The IJK Podcast

Hosted by Imad Jack Karam

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May 2026

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The IJK Podcast features thought-provoking conversations with leading voices in business, technology, science, philosophy, personal growth and human potential. Guests have included renowned figures such as Prof. John Lennox on AI and humanity’s future, Dr. Robert Cialdini on the psychology of influence, Jeff Booth on Bitcoin, Dr. William Lane Craig on God and morality, Jonathan Pageau on the crisis of meaning, Dr. Gil Carvalho on science based nutrition, and Dr. Sharon Dirckx on consciousness and the mind-body problem. Hosted by Imad Jack Karam, the IJK Podcast brings together world-class thinkers, experts, entrepreneurs, academics, and high achievers to explore the big ideas shaping our world — from artificial intelligence and the future of humanity to consciousness, high performance, business growth, science, faith and the search for meaning. What We Cover Business and Technology: Unlock the secrets of successful business strategies, entrepreneurship and the dynamic landscape of the corporate world. Learn from the experiences of seasoned professionals and trailblazers. Also, stay ahead of the curve with our in-depth discussions on the latest technological advancements, innovations and their impact on our rapidly evolving world. Science and Philosophy: Explore profound questions about existence, meaning and the universe through the lens of science and philosophy. We dive into thought-provoking ideas about the nature of reality, the relationship between reason and belief, and the pursuit of knowledge, connecting timeless wisdom with modern discoveries. Personal Development: Discover actionable insights to enhance your mindset, spirituality and overall well-being. Our discussions focus on personal growth strategies, cultivating resilience, and unlocking your full potential to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities with purpose. About IJK IJK (Imad Jack Karam) is a former Googler and senior digital consultant with over 17+ years of experience working with global companies such as Google and Walmart. Imad holds a Master's degree in Computer and Communication Engineering from Université Saint Joseph and a Master of Science in Marketing and Management from HEC Paris . He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in the field of artificial intelligence. Outside of his digital consulting engagements, IJK spends his time developing his podcast and music.

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31 recent

May 9, 20261 hr 1 min

Mike Bechtel | Former Deloitte Chief Futurist on Real AI Value vs. Hype | Ep 31

In this episode of The IJK Podcast, Imad Jack Karam is joined by Mike Bechtel — professor, author, and former Chief Futurist at Deloitte Consulting — for a practical conversation on AI, innovation, leadership, and the future of work. We explore how leaders can think clearly about the future without getting lost in AI hype, where artificial intelligence is already creating real business value, what remains uniquely human in the age of automation, and what professionals can do now to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. We also discuss why large organizations struggle to innovate, how to separate real signals from noise, and what practical steps leaders can take to prepare their teams and businesses for what’s next. Mike brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience. In addition to his former role at Deloitte, he teaches corporate innovation at the University of Notre Dame, previously served as Global Innovation Director at Accenture, and co-founded Ringleader Ventures. His work has been featured in outlets including Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Wired, NPR, and the World Economic Forum. Topics include: -AI hype vs. real value -The future of work -The future of innovation -Leadership in times of uncertainty -Human skills in the age of AI -Practical business strategies for adapting to change -Career advice for young grads in the age of AI Subscribe for more conversations on AI, business, technology, leadership, and big ideas. #MikeBechtel #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #Innovation #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #DigitalTransformation #Futurist #ijkpodcast

April 18, 20261 hr 2 min

Jeff Booth | Tech-Driven Deflation, AI & Bitcoin: Why Life Still Feels Expensive

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeff Booth, visionary entrepreneur and author of the groundbreaking book "The Price of Tomorrow", to unpack a simple but explosive idea: Technology is deflationary—it pushes costs down—yet our debt-based financial system is built in a way that often pushes prices and asset values up. We talk about how AI accelerates this clash in 2026 and beyond, why everyday life can still feel expensive even in an age of digital abundance, what this means for jobs and skills, why energy matters as a real-world constraint, and where Bitcoin may fit into the future of money and trust.Topics we cover: Jeff’s origin story and the “aha” behind The Price of TomorrowWhy tech drives deflation—and why it doesn’t feel that wayAI, productivity, and the future of jobsBitcoin as a protocol + why layers matterBest-case vs worst-case scenarios for the next 5-10 years If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves debating big questions.

