Decoder with Nilay Patel

Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon Web Services, shares insights from his 22-year journey at Amazon, highlighting the evolution of leadership under Jeff Bezos. He discusses AWS's competitive edge in cloud computing, concerns around facial recognition technology, and the ethical implications of working with government agencies like ICE. Jassy also tackles antitrust challenges facing Amazon and emphasizes the importance of accountability in technology. With a focus on diversity and innovation, the conversation reveals the complex landscape AWS navigates today.

Vijaya Gadde, Twitter's legal and trust and safety executive, joins Kayvon Beykpour, the head of product and co-founder of Periscope, to delve into the intricate challenges of content moderation. They discuss Twitter's high-stakes meeting with President Trump and its approach to misinformation, elections, and anti-vaxxers. The conversation highlights Twitter's dual role of championing free speech while tackling radicalization and abuse. Gadde and Beykpour also touch on the effective strategies for improving discourse and the importance of community safety.

Mehdi Hasan, a columnist at The Intercept and host of Deconstructed, shares his journey from the UK to the U.S. as a journalist navigating a tumultuous political landscape. He critiques the American press's timidity, discusses the virality of his interview with Erik Prince, and reflects on the rise of Islamophobia post-9/11. Hasan emphasizes the influence of Twitter on politics and analyzes Trump's legacy, advocating for transformative change in today's divisive environment while challenging both liberal and conservative narratives.

Jim Sciutto, CNN's chief national security correspondent and co-anchor of CNN Newsroom, dives deep into his new book, tackling covert operations by Russia and China against the U.S. He discusses the delusions Americans hold about these countries post-Cold War and outlines why both are now clear adversaries. With insights from his journalistic journey during pivotal moments like the Tiananmen Square protests, Sciutto warns of the modern-day threats from AI advancements and election interference. He emphasizes the urgent need for a cohesive U.S. strategy to respond to these challenges.

Michele Madansky, an independent market research consultant and expert in digital media, discusses her pivotal work on harassment in tech, notably her study 'Elephant in the Valley.' She explores how the landscape has shifted since the original study, revealing persistent issues and surprising areas of improvement. Madansky shares optimistic insights on Gen Z's changing perspectives towards gender roles and the importance of inclusive corporate cultures. She also addresses concerns about #MeToo fatigue while providing actionable advice for tech companies.

Reshma Saujani, Founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, shares her insights on overcoming the challenges women face in tech. She discusses the impact of perfectionism on young girls, the need for diverse role models, and advocates for more inclusive hiring practices. Saujani highlights the positive cultural shifts required in tech and stresses empowering future female leaders through coding education. She also addresses how major companies can change the landscape for women in the industry, particularly in the wake of #MeToo.

Susan Hockfield, the former president of MIT and a renowned neuroscientist, dives into her new book, exploring how biology can drive the next technological revolution. She discusses the innovative culture at MIT, sustainable energy solutions, and the revolutionary potential of 'living machines' in healthcare and environmental challenges. Hockfield emphasizes the need for collaboration between disciplines to tackle pressing issues like clean water and cancer detection, while expressing concern over declining trust in scientific expertise.

In a lively discussion, Mark Cuban, a billionaire investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, teams up with Steve Case, co-founder of AOL, to explore the entrepreneurial landscape beyond Silicon Valley. They share insights on how local hubs are reshaping innovation and the role of education in nurturing future founders. Meanwhile, talent agent Scooter Braun dives into the impact of social media on music, recounts his bold business moves, and emphasizes the need to balance gut instinct with data. It's a fascinating blend of business wisdom and entertainment strategy!

Gabe Weinberg, Founder and CEO of DuckDuckGo, dives deep into the significance of online privacy and his journey in building a privacy-focused search engine. He discusses the implications of behavioral targeting versus contextual advertising. Weinberg advocates for national privacy legislation and highlights the need for regulatory measures to challenge tech giants like Google. The conversation touches on the right to be forgotten and what consumers can do to protect their personal data in an increasingly surveilled world. Tune in for insights on defending your privacy!

In a lively discussion, Alex Stamos, former Chief Security Officer at Facebook, shares insights on the platform’s misunderstood role in democracy, advocating for regulatory changes and accountability measures. He critiques corporate policies and proposes shifts in compensation to prioritize societal benefits. Ev Williams, co-founder of Twitter, reflects on his exit from the board, shares his thoughts on media evolution, and highlights the investment landscape's lack of diversity. They both explore the complexities and responsibilities of social media in connecting and impacting society.