CRAFTED.

This discussion revolves around a quirky bingo card for 2026, identifying potential controversies in AI regulation and online speech. Expect debates on the clash between AI deregulation and social media rules, and how politicians court the AI industry. The hosts tackle the challenging reality of content moderation, questioning the feasibility of an automated solution. Legal discussions include the implications of Section 230 and rising age verification laws. Tune in for some surprising predictions and listener contributions as they explore the unpredictable future of online discourse.

In a rapidly changing work landscape, understanding the five key skills of PRISM is crucial for success. Dr. Gabriella Rosen-Kellerman discusses how resilience can transform challenges into growth opportunities. She emphasizes that creativity is innate and vital in today's world. Building rapid rapport fosters effective collaboration in dynamic teams. Mattering ensures shared purpose, which boosts team confidence during transitions. She also explores how coaching and targeted practices can develop resilience, innovation, and prospection.

In this engaging discussion, audio producer Leslie Chang, known for her insightful work on Michael Osborne's projects, joins to explore Steve Jobs' complex legacy. They analyze how Jobs transformed a small graphics lab into Pixar and his growth after being ousted from Apple. Leslie highlights Jobs' unique storytelling skills and his 'reality distortion field.' The hosts also delve into his relationships, including his daughter Lisa, and ponder whether they would want Jobs' life, weighing his immense achievements against personal sacrifices.

Dan Blumberg, a former WNYC producer turned product leader and podcaster, joins the conversation with hosts Chuck and Robbie. They delve into Dan's journey and the essentials of podcasting, discussing the pros and cons of platforms like Apple and Spotify. Dan shares insights on audience retention and effective gear recommendations. He also touches on his kayaking adventures and explores alternative career paths. Get ready for exciting updates on his show, Crafted, coming soon!

Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, dives into the complex world of startup funding. He reveals how local market benchmarks matter more than Silicon Valley headlines for founders. Peter explains the surge of AI startups and their impact on funding, while exploring why high early valuations can set unrealistic expectations. He also addresses the surprising statistic that 70% of startup employees never exercise their equity. With insights on SAFEs and founder vesting, it's a treasure trove of data-backed funding strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Matt Lerner, the founder and CEO of SYSTM, shares his expertise on startup growth and his book, 'Growth Levers and How to Find Them.' He dives into the key insight that 90% of growth comes from 10% of efforts, emphasizing the importance of rapid learning and experimentation. Matt discusses the Jobs-to-be-Done approach for understanding customer needs and the significance of reaching the 'aha' moment quickly. He also highlights common pitfalls founders face and provides practical strategies for effective growth sprints.

Kelsey Hightower, a legendary technologist and Kubernetes pioneer, shares his journey from sleeping in his car to becoming a distinguished engineer at Google and retiring at 42 to focus on societal impact. He emphasizes the power of small acts of recognition, discussing how simple gestures can restore dignity. Kelsey highlights the importance of speaking engagements to inspire others and the role of open source in leveling the playing field. He advocates for turning technical skills into business impact and balancing awe of AI with a focus on human intelligence.

Join Chris Coomes, founder and CEO of X1 Pipeline and former robotics lead at Google and Amazon, as he dives into the world of AI-powered startup evaluation. He shares his motivation for creating X1 Pipeline and explains how it mimics his personal review process but at lightning speed. Chris critiques the hype around 'agents' in tech, noting many won't survive, and discusses humanoid robots at Web Summit. He insightfuly argues that while AI is powerful, it still needs human creativity for true innovation.

In this lively discussion, Tom Haworth, founder of D13 AI, explores the dangers of 'good enough' AI, emphasizing the pitfalls of vibe coding and its technical debt. He critiques the superficiality in AI demos at Web Summit, advocating for a deeper understanding of AI capabilities. Tom also discusses how Maria Sharapova's IBM collaboration highlights the challenges of AI deployment. The conversation touches on self-driving cars being the most reliable AI robots today and the underappreciated potential of blockchain technology.

Listeners share mixed reactions to the Anonymous CTO's controversial views on AI coding agents, with some agreeing and others dismissing his claims. A security expert supports the CTO's caution, while an engineering leader highlights productivity boosts from skilled use of these agents. Concerns about marketing overpromises and the necessity of context for effective AI usage come into play. The debate around adversarial AI continues, emphasizing data quality as a critical factor in AI success.