In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Amnesty International’s Pat De Brún joins Harinda to unpack how Big Tech has become one of the most powerful—and dangerous—forces shaping our world.From Elon Musk’s influence on political extremism to the EU’s retreat on digital regulation, and from AI’s false climate promises to governments’ growing dependence on U.S. tech giants, this conversation reveals the hidden architecture of global power—and what it means for democracy, human rights, and the future of work.👉 Topics covered:How Facebook, Google, and X (Twitter) fuel far-right extremism and polarizationThe EU’s Digital Services Act and the push toward deregulationThe geopolitical tug-of-war between the U.S. and Europe over tech powerWhat individuals and governments can actually do to resist Big Tech control.⏰Chapters00:00 Introduction to Big Tech Accountability03:22 The Evolution of Tech and Human Rights05:58 The Global Impact of Social Media09:01 Geopolitical Dynamics and Big Tech12:41 Regulatory Challenges in the EU16:46 The Future of Tech Regulation21:31 EU's Digital Sovereignty and Big Tech's Influence24:52 The Impact of AI on Society and Employment28:21 Public Perception of AI and Big Tech Investments31:26 Individual Agency in the Age of Big Tech34:52 Youth Representation and Political Mobilization38:04 Crossing the Line: The Threats of Big Tech and Climate Crisis📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.
How can young innovators reshape the future of education from AI-powered classrooms to inclusive learning for all?
In this Rethinking Tech x UNICEF Youth Fellowship special, Aparna sits down with four inspiring fellows whose projects are transforming education across the globe. Each of them is rethinking how technology, access, and inclusion can redefine opportunity in their communities — and beyond.
Meet the Fellows:
- Beatrice Afia Wilson (Ghana) — Building AI-powered learning hubs that unite students and teachers.
- Korkemay Mukhitova (Kazakhstan) — Advancing inclusive education that celebrates every ability.
- Crystal Isanda (Kenya) — Teaching AI literacy as a core skill for the future of work.
- Soumeya Voulani (Mauritania) — Mobilizing families to champion girls’ right to education.
These stories are part of the UNICEF Youth Fellowship’s upcoming global report on inclusive and tech-driven education — coming November 13. (Link to report coming soon.)
Listen to how young leaders are bridging divides, breaking barriers, and building education systems that leave no one behind.
⏰Chapters
00:00: Introduction
00:10: Interview with Beatrice Afia Wilson (Ghana)
10:30: Interview with Korkemay Mukhitova (Kazakhstan)
20:21: Interview with Crystal Isanda (Kenya)
28:40: Interview with Soumeya Voulani (Mauritania)
📌 Stay Connected🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.
Can the world’s two biggest superpowers share the future of artificial intelligence — or are we headed for a full-blown Tech Cold War? 🌍💥
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, hosts Aparna and Harinda unpack the fierce U.S.–China rivalry that’s reshaping the global tech landscape. From AI innovation and semiconductor sanctions to TikTok bans and quantum supremacy, this is more than a race for technology — it’s a battle for power, data, and control over the digital world.
🎙️ In this episode, we explore:
- How the U.S.–China tech war became the defining struggle of the 21st century.
- The global fight for AI dominance — and who’s really winning.
- Why semiconductors and supply chains are the new oil.
- What this rivalry means for democracy, innovation, and everyday life.
⏰Chapters
00:00 Introduction to US-China Tech Rivalry
01:32 Historical Context of US-China Relations
04:27 The Huawei Saga and Tech Decoupling
07:18 Social Media and National Security
09:28 Cultural Differences in Tech Approaches
12:04 Rare Earth Minerals and AI
14:53 Geopolitical Chess Game: Allies and Strategies
17:02 Economic Implications of Decoupling
19:31 The Role of Ethics in Tech Governance
22:27 Future Predictions: War and Peace
24:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
33:26 The Role of Technology in Global Power Dynamics
36:08 Taiwan's Strategic Importance in US-China Relations
38:22 Understanding Geopolitical Implications for Individuals
📌 Stay Connected
🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co
📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com
🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech
🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech
📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech
💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast
👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.
Is Bitcoin just digital money — or the blueprint for a new civilization?
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna sits down with writer and entrepreneur Aleks Svetski to unpack Bitcoin’s deeper meaning — beyond price charts and speculation. From personal freedom to global power structures, they explore how Bitcoin could redefine the moral, political, and economic fabric of the world.
🎧 This episode, Aparna and Aleks explore:
- ⚡ How Bitcoin challenges the foundations of modern finance.
- 🧠 The philosophical roots of “perfect money.”
- 🏛️ Why fiat currency fuels control — and how Bitcoin resists it.
- 🌍 What a Bitcoin-based civilization might look like centuries from now.
- 🔥 Why saving, not spending, could be the most radical act of freedom.
⏰ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin and Crypto Landscape
03:46 Svetski's Journey: From Debt to Bitcoin Advocate
06:49 Understanding Bitcoin: The Perfect Money
12:27 Bitcoin vs. Altcoins: The Case for Bitcoin
14:08 The Future of Bitcoin: A Long-Term Perspective
14:21 Fiat Money: A Tool of Soft Totalitarianism
15:09 The Nature of Central Banking and Theft
16:08 Understanding Totalitarianism and Authoritarianism
17:46 Geopolitical Dynamics of Fiat Power
20:44 The Future of Governance and Power Dynamics
23:28 Bitcoin as a Mechanism for Change
24:43 Bitcoin: More Than Just Technology
26:00 Winners and Losers in the Bitcoin Era
28:28 Practical Advice for Engaging with Bitcoin
Follow Aleks on LinkedIn
Links to Alek’s Work:
The Bitcoin Times
📌 Stay Connected
🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co
📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com
🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech
🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech
📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech
💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast
👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.
Can democracy survive the digital age — or is it already being rewritten by algorithms and Big Tech? 💻
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, hosts Aparna and Harinda dive deep into how technology, social media, and data are transforming — and threatening — the foundations of modern democracy. From election interference to algorithmic manipulation, they explore whether our political systems can keep up in a world run by code.
- 🎧 In this episode, Aparna and Harinda explore:- 🧠 How algorithms shape what we see, think, and vote for.
- 📱 The role of social media in spreading misinformation and division.
- 💻 How Big Tech platforms influence political power.
- 🌍 Global examples of democracy under digital pressure.
- ⚖️ What it takes to protect free choice in a connected world.
⏰Chapters
00:00 Rethinking Democracy in the Digital Age
01:28 The Role of Technology in Democracy
04:33 Manipulation and Micro-Targeting in Elections
08:29 The Impact of Algorithms on Public Sentiment
13:41 The Threat of Opaque Micro-Targeting
17:07 Geopolitical Implications of Democracy
18:57 Global Perspectives on Democracy
19:59 The Fallacy of Democracy in Developing Countries
21:04 Governance: The Spectrum of Democracy
23:47 The Complexity of Democracy: Beyond Elections
26:06 Accountability in Political Systems
28:33 The Dirty Business of Lobbying
32:31 The Purpose of Democracy: Informed Citizens
35:24 The Rise of Non-Politicians in Politics
📌 Stay Connected
🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co
📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com
🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech
🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech
📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech
💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast
👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.
Why did Donald Trump put a $100K price tag on immigration and what’s really at stake? In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda unpack Trump’s controversial visa proposal, the political strategy behind it, and the ripple effects on immigration, technology, and the global economy.In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda explore: - 🇺🇸 Trump’s $100K visa plan — reform or political stunt? - 💼 The impact on H1-B visas, skilled workers, and U.S. immigration policy. - 💻 How Silicon Valley and Big Tech could gain — or lose. - 🌍
Global competition for talent and America’s role in the tech race. - ⚖️ The political stakes heading into 2025.- 📊 What this plan reveals about the intersection of politics, economics, and technology.
⏰Chapters:
00:00 The Complex Landscape of Immigration
02:45 The Historical Context of Immigration
04:41 The Tech-Immigration Nexus
07:22 The Geopolitical Implications of Immigration
18:43 Geopolitical Implications of Immigration Policies
20:52 The EU's Complex Immigration Landscape
24:00 Balancing Humanitarian Needs and National Interests
25:54 Winners and Losers in Global Immigration Dynamics
29:51 The Ethical Dilemma of Immigration Prioritization
38:06 Finding Common Ground in Immigration Debate
📌 Stay Connected
🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co
📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com
🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech
🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech
📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech
💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast
👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.
What if the next generation of artificial intelligence wasn’t built on silicon chips — but on living neurons?
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Harinda sits down with Fred Jordan, CEO of FinalSpark, to explore how his team is creating the world’s first biocomputers — AI systems powered by biological neurons that promise to be 1,000x more energy efficient than today’s GPUs.
This is more than just science fiction: it’s a story about the future of AI, the environment, innovation, and ethics. From the labs of Switzerland to the halls of Brussels, the implications are global — from climate impact and national security to geopolitics and regulation.
🔥 In this episode, we cover:
🧠 The science of running AI on living neurons
🌱 Why biocomputing could end AI’s energy crisis
💡 How this breakthrough could reshape innovation & investment
🌍 The geopolitical stakes of Europe’s role in biocomputing
⚖️ The ethics of live neurons powering technology
📜 What it means for lawmakers, scientists, and technologists worldwide
⏰ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Final Spark and Founders' Background
03:09 – Innovative Approach: Biological Neurons in AI
05:29 – Vision and Goals of Final Spark
07:22 – Challenges in Funding and Investment
09:24 – Geopolitical Landscape and EU's Role in AI
11:47 – Navigating Investment Opportunities and Challenges
14:05 – Future of AI Regulation and National Security Concerns
21:54 – Ethical Considerations in Biocomputing
23:05 – The Future of Biocomputing and Intellectual Property
24:39 – Building an Ecosystem for Innovation
29:00 – Energy Efficiency and Biocomputing
36:06 – Navigating Ethical Challenges in Technology
39:49 – The Human Element in Technological Advancement
📌 Who should watch this?
AI researchers and engineers
Environmentalists fighting climate change
Legislators & regulators shaping tech policy
Biologists and neuroscientists exploring new frontiers
Anyone curious about the future of intelligence and computing
👉 Subscribe to Rethinking Tech for deep dives at the intersection of AI, biology, ethics, and global power.
Trump just made a massive move on TikTok — but who really wins? In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda break down the $80B deal, China’s strategy, and what it means for U.S. national security, social media, and global tech power.
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda explore:
- 🇺🇸 Trump’s TikTok deal and the implications for U.S. national security.
- 🇨🇳 China’s role, the algorithm, and why they may have “folded.”
- 💰 The $80B valuation — who really wins and loses.
- 📱 Data, privacy, and the influence of social media on politics.
- 🌍 How this deal could set a global precedent for foreign tech companies.
- ⚖️ The intersection of power, trade, and technology in a new era.
⏰ Chapters
00:00 - The TikTok Dilemma: National Security and Geopolitics
05:24 - Data Privacy and National Defense
10:19 - Winners and Losers in the Tech Landscape
14:06 - Geopolitical Implications of the TikTok Deal
19:14 - Ethical Considerations in National Security
31:32 - Conclusion: The Broader Implications of the TikTok Deal
📌 Stay Connected
🔗 Website: rethinkingtech.co
📰 Substack: rethinktech.substack.com
🎧 Spotify: Rethinking Tech
🍏 Apple Podcasts: Rethinking Tech
📸 Instagram: @rethinking_tech
💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast
👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into protests, politics, tech, and global power struggles.
Nepal just blacked out WhatsApp, TikTok, and more—sparking deadly protests, toppling a prime minister, and dragging India and China into chaos. One government order set off a chain reaction the world can’t ignore.
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda unpack the fallout: why a single shutdown can ignite nationwide unrest, how algorithms reward outrage, and what happens when governments, Big Tech, and citizens all fight for control of the same digital space.
🔥 What you’ll discover:
- How Nepal’s social-media ban triggered riots and a citizen-led government shake-up. ⚡
-Why uprisings from France to Sri Lanka rarely create lasting reform. 🌍
- The high-stakes tug-of-war between governments, tech platforms, and everyday users when networks go dark. 📱
- How outrage-driven algorithms push politics to the extremes. 🔥
What this means for the future of free speech and digital democracy. 🗳️
🕒 Chapters
00:00 Global Protests: A Catalyst for Change?
05:26 The Importance of Protests
10:11 Nepal's Political Landscape and Geopolitics
14:29 Geopolitical Implications of Nepal's Protests
18:43 The Intersection of Technology and Law Enforcement
23:20 The Challenges of Global Values in Tech
28:10 Government Control and Public Reaction
👋 Stay in the Loop
Aparna Bhushan → LinkedIn
Harinda Katugaha → LinkedIn
👉 Subscribe to Rethinking Tech for weekly deep dives into tech, power, and geopolitics: rethinkingtech.substack.com
Google just walked out of the biggest antitrust trial of our time with Chrome intact, its $20B Apple deal untouched, and Big Tech’s grip stronger than ever. The court blinked — but what does that mean for the rest of us?
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda unpack the fallout: why defaults matter more than free choice, how AI quietly shaped the judge’s reasoning, and what happens when the legal system tasked with checking Big Tech might be too outdated to do the job.
🔥 What you’ll discover:
Why the court refused to break up Chrome 🏛️
How generative AI tipped the scales in Google’s favor 🤖
The $20B Apple–Google deal and the hidden power of defaults 📱
What “too big to fail” means in the age of Big Tech 💥
How U.S. politics and geopolitics warp antitrust outcomes 🌍
The ethics of leaving tech regulation to judges ⚖️
Why trust in law may now be falling faster than trust in tech itself
🕒 Chapters
00:00 – Google’s Antitrust Case: A Major Ruling
03:01 – Understanding the Context: How We Got Here
08:34 – Implications for the Tech Industry and AI
12:51 – Big Tech: Too Big to Fail?
17:06 – The Role of Defaults and Market Dynamics
21:01 – Navigating Antitrust Challenges
24:22 – The Browser Market and AI Integration
27:56 – Geopolitical Implications of Tech Dominance
31:47 – US Administration’s Stance on Big Tech
35:54 – Consumer Sentiment and Market Dynamics
39:49 – Judicial Competence in Managing Digital Markets
44:54 – The Future of Law and Technology
👋 Stay in the Loop
Aparna Bhushan → LinkedIn
Harinda Katugaha → LinkedIn
👉 Subscribe to Rethinking Tech for weekly deep dives into tech, power, and geopolitics: rethinkingtech.substack.com
When the U.S. government takes a 10% stake in Intel, it’s not just about semiconductors — it’s about rewriting the rules of capitalism. What happens when Washington stops being just the regulator and starts acting like a shareholder?
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda explore how America’s bold new move reshapes the chip industry, global supply chains, and even geopolitics. From rare earth minerals to Germany’s industrial decline, from taxpayer bailouts to national security, this is the story of how one investment could ripple across the world.
🔥 What you’ll discover:
🏛️ Government intervention in capitalism — safety net or slippery slope?
🔐 Why semiconductors are the new oil of national security
🌍 Global consumption and geopolitical realignments in the chip war
💰 Taxpayer dollars, bailouts, and Washington’s profit motives
⚙️ Rare earth minerals and the next great resource scramble
🇩🇪 Germany’s manufacturing challenges and what they reveal about Western industry
📉 Government contracts, market distortions, and corporate power
🕒 Chapters
00:00 – Government Intervention in Capitalism
07:55 – The Future of Tech and National Security
14:03 – Geopolitical Implications of Chip Production
19:17 – The Administration's Profit Motive
20:06 – Rare Earth Minerals and National Security
23:24 – Germany's Manufacturing Challenges
27:37 – Taxpayer Dollars and Corporate Bailouts
33:01 – Government Contracts and Market Dynamics
👋 Stay in the Loop
Full transcript + sources → rethinkingtech.substack.com
Hosts: Aparna Bhushan | Harinda Katugaha
👍 Like • 🔔 Subscribe • 🔄 Share
From Apple Watch to Oura to WHOOP, wearable devices are transforming how we track our health — but what do they really mean for our future? In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna sits down with Ali Amin, a leading voice in health technology, to explore the promises and perils of the digital health revolution.
