Progress happens because solutions create new problems to solve
Solutionism means fully accepting what’s in front of us and enthusiastically stepping up to meet the challenge.
All PCs will be AI PCs “pretty soon,” says Intel exec
Manufacturers are now equipping their PCs with the hardware needed to run the latest AI applications locally. Here’s what that means for you.
The Freethink Interview
In this groundbreaking series, we host intimate conversations with tech and business leaders on the bleeding edge, exploring how technology works and its impact on people and society.
Future Explored
Freethink's premier newsletter exploring the incredible technologies moving the world forward.
The startup using “digital twins” to protect homes from wildfires
Stand Insurance is using computer simulations and “digital twins” to help homeowners make their properties fire resilient.
The US needs another 4 million houses. Here’s how it could get them.
Restrictive zoning policies helped create America’s housing shortage. Zoning reform could help end it.
EndUser
Human-centered stories of how technology is transforming our everyday life.
AI chatbots may ease the world’s loneliness (if they don’t make it worse)
AI chatbots may have certain advantages when roleplaying as our friends. They may also come with downsides that make our loneliness worse.
How tech is turning science into a hobby
From astronomy to video games, consumer technology is helping people pursue their interests while also advancing community science.
Beyond screen time: Rethinking kids’ tech use with the “Goldilocks hypothesis”
The “Goldilocks hypothesis” asks parents to think beyond screen time and consider the habits that teens build around technology use.
Get inspired with the most innovative stories shaping the world around us.
Hard Reset
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The Freethink Interview
The war over microchips is coming, says Chris Miller | The Freethink Interview
“When we think about technology, we think of social media, search engines, apps on our phone; but undergirding all of this are chips.”
Series|
Hard Reset
3x faster air travel at a fraction of the price: this jet engine could change everything
“This is a system that will enable the sub-thousand dollar ticket from San Francisco to Tokyo in 3.5 hours.”
Freethink Voices
Blind optimism is not a cure for blind pessimism
We need to fully acknowledge problems, while vigorously pursuing solutions. Call it “solutionism.”
Why harmony with nature is a myth
Slowing growth and limiting development isn’t living in harmony with nature—it is surrendering in a battle.
How humanity transformed its fate
From surviving on wild plants and game to controlling our world with technology, humanity’s journey of progress is a story of expanding human agency.
Life was dirty, difficult, and dangerous for almost everyone who ever existed
9 minutes of cruel history may cure the anti-progress delusion.
T-minus
Humanity is reaching new heights in space exploration. Make sure you’re part of the journey.
T-Minus: Counting down the top 10 space stories of 2024
A look back on the 10 greatest space stories of 2024, from SpaceX’s “Mechazilla” to a first-of-its-kind civilian spacewalk.
T-Minus: Kessler Syndrome
Experts answer 10 big questions about the nightmare scenario that could send us back to the pre-Space Age.
T-Minus: 10 milestones in commercial spaceflight
T-Minus looks back at 10 major milestones in the commercial space industry — including several SpaceX triumphs.
With Our Partners
Stories focused on interesting solutions to big problems.
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When pollution poisons a community, what does justice look like?
In partnership with Skoll Foundation
Toxic waste sites surround Black communities in the South, poisoning their air, water, and health. This is how they’re fighting back—and winning.
Police spend 40% of their time on paperwork. Can AI help?
In partnership with Axon
Axon’s AI innovations promise to free officers from desks, but not without questions of ethics. CEO Rick Smith addresses concerns and community trust:
Series|
In The Arena with Evan Baehr
Adapting education for an ever-changing workforce
In partnership with Arena Hall
At a time where AI is constantly shifting the workforce, how can you ensure your skills are cutting edge?
Indigenous Peoples standing up to corporate greed
In partnership with Skoll Foundation
Indigenous Peoples’ lands are key to combating climate change, but corporate greed puts them at risk. Meet the land and environmental defenders fighting to hold them accountable.
Meet the guardians of Earth’s last untouched lands
In partnership with Skoll Foundation
This group makes up just 6% of the global population, but protects up to 80% of our remaining biodiversity. Meet the most committed keepers of planet Earth.
The hidden crisis of environmental racism – and the fight against it
In partnership with McNulty Foundation
Those on the frontlines of environmental degradation have the best solutions. This is their fight.
The unsung heroes restoring America after disaster
In partnership with McNulty Foundation
When disaster strikes, the workers helping us rebuild are often exploited. Here’s a solution to protect and scale this urgently-needed labor force.
The next gen leaders transforming Haiti
In partnership with McNulty Foundation
More than crisis and chaos. Meet the new leaders who are reshaping Haiti, starting with an education system that honors their true identity.
Why aren’t we automatically registered to vote? With this program, we could be
In partnership with Skoll Foundation
SecureAVR, also known as the “Motor Voter of the 21st Century,” makes registering to vote seamless and secure at the DMV. With millions more potential voters, here’s how this system could enhance democracy across the country.
Original Series
This is a show about rebuilding the world from scratch and reimagining everything from first principles.