The Podcast that explores the possible, probable, and preferred futures
Modem Futura is your weekly guide to the future of science, technology, and society—where futures and foresight meets real-world impact. Hosts Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard—educators, futurists, and public scholars—dive into the breakthroughs and big questions shaping tomorrow: AI ethics, space exploration, climate tech, bio-engineering, digital media, STEM education, and the shifting future of work. In candid, banter-filled conversations with innovators, scholars, and storytellers, they unpack how emerging technologies influence human values, creativity, and culture—and what these trends mean for you today.
Whether you’re curious about quantum computing, electric air taxis, or the sociology of robots, Modem Futura connects cutting-edge research with the narratives that drive innovation. Join us each week to explore possible, probable, and preferred futures, and discover practical insights for navigating an increasingly tech-driven world. Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and be part of the conversation exploring what it will mean to be human in the future!
Futures of tech, science, & humanity
A candid, curiosity-driven podcast exploring how emerging science and technology reshape our world and what it means to be human.
Press play – and catch the latest episode right here—or choose your favorite podcast app below. Modem Futura is available wherever you get your podcasts.
Modem Futura explores technology and innovation through a futures lens and human values, connecting emerging tech trends to their impact on society
Join us each week as we explore the multitude of topics and issues changing our world – we ask deep questions about how emergent technology, science, and innovation will change what it means to be human.
Futures focused
Weekly deep dives into AI, climate tech, space, bio-innovation, and more
Human centered
Ethical, cultural, and societal angles—beyond the hype.
Accessible content
Banter-filled conversations with scientists, futurists, and makers you’ll actually understand.
Sean M. Leahy, Ph.D.
Research Scientist and Foresight Catalyst
Sean’s work spans the intersections of research, public engagement, and innovation. His focus lies in catalyzing conversations and strategies around the ethical, social, and cultural dimensions of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), and interactive digital media. With a background in international education leadership and policy advising for the G20, Dr. Leahy is committed to preparing society for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing technological world.
Andrew D. Maynard, Ph.D.
Scientist, Writer, and Professor
Andrew’s directs the Future of Being Human initiative and his work focuses on helping people and organizations navigate emerging technologies with clarity, responsibility, and imagination. With a background in physics, public health, and technology policy, he bridges disciplines to explore how innovation can serve society more effectively. Andrew is the author of Films from the Future and Future Rising, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a passionate advocate for making knowledge accessible to all.
Stay curious and set your dial to Modem Futura!
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