Future Tech And Foresight
Future Tech And Foresight

Future Tech And Foresight

Marc Verbenkov

Overview
Episodes

Details

Emerging and future technologies and the trends that they are linked to will be covered on this podcast. From the more obvious tech like: AI, Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, and The Metaverse. To less well known disruptors like: Brain-Machine Interfaces, CBDC’s, Internet of Bodies, Smart Dust, Animal Human Chimeras, 4D Printing, Under The Skin Surveillance, Bio Computers and much more. A vision of what the future may hold will be painted to alleviate some of our collective Future Shock so we can make better decisions for tomorrow. Website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/

Recent Episodes

The Future of Coding in the Age of AI (With Matt Stripplehoff of Red Hawk Technologies) - Ep 233.
JUN 9, 2026
The Future of Coding in the Age of AI (With Matt Stripplehoff of Red Hawk Technologies) - Ep 233.
Marc and Matt break down how generative AI tools are shifting software development into a modular assembly model, exposing critical pitfalls in licensing, code quality, and senior engineer oversight.About the EpisodeSoftware development has radically evolved from the foundational days of manual hard-coding to an ecosystem built on sophisticated frameworks and modular "LEGO blocks." This episode explores how generative AI and specialized developer agents are accelerating this evolution, drastically lowering barriers to entry for smaller enterprises and enabling the creation of bespoke tools. We dive into the profound operational shifts taking place, including how automation is turning tedious maintenance tasks—like security patching and vulnerability remediation—into background processes, effectively fundamentally altering agency billing models.However, moving past high-fidelity prototypes to a truly production-ready application reveals complex hurdles. We address the hidden legal and technical minefields of AI-assisted coding, particularly the massive intellectual property risks surrounding open-source licensing. If an AI unknowingly integrates code with strict copyleft dependencies, an enterprise could face devastating compliance issues that prevent their software from ever being sold commercially.Crucially, this conversation highlights why human expertise is more critical than ever to bridge the "last mile" of development. We look at the future of tech talent and engineering education, highlighting why junior developers must remain grounded in fundamental architectural concepts rather than relying entirely on large language models. To succeed, leadership must build structured corporate environments that foster psychological safety, giving engineering teams the confidence to innovate with AI without fearing displacement.About the GuestMatt Strippelhoff has curated an extensive portfolio in traditional and interactive media. Leading the development of web applications, mobile applications, e-commerce websites and specialized interactive marketing programs, he shapes Red Hawk’s technological landscape.In 2022, The Circuit awarded Matt the Visionary Leader Award for his groundbreaking approach to software development. Recognized for reimagining the process, Matt's bold leadership catalyzes growth and success. His visionary business model bundles software development and technical support services for a fixed monthly fee, offering financial predictability and operational stability for their mid-market clientele.Matt earned a BFA in communication design from the Art Academy of Cincinnati in 1993.Timestamps:00:01:05 - Episode Commences00:03:27 - Evolution of Web Development Technologies00:06:29 -AI Tools and Licensing Challenges00:10:25 - AI Challenges in Software Development00:12:38 - AI's Impact on Software Development00:17:40 - AI Adoption and Implementation Challenges00:21:33 - Large Language Models and Development00:26:11 - AI Automation in Software Engineering00:30:11 - AI Adoption in Software Development00:47:43 - Episode ConcludesAdditional Notes:For more check out the website: ⁠⁠https://futuretechandforesight.com/⁠⁠ Or connect with me on – Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/
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47 MIN
The AI Scam Epidemic and the Battle for Real-Time Trust (With Al Pascual of Scamnetic) - Ep #232
JUN 2, 2026
The AI Scam Epidemic and the Battle for Real-Time Trust (With Al Pascual of Scamnetic) - Ep #232
Marc and Al expose how criminal syndicates leverage AI deepfakes and automated call centers to execute highly sophisticated scams, and why current banking regulations leave victims entirely unprotected.About the EpisodeThe digital fraud landscape has shifted from clumsy phishing emails to industrialized, AI-powered operations. In this episode, we dive deep into the rapid evolution of modern scams, driven by the explosive growth of instant digital payments and highly specialized criminal networks. We explore how bad actors deploy generative AI and deepfakes to scale romance and investment scams, building complex, fake relationships that blur the line between human and machine interaction.We also break down a critical loophole in consumer finance: the massive legal distinction between authorized and unauthorized transactions. Under current regulations like Regulation E, financial institutions