Decoder with Nilay Patel

Bestselling author Sarah Kendzior, known for her sharp political insights, discusses her book 'Hiding in Plain Sight' and analyzes the systemic factors leading to Trump's rise. She critiques how media treats Trump’s online behavior and shares her thoughts on income inequality and authoritarianism. Kendzior argues that Trump's base may not be as large as perceived and explores the urgent need for accountability in politics. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology on governance and the struggles for democracy amidst crisis.

Tim Ferriss, bestselling author and podcaster renowned for his insights on productivity, shares invaluable advice during the pandemic with host Kara Swisher. He emphasizes self-compassion amidst quarantine, the crucial distinction between fast and rushed decisions, and the resilience required for businesses today. Ferriss also discusses his renewed investments, including an ongoing interest in psychedelics and their potential to reshape mental health treatment. Optimism through low expectations, he argues, might just lead to greater happiness.

Mark Cuban, successful investor, entrepreneur, and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, shares his insights on capitalism in a post-coronavirus world. He discusses the need for better support for small businesses and advocates for 'America 2.0', focused on empowering workers and investing in technology. Cuban also highlights the challenges of returning professional sports amid the pandemic and reflects on how COVID-19 has reshaped the future of employment, education, and corporate responsibility.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed discusses her proactive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the urgency and complexity of her city's response. She critiques the federal government's slow reaction and outlines the challenges in sheltering the homeless population. The conversation turns to the tech sector's role in recovery and the looming budget deficit facing San Francisco. Breed also hints at her political aspirations, making for an engaging dialogue on leadership amidst crisis.

Jeffrey Katzenberg, the founder of Quibi and former CEO of DreamWorks Animation, shares insights on the launch of the short-form video app during COVID-19, revealing it garnered 1.7 million downloads. He discusses the evolution of mobile storytelling, the appeal of short content, and how Quibi competes against giants like Netflix and YouTube. Katzenberg also addresses industry skepticism, discusses strategic partnerships, and highlights the creative talent attracted to Quibi, providing a glimpse into the future of entertainment.

Sarah Frier, a Bloomberg technology reporter and author of "No Filter: The Inside Story of Instagram," shares insights into Instagram's creation and evolution. She reveals how co-founders Mike Systrom and Kevin Systrom chose Facebook over Twitter for their sale. The conversation explores Instagram's challenges with identity after its acquisition, evolving corporate dynamics, and the social pressures it imposes on users. Frier also discusses the clash with Mark Zuckerberg and the looming competition from TikTok, making for a captivating look at modern social media.

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and host of 'WorkLife,' shares his insights on the evolving landscape of work. He discusses the benefits of remote work and the impact of trust within virtual teams. The conversation tackles burnout and the importance of meaningful connections in fostering a positive workplace culture. Grant also explores how digital communication alters negotiation dynamics and reflects on the surprising creativity found in mundane tasks. This engaging dialogue dives deep into the future of work and leadership in a changing economy.

In this conversation, historian Niall Ferguson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of acclaimed works like The Ascent of Money, shares insights on his PBS series, Networld. He emphasizes the power of networks in shaping revolutions and the alarming spread of misinformation during crises like the pandemic. Ferguson critiques Silicon Valley's surveillance practices, warning that the U.S. is edging closer to a model akin to China's. He discusses how modern social networks can both connect and divide us, stressing the need for better regulatory frameworks.

In a riveting discussion, Kevin Systrom, co-founder and former CEO of Instagram, shares his insights on data analysis related to the coronavirus pandemic. He applies strategies from Instagram to understand the viral spread of the virus, emphasizing how critical data can inform public health responses. Systrom reveals his model predicts a peak in COVID-19 cases by mid-May, expressing hopes it's wrong. He also reflects on his journey since leaving Facebook in 2018 and his commitment to tackling misinformation during this crisis.

David Plouffe, former senior advisor to President Obama and author of "A Citizen's Guide to Beating Donald Trump," shares gripping insights on the political landscape amid the pandemic. He discusses the chaotic Iowa caucus and the critical need for mail-in voting. Plouffe urges regular citizens to engage politically, even on platforms like Facebook, to combat misinformation. He also emphasizes the importance of Biden's VP choice and critiques Silicon Valley's approach to politics, advocating for tech-savvy methods to enhance voter engagement.