Love Letters To The Future

In this intimate and far-reaching conversation, Love Letters to the Future welcomes acclaimed actor, director, and teacher Karen Austin, whose decades-long career and influence have shaped generations of artists. Joined by hosts PJ Manney and Laura Faye Tenenbaum, Karen dismantles myths about acting and creativity—especially the belief that great art should look easy—while exploring the courage it takes to be truly seen and heard. The discussion moves through embodiment, emotional risk, perfectionism, and the changing realities of the entertainment industry, ultimately arriving at a powerful truth: connection, presence, and self-trust matter more than image, approval, or external success. Whether you’re an artist or simply navigating what it means to be human in a hyper-performative world, this episode offers wisdom, permission, and a reminder that standing still can be the most radical act of all.Karen Austin teaches acting at The Actors Asylum: https://actorsasylum.comShe also teaches communication and creativity at The Mastery Workshops:https://www.themasteryworkshops.comTopics we cover: Acting isn’t easy—and neither is real creativity. It requires emotional courage, discipline, and a willingness to dig into your own lived experience.Ease is the result of mastery. What looks effortless is built on thousands of hours of work and embodied practice.Perfection is a trap. Chasing an ideal image—especially in the age of cameras and filters—pulls artists out of their bodies and out of truth.The greatest fear isn’t judgment; it’s acknowledgment. Many people want to be seen but struggle to receive genuine recognition.Connection is the heart of art and life. Great acting, writing, and communication all depend on presence and relationship—not performance.Talent isn’t enough—willingness matters more. The courage to be observed, misunderstood, rejected, or adored is the real “secret sauce.”Community helps you know when your work is ready. Trusted collaborators and audiences provide reflection you can’t get alone.The industry will keep changing—but humanity still matters. No technology can replace embodied experience, shared space, and emotional truth.Creativity is an emotional risk. Your brain may try to keep you “safe,” but art begins where comfort ends.Standing still is radical. Pausing, breathing, and letting yourself be seen can be more powerful than any performance.#acting #performing #creating #writing #dancing #mastery Graphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner

In this conversation, Laura Faye Tenenbaum and PJ Manney explore the concept of metamodernism with guest Greg Dember, delving into its emergence from modernism and postmodernism. They discuss how contemporary culture oscillates between irony and earnestness, using examples from art, music, and film, particularly focusing on the film 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' as a case study. The discussion highlights the relevance of metamodernism in understanding today's narratives and the impact of crisis culture on storytelling. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the concept of metamodernism, exploring its relevance in today's society and culture. They discuss various cultural references, including the significance of the Barbie movie as a metamodern phenomenon, the exhaustion with postmodernism, and the challenges of navigating a post-truth society. The discussion also touches on the idea of 'Medi-Cute'—the use of childlike imagery to address adult concerns—and speculates on the future of metamodernism in art and culture.Find Greg's books: Say Hello to Metamodernism!: Understanding Today's Culture of Ironesty, Felt Experience, and Empathic Reflexivity https://amzn.to/4eeuHLNMy Impossible Soul: The Metamodern Music of Sufjan Stevenshttps://www.bloomsbury.com/us/my-impossible-soul-9798216365549/His website: https://whatismetamodern.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatIsMetamodernWe cover these topics:Metamodernism emerges from a reaction to postmodernism's excesses.Modernism focused on newness and objective truths, while postmodernism questioned those truths.Cultural products today oscillate between irony and earnestness.Metamodernism is characterized by a blend of hope and skepticism.The film 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' exemplifies metamodern themes.Metamodernism embraces emotional connections and personal experiences.Irony in art and culture serves to connect rather than alienate.Contemporary music reflects metamodern sensibilities through diverse influences.Crisis culture shapes the narratives we engage with today.Understanding these cultural shifts helps us navigate modern storytelling. Metamodernism is a response to the complexities of modern life.Cultural references are essential to understanding metamodernism.Barbie serves as a significant example of metamodern art.The exhaustion with postmodernism has led to a desire for sincerity.Navigating a post-truth society requires new artistic expressions.Medi-Cute reflects a vulnerability in addressing adult concerns.The future of metamodernism is uncertain but evolving.Cultural trends often oscillate between complexity and simplicity.Art can both reflect and direct cultural sentiments.Understanding metamodernism can enhance our engagement with contemporary culture.#culture #art #metamodern #everythingeverywhereallatonce #barbie Graphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner

In this insightful conversation, Sarah DeWitt explores the limitations of old systems rooted in outdated myths about human superiority and disconnection from nature. She discusses the shift towards regenerative living, the importance of embracing our interconnectedness, and practical ways to design a life aligned with natural cycles. This conversation explores the concept of regeneration, human flourishing, and systemic change. It emphasizes the importance of community, bioregionalism, and applying natural principles to leadership and economics for a sustainable future.Find Sarah here: https://sarahldewitt.com/Seasons of Need Workshop with Sarah: https://www.eomega.org/workshops/seasons-needTopics we cover:Myths of modernity and human disconnection from natureThe metaphor of machines and its impact on societyThe three myths of modernity: separation from nature, others, and selfRegenerative design and living systems principlesPractical applications of natural cycles in personal and community life Regeneration and systemic changeHuman flourishing and ecological healthBioregionalism and community-based initiatives#regenerativedesign #mythofmodernity #interconnectedness #naturalcycles #leadership #systemschange #humannature #sustainability #innerdevelopment #regeneration #flourishing #bioregionalism #community #nature #future Graphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner

In this conversation, PJ Manney and Laura Faye Tenenbaum engage with Ian "Harv" Harvey, exploring the themes of leadership, collective intelligence, and the importance of emotional intelligence in creating effective organizations. They discuss the power of not being an expert, the necessity of creating safe spaces for honest conversations, and the role of intuition in decision-making. The conversation also touches on the importance of compassionate honesty, sustainability, and building relationships across differences, ultimately calling for a shift in mindset for the future of work.Find Harv here: https://www.collectiveintelligence.co.nz/aboutWe cover these topics:Not being an expert can be a superpower.Creating safe spaces allows for honest conversations.Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.Intuition should be trusted in decision-making processes.Challenging the status quo is necessary for growth.Compassionate honesty fosters deeper connections.Sustainability should focus on regenerative practices.Building relationships across differences is essential.Listening and being present enhances communication.The future of work requires a shift in mindset.#leadership #collective #intelligence #emotionalintelligence #intuition #sustainability #compassion #honesty #safespaces #diversity #future Graphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner

In this episode of Love Letters to the Future, hosts PJ Manney and Laura Faye Tenenbaum engage with author Susan Kaye Quinn to explore the concept of New Mythos, a narrative framework that seeks to replace outdated myths with stories that promote hope, community, and sustainability. They discuss the intersection of science and storytelling, the importance of narrative structure, and the empowering potential of Hope Punk and Solar Punk narratives. The conversation emphasizes the need for collective action and cultural wisdom in addressing modern challenges, particularly in the context of the climate crisis.Find Susan at Bright Green Futures https://brightgreenfutures.substack.com/ -- a podcast and newsletter that imagines a more just and sustainable world and the struggle to get there.We cover these topics:Susan Kaye Quinn combines her engineering background with storytelling.Old myths need to be dismantled to create new narratives.Hope Punk emphasizes community and cooperation over individualism.Solar Punk focuses on positive climate futures and empowerment.Storytelling can inspire action in the climate crisis.Different narrative structures can reflect diverse experiences.Community engagement is essential for storytelling.Recognizing harmful behaviors in society is crucial.Cultural wisdom is needed to navigate modern challenges.Connection and collaboration are key to building a better future.#solarpunk #hopepunk #sciencefiction #SF #regeneration #regenerativemedicine Graphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner

In this episode of Love Letters to the Future, hosts PJ Manney and Laura Faye Tenenbaum engage with author Henry Lien to explore the nuances of storytelling, particularly focusing on Eastern storytelling structures like Kishotenketsu. They discuss the importance of stories in culture, the role of community, and how different narrative structures can evoke empathy and understanding. The conversation delves into the constraints of storytelling and how they can foster creativity, as well as the impact of cultural differences on narrative forms. Through examples and personal anecdotes, the episode highlights the transformative power of stories in shaping our perceptions and experiences.Find Henry at: https://henrylien.comHenry's book here: https://henrylien.com/spring-summer-asteroid-bird/We cover these topics:Stories are essential for understanding culture and solving problems.Eastern storytelling structures differ significantly from Western ones.The four act structure enhances empathy by surprising the audience.Kishotenketsu allows for unexpected elements to create deeper connections.Cultural differences shape how stories are told and received.Community plays a crucial role in storytelling and narrative development.Constraints in storytelling can foster creativity and innovation.Nested and circular structures provide unique storytelling opportunities.Understanding different narrative structures can enhance storytelling skills.The impact of storytelling extends beyond entertainment to education and personal growth.#structure #story #stories #storytelling #FourAct #narrativeGraphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner

In this episode of Love Letters to the Future, host Laura Faye Tenenbaum engages with Sheila Moravati, an environmentalist and author of 'Imperfect Environmentalist.' They discuss the importance of changing societal narratives around waste, focusing on practical solutions like the Crayon Collection initiative and the Cut Out Cutlery campaign. Sheila shares her journey from personal experiences with waste to creating impactful nonprofit organizations aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting environmental justice. The conversation emphasizes the power of individual actions and systemic change in creating a sustainable future. In this conversation, Sheila discusses the evolution of bottled water culture, the marketing strategies behind it, and the commodification of natural resources. She emphasizes the importance of shifting cultural norms, particularly in Hollywood, to reduce plastic use. Sheila introduces the concept of 'Imperfect Environmentalism,' advocating for small, manageable changes individuals can make to combat climate change, such as adopting a more plant-based diet. She also highlights her campaign for cleaner beauty products and the need for public pressure to drive change in corporate practices. The discussion concludes with a call to action for individuals to recognize their power in making a difference.Find Shelia and Habits of Waste at: https://habitsofwaste.org/campaigns/home/The teens fighting for clean water at their school: https://habitsofwaste.org/campaigns/lagreenteen/We cover these topics:The podcast aims to create stories for a better future.Sheila's work focuses on reducing waste and creating change.The Crayon Collection initiative repurposes discarded crayons for schools.Environmentalism can start from personal experiences and observations.There is no 'away' when it comes to waste; everything has to go somewhere.Children are more receptive to learning about environmental issues.Small actions can lead to significant societal shifts.The Cut Out Cutlery campaign aims to reduce plastic waste from food delivery services.Access to clean water is a fundamental right that many lack.Systemic change is necessary for long-term environmental justice. The rise of bottled water culture began in the early 80s.Marketing plays a significant role in the commodification of water.Hollywood can influence cultural norms regarding plastic use.Imperfect Environmentalism encourages manageable lifestyle changes.Dietary choices, particularly reducing animal products, can significantly impact climate change.The Clean Beauty campaign aims to align US regulations with those of the EU.Public pressure can drive corporations to adopt more sustainable practices.Small changes in daily habits can lead to significant environmental impacts.Individuals have the power to influence change in their communities.It's important to create a supportive environment for imperfect environmentalism.#regeneration #sustainability #recycle #renew #waste #plastic #reduce #consumptionGraphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner

In this episode of Love Letters to the Future, hosts PJ Manney and Laura Faye Tenenbaum welcome Nisi Shawl, an award-winning speculative fiction writer. The conversation explores the importance of diverse storytelling, the concept of 'Writing the Other', and how speculative fiction can heal historical wounds. They discuss the differences between the Hero's Journey and the Heroine's Journey, the significance of community in storytelling, and the emerging trends in pop culture. Nisi introduces the concept of Sankofa, emphasizing the need to learn from the past to create new myths for the future.Find Nisi here: https://writingtheother.comWe cover these topics:Nisi Shawl is a significant figure in speculative fiction.Writing the Other encourages understanding diverse perspectives.Speculative fiction can heal historical wounds.The Heroine's Journey offers a different narrative structure.Cultural appropriation must be approached with sensitivity.Community plays a vital role in storytelling.The Five Petals of Thought is a new framework for understanding others.Empathy is essential for writers.Pop culture is evolving to include more diverse stories.Sankofa emphasizes learning from the past to inform the future.Graphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner

In this enlightening conversation, PJ Manney and Laura Faye Tenenbaum engage with Brian Swimme and Monica DeRaspe-Bolles to explore the concept of the Noosphere, a collective consciousness that represents humanity's evolving relationship with the cosmos. They discuss the historical context of the Noosphere, the role of technology and AI, and the importance of embracing change and new mythologies. The dialogue emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the universe, highlighting the potential for hope and creativity in shaping a better future.Find Brian Swimme here: https://humansandnature.org/brian-swimme/Find The Story of the Noosphere companion mini-films at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYniMSuaum-Cs_P_9Qg6FUilLYtdvsWgjWe cover the following topics:The Noosphere represents a transition from a living Earth to a thinking Earth. Cerebralization is the evolutionary process leading to deeper forms of consciousness. Humanity's collective intelligence has evolved through various stages of social organization. The James Webb Space Telescope symbolizes our expanding understanding of the universe. The Noosphere acts as a planetary mind, influencing the evolution of our planet. Naming the Noosphere is crucial for understanding its significance in human consciousness. The Noosphere began with the universe's birth and has evolved with humanity. AI has the potential to enhance the Noosphere but also poses risks of misinformation. Human symbolic language has allowed for the accumulation of knowledge over time. The current societal fragmentation reflects a struggle between old and new mythologies.#What is the noosphere #What is the third storyGraphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner

In this episode of Love Letters to the Future, hosts PJ Manney and Laura Faye Tenenbaum explore the importance of storytelling in science, the challenges of communication within the scientific community, and the need for vulnerability and authenticity in sharing scientific knowledge. Laura shares her personal journey from academia to NASA, discussing the stereotypes and myths surrounding scientists, and the impact of censorship on her work. The conversation emphasizes the need for better communication skills in science and the importance of connecting with audiences on a personal level.Find Laura here: https://www.laurafayeten.com/We cover these topics:The podcast focuses on stories that no longer serve us and the new narratives we need.Laura's journey highlights the struggle between societal expectations of beauty and intelligence.Storytelling is crucial for making science accessible and engaging.Scientists often face stereotypes that hinder their ability to communicate effectively.Vulnerability in communication can foster deeper connections with audiences.The myth of the lone scientist is outdated; collaboration is key in research.Censorship in science communication can stifle important conversations.Personal stories can make scientific topics more relatable and impactful.The need for communication skills in science education is often overlooked.Embracing one's whole self can enhance the authenticity of scientific communication.

In this episode of Love Letters to the Future, PJ Manney and Laura Faye Tenenbaum explore the profound impact of storytelling on society. They delve into PJ's origin story, the importance of cooperation and community, and the cautionary tales that shape our understanding of the world. The conversation also addresses the role of technology in storytelling, the dual nature of empathy, and the consequences of weaponized narratives. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for inclusive narratives that foster compassion and understanding in an ever-changing society.PJ is a fiction and non-fiction writer, speaker, futurist and consultant on the future ofhumanity. She is the author of the Philip K. Dick Award nominated trilogy,PJ's books: (R)EVOLTION, (ID)ENTITY, and (CON)SCIENCE, as well as foundational academicworks on the neuropsychology of empathy and storytelling.Find PJ here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjmanney/https://pjmanney.comhttps://jetpress.org/v19/manney.htmhttps://revistas.ucm.es/index.php/TEKN/article/view/64857/4564456552025We cover these topics: Stories shape our understanding of the world.Cautionary tales can guide us in making better choices.Cooperation is essential for community building.Technology can enhance or diminish empathy in storytelling.Weaponized narratives can create division and conflict.Speculative fiction can challenge societal norms and promote empathy.The moral arc of the universe requires active participation to bend towards justice.Personal stories can empower and heal individuals.Understanding different perspectives fosters compassion.The future of storytelling lies in creating inclusive narratives.#newmythos #storytelling #writing #novels #movies #television #media #bighistory#multidisciplinary #bigpicture #ADHD #patternrecognitionGraphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner

In this episode of Love Letters to the Future, PJ Manney and Laura Faye Tenenbaum engage with futurist Jamais Cascio to explore the evolving concept of the future through the frameworks of VUCA and BANI. They discuss the implications of living in a world characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) and how it has transitioned to a new framework of brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible (BANI). The conversation emphasizes the importance of adaptability, community, and storytelling in navigating the chaos of modern life, while also introducing the positive aspects of BANI that encourage resilience and interconnectedness. The episode concludes with a call to embrace change and build a better future through collective effort and understanding.Find Jamais's book Navigating the Age of Chaos: A Sense-Making Guide to a BANI World That Doesn’t Make Sense here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800209/navigating-the-age-of-chaos-by-jamais-cascio-bob-johansen-and-angela-f-williams/We cover these topics:The future is shaped by our choices today.VUCA describes a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.BANI is a new framework that describes a world that is brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible.Positive BANI encourages resilience through being bendable, attentive, neuroflexible, and interconnected.Storytelling is crucial in navigating chaos and understanding our experiences.Community and diverse perspectives are essential for coping with challenges.Practical applications of the BANI framework can help individuals and organizations adapt to change.Optimism is necessary in difficult times, while pessimism is a luxury of good times.We need to think on our feet and be willing to improvise in uncertain situations.The interconnectedness of our world means we must engage with diverse voices to find solutions.Graphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner

In this conversation, PJ Manney and Laura Faye Tenenbaum explore the cyclical nature of human conflict and societal upheaval, drawing parallels between historical events and current challenges. They discuss the impact of technological advancements on society, the importance of storytelling in shaping collective consciousness, and the opportunities for growth that arise from chaos. The dialogue emphasizes the need for new narratives and value systems to navigate the complexities of the modern world, while also highlighting the significance of community and connection in fostering meaningful change.Find PJ at: https://www.pjmanney.com/Find Laura at: https://www.laurafayeten.com/Topics we cover:We've experienced existential crises before as a civilization.Technological shifts have historically caused societal upheaval.The Axial Age marked a significant moral and philosophical development.The Enlightenment emphasized individualism over collective identity.Modern technology has drastically changed our perception of time and space.Conflict arises from resistance to change and new narratives.Opportunities for growth often emerge from chaos and upheaval.Finding meaning in negative experiences can be superficial.Storytelling is a fundamental way humans make sense of the world.Collective storytelling fosters community and connection.Graphic Design: Patrick FarleyTheme Music: composer Hannah Gruendemann, music producer Jake Eisner#Myth #mythos #storytelling #future #futurism #regeneration#History #sustainability #climatechange #movies #theater #books #multidisciplinary

Love Letters to the Future is an interdisciplinary podcast where hosts PJ Manney and Laura Faye Tenenbaum talk with guests about the old worn out myths that have been perpetuated in all fields and throughout all cultures. Then we talk about the better stories we need to tell now so that we can replace them. We use the the term "New Mythos" to describe the common themes behind these new stories. Thank you for joining us on this journey.