Inquiring Minds

Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges with Gary F. BengierIn this episode of Inquiring Minds, host Adam Bristol sits down with Silicon Valley tech expert, philosopher, and acclaimed science fiction author Gary Bengier to discuss his new novel, Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges. As a prequel to his celebrated book Unfettered Journey, this latest work delves into the pivotal technological, political, and societal challenges humanity may face in the next century, all framed through the lens of a multi-generational family saga. Bengier’s unique background—spanning a career as eBay’s Chief Financial Officer to his roles in astrophysics and philosophy—brings an unparalleled depth of realism and foresight to his writing. In Journey to 2125, he explores themes like climate change, robotics, AI, biotechnology, and the shifting labor landscape. The book blends hard science fiction with philosophical reflections, offering both a sobering view of the obstacles ahead and an optimistic call to action for addressing humanity’s most pressing issues. They discuss: • The challenges of automation and labor displacement in a rapidly advancing technological landscape. • The integration of cutting-edge biotechnology and its societal implications. • The global energy crisis and the pivotal role of nuclear fission in the future. • The philosophical and economic systems required to navigate an increasingly automated world. Bengier shares insights from his career in Silicon Valley, his work with the Santa Fe Institute, and his early life experiences that shaped his empathetic approach to storytelling. This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to thrive in an era of exponential technological change. Listen in to uncover actionable insights and a hopeful vision for building a sustainable and equitable future. Journey to 2125 is available everywhere books are sold. Links: Get Gary’s new Book at Amazon Follow Gary on Facebook @garybengierauthor, Good Reads @Gary_F_Bengier and Twitter (X): @GaryFBengier and visit his website: GaryfBengier.com/journey-to-2125/ Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds See https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information

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Unlocking the Mysteries of the Social Brain with Dr. Bruce MillerIn this powerful episode of Inquiring Minds, host Indre Viskontas reconnects with her longtime mentor, Dr. Bruce L. Miller—one of the world’s foremost authorities on dementia, empathy, and the neuroscience of human behavior. Dr. Miller is a Distinguished Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he founded both the UCSF Memory and Aging Center—the world’s largest research group dedicated to neurodegenerative diseases—and the Global Brain Health Institute, a pioneering global initiative training future leaders in brain health from over 50 countries. As a clinician and researcher, Dr. Miller has spent decades at the forefront of understanding how aging and neurodegenerative conditions alter not only memory, but emotion, identity, and creativity. His forthcoming book, Mysteries of the Social Brain: Understanding Human Behavior Through Science (co-authored with neuroscientist Virginia Sturm), brings together compelling case studies and cutting-edge science to explore how changes in brain function can reveal surprising truths about what makes us human. In their conversation, Indre and Dr. Miller explore: • Why do some individuals with dementia develop new depths of empathy or even unlock hidden artistic talents? • • How the brain's social networks shape morality, altruism, creativity, and respect—and what happens when these networks deteriorate. • • The paradoxes of frontotemporal dementia and how it differs from Alzheimer’s disease in profound and unexpected ways. • • How caregiving not only strengthens emotional circuits in the brain but may be one of the most meaningful human endeavors. • • Why openness and interpersonal connection are essential to healthy aging and resilient societies. They also discuss the promising future of neurodegenerative disease treatment—from CRISPR-based gene therapies for inherited forms of dementia to new clinical trials exploring the effects of social engagement, exercise, and lifestyle on brain health. With warmth, insight, and deeply human stories, Dr. Miller challenges the traditional view of dementia as a simple unraveling, revealing instead the complexity—and at times, the unexpected beauty—of the aging brain. Mysteries of the Social Brain is available now wherever books are sold. Resources: Get Dr. Bruce Miller’s new book Mysteries of the Social Brain on Amazon and Routledge Connect with Indre on LinkedIn Inquiring Minds Homepage: https://inquiring.show/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/inquiringminds

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