Bold Names

Julie Wernau, a WSJ health reporter, discusses a revolutionary approach to treating addiction using focused ultrasound. She explains how ultrasound waves can target brain areas associated with cravings, potentially disrupting harmful connections. The technology promises to reshape brain reward pathways, offering a novel method that stands apart from traditional treatments. Wernau also shares insights from patient case studies, emphasizing the importance of combining innovative tech with behavioral strategies for effective recovery.

Jo Craven McGinty, WSJ Science Bureau Chief and a specialist in sleep technology, dives into the world of innovative wearable devices designed to enhance sleep quality. She discusses fascinating tech like the EleMind device, which uses sound to modulate brainwaves, and the Somni headband, delivering electrical pulses for better sleep. McGinty also highlights the Lumos sleep mask that adjusts circadian rhythms through light stimulation, proving especially useful for travelers and shift workers. Discover how these advancements might revolutionize your nightly rest!

Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, is on a mission to resurrect the woolly mammoth through cutting-edge genetic engineering. He discusses how these efforts could restore biodiversity and ecosystems. Lamm shares insights on leveraging this technology for human health, including cancer resistance found in elephants. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of de-extinction and the complexities of rewilding these ancient species, making a compelling case for the intersection of conservation and biotechnology.

In this discussion, Sean McLain, an experienced Journal reporter covering the car industry, shares his insights on the evolving electric vehicle market. He highlights the current slowdown in EV sales, driven by high prices and charging issues. McLain examines the competitive landscape, particularly the rise of Chinese manufacturers like BYD and the implications for established giants like Tesla. He also delves into Rivian's strategic partnership with Volkswagen as a response to production challenges, predicting a more dynamic market landscape by 2025.

Jasper de Kruiff, co-founder of Impulse Audio Lab, dives into the intriguing world of sound design for electric vehicles. He discusses how the silence of electric motors allows for a fresh sonic palette, making driving an emotional experience. The conversation explores innovative technologies that create brand-specific soundscapes and the importance of safety through auditory cues. Jasper also examines how autonomous driving influences future sound design, ensuring vehicles communicate effectively without becoming noise nuisances.

Waymo is leading the charge in the driverless car race, but faces stiff competition from Tesla and Amazon's Zoox. The podcast dives into differing tech philosophies—Waymo’s LiDAR versus Tesla's camera focus—highlighting regulatory hurdles in California. It also discusses the financial landscape, including partnerships and challenges that impact profitability in the ride-sharing market. Finally, the conversation touches on Waymo's strategic growth and the significance of brand loyalty amidst industry competition.

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.