Decoder with Nilay Patel

Anand Giridharadas, author of "Winners Take All," critiques the philanthropic practices of tech billionaires. He discusses how their efforts often serve as a facade for maintaining wealth inequality. The conversation dives into the ethics of giving back, using examples like the Sackler family and Carnegie's legacy. Giridharadas also highlights the importance of systemic change over charity and comments on the intersection of wealth and democracy, especially in the context of the 2020 elections and civic engagement.

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple and former leader at major tech firms like Yahoo and AOL, dives into the transformative potential of blockchain for financial institutions. He discusses bridging the gap between traditional banks and cryptocurrencies, emphasizing the need for collaboration, not competition. Garlinghouse also reflects on the journey of crypto from skepticism to practical utility, the importance of regulatory dialogue, and how blockchain can revolutionize cross-border transactions. Additionally, he tackles the challenges facing both the unbanked and mainstream financial systems.

Jim Collins, renowned author of 'Good to Great' and 'Built to Last', discusses his latest insights on business growth and leadership. He shares fascinating stories about teaching Jeff Bezos and the principles behind 'level-five' leaders. Collins emphasizes the importance of core beliefs versus practices and explores the evolving landscape of technology and entrepreneurship. Delving into luck’s role in success, he contrasts the enduring values of leaders like Jack Bogle and Steve Jobs against today's corporate challenges. His wisdom highlights the balance between innovation and timeless principles.

Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and host of Stay Tuned With Preet, dives into the complexities of law and technology. He discusses his dismissal by President Trump and reflects on the impact of social media on public understanding of legal issues. Bharara shares insights from his new book, 'Doing Justice,' emphasizing accountability in tech and challenges of misinformation. He also ponders the future of law amid rapid technological changes and the need for ethical standards in a chaotic landscape.

Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense under Obama, now at Harvard's Belfer Center, discusses the pressing issues of tech regulation and ethics. He explores the balance between government oversight and innovation, debating the impact of regulations like CDA Section 230. The conversation highlights concerns about AI in warfare, privacy laws, and the ethical challenges facing tech companies in partnerships with defense sectors. Carter also touches on the influence of social media on journalism and the need for accountability among tech giants.

Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook and advocate for breaking up the tech giant, shares his insights on its rise and influence. He discusses his motivations behind his New York Times op-ed, reflecting on how the 2016 election shifted his perspective. Hughes reveals the dangers of Zuckerberg's unchecked power and explores the complexities of regulating tech. He delves into issues like income inequality, calls for a new digital regulatory agency, and the ethical responsibilities of platforms in shaping public discourse.

Esther Wojcicki, an influential journalism educator and author of "How to Raise Successful People," shares her wisdom on parenting and education. She discusses her innovative teaching approach that empowers students and emphasizes media literacy. Wojcicki reveals how trust and independence shape her success in raising three accomplished daughters, including YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki. She addresses the challenges of gender discrimination, the impact of social media, and criticizes helicopter parenting, advocating for a balanced approach to cultivate resilience and happiness.

In an engaging discussion, Sam Harris, a neuroscientist and philosopher known for his work on science and spirituality, addresses the polarizing topics of Islam, social media, and political discourse. He reflects on the controversies surrounding his books and the complexities of identity politics. Harris critiques the impact of misinformation and advocate for rational discourse. The conversation also highlights the challenges of maintaining free speech online while navigating the intricate dynamics of extremism, truth, and moral responsibility in today's society.

Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology and former design ethicist at Google, shares his insights on 'human downgrading' and its implications for society. He discusses the co-opting of his earlier movement, Time Well Spent, by tech giants. Harris critiques digital well-being features from Apple and Google and highlights the urgent need for accountability in tech. He argues that platforms like Facebook and YouTube are more harmful than environmental disasters, calling for ethical design and governance in the digital space.

Scott Galloway, NYU professor and author of "The Algebra of Happiness," dives deep into the pursuit of happiness and the dangers of materialism. He argues against the cliché of 'following your passion' and emphasizes the value of meaningful relationships over social media illusions. Galloway shares insights on how caregivers enhance longevity and the impact of parenting on children's mental well-being. With a mix of humor and sincerity, he explores how lifestyle choices can lead to true fulfillment, branching into discussions on personal growth and vulnerability.