What if the future of technology was designed with empathy at its core?In Episode 9 of the Designing a Humane Future podcast, we explore how social media and artificial intelligence are reshaping our lives—and how young people, ethical innovators, and inclusive design practices are showing us a better way forward.From Minecraft servers built for neurodiverse youth to AI systems that know when to hand off to a human, this two-part episode dives into the systems we build—and the future we want to shape.Listen now to discover how we can transform powerful technologies into tools for care, connection, and collective well-being.__Learn more about the experts interviewed this episode by visiting the following links (in order of appearance):Kara Brisson-BoivinDirector of Research, MediaSmartshttps://mediasmarts.ca/Dr. Skye Barbic
Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupation Therapy, 
University of British Columbia (UBC)https://osot.ubc.ca/our-research/our-faculty/skye-barbic/Stuart DuncanFounder, Autcrafthttps://www.autcraft.com/Kevin TuerChief Technology Officer, Communitechhttps://www.communitech.ca/Fion Lee-MadanTechnical Co-Founder, COO, Fairly AIhttps://www.fairly.ai/Brian Ritchie
Founder & CEO, kama.aihttps://kama.ai/

What if the future of technology was designed with empathy at its core?In Episode 9 of the Designing a Humane Future podcast, we explore how social media and artificial intelligence are reshaping our lives—and how young people, ethical innovators, and inclusive design practices are showing us a better way forward.From Minecraft servers built for neurodiverse youth to AI systems that know when to hand off to a human, this two-part episode dives into the systems we build—and the future we want to shape.Listen now to discover how we can transform powerful technologies into tools for care, connection, and collective well-being.__Learn more about the experts interviewed this episode by visiting the following links (in order of appearance):Kara Brisson-BoivinDirector of Research, MediaSmartshttps://mediasmarts.ca/Dr. Skye Barbic
Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupation Therapy, 
University of British Columbia (UBC)https://osot.ubc.ca/our-research/our-faculty/skye-barbic/Stuart DuncanFounder, Autcrafthttps://www.autcraft.com/Kevin TuerChief Technology Officer, Communitechhttps://www.communitech.ca/Fion Lee-MadanTechnical Co-Founder, COO, Fairly AIhttps://www.fairly.ai/Brian Ritchie
Founder & CEO, kama.aihttps://kama.ai/

This is a two-part ­episode that examines housing as a right with a focus on housing the middle and creating affordable, sustainable housing for middle-income households. In both parts, we’ll learn more about what led us to the housing crisis we are now facing in Canada and explore the efforts to ensure there is enough housing for all. Learn more about the experts interviewed this episode by visiting the following links (in order of appearance):Andrea NemtinChief Executive Officer, Social Innovation CanadaMitchell CohenPresident & CEO, The Daniels CorporationTim RossExecutive Director, Co-operative Housing Federation of CanadaJoshua Barndt Executive Director, The Neighbourhood Land Trust Graham HainesProject Manager, Housing Policy, City Planning Division, City of TorontoMarc SoberanoFounder & Executive Director, Building Up

This is a two-part ­episode that examines housing as a right with a focus on housing the middle and creating affordable, sustainable housing for middle-income households. In both parts, we’ll learn more about what led us to the housing crisis we are now facing in Canada and explore the efforts to ensure there is enough housing for all. Learn more about the experts interviewed this episode by visiting the following links (in order of appearance):Andrea NemtinChief Executive Officer, Social Innovation CanadaMitchell CohenPresident & CEO, The Daniels CorporationTim RossExecutive Director, Co-operative Housing Federation of CanadaJoshua Barndt Executive Director, The Neighbourhood Land Trust Graham HainesProject Manager, Housing Policy, City Planning Division, City of TorontoMarc SoberanoFounder & Executive Director, Building Up

