Today on the podcast, Rashid Mushkani is a lecturer at the Université de Montréal and a researcher at Mila—Québec AI Institute, where he builds “public AI” for cities and cultural institutions. His work focuses on participatory datasets, pluralistic alignment, and governance rooted in data rights and sovereignty. He leads StreetReview, a community‑trained system for evaluating street quality, and AI Alignment for Inclusion, a program that co‑designs alternatives with residents and civic partners. Rashid’s current scholarship advances the Right to AI and an augmented, co‑produced AI lifecycle—practical ways to let affected communities set goals, metrics, and guardrails for the models that shape public space. Based in Montréal, he collaborates with community organizations and municipalities to ensure AI amplifies local knowledge rather than overwrites it.

Today on the podcast, we are joined by Alexandra Mousavizadeh, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Evident Insights, an intelligence platform rigorously tracking AI adoption across the financial services sector. A renowned economist, Alexandra built her career quantifying complex forces, serving as a former economist for both Moody’s and Morgan Stanley. She cemented her reputation as the architect of the groundbreaking Global AI Index, the first benchmark of its kind to assess the strength of national AI ecosystems. At Evident, she applies this pioneering approach to corporate strategy, providing leaders with the crucial data and peer comparisons needed to make informed investment and strategic choices as the AI revolution reshapes global finance.

Today on the podcast, Jennifer Posner, Director of Programs at the University of Miami’s Climate Resilience Institute. In this role, she supports the creation of strategies and collaborations to enhance UM’s interdisciplinary, problem-driven research and education and to promote Miami as a leader in delivering solutions to climate change impacts and other environmental stressors in partnership with industry, government, universities, and other stakeholders. Jen has extensive experience as an urban planner, shaping physical planning and policy initiatives that enhance neighborhood livability, sustainability, and equitable access. Through her work overseeing affordable housing and resilience initiatives as Senior Manager for Policy and Programs at the University of Miami's Office of Civic and Community Engagement, Jen has managed the creation of accessible tools and policy initiatives that explore the impacts of climate change on Miami's vulnerable communities and the stability of its affordable housing stock. Previously, Jen spent nearly a decade with the New York City Department of City Planning, where she led the agency’s policy and planning work for several large-scale initiatives in Brooklyn and helped to execute the agency’s strategic planning vision. Jen received a Master's degree in City & Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia.

Today on the podcast, Alexandra Car – Chief AI and Sustainability Officer at BI Group, where she works at the intersection of governance, ethical AI, and climate resilience. She helps organizations align AI-driven innovation with regulatory frameworks and long-term sustainability goals. A recognized thought leader in Responsible AI and sustainability strategy, Alexandra’s work is grounded in her commitment to reducing systemic bias and ensuring technology supports both people and the planet. Her approach bridges policy, technology, and human-centered values to create lasting impact in both corporate and public sectors.

Today on the podcast, we have Dr. Lauri Goldkind – a professor at Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service and the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Technology in Human Services. Dr. Goldkind’s current research focuses on data justice and artificial intelligence in human services and nonprofits, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in social work practice. She maintains a strong network of community partners in New York City and internationally, including the International Federation of Settlement Houses, United Neighborhood Houses, and Caritas Macau. Dr. Goldkind holds an M.S.W. from SUNY Stony Brook with a concentration in planning, administration, and research, and a PhD from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. She was in residence at the United Nations University Institute on Computing and Society in Macau, SAR, China, from June to August 2017.

Today on the podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ben Byford – a freelance web designer and AI/ML teacher, speaker, and ethicist based in Bristol, UK. Between 2009 and 2018, Ben primarily worked as a freelance web designer, often acting as a mediator between development teams and clients. He prides himself on cutting through jargon to help technologists and non-tech-savvy personnel collaborate effectively. Currently, his main focus is on computer game projects and discussing and writing about AI Ethics. Ben has worked on large-scale web design projects with companies like Virgin.com, medium-scale projects for clients including BFI and Virgin Unite, and numerous sites for smaller businesses, startups, and creatives. His public speaking and lecturing blend insights from AI and ethics, web technologies, games, and entrepreneurship, focusing on technology's use for innovation, social good, and creativity. Ben is also the author and host of the "Machine Ethics Podcast," where he conducts interviews on AI and autonomy. He previously co-founded Eulergy.com, a research matchmaking initiative, and ran a co-working space for game developers called Co-op Mode.

