FastForward with Alex and Ben https://www.fashionconsort.com/fc-podcasts en © 2021 Fashion Consort, LLC FastForward is a thought-provoking podcast exploring technological developments through the lens of ethics and the future of humanity. Each episode asks how technological advancements came to be, who benefits and who is ultimately impacted by such developments. FastForward is hosted by R. Alex Love, a human resources and diversity equity and inclusion consultant, and Rev. Benjamin Perry, a minister and author. For some context, FastForward was originally recorded in 2018, a different space and time for us all! One important note is that our cohost, Alex, has gone through a name change since the time of recording, you will see the R. to denote their former name that is referenced throughout the recording to minimize confusion. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/2a7e9762-3e40-11ec-babb-fbdbe7b58f9c/image/FF_Blue_Arrows_Logo_3000x3000.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress FastForward with Alex and Ben https://www.fashionconsort.com/fc-podcasts no episodic A thought-provoking podcast exploring technological developments through the lens of ethics and the future of humanity. FC Podcasts FastForward is a thought-provoking podcast exploring technological developments through the lens of ethics and the future of humanity. Each episode asks how technological advancements came to be, who benefits and who is ultimately impacted by such developments. FastForward is hosted by R. Alex Love, a human resources and diversity equity and inclusion consultant, and Rev. Benjamin Perry, a minister and author. For some context, FastForward was originally recorded in 2018, a different space and time for us all! One important note is that our cohost, Alex, has gone through a name change since the time of recording, you will see the R. to denote their former name that is referenced throughout the recording to minimize confusion. FastForward is a thought-provoking podcast exploring technological developments through the lens of ethics and the future of humanity. Each episode asks how technological advancements came to be, who benefits and who is ultimately impacted by such developments.

FastForward is hosted by R. Alex Love, a human resources and diversity equity and inclusion consultant, and Rev. Benjamin Perry, a minister and author.

For some context, FastForward was originally recorded in 2018, a different space and time for us all! One important note is that our cohost, Alex, has gone through a name change since the time of recording, you will see the R. to denote their former name that is referenced throughout the recording to minimize confusion.

]]> FC Podcasts contact@fashionconsort.com Mind-Reading Helmets: Reviewing 10 Year Old Tech In this series finale episode, Ben and Alex discuss the current state of brain-reading technology as it pertains to prosthetics. Ten years ago Ben read an article about a military research project that aimed to create a helmet that could aid soldiers in communicating telepathically. He was freaked out then, but now understanding where the technology stands, it seems there was relatively little to fear. It appears that the research hasn’t gone far, but is still being pushed forward, notably by the Chinese government in an effort to read basic emotional states of public workers. While mind-reading is seemingly a dream of the distant future, the ethical questions about privacy and consent remain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 17 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Mind-Reading Helmets: Reviewing 10 Year Old Tech full 1 10 FC Podcasts In this series finale episode, Ben and Alex discuss the current state of brain-reading technology as it pertains to prosthetics. In this series finale episode, Ben and Alex discuss the current state of brain-reading technology as it pertains to prosthetics. Ten years ago Ben read an article about a military research project that aimed to create a helmet that could aid soldiers in communicating telepathically. He was freaked out then, but now understanding where the technology stands, it seems there was relatively little to fear. It appears that the research hasn’t gone far, but is still being pushed forward, notably by the Chinese government in an effort to read basic emotional states of public workers. While mind-reading is seemingly a dream of the distant future, the ethical questions about privacy and consent remain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this series finale episode, Ben and Alex discuss the current state of brain-reading technology as it pertains to prosthetics. Ten years ago Ben read an article about a military research project that aimed to create a helmet that could aid soldiers in communicating telepathically. He was freaked out then, but now understanding where the technology stands, it seems there was relatively little to fear. It appears that the research hasn’t gone far, but is still being pushed forward, notably by the Chinese government in an effort to read basic emotional states of public workers. While mind-reading is seemingly a dream of the distant future, the ethical questions about privacy and consent remain.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1345 The Future of Transportation: Yes, Autonomous Cars… But Then What? It’s projected that by 2050 more than 60% of the world’s population will live in cities. Yet public transportation remains one of the biggest challenges for cities like New York, DC, and Los Angeles. As we look forward to a more urbanized world, how will we cope with the population’s transportation needs? Alex and Ben discuss the nuances of autonomous cars and the lingering issues that exist (like how these cars can’t properly “see” Black people when avoiding pedestrians) as well as what the future of cities might look like. Looking beyond the current technological advances of self-driving cars and public transportation band-aids, when will our society shift from the question of “what’s good for me?” to a larger perspective of “what’s good for us?” Our hosts dream of a more collaborative world where the leaders of these decisions are focused on building the best world for our community at large. