Redefining Tomorrow

In This Episode

In this episode of Redefining Tomorrow, Michael Potter joins David Goldsmith for a wide-ranging conversation about the ideas, experiences, technologies, and systems that shape how societies develop—and how we might think differently about architecting what comes next.

Michael traces a path from growing up in Southern California during the Cold War and studying international relations and strategic studies at the London School of Economics, to building telecommunications businesses across Europe, exploring commercial space, expanding digital access, and examining how ideas move from possibility to infrastructure.

Along the way, the discussion explores the Cold War, entrepreneurship, telecommunications, commercial space, the “garbage heap of bad ideas,” architecting abundance, ideas as infrastructure, Orphans of Apollo, the Lunar Museum of Art, and what it means to deliberately create the conditions from which a different future can emerge.

Episode Outlines

• Growing up in Southern California during the Cold War and aerospace era
• How international relations and strategic studies shaped Michael’s thinking
• The “garbage heap of bad ideas” and how societies move beyond them
• Building telecommunications infrastructure across Europe
• Entrepreneurship, innovation, and creating environments where ideas can grow
• Orphans of Apollo and the emergence of commercial space
• Architecting abundance and expanding what becomes possible
• Why ideas themselves can become infrastructure
• The Lunar Museum of Art and putting culture on the Moon
• What it means to architect society’s future

Biography of the Guest

Michael is the Co-Founder of the N50 Project - a Digital Equity Initiative of GWF. Michael was Co-Chair of Entrepreneurship faculty of the inaugural class of the Singularity University. Potter is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Space Commerce, and a co-Founder of the Lunar Museum of Art "LUMA", and a member of the Advisory Board of the Lifeboat Foundation. Formerly Michael was an international telecommunications analyst at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. Potter. His articles on high technology business and policy have been widely published.

Michael received a Doctorate in Space Achievement from the International Space University, an MS degree from the London School of Economics and his BA from California State University at Sacramento, an alumni of the Sacramento Semester Program.

Prior to Paradigm Ventures, Potter was Vice Chairman, co-founder and President of Esprit Telecom plc., a pan-European competitive telecommunications services provider. During his 8 years at Esprit, his team grew to 1,000 employees in over 9 European countries and a market capitalization of a billion US dollars.

Michael is the founder of the the Kalpana Chawla Scholarship for Innovation, Entrepreneurism & Space and, The Ilan Ramon Project for Innovation, Entrepreneurism & Space. He is a multi-award winning documentary filmmaker whose films focus on humanity's greatest challenges. 

In This Episode

In this episode of Redefining Tomorrow, Lawrence Williams joins David Goldsmith for a wide-ranging conversation about curiosity, career reinvention, and the unexpected paths that connect government, telecommunications, commercial space, autonomous aviation, and artificial intelligence.

Rather than following a carefully planned career, Lawrence describes how each opportunity built upon the last—from Capitol Hill and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, to helping shape satellite communications, becoming one of SpaceX's earliest executives, supporting Tesla during its formative years, advancing life-saving drone delivery with Zipline, and now applying AI, computer vision, and sensor fusion to the future of mobility.

Along the way, the discussion explores innovation, entrepreneurship, public policy, commercial space, autonomous systems, leadership, and why remaining curious often opens doors that careful planning alone never could.

Episode Outlines

• How curiosity shaped an unexpected career
• Building a foundation in government and public policy
• The Information Superhighway and the early telecommunications revolution
• Helping build commercial space during SpaceX's formative years
• Working with NASA, the Department of Defense, and Washington
• Lessons from helping disruptive technologies become real businesses
• Zipline and using autonomous aircraft to save lives
• Artificial intelligence, computer vision, and the future of mobility
• Why regulation and innovation must evolve together
• Connecting purpose, opportunity, and lifelong learning

Biography of the Guest

Lawrence Williams has spent much of his career working at the intersection of emerging technology, government, entrepreneurship, and the challenge of turning ambitious ideas into businesses and systems that create real-world impact.

His career began in Washington, D.C., where he served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Representative Ray Thornton on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. He later became a Special Assistant to the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and served on a Presidential Transition Team supporting the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Williams went on to become Vice President of International and Government Affairs for Teledesic, the satellite communications venture backed by Craig McCaw and Bill Gates, before serving as Senior Vice President of Business Development at ICO Global Communications.

He subsequently joined SpaceX as one of its earliest executives, serving as Vice President for Strategic Relations, where he helped the company navigate NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, Washington, and the emerging commercial space marketplace during its transformation from a startup into a major aerospace company. He also served as an advisor to Tesla Motors.

Following SpaceX, Williams founded Capture10 and later helped lead global market development for Zipline, whose autonomous aircraft deliver blood, medicines, vaccines, and other essential medical supplies to remote communities around the world. He later founded Merlin Mobility, applying artificial intelligence, computer vision, and sensor fusion to improve vehicle safety and accessibility.

