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  • Amy Gubser - "I Can Do Hard Things" How a 56-Year-Old Grandmother Conquered Shark-Infested Waters
    2024/11/05

    Amy Gubser

    Amy Gubser, is an extraordinary 56-year-old grandmother who this year became the first person ever to complete an unassisted swim from the Golden Gate Bridge in SF to the Farallon Islands - a 30-mile stretch of cold, shark-infested waters off the California coast. Moreover, what makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Amy only started her marathon swimming journey aged 46.

    Throughout a fascinating conversation, Amy describes her path from early morning swims in San Francisco Bay through increasingly arduous challenges, including consequently crossing the treacherous North Channel between Ireland and Scotland. Furthermore, Amy shares her insights into the physical and mental preparation required for ultra-marathon swimming, from nutrition strategies to managing the understandable fear of great white sharks and jellyfish swarms.

    In addition to her swimming achievements, Amy discusses how her work as a nurse has informed her mental toughness, the importance of breaking age-related stereotypes, and as a result, her mission to inspire others - especially women - to pursue ambitious goals at any age.

    With upcoming swims planned for Scotland's deep and mysterious Loch Ness, therefore Amy is proof that human potential knows no bounds when matched with determination, careful preparation, and above all her simple mantra: 'I can do hard things.'

    Amy's story is an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to pursue extraordinary achievements. Note to self! Now over to Amy.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction

    03:10 Who is Amy as a Human?

    05:35 Childhood and Family Background

    10:48 Early Swimming and Lifeguarding

    14:26 Nursing Career and Mental Toughness

    26:12 Rediscovering Swimming

    33:24 First Marathon Swim: Gibraltar Straits

    35:59 Conquering Lake Tahoe

    37:20 The North Channel Challenge

    39:24 Molokai to Oahu Swim

    39:56 Local Swims and Challenges

    40:47 The Alcatraz Swim

    42:15 Manhattan Island Swim

    45:23 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies

    53:18 Facing the Farallon Islands

    55:34 Shark and Jellyfish Encounters

    01:01:32 Mental and Physical Endurance

    01:06:24 Inspiration and Future Goals

    01:11:11 Advice for Aspiring Swimmers

    01:18:04 Final Thoughts and Inspirations

    Social posts

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amygubser92?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    Links in show

    Books:

    "The Devil's Teeth" (Book about the Farallon Islands mentioned as inspiration)

    - "Tough Broads" by Caroline Paul (Recent book Amy highly recommends)

    - Young Woman in the Sea (About Trudy Ederle, first woman to swim the English Channel)

    Films/Media:

    Documentary about Mercedes Gleitze



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 30 分
  • Noam Sagi - Transforming Wellness: A Path to Personalized Wellbeing
    2024/10/28

    In this episode of the Impossible Network, Mark interviews Noam, a pioneering psychotherapist and co-founder of VidaVii. Noam's captivating journey from his upbringing on a kibbutz near the Gaza border to establishing a wellness technology hub in London is explored in depth. The conversation touches on communal living, military service, corporate culture, and the importance of authenticity. Noam shares insights on navigating childhood and parenting in different eras, the impact of social media on mental health, and the potential future challenges for children growing up in isolated environments. Noam also highlights the integration of body-centered psychotherapy, the concept of 'befriending vulnerability,' and innovative wellness treatments like cryotherapy and breathwork. Mark and Noam discuss the shift from symptomatic treatment to preventative health through biohacking, AI-driven health suggestions, and the significance of a balanced approach to life following the 80/20 rule. Noam also shares his personal stories of emotional resilience, and the harrowing yet inspiring account of Noam's mother's kidnapping and release by Hamas, and his hope for peace amidst global conflicts.

    TimeCodes

    00:00 Introduction

    01:14 Who is Noam as a human?

    04:26 The Kibbutz Experience

    08:10 Reflections on Childhood and Group Dynamics

    21:06 Transition to Adulthood and Military Service

    22:12 Career Shift to Psychotherapy

    35:48 Founding VidaVi1: A Wellness Tech Venture

    48:02 Innovative Health Solutions for Everyone

    49:04 The Power of Cryotherapy: Real-Life Stories

    50:06 Bringing Nature's Best to Urban Centers

    50:41 The Science Behind Dry Cryotherapy

    53:00 Personalized Health and Wellness

    01:07:20 The Future of Health: AI and Technology

    01:17:45 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

    01:27:24 A Personal Story of Resilience and Hope

    01:42:47 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    Social Links

    Vidavii

    Linkedin

    Links in the show

    Cure" (or "Cured") by Dr. Jeff Rediger - specifically recommended by Noam for understanding medicine and wellness

    Outlive" by Peter Attia - mentioned in discussion but not specifically recommended


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 45 分
  • Denzil Monk On Storytelling, Regenerative Economics, and Creative Resistance
    2024/10/22


    Welcome back to the start of Season 6 of The Impossible Network.

