Celebrating 150 Episodes of FUTURE OF XYZ Podcast with Nick Foster

FUTURE OF XYZ Reaches a Milestone of 150 Episodes

The FUTURE OF XYZ podcast, produced by iF Design, is celebrating its 150th episode, a significant milestone that showcases its commitment to exploring deep intellectual inquiries about our future. Hosted by Lisa Gralnek, a strategist and the US Managing Director of iF Design, this interview series has gained recognition for fostering discussions on critical issues ranging from design innovation to sustainability and cultural evolution.

In this landmark episode, Gralnek discusses the theme, "The Future of Thinking About the Future" with guest Nick Foster. Foster, who served as the Head of Design at Google X and is a Royal Designer for Industry, recently published his book, "Could Should Might Don’t: How We Think About the Future." In their conversation, Foster provides insights into why many individuals—including designers and leaders—often lack a structured approach to envisioning future possibilities.

One of the core concepts Foster introduces is his taxonomy of future-oriented thinking: Could, Should, Might, and Don’t. This framework encourages listeners to recognize inherent biases and blind spots that influence how they view potential futures. Foster emphasizes the risks associated with relying on mainstream cultural narratives of what the future might look like. Instead, he advocates for acknowledging the 'mundane' aspects of future changes that affect our daily lives. Foster believes that understanding these dimensions can lead to more nuanced and inclusive visions of the future.

Since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FUTURE OF XYZ podcast has quickly emerged as a trusted source for thought-provoking content. The series not only highlights the perspectives of global thought leaders but also ignites meaningful dialogue intended to empower listeners. Past episodes have featured notable guests such as David Rager, NASA's creative director; Henry Hongmin Kim, Samsung's Global Head of Design Strategy; and Pascal Sablan, a pioneering architect and advocate for social change.

As the pace of change accelerates across various domains, including technology and environmental sustainability, the conversations initiated by FUTURE OF XYZ remain vital. They challenge long-held assumptions and inspire audiences to actively engage in shaping possible futures. The podcast has garnered acclaim, receiving accolades such as the 2025 Shorty Awards, solidifying its status in the design and business community.

Listeners can access the anniversary episode, along with previous ones, on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, continuing to reach a broad audience eager for awareness and insights into pressing global issues.

FUTURE OF XYZ, not only a podcast but a platform for transformative ideas, aims to influence how society navigates emerging challenges. With each episode, the series underscores its purpose: to inform, provoke, and ultimately empower individuals towards a more engaged role in crafting a sustainable and thoughtful future.

About the Hosts and Company

FUTURE OF XYZ is acclaimed for tackling important global questions, delving deep into discussions about society's trajectory. Lisa Gralnek’s leadership ensures that the podcast remains rooted in research and meaningful exchanges. Presented by iF Design, a foundation committed to excellence and ethical practices in design since 1953, the series architects a bridge between challenging dialogues and innovative solutions.

iF Design continues to support and champion initiatives that advocate for design's role in impactful societal change. With the iF DESIGN AWARD being one of the industry's premier accolades, recognition for quality and innovation remains at the forefront of its mission.