We unpack how socioeconomic factors shape access to health tech, why data quality and privacy matter, and what wearable accuracy means for consumers, companies, and even geopolitics. Ali also shares insights from Harvard and beyond on how health technology could reshape the fundamentals of longevity.
🔥 What you’ll discover:
⌚ The future of wearables: Apple Watch, Oura, WHOOP & beyond
📊 Data quality vs. hype: what makes health insights truly actionable
🛡️ Privacy & consumer protection: who owns your most intimate health data?
🌍 Geopolitical stakes: why health data is the new frontier in global power
💡 Longevity fundamentals: what actually matters for a healthier, longer life
🕒 Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Ali's Journey
00:10 – Socioeconomic Factors in Health
14:06 – The Future of Wearables
16:34 – Data Quality and Actionability
18:51 – Privacy Concerns in Health Tech
26:06 – Consumer Protection in Health Data
29:48 – Data Ownership and Privacy Concerns
33:41 – The Accuracy of Wearable Technology
36:23 – Future of Wearable Technology
38:36 – Geopolitical Implications of Health Data
44:59 – Fundamentals of Health and Longevity
👋 Stay in the Loop
Follow Ali → https://www.linkedin.com/in/amamin/
🔗 Full transcript + sources → rethinkingtech.substack.com
📩 Free episode briefs → link pinned in comments
Hosts: Aparna Bhushan | Harinda Katugaha
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What happens when AI starts raising our kids, shaping our jobs, and even becoming our companions?
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna Bhushan and Harinda Katugaha unpack the ethical dilemmas at the heart of artificial intelligence. From the classroom to the workplace to the therapist’s couch, AI isn’t just a tool — it’s becoming part of our most human relationships.
🔥 What you’ll discover:
The ethical landscape of AI: risks, responsibilities, and blind spots 🤔
AI companions for kids — parenting aid or emotional danger? 👶
Human connection vs. synthetic intimacy 💔🤖
Can AI play therapist, and should it? 🛋️
The real impact of AI on jobs, skills, and dignity at work 💼
🕒 Chapters
00:00 The Ethical Landscape of AI
12:36 AI Companionship and Its Impact on Children
15:26 Navigating Technology and Parenting
17:28 AI Companionship vs. Human Connection
19:15 The Role of AI in Therapy
27:58 AI's Impact on the Workforce
📌 Resources & Hosts
Aparna Bhushan → LinkedIn
Harinda Katugaha → LinkedIn
Bonus clips + transcripts → rethinkingtech.substack.com
👉 Subscribe to Rethinking Tech for more conversations where technology, society, and ethics collide.
Is AI the next industrial revolution—or just the biggest bubble in tech history?
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, hosts Aparna Bhushan and Harinda Katugaha break down the frenzy around artificial intelligence and why governments, billionaires, and entire nations are betting their futures on it.
We take you on a journey through the promises and perils of AI:
How AI is reshaping society while fueling addiction and inequality
The role of billionaires like Elon Musk and Sam Altman in accelerating (or distorting) the hype
Who’s leading the AI race: U.S. vs. China vs. Middle East sovereign AI bets
Why regulators are stuck between innovation and safety
The financial gamble behind GenAI—and who pays if it fails
How geopolitics, national security, and AI regulation could reshape global power
This isn’t just another “AI future” podcast. It’s about power, money, and ethics colliding in real time.
📌 Chapters
00:00 The AI Hype Train: An Introduction
01:37 Understanding the Impact of AI on Society
04:56 The Duality of AI: Benefits and Risks
07:56 The Role of Billionaires in AI Development
11:49 Tech Addiction and Its Implications
14:18 Key Players in the AI Landscape
16:50 The Gamble of Tech Companies on AI
18:33 Regulatory Responsibilities of Tech Companies
19:54 The Financial Viability of Gen.AI
21:25 Geopolitical Implications of AI Development
22:47 US vs China: Competing AI Strategies
25:58 Middle Eastern Investments in AI
29:14 Sovereign AI: A New Frontier
33:39 The Need for Global AI Regulation
34:50 Balancing Safety and Competitiveness in AI Regulation
🔗 Resources & Hosts
Aparna Bhushan → /aparnabhushan
Harinda Katugaha → /harindak
Bonus clips + transcripts → rethinkingtech.substack.com
👉 Subscribe to Rethinking Tech for more conversations at the intersection of AI, geopolitics, and society.
