The Future Is How – Details, episodes & analysis

How do you envision the future—yours, ours, and the planet’s? Join me, Frederik Pferdt, in the first episode of The Future Is How, as I sit down with Tim Leberecht, the founder of the House of Beautiful Business, to explore how beauty can inspire connection, reimagine the future, and help us live more meaningful lives. Together, we discuss why it’s time to value all life—including AI—and how moving beyond human-centeredness can address some of our biggest challenges.

In our conversation today, we explore the following topics: 

• Why you shouldn’t limit yourself to one vision of the future

• Exercises in cultivating intimacy inspired by the artist Marina Abramovic

• Attributes of beauty and how to find it

• Practices for strengthening your imagination muscles 

• Why Tim is optimistic about AI’s role in our future 

• The cost of human-centeredness and the case for valuing all life

• And so much more!

—

Where to find Tim Leberecht:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timleberecht/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tleberecht/

• Business website: https://houseofbeautifulbusiness.com/

• Website: http://timleberecht.com/

—

Where to find Frederik Pferdt 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/

• Website: https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/

—

In this episode, we cover:

(0:00) Intro

(02:57) Welcome Tim Leberecht

(03:40) A sneak preview of the future Tim (first version)

(06:24) A sneak preview of the future Tim (second version) 

(09:06) Lessons from Marina Abramovic’s art 

(14:37) Tim’s practice of “silent dinners” 

(20:41) The transcendent power of moments of beauty and awe

(23:15) Attributes of beauty—and why intimacy and attention are key components 

(26:25) An exercise in attention and fostering intensity 

(27:22) A moment to pause and reconnect 

(31:50) Applying the lens of beauty to the future by imagining lives we haven’t lived

(37:15) Getting started with practices to create the future you want 

(47:28) How AI might be used for beauty and connection  

(48:10) What shifted Tim's perspective on AI, making him more optimistic

(50:22) Human-centeredness vs. life-centeredness

(57:20) A case for beauty as a source of connection and peace 

(59:20) How Tim wants to be in the future

(1:03:15) Frederik’s final thoughts 

Music: Andreas Horchler

Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich

Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein

Inspiration is more than a feeling. Its´ an active force that fuels creativity, leadership and change. Today, Adam Galinsky joins me. Adam is an expert in Leadership, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Adam is a Professor of Leadership and Ethics at the Columbia Business School.

Among his many publications, he co-authored "Friend and Foe", a book exploring the science behin collaboration and competition. His latest book is "Inspire-The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others". Here, Adam explores the science of inspiration, how to find it, to develop it, and to use it.

In this episode, we talk about the origins and the power of inspiration.

•The spark of inspiration-becoming more inspiring

•Inspiration at the crossroads of creativity and usefulness

•Inspiration? Listen to your children

•Inspired travel

•Wood and water: Natural inspiration

•Variety helps

•Different people, different times, different needs

•Inspiration today, boredom tomorrow?

•The Copenhagen lesson: Improvisation and embracing vulnerability

•The mindstate moment by the ocean

•The universal continuum: Vision Example Mentoring

•The big picture energy: optimism counts

•Inspiration is daily work

•REIP: Reflect Emulate Intend Practice to become a more inspiring person tomorrow

•Too much clam chowder? The power in making things more scarce

•You can make things better: Look out for possibilities

In today’s episode of The Future is How, I am thrilled to be joined by my friend Kalle Ryan. Kalle is an award-winning writer, poet, and founder of Poetic, a creative consultancy dedicated to crafting compelling narratives, solving communication challenges, and unlocking creativity for organizations of all sizes.

Before founding Poetic, Kalle refined his storytelling and communication skills at Google and Meta. At Meta, he led internal communication strategies that connected employees globally through creative content. At Google, he drove Cloud9, EMEA's innovation hub, launching initiatives to foster employee creativity.

