The Futurists

What will life be like in the future? In this collection, you'll hear interviews with Steve Jobs, Michio Kaku, and other leading scientists, technologists, and environmentalists as they predict the world of our future.

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February 22, 1996

35:17

Steve Jobs on the Future of the Web.

Steve Jobs is one of the founders of Apple Computers; and he led the development of the Macintosh computer. In 1985 he founded NeXT Computer. It's mission is to develop customized software for businesses; two of their applications are OPENSTEP and NEXTSTEP. Jobs is also the owner of the computer animation company, Pixar. They've made the first feature-length computer-animated film, "Toy Story," in conjunction with Walt Disney, Inc. Jobs will talk with Terry about the future of computer technology.

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November 29, 2011

20:36

'Physics Of The Future': How We'll Live In 2100?

Theoretical physicist Michio Kaku descries some of the inventions he thinks will appear in the coming century -- including Internet-ready contact lenses, space elevators and driverless cars -- in his book Physics of the Future.

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July 15, 1982

01:05:08

The Future According to Isaac Asimov

Fresh Air broadcasts a lecture delivered by the legendary science fiction novelist. He opines on the role of technology in learning and the future progress of human civilization.

Interview

Isaac Asimov

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August 19, 1988

27:49

Ray Bradbury's Visions of the Future

In addition to his career as a science fiction writer, Bradbury helped design Disney's Epcot Center and the Pavilion of the Future for the 1964 World's Fair. His new collection of short stories is called the Toynbee Convector.

Interview

Ray Bradbury

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December 10, 2018

41:47

The Revolution Will Be Driverless: Autonomous Cars Usher In Big Changes

Imagine driving alone in your car, but instead of sitting behind the wheel, you're dozing in the backseat as a computer navigates on your behalf. It sounds wild, but former New York City Traffic Commissioner Sam Schwartz says that scenario isn't so far off the mark.

Interview

Samuel I Schwartz

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June 11, 2018

42:16

A Science Writer Explores The 'Perversions And Potential' Of Genetic Tests

Carl Zimmer, Science columnist for The New York Times talks about the latest in genetics and the implications, and getting his own genome sequenced.

Interview

Carl Zimmer

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October 9, 2018

42:02

The 'Weaponization' Of Social Media — And Its Real-World Consequences

P.W. Singer and Emerson Brooking say social media has been manipulated to fuel popular uprisings and affect the course of military and political campaigns. Their new book is LikeWar.

Interview

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March 13, 2017

34:36

'Irresistible' By Design: It's No Accident You Can't Stop Looking At The Screen

Could smartphones and other screens be decreasing the human attention span? Author Adam Alter thinks so.

Interview

Adam Alter

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July 9, 2018

42:49

The Science — And Environmental Hazards — Behind Fish Oil Supplements

Author Paul Greenberg says the harvesting of tiny fish for omega-3 supplements is having a ripple effect, leading to less healthy and bountiful oceans. His new book is The Omega Principle.

Interview

Paul Greenberg

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January 23, 2015

43:11

In The World's 'Sixth Extinction,' Are Humans The Asteroid?

Scientists think an asteroid killed the dinosaurs. In today's extinction, humans are the culprit. Originally broadcast Feb. 12, 2014.

Interview

Elizabeth Kolbert

Search the Fresh Air Archive

The Futurists

Steve Jobs on the Future of the Web.

'Physics Of The Future': How We'll Live In 2100?

The Future According to Isaac Asimov

Ray Bradbury's Visions of the Future

The Revolution Will Be Driverless: Autonomous Cars Usher In Big Changes

A Science Writer Explores The 'Perversions And Potential' Of Genetic Tests

The 'Weaponization' Of Social Media — And Its Real-World Consequences

'Irresistible' By Design: It's No Accident You Can't Stop Looking At The Screen

The Science — And Environmental Hazards — Behind Fish Oil Supplements

In The World's 'Sixth Extinction,' Are Humans The Asteroid?

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