Ashlee Vance, a former Bloomberg tech reporter and Elon Musk's biographer, discusses his bold venture, Core Memory, a new sci-tech media startup. He shares insights on transitioning from legacy media to harnessing AI's transformative power. The conversation explores AI's impact on jobs, creative storytelling, and the relationship between tech leaders and politics, particularly in the wake of figures like Trump. Vance emphasizes the need for innovative journalism that balances technology's promise with ethical concerns.
Ashlee Vance's new media startup, Core Memory, aims to provide a balanced perspective on technology by focusing on underreported stories and the human aspect behind innovations.
Vance discusses the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations amidst rapid advancements in technology and their societal implications.
Deep dives
The Launch of Core Memory
Ashley Vance announces the establishment of his media startup, Core Memory, which will emphasize science and technology. This venture marks a transition from his long career at Bloomberg, driven by his desire for creative freedom and the ability to produce content more swiftly. Core Memory will blend production capabilities with a digital focus, including platforms like Substack and YouTube. Vance aims to create unscripted films and series while maintaining a commitment to delivering insightful and engaging narratives about innovations and their implications.
A Different Approach to Tech Journalism
Vance intends to distinguish Core Memory by providing a unique perspective on technology journalism, focusing on underreported stories and the human elements behind innovations. He expresses concern over the prevailing media narratives that often view tech companies through a lens of skepticism or activism. Vance seeks to strike a balance by showcasing both the positive contributions of technology and the necessary scrutiny of its societal impacts. This approach aims to offer audiences an authentic and multifaceted understanding of technological advancements.
The Intersection of AI and Humanity
A significant focus for Vance will be on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its potential to transform various industries. He highlights the dual nature of AI advancements, pointing out the fascination with brain-computer interfaces and the moral dilemmas faced by creators in the field. Vance emphasizes the need to think critically about the implications of building synthetic minds alongside understanding human cognition. By exploring these themes, he hopes to connect deep technological insights with broader societal conversations.
Reflections on Elon Musk and Tech Leadership
Vance reflects on Elon Musk's journey over the last decade, noting the shift from public favor among progressives to a more complex relationship with political figures. He discusses Musk's propensity for volatility and his evolving public persona, particularly in relation to Trump and the broader tech landscape. Vance believes that this transformation represents not only individual opportunism but also a broader cultural shift in Silicon Valley. He suggests that the interplay between powerful tech leaders and political spheres will remain a critical narrative in the ongoing discourse regarding technology and society.
Ashlee Vance, the former Bloomberg tech reporter and Musk confidant, joins Dylan to discuss his high-risk, high-reward leap into launching his new company, Core Memory, a sci-tech media startup. After a decade-plus entrenched in the world of legacy media, Ashlee offers a glimpse into how he’s approaching his new business venture and leveraging his unique access to cutting-edge technology. Then he and Dylan delve into the transformative potential of A.I. and the interplay between Silicon Valley and Donald Trump.