Half the world’s population is under 30—yet young people are often left out of the conversations shaping their future. In this episode of Rethinking Tech,
Aparna sits down with Eugenia Olliaro, a global leader in responsible technology for children and youth engagement. From her work at UNICEF’s Responsible Data for Children initiative to advising international organizations, Eugenia shares why meaningful youth participation is critical for shaping policies, technology, and data governance.
We explore:
🧒 Why young people are excluded from key decisions—and how to change that
🔍 The risks and opportunities of children’s data in a connected world
🌍 Global examples of countries doing youth engagement right
🗣️ How language, culture, and local context impact participation
👥 What it takes to move beyond tokenism to real inclusionIf you care about the intersection of technology, rights, and the next generation’s voice, this conversation is for you.
🕒 Chapters
LINK TO SURVEY!
👋 Stay in the Loop
- Follow Eugenia on LinkedIn!
🔗 Full transcript + sources → https://rethinktech.substack.com/
📩 Free episode briefs → link pinned in comments
Hosts: Aparna Bhushan | Harinda Katugaha
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Donald Trump’s latest wave of tariffs isn’t just about trade percentages—it’s about power, leverage, and reshaping global alliances. In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda unpack the chaotic ripple effects across Canada, the EU, India, and China, revealing the geopolitical strategy behind the numbers.
From rare earth minerals and semiconductor supply chains to the surprising role of BRICS nations, we explore how tariffs are being used as both a negotiation tool and a political weapon. We also dive into the ethical questions—who really pays the price, and what does it mean for US consumers and global tech?
📌 Topics we cover:
- Why US consumers might be the biggest losers in this trade war
- How tariffs are shaping alliances against (and with) China
- The hidden tech and AI implications of onshoring semiconductor production
- Canada’s political missteps and what they mean for trade leverage
- BRICS, rare earths, and the fight for economic independence- This isn’t just economics, it’s geopolitics, tech policy, and power plays rolled into one.
🕒 Chapters
00:00 Understanding Trump's Tariff Strategy
05:13 Geopolitical Implications of Tariffs
09:18 Canada's Response to Tariffs
16:35 India's Complex Relationship with Tariffs
21:26 The Complex US-China Relationship
25:43 US Tariffs and Their Strategic Implications
30:39 Big Tech vs. Startups: A Disparity in Resources
35:00 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Geopolitics
40:18 Consumer Choices and Economic Impact
🔗 Connect with Us + Further Reading:
• Aparna Bhushan — https://www.linkedin.com/in/aparnabhushan• Harinda Katugaha — https://www.linkedin.com/in/harindak
• Full transcript, sources & bonus clips → https://rethinktech.substack.com/
LINK TO SURVEY: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelTv6HGPyVXNXmc2ETSWuRdsMIH63VE01GhWlH0_HW9NpBUA/viewform?usp=header
👉 Subscribe to Rethinking Tech for more conversations at the intersection of tech, society, and global change.