April 18, 202658 min

Dr. Gil Carvalho | Nutrition Made Simple: What Science Really Says About Healthy Eating

Nutrition is one of the most debated and confusing topics today. With countless diets, conflicting advice, and endless headlines, it can be difficult to know what the science actually says about healthy eating. In this episode of The IJK Podcast, Imad Jack Karam sits down with Dr. Gil Carvalho — physician, scientist, and creator of Nutrition Made Simple — to explore how to think about nutrition from an evidence-based perspective. We discuss why nutrition advice often conflicts, what scientific research broadly agrees on about healthy diets, and how people can apply practical principles to improve their health. The conversation also explores common diet myths, nutrition and longevity, cardiovascular health, and how modern dietary guidelines and food pyramids have evolved. Dr. Gil is known for translating complex nutrition research into clear, balanced explanations that help people cut through the noise and make better decisions about their health. If you’re looking for clarity in a field often dominated by trends and strong opinions, this conversation will help you understand how to approach nutrition scientifically. Topics discussed include: -Why nutrition advice often conflicts -The foundations of a healthy diet -Common diet myths and misconceptions -Nutrition and long-term health -Longevity and evidence-based lifestyle choices -How modern nutrition guidelines have evolved If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The IJK Podcast for discussions with leading thinkers in business, science, health, technology, and philosophy.

March 14, 20261 hr 2 min

Jonathan Pageau | Symbolism and Meaning in Modern Times

In this episode of The IJK Podcast, I’m joined by Jonathan Pageau — liturgical artist, iconographer, and creator of The Symbolic World — for a deep but accessible conversation on symbolism and meaning in modern times. We live in an age that feels rational, data-driven, and “post-myth,” yet symbols continue to shape how we think, what we value, and what we treat as ultimate. Jonathan explains how symbolism works, why humans can’t escape meaning, and what happens when societies lose a shared symbolic framework. We also explore how modern culture expresses its hunger for meaning through stories, identity, technology, and even AI — and how we can begin to reconnect with meaning in everyday life. Topics we cover: What symbolism really is (beyond metaphors)Why meaning can’t be reduced to “facts” or utilityThe modern “meaning crisis” and cultural fragmentationPop culture and myth in the digital ageTechnology, AI, and “Babel” as a modern patternPractical ways to re-orient toward meaning To know more about Jonathan's work check: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/ Subscribe for conversations on meaning, philosophy, culture, AI, and the big questions shaping our time. #JonathanPageau #Symbolism #Meaning #TheSymbolicWorld #Philosophy #Religion #Culture #ai

December 23, 20251 hr 11 min

Bitcoin Explained: Lessons from Hundreds of Bitcoin Interviews with Robin Seyr | Ep 27

What does Bitcoin really mean — beyond price charts, headlines, and hype? In this episode of The IJK Podcast, Imad Jack Karam is joined by Robin Seyr, one of the most prolific interviewers in the Bitcoin space. Robin set himself an ambitious mission: to conduct hundreds of conversations with Bitcoin builders, educators, economists, technologists, and everyday users from around the world. After speaking with so many voices across the ecosystem, Robin has developed a rare, big-picture perspective on Bitcoin — not just as a technology or an asset, but as a social, economic, and human phenomenon. In this conversation, we explore: How Robin discovered Bitcoin and what pulled him deeper into the spaceHow he defines Bitcoin today in simple, accessible termsWhat he learned from interviewing hundreds of BitcoinersCommon myths and misconceptions his guests consistently debunkHow to think about recent price volatility without losing the long-term signalWhere Robin believes Bitcoin is heading next — in adoption, technology, and meaning This episode is ideal for both Bitcoin newcomers looking for clarity and long-time listeners interested in deeper insights from someone who’s seen the ecosystem from every angle. Listen, learn, and decide for yourself what Bitcoin really represents.

