Vanguard Estates: The Future of the Aging Brain

Welcome to the end of Flash Forward. This is the very last episode of the show ever. And on it we tackle the big, BIG question: how do you change the world? How do you change yourself? How do you change tomorrow?✨ BECOME A TIME TRAVELER ✨Guests:Dr. Jessica Ware -- associate curator of invertebrates at the American Museum of Natural HistorySabrina Imbler -- journalist and author of How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures.Dean Spade -- law professor at Seattle University School of Law and author of Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During this Crisis (and the Next)Dr. Ruha Benjamin — professor of African American studies at Princeton University and author of Viral Justice: How We Grow the World We WantLiz Neeley — science communicator and founder of Liminal  → → →  Further reading & resources here! ← ← ← This episode of Flash Forward was written by me, Rose Eveleth, edited by Avery Trufelman, produced by Ozzy Llinas Goodman and sound designed by Ariana Martinez. Much of the music in this episode is by Ilan Blanck. The outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky. Special thanks to Kendra Snyder at the Museum of Natural History; Cass Adair, who read Sonnet Against Entropy by John M. Ford; Elena Rivera, who read The Hermit Crab by Mary Oliver; and to Siona Petrous, who read our Octavia Butler quote.That’s all for Flash Forward, go forth and make better futures, okay? Poem CreditsSonnet Against Entropy, by John M. Ford, published by Tor in 2011“The Hermit Crab” by Mary Oliver. Read by the permission of The Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency as agent for the author. Copyright © 1990, 2006, 2008, 2017 by Mary Oliver with permission of Bill ReichblumThat is solemn we have ended,— (87), by Emily Dickinson (public domain)

Why does it always feel like we’re on the verge of something — great or terrible? And how do we resist the pull, the lull, and the stress of the void?  Guests:Dr. Matt Connelly — historian at Columbia and author of the book The Declassification EngineDr. Susan Hough — seismologist at the US Geological SurveyLiz Neeley — science communicator and founder of Liminal Eva Hagberg — architectural historian and the author of When Eero Met His Match. → → →  Further reading & resources here! ← ← ← ✨ BECOME A TIME TRAVELER ✨Poem Credits:Tracy K. Smith, "Sci-Fi" from Life on Mars. Copyright © 2011 by Tracy K. Smith.  Reprinted by permission of Graywolf Press. www.graywolfpress.org. Audio provided by the Stanford News Service.“Storming Towards a Precipice” From After and Before the Lightning by Simon Ortiz. © 1994 Simon Ortiz. Reprinted by permission of the University of Arizona Press.“Future Memories” by Mario Melendez translated by Eloisa Amezcua, Poetry Magazine, 2017, Reprinted by permission of author.This episode of Flash Forward was written by me, Rose Eveleth, edited by Avery Trufelman, produced by Ozzy Llinas Goodman and sound designed by Ariana Martinez. Much of the music in this episode is by Ilan Blanck. The outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky. The incredible beat that dropped at the end is by Lazerbeak. Special thanks to Julia Furlan, who hit the streets of New York City to ask people about aliens for us. Thanks also to everybody who sent in voice memos around that question we couldn’t use them all and wow there were so many good ones. Thanks also to Ed Yong who read a passage from A hundred years hence : the expectations of an optimist; to Tracy K. Smith who read her poem Sci-Fi, and to Stanford University for letting us use that audio; to Jeffrey Nils Gardner who read Storming Toward a Precipice By Simon J. Ortiz; and to Elena Fernández Collins who called to the void for us and read Future Memories by Mario Melendez in both Spanish and English. 

