PODCAST · society
inSUBSTANTIAExploring Ideas - Challenging Assumptions.
by Gabor Farkas
inSUBSTANTIA is produced in Geneva, Switzerland, and invites leading thinkers, practitioners, and curious minds to explore ideas that shape our world. It offers something most experts crave but rarely get: the space to think out loud, to connect their knowledge to deeper philosophical and ethical issues, and to challenge assumptions beyond the headlines. Each episode invites reflection without requiring specialised background knowledge, making complex issues accessible and thought-provoking.
Episodes
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The New Censorship
WHEN JOURNALISTS CENSOR THEMSELVES When we picture censorship, we imagine a heavy hand. A banned book, a redacted headline, a state official stamping out the truth. But what happens when the censor is a journalist's own hesitant hand over the keyboard? 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODEMedia scholar and former...
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Health Care as a Cultural System
What happens when healthcare technology is not designed for people, but with them? InSubstantia welcomes Anam Hijab, the founder of AtPulse, a health technology company tackling one of the largest and least understood diabetes crises in the world. Pakistan is home to 55 million people living with...
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What Is Mediation Really? Process, Culture, and Cross Border Conflict
What does mediation actually mean? In this episode of Insubstantia, I speak with mediator and author Manon Schonewille about why mediation is not a single, uniform practice. Even within the same country, the mediator’s role, level of intervention, and ethical boundaries can differ significantly....
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The Quiet Architecture of Violence - part 2
Economies, Power, and Systems That Make Harm Profitable This is part 2 of my conversation with Guillaume. If violence is not a distortion of economic life but one of its foundations, what does that mean for markets, governance, and political power? In the second part of the conversation with...
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The Quiet Architecture of Violence:
Part I: Memory Identity and What We Learn Not to See We often think of violence as something visible: a war, a riot, a gun. Yet much of the violence shaping our world is quieter—folded into the ways we trade, govern, build institutions, and even convince ourselves we are doing good. My guest…
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🎙 Arthur Keller - The Future We Must Build - part 2
If Part 1 names the crisis, Part 2 confronts the consequences of continuing as we are. This second part of my conversation with Arthur Keller moves from diagnosis to responsibility, and from observation to choice. We explore what collapses first when systems fail, not just infrastructures, but...
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Arthur Keller - The Future We Must Build - Part 1
🎙 The Future We Must Build - Part 1 The world is entering a period of deep instability and no society will be spared. In this first part of my conversation with Arthur Keller, we explore the forces already reshaping the conditions of life on this planet. 🌡 Climate overshoot 🌿 Biodiversity...
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AI and Blockchain Convergence with Mariana de la Roche Wills
Artificial intelligence now influences decisions in health, justice, and finance. In this episode of inSUBSTANTIA, Gabor Farkas speaks with Mariana de la Roche Wills, Co Chair of INATBA’s AI and Blockchain Convergences Task Force and leader at BlackVogel. They explore how blockchain can enhance...
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Karen Hitschke – Building Bridges (Part 2)
Platforms, Power, and Purpose In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, we shift our focus to Building Bridges as a platform: its role within Geneva’s global landscape, the challenges of multistakeholder governance, and the ethical tensions that arise when finance, diplomacy, and development...
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Karen Hitschke – Building Bridges (Part 1)
A Life in Systems Thinking In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Karen Hitschke, CEO of Building Bridges, shares the personal and professional journey that shaped her leadership. From childhood experiences during the Cold War and the Ethiopian famine, to a career in biology, consulting…
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Beyond Recycling: The Circular Economy Challenge with Dr Ing. Phillip Wallat
🎙️ What does circular economy really mean, beyond the green slogans? ♻️ In this conversation, Gabor and Dr Phillip Wallat cut through the buzz to explore why turning circular theory into practice is messy, political, and full of trade-offs. ✨ What you’ll hear: 🚫 Why circularity ≠ just recycling...
