The Humancurrent

In this episode, Angie interviews Assistant Professor at the New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI) and Visiting Scientist and the MIT Media Lab, Alfredo Morales. Professor Morales works in the areas of complex systems, AI, data science, and human behavior to develop both methods and insights that help solve complex societal problems. During his interview, he shares details from the AI and Beyond Program at NECSI, a five day certificate program where he presented alongside, Stephen Wolfram, Iyad Rahwan, and Yaneer Bar-Yam. He also discusses some unintended consequences that could arise from artificial intelligence and how complexity science can help us integrate AI systems more effectively.

Why is it important for AIs to experience unconditional love?Can robots teach you to love? In this episode, Haley interviews author, systems thinker, researcher, and public speaker, Dr. Julia Mossbridge. Dr. Mossbridge is a Visiting Scholar in the Psychology Department at Northwestern University, lead Robot Psychologist at Hanson Robotics, the Director of the Innovation Lab at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, and founder of the Mossbridge Institute. She is also the Principal Investigator and Team Lead for the Developing LOVing INtelligent General AIs or LOVING AIs project. During her interview, Dr. Mossbridge discusses the LOVING AIs project, which “addresses how AI agents can communicate unconditional love to humans through conversations that adapt to the unique needs of each user while supporting integrative personal and relational development”. She also shares why she believes it’s so important for AIs to experience unconditional love.

What is artificial intelligence? Could unintended consequences arise from our increased use of this technology? How will the role of humans change with AI? How will AI evolve in the next 10 years? In this episode, Haley interviews leading complex systems scientist, Professor of Computer Science at Portland State University, and external professor at the Santa Fe Institute, Melanie Mitchell. Professor Mitchell answers many profound questions about the field of artificial intelligence and gives specific examples of how this technology is being used today. She also provides some insights to help us navigate our relationship with AI as it becomes more popular in the coming years.

In this episode, Angie interviews WorkHuman Radio Host and Social Marketing Manager at Globoforce, Mike Wood. Globoforce is the leading social recognition provider who is pioneering the WorkHuman movement, a movement “to galvanize leaders worldwide to harness the transformative power of people for the next generation of HR”. The WorkHuman Conference will take place in our hometown of Austin, Texas this year from April 2nd - 5th. We will be attending this event and sharing highlights from their amazing lineup of speakers, so stay tuned!

In this episode, Angie interviews author of Embracing Complexity: Strategic Perspectives for an Age of Turbulence, Jean Boulton, who is also an academic and management consultant, specializing in complexity theory. Boulton talks with us about many different concepts including: how complexity thinking compares to systems thinking, change management, organizational strategy, complexity as a worldview, and even how this field is shining a light on climate change.

In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with co-author of Embracing Complexity, Jean Boulton. Boulton shares her view of how systems thinking compares to complexity thinking.  

In this episode, Angie interviews author and integrator, Jeremy Lent. Lent integrates systems biology, complexity science and neuroscience with ancient wisdom traditions to explore how different cultures throughout human history have created meaning. He shares many perspectives from his book, The Patterning Instinct: A Cultural History of Humanities Search for Meaning, including research and analysis of how humanity has gotten to where it is today and where it could be heading.

In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with author and integrator, Jeremy Lent. Lent brings together Western and Eastern worldviews, science, spiritual wisdom, and embodied experience. He shares his perspective on how reductionism— the same mindset that led to the Scientific Revolution— has also led many people to believe a dangerous story...that humanity is separate from nature.  

In this episode, Haley talks with scientist, psychophysiologist, and the Executive Vice President and Director of Research at HeartMath Institute, Dr. Rollin McCraty. Dr. McCraty shares stories and examples from scientific research about the complex nature of heart coherence, intuition, and consciousness. He also talks about HeartMath’s Global Coherence Research, which encompasses scientific data on the interconnectivity of all living systems through the Earth’s magnetic field. When wrapping up, Dr. McCraty emphasizes the importance of practicing self-awareness and self-regulation in order to bring ourselves into balance with the heart’s intuitive guidance and reach higher levels of consciousness.

