Pulse by AlphaWire

Beyond Screen Time: What Parents Are Really Afraid of in the AI Era with Dr. Viola Liu

What happens when researchers, parents, and entrepreneurs ask a deeper question about technology and education? In this conversation, Aldo sits down with Dr. Viola Liu — learning science researcher, Harvard graduate, and AI-in-education expert — to reflect on our experience at MIT’s Entrepreneurship Development Program and the unexpected journey that led to the creation of Norie.  Together, we explore: * Why AI is changing far more than content delivery * The growing tension parents feel around screens and digital childhood * The importance of critical thinking and metacognition in the AI era * How primary market research reshaped our assumptions * Why the real challenge is not screen time — but understanding what children absorb * The role of AI as a thinking partner, not just a tool * What entrepreneurship can teach researchers — and vice versa This episode is ultimately about one question: How do we preserve humanity, curiosity, and wisdom in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent machines? A thoughtful conversation on education, parenting, AI, and building technology with intention. Learn more about Norie: https://getnorie.com/ [https://getnorie.com/] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaWireHQ [https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaWireHQ] This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/ [https://alphawire.xyz/]

The Future of Brain Health: Scientific Innovation, Startups and AI with Dr. Craig Ritchie Founder of Scottish Brain Sciences

In this episode of Pulse, host Aldo de Pape sits down with Craig Ritchie, founder and CEO of Scottish Brain Sciences [https://brainsciences.scot/who-we-are/team/], for a deep conversation about brain health, Alzheimer’s disease, entrepreneurship, genetics, AI, and the future of healthcare innovation. Craig shares his journey from medical school in Aberdeen to becoming a globally recognized leader in neurodegenerative medicine. He discusses why he left the security of academia to build a startup focused on accelerating breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research and explains why he believes a cure is closer than many people think. The conversation also explores the impact of screen time on children, how AI may transform healthcare, the role of genetics in dementia risk, and why entrepreneurship can move faster than traditional institutions when solving major global health challenges. Key Topics Covered * The mission behind Scottish Brain Sciences [https://www.scottishbrainsciences.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Why Craig Ritchie believes Alzheimer’s disease is curable * The future of brain health and neurodegenerative medicine * Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship * The “triple helix” model: healthcare, universities, and startups working together * How AI is reshaping medicine and diagnostics * The dangers of excessive screen time for children * Genetics and Alzheimer’s disease risk factors * Why innovation in healthcare often moves too slowly * The importance of balance, rhythm, and community for brain health * Craig’s personal morning routine and favorite book recommendations Notable Quotes > “Research is a means to an end. It’s not an end in itself.” > > “A cure for Alzheimer’s is just around the corner, but we have to believe it’s possible.” > > “The biggest problems facing society aren’t solved by governments or corporations alone — they’re solved through entrepreneurship.” > > “If children are spending all their time on screens, they’re not doing the things that help healthy brain development.” About Craig Ritchie Craig Ritchie is a leading expert in Alzheimer’s disease, dementia prevention, and brain health research. Originally from Aberdeen, Scotland, he trained in psychiatry and later worked with renowned Alzheimer’s researcher Colin Masters in Melbourne, Australia. Today, Craig serves as CEO and founder of Scottish Brain Sciences [https://www.scottishbrainsciences.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com], a company focused on accelerating clinical research, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation in neurodegenerative disease. He also holds academic positions at University of St Andrews and University of Aberdeen. To learn more about Scottish Brain Sciences: https://brainsciences.scot/who-we-are/team/ [https://brainsciences.scot/who-we-are/team/] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaWireHQ [https://www.youtube.com/@AlphaWireHQ] This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/ [https://alphawire.xyz/]

Unraveling the Story Behind Tony Mafia: An Artist and a Life of Freedom with Film Writer and Director, Sabine Lubbe Bakker

In this episode, Aldo sits down with the award winning Dutch filmmaker Sabine Lubbe Bakker for a deeply personal and reflective conversation about a man whose life resists simple definition.  Through memory, research, and storytelling, we explore the world of ‘Tony Mafia‘ - a painter shaped by a restless pursuit of freedom - a troubled past, and a legacy carried as much by myth as well as fact. This conversation is about questioning how we remember, interpret, and ultimately honor the lives of those who leave an imprint through art.  It is our sincere hope that this conversation helps you in telling the story of your life bringing all the colour into it, it deserves.  Keywords Tony Mafia, art biography, creative freedom, art legacy, personal stories, art analysis, biography research, art history, artist mental models Key Topics * The influence of personal history on art * The story behind Tony Mafia's paintings * The process of researching an artist's life Key Frameworks * Storytelling in Art * Biographical Research Techniques Sound Bites * "Imagination opens up a story to get closer to someone" * "It's about the possibility, not just the truth" * "The paintings are a treasure, a story worth telling" Chapters Introduction to Tony Mafia and Personal Biography 02:17 The Search for Truth and Possibility in Stories 04:22 The Influence of Art in Personal and Family History 06:04 Unraveling the Life of Tony Mafia: Childhood and Early Talent 12:06 The Significance of the Paintings and Their Value 20:17 The Blog and Public Perception of Tony Mafia 22:14 Reflections on Tony Mafia's Character and Legacy 30:53 Archiving and Understanding the Paintings 32:04 The Personal Meaning of Tony Mafia's Art 36:08 The Impact of Society and Era on Tony Mafia's Life 40:19 The Artistic Spirit and Longing for Freedom 43:14 Art as a Reflection of Inner Life and Society 50:26 The Relationship Between the Artist and the Viewer 51:53 Imagining the Narrative of Tony Mafia's Life 53:56 Next Steps: Preserving and Sharing Tony Mafia's Legacy This episode was brought together by AlphaWire: https://alphawire.xyz/

The Truth about Male Fertility: What Most Men Get Wrong with Karen Czeloth Urologist and Founder of Aspen Med Ltd

In this insightful interview from Aberdeen, Aldo sits down with Dr. Karen Czeloth, a Clinical Andrologist and specialist in men's health. She shares her journey from Germany to the UK, her expertise in male health, and her innovative approach to personalized medicine that's challenging how we think about healthcare as a whole. What begins as a discussion on fertility evolves into something much broader: a reflection on prevention, personalization, and the role technology must play in reshaping modern medicine. Discover how technology, AI, and a holistic perspective are transforming healthcare and empowering individuals to take ownership of their health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Karen Czelloth 01:55 Understanding Male Fertility and Health 04:57 Dr. Czelloth's Journey in Medicine 07:32 The Role of Technology in Healthcare 10:19 Holistic Approach to Patient Care 13:19 AspenMed: Personalized Medicine for Men 16:10 AI's Impact on Healthcare 21:15 Challenges in the UK Healthcare System 25:37 Empowering Patients Through Knowledge 31:17 Expanding Focus to Women's Health 32:54 Future Aspirations for AspenMed 34:54 Personal Routines and Reflections 37:42 Recommended Readings and Resources Keywords men's health, personalized medicine, AI in healthcare, urology, andrology, holistic health, international healthcare, medical technology, health ownership

Rethinking How Children Learn: Beyond Screens, Toward Listening with Drew Vernon, Director of Education at Tonies

What if one of the most meaningful shifts in education isn’t visual—but auditory? In this conversation with Drew Vernon, we explore a deceptively simple idea: that listening—true, focused listening—may be one of the most underutilized tools in childhood development today. Drew’s work at Tonies began in product and marketing, but evolved into something deeper—rethinking how children engage with content, learn, and connect without the constant pull of screens. We discuss: * Why audio is more than a nostalgic format—it’s a developmental tool * The growing tension between screen-based engagement and attention spans * How tactile, screen-free experiences can reshape learning environments * Unexpected use cases—from classrooms to adoption and family connection * The role of storytelling in emotional and cognitive development * Where AI fits—and where it may fall short—in early education What stood out most to me is not the technology itself, but the philosophy behind it. This is not about replacing one medium with another. It is about reintroducing space—space for imagination, for attention, for human connection. In a world increasingly optimized for speed and stimulation, perhaps the real innovation is in slowing things down.