Members of Technical Staff New Year New San Francisco, with Matt Palmer
Jan 1, 2026
Two hosts dive into bold predictions for 2026, exploring the cultural resurgence in San Francisco and the future of partying. They humorously critique the shift from performative tech culture to a more relaxed vibe. The duo discusses the impact of AI on the city, reviving downtown and boosting real estate. Wildcards like corporate-sponsored parties and the evolution of tech roles provide a quirky twist. With playful banter, they ponder if AGI claims are just flashy influencer content and debate the prospects of autonomous commuting.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
San Francisco Party Resurgence
- San Francisco culture is shifting from performative seriousness to relaxed party vibes and health-focused trends like peptides.
- Hosts see a resurgence of real-life parties and less performative posturing in 2026.
Shoes On Marks A Cultural Shift
- Matt Palmer recounts venues switching from 'shoes off' to 'shoes on' as a meaningful cultural shift.
- He frames this small change as symbolic of San Francisco's move away from unserious, juvenile vibes.
AI Is Re-Centering SF
- AI hiring and labs concentrated in San Francisco are reviving downtown activity and making the city a tech hub again.
- The hosts note the current AI wave is city-centered, unlike some past tech booms that spread to the peninsula.