Advertise on podcast: Seth Kahan’s Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ehsan Samei, a Distinguished Professor of Radiology at Duke University, to explore the deep shifts occurring at the intersection of technology and patient care. We begin by examining the nature of agency and accountability, with Ehsan positing that true agency requires an entity to not only act but to take responsibility for its actions. This opens a vital discussion on the black box nature of AI, where the lack of human-like sensory processing makes the internal logic of these models nearly impossible to explain to a human observer. Our conversation moves into the concept of Integrated Intelligence, a fusion where human discernment defines the problems while AI provides the statistical power to solve them. Ehsan highlights the role of Digital Twins as a critical tool in this evolution, acting as a structured, explainable layer that allows scientists to model human biology with a level of transparency that raw data alone cannot provide. We discuss how these technologies rebundle skills, aiming to enhance medical accuracy without losing the human intuition that defines healthcare. We conclude on a philosophical note, emphasizing that the practice of medicine is, at its heart, a virtue rather than just a technical task. While AI can process vast amounts of data and provide mechanical answers, it lacks skin in the game and the qualitative depth of the human soul. Ehsan argues that the future of healthcare depends on our ability to embrace these technological progeny as our own, while fiercely protecting the mysterious, qualitative elements that give human life its meaning. Our Discussion Points: Defining Agency: The critical distinction between an entity that can act and one that can be held responsible.The Explainability Gap: Why judging AI solely by its output is dangerous when the internal processing remains a black box.Integrated Intelligence: Moving toward a model where humans define medical needs and AI provides the technical support.The Utility of Digital Twins: Using simulated human models to provide a structured and explainable scientific framework for AI.De-skilling and Re-skilling: Navigating the risk of losing essential human skills, much like the loss of fire-making skills after the invention of matches.Medicine as a Virtue: Why the soul of patient care requires a human presence that no algorithm can replicate.For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

Is AI a "bolt-on" tool for your current processes, or is it the engine for your next big innovation? In this episode, Grand Challenge Expert Seth Kahan sits down with Neil Sahota—CEO of ACSI Labs, UN Advisor, and lead architect of the IBM Watson ecosystem. Neil breaks down the core concepts from his latest book, The AI Activation Code, moving past the hype of "giving everyone ChatGPT" and into the realm of Business Consciousness. They discuss the four stages of the AI journey—Awareness, Adoption, Adaptation, and Autonomous—and why most leaders get stuck trying to fix things that aren't broken instead of reinventing them entirely. Key Highlights: The "Faster Horse" Fallacy: Why looking for pain points isn't enough for true innovation.AI for Good: How the UN is using AI to impact 1.4 billion people through projects like "Project Lucy" in Africa.The TUCBO Framework: Neil’s proprietary method for Thinking, Understanding, Being, Creating, and Owning "Different."The Watson Legacy: An inside look at the night Watson played Jeopardy and how it changed human strategy forever.Whether you're a CEO looking for a tactical playbook or a professional worried about being "automated out," this episode offers a grounded, human-centric roadmap for the future of work. Neil is one of the few people on the planet who can say they taught a machine how to play a game show—and then watched humans copy the machine's strategy. For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

What does a steelworker’s son from Northern England know about global business elevation? Quite a lot, as it turns out. My guest today, Chris Cooper, has a story that feels less like a traditional career ladder and more like a masterclass in intentionality. We explore his journey from the gritty reality of the British steel industry to the helm of one of the world’s longest-running business podcasts. Chris is a man who truly embodies "Business Elevation." He isn’t just talking about bottom lines; he’s talking about the "ripple effect" of leadership—how one person’s energy can lift an entire team, a company, and even a community in Kenya. In this episode, we discuss: The "Chief Executive" Moment: The childhood encounter that changed Chris’s trajectory at age 13.Energy Management: Moving teams from the "Crap Zone" to a high-performance frequency.The Elevation Collective: Why Chris is gathering "lights" from around the world to amplify social good.Purpose in Practice: Chris’s hands-on work with Molly Bedingfield’s Global Angels project in Kenya.Legacy Projects: How business and community good merged in the creation of Everards Meadows.For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and collaborator Andrew Kutt, founder and Board Chair of Oneness-Family Montessori School in Chevy Chase, MD—a school that mattered deeply to my family during my kids’ early years. Andrew shares how his path from world literature and meditation to Montessori training led him to open the school in 1988 with just seven students, and how it’s grown into a multi-generational community with alumni around the world. We unpack the school’s three-part model—Academy, Self-Discovery, and Manifestation—and how Oneness is responding to today’s “polycrisis” world with new upper-grade initiatives, including courses on the history of capitalism and Being Human in the age of AI, plus a push to build an endowment for long-term sustainability. Learn more: onenessfamily.org Contact Andrew: [email protected] For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Feldman, founder and CEO of Cover My Mental Health. His website, CoverMyMentalHealth.org, is filled with free resources—including helpful instructions and templates—designed to empower families and clinicians. Joe’s journey began when his child was denied essential mental health care—sparking a federal lawsuit and igniting his passion for advocacy. He shares how that fight led to the creation of Cover My Mental Health, a nonprofit equipping families and clinicians with practical tools—letters, scripts, and resources—to challenge insurance denials and access care. Drawing on his startup background and collaborations with advocates, clinicians, and even former insurers, Joe launched the organization in just months. We talk about turning personal struggle into systemic change, the importance of coalition-building, and why encouragement and accessibility are key to reform. If you’ve ever faced a mental health coverage denial—or work on the front lines—this conversation offers hope, strategies, and a reminder: you don’t have to take no for an answer. Learn more at covermymentalhealth.org For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

In this episode, I talk with filmmaker and mental health advocate Max Blaska, whose short film Last Rung on the Ladder—an adaptation of a Stephen King story—became both a tribute to his late aunt and a lifeline in his own battle with anxiety and depression. Max shares how the project nearly fell apart amid a personal crisis, how seeking inpatient care became a turning point, and how a dedicated team helped him bring the film to life. Since then, he has screened it nationwide, partnering with local mental health organizations to ensure audiences leave with both inspiration and resources. Now, Max is launching the Mental Health Warrior Film Festival (Sept 16–30, 2025), featuring over 20 short films from across the U.S. and beyond—each exploring themes of suicide prevention and mental health from diverse perspectives. Tune in for an honest conversation about art, recovery, and the power of storytelling to save lives. 👉 Learn more at mentalhealthwarriorfilmfest.com Attend the festival, or connect with Max: Mental Health Warrior Film Festival September 16 - 30th, 2025 Email: [email protected] Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mental-Health-Warrior-Film-Festival/61557935377670/ Instagram: @mentalhealthwarriormax TikTok: Max Mental Health Warrior For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

In this episode of my podcast, I dive into a question every leader faces sooner or later: What do we do when the world around us is filled with uncertainty, challenge, and disruption? While the circumstances of today may feel unique, we’ve been through turbulent times before. Crises like 9/11, the 2008 mortgage meltdown, and the COVID-19 pandemic shook the foundations of our economy and our daily lives. Looking back, we can see what worked—and what didn’t—for leaders who had to steer their organizations through upheaval. From these experiences, I’ve identified seven elements of leadership for turbulent times that consistently make the difference. They include situational awareness, strategic agility, stakeholder alignment, value-driven decision making, visibility and voice, building a culture of adaptation, and systemic foresight. In this episode, I break each of these down, showing how they apply when the ground is shifting beneath our feet. For example, situational awareness comes from gathering multiple perspectives so you see the whole picture, not just one angle. Strategic agility means developing nimble game plans that can flex as events unfold. And systemic foresight equips leaders to prepare for what’s coming next—not just react to what’s already here. Together, these practices create resilience and stability even in chaos. Whether you’re leading a business, an association, or any mission-driven organization, these seven elements provide a roadmap for not only surviving disruption but emerging stronger. My goal is to give you practical insights you can put into practice right now, so you and your team can move forward with clarity and confidence in the face of turbulence. For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

In today’s episode, we meet Joel Corcoran, CEO of Clubhouse International, a groundbreaking global network restoring hope and community for people living with mental illness. Joel shares how a grassroots group in 1940s New York City became a worldwide movement of Clubhouses, inclusive, member-driven spaces where recovery isn’t just possible, it’s thriving. These aren’t clinical programs; they’re dynamic, intentional communities where people with serious mental illness find purpose, opportunity, and belonging. Staff and members work side-by-side, not as patients and providers, but as partners, rebuilding lives through meaningful work, education, friendship, and advocacy. It’s a model that empowers people to move from isolation to contribution and the ripple effect reaches far beyond the clubhouse walls. Discover how Clubhouse International is building bridges across 33 countries, transforming not just lives, but entire communities. Whether you're a mental health advocate, policymaker, or someone seeking hope, this episode will move and inspire you. 👉 Listen now and learn how community creates healing. 🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms. For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

In this powerful episode, Seth Kahan sits down with Dale Cyr, CEO of Inteleos, to explore how bold leadership, smart technology, and collaborative ecosystems are reshaping global healthcare—starting with portable ultrasound. Cyr leads Inteleos, a nonprofit certifying over 150,000 healthcare professionals across 100 countries, with a mission rooted in patient safety through clinical proficiency. But this isn't just about credentials—it's about saving lives. 🚀 A Global “Moonshot”: Ultrasound Proficiency by 2030 The centerpiece of the conversation is Inteleos’ Ultrasound Proficiency Grand Challenge, an ambitious global effort to ensure all healthcare professionals using ultrasound are proficient by 2030. It’s a big goal—but it’s already producing results. Cyr shares how the initiative launched in Kenya, where maternal mortality rates are alarmingly high. By collaborating with the Ministry of Health, local midwives, and over a dozen stakeholder groups, Inteleos helped create a national policy requiring education and certification for handheld ultrasound. The impact? Thousands of lives could be saved annually—especially mothers and babies in rural communities. 🩺 From Washing Machines to Smartphones Cyr explains how ultrasound technology has gone from $250,000 machines the size of washing machines to $2,000 handheld devices that connect to smartphones. This game-changing shift is putting powerful diagnostic tools into the hands of midwives, nurses, and clinicians in remote areas, but only if they know how to use them properly—Inteleos’ core mission. 🌍 Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Program One of the most innovative aspects of the initiative is the use of “interaction field” thinking—a business model built on shared value and collaborative ecosystems. Cyr emphasizes that 95% of impactful change can’t be done alone. Instead, Inteleos partners with governments, equipment manufacturers, professional societies, and local communities to create win-win solutions where everyone contributes—and everyone benefits. 💡 Scaling with Vision, Tech, and Trust The fastest policy adoption Dale has seen in his career—from pilot to national strategy in just two years. He highlights: How AI is becoming a “cognitive partner” at Inteleos, freeing professionals from repetitive tasks and unlocking creative, mission-driven work Inteleos’ governance transformation to support global scaling and cross-sector impact 💬 Final Word: “We're In It for the Long Haul” Cyr concludes with a call to action: though USAID funding was recently cut, Inteleos is pressing forward. The board has committed to continuing the Kenya initiative—and scaling across East Africa and beyond. For Dale, it’s not about temporary impact. It’s about sustainable, systemic change. “We’re not here for a quick hit—we’re building lasting infrastructure that transforms lives.” For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

Medical physics plays a vital role in nearly every aspect of modern healthcare. From diagnostic scans like CT imaging to advanced treatments such as radiotherapy, medical physics is behind the technology and precision that drive these procedures. In this video, we explore how medical physicists contribute to ensuring the right dose reaches the right patient—whether through imaging, therapy, or radiopharmaceuticals. You'll also learn how treatment is monitored and adjusted based on models that track patient progress before, during, and after care. Discover how this essential field is quietly transforming the way we diagnose and treat disease every day. For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

Chris and I discuss the origins of the Thriving Earth Exchange, a program connecting scientific expertise with local community needs. The initiative began around 2016 with a young scientist's idea to address community challenges through scientific collaboration. The program focuses on participatory, place-based science, where communities and scientists co-create solutions to local problems like water quality, soil contamination, and environmental challenges. Key to its success was flexible funding, support from the AGU board, and the leadership of Raj Pandya. By 2019, the program had completed 100 projects benefiting 17 million people. Challenges included explaining the concept, finding the right scientists and communities, and measuring social impact beyond traditional financial metrics. The Thriving Earth Exchange has since grown, expanded partnerships, and become an integral part of AGU's mission to extend scientific expertise to communities. For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

I'm thrilled to share insights from a recent conversation with Dr. Ehsan Samei, Reed and Martha Rice Distinguished Professor of Radiology at Duke University. We discussed an exciting Grand Challenge I’m leading with the American Association of Physicists in Medicine—focused on identifying bold, breakthrough challenges that could shape the future of medical physics. But what is medical physics? Its applications are vast—spanning MRI, lasers, ultrasound, AI, and nuclear medicine. As I’ve spoken with physicists dedicated to this field, I’ve been inspired by the incredible advancements on the horizon. From AI models to digital twins, the future of medical physics is unfolding in powerful ways. During our conversation, Dr. Samei shared his perspective on developing AI models for medical applications. He echoed the famous phrase, “All models are wrong, but some are useful,” emphasizing that the goal is to find models that are truly impactful in advancing patient care. Scientific breakthroughs don’t just improve technologies—they open doors to new research, innovative techniques, and deeper understanding. They prevent suffering, save lives, and reshape our world. It's a privilege to contribute to this transformative work. Dr. Samei’s leadership has been pivotal in integrating physics principles into clinical practice, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in patient care. Listen in to learn more about this groundbreaking work! For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

Welcome to the podcast on grand challenges. Today, I’m diving into Stop Stigma Together, an initiative I lead that aims to eliminate stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders on a national scale. This effort was launched through the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, following a transformative $150 million gift from the Huntsman family to the University of Utah. Stigma exists at three levels—structural, social, and individual—impacting policies, workplace environments, and personal attitudes. To tackle this, we collaborate with major organizations like Mental Health America, NAMI, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association, working across sectors such as media, criminal justice, education, and marginalized communities. Our approach includes advocacy, policy reform, and public awareness campaigns like Love Your Mind and Mental Health Care Works. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and those with lived experience, Stop Stigma Together is building a movement to transform how Americans think about and address mental health. Visit StopStigmaTogether.org to learn more and join us in this grand challenge. For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

In this interview, I sit down with Glenn Kreiner, the Ellis Skaggs presidential chair in business ethics at the University of Utah, to discuss his involvement with the Stop Stigma Together initiative, a Grand Challenge focused on addressing mental health stigma. Kreiner shares his passion for applying research to real-world problems and highlights the initiative's key achievements, such as building a diverse leadership infrastructure and convening impactful summits. You both emphasize the importance of balancing ambiguity and concrete goals, leveraging complementary skills within the leadership team, and learning from other Grand Challenges, like the innovative mental health court model in Miami-Dade. Kreiner also discusses his current work on workplace stigma, legal analysis, and longitudinal research, all aimed at driving long-term, systemic change. For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info

In this podcast, we’ll explore “wicked problems” —complex social issues like poverty or climate change—using a “systems model for change.” This model emphasizes three interconnected levels: personal beliefs, social systems, and structural systems. Grand Challenges, such as “Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation” or improving ultrasound proficiency, demand changes across all three. For instance, healthier nurses (personal) need supportive workplace environments (social) and stronger healthcare policies (structural). Meanwhile, boosting ultrasound skills requires comprehensive training (personal), institutional support (social), and clear regulations (structural). Engaging everyone at every level is crucial: individuals, communities, policymakers, and anyone affected. Collaboration ensures buy-in and fosters lasting solutions. Although these challenges are complex, they’re solvable through coordinated efforts that address each layer of the system. Inspired by Kenneth McLeroy’s CDC model, we see that true change is social, requiring community-driven, multifaceted approaches to transform big issues into collaborative progress. For all the podcasts, highlight videos, resources, and everything you want to know about Grand Challenges, click visit grandchallenges.info