December 7, 202549 min

Karl Ulrich | Innovation Tournaments: How Design, Selection and Customer Fit Create Winning Products | Ep 26

How Great Products Are Really Made — with Wharton’s professor Karl Ulrich In this episode of the IJK Podcast, Imad Jack Karam interviews Professor Karl Ulrich, one of the world’s leading thinkers in innovation, product design, and entrepreneurship. Prof. Ulrich is the Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Wharton School, and author of two landmark works in the field: Product Design & Development and Innovation TournamentsHis work has shaped how founders, innovators, and companies around the world generate ideas, design solutions, and build products that succeed in the real marketplace. He has co-founded multiple companies, holds numerous patents, and led the creation of Tangen Hall, the largest facility on the planet dedicated to student entrepreneurship. In this episode, we explore the real science behind innovation — why it’s not only about creativity but also about disciplined selection, structured tests and deep understanding of user needs. Topics we covered: -Why innovation is more discipline than just creativity -How Innovation Tournaments help find high-potential business ideas -Quantity vs. quality: why more ideas lead to better outcomes -Why design, engineering, and business must work together -How to move beyond “empathy theater” in design thinking -Tools to engineer product–market fit-The power of early, low-cost prototyping -How innovators make decisions under uncertainty -Building sustainable products -Whether AI will enhance or dilute the innovation process About Prof. Karl Ulrich Professor Karl Ulrich is Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Wharton and Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions. He is widely recognized for his contributions to product design, innovation management, entrepreneurship, and commercialization, and his work has influenced how thousands of innovators build products that truly win. Follow his work here: https://ktulrich.com/ If you enjoyed this episode Please like, subscribe, and share The IJK Podcast — it helps us bring more world-class thinkers to the podcast.

December 1, 20251 hr 3 min

Anthony Assi | The AI Revolution: How It's Transforming Jobs, Society & Human Potential | Ep 25

How will the AI revolution reshape work, jobs, education and society? In this episode of The IJK Podcast, Imad-Jack Karam sits down once again with Anthony Assi, a seasoned technology leader with over 20 years of experience designing and architecting large-scale HPC/AI infrastructures, data centers, and cloud platforms. Anthony has worked with tech giants such as Google and Dell, and currently plays a key role at Oracle, helping shape next-generation AI and cloud systems. Together, we explore one of the most urgent questions of our time: How will the AI revolution transform careers, society and human potential? From the disruption of white-collar roles to the future of coding, from the skills young graduates need to the ethical lines we must not cross, this conversation dives deep into the opportunities — and challenges — that intelligent machines bring to our world. Topics Covered What makes the current AI revolution different from previous tech shiftsHow AI compares to the early days of the internetWhich jobs are at risk — and which will grow because of AIThe future of computer science degrees and whether coding is still “safe”How universities must adapt to stay relevantAI’s impact on inequality, society, and global opportunityThe human skills that will matter most in an AI-driven worldHow we can collaborate with AI instead of competing against itAnthony’s advice to today’s graduates entering the workforce Why This Episode MattersAI isn’t just another technology. It’s a force reshaping industries, rewiring education, and redefining the value of human creativity and judgment. If you’re a student, professional, or leader trying to understand how to thrive in this new era — this episode is for you. Watch, learn, and join the conversation about the future of human potential in the age of AI.

