Design for the Future: Ethics, Evolution, and Anthropology with Michael Leube

In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with anthropologist and design educator Michael Leube about how design, ethics, and anthropology intersect to shape the future of human behavior and culture. They dive deep into how design influences human decision-making, the role of evolutionary theory in design thinking, and the ethical responsibility of designers to consider sustainability and long-term consequences. Leube shares insights from his book The Future Designer, exploring topics like planned obsolescence, behavioral design, and the power of making sustainability both convenient and desirable.I'm Adam Gamwell, a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, specializing in human-centered storytelling and experience design. With a background spanning startups, nonprofits, and global organizations, I apply anthropological insights to drive sustainable design solutions, ethical innovation, and business success. You can learn more about my work and get in touch for future projects through my website: https://www.anthrocurious.com/.About Michael Leube:Learn more about Michael Leube: https://anthropologylens.com/The Future Designer: https://books.google.com.ar/books/about/The_Future_Designer.html?id=KWIHEQAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=yAbout This Anthro Life: This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of design, culture, and business. Join us as we connect the dots between anthropology, technology, and the creative industries. Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content.Follow This Anthro Life:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life/Website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/Substack: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/

Today, we’re excited to bring you something a little different. Recently, we've been sharing a lot of episodes and shorts inspired by the work I’ve been doing alongside my colleague, Phil Searles, for Cultural Capitalist. In this special episode, we’ve compiled a "best of" collection, featuring full episode highlights and impactful quotes that have resonated with our audience and shifted their perspectives.We’ve selected key concepts that stood out to us and brought them together to showcase how these ideas intersect and build on one another. We hope you enjoy this curated episode, highlighting some of our most thought-provoking content.Full Episodes Included:What Makes Apple, Apple? The Michigan Wolverines Cultural Advantage The Value of Anthropology to Tech Investors About This Anthro Life This Anthro Life is a podcast that delves into the human side of technology, culture, and business. We explore captivating stories and connect them to the bigger picture of our lives.For more thought-provoking episodes and content, visit thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at thisanthrolife.substack.com. To know more about the work of This Anthro Life host Adam Gamwell, visit anthrocurious.com.Follow This Anthro Life: Website: thisanthrolife.orgSubstack: thisanthrolife.substack.com Twitter: @thisanthrolifeInstagram: @thisanthrolife

In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with anthropologist Claudia Strauss about how #AI, #technology, and the #postpandemic world are reshaping the nature of work in America. They explore crucial topics such as the impact of declining birth rates, an aging population, and restrictive immigration policies on labor markets. Drawing from Strauss’s book, What Work Means Beyond the Puritan Work Ethic, they discuss changing worker attitudes, the rise of #remotework and the #gigeconomy, and challenge the conventional narratives around the #workethic. Together, they delve into how anthropology provides unique insights into #workplaceculture, the human side of technology, and the evolving definition of a "good job" in the modern economy.I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I specialize in storytelling. My diverse background spans startups, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and Fortune 1000 companies, focusing on applied strategy, experience design, and human insights. My approach blends experiential research, like engaging with Peruvian quinoa farmers for climate change initiatives, with cutting-edge tools like AI and trends foresight. By leveraging big data alongside traditional ethnography, I align human needs with business goals, ensuring projects resonate profoundly.About Claudia Strauss:https://www.claudiastrauss.org/ https://www.pitzer.edu/faculty-staff-directory/claudia-strauss https://soundcloud.com/1869thecuppodcast/1869-ep-150-claudia-strauss https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-strauss-94723835/ https://btlonline.org/author-asks-do-we-work-to-live-or-live-to-work/ About This Anthro LifeThis Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. We unravel fascinating narratives and connect them to the wider context of our lives. Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content.Follow This Anthro Life:https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life/https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ https://thisanthrolife.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/

In this episode of This Anthro Life, we’ll dive into how anthropology is reshaping tech investment by examining human culture and its influence on innovation. You'll discover how the deep study of culture helps forecast market trends, understand AI (artificial intelligence) and its cultural implications, and inform smarter investment decisions. We’ll explore why private equity firms are hiring anthropologists and why venture capital should follow suit. With insights into consumer behavior, organizational dynamics, and cultural change, this episode delves into how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies are influenced by anthropological intelligence. We also cover the role of business strategy in navigating today’s technological landscape, exploring how cultural anthropology can reveal the symbolic value and market intelligence that form a company’s cultural moat. Featuring renowned anthropologists Genevieve Bell and Gillian Tett, we uncover why cultural intelligence is essential in our fast-evolving world.I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I specialize in storytelling. My diverse background spans startups, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and Fortune 1000 companies, focusing on applied strategy, experience design, and human insights. My approach blends experiential research, like engaging with Peruvian quinoa farmers for climate change initiatives, with cutting-edge tools like AI and trends foresight. By leveraging big data alongside traditional ethnography, I align human needs with business goals, ensuring projects resonate profoundly.About This Anthro LifeThis Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. We unravel fascinating narratives and connect them to the wider context of our lives. Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content.Follow This Anthro Life:https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life/ https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ https://thisanthrolife.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/ Culture Capitalisthttps://culturecapitalist.substack.com/

Join us in this dynamic episode of This Anthro Life as we sit down with Shaun Carver, CEO of International House at UC Berkeley, to explore the art of building inclusive and vibrant campus communities. Dive into the rich history and transformative impact of I House, where fostering intercultural connections goes hand in hand with managing cultural diversity and navigating today's politically polarized landscape. Learn how promoting civil discourse, embracing free speech, and implementing inclusive policies can help create a thriving educational environment in a rapidly changing world.   I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I specialize in storytelling. My diverse background spans startups, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and Fortune 1000 companies, focusing on applied strategy, experience design, and human insights. My approach blends experiential research, like engaging with Peruvian quinoa farmers for climate change initiatives, with cutting-edge tools like AI and trends foresight. By leveraging big data alongside traditional ethnography, I align human needs with business goals, ensuring projects resonate profoundly.Keywords: Community, Higher Education, Inclusivity, Diversity, I-House, International Students, Civility, Free Speech, Political Polarization, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Exchange, Nonprofit Organization, Student Housing, Intercultural Understanding, Global Education, Historical Context, Academic Environment, Global Community, Student Protests, Mental Health, Critical Thinking, Social Responsibility, Adaptive Learning, AnthropologyAbout Shaun Carverhttps://ihouse.berkeley.edu/ https://twitter.com/ihouseberkeley https://www.instagram.com/ihouseberkeley/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-house-at-uc-berkeley/ About This Anthro LifeThis Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. We unravel fascinating narratives and connect them to the wider context of our lives.Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content. Follow This Anthro Life:https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life/ https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ https://thisanthrolife.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife/https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/

Discover what sets the Michigan Wolverines apart in college football. In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell explores the innovative cultural strategies implemented by head coach Jim Harbaugh that led to the Wolverines' 2024 National Championship victory. Learn how a player-led culture, distributed leadership, and sustainable success through cultural strengths created a resilient and dominant team. I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I specialize in storytelling. My diverse background spans startups, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and Fortune 1000 companies, focusing on applied strategy, experience design, and human insights. My approach blends experiential research, like engaging with Peruvian quinoa farmers for climate change initiatives, with cutting-edge tools like AI and trends foresight. By leveraging big data alongside traditional ethnography, I align human needs with business goals, ensuring projects resonate profoundly.Keywords: Michigan Wolverines, 2024 National Championship, College Football, Cultural Shift, Leadership Transitions, Player-led Culture, Distributed Leadership, Cultural Strategy, Team Culture, Player Empowerment, Sustainable Success, Anthropological Methods, Cultural Strengths, Adaptive Cultural LeadershipAbout This Anthro LifeThis Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. We unravel fascinating narratives and connect them to the wider context of our lives.Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content.Follow This Anthro Life:https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life/https://www.thisanthrolife.org/https://thisanthrolife.substack.com/https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolifehttps://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/

In this episode of This AnthroLife, host Adam Gamwell dives deep into the concept of "cultural moats" and how tech giants like Apple leverage design, technology, and cultural influence to cultivate an intensely loyal customer base. Adam examines the subtle yet powerful symbols Apple uses. This strategy preserves Apple's unique cultural identity while sparking a competitive race among tech companies to replicate the blue bubble experience on Android. The episode also introduces semiotics—the study of symbols—and its critical role in business and marketing, illustrating how cultural symbols like Apple's evolve and shape consumer behavior.I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I specialize in storytelling. My diverse background spans startups, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and Fortune 1000 companies, focusing on applied strategy, experience design, and human insights. My approach blends experiential research, like engaging with Peruvian quinoa farmers for climate change initiatives, with cutting-edge tools like AI and trends foresight. By leveraging big data alongside traditional ethnography, I align human needs with business goals, ensuring projects resonate profoundly.Keywords: Cultural Moat, Apple, Android, User Experience, Symbolic Ecosystem, Integrated Technology, Loyal Customers, Brand Loyalty, Psychology of Branding, Tech Innovation, Apple Ecosystem, Rich Communication Services (RCS), Design Choices, Technology and Culture, Apple Messages, Antitrust Investigation, Semiotics, Symbolic Communication.About This Anthro Life This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. We unravel fascinating narratives and connect them to the wider context of our lives.Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content.

