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Future Optimist
Ross Palmer
240 episodes
6 days ago
Tech meets existential crisis. We talk about the future here—the good, the bad, and the... weird. Brought to you by aloa.agency. © 2025 Aloa LLC. All rights reserved.
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Technology
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All content for Future Optimist is the property of Ross Palmer and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Tech meets existential crisis. We talk about the future here—the good, the bad, and the... weird. Brought to you by aloa.agency. © 2025 Aloa LLC. All rights reserved.
Show more...
Technology
Episodes (20/240)
Future Optimist
$112 Million for Water from Thin Air with Brian Sheng of Aquaria - Ep. 233

What Brian Sheng is doing with Aquaria isn't a pipe dream, it's reality. He's pioneering air-to-water infrastructure, creating a world where homes can get all of their water off the grid.Brian Sheng recently raised over $100 million in Series D for his company, and you can already buy his air-to-drinkable-water products today.It's one of those crazy, science-fiction sounding things that is actually true, and it's something we need so badly. This is one of the coolest companies and founder stories I've come across so far!

➡️ ⁠Brian Sheng ⁠➡️ Aquaria

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1 month ago
41 minutes 14 seconds

Future Optimist
An AI Founder/Investor's Take on Raising $70M with Amir Barsoum - Ep. 232

I chat with Amir Barsoum of InVitro Capital and Vezeeta, an AI VC firm and a thriving business that has raised over $70 million in capital. We discuss the enormous opportunity in AI investment, the world of tomorrow, and how we can capitalize on this once-in-several-generations moment. I also throw in a healthy dose of skepticism, cuz that's what I do!


➡️ Amir Barsoum

➡️ ⁠InVitro Capital

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3 months ago
31 minutes 34 seconds

Future Optimist
[LIVE] Electrify Expo: Lightship EV RVs, Crazy Electric Unicycles & More - Ep.231

Thanks to BJ Birtwell of Electrify Expo for hosting me, Ben Parker of Lightship RV, and the woman whose name I don't know representing the Mia 4 X4!

➡️ Electrify Expo

➡️ Lighship RV

➡️ Mia Dynamics

Also thanks to Zachariah Dalton for camera!

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3 months ago
14 minutes 49 seconds

Future Optimist
Millions of Followers for AI Art with James Gerde - Ep.230

James Gerde watched his Instagram go from 2,000 to 800k+ followers in two weeks. His unique brand of human-inspired AI art captivated the world, showing us a marriage of cutting-edge techniques combined with the beauty of what it means to be human. He’s drawn both criticism and love for his unique approach to art, but in the end James Gerde is a consummate artist making use of the next generation of AI tools.


➡️ https://www.gerdegotit.com

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5 months ago
43 minutes 24 seconds

Future Optimist
A "Body Doubling" App That Ends Procrastination with Taylor Jacobson - Ep.229

Today we have Taylor Jacobson joining us, founder of Focusmate, to explore why hyper‑connectivity can actually diminish our accountability and personal growth—and how a simple “body‑doubling” video call can cure loneliness and procrastination. Taylor Jacobson shares the origins of Focusmate, the neuroscience of focus, inspiring user success stories, and practical tips to reclaim your life‑force energy.


➡️ https://focusmate.com

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6 months ago
39 minutes 24 seconds

Future Optimist
[LIVE] The Future of 3-Wheel Electric Scooters with Tim Huntzinger of XOTO - Ep.228

Tim Huntzinger is the founder of XOTO, one of the most fun means of alternative mobility I've tried.

I'm a bike fanatic, and I'll never take a car anywhere if I can help it.

I met Tim and he let me try a demo of his new invention, and I was instantly hooked.In a world of options, XOTO represents a really interesting place in the market, and something that will be super useful for many people.