November 5, 202549 min

Natalie Brunell | The Bitcoin Revolution: Redefining Money & Financial Freedom | Ep 24

In this episode of The IJK Podcast, host Imad-Jack Karam sits down with Natalie Brunell, host of Coin Stories — the #1 Bitcoin podcast in the world — to explore why Bitcoin matters, the future of money, and the pursuit of financial freedom in the digital age. Natalie shares her journey from award-winning investigative journalist to one of the leading voices in Bitcoin education and media. Together, we discuss how Bitcoin is redefining money, reshaping culture, and empowering individuals around the world..Topics Covered: Natalie's story, from investigative journalist to Bitcoin educatorWhy Bitcoin matters in today’s economyHow Bitcoin empowers financial independence and freedomThe broken financial system and how to fix itThe role of human storytelling and education in Bitcoin adoptionWhat the future of money and human freedom might look likeAbout Natalie BrunellNatalie is the host of Coin Stories, a global top-ranked Bitcoin podcast with millions of downloads, featuring guests like Michael Saylor, Jack Mallers, and Anthony Pompliano. She’s also the author of "Bitcoin is for Everyone" (coming soon) and serves on the board of Semler Scientific, one of the largest corporate Bitcoin holders in the U.S.Learn more about Natalie and pre-order/order her new book:https://talkingbitcoin.com/resources 🎧 Watch and listen to Coin Stories: / nataliebrunell About The IJK PodcastHosted by Imad-Jack Karam, The IJK Podcast explores the intersections of business, technology, science and philosophy — featuring thought leaders from around the world. Subscribe for weekly episodes - Like, Comment & Share if you like this episode #Bitcoin #NatalieBrunell #CoinStories #TheIJKPodcast #FinancialFreedom #FutureOfMoney #BitcoinEducation #bitcoinpodcast

October 10, 20251 hr 3 min

Dr. Robert Cialdini | The Psychology of Influence: Timeless Persuasion Principles | Ep 23

In this episode of The IJK Podcast, host Imad-Jack Karam sits down with Dr. Robert Cialdini, the world-renowned psychologist and author of the bestselling books Influence and Pre-Suasion. Dr. Cialdini’s groundbreaking research on the psychology of persuasion has shaped how businesses, leaders, and everyday people understand influence. Together, we explore how his seven timeless principles apply in today’s fast-changing digital world — and what they mean for business, leadership, marketing, and communication in the age of AI. In this conversation, we cover: How the Seven Principles of Influence hold up in 2025The art of Pre-Suasion in an attention-scarce worldThe application of influence principles in the digital worldUsing influence ethically in leadership and businessInfluence and LLMsWhat the future of influence might look like If you’ve ever wondered why people say yes — and how influence can be used ethically to inspire action — this episode is for you.Subscribe for more conversations on psychology, leadership, technology, and personal growth.#RobertCialdini #Influence #PsychologyOfInfluence #Persuasion #PreSuasion #BehavioralScience #EthicalPersuasion

September 13, 202544 min

Does Morality Require God? | Dr. William Lane Craig on Objective Morality & Ethics | Ep 22

Is morality possible without God? Or does the very idea of objective right and wrong require a divine lawgiver? In this episode of The IJK Podcast, Imad Jack Karam sits down with renowned philosopher and theologian Dr. William Lane Craig to explore one of life’s most profound questions: Does morality require God? We discuss:What morality really means and how to define it.Why Dr. Craig argues that objective morality is grounded in God’s nature.The Euthyphro dilemma: Is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it’s good?How to understand the morality of atheists and non-believers.The question of moral progress (e.g., slavery and human rights).A survey of competing moral theories including: • Moral Platonism (Wielenberg) • Evolutionary Ethics (Ruse) • Utilitarianism / Consequentialism (Bentham, Harris) • Kantian Ethics • Social Contract Theories (Hobbes, Locke) • Constructivism (Korsgaard) • Moral Intuitionism (Moore)How moral duties and accountability fit into the discussion.Dr. Craig’s personal reflections on his work, faith and current projects.and much more...Whether you’re a theist, atheist, or somewhere in between, this conversation dives deep into philosophy, theology, and ethics — and why morality matters for all of us.Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes with leading thinkers on philosophy, science, and the human experience.To learn more about Dr. William Lane Craig and his work, please check: https://www.reasonablefaith.org/#WilliamLaneCraig #Morality #MoralPhilosophy #MoralityAndGod

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