In this episode of Anthro Life host Adam engages in a fascinating discussion with Chris Carter, a geoscientist-turned-design-educator, and Scott Dorely, a filmmaker-turned-design-educator. They explore how design and anthropology intersect to shape the future.Key Topics:-Holistic Design & Speculative Fiction: Discover the valuable lessons from speculative stories like "On the Mammoth Step," focusing on the de-extinction of species and future design.-Emotional & Biomic Design: The importance of integrating emotional design and the interconnectedness of ecosystems with technology. Interdisciplinary Approaches: The necessity of combining different disciplines to tackle contemporary challenges. -Diversity in Storytelling: The critical role of diverse perspectives in creating more inclusive and innovative designs.-Emerging Technologies: The discussion covers the real-world implications of AI and algorithms, and the potential unintended consequences they may bring. Chris and Scott highlight the importance of humility and relational understanding in design work.I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I specialize in storytelling. My diverse background spans startups, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and Fortune 1000 companies, focusing on applied strategy, experience design, and human insights. My approach blends experiential research, like engaging with Peruvian quinoa farmers for climate change initiatives, with cutting-edge tools like AI and trends foresight. By leveraging big data alongside traditional ethnography, I align human needs with business goals, ensuring projects resonate profoundly. Keywords: Design, Anthropology, Speculative Fiction, Future Design, Holistic Design, Interdisciplinary Approaches, Emotional Design, Biomic Design, Emerging Technologies, AI and Algorithms, Diversity in Storytelling, Innovation, Complex Systems, Cross-Cultural Communication, Human-Centered Design, Future of DesignAbout Carissa Carterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carissalcarter/https://x.com/snowflyzonehttps://www.snowflyzone.com/About Scott Doorleyhttps://x.com/scottdoorleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdoorley/ Follow This Anthro Life:https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life/ https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ https://thisanthrolife.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/

Join me in a captivating new series on This Anthro Life as I explore the diverse career paths for anthropology graduates, emphasizing the immense value of anthropological skills in consulting roles. In this episode, "Careers in Anthropology: Corporate Consulting," I delve into the unique expertise we anthropologists offer—such as ethnographic research, qualitative data analysis, and cross-cultural communication. I'll examine specific consulting roles, including user research and design, change management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).Tune in for actionable tips on developing hard skills, showcasing soft skills, and pursuing internships or projects to kickstart your consulting career. Gain valuable insights and resources to leverage your anthropology degree in the corporate world.I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I specialize in storytelling. My diverse background spans startups, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and Fortune 1000 companies, focusing on applied strategy, experience design, and human insights. My approach blends experiential research, like engaging with Peruvian quinoa farmers for climate change initiatives, with cutting-edge tools like AI and trends foresight. By leveraging big data alongside traditional ethnography, I align human needs with business goals, ensuring projects resonate profoundly.Keywords: Anthropology careers, Corporate consulting, Anthropological skills, Ethnographic research, Qualitative data analysis, Cross-cultural communication, User research and design, Change management, Diversity, Launching a consulting career, Anthropology degree, Consulting roles for anthropologists, Hard skills for consultants, Soft skills for consultants, Anthropology graduates, Career tips for anthropologists, Anthropology consultingAbout This Anthro Life This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. We unravel fascinating narratives and connect them to the wider context of our lives. Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content.Follow This Anthro Life:https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life/ https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ https://thisanthrolife.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/

Join us on "This Anthro Life" podcast for an enlightening episode titled "How to Heal Through Ayahuasca" with special guest Austin Mao, co-founder of Ceremonia and entrepreneur. Dive into the resurgence of psychedelic therapies and modern spiritual practices as Austin shares his journey from tech entrepreneurship to founding an entheogenic church. Explore the history and transformative impact of ayahuasca therapy on mental health and personal growth, and learn about the powerful healing potential of psychedelics. Discover the importance of connection and the process of achieving wholeness, nothingness, and oneness as Austin delves into the convergence of ancient wisdom and contemporary science. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that bridges science and spirituality, revealing modern pathways to enlightenment.I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I specialize in storytelling. My diverse background spans startups, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and Fortune 1000 companies, focusing on applied strategy, experience design, and human insights. My approach blends experiential research, like engaging with Peruvian quinoa farmers for climate change initiatives, with cutting-edge tools like AI and trends foresight. By leveraging big data alongside traditional ethnography, I align human needs with business goals, ensuring projects resonate profoundly.Keywords: entrepreneur, psychedelic, therapies, modern spiritual practices, tech entrepreneurship, entheogenic church, ayahuasca therapy, mental health, personal growth, healing potential of psychedelics, connection, wholeness, nothingness, oneness, ancient wisdom, contemporary science, science and spirituality, pathways to enlightenment, healing, enlightenment, Burning Man, connection and ceremony, vulnerability, healthy expression of anger, spiritual spacesAbout This Anthro LifeThis Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. We unravel fascinating narratives and connect them to the wider context of our lives. Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content.Follow Austin Maohttps://www.ceremoniacircle.org/https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircle/https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacirclehttps://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircleFollow This Anthro Life:https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life/https://www.thisanthrolife.org/https://thisanthrolife.substack.com/https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolifehttps://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/