This is a two-part ­episode that examines climate change and our current economic model. In part one, we’ll learn more about two of the industries that are some of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases in Canada, and the shifts underway within these sectors to not only reduce emissions but to move towards net zero. In part two, we’ll focus on greening the grid. We will look at how microgrids are part of building more local, climate-resilient energy infrastructure, and how these locally scaled smart grids can provide opportunities for community-owned and -produced power as well as Indigenous energy sovereignty. Learn more about the experts interviewed this episode by visiting the following links (in order of appearance): Brent PrestonFarmer, The New Farm, https://thenewfarm.ca/Director, Farmers for Climate Solutions, https://farmersforclimatesolutions.ca/President, Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, https://efao.ca/ Emma JarrattExecutive Editor, Electric Autonomy Canada https://electricautonomy.ca/ Dr. Christina HoickaCanada Research Chair in Urban Planning for Climate ChangeAssociate Professor, Geography and Civil Engineering, University of Victoriahttps://www.socialexergy.com/ Dr. Vidya VankayalaDirector, Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART)British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) https://www.bcit.ca/applied-research/smart-microgrid/ Mary WarnerCo-Executive Director, Finance & Operations, TREC Renewable Energy Co-op https://www.trec.on.ca/ Chris HendersonFounding Executive Director, Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) Social Enterprisehttps://indigenouscleanenergy.com/

This is a two-part ­episode that examines climate change and our current economic model. In part one, we’ll learn more about two of the industries that are some of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases in Canada, and the shifts underway within these sectors to not only reduce emissions but to move towards net zero. In part two, we’ll focus on greening the grid. We will look at how microgrids are part of building more local, climate-resilient energy infrastructure, and how these locally scaled smart grids can provide opportunities for community-owned and -produced power as well as Indigenous energy sovereignty. Learn more about the experts interviewed this episode by visiting the following links (in order of appearance): Brent PrestonFarmer, The New Farm, https://thenewfarm.ca/Director, Farmers for Climate Solutions, https://farmersforclimatesolutions.ca/President, Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, https://efao.ca/ Emma JarrattExecutive Editor, Electric Autonomy Canada https://electricautonomy.ca/ Dr. Christina HoickaCanada Research Chair in Urban Planning for Climate ChangeAssociate Professor, Geography and Civil Engineering, University of Victoriahttps://www.socialexergy.com/ Dr. Vidya VankayalaDirector, Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART)British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) https://www.bcit.ca/applied-research/smart-microgrid/ Mary WarnerCo-Executive Director, Finance & Operations, TREC Renewable Energy Co-op https://www.trec.on.ca/ Chris HendersonFounding Executive Director, Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) Social Enterprisehttps://indigenouscleanenergy.com/

This two-part ­episode examines the body of research on women, leadership, and systemic barriers that remain for women to reach parity with men. The aim is to find a working definition and understanding of how feminine leadership can help us tackle the looming issues of economic and social justice, and climate change that lie ahead. You will hear from stakeholders and emerging leaders engaged in the work of championing more inclusive and equitable leadership.Learn more about those interviewed by visiting the following links (in order of appearance):Stephanie KwanForesight Lead, Trends and Implications Section, Canada Revenue AgencyGraduate, Strategic Foresight and Innovation Graduate Program, OCAD Universityhttp://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/3402/1/Kwan_Stephanie_2021_MDes_SFI_MRP.pdf Laurissa Barnes-RobertsService Design Lead, Government of British ColumbiaGraduate, Strategic Foresight and Innovation Graduate Program, OCAD Universityhttps://www.laurissa.me/mrp-research-study PatriciaGraduate, Strategic Foresight and Innovation Graduate Program, OCAD University Angie FlemingData Humanist, CoeurajGraduate, Strategic Foresight and Innovation Graduate Program, OCAD Universityhttps://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/3768/1/Fleming_Angie_2022_MDes_SFI_MRP.pdf Karen CampbellDirector, Community Initiatives & Policy, Canadian Women's Foundationhttps://canadianwomen.org/Steph JeremieProject Director, In Good Company, YWCA Canadahttps://igcompany.ca/ Barb WallaceExecutive Director, Girls Inc. of York Regionhttps://girlsincyork.org/Sarika SinhaProgram Teaching Staff, Feminist Leadership For Justice, Equity and Ecology Program, Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier Universityhttps://coady.stfx.ca/feminist-leadership-for-justice-equity-and-ecology/  

