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After months of getting to know fascinating guests, it's time you got to know us! In this special episode, Quinn and Naila flip the script and interview each other about everything they've never shared on air.

What You'll Discover:

• How Naila's 24 years in Pakistan shaped her sustainability mission (spoiler: it started at age 10)
• Quinn's most ridiculous client story involving techno music and a major bank
• The real story behind Naila's decade-long "I'm going to learn guitar" promise
• Why Quinn has been strategically purchasing fleece-lined tights for months
• Naila's secret children's book project and app idea that could change how we connect for good
• The most embarrassing moments from 14 years at Unilever vs. 20+ years in advertising

Plus: A game of Two Truths and a Lie that reveals which host once [spoiler alert - you'll have to listen], rapid-fire favorites that span continents and decades, and the surprisingly emotional story of how a corporate sustainability expert and a brand strategist from different sides of the Atlantic became creative partners.

Whether you're here for the business insights, cultural perspectives, or just want to hear two friends figure out they both have way too many unfinished creative projects, this episode proves that sometimes the best conversations happen when you stop trying to be professional.

Connect with Quinn: @hdco on Instagram, LinkedIn Connect with Naila: @p3connect.uk on Instagram, LinkedIn

Where to Listen & Watch

Podcast Platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube

Follow Now, Near, and the Future:

• Website: nownearfuture.com
• Instagram: @nownearfuture
• LinkedIn: @nownearfuture
• Facebook: Now, Near, and the Future

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What if fashion wasn't about expressing who you are, but about letting your actions speak louder than your wardrobe? This week, we sit down with Naz Pauperio, co-founder of FIFI, a Portugal-based sustainable clothing company that's flipping the fashion industry on its head.

The Revolutionary Approach: While fast fashion churns out 50-60 new collections daily, FIFI offers just six black items designed to last years, not seasons. Their radical philosophy? "You are unique. You are not your clothes. Your clothes don't define you."

What You'll Discover:

• Why FIFI's founders would be happy to never see you again (seriously!)
• The digital passport revolution coming to track every garment's journey
• How Portugal's rich textile heritage is fueling sustainable innovation
• Why younger generations are choosing charity shops over shopping malls
• The shocking CEO-to-worker pay gaps driving fashion's sustainability crisis

Standout Quote: "We'd be happy if we don't see you again. That sounds kind of crazy, but that's what we believe. We'd rather have lots of customers that come to us, but really they're buying one piece and they don't need to come to us very often."

Whether you're a conscious consumer or curious about sustainable business models, Naz's mission to "close the loop and open minds" offers a refreshing take on fashion that prioritizes planet over profit.

Connect with Naz & FIFI:

• Website: fifi-wear.com
• Instagram: @fifiwear

Where to Listen & Watch

Podcast Platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube

Follow Now, Near, and the Future:

• Website: nownearfuture.com
• Instagram: @nownearfuture
• LinkedIn: @nownearfuture
• Facebook: Now, Near, and the Future

Send us a text

Ever wondered what happens when AI meets authentic human creativity? This week, we sit down with professional voice actor Alaina Wis, who's brought characters to life in major video games like Starfield and Skyrim, and voiced commercials for brands like Google, Amazon, and Toyota.

What You'll Discover:

• How AI is actually HELPING voice actors find better creative partnerships (spoiler: it's not what you think!)
• Why brands are choosing human voices over AI - even when the AI sounds "good enough"
• The wild world of video game voice acting (including Alaina's hilarious zombie moaning session)
• What a typical day looks like for a working voice actor (hint: 20-25 auditions daily!)

Laugh-Out-Loud Moments:

• Naila attempts her "professional podcast voice" and immediately gets roasted
• Disney princess rankings get serious (Team Rapunzel vs Team Ariel!)
• Accent showdown: Mid-Atlantic madness with questionable attempts
• Quinn's surprisingly solid Bill Clinton impression emerges

Industry Insights:

• The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike affecting major gaming companies
• How remote recording opened global opportunities for voice talent
• Why acting training is non-negotiable for gaming voice work
• The future of interactive entertainment and narrative-driven games

Alaina shares her journey from traditional studio sessions to building a thriving remote business, proving that creativity and authenticity will always have a place in our increasingly digital world. Plus, you've actually heard her voice before - she's the talent behind our podcast intro!

Whether you're a creative professional navigating industry changes, curious about voice acting, or just love hearing authentic stories about building a sustainable creative career, this episode delivers both insights and entertainment.

Connect with Alaina:

• Website: alainawis.com
• Instagram: @alainawis or @belleieve
• LinkedIn: Alaina Wis

Find Now, Near, and the Future:

• Website: nownearfuture.com
• Instagram/LinkedIn: @nownearfuture
• Available on all major podcast platforms