The Infinite Mind
[Client of Infinite Vision Media]
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Client Profile and Challenge
The Infinite Mind public radio show, produced by Lichtenstein Creative Media (LCM) focuses on the latest in neuroscience, the neurobiology of human behavior, mental illness and wellness. The weekly show was experiencing success shown by a loyal following, but wished to reach a larger audience. Through reaching out to existing social groups in the virtual world of Second Life, they wanted to involve listeners in the production process and research behind the show.
Solution
Based in Boston, MA, the radio show operated out of a small office and used satellite studios for production, which de-centralized the process. In the discovery phase of the project, LCM stated that they had “never had a real studio” where listeners could view and take place in the show. The first step of the design phase, then, was to give them a highly interactive virtual campus, where the production staff could interact with listeners, receive feedback about past shows and allow social groups in Second Life a place to gather and talk about the issues discussed on the radio show.
The Infinite Mind Campus design included a virtual reality production studio, an audio archives library and lounge, a lecture hall and an outdoor amphitheater for larger audiences and events
In addition to managing and overseeing the physical design of the virtual space, I was involved in the planning and publicizing of a four-part show called “Through the Looking Glass” which explored the realities of virtual reality. It was broadcast live into Second Life to a live audience. Guests included singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega, best-selling 
novelist Kurt Vonnegut, futurist Howard Rheingold and MIT professor/author John Maeda, all interviewed by journalist John Hockenberry.
Results
The event was covered by local and national news, blogs and can be viewed on video websites such as YouTube. It was attended live by over 100 Second Life users each of the four evenings, listened to remotely by an estimated 1000, and continues to be aired on the weekly radio show on special occasions. Listenership for the radio show itself increased by an estimated 5% initially, and continues to grow due to the national coverage and its presence in Second Life.
