Rob Marciano KNOWS Energy, Infrastructure, Information, Science, Technology & Optimism

Can technology make us less afraid of the future? CBS News Senior Meteorologist Rob Marciano joins Randall Kenneth Jones for a fascinating and surprisingly hopeful conversation about the innovations that are transforming our world—and why understanding them may be the key to embracing what's next. Drawing from his new National Geographic book, "The Next Big Thing: Innovations for a Better, Smarter, Stronger Tomorrow" (co-authored with physicist James Trefil), Marciano explores artificial intelligence, quantum computing, renewable energy, robotics, 3D printing, smart infrastructure, and the scientific breakthroughs that could reshape the future. Whether you're a lifelong science enthusiast or someone who usually avoids technical topics, this conversation makes complex ideas accessible, engaging, and relevant. Along the way, Marciano shares stories from his encounters with cutting-edge technology—including a memorable "blind date" with a humanoid robot—and explains how researching this book transformed him from a skeptic into an optimist. Together, Marciano and Jones discuss: • Artificial Intelligence and the future of humanity • Quantum computing and medical breakthroughs • Renewable energy and sustainability • 3D printing in medicine and manufacturing • Robotics and human-machine interaction • The future of infrastructure and transportation • Why understanding technology reduces fear • The importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and optimism Most importantly, this episode explores a powerful idea: amid all the noise, pessimism, and anxiety about the future, remarkable people are working every day to solve humanity's biggest challenges. ABOUT ON THE KNOWS ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones features engaging conversations with influential authors, artists, innovators, leaders, and changemakers. Praised by Erin Brockovich as "the best podcast and host ever," the show explores what remarkable people know—and how their experiences, insights, and wisdom can help us live richer, more informed, and more purposeful lives. Hosted by author, speaker, and storyteller Randall Kenneth Jones, the podcast is known for its warmth, humor, curiosity, and meaningful human connection. Adding a fitting touch to conversations about innovation, the show's announcer is Susan Bennett—the original voice of Siri and arguably the O.G. of AI. QUOTABLE MOMENTS • "The more I wrote this book, the more I understood about a lot of these technologies I didn't understand before, the less scared I am for the future and the more excited I am for the future." — Rob Marciano • "I know that the future is bright. I know that the men and women and brilliant minds that are working on the next innovations and the next big thing are going to take us to where we need to go." — Rob Marciano • "We have a responsibility to understand what is happening, and your book really is going to help. It's going to help a lot of people." — Randall Kenneth Jones • "In all the noise and all the pessimism and all the negativity out there, there is so much not just to be grateful for, but to be optimistic for." — Rob Marciano #OnTheKnows #RobMarciano #TheNextBigThing #artificialintelligence #AI #Technology #Innovation #Science #FutureTech #QuantumComputing #RenewableEnergy #NationalGeographic #CBSNews #Podcast