Changing Shapes
Changing Shapes
Podcast Description
Technologies shape culture. Our innovations shape the frameworks for how we understand the world and relate to each other. How are we doing?
Brought to you by allshapes.io
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show focuses on themes such as the impact of AI on human connection, authenticity in the digital age, and cultural intelligence, with episodes exploring topics like the crisis of authenticity, the implications of algorithmic bias, and the evolving nature of creativity in a tech-driven world.
Technologies shape culture. Our innovations shape the frameworks for how we understand the world and relate to each other. How are we doing?
Brought to you by allshapes.io
Most of us have that guilt—forgetting to check in, meaning to reach out but postponing. Jules (Gulin) Olcer, founder of Village, believes we've passed a cultural tipping point where connection tools need to evolve.
Tom and Jules explore why 93% of our Instagram time isn't spent with people we actually know, how AI can facilitate (not replace) human connection, and why Village is building what Jules calls a ”relationship operating system.” From her sabbatical reading about systemic crises to a scrappy ChatGPT experiment that sparked the product, Jules shares the journey of creating a social app designed to reduce guilt, not maximise screen time.
Learn why vulnerability needs frequency, how Village measures success without addiction metrics, and what it means to build a product where time-in-app isn't the goal.
Links
Village: https://www.villagesocial.app/
Village is building what they call a “relationship operating system”—a private space where you can track, nurture, and show up for your 5-150 meaningful relationships. Unlike traditional social networks optimised for time-in-app, Village measures success by how well it helps you maintain connections without guilt or overwhelm.
Jules Olcer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gulinolcer/
Jules is the founder of Village, a social app designed to help people show up for the relationships that matter most. With a background in psychology and experience in creative industries and climate-related projects, Jules brings a systems-thinking approach to solving the loneliness epidemic. Village uses AI to send contextual nudges that facilitate deeper human connection without replacing it.
Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-horak/
Tom is the founder of All Shapes, a design and product studio working with founders, scale-ups and innovative enterprises to build meaningful digital tools that last. All Shapes blends craft, culture and human clarity — helping teams move from early concepts to high-performing, values-aligned experiences.Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of culture, values, and technology.
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