The IJK Podcast

Mike Bechtel | Former Deloitte Chief Futurist on Real AI Value vs. Hype | Ep 31

In this episode of The IJK Podcast, Imad Jack Karam is joined by Mike Bechtel — professor, author, and former Chief Futurist at Deloitte Consulting — for a practical conversation on AI, innovation, leadership, and the future of work. We explore how leaders can think clearly about the future without getting lost in AI hype, where artificial intelligence is already creating real business value, what remains uniquely human in the age of automation, and what professionals can do now to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. We also discuss why large organizations struggle to innovate, how to separate real signals from noise, and what practical steps leaders can take to prepare their teams and businesses for what’s next. Mike brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience. In addition to his former role at Deloitte, he teaches corporate innovation at the University of Notre Dame, previously served as Global Innovation Director at Accenture, and co-founded Ringleader Ventures. His work has been featured in outlets including Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Wired, NPR, and the World Economic Forum. Topics include: -AI hype vs. real value -The future of work -The future of innovation -Leadership in times of uncertainty -Human skills in the age of AI -Practical business strategies for adapting to change -Career advice for young grads in the age of AI Subscribe for more conversations on AI, business, technology, leadership, and big ideas. #MikeBechtel [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mikebechtel] #AI [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ai] #ArtificialIntelligence [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/artificialintelligence] #FutureOfWork [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/futureofwork] #Innovation [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/innovation] #Leadership [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/leadership] #BusinessStrategy [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/businessstrategy] #DigitalTransformation [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/digitaltransformation] #Futurist [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/futurist] #ijkpodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ijkpodcast]

Jeff Booth | Tech-Driven Deflation, AI & Bitcoin: Why Life Still Feels Expensive

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeff Booth, visionary entrepreneur and author of the groundbreaking book "The Price of Tomorrow", to unpack a simple but explosive idea: Technology is deflationary—it pushes costs down—yet our debt-based financial system is built in a way that often pushes prices and asset values up. We talk about how AI accelerates this clash in 2026 and beyond, why everyday life can still feel expensive even in an age of digital abundance, what this means for jobs and skills, why energy matters as a real-world constraint, and where Bitcoin may fit into the future of money and trust. Topics we cover: * Jeff’s origin story and the “aha” behind The Price of Tomorrow * Why tech drives deflation—and why it doesn’t feel that way * AI, productivity, and the future of jobs * Bitcoin as a protocol + why layers matter * Best-case vs worst-case scenarios for the next 5-10 years If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves debating big questions.

Dr. Gil Carvalho | Nutrition Made Simple: What Science Really Says About Healthy Eating

Nutrition is one of the most debated and confusing topics today. With countless diets, conflicting advice, and endless headlines, it can be difficult to know what the science actually says about healthy eating. In this episode of The IJK Podcast, Imad Jack Karam sits down with Dr. Gil Carvalho — physician, scientist, and creator of Nutrition Made Simple — to explore how to think about nutrition from an evidence-based perspective. We discuss why nutrition advice often conflicts, what scientific research broadly agrees on about healthy diets, and how people can apply practical principles to improve their health. The conversation also explores common diet myths, nutrition and longevity, cardiovascular health, and how modern dietary guidelines and food pyramids have evolved. Dr. Gil is known for translating complex nutrition research into clear, balanced explanations that help people cut through the noise and make better decisions about their health. If you’re looking for clarity in a field often dominated by trends and strong opinions, this conversation will help you understand how to approach nutrition scientifically. Topics discussed include: -Why nutrition advice often conflicts -The foundations of a healthy diet -Common diet myths and misconceptions -Nutrition and long-term health -Longevity and evidence-based lifestyle choices -How modern nutrition guidelines have evolved If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The IJK Podcast for discussions with leading thinkers in business, science, health, technology, and philosophy.

Jonathan Pageau | Symbolism and Meaning in Modern Times

In this episode of The IJK Podcast, I’m joined by Jonathan Pageau — liturgical artist, iconographer, and creator of The Symbolic World — for a deep but accessible conversation on symbolism and meaning in modern times. We live in an age that feels rational, data-driven, and “post-myth,” yet symbols continue to shape how we think, what we value, and what we treat as ultimate. Jonathan explains how symbolism works, why humans can’t escape meaning, and what happens when societies lose a shared symbolic framework. We also explore how modern culture expresses its hunger for meaning through stories, identity, technology, and even AI — and how we can begin to reconnect with meaning in everyday life. Topics we cover: * What symbolism really is (beyond metaphors) * Why meaning can’t be reduced to “facts” or utility * The modern “meaning crisis” and cultural fragmentation * Pop culture and myth in the digital age * Technology, AI, and “Babel” as a modern pattern * Practical ways to re-orient toward meaning To know more about Jonathan's work check: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/ [https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/] Subscribe for conversations on meaning, philosophy, culture, AI, and the big questions shaping our time. #JonathanPageau [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/jonathanpageau] #Symbolism [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/symbolism] #Meaning [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/meaning] #TheSymbolicWorld [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/thesymbolicworld] #Philosophy [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/philosophy] #Religion [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/religion] #Culture [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/culture] #ai [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ai]

Bitcoin Explained: Lessons from Hundreds of Bitcoin Interviews with Robin Seyr | Ep 27

What does Bitcoin really mean — beyond price charts, headlines, and hype? In this episode of The IJK Podcast, Imad Jack Karam is joined by Robin Seyr, one of the most prolific interviewers in the Bitcoin space. Robin set himself an ambitious mission: to conduct hundreds of conversations with Bitcoin builders, educators, economists, technologists, and everyday users from around the world. After speaking with so many voices across the ecosystem, Robin has developed a rare, big-picture perspective on Bitcoin — not just as a technology or an asset, but as a social, economic, and human phenomenon. In this conversation, we explore: * How Robin discovered Bitcoin and what pulled him deeper into the space * How he defines Bitcoin today in simple, accessible terms * What he learned from interviewing hundreds of Bitcoiners * Common myths and misconceptions his guests consistently debunk * How to think about recent price volatility without losing the long-term signal * Where Robin believes Bitcoin is heading next — in adoption, technology, and meaning This episode is ideal for both Bitcoin newcomers looking for clarity and long-time listeners interested in deeper insights from someone who’s seen the ecosystem from every angle. Listen, learn, and decide for yourself what Bitcoin really represents.