This two-part ­episode examines the body of research on women, leadership, and systemic barriers that remain for women to reach parity with men. The aim is to find a working definition and understanding of how feminine leadership can help us tackle the looming issues of economic and social justice, and climate change that lie ahead. You will hear from stakeholders and emerging leaders engaged in the work of championing more inclusive and equitable leadership.Learn more about those interviewed by visiting the following links (in order of appearance):Stephanie KwanForesight Lead, Trends and Implications Section, Canada Revenue AgencyGraduate, Strategic Foresight and Innovation Graduate Program, OCAD Universityhttp://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/3402/1/Kwan_Stephanie_2021_MDes_SFI_MRP.pdf Laurissa Barnes-RobertsService Design Lead, Government of British ColumbiaGraduate, Strategic Foresight and Innovation Graduate Program, OCAD Universityhttps://www.laurissa.me/mrp-research-study PatriciaGraduate, Strategic Foresight and Innovation Graduate Program, OCAD University Angie FlemingData Humanist, CoeurajGraduate, Strategic Foresight and Innovation Graduate Program, OCAD Universityhttps://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/3768/1/Fleming_Angie_2022_MDes_SFI_MRP.pdf Karen CampbellDirector, Community Initiatives & Policy, Canadian Women's Foundationhttps://canadianwomen.org/Steph JeremieProject Director, In Good Company, YWCA Canadahttps://igcompany.ca/ Barb WallaceExecutive Director, Girls Inc. of York Regionhttps://girlsincyork.org/Sarika SinhaProgram Teaching Staff, Feminist Leadership For Justice, Equity and Ecology Program, Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier Universityhttps://coady.stfx.ca/feminist-leadership-for-justice-equity-and-ecology/  

This episode of the Designing a Humane Future podcast is dedicated to small businesses - to exploring the future of our Main Street shops and understanding ways to ensure they can continue to be part of our communities and our lives now and looking ahead.

In this two-part episode, the focus is the future of work. In part one, we’ll explore how technology and the economic impacts of the pandemic are shaping jobs now and the opportunities in the future. You’ll hear from experts who help us unpack the current trends we are seeing in the labour market.In part two, we will focus on universal basic income as an innovation that can address uncertainties in the labour market and ensure everyone has the basics they need to live. We’ll look at the impact of Ontario’s Basic Income Pilot and learn about how a proposed basic income plan can contribute to the Canadian economy. The episode explores ways to build a post-pandemic economy that centres on making work more equitable, inclusive, and dignified. Learn more about those interviewed by visiting the following links (in order of appearance): Creig LambCo-Founder & Principal, Shift Insightshttps://www.shiftinsights.ca/Floyd Marinescu Executive Director, UBI WorksCEO and Co-founder, C4Mediahttps://www.ubiworks.ca/Anjum Sultana Fellow, Public Policy ForumContributor, “Skills for the Post-Pandemic World: Scoping Report”Co-Author, “A Feminist Recovery Plan for Canada”https://www.anjumsultana.com/Jessie GolemEntrepreneur, professional writer, photographer, pianist, and activistCreator, Humans of Basic Income portrait serieshttps://www.jessiegolem.com/Wayne Lewchuk Professor, School of Labour Studies, Department of Economics, McMaster UniversityCo-author, “Southern Ontario’s Basic Income Experience” report https://socialsciences.mcmaster.ca/people/lewchuk-wayne  

