What happens when Earth itself starts to wake up? In this episode, Kroc School Prof. Topher McDougal joins us to talk about his new book Gaia Wakes, where he explores the idea of Earth’s emergent consciousness and the possibility of a global AI-powered governance system. From the collision of economics and ecology to the Butlerian Jihad of the Dune series, McDougal pushes us to rethink humanity’s role in an AI-dominated future.

In this wide-ranging episode, we dive into Luddites, the idea of a grand bargain between humans and AI, and what it really means to have — or be — a soul. In this episode we discuss:

• The four radical evolutionary upgrades (so far…)
• Humans as natural phenomena
• Why our future may demand a new relationship with technology
• The ethical risks of being domesticated by our own tools

Check out these links for more information after you listen:

Gaia Wakes The Book: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/gaia-wakes/9781788218283/

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For our Season 6 premiere episode we examine what it really looks like when business leaders put people and planet before profit. In this episode, we dive into the rise of socially responsible businesses in San Diego with Jeff Blanton and Abraham Chen. From conscious capitalism to B Corps and social innovation, they share how a new wave of companies is reshaping the way we think about success.

If you’ve ever wondered how business can become a true force for good, this conversation will give you inspiration—and practical insights—for the road ahead. In this episode we discuss:

• How profit works best when it serves a bigger purpose
• Why strong leadership drives every B Corp
• The rise of San Diego as a hub for social innovation
• Ways that consumers can shape companies

Check out these links for more information after you listen:

• BLocal San Diego: https://linktr.ee/blocalsandiego

  Jeff 's Podcast: https://jailbreakleadership.com/podcast/beyond-profit-how-b-corps-are-changing-capitalism-with-abraham-chen/

  Conscious Capitalism Chapter in SD: https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/chapter/san-diego

  Cause San Diego: https://www.causesandiego.org/

For MORE Kroc Pod:

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Reach out: krocpod@gmail.com

What does it mean to hold space at the edge of life? In this episode, we sit down with two experienced death doulas to explore how they guide individuals and families through death, dying, and grief. We unpack the emotional, spiritual, and practical layers of end-of-life care—and what it means to show up with presence, compassion, and clarity.

Whether you're navigating personal loss, exploring a calling in death care, or simply curious about how we can face death more honestly—this conversation is a powerful entry point. In this episode we discuss:

• • Destigmatizing conversations about death

  • How grief is both personal and unpredictable

  • Why death education should be taught in schools

  • When “I’m sorry” is the wrong thing to say

  For more information about death doulas check out: Inelda

  Follow the KrocPod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krocschool/

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Explore Dr. Lailatul Fitriyah's journey through inter-religious education and feminist theology. Hear her insights on bridging Islam and Christianity, challenging stereotypes about Muslim women, and why feminist theology and dialogue matter for peace and activism. In today's episode we discuss:

• Muslim and Christian feminist theologians share similar concerns about patriarchal violence
• How Islamic feminism differs from Western feminism
• Stereotypes about Muslim women
• How Feminist theology uses religious texts to empower women
• Why women often lead peacebuilding efforts in conflict-torn societies

Follow the KrocPod on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krocschool/?hl=en Learn more at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/krocschool/ Reach us at krocpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we explore how innovation can unlock solutions to complex social challenges, emphasizing the power of collaboration between NGOs, governments, and private industry. Our guest, Paola Santana — a lawyer, public procurement expert, and tech entrepreneur from the Dominican Republic — shares her inspiring journey from public service to building tech startups in Silicon Valley.

In this powerful episode of Kroc Pod, Dr. Cindi Cassady—Kroc School alumna and clinical psychologist—reveals her groundbreaking work establishing Kigali's first ketamine clinic to address Rwanda's critical mental health challenges. With one in five citizens struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, Dr. Cassady shares how strategic partnerships and innovative ketamine treatments offer a transformative approach to healing in a nation still processing historical trauma. Her work not only provides hope for individuals battling mental health issues but also represents a crucial intersection of peace, justice, and psychological recovery. Join us for an illuminating conversation that explores how targeted medical interventions can help rebuild individual and collective mental wellness in post-conflict Rwanda.

What does justice look like when power, inequality, and environmental rights collide? Dayanna Gladys Palmar Uriana, a Violence, Inequality, and Power Fellow, joins us to explore the fight for Indigenous sovereignty through the lens of the Wayuu people. As a lawyer, journalist, and human rights advocate, Dayanna works to amplify the collective voice of her community, challenge entrenched power structures, and push for solutions that reflect Indigenous visions of justice and equity.

Dr. Bochra Laghssais, one of the 2024 Kroc Women Peacemaker Fellows, focuses her research on the adversities, vulnerabilities and agency of Amazigh Indigenous women in Morocco and the diaspora. Her work highlights the post-colonial realities that continue to impact Indigenous women today. Tune in to discover how the empowerment of Amazigh women shapes their own unique understanding of feminism.

• For more information check out: https://www.theanou.com/