are legally required to cover losses from identity theft, but they hold zero liability when a victim is manipulated into authorizing a payment themselves. This regulatory gap has left a massive opening for criminals, making real-time, AI-based interception and identity verification tools absolutely vital.Finally, the conversation challenges the common stereotype of the typical scam victim. While older generations suffer the heaviest financial losses, data reveals that younger, tech-savvy demographics are actually falling for modern digital scams at a higher rate. This episode serves as an urgent wake-up call and a blueprint for navigating a world where seeing and hearing is no longer believing.About the GuestAl is a cybersecurity and fraud prevention expert with a unique background rooted in investigative work, inspired by his parents' careers as detectives. After leading fraud detection initiatives across the financial and banking sectors, his pioneering startup focusing on account takeovers and security signal interpretation was successfully acquired by TransUnion. He now leads an advanced real-time scam detection platform designed to intercept fraudulent communications and verify identities across marketplaces and dating applications. Through his work, Al continues to develop custom machine learning architectures to protect consumers from highly automated, next-generation digital threats.Timestamps:00:01:03 - Episode Commences00:03:13 - Cybersecurity and Fraud Detection Background00:05:30 - Increase in Digital Scams Factors00:10:23 - AI-Enhanced Scam Operations00:14:23 - AI in Cyber Scams Discussion00:17:46 - Generative AI in Cybersecurity00:21:22 - AI Scam Prevention Service Discussion00:26:34 - Current Scam Landscape Discussion00:47:43 - Episode ConcludesAdditional Notes:For more check out the website: ⁠⁠https://futuretechandforesight.com/⁠⁠ Or connect with me on – Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/
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44 MIN
Why Most Organizational Change Fails (With Richard Carson of Carson & Associates) - Ep #231
MAY 26, 2026
Why Most Organizational Change Fails (With Richard Carson of Carson & Associates) - Ep #231
Marc and Richard discuss a robust, 10-step diagnostic framework for change management that moves beyond shallow models to address leadership resistance and integrate AI-driven efficiency.About the Episode Change is often treated as a buzzword, yet many initiatives fail because organizations lack a rigorous way to identify what is actually broken. This episode explores a systematic approach to change management inspired by medical diagnostic models, shifting the focus from simply implementing new tech to deeply understanding organizational health. We examine why the phrase "we've always done it this way" is a red flag for leadership and how active listening at every level—from front-line staff to vendors—is the key to unlocking true operational potential.The conversation also ventures into the future of methodology, discussing how complex, multi-step frameworks can be integrated into AI systems. By removing technical jargon and utilizing "Plain Talk," organizations can create scalable strategies that hold teams accountable. We look at how AI might eventually outperform human intuition in organizational diagnosis by processing information systematically, without the interference of human bias or forgetfulness.About the GuestRichard is a veteran manager and organizational psychologist with over 30 years of experience in performance audits and change management. After noticing a lack of depth in traditional post-WWII change models, he conducted academic research to develop a more robust, 39-action framework for organizational adaptation. He is a proponent of "Plain Talk" in government and business, aiming to make complex management theories accessible and actionable for any scale of organization. Through his work, Richard continues to empower leaders to move past routine-based resistance and embrace diagnostic-driven growth.Timestamps:00:01:09 - Episode Commences00:03:00 - Systematic Approach to Change Management00:06:19 - Change Management Diagnostic Approach00:09:41 - Scalable Change Management Approaches00:12:25 - Organizational Change and Resistance Challenges00:15:55 - Change Management Role Implementation00:18:32 - Change Management Strategy Discussion00:21:53 - Three-Phase Work Methodology Discussion00:24:10 - AI Integration in Organizational Change00:29:20 - Current State of AI Implementation00:34:04 - Technology's Impact on Employment00:47:43 - Episode ConcludesAdditional Notes:For more check out the website: ⁠⁠https://futuretechandforesight.com/⁠⁠ Or connect with me on – Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/
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46 MIN
The Future of Local AI and the End of Data Centralization (With Jonathan Schaeffer) Ep #230
MAY 19, 2026
The Future of Local AI and the End of Data Centralization (With Jonathan Schaeffer) Ep #230