In this two-part episode, the focus is the future of work. In part one, we’ll explore how technology and the economic impacts of the pandemic are shaping jobs now and the opportunities in the future. You’ll hear from experts who help us unpack the current trends we are seeing in the labour market.In part two, we will focus on universal basic income as an innovation that can address uncertainties in the labour market and ensure everyone has the basics they need to live. We’ll look at the impact of Ontario’s Basic Income Pilot and learn about how a proposed basic income plan can contribute to the Canadian economy. The episode explores ways to build a post-pandemic economy that centres on making work more equitable, inclusive, and dignified. Learn more about those interviewed by visiting the following links (in order of appearance): Creig LambCo-Founder & Principal, Shift Insightshttps://www.shiftinsights.ca/Floyd Marinescu Executive Director, UBI WorksCEO and Co-founder, C4Mediahttps://www.ubiworks.ca/Anjum Sultana Fellow, Public Policy ForumContributor, “Skills for the Post-Pandemic World: Scoping Report”Co-Author, “A Feminist Recovery Plan for Canada”https://www.anjumsultana.com/Jessie GolemEntrepreneur, professional writer, photographer, pianist, and activistCreator, Humans of Basic Income portrait serieshttps://www.jessiegolem.com/Wayne Lewchuk Professor, School of Labour Studies, Department of Economics, McMaster UniversityCo-author, “Southern Ontario’s Basic Income Experience” report https://socialsciences.mcmaster.ca/people/lewchuk-wayne  

In this two-part episode, we’ll focus on long-term care and how we can better support individuals as they age. Cracks in the long-term care system in Canada were visible long before the pandemic. COVID just further amplified the failures in a system meant to support and care for the most vulnerable. The question is: Will this finally be the impetus need for real change to happen? And if so, what will it look like and how do we get there? We will examine the overarching challenges of the long-term care system in Canada and will explore various innovative solutions aimed to provide appropriate care and good quality of life at various stages of aging. You will hear interviews with various stakeholders involved with approaches that offer care that is attuned to individuals’ needs at each stage of ageing.  Learn more about those interviewed in this two-part episode by visiting the following links (in order of appearance): Dr. Samir SinhaPeter and Shelagh Godsoe Chair in Geriatrics and Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health and the University Health Network Professor of Medicine, Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto and Adjunct Professor of Medicine Johns Hopkins University School of Medicinehttps://www.sinaihealth.ca/team/dr-samir-sinha/https://nationalseniorsstrategy.ca/about-us/ Louise BardswichCo-founder/owner, Golden Girls of Port Perryhttps://goldengirlsportperry.ca/ JC GilbertDeputy Chief, Operations, County of Simcoe Paramedic Serviceshttps://www.simcoe.ca/paramedicservices/Pages/Community-Paramedicine-Home-Visit-Program.aspxhttps://youtu.be/6FAsCJoui1w Dr. Mark NowaczynskiClinical Director, House CallsAssistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Torontohttps://www.seniorshousecalls.ca/ Candace ChartierCEO, Providence Livinghttps://prcc.providencehealthcare.org/our-sites-services/providence-living-place-together-sea

In this two-part episode, we’ll focus on long-term care and how we can better support individuals as they age. Cracks in the long-term care system in Canada were visible long before the pandemic. COVID just further amplified the failures in a system meant to support and care for the most vulnerable. The question is: Will this finally be the impetus need for real change to happen? And if so, what will it look like and how do we get there? We will examine the overarching challenges of the long-term care system in Canada and will explore various innovative solutions aimed to provide appropriate care and good quality of life at various stages of aging. You will hear interviews with various stakeholders involved with approaches that offer care that is attuned to individuals’ needs at each stage of ageing.  Learn more about those interviewed in this two-part episode by visiting the following links (in order of appearance): Dr. Samir SinhaPeter and Shelagh Godsoe Chair in Geriatrics and Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health and the University Health Network Professor of Medicine, Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto and Adjunct Professor of Medicine Johns Hopkins University School of Medicinehttps://www.sinaihealth.ca/team/dr-samir-sinha/https://nationalseniorsstrategy.ca/about-us/ Louise BardswichCo-founder/owner, Golden Girls of Port Perryhttps://goldengirlsportperry.ca/ JC GilbertDeputy Chief, Operations, County of Simcoe Paramedic Serviceshttps://www.simcoe.ca/paramedicservices/Pages/Community-Paramedicine-Home-Visit-Program.aspxhttps://youtu.be/6FAsCJoui1w Dr. Mark NowaczynskiClinical Director, House CallsAssistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Torontohttps://www.seniorshousecalls.ca/ Candace ChartierCEO, Providence Livinghttps://prcc.providencehealthcare.org/our-sites-services/providence-living-place-together-sea