LINK TO SURVEY: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelTv6HGPyVXNXmc2ETSWuRdsMIH63VE01GhWlH0_HW9NpBUA/viewform?usp=headerCheck Out Bo Viktor Nylund on: https://it.linkedin.com/in/boviktornylundIn this deeply resonant episode of Rethinking Tech, host Aparna sits down with Bo Viktor Nylund, a seasoned humanitarian leader and author of "When Everything Falls Apart: Exploring Liminality at UNICEF."As global systems crack under pressure—from war and economic uncertainty to crumbling institutions—Aparna and Bo Viktor explore the concept of liminality: the unsettling in-between state when the old has collapsed but the new has yet to form.Together, they dive into:🔍 What liminality really means (and why it matters now)🌍 How societies and institutions respond in times of breakdown🏛️ How organizations can survive—and even thrive—through chaos🤖 The evolving role of technology in uncertain timesIf you're feeling disoriented by the state of the world, this conversation offers clarity, reflection, and a unique lens for understanding change.🕙Chapters00:00 Navigating Change Management and Teleworking04:29 Transitioning from Law to Humanitarian Work09:05 Understanding Liminality in Today's Context13:30 Historical Perspectives on Liminal Periods17:54 The Urgency of Change in Global Institutions23:04 Embracing Youth Perspectives in Decision Making29:27 Navigating AI's Role in Education and Child Welfare33:27 The Dual Nature of AI: Opportunities and Risks👋 Stay in the Loop🔗 Full transcript + sources → https://rethinktech.substack.com/ 📩 Free episode briefs → link pinned in comments Hosts: Aparna Bhushan | Harinda Katugaha👍 Like • 🔔 Subscribe • 🔄 ShareShow YouTube you prefer deep dives over clickbait
LINK TO SURVEY: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelTv6HGPyVXNXmc2ETSWuRdsMIH63VE01GhWlH0_HW9NpBUA/viewform?usp=header
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda dive into a powerful and timely conversation about the shifting meaning of the American Dream. Once seen as the land of opportunity, the United States now finds itself at a crossroads socially, politically, and economically. What does the American Dream mean today? Who is it still working for? And how are global perceptions of the U.S. changing?
We explore how deep divides in politics, business, lifestyle, and values are redefining what success looks like, and why this matters not just to Americans, but to people around the world.
🕒 Chapters
00:00 Rethinking the American Dream
11:18 The Impact of Technology on the American Dream
21:26 Geopolitical Perspectives on the American Dream
28:48 The Future of the American Dream
🔗 Guest Links + Further Reading:
• Aparna Bhushan — / aparnabhushan
• Harinda Katugaha — / harindak
• Full transcript, sources & bonus clips → https://rethinktech.substack.com/
👉 Subscribe to Rethinking Tech for more conversations at the intersection of tech, society, and global change.
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda take you deep into the hidden world of travel technology and how it’s quietly reshaping your choices, your experiences, and even your privacy.
From AI-powered airline pricing and biometric surveillance at borders, to ChatGPT-planned vacations and Instagram-driven destinations, this conversation explores how tech is not just assisting our travel - it's deciding it for us.
We discuss:
📉 Is travel becoming too algorithmic?
🛂 Are your movements being tracked and shared across borders?
🏠 Has Airbnb helped gentrify entire neighborhoods?
🤖 And what happens when your cruise dinner seating is decided by AI?
🕒 Chapters
00:00 The Intersection of Technology and Travel
04:01 The Evolution of Travel Planning with Technology
09:19 Consumer Rights and Data Privacy in Travel
14:03 Geopolitical Implications of Travel and Technology
18:13 The Digital Influence on Travel Planning
22:39 Revenge Tourism Post-COVID
29:34 AI and Ethical Concerns in Travel Pricing
🔗 Connect with the Hosts:
• Aparna Bhushan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aparnabhushan/
• Harinda Katugaha — https://www.linkedin.com/in/harindak
• Full transcript, sources & bonus clips → https://rethinktech.substack.com/
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💭 Drop your thoughts below
Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional vacationer, this episode will make you rethink how much control you really have over your journey.
Check out Safir on Linkedin!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/safirjamal/
Also visit: https://globalnomadpass.com/
In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Harinda sits down with Safir Jamal, founder of Global Nomad Pass and an internationalist who’s traveled to 80+ countries, to unpack the complex, often hidden forces shaping the travel and tourism industry.
From Airbnb to Booking.com, travel seems personal but it’s deeply geopolitical. Safir explains how governments, data, algorithms, and international tourism boards all play critical roles behind the scenes.
We dive into:
🌍 The geopolitics of travel
🧠 The algorithms shaping what we see and book
📊 The data powering the industry—and who really benefits from it
🏛️ The role of ministries and tourism boards in shaping global mobility
⏰ Timestamps
02:41 The Benefits of Tourism for Local Economies
50:47 The Impact of Tourism on Employment
53:28 Tourism as a Tool for Education and Cultural Exchange
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on tech and power. & show your support for us!
👥 Connect & Deepen Your Insight
• Aparna Bhushan — LinkedIn
• Harinda Katugaha — LinkedIn
• Full transcripts, sources & visuals → https://rethinktech.substack.com/
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