Decoder with Nilay Patel

Anjali Sud, CEO of Vimeo, transformed the platform from indie streaming to a thriving video SaaS for businesses. She discusses Vimeo's rapid growth, its unique subscription-based model, and the challenges of monetizing creator content. Anjali also dives into navigating video distribution strategies and the importance of customizing content for various platforms. With an upcoming IPO, she reflects on the pressures of being public, the evolving creator economy, and how Vimeo aims to support creators while ensuring long-term growth.

Chris Milk, founder and CEO of Within, is a pioneer in the VR industry, best known for the fitness app Supernatural. He discusses how VR technology blends gaming with fitness, creating engaging workouts that can reshape health routines. The conversation covers the key role of music in workout experiences, challenges of music licensing, and how virtual reality can enhance body perception. Chris also emphasizes the potential of VR to foster human connection and joy while competing with traditional fitness giants like Peloton.

Nic Carter, a Bitcoin advocate and partner at Castle Island Ventures, contrasts sharply with Steve Hanke, a skeptic and economics professor at Johns Hopkins. They dive into Bitcoin's dual identity as a currency and an asset, discussing its viability against fiat currencies, especially in unstable economies. The conversation touches on Bitcoin's transaction limitations, emerging alternatives, and its speculative nature. They also tackle the historical shift from gold to crypto, questioning value and the potential risks associated with Bitcoin's evolution.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Casey Newton, a tech reporter known for his insights on social media, interviews Nick Clegg, Facebook's VP of Global Affairs and former UK Deputy Prime Minister. They dive into Facebook's recent changes to enhance user control and address criticisms about misinformation and polarization. Clegg argues against the notion that Facebook is polarizing, discussing the platform's responsibility in public discourse. They also explore the complex causes of societal polarization and the need for transparency in addressing content moderation challenges.

Tracy Sun, co-founder and SVP of New Markets at Poshmark, dives into the world of social e-commerce. She shares insights on how Poshmark successfully merges shopping with social networking, creating a vibrant community of 'poshers.' Tracy discusses the challenges of going public while maintaining company culture and investor expectations. She highlights the importance of empowering sellers and integrating innovative tools to enhance user experience. Additionally, Tracy addresses the complexities of content moderation and navigating brand relationships in the booming resale market.

Kevin Roose, a New York Times tech columnist and author of "Futureproof: Nine Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation," dives into the rising influence of robotic process automation (RPA) on the workforce. He explores how RPA transforms professions like accounting and journalism, balancing the efficiency it brings with the risk to job security. Roose also emphasizes the need for human skills, emotional intelligence, and meaningful connections amidst increasing automation, while offering strategies for individuals to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Scott Farquhar, co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian, dives into the friction between Australia and tech giants like Facebook over the Media Bargaining Code. He highlights how this regulation shapes global tech while underscoring the crucial role of public policy in running a tech company today. The discussion expands on the dangers of a splintered internet and the need for better communication between lawmakers and tech firms. Farquhar also reflects on how evolving work dynamics and regulatory challenges are reshaping the tech landscape.

Kayvon Beykpour, the former Head of Consumer Product at Twitter, shares insights into his role in steering product strategy. He discusses Twitter's innovative features like Super Follows and Spaces designed to enhance user engagement. Beykpour also tackles the challenges of content moderation, especially in real-time discussions. The conversation explores Twitter's competitive landscape and its strategies to maintain relevance while boosting revenue. Finally, he touches on community-driven initiatives like Birdwatch that aim to combat misinformation.

Adrienne Jeffries, Billy Disney, and Regina DeLay, co-hosts of the Under Understood podcast, tackle the bizarre case of an 88-year-old charged for selling jailbroken Fire TV sticks at a Florida flea market. They delve into the comedic elements of a sheriff's lighthearted press conference, the convoluted legality of jailbroken devices, and the implications of copyright law today. The trio also critiques the sheriff's motives and highlights how his actions reflect broader socio-economic concerns, blending humor and insight on tech's intersection with law.

Austin Russell, founder and CEO of Luminar, is revolutionizing the self-driving car industry with his groundbreaking LiDAR technology. He shares insights on why LiDAR is crucial for the future of autonomy and discusses the challenges he faces in making it scalable and affordable. Austin challenges conventional methodologies in automotive design, predicting a world without steering wheels by 2030. He emphasizes the importance of safety and regulatory acceptance while navigating his journey as a young billionaire in the tech landscape.