Understanding "The Anxious Generation"—and What Comes Next
Today’s episode is coming to you from the Fast Company Innovation Festival that took place in New York last week. I interviewed author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt on the state of technology’s effect on our children. A conversation that is more important now than it’s ever been.
Jonathan’s book, The A nxious Generation, came out last year and ignited a national debate about childhood in the age of smartphones and social media. Since then, more than half of U.S. states have moved to limit phone use in schools, Australia has announced plans to restrict social media for kids under 16, and the EU is weighing similar measures. Haidt’s argument has become a rallying point in a broader movement to protect children’s mental health as new tech risks emerge
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Fast Company's Innovation Festival Returns to NYC
In this bonus episode, executive director of editorial programming, Kc Ifeanyi, chats with editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan about Fast Company's Innovation Festival 2025. They discuss the latest panels, and Fast Tracks, or what Brendan likes to call "field trips for grown-ups." This is where attendees visit the companies that FC reports on.
Later, Brendan asks Kc about a moment at the innovation festival that "keeps him up at night."
Fast Company's 11th annual Innovation Festival hits New York City this September 15-18. There's an incredible lineup of speakers, activations, workshops, dinners, and much more. It's going to be a packed week full of insights, networking, and, of course, innovation. Head to events.fastcompany.com to get the most up-to-date lineup of speakers and sessions. And use code "create20" for 20% off a Select Innovation Festival pass.
See you there!
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Pixar’s Pete Docter talks about boosting creativity at work
Pixar's chief creative officer Pete Doctor discusses risk-taking and AI on the job.
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What Happens When the U.S. Pulls Back from Global Aid? With the International Rescue Committee's President and CEO, David Miliband
On today’s episode, host Brendan Vaughan talks to David Miliband. If you are familiar with British politics, you might remember Miliband from his time as the UK’s Foreign Secretary and as a member of parliament for the labor party. But, in 2013 he left politics to become the President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, which is a global humanitarian aid organization.
Brendan and David talk about how the Trump Administration has upended humanitarian aid as well as the ongoing work the IRC is doing in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. They also discuss how the IRC is using AI to better anticipate humanitarian crises.
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AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler on how labor is uniting in response to Trump
In an exclusive interview with Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan, the U.S. labor leader also discusses DOGE, Musk, and AI.
What does it take to lead in a world that never stops changing? Join ‘Fast Company’ editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan as he sits down with the world’s top leaders in business, government, and culture to explore the trends shaping our world right now. From groundbreaking innovations to shifting workplace dynamics, each episode dives deep into the forces driving change—and the leadership principles that guide today’s most influential minds. Whether you're a forward-thinking executive, an entrepreneur, or just curious about what’s next, ‘Office Hour’ delivers bold ideas and candid conversations that will help you navigate the future.
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