Channels with Peter Kafka How TBPN Made a Tech News Splash
Sep 15, 2025
John Coogan, co-founder of TBPN, has a rich background in tech startups like Soylent. In this conversation, he reveals how TBPN quickly gained traction by blending serious discussions with a lighthearted touch. They dive into the unique challenges of making deals in Silicon Valley, highlighting the importance of founder charisma. Coogan also shares insights on audience engagement, the shift to live streaming, and innovative revenue strategies that differentiate them from traditional media. Discover what makes TBPN a go-to for tech executives!
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Niche Focus Trumps Broad Reach
- TBPN is a live weekday show focused on tech and private markets rather than broad geopolitics.
- That niche focus gives them influence despite a smaller overall audience.
YouTube Began As A COVID Side Project
- John started a YouTube channel during COVID, recording video essays and growing it to about half a million subscribers.
- That early solo video work informed the production and format choices for TBPN.
Format Fusion Creates Shareable Clips
- TBPN mixed formats: video essays and reaction-style live streams to stand out in a crowded market.
- Printing tweets and reacting live created sharable clips that amplified reach.