In our conversation today, we dive into the captivating world of creativity and storytelling, covering topics such as:

• What sparked Kalle’s love of storytelling

• The tale of "Bringing Batman to Work"

• The pivotal role creativity played in propelling Kalle’s career to new heights

• Viewing the world through a creative lens

• A creativity practice inspired by Pam Houston’s concept of "glimmers"

• Using your creativity to live more intentionally

• The essence of great storytelling: making people feel

• Building human connections through stories

• Kalle’s perspective on AI tools and why he remains optimistic for the future of creatives

—

Where to find Kalle Ryan:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalleryan/

• Website: https://kalleryan.com/

• Poetic: https://poetic.ie/

—

Where to find Frederik Pferdt 

• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/⁠⁠⁠⁠

• YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

—

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Intro 

(03:02) Kalle’s future bio

(07:26) Our obsession with dystopian fiction and why we should be more optimistic 

(11:23) How Kalle fell in love with creativity and storytelling

(16:33) Kalle’s story about integrating his creative self with his corporate self

(22:30) Why viewing the world with a creative lens allows for greater opportunity

(23:47) A creative exercise borrowing from Pam Houston’s “glimmers” 

(29:47) The creative practice of one word at a time stories

(32:05) A moment to pause and reconnect with your creativity

(35:39) The power of storytelling to live more intentionally 

(45:30) The role of storyteller in first nations of Australia 

(46:20) Storytellers today

(47:40) The merits and shortcomings of AI for creativity 

(57:08) Closing

—

Music: Andreas Horchler

Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich

Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein

In today’s episode of The Future is How, I sit down with my friend and former colleague, Newton Cheng, the Director of Health and Performance at Google. Newton is passionate about guiding leaders through skillful conversations on mental health—a topic he's deeply familiar with.

After experiencing burnout, Newton took a mental health leave from his role at Google. Upon his return, he openly shared his journey instead of concealing it behind the term "sabbatical."

In our discussion, we explore the significance of embracing vulnerability in the workplace and delve into key topics such as:

• Destigmatizing mental health struggles through openness

• Expressing vulnerability in a way that fosters safety and trust

• Why finding balance in your life isn’t always what feels good 

• A mind state moment aimed at improving by 1% 

• Newton’s morning routines, including non-judgmental reflection and writing morning pages

• And more!

—

Where to find  Newton Cheng:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newtoncheng/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newtoncheng/

• Website: https://www.newtoncheng.com/

—

Where to find Frederik Pferdt 

• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/⁠⁠

• YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠⁠https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/⁠⁠

—

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Intro

(03:00) Newton’s future bio

(04:46) The importance of vulnerability in leadership

(06:42) How Newton’s mental health leave inspired his vulnerable leadership movement

(10:25) The profound impact of Newton’s mental health leave story on three groups 

(15:26) An explanation of Ikigai, how it shaped Newton’s work, and continues to evolve

(21:05) How Newton takes care of his mental health

(25:10) Mind state moment

(29:01) Newton’s morning practices

(33:10) Making vs. managing

—

Music: Andreas Horchler

Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich

Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein

In today’s episode of The Future is How, futurist Lisa Kay Solomon joins me. Lisa is a designer in residence at the Stanford d.school. Lisa focuses on bridging the disciplines of futures and design thinking, creating experiences like “Vote by Design: Presidential Edition” and "The Future’s Happening" to help students learn and practice the skills they don’t yet know they need. At the d.school, she teaches classes such as Inventing the Future, where students imagine, debate, and analyze the 50-year futures of emerging tech. 

In our conversation today, Lisa emphasizes the importance of being future-forward and leveraging our imaginations to shape a better world. We explore topics such as:

• The value of developing a ‘futurist’ mindset, and strategies for long-term thinking

• How to expand your perspective by engaging in wider learning and learning from others

• The games, approaches, and activities Lisa uses to help her students visualize the future

• Lisa’s work with Vote By Design and how a futurist approach allows us to build a better world

• Why Lisa leans into curiosity and openness 

• A mindfulness practice engaging your imagination to visualize your future in five years

• And more!