➡️ https://xotoinc.com

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6 months ago
16 minutes 20 seconds

Future Optimist
A Brilliant Alternative to Unsustainable Precious Metals Mining with Don Weatherbee - Ep. 227

Don Weatherbee, CEO of Regenx, discusses the company's innovative approach to regenerating platinum and palladium from used catalytic converters. I love businesses that embrace the circular economy, and this is an angle I hadn't heard of before.With a background in the mining industry, Don Weatherbee highlights the unsustainable nature of current mining practices, and explains the importance of recycling precious metals due to growing demand and geopolitical risks. 00:00 Introduction to Don Weatherbee and Regenex01:00 The Importance of Platinum and Palladium Recycling03:11 Challenges and Innovations in Catalytic Converter Recycling03:50 Regenex's Journey and Technological Advancements07:44 Economic and Environmental Impacts of Recycling08:24 Future of Platinum and Palladium in the Automotive Industry10:17 Personal Insights and Entrepreneurial Journey20:29 Collaboration and Optimism for a Sustainable Future22:47 Conclusion and Call to Action
https://www.regenx.tech/

Watch the video of this episode: ⁠https://youtu.be/shtI-ImWR7g

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8 months ago
24 minutes

Future Optimist
Tens of Millions Raised for Enlightening Neurotech with Valentin Randon of Muse - Ep. 226

Is neurotech more exciting or terrifying? Is it a vehicle for optimizing our productivity or spying on is an a way humans never imagined? Joining me is Valentin Randon from Muse, a neurotech headset company that claims to have over 500,000 users.

We pull no punches, as we go deep into philosophy to discuss the promising and perilous future of neurotechnology. Valentin Randon, the head of product at Muse, shares insights about the company's extensive brain data collection and its potential applications, including meditation, disease detection, and even thought recognition.

We explore the philosophical and ethical implications of neurotech, the balance between thriving and privacy, and the intersection between personal growth, technology, and a dystopian future.

00:00 Intro

00:31 The Duality of Neurotech: Optimism and Fear(!)

03:17 Exploring the Potential and Risks of Brain Data

09:02 Personal Journey: Breaking Up with Tech 

15:51 The Quest for Measuring Consciousness

20:37 The Paradox of Gamifying Zen and Higher Consciousness

24:01 The Paradox of Seeking Validation

29:19 The Balance Between Observation and Action

34:38 The Future of Wearable Technology

37:17 Philosophical Reflections on Technology and Society

40:30 Concluding Thoughts and Personal Reflections Subscribe to watch more videos

https://choosemuse.com

Watch the video of this episode: https://youtu.be/Eil-myltfMI

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11 months ago
44 minutes 24 seconds

Future Optimist
$10 Million for Breakthrough Health-tech AI with Eirini Schlosser [Live in Las Vegas] - Ep. 225

This LIVE interview took place with Eirini Schlosser in Las Vegas at HLTH. Her company Dyania Health is one of the most exciting AI companies in health-tech today, and they just announced $10 million in Series A funding.

Watch on YouTube.

Eirini Schlosser discusses how Dyania Health uses AI and large language models to revolutionize patient care, specifically for cancer and heart failure patients.

It's really one of the most awesomely beneficial uses for AI that I've seen yet, and it's a product we should all be excited about.

🚀 https://dyaniahealth.com

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11 months ago
9 minutes 32 seconds

Future Optimist
3 Million TikTok Followers Gamifying Beach Clean-up with Felix Krainer of Planet Matters [Live in Boston] - Ep. 224

This podcast is a video shot live in Boston. For the full experience, watch on YouTube!

I co-sponsored a beach cleanup with Planet Matters, Neurable, and my agency: Aloa.agency. 

I also interviewed Planet Matters on their awesome ocean cleanup success. Felix Krainer is the founder of Planet Matters, a global sensation for sustainability. Join me and volunteers from Harvard, MIT and local startups on our quest to pick up beach trash. Felix Krainer created a TikTok movement to make beach cleanups exciting and viral. His innovative approach gamifies positive change, which is a novel approach to both business and life. Special thanks to Dr. Ramses Alcaide and the Neurable team for co-sponsoring the beach cleanup. Tune in to be inspired to organize your own beach cleanup and make a positive impact! 