Across government, telecommunications, commercial space, autonomous aviation, and mobility, a common thread runs through Williams' career: working where emerging technologies intersect with regulation, markets, infrastructure, and opportunities to solve problems at scale.

He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado and an MBA with honors from Georgetown University.

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This is an episode of the Redefining Tomorrow podcast.

🎧 Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcast platforms.

🔗 Learn more at https://mearth.com, where we're expanding human thinking by exploring the ideas, people, and innovations shaping tomorrow.

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.

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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

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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.

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This is an episode of the Redefining Tomorrow podcast.

🎧 Listen now: Spotify
🔗 Learn more at: www.projectmoonhut.org — where the future is being built.

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.

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.

In This Episode

Join host David Goldsmith as he welcomes Jerry Glenn, co-founder and CEO of the Millennium Project, a global think tank dedicated to addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. In this enlightening episode, Jerry shares groundbreaking insights on the pervasive nature of prejudice and its implications for our future. Key moments include discussions on how preconceived notions can hinder progress, the importance of understanding cultural symbols, and the role of consciousness in shaping technology. Jerry also shares personal anecdotes from his experiences around the world, illustrating how myths surrounding concepts like witchcraft can lead to misunderstandings. The conversation takes unexpected turns as they explore the intersection of mysticism and technology, ultimately emphasizing the need for a more enlightened society.

Episode Outlines

• Prejudice as a major roadblock to a better future
• Understanding pre-judging and its impact on societal progress
• The historical divide between mystics and technocrats
• The four levels of prejudice
• The concept of consciousness technology and future mind
• The role of cultural symbols in shaping perceptions
• The significance of boomerangs as a metaphor for learning
• Exploring enlightenment and its implications for society
• Strategies for overcoming prejudice through dialogue
• The potential future of human-AI integration

Biography of the Guest

Jerry Glenn is the co-founder and CEO of the Millennium Project, a global think tank with over 67 nodes worldwide. He has dedicated his career to exploring strategic foresight and addressing complex global challenges through innovative research and collaboration. Jerry's significant achievements include authoring numerous publications on future studies and contributing to international policy discussions. He holds degrees in international relations and has served in various capacities within governmental and non-governmental organizations. His recent initiatives focus on promoting consciousness technology and fostering dialogue around cultural symbols, making him a key voice in the conversation about our collective future.

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.

In This Episode

Join us for an enlightening conversation with David Wilson, president of Prosocial World and a distinguished professor at Binghamton University. In this episode, we explore the profound implications of evolutionary thinking and its potential to redefine our future.

David shares key insights on how cooperation is the signature human adaptation that has allowed us to thrive. He discusses the importance of moral systems in shaping human behavior and highlights fascinating examples from nature, such as the breeding of chickens and the dynamics of honeybee colonies.

Unexpectedly, the conversation veers into the realm of cultural evolution, emphasizing how our symbolic meaning systems can influence behavior and societal structures. David argues for a holistic approach to governance that incorporates the principles of cooperation and adaptability, ultimately connecting these ideas to broader societal challenges.

This thought-provoking dialogue invites listeners to consider how evolutionary principles can be applied to foster a more equitable and sustainable future for all species on Earth.

Episode Outlines

• Introduction to evolutionary thinking and its relevance today
• The role of cooperation as a signature human adaptation
• Case study: breeding psychopathic chickens
• The significance of moral systems in human evolution
• How symbolic thought shapes our behaviors and societies
• The concept of cultural evolution and its implications
• The great constriction: narrowing focus on genetic evolution
• Exploring epigenetic inheritance and its effects
• The importance of local autonomy in group dynamics
• Strategies for fostering a whole earth ethic through education

Biography of the Guest

David Wilson is the president of Prosocial World and a professor at Binghamton University, where he has been recognized with the SUNY Distinction Professor Award. His extensive research focuses on evolutionary theory, cooperation, and cultural evolution.

David has published numerous articles and books that explore the intersection of biology and social science, including his recent work on how human symbolic systems shape societal structures. He is an advocate for applying evolutionary principles to address contemporary global challenges.

In addition to his academic achievements, David's innovative thinking has led him to engage in various projects aimed at promoting sustainable practices and social equity. His insights into human behavior and cooperation make him a leading voice in discussions about our collective future.

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.

In This Episode

Join us as we welcome Alan Reyes, the founder of Rayscorp, a pioneering incubator in Africa that has supported over 500 businesses. Alan shares his insights on creating a resonance ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurial growth and collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of selecting the right entrepreneurs, describing his unique "Blue Heart" selection process, which focuses on character over business plans.

Throughout the episode, Alan recounts his journey from failure to success, illustrating how mentorship and community support shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. He discusses the significance of evolving ecosystems and how they adapt to societal changes, highlighting the need for continuous learning and innovation. Alan's story serves as a powerful reminder that resilience and collaboration are key to thriving in today's dynamic business landscape.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Alan delves into the role of technology and data analytics in shaping future entrepreneurial endeavors. He shares his vision for integrating AI into Rayscorp's operations to enhance decision-making processes and better support entrepreneurs on their journeys.