Welcome to the end of Flash Forward. This is the first episode in our three-part show finale!! As I say goodbye to Flash Forward, I wanted to leave you all with a rumination on how to think about the future. How do you stay hopeful? How do we imagine better futures? How do we actually GET those better futures? This is my three-part love letter to you all, and to tomorrow. ✨ BECOME A TIME TRAVELER ✨Guests:Jack Shepherd — former editorial director BuzzFeed, author of On Words and Up Words newsletter, co-host of Strange Bedfellows podcastDr. Adam Mastroianni — postdoctoral research scholar at Columbia Business School and author of Experimental History newsletter Liz Neeley — science communicator and founder of Liminal Dr. Ruha Benjamin — professor of African American studies at Princeton University and author of Viral Justice: How We Grow the World We Want→ → →  Further reading & resources here! ← ← ← This episode of Flash Forward was written by me, Rose Eveleth; edited by Avery Trufelman; produced by Ozzy Llinas Goodman and sound designed by Ariana Martinez. Much of the music in this episode is by Ilan Blanck. The outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky. Special thanks to Libby Larsen, who read Plates by Ethan Leos Verne; Emily C, who read Nailbunny’s post; Afi Yellow Duke who read “Sorrow is Not My Name” by Ross Gay; and Marge Piercy who read her poem “To be of use.”Poems Credits“Sorrow Is Not My Name” from Bringing the Shovel Down by Ross Gay, Ⓒ 2011. Aired by permission of University of Pittsburgh Press.“To be of use” by Marge Piercy Copyright ©1973, 1982 by Marge Piercy From CIRCLES ON THE WATER, Alfred A. Knopf. Used by permission of Robin Straus Agency, Inc.

Today we wrap up out Vanguard Estates series with the ultimate question: where do you want to grow old? The answer is probably not in a nursing home. And yet, millions of people live in places whose general crappiness is a punchline in sitcoms and cartoons. Why? Can nursing homes be redeemed? What are our alternatives? And what could the future of aging look like, if we learned to care for one another better? Guests: Sarah Luterman: caregiving reporter at The 19th Kate Swaffer: activist & author, co-founder of Dementia Alliance International Dr. Alana Lee Glaser: assistant professor of anthropology at Saint John’s University Jannette Spiering: Senior managing Advisor of The Hogeweyk → → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ← MORE ABOUT WHAT'S NEXT FOR FLASH FORWARDPlay the interactive version of Welcome to Vanguard EstatesFlash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Ozzy Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.Get in touch:  Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected] the show: Patreon // DonorboxSubscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify Episode Sponsors:  Volante Designs: If you’re looking for gear that makes you feel just as badass in real life as you do when you get a triple-S combo kill in game, look no further than Volante Design. Ethically sourced and manufactured, Volante jackets are made for quality and will last you for years to come. Just go to volantedesign.us and use code flashforward for 10% off your entire order.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this series, we’re taking a look at some of the real science, policy, economics, law and ethics that inspired the events of Vanguard Estates. Today we’re digging into the economics of senior care — both for the families and individuals who need care, and those who provide it. Guests: Laurie Orlov: founder of Aging and Health Technology Watch Dyvonne Body: community development specialist for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, lead author of The True Cost of Caregiving report. Nikki: care partner & founder of A Log Cabin in Brooklyn Dr. Alana Lee Glaser: assistant professor of anthropology at Saint John's University Kate Swaffer: activist & author, co-founder of Dementia Alliance International Dr. Clara Berridge: associate professor at the University of Washington School of Social Work Victor Wang: CEO of care.coach → → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ← Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Ozzy Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.Get in touch:  Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected] the show: Patreon // DonorboxSubscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify Episode Sponsors: Tavour: Tavour is THE app for fans of beer, craft brews, and trying new and exciting labels. You sign up in the app and can choose the beers you’re interested in (including two new ones DAILY) adding to your own personalized crate. Use code: flashforward for $10 off after your first order of $25 or more.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this series, we’re taking a look at some of the real science, policy, economics, law and ethics that inspired the events of Vanguard Estates. Today: can robots really help the aging? What are the pros and cons of these devices, and how do you evaluate their safety? Guests: Victor Wang: CEO of care.coach Dr. Amanda Lazar: assistant professor at the University of Maryland College of Information Studies Dr. Clara Berridge: associate professor at the University of Washington School of Social Work Laurie Orlov: founder of Aging and Health Technology Watch Kate Swaffer: activist & author, co-founder of Dementia Alliance International Nikki: care partner & founder of A Log Cabin in Brooklyn Dr. Tia Powell:  psychiatrist and the director of the Center for Bioethics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, author of the book Dementia Reimagined: Building a Life of Joy and Dignity from Beginning to End. → → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ← Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Ozzy Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.Get in touch:  Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected] the show: Patreon // DonorboxSubscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify Episode Sponsors:  Tavour: Tavour is THE app for fans of beer, craft brews, and trying new and exciting labels. You sign up in the app and can choose the beers you’re interested in (including two new ones DAILY) adding to your own personalized crate. Use code: flashforward for $10 off after your first order of $25 or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this series, we’re taking a look at some of the real science, policy, economics, law and ethics that inspired the events of Vanguard Estates. Today: what even is dementia, and why can’t we cure it?  