Tensie Whelan is Distinguished Professor of Practice for Business and Society and the Founding Director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business, where she is bringing her 25 years of experience working on local, national and international environmental and sustainability issues to engage businesses in proactive and innovative mainstreaming of sustainability. As President of the Rainforest Alliance, she built the organization from a $4.5 million to $50 million budget, transforming the engagement of business with sustainability. Her previous work included serving as Executive Director of the New York League of Conservation Voters, Vice President of the National Audubon Society, Managing Editor of Ambio, a journal of the Swedish Academy of Sciences, and a journalist in Latin America. Tensie has served on numerous nonprofit boards and currently serves on the advisory boards of ALO Advisors, Giant Ventures and Nespresso. She was most recently appointed to the board of Emerald SPAC, and is an Advisor to the Future Economy Project for Harvard Business Review. Tensie holds a B.A. from New York University, an M.A. from American University, and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Owner President Management (OPM) Program. She was awarded the Stern Faculty Excellence Award in 2020 and made Distinguished Professor of Practice in 2023 in recognition of her contributions to Stern.

Nader Afzalan, Ph.D., is the Founder of The Triangle, a firm dedicated to supporting organizations in enhancing the community impact of their programs and policies as they navigate urban transitions. He is also the Endowed Chair of Social Justice and a Visiting Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, College of Environmental Design. Nader collaborates with organizations to examine the potential, future, and observed impacts of their programs and policies. His expertise bridges climate resilience, collaborative governance, technology, and smart cities. With more than 20 years of professional experience, Nader has led policies and programs across diverse regions, including the United States, China, Central America, and the Middle East. As a scholar, Nader has published over 30 articles and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals, with his work cited more than 700 times.

Today on the podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ariel Guersenzvaig, a professor of design theory at ELISAVA Barcelona School of Design and Engineering. His work explores the philosophy and ethics of design and technology, with a particular focus on the ethical implications of machine intelligence and its impact on society. In this conversation, Ariel Guersenzvaig shares insights from his extensive research on topics such as data epistemology, autonomous weapons, machine learning in healthcare, algorithmic justice, and professional ethics. His work has been published in top academic journals, including AI & Society, American Journal of Bioethics, Big Data & Society, and Ethics and Information Technology. We also discuss his book, The Goods of Design: Professional Ethics for Designers, which was named an Outstanding Academic Title by CHOICE magazine. Drawing from his background in design theory and philosophy, [Guest's Name] reflects on the evolving role of ethics in design and the responsibilities of designers in shaping technology and society. This episode delves into the intersection of design, ethics, and emerging technologies, offering a thought-provoking discussion on how designers can navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world.

Today in the episode of What’s Wrong With: The Podcast, we are thrilled to be talking with Sarah Kirwan, a global disability inclusion strategist and the founder of Eye Level, a Disability:IN certified Disability Owned Business Enterprise. With 15 years of experience in operations support, technical assistance, and awareness training in workplace and healthcare settings, Sarah has dedicated her career to empowering women with chronic conditions through coaching, mentoring programs, and peer-led support groups. She also volunteers as a mentor for the National MS Society Emerging Leaders Alliance and as a coach for the Ability 360 adaptive sports program. We’ll explore her inspiring journey, the impact of her work, and the insights she’s gained in championing disability inclusion on a global scale.

Alexander Adams, Assistant Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, joins SOUR's Pinar Guvenc to discuss the critical need to prioritize equity in the rapidly evolving health technology landscape . Dr. Alexander Adams' research aims to improve the current healthcare system by making it more accessible to everyone. Historically, underrepresented, rural, and low-income communities have faced inequalities and disparities when new health technologies are introduced, including issues such as accessibility, cost, and bias. Alex seeks to tackle these issues by prioritizing equity when creating new health technologies. As the Director of Uncommon Sense Labs, Alex uses sensing, signal processing, and fabrication techniques to develop, deploy, and assess multi-modal sensing systems. He is dedicated to addressing the needs of overlooked populations and expanding access to quality care through continuous monitoring and mobile diagnostic tools. This will enable precision health technologies to reach even the most remote areas, introducing a new era of healthcare precision.

Jelle Vedder, Co-Founder of Bartels & Vedder, joins SOUR's Pinar Guvenc to discuss the transformative potential of floating structures in urban environments. Bartels & Vedder is an engineering firm co-founded by Jelle in 2011, dedicated to the technical design and implementation of sustainable infrastructure. The firm specializes in innovative floating and climate-resilient projects, including residential, commercial, and recreational structures. Under Jelle’s leadership, Bartels & Vedder has delivered pioneering projects such as the Floating Ferry Terminal in Malaysia, the Floating Office, Floating Park, and Floating Farm in Rotterdam, as well as Amsterdam's sustainable Schoonschip residential neighborhood.

Robert Fabricant, Co-Founder and Partner at Dalberg Design, joins SOUR's Pinar Guvenc to discuss the evolving role of design in addressing complex social challenges. Dalberg Design is a team of diverse professionals applying human-centered design and systems thinking to drive innovation and expand collaborations for social impact across global communities. Robert leads studios in Dakar, Mexico City, Mumbai, Nairobi, and New York, creating projects focused on public health, community engagement, and sustainable development for organizations such as USAID's Global Health Bureau and the Pima County Health Department. His work spans over 45 countries, leveraging design to promote health equity, literacy, and systemic change in various cultural contexts.

