In this episode, Chris Do sits down with futurist and creative AI researcher Don Allen Stevenson III for a wide-ranging conversation on emerging technology, spatial computing, and how subjective realities will reshape the way humans interact with the world. Don shares his journey from DreamWorks Animation to becoming a leading voice on accessible creativity, discussing the tools, interfaces, and philosophies that drive his work.
They explore how animation-style thinking can change how people learn, create, and communicate visually. Chris and Don also dig into the emotional, ethical, and cultural implications of AI-powered technologies and the personal stories that fuel Don’s mission.
Timestamps
(00:00) — Intro(04:12) — Bob Ross influence explained(08:58) — Subjective reality breakdown(13:47) — Shared whiteboard in mixed reality(18:15) — Facial recognition future tools(22:03) — Bias, avatars, and public perception(26:44) — Social signaling and safety cues(31:20) — Futurist optimism vs realism(36:02) — Ethical concerns in AI progress(40:55) — Tech companies and IP conflicts(45:12) — Government pressure and innovation race(49:58) — Identity, profiling, and digital overlays(54:37) — Memory augmentation through wearables(59:16) — Practical vs dystopian use cases(01:03:40) — Human inconsistency with privacy(01:08:12) — Convenience tipping points for adoption(01:12:47) — Safety, misuse, and large-scale risks(01:16:25) — Why sub-optimism shapes the future(01:20:10) — Final thoughts on ethical tech
Check out today's guest, Don Allen Stevenson III:
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