This two-part episode offers an in-depth understanding of homelessness and housing as a right. In Part 1, we explore the systems challenges of homelessness and interventions like Housing First, as well as initiatives striving to prevent and address youth homelessness and Indigenous homelessness. In Part 2, we learn about the socially innovative solutions that are working and the barriers that remain to meaningfully redesigning these systems to help eradicate homelessness. To better understand the complexities of homelessness, we look at the City of Hamilton as a case study. A once affordable city located on the western shores of Lake Ontario, Hamilton is now ranked the third most expensive city in North America. We examine various innovative pilot projects happening in and around this community, which has committed to ending chronic homelessness by 2025. We hear the voices of nine experts, working on homelessness in various capacities from the policy to the grassroots level, as we unpack the different perspectives and efforts underway to not just manage homelessness but to end it.  Learn more about those interviewed in this two-part episode by visiting the following links (in order of appearance): Melanie Redman, President and CEO, A Way Home: Working Together to End Youth Homelessness Partnership; Implementation Director, Making the Shift Youth Homelessness Social Innovation Labhttps://awayhome.ca/https://makingtheshiftinc.ca/Amanda DiFalco, Deputy Director, Built for Zero Canada, Canadian Alliance to End Homelessnesshttps://bfzcanada.ca/https://caeh.ca/Stephen Gaetz, Professor and Research Chair in Homelessness and Research Impact, York University; President, Canadian Observatory on Homelessness; Research Director, Making the Shift Youth Homelessness Social Innovation Labhttps://www.yorku.ca/rightthefuture/stories/homelessness/https://homelesshub.ca/https://makingtheshiftinc.ca/Jeff Neven, Executive Director, Indwellhttps://indwell.ca/Calogero Mattina, President, Hamilton Community Land Trusthttps://www.hamiltonclt.org/Marcie McIlveen, Outreach Co-Coordinator, Keeping Six Hamilton Harm Reduction Action Leaguehttps://keepingsix.org/Yolisa de Jager, former Senior Project Manager of Homelessness Policy and Programs, City of Hamiltonhttps://www.hamilton.ca/city-initiatives/strategies-actions/homelessness-systems-planningErika Morton, Systems Planning Officer, Canadian Observatory on Homelessnesshttps://homelesshub.ca/Sheryl Green, Manager of Housing & Homelessness Supports & Services, Hamilton Regional Indian Centrehttps://www.hric.ca/  