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 03 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0000 The Future of Transportation: Yes, Autonomous Cars… But Then What? full 1 9 FC Podcasts It’s projected that by 2050 more than 60% of the world’s population will live in cities. Yet public transportation remains one of the biggest challenges for cities like New York, DC, and Los Angeles. It’s projected that by 2050 more than 60% of the world’s population will live in cities. Yet public transportation remains one of the biggest challenges for cities like New York, DC, and Los Angeles. As we look forward to a more urbanized world, how will we cope with the population’s transportation needs? Alex and Ben discuss the nuances of autonomous cars and the lingering issues that exist (like how these cars can’t properly “see” Black people when avoiding pedestrians) as well as what the future of cities might look like. Looking beyond the current technological advances of self-driving cars and public transportation band-aids, when will our society shift from the question of “what’s good for me?” to a larger perspective of “what’s good for us?” Our hosts dream of a more collaborative world where the leaders of these decisions are focused on building the best world for our community at large. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices It’s projected that by 2050 more than 60% of the world’s population will live in cities. Yet public transportation remains one of the biggest challenges for cities like New York, DC, and Los Angeles. As we look forward to a more urbanized world, how will we cope with the population’s transportation needs? Alex and Ben discuss the nuances of autonomous cars and the lingering issues that exist (like how these cars can’t properly “see” Black people when avoiding pedestrians) as well as what the future of cities might look like. Looking beyond the current technological advances of self-driving cars and public transportation band-aids, when will our society shift from the question of “what’s good for me?” to a larger perspective of “what’s good for us?” Our hosts dream of a more collaborative world where the leaders of these decisions are focused on building the best world for our community at large.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1947 yes Death & Dying: We’re All Gonna Die! Alex and Ben dive into death and dying. As technology advances, we’re able to keep people alive indefinitely via machines that keep vital organs functioning. However, several problems arise in these instances, including the high cost of these medical interventions, significantly diminished quality of life, and perpetuated fear of dying. Death remains one of the topics that we avoid the most with people we love- but we’re all going to die. So, how can we instead shift our energies toward embracing this ultimate truth? Some people choose not to face it at all and invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into cryopreservation with little understanding of whether the technologies will work to re-animate humans in the long run. Alex and Ben talk about uploading human consciousness to a computer or cloud and explore how they feel about these life-extending technologies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 17 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Death & Dying: We’re All Gonna Die! full 1 8 FC Podcasts Alex and Ben dive into death and dying. Alex and Ben dive into death and dying. As technology advances, we’re able to keep people alive indefinitely via machines that keep vital organs functioning. However, several problems arise in these instances, including the high cost of these medical interventions, significantly diminished quality of life, and perpetuated fear of dying. Death remains one of the topics that we avoid the most with people we love- but we’re all going to die. So, how can we instead shift our energies toward embracing this ultimate truth? Some people choose not to face it at all and invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into cryopreservation with little understanding of whether the technologies will work to re-animate humans in the long run. Alex and Ben talk about uploading human consciousness to a computer or cloud and explore how they feel about these life-extending technologies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Alex and Ben dive into death and dying. As technology advances, we’re able to keep people alive indefinitely via machines that keep vital organs functioning. However, several problems arise in these instances, including the high cost of these medical interventions, significantly diminished quality of life, and perpetuated fear of dying. Death remains one of the topics that we avoid the most with people we love- but we’re all going to die. So, how can we instead shift our energies toward embracing this ultimate truth? Some people choose not to face it at all and invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into cryopreservation with little understanding of whether the technologies will work to re-animate humans in the long run. Alex and Ben talk about uploading human consciousness to a computer or cloud and explore how they feel about these life-extending technologies.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2292 yes Reproductive Technology: IVF and Genetic Modification Alex and Ben dive into reproductive technology. 1 in 6 couples globally deal with infertility. But when it comes to reproductive technology, the access to other alternative modes of reproduction are reserved for the rich. What are the consequences for a society where only a select number of people can afford the IVF process, for instance? Genetic modifications are on the horizon which will most likely lead to “designer babies”. Who benefits from these technological advances and what are the implications for our society at large? Alex and Ben explore the ways that these methods of procreation create and enforce biases and hierarchies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 03 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Reproductive Technology: IVF and Genetic Modification full 1 7 FC Podcasts Alex and Ben dive into reproductive technology. Alex and Ben dive into reproductive technology. 1 in 6 couples globally deal with infertility. But when it comes to reproductive technology, the access to other alternative modes of reproduction are reserved for the rich. What are the consequences for a society where only a select number of people can afford the IVF process, for instance? Genetic modifications are on the horizon which will most likely lead to “designer babies”. Who benefits from these technological advances and what are the implications for our society at large? Alex and Ben explore the ways that these methods of procreation create and enforce biases and hierarchies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Alex and Ben dive into reproductive technology. 1 in 6 couples globally deal with infertility. But when it comes to reproductive technology, the access to other alternative modes of reproduction are reserved for the rich. What are the consequences for a society where only a select number of people can afford the IVF process, for instance? Genetic modifications are on the horizon which will most likely lead to “designer babies”. Who benefits from these technological advances and what are the implications for our society at large? Alex and Ben explore the ways that these methods of procreation create and enforce biases and hierarchies.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1743 no Sex Tech: A Bandaid Solution to An Isolated Society? Alex and Ben dive into the ethics around sexual technology. As new companies emerge with technology like VR sexual experiences and AI-enhanced sex robots, what are the parameters and guidelines for our intimate relationships, legislation and our children? Teledildonics, the field of sexual technocology that allows people to experience stimulation and pleasure remotely, is growing- what impact will that have on our intimate relationships and our communities at large? Alex and Ben explore the dissonance between creating legislation surrounding sex tech, in a world that still struggles to view women as sexually autonomous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 20 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Sex Tech: A Bandaid Solution to An Isolated Society? full 1 6 FC Podcasts Alex and Ben dive into the ethics around sexual technology. Alex and Ben dive into the ethics around sexual technology. As new companies emerge with technology like VR sexual experiences and AI-enhanced sex robots, what are the parameters and guidelines for our intimate relationships, legislation and our children? Teledildonics, the field of sexual technocology that allows people to experience stimulation and pleasure remotely, is growing- what impact will that have on our intimate relationships and our communities at large? Alex and Ben explore the dissonance between creating legislation surrounding sex tech, in a world that still struggles to view women as sexually autonomous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Alex and Ben dive into the ethics around sexual technology. As new companies emerge with technology like VR sexual experiences and AI-enhanced sex robots, what are the parameters and guidelines for our intimate relationships, legislation and our children? Teledildonics, the field of sexual technocology that allows people to experience stimulation and pleasure remotely, is growing- what impact will that have on our intimate relationships and our communities at large? Alex and Ben explore the dissonance between creating legislation surrounding sex tech, in a world that still struggles to view women as sexually autonomous.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2135 no Bleeding Edge Documentary: The Medical Device Industry is Horrifying! In this episode, Alex and Ben share their horrified responses to the documentary Bleeding Edge about the medical device industry. Spoiler alert- the regulations in place are shotty at best! With few regulations in place for new medical devices to be approved, there exist myriad ways for harmful devices to end up in patients’ bodies. One major medical device of interest is the permanent pregnancy prevention method called “Essure” which releases bits of metal into a person’s fallopian tubes. The havoc that these medical devices have unleashed on people’s health seems to disproportionately affect women. Alex and Ben discuss the ways that medical devices get approved and how the regulation process banks on the old systems of how things have always been done, which leaves little to no room for innovation or creating a better system for the future.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 06 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000 Bleeding Edge Documentary: The Medical Device Industry is Horrifying! full 1 5 FC Podcasts In this episode Alex and Ben share their horrified responses to the documentary Bleeding Edge about the medical device industry. In this episode, Alex and Ben share their horrified responses to the documentary Bleeding Edge about the medical device industry. Spoiler alert- the regulations in place are shotty at best! With few regulations in place for new medical devices to be approved, there exist myriad ways for harmful devices to end up in patients’ bodies. One major medical device of interest is the permanent pregnancy prevention method called “Essure” which releases bits of metal into a person’s fallopian tubes. The havoc that these medical devices have unleashed on people’s health seems to disproportionately affect women. Alex and Ben discuss the ways that medical devices get approved and how the regulation process banks on the old systems of how things have always been done, which leaves little to no room for innovation or creating a better system for the future.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Alex and Ben share their horrified responses to the documentary Bleeding Edge about the medical device industry. Spoiler alert- the regulations in place are shotty at best! With few regulations in place for new medical devices to be approved, there exist myriad ways for harmful devices to end up in patients’ bodies. One major medical device of interest is the permanent pregnancy prevention method called “Essure” which releases bits of metal into a person’s fallopian tubes. The havoc that these medical devices have unleashed on people’s health seems to disproportionately affect women. Alex and Ben discuss the ways that medical devices get approved and how the regulation process banks on the old systems of how things have always been done, which leaves little to no room for innovation or creating a better system for the future. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1951 yes Climate Change: We Need A Cultural Shift In this episode Alex and Ben explore the complexities of mitigating climate change and the downsides of recent geoengineering projects. From carbon capture to blue carbon restoration to mirrors in space, Alex and Ben discuss the inherent failures of geoengineering and how it falls short of addressing the real causes of climate change. For the hosts, addressing climate change means addressing personal and institutional behavioral changes. By empowering communities and personal responsibility, climate change is less likely to affect us all - from the marginalized communities of the east to the wealthy of the west.