Follow Planet Matters.

https://neurable.com

 

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1 year ago
13 minutes 24 seconds

Future Optimist
Mind-bending Ecotech Ideas from 5 Brilliant Founders - Ep. 223

This podcast episode features a compilation of past interviews with innovators and entrepreneurs in the realm of ecotech and sustainability.

So it's come to this: an FO clip show.

But the reason is clear: innovation isn't something that happens "out there". It's the conscious effort of brilliant, hard-working innovators grinding day in and day out. 

I dug into the archives to bring you some gems you might have missed over the years. These amazing people continue to inspire me!

Featuring:

Hans de Neve of Carbyon.

Massimo Portincaso of Arsenale.

Ben Christensen of Cambium Carbon. 

Martin Schichtel of Kraftblock. 

Greg Johnson of AquiPor Technologies.

My agency: Aloa® Agency.

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1 year ago
22 minutes 46 seconds

Future Optimist
The Future of Electric Super Cars with Nikita Bridan [Live in Long Beach] - Ep. 222

Nikita Bridan is one of the co-founders of Oilstainlab, a boutique futuristic supercar manufacturer of the future. They've built a monster, and soon it will be all-electric.

Video of the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=catWEb3lSok

In this episode, we talk about the meticulous design and inspiring backstory of Oilstainlab with co-founder Nikita. Discover the journey from their Ukrainian roots to becoming boutique car builders in Canada. Learn about their innovative approach to car design, the importance of integrating storytelling, and the evolving car industry. Nikita also shares insights into their unique business model and future plans, including the exciting development of their supercar, the Half 11. Join us for a captivating conversation about design, technology, and the future of automotive craft.

Oilstainlab: https://www.instagram.com/oilstainlab/

My Agency: https://aloa.agency

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1 year ago
22 minutes 46 seconds

Future Optimist
Sustainable Ammonia is Vital for Our Future with Suzanne Zamany Andersen of Nitrovolt - Ep. 221

Suzanne Zamany Andersen is the CEO and founder of Nitrovolt, a brilliant start-up that's raised millions making green or sustainable ammonia.

You might not know this, but ammonia is vital for agriculture, and it's a key component of human survival. "Green" ammonia is a cornerstone of sustainability, and it's at the heart of fertilizer production, increased crop yields, soil health, and sustainable food. 

Suzanne Andersen is tackling the problem if sourcing ammonia head on with a game-changing company. In this episode we'll talk about how sustainable ammonia has the power to lift billions out of poverty, and it's one of the most overlooked components of our long-term survival.

My agency: https://aloa.agency

Nitrovolt website: https://www.nitrovolt.com

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1 year ago
42 minutes 41 seconds

Future Optimist
Julie Bliss Mullen: What are PFAS (forever chemicals) and how is Aclarity solving this massive problem? - Ep. 220

Julie Bliss Mullen is cofounder and CEO of Aclarity and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Her company Aclarity destroys PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and mitigates risk at landfills and centralized waste treatment facility.

You might have heard of "forever chemicals"—tiny particulates that are found everywhere, and sadly, in all of our blood streams and even in breast milk. These chemicals may cause cancer and other harm, and they are ubiquitous in our products and even our drinking water.

Julie Bliss Mullen is on a mission to make forever chemicals a thing of the past—I can think of no nobler pursuit.

➡️ https://www.aclaritywater.com

➡️ My digital agency, Aloa®.

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1 year ago
39 minutes 41 seconds

Future Optimist
Lab-Grown Meat: Is This the Future of Food? - Ep. 219

Is lab-grown the future of meat?

Even after $1.6B in investment into the sector, is cultivated meat a viable long-term solution?

I created a fact-based, humorous video covering the history and future of meat replacements, including plenty of data-driven insights. 

