Paradigm Shock

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Podcast by Paradigm Productions

Paradigm Shock

The world is undergoing a radical transformation. Welcome to Paradigm Shock, the interdisciplinary podcast that provides critical analysis of the major forces at play, from the revolutionary impact of Artificial Intelligence and modern Fintech to the historic changes underway in the financial architecture of the global dollar system and its future. In our exploration of the shifting economy and investing landscape, the impact of digital currencies such as stablecoins and Bitcoin, and the ever-changing currents of culture and society, we grapple with the details and nuance to separate hype from reality. Join us as we navigate these critical times, offering insightful analysis and varied perspectives on the profound changes shaping our future.

Latest episodes

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26 November 2025

Vasant Dhar on Paradigm Shifts in Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Vasant Dhar joins Paradigm Shock to discuss pivotal shifts in artificial intelligence. Known for bridging academia and practice, Dhar outlines AI's journey from expert systems, reliant on human-specified knowledge, to the advent of machine learning, deep learning and general intelligence, driven by data availability. He shares personal anecdotes, including early successes in uncovering data patterns that reshaped trading strategies on Wall Street. His narrative emphasizes AI's trend towards predictive modeling and its transformative role across sectors. Dhar's book, 'Thinking with Machines,' serves as a guide to understanding these developments, urging readers to navigate AI's opportunities and challenges thoughtfully.

This episode is part of a series of episodes on Artificial Intelligence planned over the next several months. Please subscribe to stay updated.

Show Links

Book: Thinking With Machines

Wikipedia Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasant_Dhar

Brave New World Podcast: https://bravenewpodcast.com/

NYU Page: https://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/vasant-dhar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasant-dhar-931175/

Contact Paradigm Shock:

Parshock2025@gmail.com

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01:05:08

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05 September 2025

Biocomputing: Merging Neuroscience with Technology

Dr. Ewelina Kurtys, a neuroscientist with the firm Final Spark, features on the Paradigm Shock podcast. We discuss her transition from academia to commercialization of revolutionary biocomputing technology, where living neurons function as processors. Emphasizing the energy efficiency of neurons over traditional silicon chips, Dr. Curtis explains the process and potential of programming neurons for computation. By encompassing various disciplines like biotechnology, neuroscience, and AI, this episode explores the potential benefits and future applications of this emerging field, along with risks and ethical considerations.

Show Notes:

Final Spark Website: https://finalspark.com/

Dr. Ewelina Kurtys Website:

Dr. Kurtys LinkedIn

Contact Paradigm Shock:

Paradigm Shock Podcast LinkedIn

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43:33

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22 August 2025

Beyond the Silos: Paul Sheard's Unique Economic Perspectives

The latest episode of Paradigm Shock features Dr. Paul Sheard, former Vice Chairman and Chief Economist at Standard and Poor's, a former advisor to two Japanese prime ministers, a senior official at multiple global institutions, and the author of numerous papers and books, including his latest "The Power of Money", a WSJ Best Seller. Listeners delve into why popular economic narratives, especially regarding monetary policy, have often missed the mark post-2008 global financial crisis. Sheard's varied experiences, from studying Japanese industrial systems to navigating global economics at S&P, allow him to address complex topics with depth. His analysis of monetary systems, particularly his work on quantitative easing, reveals misunderstandings about inflation post-2008. Dr. Sheard advocates for examining the finer details and institutional mechanics that traditional economic models often ignore, offering listeners a richer perspective on global financial challenges and the potential future disruptions to global economic architectures.

Show Links

Paul’s Wall Street Journal Bestseller: The Power of Money

Wikipedia Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Sheard

His famous paper discussed: Repeat After Me: Banks Cannot And Do Not “Lend Out” Reserves

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sheard-060988264/

Contact Paradigm Shock:

Parshock2025@gmail.com

00:00

01:25:49

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01 August 2025

Catherine Bracy and the World Eaters: Venture Capital's Monoculture Impact

Catherine Bracy, author of 'World Eaters: How Venture Capital is Cannibalizing the Economy,' discusses her journey from civic tech to challenging the current venture capital system. Arguing that VC investment models impose a narrow business monoculture and problematic uniformity, Bracy highlights the risks of current funding models to innovation and the broader economy. She suggests that a diverse range of business models and funding mechanisms is crucial for sustaining growth and innovation in the tech sector, advocating for venture capital to revert to its original supportive, innovation-friendly role in fostering more varied types of business success. They also discuss this pattern potentially repeating itself in the current AI investment boom with potentially grave consequences to AI Safety.

Show Links

Her book: World Eaters: How Venture Capital Is Cannibalizing the Economy

Tech Equity: https://techequity.us/

Catherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinebracy/

Contact Paradigm Shock:

Parshock2025@gmail.com

00:00

49:34

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28 July 2025

From Bozeman to Fintech Fame: Alex Johnson's Journey

This unique episode of Paradigm Shock features Alex Johnson, author of the FinTech Takes newsletter, discussing the road less traveled in fintech analysis. They explore Alex's career trajectory from growing up in Bozeman, Montana, to becoming a leading fintech expert. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adaptability and leveraging the Internet's power to reach niche audiences. Their conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining independence amidst industry pressures and the joy of transforming a passion into a thriving career. Alex inspires listeners to pursue what excites them, sharing valuable lessons on finding opportunities in unexpected places. The latter portion of the discussion focuses on the continued fallout from JP Morgan’s shocking announcement that they will be charging for access to consumer data and the impact on consumers, future AI and agentic finance and Open Banking more broadly.

Alex’s Fintech Takes: https://fintechtakes.com/

Some of Alex’s Favorite Sources:

Simon Taylor’s Fintech Brainfood: https://www.fintechbrainfood.com/

Jason Mikula’s Fintech Business Weekly: https://fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/

Kiah Haslett https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaslett/

Cards for the Win by Matthew Goldman: https://www.cardsftw.com/

Contact Paradigm Shock:

Parshock2025@gmail.com

00:00

55:23

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18 July 2025

Aftershocks with Fintech lawyer Jesse Silverman: Open Banking in the Crosshairs with JP Morgan’s data announcement

In an unprecedented move, JPMorgan Chase announced plans to charge fintech companies for accessing consumer data, igniting significant debate within the fintech community. This decision follows the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's announcement to rescind Rule 1033, which previously mandated free data access under consumer consent. The decision has profound implications for open banking and the fintech sector, with potential alterations in partnerships and strategies. Industry players face uncertainty as they navigate technical, legal, and ethical challenges, balancing infrastructure costs with consumer rights and business interests. The outcome is uncertain, with ongoing litigation possibly influencing the landscape.

Bloomberg Story referenced:

Jesse’s Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessebsilverman/

Fintech Takes:

Contact Paradigm Shock:

Parshock2025@gmail.com

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01:13:25

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