TechnologyArtsSociety & Culture

Dear Future

Echobend Labs

A love letter to the future.

Welcome to the podcast at the intersection of AI and creativity, brought to you by director Souki Mansoor and Echobend. ”Dear Future” is an interview show designed for curious multi-hyphenates and tinkering nerds alike— an invitation to explore how technology is transforming the landscape of creative expression.

Each episode centers around innovators ranging from award-winning filmmakers to engineering artists, pHD candidates to software developers, all sharing insights and stories from the forefront of generative art. Join us as we uncover the tools, trends and talents driving this new industry. Whatever your background, this podcast promises to inspire, inform, and ignite your imagination.

Play

Open in

20 episodes
Avg 36 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

#22
August 10 · 31 min
#22 - Boldtron
Xavier Cardona is one half of Boldtron, the digital art duo he forms with his brother Daniel, known for blending 3D, CGI, VR, and AI into surreal, organic worlds. In this episode, Xavier traces his move from illustration and 3D into early generative AI experimentation, and shares why he’s more interested in bending reality than recreating it. From starting ideas on paper and building hybrid AI workflows to his belief that “the idea is the new currency,” Xavier explores how artists can use new technology to develop a visual language that still feels unmistakably their own.
#21
May 18 · 38 min
#21 - Caleb Ward
Caleb Ward is a storyteller, educator, and co-founder of Curious Refuge, one of the first global communities dedicated to AI storytelling and filmmaking. In this episode, Caleb reflects on the early days of AI filmmaking, the viral experiments that sparked a global conversation around generative storytelling, and how Curious Refuge grew into a hub for thousands of creatives exploring new tools. From teaching filmmakers how to navigate rapidly evolving workflows to building a community centered on curiosity rather than fear, Caleb shares his perspective on the future of storytelling, creativity, and human connection in the age of AI.
S1 · E20
April 27 · 39 min
#20 - Albert Bozesan
Albert Bozesan is a writer, filmmaker, and AI workflow architect at Storybook Studios, working at the intersection of traditional storytelling and generative tools. In this episode, Albert shares how he builds AI-driven production workflows that translate ideas into finished films, emphasizing a “story first, AI second” approach. From projects like The Barrier, Daisy, and Space Vets, he explores how filmmakers can move from concept to execution, why prompting alone isn’t enough, and how embracing creative friction leads to better storytelling.
#19
February 9 · 37 min
#19 - Henry Daubrez
Henry Daubrez is a resident filmmaker and creative director at Google Labs, where he helps shape the future of AI-powered storytelling. In this episode, Henry shares his journey from discovering a Lord of the Rings DVD extra as a teen to creating emotionally resonant AI films like Kitsune and Electric Pink. He discusses how surviving cancer shaped his personal project Portraits of Cancer, why style can be more honest than realism, and how he’s helping the next generation of creatives navigate this new era of generative filmmaking.
#18
Mar 10, 2025 · 39 min
#18 - Curt Cameruci
Curt Cameruci, better known as Flosstradamus, helped pioneer the trap EDM movement, blending hip-hop and electronic beats into festival anthems. But he's more than just a DJ—he’s a tech innovator, building AI tools for musicians and experimenting with new ways to distribute music. In this episode, Curt shares his journey from Chicago’s underground scene to shaping the future of music with AI, voice cloning, and creative tech.
#17
Mar 3, 2025 · 37 min
#17 - August Camp
August Kamp is a multidisciplinary artist blending AI, music, and immersive storytelling. From her roots as a Disney actor to becoming one of OpenAI's alpha artists, August treats AI as a creative collaborator rather than just a tool. In this episode, she shares how technology shapes her art, her transition from acting to music, and why she believes the future of creativity is weirder and more wonderful than we expect.
#16
Feb 24, 2025 · 50 min
#16 - Nikola Todorovic
Nikola Todorovic, CEO, filmmaker, and co-founder of Wonder Dynamics, is reshaping visual effects with AI. His company’s tool, Wonder Studio, automates CGI animation and lighting, making high-end VFX accessible to all creators. In this episode, Nikola shares his journey from a film-obsessed kid to a tech innovator, discussing how AI is transforming storytelling and the future of filmmaking.
#15
Dec 16, 2024 · 30 min
#15 - Jonas Peterson
Jonas Peterson, visual artist and photographer, challenges traditional views of aging and creativity. Known for his breakout series Youth Is Wasted on the Young, Jonas uses AI and fashion to craft striking portraits of older adults, revealing their inner vitality and rebellion. From his roots in advertising and analog photography to exploring generative AI, Jonas redefines storytelling through portraiture. Join us as he shares his process, the emotional impact of his work, and how technology is helping him push the boundaries of art and human connection.
#14
Dec 9, 2024 · 30 min
#14 - Andrew Reid
Andrew Reid, VP, Creative at Atlantic Records, blends music and visuals to craft unified artistic visions for top artists. From his scrappy beginnings in Brooklyn's art scene to leveraging AI tools like MidJourney, Andrew shares how he's pushing creative boundaries. Discover his journey, philosophies on world-building, and how AI is transforming storytelling and the creative process.
#13
Dec 2, 2024 · 26 min
#13 - Quim Español
Quim Español, the visionary creator of Fake is Real, combines AI-generated photography with storytelling to explore the boundaries of authenticity in art. In this episode, Quim shares how he crafts hyper-realistic portraits paired with intricate backstories, using digital tools to elevate underrepresented voices and provoke thought. Discover his unique artistic process, his perspectives on identity in the digital age, and the ethical dilemmas of creating artificial personas that feel undeniably real.
#12
Nov 25, 2024 · 31 min
#12 - Zack London
Zack London, widely recognized as "Gossip Goblin" on Instagram, has built a thriving online following through his daily goblin stories and expansive, AI-driven lore. Starting with his childhood passion for drawing dinosaurs, Zack evolved into a creative technologist, blending traditional illustration with cutting-edge AI tools to craft rich, immersive narratives. In this episode, he shares how his disciplined storytelling approach and unique visual experiments have captivated his audience, all while exploring the balance between artistic control and the unpredictable creativity of AI. Dive into Zack's goblin-filled world and discover how he's redefining digital storytelling.
#11
Nov 18, 2024 · 29 min
#11 - Jonathan Vardi
Jonathan Vardi, or "Jovardi," is a filmmaker redefining the creative process with AI. In this episode, Jovardi shares how he leverages tools like Runway to intuitively explore ideas, breaking away from traditional scriptwriting to let visual storytelling take the lead. By integrating AI into his filmmaking, he creates films that are as experimental as they are immersive. Join us as we delve into his innovative approach, using generative AI not just as a tool, but as a creative partner in reshaping narrative cinema.
#10
Sep 30, 2024 · 34 min
#10 - Nem Perez
Nem Perez, a visionary filmmaker and creative director, shares his journey from the Chicago hip-hop scene to pioneering AI-driven visual storytelling. In this episode, Nem discusses the evolution of his craft, from creating viral Vine content to developing innovative music videos and branded content. Learn how he uses AI and cutting-edge technology to push creative boundaries and democratize filmmaking, offering fresh perspectives on the future of cinema and digital art.
#9
Sep 23, 2024 · 33 min
#9 - Verena Puhm
Verena Puhm, an innovative director and storyteller, explores how AI tools are revolutionizing the filmmaking process. By leveraging advanced technology, Verena is breaking free from traditional constraints, visualizing big projects, and pushing her work forward without waiting for traditional financiers. Discover how she’s using AI to create, pitch, and develop films on her own terms, empowering independent filmmakers to take control of their creative visions.
#8
Sep 16, 2024 · 38 min
#8 - CoffeeVectors
CoffeeVectors, a digital artist known for his unique blend of AI, 3D, and traditional media, joins the show to discuss the evolution of his anonymous persona, the integration of AI into artistic workflows, and his creative inspirations ranging from Renaissance art to video games. Discover how he is pushing the boundaries of digital art while maintaining a sense of mystery and innovation.
#7
Sep 9, 2024 · 38 min
#7 - Pat Pataranutaporn
Pat Pataranutaporn, a visionary technologist and researcher at MIT Media Lab, joins the show to discuss his groundbreaking work in synthetic virtual humans and synthetic biology. Pat delves into the fascinating worlds between our biological selves and the digital universe, from AI companions that enhance learning and mental wellness to wearable labs for space exploration. His insights offer a glimpse into the future of human-technology interaction and the ethical considerations that come with it.
#6
Aug 26, 2024 · 37 min
#6 - Hok
Hokuto Konishi, better known as HOK, is an Emmy Award-winning choreographer, director, and movement designer. In this episode, HOK shares his journey from breakdancing to creating with AI, offering insights into his innovative projects and the intersection of technology and movement. His work spans performances with the legendary Quest Crew to collaborations with top brands, exploring the boundaries of human perception through AI-generated art.
#5
Aug 19, 2024 · 31 min
#5 - Chris Kenny
Chris Kenny, head of product at Deep Voodoo, shares insights into the world of synthetic media and deepfake technology. In this episode, Chris discusses the innovative projects at Deep Voodoo, the ethical considerations of deepfakes, and how AI is reshaping digital creativity. From viral videos like Sassy Justice to groundbreaking work in VFX, learn how Chris and his team are pushing the boundaries of visual effects and generative AI.
#4
Aug 12, 2024 · 41 min
#4 - Don Allen Stevenson III
Don Allen Stevenson III, often dubbed the Bob Ross of the Metaverse, is a visionary in extended reality and digital innovation. In this episode, Don discusses his groundbreaking work in merging AI, art, and technology to create immersive experiences. From his journey at DreamWorks to his current projects with major brands, Don shares insights into the future of digital creativity and his mission to foster a positive relationship between humans and technology.
#3
Aug 5, 2024 · 43 min
#3 - Paul Trillo
Paul Trillo, a visionary filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist, discusses his groundbreaking work in experimental filmmaking. Known for innovations like the world's first mobile bullet time camera rig and mesmerizing aerial smoke shows, Paul delves into his creative process, the inspiration behind his projects, and the future of visual storytelling.

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes