In this discussion, Nick Quah, a prominent podcast critic from Vulture, analyzes the fascinating intersection of podcasts and corporate strategy. He examines how companies, particularly in finance, increasingly use podcasts for branding and communication. The conversation explores why venture capitalists leverage this medium for engagement and political connection. Quah highlights the risks of commercialization in podcasting and the challenge of maintaining authenticity amidst evolving audience expectations.

This podcast -- which was recorded at the Computer History Museum in a live event, before the pandemic (first published in December 2019) is all about how companies create culture: A lot's changed... and a lot hasn't. a16z editor in chief Sonal Chokshi interviews a16z co-founder Ben Horowitz -- author of the book What You Do Is Who You Are -- on whether companies and people can change; how the very thing that is your strength can also be your weakness; how startups evolve from pirates to the navy; actions vs words and values; and more. The discussion also covers common tropes that often come up in Silicon Valley folklore -- whether it’s “fake it til you make it” and the “reality distortion fields” of visionaries… vs. liars. Drawing on historical themes and examples from a thousand years ago to today -- spanning empires, wars, revolutions, hip-hop, and prisons -- the discussion covers key themes and nuances, as well as practical advice, on creating company culture. Please note -- especially if you’re listening on smart speakers at home with children or with kids in a car -- that the discussion that follows includes various mentions of violence.  100% of the proceeds of the book go to anti-recidivism as well as towards helping Haiti.   Nick Quah, writer and publisher of Hot Pod (also at Vulture) joins a16z general partner Connie Chan -- and editor in chief (and showrunner of the a16z Podcast) Sonal Chokshi -- to talk about all this and more in this hallway-style jam. 

Nick Quah, a podcast and culture critic at New York Magazine, dives into how presidential candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are changing the game by embracing non-traditional media. He discusses the significance of candidates appearing on platforms like podcasts and YouTube, aiming to connect with younger and diverse audiences. Quah explores the implications of these strategies on voter engagement and political discourse, highlighting the necessity for authenticity in today's media landscape.