    Today’s guest is Denzil Monk, a filmmaker, social entrepreneur, and accidental academic. Denzil is dedicated to reshaping the narrative for his home region of Cornwall, England, advocating for a more inclusive and regenerative approach to media, culture, and the economy. From advocating for Cornish public service media

    Impactful film productions to pioneering the ideas like Man Engine, the largest performing mechanical puppet ever created in Britain, Denzil’s work is rooted in a deep sense of place, purpose, and the power of storytelling. In this episode, we explore his journey, his thoughts on the need to rethink capitalism, and the impact local communities can have on the global stage.

    Thanks to Stephen Davies for the connection.

    Now over to Denzil.

    Time stamps

    01:21 Who is Denzil?

    07:15 The Impact of the 1980s on Denzil's Worldview

    08:42 Cornish Identity and the Mining Heritage

    09:51 The Global Connection and Local Responsibility

    12:59 Denzil's Journey into Social Entrepreneurship

    22:32 Advocating for Cornish Public Service Media

    30:45 Reimagining Economic Systems and Local Empowerment

    47:53 The Role of Storytelling in Social Change

    50:31 The Power of Connections

    51:10 Journey into Academia

    54:12 Creating Bocena Productions

    56:03 Sustainable Filmmaking

    01:08:51 The Man Engine Project

    01:19:56 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

    01:22:23 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

    01:23:37 Quick Fire Questions

    01:32:40 Final Thoughts


    Social Media

    Denzil’s Website

    Bosena

    LinkedIn

    Instagram


    Show Links

    Books

    “The Dawn of Everything” by David Graeber and David Wengrow


    “Donut Economics” by Kate Raworth



    Films and Documentaries:


    “The Corporation”


    “Manufacturing Consent” by Noam Chomsky


    “Dreams” by Akira Kurosawa


    “Memoria” by Apichatpong Weerasethakul

    “Kneecap”



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 33 分
  • Reality Distortion Shapers: The Power of Attitude and Action in a Shifting World
    2024/09/23

    Today, I want to discuss a concept that's been on my mind lately: what it truly means to be a reality distortion shaper. This idea was inspired by Steve Jobs' infamous "reality distortion field" - his almost mythical ability to make people believe in the impossible and, through sheer force of vision, bring ideas to life.

    As I unboxed my new iPad Air and installed iOS 17, I couldn't help but reflect on how far we've come from Apple's beginnings. The evolution of Apple, and now Apple Intelligence, is another chapter in the legacy Jobs left behind—a legacy built on thinking differently, on bending reality to the will of a powerful idea.

    Jobs' reality distortion field wasn't just about charisma or leadership. It was a powerful fusion of attitude and action. And it's this combination that defines what I call "reality distortion shapers." They're the ones who break new ground, challenge norms, and refuse to accept the limitations that the world presents.

    And here's the thing—it wasn't just Jobs who had this ability. Throughout history, we've seen people like Elon Musk, Walt Disney, Nikola Tesla, and Oprah Winfrey exhibit this same characteristic. What they all share is a deep belief that reality can be shaped by their ideas, their attitudes, and most importantly, their actions.

    This spirit of innovation is perfectly captured in Apple's "Here's to the Crazy Ones" campaign. It celebrated those who think differently—the ones who push boundaries, who disrupt the status quo, who see possibilities where others see limitations. This message resonates even more deeply today, in a world grappling with what many call a polycrisis—multiple global challenges unfolding simultaneously.

    In the face of constant negativity from doom-mongers and naysayers, it's crucial to remember that each of us has the power to shape reality through our beliefs, our optimism, and our actions. We can either embrace pessimism, letting it define our future, or we can choose optimism, believing that tomorrow can be better than today.

    Optimism is the fuel that accelerates this process. Without that deep-seated belief that things can change, that the impossible can be achieved, no action will ever take off. It's this combination—of vision, belief, and action—that compounds over time, creating something far greater than what we started with.