—

Where to find  Lisa Kay Solomon:

• X: https://x.com/lisakaysolomon

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakaysolomon/

• Website: https://www.lisakaysolomon.com/

—

Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt 

• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/⁠⁠⁠

• YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/⁠⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/⁠⁠⁠

—

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Intro

(02:41) Lisa’s future bio

(06:14) The value of adopting a more ‘futurist’ outlook

(09:28) Strategies for developing a long-term perspective in problem-solving

(14:36) Techniques for imagining the future and your future self 

(18:30) Using present day anchors to imagine future prototypes 

(22:24) Lisa’s new class, View from the Future

(25:35) Lisa’s civic work at Vote by Design

(31:50)  The story of how Eric Reveno got election day off for college athletes 

(33:34) Lisa’s continued engaging athletes in civics

(35:15) An explanation of The Polak game 

(37:10) How Lisa uses The Polak game and rethinking who is a futurist

(39:47) The power of imagination and why we need to value it more 

(43:41) An exercise in imagining the future 

(48:55) Lisa’s daily practices 

(54:55) Closing

—

Music: Andreas Horchler

Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich

Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein

In today’s episode of The Future is How, I explore the topics of relationships and happiness with Dr. Robert Waldinger. He is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development at Massachusetts General Hospital, and co-founder of the Lifespan Research Foundation.

He is also a Zen priest and co-author of the book, The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. 

In our conversation today, we talk about the following topics: 

• The surprising finding from Dr. Waldinger’s research about connection’s impact on longevity

• What social fitness is, and advice on how to practice it

• Why you should try talking to a stranger and tips for getting started 

• Dr. Waldinger’s daily practices that promote health and happiness 

• Tips for building better relationships and the best way to make new friends 

• How to maintain connection and stay positive in our polarized world

—

Where to find  Robert Waldinger:

• X: https://x.com/robertwaldinger

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-waldinger-90012169/

• Website: https://www.robertwaldinger.com/

• Substack: https://robertwaldinger.substack.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertwaldingermd/

—

Where to find Frederik Pferdt 

• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/⁠⁠

• YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/⁠⁠

• Website: ⁠⁠https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/⁠⁠

—

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Intro

(02:28) Dr. Waldinger’s future bio

(03:47) How our connections keep us healthier and living longer

(04:47) How to keep your relationships strong

(08:55) A case for talking to strangers

(10:52) Tips for connecting with strangers

(13:20) Why you should join a group activity doing something you like

(16:01) Quality vs. quantity in friendship—and the type of relationships you’re better off without

(18:13) How Zen has influenced Dr. Waldinger’s idea of happiness and relationships

(19:55) Dr. Waldinger’s daily practices that help him live his best life 

(23:04) Challenges Dr. Waldinger faces 

(25:10) The importance of not trying to fix everything about yourself or others

(27:57) How Dr. Waldinger dealt with a colleague who gave painful feedback

(32:04) A moment of presence 

(35:32) Ways Dr. Waldinger is sharing his mission of happiness and connection

(36:57) Top ways to nurture our current relationships and happiness 

(40:40) Closing

—

Music: Andreas Horchler

Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich

Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein

In this exciting episode of The Future is How, I am joined by Dr. Els van der Helm, a leading sleep neuroscientist and adjunct professor at IE Business School. Dr. Els is a trusted advisor to CEOs and organizations worldwide, helping them unlock better performance through improved sleep and well-being. In our conversation today, we do a deep dive into the science of sleep and its transformative effects on your life and work and discuss the following topics: 

• Why skipping sleep won’t boost productivity

• Quality vs. quantity: What matters most

• How aging impacts your sleep 

• Two strategies to break the sleep deprivation-stress cycle

• How to use gratitude to fall asleep faster

• Why your late-night brain might mislead you

• Morning routines that set the stage for a good night’s sleep

• Evening wind-down tips 

• And much more!

—

Where to find  Dr. Els van der Helm:

• X: https://x.com/elsonsleep

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsvanderhelm/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drelsvanderhelm/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elsvanderhelmconsulting/

• Website: https://www.elsvanderhelm.com/

—

Where to find Frederik Pferdt 

• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/⁠

• YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt⁠

• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/⁠

• Website: ⁠https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/⁠

—

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Intro

(03:40) Els’s next five years

(05:10) Why we aren’t sleeping enough and the importance of quality work over quantity 

(10:30) The value of power naps and which areas suffer from inadequate sleep and rest

(15:00) The myth of too much sleep and an explanation of sleep debt

(17:50) How aging impacts sleep and what to do about it

(23:21) How sleep helps us process emotions, and tips for managing stress

(28:04) Why your brain is prone to catastrophizing late at night

(30:15) The power of novelty and how sleep helps you process a problem 

(36:37) Practices for beginning and ending the workday 

(38:15) Els’s bedtime rituals 

(40:38) Tips for starting your day and get the most from your early waking time

(45:04) Adding a social element to waking and sleeping rituals

(47:00) A quick gratitude practice 

(51:38) How prioritizing sleep and gratitude helped Els get through a stressful time

(55:27) Conclusion

—

Music: Andreas Horchler

Art Design: Stefan Schuster, Dino Hohos, Flo Dietrich

Production: Jordan & Adam Bornstein

“Zukunftsgeist”—or Future Spirit—is not only the German title of Frederik’s book What’s Next Is Now. It became a living, breathing movement during his Zukunftsgeist Tour across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

But this wasn’t your typical book tour.

Instead of classical readings, Frederik invited people into a shared experience—to ignite their own future spirit. And it worked. The response was overwhelming: after each event, participants didn’t just ask for a signature—they leaned in, saying things like “I’m starting my future right now.”

“I didn’t expect a book event to move me this deeply. It wasn’t just inspiring—it felt like a wake-up call from my future self.”

“For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have permission to imagine a radically better future—and the tools to start today.”

From intimate conversations to standing ovations, people across three countries wanted more than inspiration—they wanted transformation. And in this special episode of The Future is HOW, Frederik himself steps into the guest seat to share the stories, surprises, and soulful moments from this extraordinary journey.

He’s interviewed by Andreas Horchler, the journalist, music composer behind the podcast theme, and producer of this very show. Recorded live in Frankfurt, they reflect on the power of presence, possibility, and what happens when optimism becomes contagious.

In this episode:

• 3:25 Future Bio: Frederik on leaving a legacy as an ambassador of possibility

• 6:55 How to prepare body, mind, and spirit for a 19-city tour

• 9:00 Voices from Frankfurt: What meeting Frederik meant to guests

• 11:04 From moment to movement: Creating a new mindstate

• 15:22 Charge the car, charge yourself: Finding strength on the road

• 20:35 Staying fresh, curious, and open (yes, even with hotel snacks)

• 21:55 Stories from the road—from 5am meditations to midnight rituals

• 25:25 The Mindstate Moment

• 32:12 Reflections on the first season of The Future is HOW

• 34:27 No turning back—only forward

• NextLetter – your 1:1 with your future

  A bi-weekly newsletter designed to help you meet your future—1 powerful question, 2 new perspectives, and 1 simple experiment to try. A pause. A spark. A next step.

• Radikal Besser – Entfache den Zukunftsgeist, der in dir steckt!

  The German edition of What’s Next Is Now—a guide to activating your future spirit and living radically better.

• What’s Next Is Now – the book

  Your future-ready mindstate to help you create what’s next—with tools, stories, and exercises.

• The Future Is HOW – Podcast

  Explorations with creators, thinkers, and doers on how to shape the future from the inside out.

• Are You Future Ready? Take the Test

  Discover how ready your inner world is to create what’s next.

• Step Into What’s Next for You

  Whether you’re an individual or a team—start shaping your future today with Frederik’s keynotes, workshops, and transformative sessions.

In today’s episode of The Future is How, it's all about growth, from plants to the inner self. And we have a more than special guest: Angela Pferdt. Coming from a background in finance, today she is a Healing Artist, a Reiki Master, a Master Gardener, and she is Frederik's wife, in Frederik's words: one of his greatest teachers. Frederik and Angela spent decades together, building a home and raising three children. “Home is where I grow”, says Angela. This time The Future is How comes straight from Angela's and Frederik's home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, an exchange of experiences, thoughts, callings, insights, and more than that: their future, like a walk together we all can listen to.   