Guests: Dr. Malú Gámez Tansey — professor of neuroscience and neurology at the University of Florida, and the co-director of the Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease Dr. Tia Powell — psychiatrist and the director of the Center for Bioethics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, author of the book Dementia Reimagined: Building a Life of Joy and Dignity from Beginning to End. Charles Piller — investigative reporter at Science magazine Dr. Tanisha Hill-Jarrett — neuropsychologist and postdoctoral fellow at UCSF Dr. Margot Kushel — professor of medicine at UCSF and the director of the Center for Vulnerable Populations and the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative Kate Swaffer: activist & author, co-founder of Dementia Alliance International Nikki: care partner & founder of A Log Cabin in Brooklyn → → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ← Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Ozzy Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.Get in touch:  Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected] the show: Patreon // DonorboxSubscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify Episode Sponsors: Purple Carrot: Purple Carrot is THE plant-based subscription meal kit that makes it easy to cook irresistible meals to fuel your body. Each week, choose from an expansive and delicious menu of dinners, lunches, breakfasts, and snacks! Get $30 off your first box by going to www.purplecarrot.com and entering code FLASH at checkout today! Purple Carrot, the easiest way to eat more plants!  Knowable: Learn today’s most in-demand skills with actionable, podcast-style lessons from top experts. Download the Knowable app or visit Knowable.fyi and use the code FLASHFORWARD for an additional 20% off. The proceeds from ads on this episode will be donated to Moms 4 Housing.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this series, we’re taking a look at some of the real science, policy, economics, law and ethics that inspired the events of Vanguard Estates. Today: what it’s really like living with dementia, and caring for someone who has it? Remember, listen to Welcome to Vanguard Estates first!Guests: Kate Swaffer: activist & author  Nikki: care partner & founder of A Log Cabin in Brooklyn  → → → Further reading & resources here! ← ← ← Flash Forward is hosted by, Rose Eveleth and produced by Ozzy Llinas Goodman. The intro music is by Asura and the outro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Mattie Lubchansky.Get in touch:  Twitter // Facebook // Reddit // [email protected] the show: Patreon // DonorboxSubscribe: iTunes // Soundcloud // Spotify Episode Sponsors: Shaker and Spoon — A subscription cocktail service that helps you learn how to make hand-crafted cocktails right at home. Get $20 off your first box at shakerandspoon.com/flashforward.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi friends, it’s Rose and I’m back with a new series from Flash Forward. It’s called Welcome to Vanguard Estates, and it’s in your feeds … now! The gist is simple, but I wanted to offer up this little explanation in case you’re like “what the heck why are there thirty new episodes of Flash Forward all of a sudden???” So here’s the deal. Welcome to Vanguard Estates is a choose your own path story. Each episode has a number, and a short title, and at the end of every episode you’ll be presented with a choice. All you have to do is follow the numbers, or titles, whichever works best for your brain, and you’ll be on your way. Simple, yeah? I personally think that this story is best experienced in audio — we worked really hard to score and sound design this thing and have some amazing voice actors along for the ride. But if you’d rather read the story, you can go to flashforwardpod.com/vanguard to play through online.Starting next week, you’ll get a series of explainer episodes, where we talk to experts about all the things that inspired this story. We'll cover everything from the neuroscience of aging, to potential image tampering in Alzheimer's research, to robots that can put your clothes on, to the dire economics of care, to whether we should have nursing homes at all. But for now, head to episode one, and begin your journey into the not so distant future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The End.Vanguard Estates is a production of Flash Forward. The story was written by me, Rose Eveleth; edited by Ace Tilton Radcliffe and Georgia Wyatt; and produced by Ozzy Llinas Goodman. The sound design is by Mischa Stanton and music is by Ilan Blanck. The voice actors for Welcome to Vanguard Estates are: Marcus Jones -- Keith Houston Imani Jones -- Shara Kirby  Robot #1 -- Ashley Kellem Amy -- Chelsey B Coombs  Vanguard Estates Representative -- Aiya Islam  Missy -- Anjali Kunapaneni  Robot # 2 -- Brett Tubbs  NPR Host -- Sandhya Dirks  An earlier version of Vanguard Estates was originally performed live for Pop-Up Magazine. You can also play through a web version of the story at flashforwardpod.com/vanguard, which features really cool illustrations by Mattie Lubchansky.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices