Cohere: A podcast about the future of human networks
The Transformative Power of Rituals in Modern Communities with Betty Ray
On this episode of the Cohere pIn this episode of the Cohere Podcast, hosts Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas talk with community expert Betty Ray about the profound impact of rituals on personal and community well-being. Betty shares her extensive experience and research on the role of rituals in fostering belonging, purpose, and navigating transitions. The conversation delves into practical applications of ritual in both online and offline communities, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to create meaningful and supportive community spaces.
Shaping Tomorrow Together: Scott Smith and Susan Cox-Smith on the Dynamics of Futuring
On the Cohere podcast episode, hosts Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas, along with guests Scott Smith and Susan Cox-Smith, delve into the shift from traditional forecasting to the dynamic practice of futuring, as explored in their works How to Future and Future Cultures. They discuss the importance of evolving strategic frameworks to foster anticipation and adaptability, particularly in navigating complex crises. The conversation highlights the role of online communities in driving innovation and building future resilience. Through insights and case studies like the UNDP Future Trends and Signals System, they advocate for viewing "future" as an active process and emphasize the critical role of communal networks in shaping responsive and anticipatory cultures.
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.
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.
The Rich History and the Exciting Future of the Maker Movement with Dale Dougherty
On this episode of the Cohere podcast, co-hosts Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas welcome Dale Dougherty, the founder of Make: Magazine and Maker Faire, and a person who played a key and critical role in the launch of the Maker Movement. Dougherty shares his career journey and his belief that everyone is inherently a maker. The conversation takes a deep dive into the history and future of the Maker Movement, discussing the importance of community in both digital and real-life maker experiences. Dougherty also outlines plans for the return of the Bay Area Maker Faire, revealing a new location and expanded schedule. For those new to making or interested in starting their own maker space, Dougherty offers advice and encouragement. Finally, he expresses his excitement about the current moment in the Maker Movement, hinting at the promising future of this global community of thinkers, builders, and dreamers.
How Hopeful Stories Can Shape a Better Future with Ed Finn
On this episode of the Cohere podcast, co-hosts Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas chat with Ed Finn, the founding director of the Center for Science and the Imagination at Arizona State University. As an associate professor in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and the School of Arts, Media, and Engineering, Finn provides fascinating insights into the Center's endeavors, the collaborative imagination and writing project 'Hieroglyph,' and the pioneering Imaginative Collaboration Framework. Throughout the discussion, Finn emphasizes the influential role of hopeful stories in shaping collective visions for the future and shares examples demonstrating how these narratives can drive innovation, learning, and societal transformation.
Exploring Immersion with Ed Rodley
On this episode of the Cohere podcast, Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas chat with cultural professional Ed Rodley about innovative experience design. Ed shares how his experience as a museum technologist has prepared him to explore and challenge the concept of ‘immersion’.
This season, we are identifying the critical mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets community professionals need to hone for the next iteration of the Internet. Ed introduces the concepts of the ‘magic circle’ and ‘story worlds’ to illustrate ‘immersion’ is not a one-size-fits-all experience.
Designing Comfortable Digital Spaces with Melanie Kahl
Can a more collaborative approach to design create more comfortable shared digital spaces?
On this post-Summer break episode of the Cohere podcast, Bill Johnston and Dr. Lauren Vargas welcome design and strategy leader Melanie Kahl to discuss how we might design more comfortable shared digital spaces.