Today, we talk about:
• The power of Reiki and how it helps to become more present

• Plant based medicine and how psychedelics can help opening up and finding love and answers inside
• Long standing myths on psychedelics
• How gardening and personal growth are deeply interconnected

• Finding patience and presence

Where to find Angela Pferdt:
⁠https://www.santawoodz.com

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/santa_woodz/⁠⁠⁠

Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt:
NextLetter – ⁠https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/#nextletter⁠

What's NextIs Now The Book: ⁠⁠https://www.whatsnextisnowthebook.com

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/⁠⁠⁠
YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt⁠⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/⁠⁠⁠
Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Intro
(02:57) Angela's future bio: Who Angela is becoming how she's building a future around Reiki, energy work and plant medicine, and becoming more present
(05:50) Reiki and being present
(07:17) How Reiki works
(08:29) Angela's journey to Reiki
(10:28) Energy & Healing & Well-being: Why people are coming to Angela's Reiki studio
(13:05) The journey guide: Plant medicine and digging deeper solving crises
(17:45) The integration phase: Life completely different, opening up, the answer inside, and love

(20:53) Plant based medicine: Is it for me?
(23:00) Time to grow: It begins in the soil

(25:11) A Mindstate Moment with Frederik
(28:14) Growth and Gardening: Nourishment, minds and communities

(29:35) Psychedelic myths: Breaking addictions instead of creating addictions

(32:06) It's not exclusively about trauma or seeing colors: Psychedelics can break patterns, accessing the unconscious

(33:54) Patience and presence: How her children benefit from Angela's work

(36:10) Words of encouragement: if you can imagine it, you can achieve it, if you can dream it, you can become it.  

Music: Andreas Horchler

In today’s episode of The Future is How, questions take center stage. Questions shape our futures much more than we believe in everyday life. Marc Champagne, author of “Personal Socrates” and podcast host of “Behind the Human” is a pioneer in mental fitness, who explores the practices of brilliant thinkers, visionaries, and high-impact performers. He trained thousands of professionals to gain clarity in momentsthat matter. The next big disruption, Marc believes, will not be technological, but psychological.

In our conversation today, we talk about:
• What if the future is more about asking the right questions than having answers
• Navigating the between world of constant anxiousness
• Being present, preparing for the future
• The mental gym: Training your future-muscle
• Career, calling and happiness
• The right questions to ask yourself to shape your own future

Where to find Marc Champagne:
Website: ⁠https://www.mchampagne.com/
Podcast: ⁠https://www.mchampagne.com/⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-champagne-%F0%9F%A7%A0%F0%9F%92%AA-14767b17/
YouTube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/@behindthehumanpodcast

Where to find Frederik G. Pferdt:
NextLetter – ⁠https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/#nextletter⁠

What's Next Is Now The Book: ⁠⁠https://www.whatsnextisnowthebook.com

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/fgpferdt/⁠⁠⁠
YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/frederikgpferdt⁠⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/frederikgpferdt/⁠⁠⁠
Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.frederikgpferdt.com/⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(04:18) Marc´s future bio: A bridge from ancient wisdom to today´s challenges
(07:15) More ease, more grace, more confidence: Navigating the anxious between-world
(12:42) Being in the present, preparing for the future: What our minds need
(15:29) The mental gym: The 30 second reset
(20:24) Feeling alive: High performance beyond numbers
(25:30) Career and calling: Happiness and meaning
(27:28) The most powerful question: What am I pretending not to know?
(31:55) What if it were possible: replacing doubt with optimism
(34:24) Zen master lesson on ANT´s (Automatic Negative Thoughts): Are you certain?(36:39) A Mindstate Moment with Frederik
(39:22) When you are stuck: What does your mind need most

(41:30) Starting the day on your terms: Breathe

Music: Andreas Horchler