    Each of us can shape reality by harnessing the interplay between our thoughts and our actions. Guests like Jon Alexander and Gavin Fernie Jones do this. The reality distortion shapers of the world aren't afraid to push boundaries and reject limitations. They don't just dream big—they act. And through those small, consistent steps, they bring their vision to life, pulling others along with them.

    So, as you go through your day, ask yourself: what reality do you want to shape? What action can you take, no matter how small, that moves you closer to your vision? And most importantly, do you believe—truly believe—that you can bend reality in your favor?

    If there's any truth to the idea that what we think manifests in the world around us, then it's on us—each of us—to think differently. To embrace optimism, not just for ourselves, but for the collective good. Because the future we create starts with the thoughts, feelings, and actions we put into motion today.

    Remember, as Jobs and Apple have shown us time and again—those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. The truth is, you're already shaping reality.

    So I ask: what reality are you shaping? And...What action can you take right now that pushes us all toward a better future?


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    4 分
  • Tony Jones on Augmenting Creativity: AI's Role in Shaping the Future of Creative Work
    2024/08/12

    In this weeks episode we dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity with NY based AI creative trailblazer Tony Jones

    From growing up in Ohio his creative ambitions led him to New York to work in numerous leading ad agencies where he carved out a niche at the intersection of creativity and technology.

    Today, Tony is the co-founder and head instructor at Creative AI Academy, where he’s on a mission to help organizations and individuals harness the power of AI to enhance their creative processes. He also teaches AI Design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, equipping the next generation of creatives with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-augmented future.

    Tony brings a unique perspective to the conversation about AI and creativity. He sees AI not as a replacement for human ingenuity but as a powerful tool that can augment and amplify our creative capabilities. He’s a strong advocate for embracing AI to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape while emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining human judgment, taste, and ethics.

    This is a must listen episode for anyone interested in where AI is leading us and how to embrace the unrelenting pace of the change that is underway.

    Now over to Tony.

    Time Codes

    00:00 Intro to Tony Jones

    02:30 Who is Tony as a human

    03:59 Embracing AI in Creativity

    07:13 Tony's Family and Upbringing

    16:34 Early Career and Move to New York

    22:43 Digital Transformation in Advertising

    26:34 Innovation and AI in Advertising

    30:52 Founding Creative AI Academy

    35:18 AI's Impact on Creativity and Industries

    46:25 Challenges and Adoption of AI

    57:05 Teaching AI Design at Pratt Institute

    58:02 Course Structure and Student Projects

    58:52 Diverse Student Backgrounds

    01:00:08 Misconceptions About AI and Creativity

    01:01:34 Personal Experience with AI Tools

    01:02:49 Impact of AI on Creative Processes

    01:04:57 Corporate Training and AI Integration

    01:07:37 Patented Inventions and AI

    01:10:27 AI in the Advertising Industry

    01:18:01 Advice for Creatives and Ethical Considerations

    01:23:54 Future of Education with AI

    01:30:16 Speculations on AGI and Future Impacts

    01:35:11 Serendipity and Personal Reflections

    01:47:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Social Links

    Tony on Linkedin

    Creative Ai Academy On Linkedin

    Links in the show

    Creative AI Academy

    Pratt AI Design Course

    Andy Awards

    McCann

    Media Monks

    Book - Future AI 2041

    Podcasts - Last Week in AI

    AI For humans


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 48 分
  • Orchestrating Creativity, Engineering Serendipity At SXSW - Hugh Forrest
    2024/07/16

    Today, I'm joined by Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW).

    For over three decades, Hugh has been at the helm of one of the most influential events in the world, celebrating creativity at the convergence of tech, film, music, and culture.

    Hugh's journey is a fascinating one, rooted in Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant creative scene. From his early days running a local newspaper to becoming a key figure in the expansion and evolution of SXSW, Hugh's story is one of persistence, innovation, and a deep commitment to fostering creativity. In our conversation, we explore his unique upbringing with a Scottish father and American mother, the impact of Austin's cultural landscape on his development, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.

    We also discuss the challenges and high points of running a globally recognized festival, the role of technology in connecting people, and the future of creativity in an increasingly AI and digitally driven world. Hugh shares his insights on the importance of community, the power of serendipitous encounters, and his vision for the future of SXSW and beyond.

    If you are a creative person in any domain I am sure you will enjoy this conversation as as we uncover the human side of one of the driving forces behind one of the world's most dynamic events.

