Deborah Kado is a geriatrician who believes her field is misunderstood. Her interest in the science of aging began with a childhood encounter in a nursing home but recently resulted in intriguing work in which Kado linked microbes in the gut to vitamin D metabolism and poor sleep. Kado refuses to blame aging alone for health problems, advocating for better care regardless of age. It’s never too late to strive for better health, Kado tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Deborah Kado

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Deborah Kado, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at Stanford University.

(00:03:22) Origin Story in Geriatrics

How a childhood encounter led to Deborah’s career in geriatrics.

(00:06:04) Geriatrics vs. Gerontology

The clinical and research distinctions between the two related fields.

(00:06:58) Rethinking Aging

Reframing aging as a lifelong process rather than decline and loss.

(00:08:34) Patient Care Approach

Why symptoms should be investigated, not dismissed as inevitable aging.

(00:11:33) Linking Bone Health, Gut, and Brain

The surprising relationship between microbiomes, bones, and cognition.

(00:14:34) Vitamin D: Storage vs. Active Form

Why only the active form of vitamin D correlates with microbiome health.

(00:17:22) Gut Health and Sleep

How better sleep quality is linked to healthier microbiomes.

(00:21:20) Medical Education & Geriatric Training

The shortage of geriatrics training in U.S. medical schools.

(00:23:08) Measuring Geriatric Knowledge

The challenges and efforts to measure student knowledge about aging.

(00:27:24) Takeaways for Medical Professionals

Two anecdotes where symptoms were misattributed to old age.

(00:30:51) Empowering Aging Patients

Advice to aging individuals: agency, purpose, and not settling for less care.

(00:34:02) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

It's teacher appreciation week and along with schools across the country, we here at The Future of Everything want to send out a heartfelt thank you to the teachers who make a difference every day in the lives of our children and in society as a whole. In light of this, we’re re-running an education related episode, and more specifically one on the future of educational technology with the Dean of the Stanford School of Education, Dan Schwartz. Dan is exploring effective ways to use AI in the classroom to support teachers–not to replace them–and to enhance student learning. We hope you’ll take a moment to tune in again and enjoy.

Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Daniel Schwartz

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Dan Schwartz, Dean of the School of Education at Stanford University.

(00:01:44) The Role of AI in Modern Education

The widespread reactions and implications of AI in education.

(00:02:59) Technology in the Classroom

The historical and evolving relationship between technology and education.

(00:04:51) Engaging Students with AI

How AI can enhance engagement through innovative teaching.

(00:07:45) Impact of AI on Student Learning

The balance between AI tools and maintaining educational standards.

(00:13:21) Challenges with EdTech Collaboration

Concerns about industry prioritizing speed over creativity in learning tools.

(00:15:23) Teachers Adapting to AI

The role of teachers in effectively integrating AI into the classroom.

(00:18:21) Assessment and Grading with AI

The potential and concerns of using AI for educational assessment

(00:22:16) AI and Conceptual Understanding

How AI can shift focus from task completion to true understanding.

(00:24:49) Physical Activity and Learning

The connection between physical activity and improved learning outcomes.

(00:28:59) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Michael Wara is a lawyer and an expert in wildfire policy who says that solutions are out there, but face financial, political, and cultural resistance. What’s needed, he says, are “whole-of-society” approaches that raise wildfire risk to the community level. In this regard, the devastation in Los Angeles in 2025 could provide the spark needed for smarter communication, better policies, and renewed urgency on wildfires, Wara tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Michael Wara

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Michael Wara, a wildfire expert and professor of law at Stanford University.

(00:03:17) Journey to Wildfire Research

How Michael’s clean energy work led to wildfire research.

(00:04:48) Communities at the Frontlines

The community-level challenges and responsibilities in fire prevention.

(00:07:05) Shifting Community Perspectives

How awareness is rising but state efforts remain misaligned.

(00:09:28) Legacy Homes, Modern Risk

Why older homes pose a major risk and retrofitting is crucial.