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Europe and China Between Engagement and Disengagement — with Gabor Holch (Part 2)
Europe and China remain deeply connected yet increasingly cautious of each other. In this second part of our conversation, intercultural leadership consultant Gabor Holch joins me to explore the political, economic and technological dimensions shaping EU–China relations today. We begin with...
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Europe and China Between Engagement and Disengagement — with Gabor Holch (Part one)
Europe and China are deeply interdependent yet increasingly uncertain about each other. In this first part of a two‑part conversation, intercultural leadership consultant Gabor Holch joins Gabor Farkas to explore the cultural and historical dynamics shaping EU and China relations. We discuss...
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Rearming Europe; NATO, Strategic Autonomy, and the Cost of US-Dependency
This analysis explores the rearmament of Europe and the systemic habit of outsourcing security to the United States. Featuring Brigadier General (Res.) Dr Salvador Sánchez Tapia, we examine the Readiness-2030 plan and the tension between NATO-reliance and European strategic autonomy.
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The Fight for Speech: Democracy vs. the Algorithm
In this episode of inSUBSTANTIA, host Gabor Farkas speaks with Eric Heinze, Professor of Law and Humanities at Queen Mary University of London, about the complex and often contentious role of free speech in democratic societies. Their conversation explores the philosophical and historical roots…
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The Art of Facilitating Meaningful Dialogue (part 2)
Continuing our conversation with Adam Kahane, Part 2 explores practical strategies for conflict resolution. Learn how to implement exercises like 'paired walks' to build empathy, understand the balance of power, love, and justice, and embrace tension as a catalyst for growth. Adam also discusses...
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The Art of Facilitating Meaningful Dialogue (part 1)
In this insightful conversation, Gabor Farkas sits down with Adam Kahane, a renowned author and facilitator known for his work on resolving complex conflicts. Kahane discusses his career, starting from his unexpected journey at Royal Dutch Shell to his pivotal involvement in South Africa's…
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Beyond Logic: How Emotions and Biases Drive Our Decisions (Part 2)
In the second part of our compelling conversation with Dr. Ewa Lombard, we delve into the nuances of decision-making and collective action. We uncover how peer pressure can significantly impact our choices, and explore creative methods like hackathons to encourage long-term thinking. We also…
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Beyond Logic: How Emotions and Biases Drive Our Decisions (Part 1)
In this thought-provoking episode of 'inSUBSTANTIA,' host Gabor Farkas welcomes neuroscientist and behavioural economist Dr Ewa Lombard to unravel the intricate workings of the human brain and its impact on our lives. Part 1 of this two-part conversation takes you on a journey through the…
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The Complexities of European Political Transformations: Insights from András Bozóki
Abstract Are we witnessing the erosion of democracy in Europe, or a chance for revitalization? Explore shifting ideologies and global dynamics with Prof. András Bozóki on the latest episode of 'Insubstantia.' A deep dive into the heart of Central and Eastern European political change. A Changing...
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The Triggers of Civicism: Why we Act, Why we Resist.
In this episode, Gabor Farkas talks with Sandro Cattacin, a sociology professor at the University of Geneva, about his interdisciplinary approach to research and his engagement to address vulnerabilities and injustices in society. The conversation explores the conditions that spark civic…
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Dr Federica Russo on Epistemology and Ethics of AI
🎙️ In this episode, Gabor Farkas dives deep with Dr. Federica Russo, a trailblazing philosopher of science, to unravel the powerful intersections of knowledge, technology, and ethics. Dr. Russo introduces her groundbreaking concept of 'epistemology cum ethics'—the idea that producing knowledge…
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Dr Jennifer Blanke on Inclusive Growth and Sustainability
In this episode, Gabor Farkas talks with Dr Jennifer Blanke, an economic development expert and former chief economist at the World Economic Forum. They discuss the challenges of meeting urgent global needs while ensuring sustainable and equitable progress. The conversation addresses systemic...
