral science, functional medicine, and systems-level thinking.
Often described as a “medical Sherlock Holmes,” Dr. Lesslar is known for her ability to investigate complex, multi-system health conditions that do not fit neatly into conventional diagnostic categories. Her work combines scientific rigor, pattern recognition, clinical intuition, and a patient-centered approach to understanding the deeper roots of chronic and multifactorial illness.
She is Director of Functional and Longevity Medicine at Cingulum Health in Sydney and holds academic appointments at Griffith University’s National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases and the Geneva College of Longevity Science. Her advisory work spans biotechnology, neurotechnology, longevity medicine, and integrative health organizations across multiple countries.
This is an episode of the Redefining Tomorrow podcast.
🎧 Listen now: Spotify
🔗 Learn more at: www.projectmoonhut.org — where the future is being built.
Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Saturday Jul 19, 2025
In This Episode
In this deep and exploratory episode of Redefining Tomorrow, James Arbib joins David Goldsmith for a journey into the roots of civilization, the illusions we’ve inherited, and how they shape the futures we’re building. As co-founder of RethinkX and the Stellar World Initiative, James walks us through thousands of years of societal evolution—from the Neolithic revolution to today’s techno-environmental narratives—and asks us to consider whether we truly understand the systems we’re trying to fix.
They explore why scarcity thinking dominates global policy making, how civilizations have mirrored each other through to modern America, and why rethinking our assumptions—not just our tools—may be the only way forward.
Episode Outlines
- Rediscovering civilization’s real turning points
- Why yesterday explains today—and tomorrow
- America as just another shade of Summer
- Scarcity, survival, and the growth imperative
- Degrowth and the psychological trap of guilt-based solutions
- How environmental zealotry became systemic and ineffective
- Matter, energy, and information vs. land, labor, and capital
- Competitive advantage and the DNA of societal design
- The illusion of progress and the limits of modern framing
- From history to now: rethinking civilization’s operating system
Biography of the Guest
James Arbib is a visionary thought leader, author, investor, and philanthropist dedicated to exploring how disruptive technologies can address humanity's greatest challenges. As co-founder of RethinkX and the Stellar World Initiative, James brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective that bridges technology, economics, history, and systems thinking.
With a background in history and finance, James moved into environmentalism and disruptive innovation, founding the philanthropic Tellus Mater Foundation to explore solutions for complex global problems. His intellectual journey led him from traditional environmental advocacy to a bold new view: that technological transformation—when deeply understood—offers the most profound opportunities to shape a better future.
He has co-authored Rethinking Humanity and Stellar with Tony Seba and helped lead groundbreaking research on disruptions in transportation, energy, and food systems.
This is an episode of the Redefining Tomorrow podcast.
🎧 Listen now: Spotify
🔗 Learn more at: www.projectmoonhut.org — where the future is being built.
Saturday Apr 19, 2025
Saturday Apr 19, 2025
In This Episode
In this thought-provoking episode of Redefining Tomorrow, Paul Dowding joins David Goldsmith for a candid conversation about decentralization, distributed ledgers, and the redefinition of trust in financial systems. As co-founder of L4S Corp and the architect behind TapestryX, Paul discusses the complexities of designing a real-time, scalable, high-capacity DLT solution and how it’s changing how we see accounting, governance, and digital identity.
We explore the roles of engineering, game design, and creativity in solving technical and strategic challenges, and why understanding systems—technological, economic, or human—is the key to unlocking transformative change.
Episode Outlines
- What distributed ledgers unlock beyond crypto
- From car manufacturing to blockchain
- TapestryX and real-time double-entry accounting
- Creative thinking in structured environments
- The balance between strategy and tactical implementation
- Why traditional banking must evolve or be replaced
- Decentralization, identity, and governance
- Cross-industry thinking: from board games to business architecture
- Why music and cartoons belong in strategy
- Global perspective from London, New York, Singapore, and Sydney
Biography of the Guest
Paul Dowding has over 35 years of experience in engineering, business strategy, and product innovation. As co-founder and Head of Design at L4S Corp., he is the mind behind TapestryX, a distributed ledger technology transforming how accounting and digital assets are tracked in real-time.