(00:11:06) The Limits of Utility-Led Safety Efforts

The significant but insufficient progress utilities have made.

(00:14:35) Targeting High-Risk Areas

How utilities now prioritize high-risk areas for safety upgrades.

(00:15:42) Insurance Industry Realities

Why insurers can't price risk without crashing markets.

(00:18:24) Urban Wildfires

How today's major fires in suburbs are mostly fueled by homes.

(00:23:24) The Climate Change Multiplier

The impact of atmospheric dryness and fuel moisture on fire risk.

(00:25:57) New Fire Regulations

Recent mandates that have been implemented to decrease fire risk.

(00:30:58) Hollywood’s Role in Culture Change

Michael’s suggestion to showcase fire-safe landscaping.

(00:33:04) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Physician and psychologist Heidi Feldman is a pioneer in the field of developmental behavioral pediatrics who says that the world’s understanding of childhood disability is changing and so too are the ways we approach it. Where once institutionalization was common, today we find integrative, family-centered approaches, charting a more humane, hopeful path forward. For example, for children born prematurely with increased likelihood of disability, increasing skin-to-skin contact – what is called “kangaroo care” – can literally reshape that child’s brain development, she tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Heidi M. Feldman

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Heidi Feldman, professor of pediatrics at Stanford University.

(00:03:26) Path to Developmental Pediatrics

Heidi’s journey from education to developmental-behavioral pediatrics.

(00:05:10) The Emergence of Developmental Pediatrics

How developmental disabilities entered the medical mainstream.

(00:07:30) Common Disorders in Children

The most prevalent disabilities seen in practice and diagnostic trends.

(00:09:46) Preterm Birth and Disability Risk

Why premature birth is a major risk factor for developmental challenges.

(00:13:53) Brain Connections and Outcomes

How white matter and brain circuitry impact development.

(00:17:09) Kangaroo Care’s Potential

How skin-to-skin contact positively influences brain development.

(00:21:30) Inclusive Family and Community Support

Why integrated care and inclusive classrooms benefit all children.

(00:23:37) Social and Economic Upsides

Cost savings and increased independence from inclusive care.

(00:24:33) Transitioning to Adult Care

Gaps and opportunities in supporting disabled youth into adulthood.

(00:27:12) Using AI to Improve Care Quality

AI models help track whether care guidelines are being followed.

(00:31:00) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Nora Freeman Engstrom is a professor of law who says that in three-quarters of cases one or more of the parties lacks legal representation. Worse yet, often the litigants are involved in high-consequence civil cases where there is no right to a lawyer and costs are prohibitive. Some states are looking at alternatives including non-lawyer representation, curated legal help for low-income citizens, and even AI, as Engstrom tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering's The Future of Everything podcast.

Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Nora Freeman Engstrom

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Nora Freeman Engstrom, a professor of law at Stanford University.

(00:03:11) Path to Justice Work

Nora’s journey into legal ethics and justice reform.

(00:04:46) Misconceptions About Civil Court

How civil cases often involve one represented and one unrepresented party.

(00:08:40) Limits of Judicial Help

Why the U.S. adversarial system limits judicial involvement.

(00:10:40) Problems with Self-Help

The lack of reliable resources for people trying to represent themselves.

(00:13:41) The Cost of Legal Help

The high cost of representation and how legal aid is overwhelmed.

(00:15:20) A Missing Middle

How law lacks mid-level professionals to offer affordable legal help.

(00:17:41) Expanding Legal Access

Why law lacks mid-level roles and bans non-lawyer advice.

(00:22:22) New Models for Legal Support

The ways some states are testing trained non-lawyers to expand access.

(00:27:22) Legal Help in the Past

The history of legal access, including lawyers in banks and auto clubs.

(00:30:29) Legal Protectionism

How depression-era protectionism led to today’s lawyer-only model

(00:32:48) The Role of AI in Legal Access

The potential of AI for creating smarter legal tools for courts.

(00:35:52) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook