CR118: Christmas special! Return to the simulation with Anders Indset, Author & Philosopher

From all of us at Cloud Realities, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Back in our December 2022 Christmas special, we explored the far reaches of reality, asking whether we live in a simulation and if that even matters. Now, we return to that question with fresh perspectives and new challenges…In this last Cloud Realities podcast of 2025, Dave, Esmee and Rob return to the simulation with Anders Indset, philosopher, author, and long-time friend of the show, revisiting a question that’s been quietly running underneath everything we’ve discussed since 2022: If reality itself is information and what does that mean for being human? TLDR:00:58 – It’s Christmas!08:32 – Major announcement and reflections on the Cloud Realities podcast journey15:32 – Celebrating three big wins: B2B Marketing Awards (Best Content, Best Customer Retention) and The Drum (Best Creative Audio)22:55 – Is there a next thing?23:30 – Welcoming Anders Indset, who shares his vision for practical philosophy and the future of human/AI co-evolution32:02 – Exploring the Quantum Economy and the Singularity Paradox58:10 – Deep dive into the Simulation Hypothesis, revisiting the 2022 discussion and Rob is again confused...01:27:45 – Anders enjoying Christmas in the Norwegian wilderness01:29:40 – Edit pointGuestAnders Indset: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersindset/ or andersindset.comAdditional information: thequantumeconomy.com and tomorrowmensch.comHostsDave Chapmanger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Esmee van de Gluhwein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/Rob Snowmananahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/ProductionDr Mike van Der Buabbles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/Dave Chapmanger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/ SoundBen Jingle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Snow:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/ 'Cloud Realities' is an original podcast from Capgemini

In this last episode of the special AI mini-series, we now explore the human side of transformation, where technology meets purpose and people remain at the center. From future jobs and critical thinking to working with C-level leaders, how human intervention and high-quality data drive success in an AI-powered world.This week Dave, Esmee , Rob sit down with Johanna Hutchinson, CDO at BAE systems about why data matters, the rise of Sovereign AI, and the skills shaping the intelligence age. TLDR00:55 Introduction of Johanna Hutchinson02:09 Explaining the State of AI mini-series with Craig06:01 Conversation with Johanna34:20 Weaving today’s data tapestries with AI40:20 Going to a rave GuestJohanna Hutchinson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-hutchinson-95b95568/ HostsDave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Esmee van de Giessen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/Rob Kernahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/with co-host Craig Suckling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigsuckling/ProductionMarcel van der Burg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/Dave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/ SoundBen Corbett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Corbett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/ 'Cloud Realities' is an original podcast from Capgemini

AI is transforming software development—redefining roles, creativity, and community, while challenging developers to embrace ambiguity, orchestrate specialized agents, and stay human through empathy and curiosity. Will AI make developers more creative, or will we forget how the machine really works under the hood?This week Dave, Esmee , Rob sit down with Scott Hanselman, VP Developer Community at Microsoft for a wildly energetic, deeply human, and brilliantly practical conversation about how AI is reshaping software development and what that means for creativity, careers, and all industries. TLDR00:30 – Scott Hanselman introduced as a special guest from Microsoft Ignite 2025.02:16 – Scott discusses how AI is fundamentally redesigning all industries.09:50 – Don’t anthropomorphize AI, I want the computer from Star Trek!15:30 – Delegation: contrasting the roles of humans and agents.18:30 – The importance of supporting early career growth and learning.26:30 – Why specificity matters in AI and coding.35:30 – Making AI delightful and fun.45:30 – Always put humans first in AI development.46:00 – Each morning I think about lunch. GuestScott Hanselman: https://www.hanselman.com/The Hanselminutes Podcast: https://www.hanselman.com/podcasts with over 1025 podcasts! HostsDave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Esmee van de Giessen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/Rob Kernahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/ ProductionMarcel van der Burg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/Dave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/ SoundBen Corbett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Corbett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/ 'Cloud Realities' is an original podcast from Capgemini