Paul’s background spans aerospace engineering, capital markets, and senior leadership roles at firms like Goldman Sachs, BNY Mellon, and Bank of America. He has contributed to DeFi, blockchain, and fintech discussions worldwide as a speaker and content creator. Dowding’s creative pursuits—game design, music production, and visual storytelling—blend with his strategic expertise to help leaders reimagine what's possible.
Closing for All Episodes
This is an episode of the Redefining Tomorrow podcast.
🎧 Listen now: Spotify
🔗 Learn more at: www.projectmoonhut.org — where the future is being built.
Saturday Apr 12, 2025
Saturday Apr 12, 2025
In This Episode
Join us for an inspiring and multifaceted conversation with Dr. Simon E. Mills—a polymath, entrepreneur, author, and creative technologist. From piano tuning to international business ventures, Simon has spent four decades shaping stories, products, and systems that influence industries across continents.
In this episode, we explore how curiosity and storytelling fuel innovation, how creative chaos drives breakthroughs, and why narrative is the hidden infrastructure of strategic execution. From founding Australia’s top jingle house to developing real estate portals and investing in Kevin Costner’s geo-triggered audio platform, Simon takes us on a ride through a life defined by relentless exploration and reinvention.
Episode Outlines
- From piano tuning to award-winning music production
- The architecture of storytelling as strategy
- Founding London Music Group and LMG Digital Media USA
- Tech, startups, and rethinking real estate
- Why communication is the cornerstone of execution
- Zentyal: Transforming Linux for SMBs
- Ignition Capital and narrative-driven investing
- Building systems for strategy in business and education
- How writing unlocks cross-disciplinary thinking
- Creativity, discipline, and divergent paths
Biography of the Guest
Dr. Simon E. Mills is a New York-based polymath whose work spans music, literature, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment. He co-founded Australia’s top commercial music production house, London Music Group, and expanded into digital media for brands like Starbucks, CBS, and The Economist. He later launched Locate Real Estate with CBS and acquired the Linux-based Zentyal OS to serve SMBs.
Simon is a prolific writer with over 70 published works and has helped launch ventures like Kevin Costner’s Autio. He has served as Storyteller-in-Residence at McGraw Hill and runs investment projects through Ignition Capital. From engineering systems to crafting narratives, Mills shows how versatile minds shape the world.
This is an episode of the Redefining Podcast series
🎧 Listen now on all major services
🔗 Learn more at: www.projectmoonhut.org — where the future is being built.
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
In This Episode
In this episode of Redefining Tomorrow, we sit down with Samer Salty, Founder and CEO of Zouk Capital, to explore how sustainability and innovation intersect to shape high-performing investment strategies. Samer shares his journey from designing air traffic control systems in the U.S. to managing nearly €800 million in sustainable assets in the UK and beyond.
We dive into what it means to create alpha in a climate-driven economy, why education leapfrogging in developing nations matters, and how AI is both a challenge and a key tool for achieving net-zero targets. Samer walks us through his strategic philosophy—blending hard infrastructure, clean tech, and digital transformation—to generate scalable impact while remaining deeply grounded in business fundamentals.
Episode Outlines
- Building investment strategies rooted in sustainability
- The £420M UK government-backed Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund
- Creating alpha from climate tech
- From Lockheed Martin to clean energy private equity
- Scaling low-cost online high schools in South Africa
- Leapfrogging education in developing economies
- AI’s dual role in driving energy demand and optimization
- How electrification is reshaping energy infrastructure
- Managing risk while driving environmental change
- Creating purpose-driven portfolios that perform
Biography of the Guest
Samer Salty is the Founder and CEO of Zouk Capital, a private equity firm managing approximately €800 million focused on sustainable infrastructure and clean technology. Under his leadership, Zouk ranks among the top 10% of European climate and sustainability investment houses. He has engineered programs such as the UK’s £420 million Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund and driven forward a belief that sustainable business principles lead to superior returns.
Beyond finance, Samer co-founded the Valenture Institute in South Africa, providing accessible, online high school education at scale. He previously led World Links ME, a World Bank NGO aimed at integrating digital technology into mainstream education. A systems engineer by training, Samer designed the FAA’s remote maintenance system for U.S. air traffic control while at Lockheed Martin. Today, he’s focused on AI, electrification, and infrastructure solutions to transition to a low-carbon economy.
