Cohere: A podcast about the future of human networks

Enhancing Organizational Change: A Conversation with Dr. Sharon Varney and John Hovell
Design, community, OD, Organization Design Bill Johnston Design, community, OD, Organization Design Bill Johnston

Enhancing Organizational Change: A Conversation with Dr. Sharon Varney and John Hovell

On this episode of the Cohere podcast, Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas discuss Organizational Development (OD) with returning guests Dr. Sharon Varney and John Hovell. They explore the importance of OD, evolving dynamics, and curating OD Top Tips aimed at 'landing change with people'. They address the changing conversation around OD and highlight the potential for applying OD principles to community and network development, especially in combating misinformation in the digital age. The discussion also touches on engaging skeptics of OD within organizations, underscoring the significance of technology and social media in shaping organizational and community dynamics.

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Art School Every Day With Dave Gray: Insights From School Of The Possible
Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston

Art School Every Day With Dave Gray: Insights From School Of The Possible

This episode of the Cohere podcast features an insightful interview with Dave Gray, where he shares his perspective on creativity, possibility, and the art of sketching as a foundational tool for exploring and realizing potential ideas. He discusses his journey from being an artist to embracing the broader concept of being a 'possibilitarian'—someone who actively seeks and creates new possibilities. Gray emphasizes the importance of sketching—not just as a drawing technique but as a way to engage in creative thinking and problem-solving. He also touches on his experiences founding the School of the Possible and the significance of creating spaces for meaningful connections and community building, particularly in a virtual environment.

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The Best Insights and Ideas From the Cohere Podcast in 2023
Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston

The Best Insights and Ideas From the Cohere Podcast in 2023

As we begin 2024, Lauren and Bill would love to hear from you! Please send your suggestions, feedback, and ideas for topics and guests to hosts@coherepod.com.

Welcome to our special year-end 2023 review of the Cohere podcast. This year, we marked a significant shift in our approach. We moved away from the constraints of seasonal formats, embracing topical series that have allowed us to delve deeper into various themes, synchronizing seamlessly with our ongoing work and research. Let’s walk down memory lane and revisit some of the most insightful moments from this year's episodes.

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Decoding Crypto Adoption with Reneé Barton: A CRADL Report Deep Dive
Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston

Decoding Crypto Adoption with Reneé Barton: A CRADL Report Deep Dive

In the last episode of 2023 for the Cohere podcast, co-hosts Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas welcome Reneé Barton, Manager of Impact Research at the Crypto Council for Innovation.

They delve into the CRADL report, the crypto industry's first in-depth ethnographic study, which illuminates the varied motivations behind crypto adoption and highlights opportunities for industry refinement. Barton elaborates on the meticulous research methodology that captures diverse user experiences, revealing overlooked use cases and challenging assumptions about crypto's role in equitable wealth distribution.

The conversation also touches on the hurdles of user experience in crypto adoption, potential risks, and the practical application of the research for stakeholders. The episode concludes with insights on future explorations and where to access CRADL's pioneering work.

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Exploring Conversational Leadership With John Hovell
Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston

Exploring Conversational Leadership With John Hovell

It is time to become more curious and critical about our relationship with AI

Venessa Paech is an internationally regarded online community strategist with over 25 years of experience building community online. Venessa is also a PhD candidate studying the intersection of AI and community, and a global authority on communities and community management.

In the first Cohere episode of 2023, Venessa joins Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas to discuss the quickly evolving role of AI in our digital experiences, how AI is currently playing a role in online communities, and what the future may hold regarding our collective relationship with AI.

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Examining Our Collective Relationship With AI - a Conversation With Venessa Paech
Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston

Examining Our Collective Relationship With AI - a Conversation With Venessa Paech

It is time to become more curious and critical about our relationship with AI

Venessa Paech is an internationally regarded online community strategist with over 25 years of experience building community online. Venessa is also a PhD candidate studying the intersection of AI and community, and a global authority on communities and community management.

In the first Cohere episode of 2023, Venessa joins Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas to discuss the quickly evolving role of AI in our digital experiences, how AI is currently playing a role in online communities, and what the future may hold regarding our collective relationship with AI.

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A Look Ahead for the Cohere Podcast in 2023
Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston

A Look Ahead for the Cohere Podcast in 2023

Hello CoherePod.com, goodbye seasons!

Hi everyone, welcome to 2023! On this episode, Lauren and I offer a quick update on our plans for the Cohere podcast! 

This year we are breaking away from the concept (and constraints) of the idea of seasons. We will be pursuing topical series instead, which will help us cover a wider range of topics and synch more naturally with our work and research.

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The Role of Friendship in Enhancing Virtual Experiences with Joi Podgorny
Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston Metaverse, Immersion, Design Bill Johnston

The Role of Friendship in Enhancing Virtual Experiences with Joi Podgorny

Joi Podgorny returns to the Cohere podcast to discuss her unique perspective on the state of the Metaverse with hosts Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas.

In season 1, in the early stages of the pandemic, Joi and Bill explored the part communities, and in particular VR-based communities, might play during the lockdown and socially-distanced period of the pandemic. 

On this episode, Joi returns to revisit the conversation in Season 1, talk about her new role with Together Labs, and discuss how kids have weathered the pandemic in virtual worlds and in real life.

Of particular note is Joi's perspective on the science of Friendship, and how the three pillars of Friendship (proximity, familiarity, and positivity) are guiding principles in her work. 

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