Episode Outlines

• Introduction to Alan Reyes and Rayscorp
• The concept of Blue Heart entrepreneurs
• Alan's personal journey from failure to success
• The importance of mentorship and community support
• Creating a resonance ecosystem for entrepreneurs
• Adapting ecosystems to societal changes
• The role of technology in entrepreneurship
• Data analytics and AI in supporting entrepreneurs
• Future vision for Rayscorp and its impact on entrepreneurship
• Closing thoughts on resilience and collaboration

Biography of the Guest

Alan Reyes is the founder and CEO of Rayscorp, recognized as Africa's leading incubator. With over 21 years of experience in supporting entrepreneurs, he has helped launch more than 500 businesses across various sectors. Alan is passionate about creating ecosystems that foster collaboration and innovation among entrepreneurs.

He holds a background in business management and has been instrumental in developing unique selection processes for identifying promising entrepreneurs. Under his leadership, Rayscorp has evolved into a multifaceted organization that integrates education, mentorship, and technology to empower the next generation of business leaders.

Alan is also an advocate for using data analytics and AI to enhance entrepreneurial success rates. His commitment to social impact drives his work, as he seeks to create opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

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.

In This Episode

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Robert Rubinstein, a seasoned expert in ESG and impact investing with over 25 years of experience. In this episode, Robert challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding sustainable investing, highlighting its inherent flaws and the often misleading narratives propagated by major corporations. He shares eye-opening insights about the disconnect between corporate promises and actual practices, emphasizing that many ESG initiatives are merely "rah rah" statements lacking real impact.

Through engaging anecdotes and sharp analysis, Robert discusses the need for genuine commitment to sustainability rather than superficial compliance. He references notable examples such as the Montreal Pledge and critiques the effectiveness of current ESG metrics. The conversation takes unexpected turns as they explore broader implications for society, including the urgent need for systemic change to address climate challenges effectively.

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone interested in understanding the true state of sustainable investing and what it will take to create meaningful change in our world.

Episode Outlines

• The flawed model of sustainable investing
• The importance of skepticism towards corporate press releases
• Current state of ESG: Where are we now?
• Achievements in ESG over the past 25 years
• Key forces pushing for ESG and impact investments
• True opportunities in sustainable investment
• The consequences of ignoring sustainability
• Real-world examples of successful sustainable initiatives
• The role of carbon pricing in driving change
• Future outlook: What needs to happen next?

Biography of the Guest

Robert Rubinstein is a leading authority in the field of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and impact investing with over 25 years of experience. He has built an extensive network of over 40,000 professionals in the sustainability space. As the founder of TBLI Group, Robert has been instrumental in promoting sustainable finance through education and advocacy.

His career highlights include pioneering efforts to integrate sustainability into investment practices and influencing major financial institutions to adopt responsible investment strategies. Robert holds a strong educational background that complements his practical experience, having published numerous articles on sustainability metrics and investment strategies.

Through his work, he continues to challenge the status quo, advocating for transparency and accountability in corporate practices while inspiring others to invest in a more sustainable future.

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.

In This Episode

Join David Goldsmith as he welcomes Simone Cicero, a thought leader in platform design and collaborative organization. Simone shares his insights on how to effectively organize when systems are collapsing, emphasizing the interconnectedness of industrial civilization and the biosphere. He discusses the implications of our competitive mindset and how it contributes to systemic failures.

Key moments include Simone's exploration of the concept of predictability in relation to ecological and societal collapses, along with his views on the need for a new cosmology of organizing that embraces interdependence. He highlights the urgency for individuals and organizations to shift their mindsets and practices to address these challenges effectively.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as they delve into the historical context of our current systems and the philosophical underpinnings that shape our understanding of progress. Simone's perspective encourages listeners to rethink their roles within these collapsing structures and to seek wisdom in their organizational practices.

Episode Outlines

• Introduction to Simone Cicero and his work on platform design
• Understanding what is collapsing in our current systems
• The relationship between industrial civilization and the biosphere
• Exploring the concept of predictability in complex systems
• The impact of competition on resource depletion and ecological collapse
• The need for a new cosmology of organizing
• Interdependence: integrating landscape and community into organizing
• The role of technology in facilitating scalable organizations
• Philosophical insights on change, identity, and mindfulness
• Strategies for transitioning from Game A to Game B in organizational practices

Biography of the Guest

Simone Cicero is a leading expert in platform design and collaborative organization, currently associated with Platform Design Toolkit. He has worked extensively with organizations such as the United Nations, focusing on open-source initiatives and community-driven projects.

His significant achievements include co-founding We Share Fest, an event dedicated to fostering collaborative practices across various sectors. Simone holds a background in systems thinking and has contributed to numerous publications on organizational design.

Through his recent projects, he aims to address social impact challenges by promoting interdependence within communities. His insights resonate deeply with the episode's themes, particularly regarding how we can reimagine organizing in a world facing systemic collapse.

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.