Marc and Jonathan explore the shift from resource-heavy cloud models to localized AI solutions, discussing the security, privacy, and environmental benefits of keeping your data on your own machine.About the Episode The AI revolution has largely been a story of the "cloud"—massive data centers consuming vast amounts of energy to process our personal information. However, this conversation shifts the focus toward the growing movement of decentralized, local AI. We delve into how the trade-offs between computational power and data privacy are reaching a breaking point, and why the next phase of innovation might not happen in a server farm, but on your personal desktop.The discussion also tackles the environmental and technical sustainability of current Large Language Models (LLMs). With data centers proliferating at an alarming rate, we examine the potential for a "hybrid" future—one where personal, trusted AI systems handle the majority of our sensitive tasks locally, only reaching out to the cloud for highly specialized, state-of-the-art functions. This episode is a must-watch for anyone concerned about data sovereignty and the long-term efficiency of AI.About the GuestJonathan Schaeffer is the inventor of Kind and has been at the forefront of artificial intelligence for more than 40 years. Alongside his work as an AI researcher, he has been an entrepreneur and inventor focused on building practical, trustworthy AI systems that solve real problems.Jonathan's career includes leading or contributing to AI systems that mastered checkers and competed against world-class poker players—both achievements recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. He co-founded his first AI software company, BioTools, in 1995, was a co-founder of the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), and a founding partner at Onlea, now a global leader in online learning.Kind was first conceived in 2017 and took shape while Jonathan was teaching full-time and responding to hundreds of student emails. He created an AI system that interacted only with documents he explicitly provided, ensuring accuracy, explainability, and trust. After years of personal use and refinement, Kind evolved into a downloadable desktop application that allows users to curate their own data, interact with it in depth, and gain insights—without sacrificing privacy.Timestamps:00:01:15 - Episode Commences00:02:58 - AI's Game-Changing Beginnings00:07:06 - Cloud vs. Local AI Trade-offs00:17:31 - Cloud vs. Offline AI Chatbots00:23:38 - LLMs' Efficiency and Environmental Impact00:32:11 - Hybrid AI: Local and Cloud00:35:16 - Local AI Data Processing Tool00:47:43 - Episode ConcludesAdditional Notes:For more check out the website: ⁠https://futuretechandforesight.com/⁠Or connect with me on –Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/FutureTech_Pod⁠Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/
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49 MIN
AI’s Evolution and Human Collaboration (With Stephen DeWitt)-Ep #229
MAY 14, 2026
AI’s Evolution and Human Collaboration (With Stephen DeWitt)-Ep #229
Marc and Stephen explore how AI is reshaping human collaboration, financial auditing, and business operations, while examining the challenges of trust, governance, and future workforce transformation.About the Episode:Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool — it’s becoming a collaborator. In this episode, we explore how advancements in data science, compute power, and autonomous systems are driving a new era where humans and AI work side by side. From coding and design to decision-making processes, AI is rapidly enhancing what individuals and organizations can achieve.The conversation dives into real-world applications, particularly in financial auditing, where AI is transforming how data is analyzed — shifting from sample-based reviews to continuous, full-scale insights. This evolution is not just about efficiency, but about uncovering patterns and risks that were previously invisible, fundamentally changing how industries operate.Looking ahead, the discussion explores the balance between innovation and responsibility. As AI adoption accelerates across enterprises and small businesses alike, questions around trust, cybersecurity, and governance become critical. The episode challenges listeners to think about how they can adapt, upskill, and actively participate in shaping a future where AI augments human potential rather than replaces it.About the Guest:Stephen De Witt is the CEO of MindBridge, the world's leading provider of AI based financial analysis. From guiding Cobalt Networks through IPO and Sun acquisition to leading WorkMarket's exit to ADP, then steering Azul Systems and CloudBees as CEO, how does Stephen De Witt repeat startup success? Now CEO of MindBridge, he draws from C-suite roles at HP (SVP Enterprise Marketing, WebOS GBU), Cisco (VP/GMEnterprise), Symantec (VP Worldwide Marketing), and Automation Anywhere (CTO) to share leadership tactics for navigating pivots, global scale, and enterprise sales.Website: https://www.mindbridge.ai/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephendewitt/Timestamps:00:01:17 - Episode Commences00:03:12 - AI's Evolution and Human Collaboration00:08:20 - AI Adoption in Financial Auditing00:21:24 - AI Adoption for Small Businesses00:30:35 - AI Development and Governance00:44:12 - Episode ConcludesAdditional Notes:For more check out the website: https://futuretechandforesight.com/Or connect with me on –Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureTech_PodLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/futuretechandforesight/
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45 MIN