This two-part episode offers an in-depth understanding of homelessness and housing as a right. In Part 1, we explore the systems challenges of homelessness and interventions like Housing First, as well as initiatives striving to prevent and address youth homelessness and Indigenous homelessness. In Part 2, we learn about the socially innovative solutions that are working and the barriers that remain to meaningfully redesigning these systems to help eradicate homelessness. To better understand the complexities of homelessness, we look at the City of Hamilton as a case study. A once affordable city located on the western shores of Lake Ontario, Hamilton is now ranked the third most expensive city in North America. We examine various innovative pilot projects happening in and around this community, which has committed to ending chronic homelessness by 2025. We hear the voices of nine experts, working on homelessness in various capacities from the policy to the grassroots level, as we unpack the different perspectives and efforts underway to not just manage homelessness but to end it.  Learn more about those interviewed in this two-part episode by visiting the following links (in order of appearance): Melanie Redman, President and CEO, A Way Home: Working Together to End Youth Homelessness Partnership; Implementation Director, Making the Shift Youth Homelessness Social Innovation Labhttps://awayhome.ca/https://makingtheshiftinc.ca/Amanda DiFalco, Deputy Director, Built for Zero Canada, Canadian Alliance to End Homelessnesshttps://bfzcanada.ca/https://caeh.ca/Stephen Gaetz, Professor and Research Chair in Homelessness and Research Impact, York University; President, Canadian Observatory on Homelessness; Research Director, Making the Shift Youth Homelessness Social Innovation Labhttps://www.yorku.ca/rightthefuture/stories/homelessness/https://homelesshub.ca/https://makingtheshiftinc.ca/Jeff Neven, Executive Director, Indwellhttps://indwell.ca/Calogero Mattina, President, Hamilton Community Land Trusthttps://www.hamiltonclt.org/Marcie McIlveen, Outreach Co-Coordinator, Keeping Six Hamilton Harm Reduction Action Leaguehttps://keepingsix.org/Yolisa de Jager, former Senior Project Manager of Homelessness Policy and Programs, City of Hamiltonhttps://www.hamilton.ca/city-initiatives/strategies-actions/homelessness-systems-planningErika Morton, Systems Planning Officer, Canadian Observatory on Homelessnesshttps://homelesshub.ca/Sheryl Green, Manager of Housing & Homelessness Supports & Services, Hamilton Regional Indian Centrehttps://www.hric.ca/  

In this pilot episode in the series, we look at the food system, the challenges that existed well before the pandemic and which have been magnified during it. We examine some of the fundamental issues underpinning the modern food system. We learn about the various stakeholders working to realign the production, distribution, and consumption of food with the natural cycles so that we can meet our food needs while helping to heal the earth and our connection to it. The focus is an exciting pilot project, called Our Food Future, taking place in Canada, in the City of Guelph and the surrounding Wellington County, which are located in the province of Ontario. We hear from a number of stakeholders working to develop Canada’s first circular food economy, which is poised to become a new model for other communities across Canada and beyond. Learn more about those interviewed by visiting the following links: Our Food Futurehttps://foodfuture.ca/our-food-future Wellington Federation of Agriculture https://www.wfofa.on.ca/ Janet Harrop, Harrcroft Acreshttps://harrroft-acres-limited.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral Nathan Smith, Winterhill Farm & Gardenhttps://winterhillfarmandgarden.com/ Val Steinmann, Heartwood Farm & Cideryhttps://heartwoodfarm.ca/ Cher Mereweather, Provision Coalitionhttps://provisioncoalition.com/ Barb Swartzentruber, Smart Cities Office, City of Guelph, Our Food Futurehttps://guelph.ca/city-hall/city-administrators-office/smart-cities-challenge/ Richard Preiss, Escarpment Laboratorieshttps://escarpmentlabs.com/ Court Desautels, The Neighbourhood Grouphttps://www.neighbourhoodgroup.com/restaurants Lynn Broughton, Taste Detourshttps://tastedetours.ca/ Brian Watson, Kortright Presbyterian Churchhttps://www.kortrightchurch.org/ Emily Huddart Kennedy, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of British Columbiahttps://sociology.ubc.ca/profile/emily-huddart-kennedy/ Ellen MacArthur Foundationhttps://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/

Check out a new podcast series called Designing a Humane Future. This podcast explores how we can actively engage in imagining and designing a future that is more equitable, intentional, and humane. Episodes in this series will feature interviews with thought leaders in healthcare, housing, food systems, community building, media, and more.   Join me as we explore how we can redesign capitalism: to work within the system to make it fairer, kinder and more supportive of a life we want to live now and going forward. Look for upcoming episodes of Designing a Humane Future at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.