Live from the iconic Venetian in Las Vegas, we’re rolling out an exclusive mini-series dedicated to AWS re:Invent 2025!Tune in as we sit down with AWS visionaries and take the pulse of the industry on everything shaping the future, Cloud innovation, GenAI, Agents, and the hottest trends making waves.And because what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas, we’ll spill the latest news, insider buzz, and a little Strip-side gossip to keep things spicy. Dave, Esmee, and Rob wrap up their final AWS re:Invent 2025 conversation with Mustafa Isik, Chief Technologist for Sovereignty at AWS, discussing digital sovereignty and its growing regional importance. They close the event with reflections from Matthew Gillard, co-founder of Cuidado Connect and co-host of Cloud Dialogues, along with insights from the team. TLDR01:29 – Meet Mustafa Isik and hear his keynote highlights04:05 – In-depth discussion with Mustafa31:35 – Exploring the line between science fiction and science fact36:26 – Introduction to Matthew Gillard38:55 – Matt shares his re:Invent reflections from a developer’s perspective52:12 – The team looks back on re:Invent 20251:00:02 – The team’s take on science fiction versus science fact GuestsMustafa Isik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codesurgeon/Matt Gillard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgillard/ https://cloud-dialogues.com/HostsDave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Esmee van de Giessen:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/Rob Kernahan:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/ ProductionMarcel van der Burg:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/Dave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/ SoundBen Corbett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Corbett:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/ 'Cloud Realities' is an original podcast from Capgemini

Live from the iconic Venetian in Las Vegas, we’re rolling out an exclusive mini-series dedicated to AWS re:Invent 2025!Tune in as we sit down with AWS visionaries and take the pulse of the industry on everything shaping the future, Cloud innovation, GenAI, Agents, and the hottest trends making waves.And because what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas, we’ll spill the latest news, insider buzz, and a little Strip-side gossip to keep things spicy. Dave, Esmee, and Rob continue their discussion with Scott Mullins, MD Financial Services at AWS, on how the sector is rapidly embracing cloud, AI, automation, and real-time data to drive agility and stay compliant. TLDR00:30 – Meet Scott Mullins and hear about his re:Invent experience05:00 – Deep dive conversation with Scott25:56 – Fiiction with The Jetsons GuestScott Mullins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/escottmullins/ HostsDave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Esmee van de Giessen:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/Rob Kernahan:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/ ProductionMarcel van der Burg:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/Dave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/ SoundBen Corbett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Corbett:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/ 'Cloud Realities' is an original podcast from Capgemini

Live from the iconic Venetian in Las Vegas, we’re rolling out an exclusive mini-series dedicated to AWS re:Invent 2025!Tune in as we sit down with AWS visionaries and take the pulse of the industry on everything shaping the future, Cloud innovation, GenAI, Agents, and the hottest trends making waves.And because what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas, we’ll spill the latest news, insider buzz, and a little Strip-side gossip to keep things spicy.Dave, Esmee, and Rob bring a double-feature conversation on industry innovation—first with Rob Boetticher, Global Technology Leader for Automotive and Manufacturing, followed by Howard Gefen, GM of the Energy and Utilities Industry Business Unit at AWS. TLDR00:42 – Rob Boetticher & Howard Gefen introduced02:00 – Rob’s keynote highlights07:52 –  The future of automotive innovation with Rob23:32 – Tech fiction examples25:59 – Howard Gefen introduced28:00 – Howard’s keynote highlights31:04 – Howard on the future of Energy and Utilities50:14 – Tech fiction examples GuestRob Boetticher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-boetticher/Howard Gefen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hgefen/ HostsDave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Esmee van de Giessen:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/Rob Kernahan:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/ ProductionMarcel van der Burg:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/Dave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/ SoundBen Corbett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Corbett:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/ 'Cloud Realities' is an original podcast from Capgemini

