Where are we as a world, and where do we want to go? These are the questions explored in Future of XYZ, a podcast presented by Rhode Island PBS beginning January 2023.
Created by host Lisa Gralnek, Future of XYZ engages today’s innovative leaders in candid conversations about what’s coming down the pipeline on topics related to business, tech, art, science, and humanity broadly.
Through this collaboration between Rhode Island PBS and Ms. Gralnek, the station will release a new episode of Future of XYZ every other Thursday. Each episode will be available in video format on ripbs.org/xyz and YouTube.com/@rhodeislandpbs, and audio wherever listeners get their podcasts.
Who better to drive a conversation about the perils & pitfalls of globalization today and introduce the myriad plans & promises of a future model than the current Managing Director of the German Marshall Fund in the US and Former US Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development? From telecom to trade, protectionism to neocolonialism – this is an important and timely conversation about the state of the world’s economic order.
This week, long-time tech journalist, David Kirkpatrick joins us to talk about all that’s happened since Intel introduced the world’s first microprocessor in November 1971, the changes now so quickly coming our way related to generative AI and more, and where the internet is leading humanity for good or bad
Responsible for transporting nearly 80% of all goods worldwide, there are more than 60,000 merchant ships in operation today. Both essential contributors to our global economy, as well as major emissions polluters – this conversation with a maritime shipping industry thought-leader whose family has been in the business for seven generations is both fascinating and far-reaching.
This week’s conversation is among the most important topics that will influence our collective futures. In this eye-opening conversation with a multi award-winning social and edtech entrepreneur, we hear about the state of K12 education in the US, the impact of screens, the role of AI, and what he and his companies are doing to achieve a ‘literacy moonshot’.
In a world riddled with conflict, natural disaster, and uneven access to medical care– Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF as it’s known on the ground) is the leading independent international aid organization focused on providing medical humanitarian action where it’s needed most. Founded in 1971, and awarded the Nobel Prize in 1999– MSF supports the core purpose of saving lives and alleviating suffering related to health outcomes. Tune in for a remarkably candid conversation with the Executive Director of Doctors Without Borders (US) in E7, S4.
On this episode of Future of XYZ, host Lisa Gralnek interviews author Randi Braun on the important subject of Women at Work. Braun “the gender pay gap is increasing, and so are women’s levels of burnout. Our system is broken and our old playbook is outdated”. Her best-selling book is the foundation for helping us understand.
Sunday night, the world watched the 95th Oscar Awards in Hollywood, CA. This week, FUTURE OF XYZ is speaking with an award-winning Director & Producer, herself- a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Tune in for Episode 5, Season 4 to learn all about the ‘Future of Documentary Film’- what it is, how the genre has changed in recent years, and where it’s going.
On this episode of Future of XYZ, Lisa Gralnek interviews Mark Sullivan, a former professional snowboarder and Olympic commentator as well as the Founder of Snowboard Magazine and Tailgate Alaska. In Episode 4, Season 4- we explore the growth of the snow sports industry, the impact of climate change, and the opportunities for technology. We also get into all things power of presence and self-reliance in the backcountry.
With 35 years experience in renewables, plus law and economics degrees, our guest this week now leads the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. From what renewables are in the first place, to the impact of federal subsidies- we explore the path forward for renewable energy in economic, political, social, geographic, and of course, environmental terms.
On this episode of Future of XYZ, Lisa Gralnek interviews Dr. Andrew Schmookler, author and former congressional candidate, about the future of democracy. The Greeks defined democracy as “power of the people” since "demos" means people and "kratos" means power. But is it still “the people” who have power in modern democracies? What’s changed? What’s at risk?
On this episode of Future of XYZ, Lisa Gralnek interviews Vanessa Arnedo, Chief of Staff of the Michael J. Fox Foundation about the future of Parkinson's Disease. The second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world after Alzheimers, Parkinson’s Disease affects approximately one million Americans and over six million people worldwide. With those numbers expected to double by 2040, the mission of the Michael J. Fox Foundation is to accelerate the development of better treatments that help those living with Parkinson’s today AND to find a cure.
"Future of XYZ was a long-held idea built on my own innate curiosity about pretty much everything that finally came to light amidst the chaos and quiet of COVID-19 in November 2020,” said Ms. Gralnek. “In quick, 20-minute episodes, we offer a true learning journey based on the unique expertise of each of our guests.”
An expert brand builder and ambitious change-maker, Ms. Gralnek is no stranger to asking those in high positions the big questions. Since 2017, she has served as the principal and founder of New York-based independent strategy consultancy, LVG & Co., where she partners with senior leaders to improve their business. Prior to this position, Ms. Gralnek worked as a corporate strategy and marketing executive at companies including Adidas, Chobani, and The Boston Consulting Group.