
People vs Algorithms
Uncovering patterns of change in media, culture, and technology, each week media veterans Brian Morrissey, Alex Schleifer and Troy Young break down stuff that matters.
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Latest episodes

Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 14min
100th Episode with Emily Sundberg
Emily Sundberg, a digital guru, joins to celebrate a milestone while diving into the intricacies of social media evolution, like the rivalry between X and Threads. They discuss the rise of personal branding in tech, contrasting modern authenticity with past norms. Insightful points emerge on the power of silence for clarity, and the transformation of podcasting from casual chats to serious media endeavors. The conversation also touches on the changing social dynamics of digital connectivity, making this an engaging reflection on our connected lives.

Sep 5, 2024 • 1h
Founder Mode
Troy Young, from the People vs Algorithms newsletter, joins Brian Morrissey, creator of The Rebooting newsletter, and Alex Schleifer of Universal Entities. They discuss the essential differences between founders and managers, emphasizing how founders drive change in ways operators can't. The group explores the impact of AI on industries and shifts in product reviews. They also share their experiences with culinary adventures and reflections on historical practices, tying it humorously to modern conveniences and the evolving consumer landscape.

Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 3min
The Recalibration to Normal
Troy Young, who runs a newsletter at the crossroads of people and algorithms, and Brian Morrissey, a digital media expert and host of The Reboot, dive into the evolving landscape of political communication. They explore how nostalgia influences voter behavior and the pivot to authenticity in campaigns. The discussion also touches on the challenges remote work brings to corporate culture, the ethical implications of AI, and the power dynamics between creators and major tech platforms.

Aug 15, 2024 • 43min
The Olympics and the Future of TV
Troy Young, associated with the People vs Algorithms newsletter, joins Brian Morrissey of The Rebooting and Alex Schleifer from Universal Entities to delve into the shifting landscape of media. They discuss the demise of traditional social networking due to algorithmic content, and the provocative role of YouTube in shaping public discourse. The conversation also examines the Olympics as a media phenomenon, the complexities of covering controversial figures, and the nuances of neurodivergence in creative fields, highlighting the need for authenticity in content creation.

10 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 1h 2min
Monopolies and Memes
Troy Young, a contributor to the People vs Algorithms newsletter; Brian Morrissey, author of The Rebooting newsletter; and Alex Schleifer from Universal Entities tackle pressing issues. They discuss a federal judge's ruling declaring Google a monopoly and its implications for tech competition. Memes are highlighted as powerful tools in political communication and media trends. The trio also examines YouTube's rise as modern TV and critiques the advertising struggles faced by platforms like Twitter amidst shifting cultural landscapes.

12 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 48min
The Future of Search
Troy Young, a former Nike executive discussing value destruction in brands, joins Brian Morrissey, who offers insights on rebooting media through his newsletter, and Alex Schleifer, who looks at universal concepts in the digital space. They explore the future of search engines, the rise of AI, and complex shifts in content monetization. The conversation also touches on Nike's marketing struggles and the changing nature of news consumption, emphasizing the tension between traditional media and emerging personal brands in a saturated landscape.

7 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 12min
The Dark Side of Performance
Joe Marchese discusses the downsides of performance marketing, the impact of Kamala Harris on news, Netflix's influence on TV ads, and challenges of merging content and commerce. The podcast delves into brand building, AI in media, cookiepocalypse, and the future of digital media monetization.

Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 10min
The Network is the Media
The podcast discusses the evolving media landscape post-assassination attempt on Trump, highlighting the mix of mainstream news and user-generated content. It explores Trump's media influence, polarization, rise of YouTube as a podcast platform, and the role of digital advertising. The conversation also touches on tech's political landscape, big vs. small tech, and the changing dynamics of media consumption.

Jul 11, 2024 • 1h
Rules of The Information Space
Discover the strategies for success in the Information Space, including playing to algorithms, authenticity, and shamelessness. Explore the impact of AI, hyperbole, and conspiracy theories. Learn about the importance of podcasts in modern media and the rise of Dutch Blitz card game.

Jul 4, 2024 • 51min
"Embrace The Chaos"
Author Troy Young discusses the future of media, social media debates, AI surveillance, and the changing landscape of war. The podcast also explores the music industry's battle with AI, the role of legacy media, and embracing change in media.
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