Live from the iconic Venetian in Las Vegas, we’re rolling out an exclusive mini-series dedicated to AWS re:Invent 2025!Tune in as we sit down with AWS visionaries and take the pulse of the industry on everything shaping the future, Cloud innovation, GenAI, Agents, and the hottest trends making waves.And because what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas, we’ll spill the latest news, insider buzz, and a little Strip-side gossip to keep things spicy. Dave, Esmee, and Rob kick off their conversation with Tanuja Randery, Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA), diving into cloud innovation and the call to re:Accelerate Europe. TLDR00:49 – Introduction to Tanuja Randery03:29 – Keynote highlights with Tanuja and a deep-dive conversation31:00 – Imaginary tech and Star Trek GuestTanuja Randery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanuja-randery/ HostsDave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Esmee van de Giessen:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/Rob Kernahan:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/ ProductionMarcel van der Burg:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/Dave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/ SoundBen Corbett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Corbett:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/ 'Cloud Realities' is an original podcast from Capgemini

Live from the iconic Venetian in Las Vegas, we’re rolling out an exclusive mini-series dedicated to AWS re:Invent 2025!Tune in as we sit down with AWS visionaries and take the pulse of the industry on everything shaping the future, Cloud innovation, GenAI, Agents, and the hottest trends making waves.And because what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas, we’ll spill the latest news, insider buzz, and a little Strip-side gossip to keep things spicy. Dave, Esmee, and Rob continue their conversation with Tim Murnin, Head of Industry & Partner Strategy at AWS, exploring the evolving role of the CIO, adoption delays, and how trends vary across different sectors. TLDR00:36 – Welcome back with Tim Murnin and the team’s highlights from the AWS re:Invent 2025 keynote08:04 – In-depth conversation with Tim, exploring key insights32:05 – Where fact meets fiction, including a look at the flying carGuestTim Murnin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmurnin/ HostsDave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Esmee van de Giessen:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/Rob Kernahan:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/ ProductionMarcel van der Burg:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/Dave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/ SoundBen Corbett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Corbett:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/ 'Cloud Realities' is an original podcast from Capgemini

Live from the iconic Venetian in Las Vegas, we’re rolling out an exclusive mini-series dedicated to AWS re:Invent 2025!Tune in as we sit down with AWS visionaries and take the pulse of the industry on everything shaping the future, Cloud innovation, GenAI, Agents, and the hottest trends making waves. And because what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas, we’ll spill the latest news, insider buzz, and a little Strip-side gossip to keep things spicy. Dave, Esmee, and Rob start their conversation with Chandra Pinapala, Director Global Strategic Partners, to explore why strong partnerships are essential for success in Cloud and AI. TLDR00:40 – Back in Las Vegas with highlights from the AWS re:Invent 2025 keynote12:07 – Meet Chandra Pinapala and dive deep into the conversation35:10 – A playful leap into the world of fiction GuestChandra Pinapala: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandrapinapala/ HostsDave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Esmee van de Giessen:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/Rob Kernahan:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/ ProductionMarcel van der Burg:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/Dave Chapman:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/ SoundBen Corbett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Corbett:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/ 'Cloud Realities' is an original podcast from Capgemini

Accelerating cloud adoption to drive innovation across domains like space, identity, and naval systems presents unique challenges. Success depends on aligning organizational culture, governance, financial models, and regulatory frameworks to enable collaboration, scalability, and software-defined capabilities.  This week, Dave, Esmee, and Rob speak with Danny Polaine, Chief Information Officer at Thales, about the strategic shift to cloud technologies in a high-security sector like defense and the unique challenges that come with it. TLDR:00:52 – Introduction to Danny Polaine03:35 – Rob is confused about the AI privacy dilemma07:40 – Exploring tech in high-security sectors with Danny35:34 – The biggest challenge isn’t tech, it’s people adapting to new ways of working44:55 – Reflections on the CIO role and a fun story about singing waiters at a wedding Guest Danny Polaine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-polaine-5713454/?originalSubdomain=uk  HostsDave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/Rob Kernahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kernahan/Esmee van de Giessen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmeevandegiessen/ ProductionMarcel van der Burg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-vd-burg/Dave Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chapmandr/ SoundBen Corbett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-corbett-3b6a11135/Louis Corbett:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-corbett-087250264/ 'Cloud Realities' is an original podcast from Capgemini