    Thanks to Jennifer Hutchins for the connection

    Time codes

    00:00 Introduction 00:53 Meet Hugh Forest: The Man Behind SXSW

    02:33 Who is Hugh? Personal Journey and Aspirations

    03:45 Who or what made him Hugh?

    09:54 The Evolution of SXSW

    14:34 The Role of Technology in SXSW's Growth

    18:18 Who is Hugh Working to Achieve?

    28:27 SXSW's Community and Content Curation

    32:35 Future Directions and Reflections

    38:22 The Evolution of South by Southwest

    38:57 Lessons in Persistence and Value Creation

    40:53 Personal Growth and Organizational Leadership

    42:17 Creating a Cohesive Experience

    43:34 Challenges and Future Plans

    46:12 Impact of COVID-19

    47:14 The Importance of Human Connection

    53:06 Balancing Commercial and Creative Interests

    57:36 Future Directions and Personal Reflections

    59:55 Personal Insights and Inspirations

    01:06:20 Quickfire Questions and Recommendations

    01:15:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

    Social Links

    Linkedin

    X

    SXSW

    Email

    Links in show

    Testament of a furniture dealer

    Books

    Ministry of The Future

    Cal Newport Deep Work

    Show

    The Greatest Night In Pop


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 17 分
  • From Raves to Resilience; Stephen Davies' Sustainable Revolution
    2024/07/09

    Last week, I sat down with Stephen Davies, a unique voice in sustainable architecture and community development. Stephen's journey from the gritty streets of Bolton and the Manchester party scene to a cycling enthusiast and socially-conscious designer in a quiet town in Cornwall was both unexpected and inspiring.

    He reflected on how personal challenges and a near-death experience shaped his perspective on life and work. His approach blends philosophical musings with practical solutions to the problems of globalism by embracing a localism strategy for building sustainable food systems, communities, and building practices. Stephen is particularly passionate about hempcrete, a carbon-negative building material that he sees as a game-changer for the construction industry and local economies.

    Stephen embodies the power of embracing change and is a testament to how personal transformation can drive broader social and environmental change.

    I hope you enjoy this refreshing and thought-provoking take on creating resilient communities in an uncertain world. Thanks to Alex Fish for the recommendation.

    00:00 Introduction

    02:34 Who is Stephen as a human?

    05:13 Who or What Made Him?

    10:34 Education and Party Culture

    14:49 Cycling and a Life-Changing Accident

    18:16 Pursuing Architecture

    30:10 Social Conscience and Family Dynamics

    37:26 Localization and Community Building

    49:49 Community Projects and Company Formation

    51:27 Skills Training and Women in Construction

    52:07 Innovative Use of Hempcrete

    53:06 Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable Building

    58:00 Funding Strategies and Community Support

    01:00:20 Collaborating with Local Authorities

    01:05:31 Philanthropy and Commercial Partnerships

    01:11:47 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

    01:23:57 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

    Social Links

    Links in Show

    Hemcrete

    Cornwall


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 28 分
  • My Life Long Learning, Lessons, Failures, and Building Community - Mark Fallows
    2024/07/02

    This week the tables are turned as I’m the guest on the Funds & Founders Podcast. Hosted by Abhinav Sinha, the pod explores the untold Journeys Behind Founders Breakthroughs.


    Across this broad conversation Abhi explores my view on life-long learning, building community, the differences between New York and Austin, forming Fabrica and the power of Storytelling, lessons from my failed start-up, Creating The Impossible Network, memorable interviews, the power of the network, my support system and my most transformational business experience.


    What I thoughtlessly forgot to acknowledge was the importance of my partner Elaine on my journey.. so making amends; thank you now Elaine.


    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction

    00:51 Commitment to Lifelong Learning

    02:03 Exploring the Impact of AI

    04:40 Defining and Building Community

    08:28 Comparing Communities: New York vs. Austin

    13:13 Journey from Advertising to Founding Fabrica Collective

    20:24 Challenges and Lessons from Pundit Club

    29:16 Transitioning to a Service Agency

    30:43 Starting The Impossible Network Podcast

    31:28 Procrastination and the Birth of Fabrica

    32:12 Exploring Serendipity Through Podcasting

    33:20 Building a Community Around the Podcast

    33:57 Random Collisions and Serendipitous Connections

    35:37 Challenges and Rewards of Podcasting

    48:31 Support Systems and Personal Reflections

    53:16 Transformational Business Experiences

    57:29 Final Thoughts and Future Questions


    Social Links

    The Impossible Network

    YouTube

    Instagram


    Links

    Funds and Founders Podcast



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    59 分