Decoder with Nilay Patel

Valerie Jarrett, former senior advisor to President Obama and author of "Finding My Voice," shares her journey from urban planning to politics. She reflects on the significance of mentorship and civic engagement, particularly after the 2016 election. The conversation delves into the challenges of today's political climate, including the impact of social media and the importance of voting. Jarrett also discusses her experiences at the White House, the role of grassroots movements, and the necessity of fostering inclusivity and constructive dialogue in public discourse.

Ashton Applewhite, a prominent writer and activist challenging ageism, shares her insights on fostering a positive perception of aging. She critiques Silicon Valley's obsession with youth and explores the harmful effects of age discrimination in tech. The conversation delves into the medical benefits of realistic attitudes toward aging, the importance of focusing on healthspan over lifespan, and the communal fight against ageism. Applewhite encourages listeners to rethink stereotypes and embrace the aging process as a vital part of life.

Sean Rameswaram, host of the popular news podcast Today, Explained, dives into the evolution of daily news podcasts. He shares his journey from public radio to podcasting and discusses the massive impact of Serial on the medium. Rameswaram highlights the importance of choosing captivating topics amid saturated media. The conversation also touches on Gimlet's significant sale to Spotify and explores whether the podcast bubble is real, while reflecting on the future landscape of audio storytelling.

Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital, champions underrepresented founders while Wendy Davis, a Texas politician and activist, inspires young women in politics. They discuss the surge of political energy among youth, particularly women of color, and the challenges they're overcoming. Arlan shares her experience with biases in venture capital, while Wendy reflects on her historic filibuster and its impact. The conversation emphasizes the need for allyship, transparency, and the urgency of amplifying diverse voices in both tech and politics.

Tim Armstrong, CEO of DTX, shares his vision for blending online and physical retail experiences, likening them to festival events like Coachella. Manish Chandra, CEO of Poshmark, discusses how the platform evolved from secondhand clothing to a social commerce leader, becoming a top iPhone shopping app. Both guests delve into strategies for improving consumer relationships and adapting to evolving market dynamics, while also highlighting the importance of community engagement and innovative marketing.

Richard Walker, a Professor emeritus at UC Berkeley and author of "Pictures of a Gone City," explores the dark side of prosperity in the San Francisco Bay Area. He discusses how California's economic booms, from the gold rush to the tech boom, often come with significant social costs. Walker highlights the housing crisis as a 'bottleneck effect' and critiques the simplistic 'just build more' solution. He argues for taxing the wealthy to promote equality while examining how tech innovation may shift away from the Bay Area.

Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition, is a powerhouse in tech regulation, known for her tough antitrust stance. In a lively discussion, she shares insights on America’s growing hunger for tech oversight and critiques Elizabeth Warren’s breakup approach. Vestager likens Big Tech to pesticides and questions the implications of GDPR for smaller firms. She reflects on the challenges of privacy in smart devices and the ethical dilemmas in AI. Plus, she considers the future of competition in the digital landscape and Europe’s role in tech innovation.

In this engaging discussion, Amy Klobuchar, a senior U.S. Senator from Minnesota and a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, shares her insights on navigating political landscapes. She addresses the crucial need for antitrust regulations against big tech and the pharmaceutical industry, advocating for more competitive healthcare. Klobuchar reflects on her political journey, the need for climate action, and her views on campaign strategies. She also touches on systemic injustices in the legal system, making a compelling case for equality and transparency in democracy.

Kathy Griffin, a bold comedian known for her sharp political humor, dives deep into her infamous severed-head photo shoot that led to an investigation by the Secret Service. She reflects on the intense backlash, her encounters with Donald Trump, and the chilling effects of media sensationalism. Griffin talks about her new self-financed stand-up special, her thoughts on social media regulation, and the challenges women face in the industry. With humor and honesty, she navigates the absurdities of fame and resilience in her career.

Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube and a pioneer in tech leadership, discusses major challenges facing the platform. She addresses why comments are turned off for millions of videos and how YouTube is ensuring child safety amidst inappropriate content. Wojcicki tackles the balance of human oversight and AI in content moderation and shares insights on diversity in leadership. The conversation also touches on the implications of losing Section 230 immunity and the impact of employee activism within Silicon Valley.