Ted sits down with world class futurist and microbiologist Andrew Hessel in this episode, to discuss the future of Bioengineering, and programming life from its most fundamental unit, DNA. They discuss the architecture of DNA, its parallels with computer systems, and the potential of writing DNA from scratch. Key topics include synthetic viruses, a…

In this episode Ted sits down with Leslie Odom Jr., the world-famous Broadway star known for his role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton. Leslie shares untold stories about his career choices, including walking away from a lucrative TV deal to be part of Hamilton's original cast. The conversation delves into his reflections on fatherhood, the meaning of lov…

I sat down with Nedjip Tozun, co-founder and CEO of D.light Design, the world's most impactful solar company. They have powered over 170 million people, at the base of the world's economic pyramid, with solar electricity and lighting products. Nedjip and I discuss the trials and tribulations of D.light, we talk about his fascinating views on religi…

This episode was a real treat. Ben Lamb is the founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, the world's first de-extinction company. They are legitimately en route to bringing back extinct species, like the wooly mammoth, the thylacine and the dodo. We talk about all of that on this episode, along with broader observations of what these new age synthet…

Cory Richards, a renowned National Geographic adventure photographer, has lived a life full of highs and lows. He reached the pinnacle of the outdoor industry only to step back after a series of mental health challenges. I consider Cory to be a friend, a mentor, and a guide to healing from trauma in the modern world. This episode aims to share Cory…

Peter Dering, founder and CEO of Peak Design, discusses his views on conscious capitalism. For the environment, for employees, and for customers. This is a case study in ethics, and successful brand building, in business. 00:00 Intro04:08 Peak Design's History & Office Space07:07 From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader14:27 Navigating Business Wi…

Chris Burkard is a close friend, a mentor, and a legendary adventure photographer. He is also a devout latter-day saint. This episode is an exercise in podcast portraiture, a deep and insightful look into Chris's inner life. 01:33 Past Adventures. Journey to the Kurils. 10:44 Faith21:26 Psilocybin. Protector and Caretaker Psychology. 45:06 Capitali…

In this episode, I sit down with renowned science writer David Quammen. We discuss the age of synthetic biology, tempered by ethical and practical considerations, and what it may mean for viruses, cancer & species conservation. David’s insightful, measured outlook is grounded in five decades of science writing, across dozens of books and hundreds o…

This episode delves into the complex interplay of skepticism and conviction in modern science, a theme vividly illustrated by Jacobson's career. Check out the podcast as we explore the dynamic and often contentious world of climate policy through the lens of Mark Jacobson's remarkable life. Mark Jacobson is a towering figure in the realm of climate…

Ted Hesser sits down with Wade Davis, a luminary in the world of ethnobotany, exploration, and cultural preservation. Wade shares his captivating journey from his early days at Harvard amidst the giants of botanical and psychedelic discovery to his deep dives into the Amazon and the mysteries of ancient plants. They discuss the profound impact of p…

Mike Finkel is one of the most successful contemporary authors in the non-fiction genre. He has written three books, all of them New York Times Best Sellers, with two being sold as movie rights to big Hollywood studios and one made into a major motion picture by Brad Pitt's Production company. Mike is a raconteur who has worked for the world's top …

Victor Vescovo is an extraordinary explorer and former Navy intelligence officer. He's the only human in the history of our civilization to go to the bottom of every ocean (in a custom-made submersible), to the top of the tallest peaks on each continent, to the poles, and into Outer Space. He is, arguably, the most prolific explorer of our age. 🌍 H…