Future of XYZ

Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS, Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we want to go. Through quick and candid conversations with innovative leaders and courageous changemakers, we share unique perspectives that provoke new thinking about what’s coming down the pipeline on topics ranging from business and technology, to art, science, and humanity broadly. Listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on ripbs.org/XYZ, and follow @futureofxyz on Instagram. More information available at future-of.XYZ.

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In a world riddled with conflict, natural disaster, and uneven access to medical care– Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF as it’s known on the ground) is the leading independent international aid organization focused on providing medical humanitarian action where it’s needed most. Founded in 1971, and awarded the Nobel Prize in 1999– MSF supports the core purpose of saving lives and alleviating suffering related to health outcomes. Tune in for a remarkably candid conversation with the Executive Director of Doctors Without Borders (US) in E7, S4.


ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.



As Women’s History Month 2023 comes to a close, we want to shed light on the important subject of Women at Work. Our guest says “the gender pay gap is increasing, and so are women’s levels of burnout. Our system is broken and our old playbook is outdated”. Her best-selling book is the foundation for helping us understand. Episode 6, Season 4.


ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS.


FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.


Sunday night, the world watched the 95th Oscar Awards in Hollywood, CA. This week, FUTURE OF XYZ is speaking with an award-winning Director & Producer, herself- a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Tune in for Episode 5, Season 4 to learn all about the ‘Future of Documentary Film’- what it is, how the genre has changed in recent years, and where it’s going. ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.

Our guest this week is a former professional snowboarder and Olympic commentator, as well as the Founder of Snowboard Magazine and Tailgate Alaska. In Episode 4, Season 4- we explore the growth of the snow sports industry, the impact of climate change, and the opportunities for technology. We also get into all things power of presence and self-reliance in the backcountry. Be sure to tune in!

ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.

With 35 years experience in renewables, plus law and economics degrees, our guest this week now leads the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. From what renewables are in the first place, to the impact of federal subsidies- we explore the path forward for renewable energy in economic, political, social, geographic, and of course, environmental terms. Learn more about this important topic in Episode 3, Season 4.


ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS.


FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.

The Greeks defined democracy as “power of the people” since “demos” means people and “kratos” means power. But is it still “the people” who have power in modern democracies? What’s changed? What’s at risk? Our guest is an author and former Congressional candidate in Virginia’s 6th district. Learn more in Episode 2, Season 4.


ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS.


FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.


The second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world after Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease affects approximately one million Americans and over six million people worldwide. With those numbers expected to double by 2040, the mission of the Michael J. Fox Foundation is to accelerate the development of better treatments that help those living with Parkinson’s today AND to find a cure. Learn more from the Foundation’s Chief of Staff in EPISODE 1, SEASON 4.


ABOUT THE SERIES: ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.

EPISODE 37, SEASON 3: In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday in America, the community it brings together, and the bounty of the harvest it celebrates -- we close out this season of Future of XYZ with a conversation about Farming. Our guest is an organic horticulturist, regenerative agriculturist, sustainability activist, and one-time Chief Farmer to world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud. Don’t miss it!

ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we want to go.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz

EPISODE 36, SEASON 3: What is a strategic narrative and how is it different than a story? What role does the narrative play in corporations and society overall? How is one created? Is it linear or circular? Tune in to learn more about the importance of strategic narrative for alignment, innovation and the future.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we want to go.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz

EPISODE 35, SEASON 3: If you’re not a marketer or corporate data geek, you may not know about consumer analytics. If you are or aren’t – definitely tune in this week to learn how companies make decisions about supply chain, innovation, promotions, and so much more – and why it matters for you and me as consumers.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a weekly interview series dedicated to fostering forward-thinking discussions about where we are as a world and where we want to go.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit future-of.xyz and follow on social media... LinkedIn: @lisagralnek, @lvg-co-strategy | Twitter: @lgralnek | IG: @futureofxyz