Elon Musk and Sam Altman—once allies in the quest for AI advancement—are now at the center of one of the biggest tech rivalries of our time. From co-founding OpenAI together in 2015 to Musk’s eventual departure and criticism of OpenAI’s shift toward a for-profit model, the tension between these two Silicon Valley titans has only escalated. In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we explore the origins of their partnership, the philosophical divide that drove them apart, and the latest in their ongoing battle—including Musk’s nearly $100 billion unsolicited bid to take over OpenAI.What does this feud mean for the future of AI? Is it about principle, power, or something more? We break down the history, the court battles, and the latest moves that have kept this tech showdown in the headlines. Buckle up—this is one tech rivalry you don’t want to miss.

January 25, 2025, may go down as a pivotal moment in the AI race. Chinese AI company DeepSeek launched its latest model—one that rivals OpenAI and Anthropic but at a fraction of the cost. Investors panicked, Nvidia lost nearly $600 billion in value overnight, and industry leaders like Marc Andreessen called it "AI’s Sputnik moment." But is it really? In this episode, we explore DeepSeek’s rise, its impact on the AI landscape, and whether the U.S. is truly at risk of falling behind in the AI arms race. Featuring insights from Shelly Palmer, Reid Hoffman, and Sam Altman—this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Kevin Weil, the Chief Product Officer of OpenAI, delves into the company’s ambitious roadmap for 2025 and the game-changing O1 model. He discusses how this new AI is excelling in coding, math, and reasoning. The conversation highlights OpenAI's plans for AI-powered agents that aim to simplify daily tasks. Intriguingly, Weil hints at a return to humanoid robotics and shares insights on the future of Artificial General Intelligence. The podcast raises thought-provoking questions about the balance of innovation versus the potential risks of superintelligent AI.

Explore the ambitious $500 billion Project Stargate, designed to revolutionize AI infrastructure in the U.S. Backed by tech titans, this initiative promises national security and job creation but sparks fierce debate. Delve into the power dynamics between visionary leaders and critics like Elon Musk. With implications for the economy and healthcare, the podcast examines whether this bold venture will lead to groundbreaking innovations or become mired in controversy.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, host Mike Belsito dives into the story that’s shaking up the tech world: the TikTok ban in the United States. With a new year, a new administration, and growing geopolitical tensions, TikTok finds itself at the center of a national security debate. From bipartisan concerns over data privacy and Chinese ownership to the Supreme Court’s decisive ruling and President Trump’s potential role in TikTok’s future, this story has it all—politics, culture, and the fate of a billion-dollar platform hanging in the balance.We’ll unpack the key events that led to this moment, the ripple effects for creators and businesses, and the potential lifelines, like Kevin O’Leary’s surprising bid to acquire TikTok’s U.S. assets. What does this ban mean for the future of global platforms, and how does it redefine the intersection of technology and geopolitics? Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of this pivotal moment in tech history.

Mark Zuckerberg, the Founder and CEO of Meta, discusses a revolutionary shift in content moderation. He reveals that traditional fact-checking is being replaced by a user-driven, Community Notes-style system. This move has provoked debates about democratizing the internet versus potential irresponsibility. Zuckerberg reflects on the historical evolution of content moderation, the implications for public trust, and the challenges this new model may face, especially during crises. Are users ready to take on this monumental responsibility?

Nesrine Changuel, a seasoned product manager with a history at Spotify, Skype, and Google, shares her expertise on fostering emotional connections in product design. She introduces the Delight Grid framework, a tool for prioritizing features that resonate with users. The discussion revolves around balancing functionality with emotional design, the challenges of creating relatable products, and how delighting users can drive business success. Get ready for actionable insights that can elevate any product strategy!

Explore the exciting tech trends of 2025, where AI is set to revolutionize web interactions and redefine user behavior. Anticipate a consolidation in social media with TikTok at the forefront, while child safety in AI becomes a pressing issue. Discover how AI could replace traditional browsing methods, affecting SEO and engagement strategies. Plus, there's a hopeful rebound in tech jobs as innovation takes precedence. Join the discussion on navigating these challenges and opportunities in the evolving tech landscape!

2024 was a landmark year for tech, filled with revolutionary changes and challenges. The rise of AI transformed product strategies, while Apple grappled with antitrust lawsuits amid evolving user expectations from Gen Alpha. Layoffs shook the industry, shifting talent dynamics and sparking discussions on the political landscape's impact on technology. Dive into inspiring business journeys and insights that showcase the resilience and innovation driving the tech world forward, making 2024 unforgettable.

Malika Hope, Director of Product at Spotify, shares her journey from individual contributor to effective manager with over 15 years of experience. She introduces her '4 Ds' framework: Decide, Declare, Demonstrate, and Deliver, designed to aid aspiring leaders. Malika discusses the importance of understanding personal motivations for leadership and emphasizes relationship-building as crucial for new managers. Her infectious energy and strategic insights make this a treasure trove for anyone looking to elevate their management skills.