Bold Names

Rhiannon Hoyle, a WSJ mining and commodities reporter and expert on rare earth elements, joins to discuss the critical role these materials play in electric vehicles. She highlights the environmental and geopolitical challenges of rare-earth mining, particularly China's dominance in the market. Hoyle shares how automakers like Tesla and GM are racing to develop new motors that avoid these toxic materials without sacrificing efficiency. The conversation also touches on innovative solutions and ongoing research aimed at revolutionizing the EV industry.

Delve into the fascinating world of driverless technology as Waymo accelerates towards dominance. Explore the hurdles they've overcome, including public skepticism and safety concerns. Discover how advances in San Francisco are transforming the robo-taxi landscape, while contrasting Waymo's journey with its rivals. From its roots at Google to achieving over a million driven miles, learn about the strategies behind Waymo's thriving service and the future of autonomous vehicles in an ever-evolving industry.

Gwen Lighter, CEO of GoAero, and Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO of Zipline, dive into the future of emergency services through autonomous aviation. They discuss the revolutionary potential of drones in delivering medical aid to remote areas, drastically cutting response times. The pair share insights on overcoming regulatory challenges and the importance of collaboration in shaping this new industry. They also reflect on the evolution of drone delivery, from life-saving medical supplies to expanding commercial services, and the critical role of technology in enhancing emergency medical responses.

Marc Benioff, the co-founder and CEO of Salesforce, dives into the transformative power of AI, highlighting both its potential and pitfalls. He critiques inflated expectations surrounding AI, emphasizing the need for custom solutions while calling out misleading narratives from giants like Microsoft. Benioff discusses the importance of viewing AI as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human intelligence. He also touches on the evolving dynamics of remote work and advocates for responsible AI practices, stressing caution against overhyping its capabilities.

Deepa Seetharaman, a Wall Street Journal reporter and AI expert, discusses the groundbreaking AI tool 'Deep Dive,’ which transforms digital content into engaging audio. She dives into the importance of human-like imperfections in AI voices, enhancing their naturalness. The conversation also tackles the fascinating nuances of AI communication and the ethical concerns around AI-generated content. Additionally, Seetharaman examines the balance between leveraging AI as a tool while being cautious of its potential pitfalls, emphasizing responsible usage practices.

Jon Dudkowski, a seasoned editor and producer known for his work on 'Star Trek: Discovery' and 'The Umbrella Academy,' shares insights on AI's transformative impact in Hollywood's visual effects realm. He discusses how AI can make VFX production more cost-effective while enhancing creativity, emphasizing the collaboration between technology and human talent. Dudkowski also addresses the potential pitfalls of AI, including maintaining emotional depth in storytelling, and the challenges studios face in balancing efficiency with quality.

Joost van Dreunen, CEO of Aldora and an expert in video game market trends, discusses the exciting shift from traditional consoles to cloud streaming. He explores how this technology is enhancing gaming accessibility while highlighting challenges like streaming quality. Van Dreunen compares the gaming transformation to the evolution of movies and television, emphasizing the need for quality content. He also critiques the struggles of traditional gaming strategies, advocating for digital distribution to broaden consumer access in a competitive $5 to $8 billion market.

Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist, discusses his journey as the CEO of Lumi Story AI, a platform aimed at democratizing storytelling. He shares how AI can enhance creativity while addressing concerns from artists. Kaepernick reflects on his transition from activism to entrepreneurship, revealing leadership lessons he learned from sports that apply to the business world. With insights from his diverse experiences, he advocates for greater accessibility in storytelling and the importance of commitment to social justice.

At 61, Ni Xia Lian defies athletic age norms, showcasing her incredible journey in professional table tennis. Her remarkable longevity is underscored by her supportive husband and coach, who shares heartfelt insights about her career. The discussion also tackles the importance of adapting training routines as athletes age, balancing intensity, and maintaining a healthy mindset. Additionally, the conversation shifts to the growing influence of artificial intelligence in enhancing efficiency in business, highlighting its intersection with human expertise.

Alex Janin, a WSJ personal health reporter specializing in the booming longevity business, joins Amy Dockser Marcus, a health and science reporter focused on aging research. They dive into the $43 billion longevity industry, discussing trends and consumer demand for life-extending products. They explore the debate over whether humans can live to 100, revealing scientific skepticism about lifespan limits. The conversation highlights the balance between optimistic wellness claims and biological realities, addressing how healthy habits can influence longevity.