In this episode, Haley interviews author and developer of TEPP (The Embodied Present Process) Philip Shepherd. Philip explains how Western culture has led us to believe the story of separation and isolation and he urges us to learn how to feel and embrace our complex and deeply interconnected reality. He also shares why the embodied present process is critical for personal growth and truly radical wholeness.

In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with embodiment coach and author Philip Shepherd. Philip discusses the importance of balancing objective knowledge with self-knowledge in order to thrive within all living systems.

In this episode, Haley and Angie reflect on all the topics they have discussed with guests in 2017 and share exciting news about future guests in 2018 (including interviews with Melanie Mitchell from the Santa Fe Institute and Jean Boulton co-author of Embracing Complexity). They also share their full length interview conducted earlier this year with Professor Yaneer Bar-Yam, President of the New England Complex Systems Institute. Happy New Year from the HumanCurrent!

In this episode, Haley interviews journalist, life coach, and host of the Happy Melly podcast, Sam Mednick. Sam talks about the importance of emotional intelligence and shares her philosophy on living a more happy and fulfilled life. She also shares a few stories from South Sudan where she is currently working and writing.

In this episode, Haley interviews complexity thinker and founder of NOBL Collective, Bud Caddell. Bud explains how NOBL designs human-driven systems which enable teams to become more empowered, inspired, and engaged. He also describes how his understanding and application of complex system science has influenced his mission to expand access to meaningful work.“I fundamentally believe that meaningful work is a human right.” - Bud Caddell

In this episode, Angie interviews author, speaker, and entrepreneur, Jurgen Appelo. Jurgen has been named the “Top 100 Leadership Speaker & Top 50 Management Expert” by Inc.com and he has become a key influencer in the workplace happiness movement. During his interview, Jurgen discusses how practicing complexity thinking has influenced his career and management style. He also shares stories and advice on how to “manage the system not the people” with different tools, games, and practices.  

In this episode, Angie interview's complexity scientist, professor, and founding president of the New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI), Yaneer Bar-Yam. Professor Bar-Yam shares the details of new research out of NECSI entitled, Preliminary Steps Toward a Universal Economic Dynamics for Monetary and Fiscal Policy. His research, which was conducted with Jean Langlois-Meurinne, Mari Kawakatsu, and Rodolfo Garcia, calls for wealth redistribution, not tax cuts, to improve the US economy.     

In this episode, Haley interviews Dr. Carlos Gershenson who is a research professor, Editor-in-Chief of Complexity Digest, and a Co-Chair member of the Conference on Complex Systems. Dr. Gershenson discusses this year's conference and how it is relevant to events happening in the world today. He also shares details about next year's Conference on Complex Systems. 

How can we leverage self-directed neuroplasticity, so we can grow and change as much as possible? In this episode, Angie interviews best-selling author, psychologist, and human potential expert Dr. Rick Hanson, who explains how understanding evolutionary neuropsychology and using daily meditative practice can help us feel safe, satisfied and connected. He describes the difference between engaging life with a responsive mindset, as opposed to a reactive mindset. Dr. Hanson says we are more resilient and happier when we are in the “green zone” with a responsive mindset because this expansive thinking mode allows us to combat our negativity bias and take in the good in our lives.

In this episode, Angie interviews psychologist and New York Times best-selling author, Dr. Rick Hanson. Dr. Hanson eloquently describes how the human brain has evolved as a complex system and he shares why it is so important “to really appreciate the implications of having a stone age brain in the 21st century”. This is part one of his interview. Stay tuned for part two of Angie’s interview with Dr. Hanson!   

In this episode preview, we share a clip from our interview with psychologist and author, Dr. Rick Hanson. We asked Dr. Hanson how he became interested in complex systems. For more information visit rickhanson.net and stay tuned for his full length, two-part interview with the HumanCurrent.