The short answer is: YES, it’s an incredible necessary thing for humanity. But that doesn’t necessarily mean these products will be flying off the shelves in the short term.

What about you? Would you eat/support/invest in lab-grown meat?

Watch this as a video.

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1 year ago
14 minutes 51 seconds

Future Optimist
Dr. Masachs Boungou: How REAL Adversity Leads to Stronger Entrepreneurs - Ep. 218

Dr. Masachs Boungou, an eternal optimist, author, and public speaker, shares his incredible journey from fleeing war-torn Republic of the Congo to finding success in the United States. 

The type of entrepreneurship practiced in Silicon Valley is often criticized for being homogenous and lacking diversity. That's why Dr. Boungou's is such a fresh perspective.

Many privileged entrepreneurs have no idea what real hardship looks like.

Dr. Masachs Boungou was able to turn horrific childhood events into a positive outlook, and now? He has authored a paper on how extreme personal tragedy has driven 25 entrepreneurs to later greatness. It's proof that you can overcome anything life throws at you, if you have the right mindset. 

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1 year ago
15 minutes 42 seconds

Future Optimist
$20MM for Futuristic Houseplants That Fight Indoor Air Pollution with Lionel Mora - Ep. 217

Lionel Mora is the co-founder and CEO of NeoPlants, a start-up that's raised $20 million for plants that tackle indoor air pollution.

In this inspiring episode, he shares his insights on the potential of nature to address significant issues like climate change and indoor air pollution, using plants as technology.

Lionel discusses the innovative approaches NeoPlants is taking, including bioengineered microbiomes and sustainable product design, to create plants that purify air 30 times more efficiently than traditional ones. Learn about the challenges of building a company that merges deep tech with consumer products, the importance of scientific credibility, and the future of synthetic biology. Discover how NeoPlants aims to bring a touch of nature into our modern lives, creating a sustainable and healthier living environment.

My agency: https://aloa.agency

NeoPlants: https://neoplants.com

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1 year ago
40 minutes 13 seconds

Future Optimist
Ross & Maru Face the Future: How We Built a 7-Figure Agency - Ep. 216

Bonus! My wife Maru and I talk about our experiences and challenges in building a successful 7-figure digital marketing agency.

In this special episode, I reflect on my early skills in technology and programming, transitioning into different careers, and eventually founding their agency in 2016. We discuss the evolution of the business from freelancing to building a team of 14. If you've ever thought of following a similar path, this episode is for you.

➡️ Our agency: https://aloa.agency

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1 year ago
20 minutes 5 seconds

Future Optimist
Niccolò Ferrari: A Brilliant Business to Handle the Looming EV Battery Crisis - Ep. 215

Niccolò Ferrari is the founder and CEO of Scoutit, a brilliant business concept that will enable the EV battery circular economy.

Today? EVs are the minority on the road. But soon? We'll have millions of dead batteries to dispose of, creating a possible ecological nightmare. 

But Niccolò has taken matters into his own hands, turning Italy's "motor valley" upside down.

➡️ https://scoutitweb.com

➡️ My digital agency: aloa.agency

 

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1 year ago
38 minutes

Future Optimist
Ross & Maru Face the Future: Are We Optimistic After 200+ Interviews With Successful Entrepreneurs? - Ep. 214

Join us for a rare, reflective conversation about the learnings and insights gained from hosting a podcast, highlighting the inspiring work of diverse and talented individuals, including entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders.

My wife and I discuss the emotional and intellectual journey from ignorance to awareness about global challenges such as resource shortages and climate change, and how these issues are being addressed. 

The main question is: Are we more or less optimistic after talking to all these people??

➡️ Our agency: https://aloa.agency

➡️ Watch this Episode on YouTube: @therosspalmer

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1 year ago
13 minutes 33 seconds

Future Optimist
Tech meets existential crisis. We talk about the future here—the good, the bad, and the... weird. Brought to you by aloa.agency. © 2025 Aloa LLC. All rights reserved.