Voyages Series features futurist Sam Rad, author of ‘Puppy Kindergarten’ Brian Hare
East Carolina University’s 2025-26 Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences Voyages of Discovery Series will feature two special guests who will speak to the theme of “Exploring our shared humanity: Insights from our past, imagining our future.”
Sam Rad (Samantha Radocchia) is an anthropologist, entrepreneur and futurist focused on human connection in the era of artificial intelligence. She will open the 19th season of the series on Sept. 11, by discussing “Thriving in Times of Radical Change.”
Dr. Brian Hare, a professor of evolutionary anthropology, psychology and neuroscience, and a best-selling author, will speak Feb. 5, 2026, on the topic of “Survival of the Friendliest.”
Sam Rad, an anthropologist, entrepreneur and futurist focused on human connection in the era of artificial intelligence, is the fall guest in the 2025-26 ECU Voyages of Discovery Series. (Photo courtesy of Gotham Artists)
Rad is a lifelong student of humanity interested in the changing technological landscape. She is the founder of RAD Original Creations, a meta-media studio creating transformative stories, experiences and media productions that shape a positive future.
Her newest best-selling book, “Radical Next: Reclaiming Your Humanity in a Post-Human World,” explores how advances in technologies, extended realities and quantum computing will transform societies — and how humans think about themselves — for decades to come.
Rad was trained in anthropology, engineering and symbolic systems, studying simulated and immersive realities, pushing the bounds of human consciousness and connection through her work. She was among the first anthropologists to conduct ethnographic research living in the virtual world “Second Life” in 2009, and later she was among the earliest AI researchers to virtually clone herself. In 2017, Forbes named Rad to its 30 Under 30 list.
“Rad’s visit is so important. She demonstrates that the field of anthropology is dynamic and timely,” said Ashley Harzog, Harriot College’s director of alumni relations and outreach. “Through an anthropological lens, she will provide not only insights into the shared humanity of our past, but essential context for understanding and preparing for our future. She will share with our audience the importance of maintaining human connection in an increasingly virtual and polarized age, and lessons we can learn from past societies and structures to bravely navigate change.”
Her work as a futurist has led Rad on a journey of working with a range of frontier technologies, indigenous and emerging social structures, people, places and practices. She refers to herself as an archaeologist of the future, as Fredric Jameson coined — applying a traditional anthropological ethnographic approach to envisioning and illustrating future possibilities.
Learn more about Rad. Watch a couple of short video clips from Rad, including a reel from a recent speaking engagement and a video where she answers the question, What is an anthropologist?
Hare, a core member of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University, received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 2004. In 2005, following his work at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, Germany, he was awarded the Sofia Kovalevskaja Award, Germany’s most prestigious award for scientists under the age of 40.
Dr. Brian Hare, a Duke University professor and best-selling author of “Puppy Kindergarten,” will visit ECU as the Voyages Series’ spring guest. (Contributed photo)
In 2007, Smithsonian Magazine named Hare one of the top 35 scientists under 36. Hare has published more than 100 scientific papers, and his research has received consistent national and international attention. In 2019, Hare and his research were featured in Steven Spielberg’s documentary series “Why We Hate.”
In 2024, Hare and his wife and research partner, Vanessa Woods, were featured in the Netflix documentary “Inside the Mind of Dogs,” which explores the emotional aspects of dogs. The series also showcases Duke’s Canine Cognition Center, where Hare and Woods train puppies as service dogs.
Hare is the author of several best-selling books with Woods, including “The Genius of Dogs,” “Survival of the Friendliest: Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity” and “Puppy Kindergarten.” His second book, “Survival of the Friendliest,” was an international bestseller and won the Smart Book of the Year for 2022.
“Hare will wrap up our season with insights from some of our friendliest family members (dogs), unpacking what we can learn from the evolution of man’s best friend to build a better future together,” said Harzog. “With expertise in cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary anthropology, we are looking forward to Hare providing an equally informative and inspiring opportunity to learn about how collaboration and connection are essential elements of our shared humanity.”
Learn more about Hare and watch a couple of short videos, including “Brian and Vanessa on Why They Study Puppies” and on the topic of “Survival of the Friendliest on National Geographic.”
Special-access receptions with guest speakers are scheduled before each Voyages event. Receptions and presentations are in the Main Campus Student Center, Room 249 and the ballrooms, respectively. Tickets to the receptions and discussions will be available beginning Aug. 8 through the ECU Central Ticket Office.
Each 7 p.m. Voyages presentation is free for ECU faculty, staff and students. Tickets are required. Visit the Voyages website for additional information and options for free access with an ECU 1 Card. Questions may be directed to thcas@ecu.edu.
All event dates, times and locations are subject to change. Individuals requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should call 252-737-1018 or email ada-coordinator@ecu.ecu at least one week before the event.
The series is made possible through contributions from Harriot College’s Dean’s Advancement Council, university and community organizations, and many additional friends and supporters. For more information or to contribute, visit Support the Series.