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Thorium: A Vital Piece of a Carbon-Free Energy Mix with Jean Christophe De Mestral
In this episode, Gabor Farkas talks with physicist and finance expert Jean-Christophe de Mestral about the global challenge of meeting growing energy demands sustainably. They discuss the expected growth in global energy demand by 2050, the dominant energy sources, and the limitations of…
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Identity, sovereignty and the Swiss vote on eID with Dr Rolf Rauschenbach
Switzerland is about to vote on a new government-led electronic identity system. This decision will shape how citizens prove who they are online for years to come. 🗳️ Why does it matter? Three years ago, Swiss voters rejected a private sector model for eID. The new proposal keeps digital…
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Black Box Accountability - A Conversation with Dan Davies
In this episode, Gabor talks with Dan Davies about how accountability vanishes in our increasingly complex institutions. Why do massive systems routinely make disastrous decisions, and why does no one seem responsible? Dan Davies draws on his experience in banking regulation and equity research,...
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The EU AI Act and Its Implications: Insights from Jörn Erbguth
In this episode of the GEMLabs podcast, we dive into AI governance with consultant Jörn Erbguth. The conversation spans the EU AI Act, highlighting its stages, potential errors, transparency, and intellectual property issues. Delving into ethical, cultural, and regulatory perspectives, the...
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Marianne Schoerling on Innovation Opportunities: A conversation with Gabor Farkas for the Gemlabs podcast
In this episode, Marianne Schoerling discusses the concept and importance of collective intelligence in addressing contemporary global challenges. Emphasizing the need for collaboration across diverse backgrounds, Marianne explores how collective intelligence acts as a catalyst for innovation and...
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Ekkehard Ernst - On how GemLabs came to be
In this episode of the GEMLabs podcast, Gabor Farkas speaks with Ekkehard Ernst, the president and co-founder of GEMLabs (Geneva Macro Labs). They delve into the origins, growth, and future aspirations of GEMLabs, a think-and-do tank based in Geneva aimed at leveraging collective intelligence to...
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Dr. Sandy Chong, on the challenges to build culturally inclusive AI.
In this episode of the GemLabs podcast, host Gabor Farkas converses with Dr. Sandy Chong on the importance of AI inclusion and culturally diverse perspectives for creating a positive future. Dr. Chong, with her extensive background in Australian and Asian experiences, discusses her roles with the...
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Dmitry Grozoubinski on his book and the Future of Global commerce
Host Gabor Farkas welcomes guest Dmitry to discuss his book 'Why Politicians Lie About Trade'. They delve into trade policy misconceptions, the historical impact of trade decisions, and modern trade dynamics. The conversation focuses on the implications of AI on global trade, particularly for…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
inSUBSTANTIA is produced in Geneva, Switzerland, and invites leading thinkers, practitioners, and curious minds to explore ideas that shape our world. It offers something most experts crave but rarely get: the space to think out loud, to connect their knowledge to deeper philosophical and ethical issues, and to challenge assumptions beyond the headlines. Each episode invites reflection without requiring specialised background knowledge, making complex issues accessible and thought-provoking.
HOSTED BY
Gabor Farkas
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How many episodes does inSUBSTANTIAExploring Ideas - Challenging Assumptions. have?
inSUBSTANTIAExploring Ideas - Challenging Assumptions. currently has 31 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is inSUBSTANTIAExploring Ideas - Challenging Assumptions. about?
inSUBSTANTIA is produced in Geneva, Switzerland, and invites leading thinkers, practitioners, and curious minds to explore ideas that shape our world. It offers something most experts crave but rarely get: the space to think out loud, to connect their knowledge to deeper philosophical and ethical...
How often does inSUBSTANTIAExploring Ideas - Challenging Assumptions. release new episodes?
inSUBSTANTIAExploring Ideas - Challenging Assumptions. has 31 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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Who hosts inSUBSTANTIAExploring Ideas - Challenging Assumptions.?
inSUBSTANTIAExploring Ideas - Challenging Assumptions. is created and hosted by Gabor Farkas.
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