Decoder with Nilay Patel

Scott Belsky, Chief Product Officer at Adobe, dives into the transformative potential of NFTs for the creative economy. He discusses how Adobe's tools are evolving to enhance collaboration and creativity, including a new feature allowing creators to export art as NFTs. The conversation touches on the challenges of rapid technological changes and the balance between consumer-friendly and professional creative tools. Belsky also explores the importance of authenticity in digital art and the future of creativity in an increasingly algorithm-driven landscape.

Christian Meunier, the Global CEO of Jeep, dives into the brand's exciting electrification journey. He discusses Jeep's new hybrid Grand Cherokee and plans for a complete electric lineup by 2025. The conversation touches on the challenges posed by semiconductor shortages and the brand's balance of tradition with innovation. Meunier also shares insights on the cultural dialogue surrounding Jeep's use of the term “Cherokee.” Discover how the iconic brand navigates modern demands while maintaining its unique identity within the Stellantis umbrella.

Dave Limp, Amazon's Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, oversees Alexa and related innovations. He explains how Amazon runs Alexa, selling Echo products at break-even while employing thousands of engineers. The shift from smartphones to ambient computing with voice interaction plays a crucial role in daily life, especially for younger users. Limp discusses Alexa's evolution and its competitive edge against other smart assistants, as well as how Amazon approaches product monetization and integrates innovations from acquired companies like Ring and Eero.

Explore the profound shift in how we engage with technology, starting with Steve Jobs' iconic reveal of the iPhone in 2007. Discover how this multifaceted device transformed not just phones but entire lifestyles, ushering in the App Store era and new business models. Delve into the tug-of-war between digital dependency and mental well-being as one individual trades their smartphone for a simpler flip phone. Uncover the silent ways smartphones shape relationships and daily life, illustrating Apple's remarkable journey from niche maker to global tech titan.

Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, is at the forefront of self-driving technology and urban mobility. She discusses the exciting journey of deploying autonomous taxis in cities, tackling regulatory hurdles, and the challenges of real-world testing. The conversation dives into the impact of Tesla's self-driving features and how they complicate industry perceptions. Mawakana also shares insights on partnerships with car manufacturers and innovative designs that anticipate a new era of transportation, redefining how we view mobility in our everyday lives.

John Carreyrou, the investigative journalist who exposed the Theranos scandal while at the Wall Street Journal, shares his insights on the ongoing saga of Elizabeth Holmes. He discusses the ethical challenges in tech startups and the toxic culture at Theranos. Carreyrou examines the courtroom dynamics of Holmes's trial, revealing the tension between prosecution and defense. He dives deep into the legal strategies at play and the emotional impact on affected patients, all while reflecting on his long journey of reporting this dramatic story.

We talk a lot about the creator economy here on Decoder and one thing we’ve learned from all those conversations is that the creator economy is a market just like any other, with supply and demand, but that it’s also a market that is absolutely starved of information. So today I’m talking to Lindsey Lee Lugrin, the co-founder and CEO of a new platform called Fuck You Pay Me, which is an all-time great company name. FYPM is an app for creators to review and compare brand deals: what brands are paying, what it’s like to work with them, and whether people would work with them again. It’s kind of like Glassdoor or Yelp for influencers.LinksThe quirks and features of YouTube car reviews with Doug DeMuro https://www.theverge.com/22637871/doug-demuro-car-reviews-youtube-decoder-interviewAdvertising is complicated, but Melissa Grady is very good at it https://www.theverge.com/22174582/decoder-podcast-interview-cadillac-cmo-melissa-grady-advertisingYouTube chief product officer Neal Mohan on the algorithm, monetization, and the future for creators https://www.theverge.com/22606296/youtube-shorts-fund-neal-mohan-decoder-interviewThe App With the Unprintable Name That Wants to Give Power to Creators https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/02/technology/fypm-creators-app-pay.htmlIntroduction to smart contracts https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/smart-contracts/The golden age of YouTube is over https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/5/18287318/youtube-logan-paul-pewdiepie-demonetization-adpocalypse-premium-influencers-creatorsTranscripthttps://www.theverge.com/e/22448278 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlie Harding, co-host of Switched on Pop and music industry aficionado, dives into the complexities of songwriting credits in the modern music world. He discusses Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album 'Sour' and her ongoing adjustments to songwriting credits, shedding light on the struggles of new artists navigating copyright laws. The conversation also explores the nuances of musical borrowing, the implications of historical legal battles, and how these issues shape the creative landscape for songwriters today.

Zoë Schiffer, Senior reporter at The Verge, known for her insights on Apple's workplace culture, dives into the evolving dynamics at Apple. She discusses how Slack has become a vital platform for employees to express concerns about pay equity and remote work policies. Employees are pushing for greater transparency and inclusivity, amidst rising discontent and advocacy for change. Schiffer highlights the challenges faced by employees in discussing sensitive topics like pay and the increasing push toward empowerment and potential unionization in the tech industry.

Dr. Willy Shih, a Harvard Business School professor and semiconductor expert, dives into the global chip shortage that has crippled various industries since the pandemic. He discusses how the imbalance between supply and demand has left major automakers with unfinished vehicles and limited availability of consumer electronics. Shih emphasizes the importance of TSMC and the complexities of semiconductor manufacturing. He also reveals the challenges and financial hurdles of U.S. semiconductor production in a rapidly changing global landscape.