Nicholas Thompson

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former Wired editor, dives deep into the integration of AI in creativity and leadership. He shares how AI acts as a thought partner, enhancing both his work and personal pursuits, including marathon training. The discussion explores emotional connections with AI, the balance between automation and human skills, and the future of journalism. Thompson emphasizes the importance of maintaining our 'unwired' intelligence and cultivating meaningful human connections in an increasingly digital world.

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former editor-in-chief of Wired, discusses the crossroads of technology and politics. He examines how a potential Trump 2.0 administration might loosen AI regulations and reshape the tech landscape. Thompson highlights the shifting dynamics between Big Tech and political influence, along with the implications of AI on human interactions. He also delves into Elon Musk's role in media and public discourse, questioning how these changes will affect democracy and information integrity in America.

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former Wired editor, dives deep into the controversial deal with OpenAI, discussing its impacts on journalism. He highlights concerns over AI’s commodification of creativity and the balance of power in data usage. The conversation explores subscription resilience in the face of AI chatbots and the ethical dilemmas of content creation. Thompson also addresses the need for clear copyright standards and the evolving landscape of media ethics amid rapidly changing technology.

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, discusses the existential challenges facing media in the age of A.I. He shares insights into building direct reader relationships to reduce dependence on tech platforms. The conversation touches on reviving print media and optimizing paywalls to enhance profitability. Thompson also explores the transformational impact of A.I. on journalism, emphasizing the need for traditional media to adapt amidst the rise of low-cost A.I. competitors. His perspective merges expertise from tech journalism with strategic leadership in today's evolving landscape.

The CEO of The Atlantic, Nicholas Thompson, shares insights on the brand's profitability and subscriber strategy success. He discusses paywall experiments, AI trends, and setting future goals after achieving milestones of 1 million subscribers and profitability. The podcast also covers retention strategies, Apple News+, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in the media industry.

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, discusses his journey into journalism, perspectives from the industry, examples of good journalism, the role of an editor, and the benefits and limitations of AI in journalism. He also explores topics such as mortality through running and the broken state of online conversations.

In a lively discussion from SXSW 2025, guests Adam Savage, a champion of experimental curiosity, Catie Cuan, a visionary choreographer and robot engineer, and Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, explore radical innovation. They delve into the fusion of human creativity and technology, addressing topics like the future of human-robot interaction, the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone for breakthroughs, and how past experiences can inspire new ideas. The conversation emphasizes collaboration and the imaginative spirit essential for tackling global challenges.

Nicholas Thompson, former editor-in-chief of Wired and CEO of The Atlantic, dives into the exciting world of AI and tech with uncanny insights. He shares his experiences using AI to enhance personal performance, like running and writing. The conversation explores the ethical complexities of AI, especially after a groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI. Thompson also discusses balancing techno-enthusiasm with a critical mindset, helping listeners navigate the evolving landscape of technology without losing sight of its risks and benefits.

Randall Kennedy, a Harvard professor specializing in racial politics, discusses how Donald Trump weaponizes racial attacks to undermine Kamala Harris. Nicholas Thompson and Emily Glazer delve into the perils of misinformation on democracy, emphasizing social media's role and Elon Musk’s influence. They explore the far-right riots in the UK and the narrative surrounding Harris during her campaign. Meanwhile, young Afghan musicians of the Youth Orchestra share their harrowing experiences under the Taliban, illuminating the power of music as a symbol of hope.

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former Wired editor-in-chief, dives into the media's pressing trust crisis. He discusses the factors behind declining trust, like societal polarization and new subscription models. The conversation also delves into the impact of social media on journalism, especially after Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter. Thompson examines how these shifts challenge media integrity and explore the balance between journalism and economic pressures. Personal touches include his insights on maintaining fitness amid professional chaos.