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 16 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Climate Change: We Need A Cultural Shift full 1 4 FC Podcasts In this episode Alex and Ben explore the complexities of mitigating climate change and the downsides of recent geoengineering projects. In this episode Alex and Ben explore the complexities of mitigating climate change and the downsides of recent geoengineering projects. From carbon capture to blue carbon restoration to mirrors in space, Alex and Ben discuss the inherent failures of geoengineering and how it falls short of addressing the real causes of climate change. For the hosts, addressing climate change means addressing personal and institutional behavioral changes. By empowering communities and personal responsibility, climate change is less likely to affect us all - from the marginalized communities of the east to the wealthy of the west.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode Alex and Ben explore the complexities of mitigating climate change and the downsides of recent geoengineering projects. From carbon capture to blue carbon restoration to mirrors in space, Alex and Ben discuss the inherent failures of geoengineering and how it falls short of addressing the real causes of climate change. For the hosts, addressing climate change means addressing personal and institutional behavioral changes. By empowering communities and personal responsibility, climate change is less likely to affect us all - from the marginalized communities of the east to the wealthy of the west. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1525 yes Artificial Intelligence: Convenience or Control? In this episode, Alex and Ben discuss artificial intelligence, the Siris and Alexas of the world. What are the long-range implications of using this kind of technology? The devices in our homes are listening to our conversations and gathering information. Where and how is the information used, and will it work against us in the future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 02 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Artificial Intelligence: Convenience or Control? full 1 3 FC Podcasts In this episode, Alex and Ben discuss artificial intelligence, the Siris and Alexas of the world. In this episode, Alex and Ben discuss artificial intelligence, the Siris and Alexas of the world. What are the long-range implications of using this kind of technology? The devices in our homes are listening to our conversations and gathering information. Where and how is the information used, and will it work against us in the future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Alex and Ben discuss artificial intelligence, the Siris and Alexas of the world. What are the long-range implications of using this kind of technology? The devices in our homes are listening to our conversations and gathering information. Where and how is the information used, and will it work against us in the future?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1842 yes Food Scarcity: Can Technology Save Us? In this episode, Alex and Ben tackle the topic of food scarcity. Is technology the answer? Vertical farming at first glance seems like a great solution, but what about the costs? Join us as the discussion turns to GMOs, vertical farming, and the technologies that could potentially solve these issues, none of which are silver bullets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 18 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Food Scarcity: Can Technology Save Us? full 1 2 FC Podcasts Alex and Ben tackle the topic of food scarcity. Is technology the answer? In this episode, Alex and Ben tackle the topic of food scarcity. Is technology the answer? Vertical farming at first glance seems like a great solution, but what about the costs? Join us as the discussion turns to GMOs, vertical farming, and the technologies that could potentially solve these issues, none of which are silver bullets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Alex and Ben tackle the topic of food scarcity. Is technology the answer? Vertical farming at first glance seems like a great solution, but what about the costs? Join us as the discussion turns to GMOs, vertical farming, and the technologies that could potentially solve these issues, none of which are silver bullets.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 2157 yes Robots Doing Parkour? In this episode, Alex and Ben discuss Boston Dynamics robots that climb, jump and do parkour. Join us as they discuss the implications behind this technology which is potentially helpful in many ways but equally has the potential to be leveraged to devastating consequences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Thu, 18 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0000 Robots Doing Parkour? full 1 1 FC Podcasts Alex and Ben discuss the implications of the Boston Dynamics robots that climb, jump and do parkour. In this episode, Alex and Ben discuss Boston Dynamics robots that climb, jump and do parkour. Join us as they discuss the implications behind this technology which is potentially helpful in many ways but equally has the potential to be leveraged to devastating consequences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this episode, Alex and Ben discuss Boston Dynamics robots that climb, jump and do parkour. Join us as they discuss the implications behind this technology which is potentially helpful in many ways but equally has the potential to be leveraged to devastating consequences.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

]]> 1119 yes FastForward with Alex and Ben Teaser In this teaser, we meet hosts R. Alex Love and Benjamin Perry as they discuss the root of the podcast, a lively discussion exploring technological developments through the lens of ethics and the future of humanity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mon, 15 Nov 2021 20:42:00 -0000 FastForward with Alex and Ben Teaser trailer 1 FC Podcasts FastForward with Alex and Ben is a lively discussion exploring technological developments through the lens of ethics and the future of humanity. In this teaser, we meet hosts R. Alex Love and Benjamin Perry as they discuss the root of the podcast, a lively discussion exploring technological developments through the lens of ethics and the future of humanity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this teaser, we meet hosts R. Alex Love and Benjamin Perry as they discuss the root of the podcast, a lively discussion exploring technological developments through the lens of ethics and the future of humanity. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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