This is an episode of the Redefining Podcast series
🎧 Listen now on all major services
🔗 Learn more at: www.projectmoonhut.org — where the future is being built.
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
In This Episode
Join host David Goldsmith as he welcomes Esther Dyson, a renowned investor, journalist, author, and philanthropist, to discuss the concept of the "court jester" and its implications in today's society. Throughout their engaging conversation, Esther shares her insights on the importance of truth-telling, the value of personal luck acknowledgment, and the necessity of making new mistakes. With captivating anecdotes from her diverse career—from her early days at Forbes to her work with Wellville—Esther illustrates how these themes connect to broader societal issues. The discussion takes unexpected turns, exploring the intersections of AI, human behavior, and the future of well-being.
Episode Outlines
- Introduction to Esther Dyson and her multifaceted career
- The significance of the "court jester" as a truth-teller
- Personal luck acknowledgment and its impact on success
- The philosophy of making new mistakes as a learning tool
- Reflections on family influence and upbringing
- Exploring the implications of term limits in leadership
- The role of AI in shaping human behavior and societal norms
- Training babies versus training AI: a societal perspective
- Esther's experiences in Star City and space training
- Concluding thoughts on collective responsibility for future generations
Biography of the Guest
Esther Dyson is an influential investor, journalist, author, and philanthropist known for her work in technology and health care. She is the executive founder of Wellville, a nonprofit initiative aimed at improving equitable well-being across communities. Esther began her career as a fact-checker at Forbes before becoming a reporter and later owning her own business, EdVenture. With significant achievements in various sectors including space exploration and health care innovation, she has been an advocate for social impact through investment. Esther's educational background includes studies in Russian history and science, which have shaped her unique perspective on global issues.
The themes in today’s episode are just the beginning. Dive deeper into innovation, interconnected thinking, and paradigm-shifting ideas at www.projectmoonhut.org—where the future is being built.
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
In This Episode
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Kevin Surace, Chairman and CTO of Advance and TOKIN, as we explore the powerful relationship between joy and success. Kevin, a renowned advocate for AI innovation and holder of 94 patents, shares breakthrough insights on how joy can transform our personal and professional lives. He discusses the importance of cultivating positive emotions and mindsets, offering practical examples of how to apply joy in everyday tasks. The conversation takes unexpected turns, touching on the implications of AI in our lives and how it can either hinder or enhance our sense of purpose. Ultimately, this episode reveals broader implications for society as we navigate the complexities of modern life.
Episode Outlines
- Introduction to Kevin Surace and his expertise in AI and innovation
- The role of AI in shaping our understanding of success
- Defining joy: What it is and why it matters
- The joy-success cycle: How joy leads to success and vice versa
- Identifying joy killers: Fear, stress, and burnout
- Joy boosters: Cultivating positive emotions and habits
- Applying joy practices to work, relationships, and goals
- Learning from those who have found joy in their success
- Creating a personal joy plan to track progress
- Sharing joy with others through acts of kindness and gratitude
Biography of the Guest
Kevin Surace is the Chairman and CTO of Advance and TOKIN, recognized for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence and business innovation. With a remarkable career that includes founding billion-dollar organizations and holding 94 patents, Kevin is a thought leader in leveraging technology to drive human progress. He has also made significant contributions to the film industry, showcasing his versatility across various creative fields. Kevin is passionate about helping others find their sense of purpose through joy, making him a compelling voice in today's discussions on personal fulfillment and success.
The themes in today’s episode are just the beginning. Dive deeper into innovation, interconnected thinking, and paradigm-shifting ideas at www.projectmoonhut.org—where the future is being built.
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
In This Episode
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Gordon Chu, CEO and CTO of Fingra, as we explore the fascinating concept of generating 23rd-century solutions in the 21st century. With over 41 patents spanning fields from medicine to material sciences, Gordon shares his insights on awareness, fear, place, and timelines—key elements that shape our approach to innovation and problem-solving.
