Margaret O'Mara, a historian focused on the development of technology's societal impact, joins journalist Brody Mullins to explore the tech industry's lobby power in Washington, DC. They discuss how Silicon Valley's lobbying tactics evolved over the past decade. The duo highlights grassroots mobilization's importance amid bipartisan skepticism towards big tech. Listeners learn about historical parallels in corporate influence on legislation and the pressing need for consumer advocacy to balance power dynamics between tech giants and the public.

Margaret O'Mara, a professor of American history at the University of Washington and author of 'The Code', dives into Silicon Valley's current downturn amidst tech stock struggles and mass layoffs. She reflects on the profound impact of historical booms and busts on the region's unique corporate culture. O'Mara also discusses government investment's role in shaping innovation and contrasts today’s challenges with past economic cycles. The conversation sheds light on the cultural shifts and resilience in the tech industry during turbulent times.

Margaret O'Mara, a history professor at the University of Washington and author known for her insights on Silicon Valley, dives into the fascinating tales of its early tech leaders like Adam Osborne and Jerry Sanders. The conversation explores how their bold innovations shaped personal computing and the tech culture we know today. O'Mara reflects on past predictions versus modern realities, connecting early insights on technology's impact to current discussions around artificial intelligence and emphasizes the importance of understanding its societal implications.

Margaret O'Mara, an expert on the high-tech economy, joins Lizza Dwoskin from The Washington Post and Louise Matsakis from Wired to discuss the bustling tech landscape of 2024. They dive into how generative AI transformed everyday life and impacted the job market, while social media under Elon Musk shifted political dynamics. The conversation also highlights significant tech developments, employee activism in tech, and the industry's role in addressing societal challenges, making it clear that technology is both a powerful tool and a complex player in politics.

Charles Pulliam-Moore, a film & TV reporter at The Verge, discusses HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us, highlighting its narrative depth and emotional impact. Historian Margaret O'Mara examines the legacy of non-compete clauses in Silicon Valley and their role in fostering innovation. Sean Hollister tackles listener questions about USB-C hubs, while Jen Toohey dives into the challenges surrounding voice assistants and their understanding of natural language. The conversation blends entertainment with valuable insights into tech and media.