Decoder with Nilay Patel

Dean Budnick, co-author of "Ticketmaster: The Rise of the Concert Industry and How the Public Got Scalped," discusses the monopolistic grip Ticketmaster has on live events. They dive into the chaos Taylor Swift fans faced during the Eras Tour ticket sales, sparked by a lack of competition. Budnick explains how 1980s policy changes fueled Ticketmaster's dominance and the shift in antitrust law that benefitted them. The recent Congressional hearings highlight the urgent calls for reform to protect consumers against such monopolies.

James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble and Waterstones, discusses his innovative approach to revitalizing bookstores in the shadow of Amazon. Daunt reveals how decentralizing operations gives local stores a unique identity and empowers booksellers. He touches on challenging issues like book bans and the cultural significance of reading. The conversation also explores shifting gender dynamics within the industry and the strategic use of social media for authentic community engagement, highlighting the bookstore’s comeback amid evolving retail challenges.

Gustav Söderström, Spotify's co-president and chief product and technology officer, shares insights into the platform's significant redesign. He discusses the shift towards a TikTok-like interface aimed at enhancing content discovery. Alex Heath, a tech journalist at The Verge, engages Söderström about the role of AI in improving user recommendations, the balance between user experience and business sustainability, and the challenges of adapting to artist needs in the evolving digital landscape. They also explore Spotify's innovative goals for content engagement.

In this engaging discussion, Steve Bandrowczak, CEO of Xerox, shares insights on transforming the iconic company from a legacy printer maker to a leader in IT services. He reveals innovative strategies like using augmented reality for printer repairs and the ambitious Project Own It aimed at simplifying operations. The conversation touches on maintaining customer connections while adapting to digital trends, the future of their renowned PARC research center, and how to capture Gen Z's interest in the printing world. A forward-thinking glimpse into Xerox's next 100 years!

Pali Bhat, Reddit's first chief product officer and former Google executive, discusses his vision for transforming Reddit's user experience. He shares insights on the platform's new TikTok-style video feed and how the design aims to cater to both newbies and long-time users. The conversation delves into challenges surrounding content moderation, the significance of community engagement, and the strategic separation of text and video feeds. Bhat emphasizes the role of user feedback in shaping Reddit’s evolution as a search alternative and its cautious approach to AI integration.

Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia’s digital audio group, leads the charge in the evolving podcast landscape. He discusses his unconventional strategies that prioritize audience reach over subscriptions, leveraging traditional radio for podcast promotion. Conal also highlights innovative advertising techniques and collaborations with big-name creators like Will Ferrell and Shonda Rhimes. He dives into the unique challenges of ownership and monetization in a decentralized medium, all while fostering a supportive space for diverse creators.

Mitchell Baker, Chairwoman of the Mozilla Foundation and CEO of the Mozilla Corporation, dives into Mozilla's duality as both a nonprofit and a for-profit entity, navigating the competitive browser landscape. She discusses the balance between user privacy and the need for revenue, especially in light of partnerships like Google's. The conversation reveals the struggles of alternative browsers in gaining traction against giants like Chrome and Edge, and highlights Mozilla's vision for decentralized technologies and enhancing user choice moving forward.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft and a leader in cloud computing and AI, discusses the bold integration of OpenAI technology into Bing and Edge. He outlines how this partnership could revolutionize search by shifting from traditional methods to more intuitive 'answer engines.' Nadella also delves into the ethical implications of AI-generated content and its potential impact on creativity and knowledge work. With these innovations, Microsoft aims to challenge Google’s dominance and redefine productivity in the search landscape.

Felix Gillette, a Bloomberg News editor and co-author of 'It's Not TV,' joins John Koblin, a New York Times reporter and fellow co-author, to dive into HBO's legacy. They discuss how HBO’s strong creative relationships propelled projects like 'The White Lotus' during the pandemic. The duo reveals HBO's instinct-driven approach to programming amidst chaotic corporate changes. They also explore the network's evolution from a local service to a cultural icon, navigating challenges while maintaining its unique voice. Tune in for a fascinating look behind the scenes!

Chris Miller, an Associate Professor at Tufts University and author of "Chip War," dives into the intricate world of chip manufacturing, highlighting the geopolitical chess game surrounding semiconductors. He explains how ASML, a Dutch company, is pivotal for global chip production, influencing both the U.S. and China. The conversation touches on high-stakes foreign policy, the evolution of lithography technology, and the competitive landscape where TSMC and Intel vie for dominance. Miller also draws parallels between Taiwan and Ukraine, revealing the broader implications of global supply chains.