Throughout the episode, Gordon recounts personal stories that illustrate the importance of awareness in both personal and professional contexts. He emphasizes how being aware of one’s surroundings can lead to breakthroughs, as well as the necessity of confronting fears that often hold us back. The discussion takes unexpected turns as they delve into the implications of societal pressures and cultural expectations on individual choices.
This episode is not just about technological advancements; it connects deeply with broader societal issues such as food security and environmental sustainability. Gordon's experiences in Hong Kong serve as a backdrop for understanding how place influences our decisions and opportunities. As we navigate these complex challenges, we are reminded that the future is shaped by our collective actions today.
Episode Outlines
- Introduction to Gordon Chu and his background
- The concept of generating 23rd-century solutions today
- The role of awareness in personal and professional growth
- Understanding fear and its impact on decision-making
- The significance of place in shaping opportunities
- Timelines: How urgency affects innovation
- Personal stories from Gordon's upbringing in Hong Kong
- The intersection of technology and societal challenges
- Exploring food security and environmental sustainability
- Closing thoughts on collective responsibility for the future
Biography of the Guest
Gordon Chu is the CEO and CTO of Fingra, a company focused on innovative solutions across various industries including biotech and material sciences. With an impressive portfolio of 41 patents, he has made significant contributions to fields ranging from medicine to data science.
A graduate with advanced degrees in science, Gordon's work has been recognized internationally, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. He is also involved in various initiatives aimed at developing new materials that address pressing global challenges.
Gordon's unique perspective is shaped by his multicultural background and experiences living in both the United States and Hong Kong. His insights into awareness, fear, place, and timelines provide valuable lessons for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
The themes in today’s episode are just the beginning. Dive deeper into innovation, interconnected thinking, and paradigm-shifting ideas at www.projectmoonhut.org—where the future is being built.
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Wednesday May 19, 2021
In This Episode
Join David Goldsmith as he welcomes Celia Mertzbacher, the Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium at SRI International. With a wealth of experience in emerging technologies and public-private partnerships, Celia shares her insights on creating tailwinds for cutting-edge technology ecosystems.
Throughout the conversation, Celia emphasizes the inevitability of technological advances and the diverse stakeholders involved in this process. She discusses how technology is not only a tool for economic growth but also a vital component for national security and public good. One memorable story she shares is about Chris Roofer, who revolutionized the tomato sauce industry by innovating transportation methods, illustrating how human needs drive technological evolution.
The discussion evolves to explore how technology advances through simultaneous discoveries and the importance of understanding these processes to accelerate innovation. Celia references Donald Stokes' "Pasteur's Quadrant," highlighting the balance between fundamental research and practical application. The episode concludes with a focus on how government policy can enhance technology development and the need for better connectivity among stakeholders.
Episode Outlines
- Introduction to Celia Mertzbacher and her role at SRI International
- The inevitability of technological advances and their societal implications
- The diverse ecosystem of stakeholders involved in technology advancement
- Case study: Chris Roofer's innovation in the tomato sauce industry
- Understanding simultaneous discoveries in technology development
- Donald Stokes' "Pasteur's Quadrant" and its relevance to research
- The role of government policy in accelerating technology advancements
- Challenges in connecting various sectors within the innovation ecosystem
- Strategies for improving STEM education and outreach
- The future of quantum computing and its potential impact on society
Biography of the Guest
Celia Mertzbacher is the Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium at SRI International, where she focuses on fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government to advance quantum technologies. With extensive experience in emerging technologies and public-private partnerships, Celia has played a pivotal role in shaping innovation policies.
She holds a degree in physics and has contributed to numerous initiatives aimed at promoting a diverse STEM workforce. Celia is also known for her work in developing programs that bridge gaps between research institutions and industry needs, ensuring that technological advancements translate into real-world applications.
Her recent projects include efforts to enhance government funding strategies for technology development and initiatives to connect STEM professionals with K-12 education systems. Celia's insights into the intersection of technology, policy, and education make her a leading voice in redefining tomorrow's technological landscape.
The themes in today’s episode are just the beginning. Dive deeper into innovation, interconnected thinking, and paradigm-shifting ideas at www.projectmoonhut.org—where the future is being built.