Marzia Mortati, Founder, Associate Professor at the Department of Design at Politecnico di Milano, joins SOUR’s Pinar Guvenc to discuss the role of designers as problem setters as opposed to problem solvers. Her research interests focus on Service Design and public sector innovation, with a particular emphasis on the intersection of Design, Data, and Innovation, as well as Design for Policy and the role of Artificial Intelligence in public services. Since 2007, she has taught these topics to international and multicultural groups and has published academic papers in leading journals since 2008. She has also participated in numerous international research projects, collaborating with both researchers and practitioners worldwide. Nowadays, her curiosity about the future of design research and practice continues to drive her academic journey, keeping her passion for the field alive.

Pau Aleikum Garcia, Founder, Director and Media Designer of Domestic Data Streamers, joins SOUR’s Pinar Guvenc to discuss the need to rehumanize conversations around data. Domestic Data Streamers is a team of 30 interdisciplinary profiles creating projects around media literacy, misinformation, capacity building and dissemination around data and GEN-AI for organizations such as the United Nations, California Academy of Sciences or Citizen Lab in over 45 countries.

Today in the episode of What’s Wrong With: The Podcast, we are excited to be joined by two guests to talk about our environmental responsibility! First off, we are happy to speak with Drew Pendergrass. Drew is a PhD student in Environmental Engineering at Harvard University and co-author of the 2022 book Half-Earth Socialism. His current research uses satellite, aircraft and surface observations of the environment to correct supercomputer models of the atmosphere. His environmental writing has been in publications such as Harper’s and the Guardian With Drew today is Filip Mesko. Filip is an architect working between Paris and Auterrive, with an emphasis on reuse and renovation. He has lectured at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and at the Architectural Association. Filip was an editor for Half-Earth Socialism and has collaborated with the authors to apply the ideas of the book to architecture.

Today on the podcast, we have Adio Dinika from the Distributed AI Research (DAIR) Institute—a space for independent, community-rooted AI research, free from Big Tech’s pervasive influence. Adio Dinika is a Research Fellow at DAIR, focusing on the intersection of AI, labour, and ethics. His work highlights the invaluable contributions of data workers in the Global South, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Adio's research aims to ensure that AI development is guided by principles of social justice and inclusivity, acknowledging the critical roles played by these often overlooked contributors. Adio's advocacy for an inclusive AI ecosystem is rooted in a commitment to equity and decoloniality, striving to reshape the narrative around AI to be more representative and fair. His efforts underscore the need for a more comprehensive and socially responsible approach to AI, recognizing the intersection of technology, labour, and ethics. ► Make sure to subscribe to our channel and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts so you never miss an episode!

Today in the episode of What’s Wrong With: The Podcast, we are excited to be talking with Neil Redding, a speaker, author, Innovation Architect and Near Futurist! As Founder & CEO of Redding Futures, Neil has led teams and served as an advisor at multiple spatial computing startups, including Auki Labs, Bitreel, and Friends With Holograms, among a range of other clients. Prior to Redding Futures, Neil led innovation at Mediacom, Gensler, and ThoughtWorks. A computer scientist by training, he has also delivered for dozens of clients, including Visa, Nike, NBA, TED, The Economist, MoMA, Apple, and Oracle. In addition to consulting with clients worldwide, Neil is a frequent keynote speaker and has presented at conferences like SXSW, Building the Future, AWE, and Immerse Global Summit.

SOUR hosted a dynamic panel discussion exploring the complexities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI). Titled “What’s Wrong With AI?”, the event brought together an esteemed group of AI professionals to engage in a diagnostic conversation about the current and future implications of AI technology.

Today in the episode of What’s Wrong With: The Podcast, we are excited to be talking with Emily McGarvey, Director of Sustainability for Room & Board. Emily McGarvey brings 20 years of experience spearheading social and environmental strategies with a focus on product, supply chain, operations, and branding. Leading sustainability initiatives for Room & Board and Room & Board Business Interiors, the brand’s commercial arm, she is strategically focused on bringing sustainability to the forefront of furniture manufacturing. Prior to her role with the company, McGarvey served as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Target, where she played an integral role in developing the corporation's sustainability program, rolling out enterprise-wide initiatives including the company’s chemical management and transparency policy and their incredibly popular Car Seat Trade-In program. In 2018, she founded Star Impact Consulting, where she provided purpose-driven strategy and branding for both for-profit and nonprofit business sectors such as Apparel Impact Institute.