• Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

  • By: Mitch Joel
  • Podcast
Six Pixels of Separation Podcast cover art

Six Pixels of Separation Podcast

By: Mitch Joel
  • Summary

  • Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast is the longest running business podcast. Mitch Joel brings you weekly conversations, insights and provocations on innovation, disruption and the future of work with the world's brightest thought leaders.
    Copyright 2024
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Episodes
  • SPOS #927 – Scott Shigeoka On Unleashing The Power Of Curiosity
    Apr 14 2024
    Welcome to episode #927 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #927. Let’s get much more curious in our work (and in our daily lives) to help bring this world closer together. Scott Shigeoka has spent his time exploring the power of curiosity. This has not only won him accolades but also transformed how we think about bridging divides in our increasingly complex world. His new book, Seek - How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World, offers a look into curiosity as a force for positive change, earning praise from thinkers like Malcolm Gladwell and Adam Grant, and recognition as an Amazon Best Book of 2023. Scott’s unique perspective is shaped by a diverse background — from his roots in Hawaii to teaching groundbreaking courses at the University of Texas at Austin, and speaking for brands like Google and Pixar. His journey through curiosity began as a personal quest and has evolved into a universal call to action, underscored by his work at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Our conversation also touches on the impact of the pandemic on curiosity, a time when questions and the search for understanding became more critical than ever. Scott discusses how embracing curiosity can empower us to navigate through crises with resilience and hope. He also delves into the challenges of cancel culture and scrutiny, which can stifle curiosity. Beyond individual growth, Scott explores how institutions like universities can serve as incubators for curiosity, promoting an environment where challenging discussions can occur without fear. The role of emotions in fueling or hindering curiosity emerges as a key theme, with Scott advocating for emotional intelligence as a complement to intellectual inquiry. As Scott splits his time between the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area and the tranquil Mojave Desert, he embodies the balance between action and reflection, making him an ideal guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the world through the lens of curiosity. Whether you're a leader, educator, or simply someone looking to foster more meaningful connections, this conversation promises to offer valuable insights into making curiosity a dynamic part of your everyday life. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:00:26.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn....or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Scott Shigeoka.Seek - How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World.Greater Good Science Center.Follow Scott on Instagram.Follow Scott on X.Follow Scott on LinkedIn.This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Takeaways Hope and optimism are essential for fostering curiosity and a vision for the future.Cancel culture and the fear of scrutiny can hinder curiosity and prevent the exploration of different perspectives.Power dynamics play a role in curiosity, with those in positions of power needing to be curious about the perspectives of others.Emotions can impact curiosity, and it is important to create spaces where different perspectives can be shared without fear of judgment.College campuses can serve as laboratories for fostering curiosity and bridging differences.Curiosity has the power to change perspectives and create positive relationships. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background02:15 - The Science of Curiosity04:54 - The Catalyst for Writing the Book07:49 - Curiosity During the Pandemic12:51 - The Importance of Curiosity in Healing18:36 - The Role of Curiosity in Bridging Differences19:13 - The Power of Asking Questions21:31 - The Dive Model28:38 - Scaling Curiosity and Bridging Differences43:17 - The Importance of Hope and Optimism44:03 - The Fear of Scrutiny and Cancel Culture45:00 - The Impact of Cancel Culture on Curiosity46:47 - The Role of Power in Curiosity49:17 - The Impact of Emotions on Curiosity52:41 - Curiosity and Polarization on College Campuses55:23 - Creating Spaces for Curiosity on College Campuses59:04 - The Power of Curiosity to Change Perspectives
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    1 hr
  • SPOS #926 – Joanna Robinson Unmasks Marvel’s Superhero Business
    Apr 7 2024
    Welcome to episode #926 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #926. A titan of pop culture commentary and a guiding voice in the realm of fandom is the best way to describe Joanna Robinson. With her profound insights into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and a finger firmly on the pulse of the entertainment industry, Joanna's expertise is unparalleled. Her recent book, co-authored with Dave Gonzales and Gavin Edwards, MCU - The Reign of Marvel Studios, offers a deep dive into the phenomenon that has reshaped global cinema... and turned nerds into the cool kids. Joanna's journey from a senior writer at Vanity Fair to becoming the "Queen of Game of Thrones," as dubbed by SyFy, showcases her unique ability to dissect and discuss complex cultural narratives, making her a beloved figure among fans and critics alike. Her transition to The Ringer, where she appears on shows like The Ringer-Verse and Trial By Content, further solidifies her status as a cultural critic par excellence. I am a comic book collector and lover of all things pop culture. This has not only become big business but a smart industry for all professionals to spend some time thinking about. Our conversation spans the intricate web of strategic decisions that led to the MCU's unprecedented success. From Marvel's acquisition by Disney to the delicate balance of interconnected storytelling and standalone tales, Joanna sheds light on the elements that keep audiences hooked. She also explores the MCU's cultural impact, particularly post-9/11, where a surge in superhero popularity reflected a collective yearning for escapism and heroism. Joanna points out the potential for content fatigue as Marvel's expansive universe grows ever larger across movies, TV shows, and streaming platforms. Beyond the MCU, Joanna and I delve into the broader comic book industry, contrasting Marvel's success with DC's franchise-building struggles and discussing the power of nostalgia in reigniting interest in iconic characters. Joanna emphasizes the untapped potential within Marvel's vast catalog, hinting at exciting directions the studio could explore in the future. MCU - The Reign of Marvel Studios is more than just a recounting of Marvel's rise to dominance - it's an invitation to understand the strategic, cultural, and creative forces behind one of the most influential entities in modern entertainment. Joanna's contribution, alongside her co-authors, offers invaluable insights for fans, aspiring creators, and industry observers alike. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 59:46.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn....or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Joanna Robinson.MCU - The Reign of Marvel Studios.Joanna’s amazing podcasts.Follow Joanna on X.Follow Joanna on Instagram.This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Takeaways The success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a result of strategic decisions made by Marvel and Disney, including the acquisition of Marvel by Disney and the interconnected storytelling approach.The cultural shift towards superheroes can be attributed to a desire for escapism and heroism, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11.Marvel faces the challenge of content fatigue as it expands its universe across movies, TV shows, and streaming platforms.DC has faced challenges in building successful franchises, while Marvel has excelled in creating interconnected storylines.Nostalgia plays a significant role in the success of superhero movies, as audiences connect with iconic characters and stories from their childhood.There are untapped potential assets in the Marvel catalog that could be explored in future projects.Comic books offer a diverse range of storytelling beyond superheroes and can be a gateway to discovering new genres and perspectives. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction01:07 - The Love for Comic Books03:13 - The Rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe06:12 - The Cultural Shift towards Superheroes08:57 - The Acquisition of Marvel by Disney11:25 - The Marvel Studios Inception Story15:06 - The Challenge of Licensing Characters19:23 - The Marvel Cinematic Universe Expansion23:08 - The Challenge of Content Fatigue28:28 - The Need for Change in Marvel's Strategy30:33 - The Difficulty of Replicating Kevin Feige36:27 - The Haunting History of Marvel's Business Model38:08 - The Potential of Secret Wars39:50 - Serialized Movies vs. TV Shows45:21 - DC's Struggles with Franchise Building50:30 - The Power and Pull of Nostalgia54:33 - Unused Assets in the Marvel Catalog55:51 - Changing Perspectives on Comic Books
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    1 hr
  • SPOS #925 – Russ Neuman On How AI Will Make Us Smarter
    Mar 31 2024
    Welcome to episode #925 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast - Episode #925. The transformative impact of artificial intelligence on business and society is going to be a technological shift unlike anything we have ever experienced. Russ Neuman, a distinguished scholar in new media and digital education, is currently a Professor of Media Technology at New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. With a storied career that spans from the University of Michigan to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Russ has been at the forefront of understanding and shaping the digital landscape. Russ' recent book, Evolutionary Intelligence - How Technology Will Make Us Smarter, delves into the complex relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence (a topic that is near and dear to my heart). How can we better navigate the myriad perspectives on AI, from its potential to disrupt employment and amplify polarization to its capacity for enhancing human decision-making and fostering societal advancement. In Evolutionary Intelligence, Russ offers a refreshing counter-narrative to the doom-laden discourse surrounding AI. Russ argues that, rather than fearing the emergence of AI, we should embrace its potential to augment human capabilities and address the cognitive limitations that have bounded humanity since its hunter-gatherer days. By integrating AI into our daily lives — from laptops to headsets — Russ envisions a future where computational intelligence complements human judgment, empowering individuals to adapt to rapidly changing environments. As we delve into Russ's latest book and his extensive research on media technology's impact on society, we have a challenging and thought-provoking discussion that might upend your preconceived notions about AI and offers hope for a smarter, more collaborative future. In an era where the buzz around artificial intelligence swings dramatically between utopian promises and dystopian warnings, Russ stands out with a refreshingly balanced perspective. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 53:59.Hello from beautiful Montreal.Subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation.Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook.Check out ThinkersOne.or you can connect on LinkedIn....or on Twitter.Here is my conversation with Russ Neuman.Evolutionary Intelligence - How Technology Will Make Us Smarter.Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development - NYU.Follow Russ on LinkedIn.This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'. Takeaways AI elicits diverse and conflicting perspectives, ranging from doomsday scenarios to optimistic possibilities.Unemployment due to AI may be a gradual transition, and the impact on social unrest may be mitigated by the creation of new jobs.AI has the potential to amplify polarization and hate speech, but efforts are being made to identify and filter such content.The alignment problem in AI raises questions about control and the ability to ensure that AI systems align with human values.The future of work will involve collaboration between humans and AI, with AI augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them.The redefinition of intelligence and the exploration of new models of decision-making are key to the future of AI.Mistakes and challenges are expected in the development of AI, but the hope is that we will learn from them and ultimately get it right.The impact of media technology on society is profound, influencing various aspects of our lives, including politics, culture, and communication.Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in media, enabling personalized content recommendations, automated content creation, and data analysis.The future of media technology holds exciting possibilities, such as immersive experiences, enhanced personalization, and advancements in AI-driven content creation. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Diametrically Opposed Perspectives on AI03:12 - Unemployment and Polarization07:37 - Regulation and Openness in AI08:05 - Concerns and Warnings from AI Creators16:10 - Concerns and Optimism about AI22:07 - Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Evolutionary Intelligence25:31 - The Contentious Nature of AGI28:34 - The Alignment Problem and Control34:30 - The Role of AI in Work and Professions43:52 - The Future of Work and Redefining Intelligence46:50 - Concerns about AI and the Future51:12 - Hope and Making Our Own Rules10:00 - The Evolution of Media Technology20:00 - The Impact of Media Technology on Society30:00 - The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Media40:00 - The Future of Media Technology
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    54 mins

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