Decoder with Nilay Patel

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and former Wired editor, dives deep into the controversial deal with OpenAI, discussing its impacts on journalism. He highlights concerns over AI’s commodification of creativity and the balance of power in data usage. The conversation explores subscription resilience in the face of AI chatbots and the ethical dilemmas of content creation. Thompson also addresses the need for clear copyright standards and the evolving landscape of media ethics amid rapidly changing technology.

Melanie Perkins, Co-founder and CEO of Canva, shares insights on transforming design accessibility. She discusses Canva's evolution into a competitive platform against Adobe, focusing on user-friendly tools and AI integration. The conversation highlights their commitment to philanthropy and how trust and transparency can reshape market dynamics. Perkins also reveals the challenges of maintaining local experiences while scaling globally and the innovative strategies behind the company's enterprise launch, emphasizing creativity's role in business growth.

Dan Gertsacov, CEO of Big Green Egg, combines his experience from Google and MTV to inject modern marketing into the traditional grill industry. He discusses reinventing grilling for Gen Z, emphasizing community engagement and inclusivity. Gertsacov highlights the versatility of the Big Green Egg in small living spaces, appealing to millennials' cooking trends. He shares insights on maintaining quality while offering customers freedom in fuel choices. Plus, he reveals strategies to emphasize storytelling and emotional connections in outdoor cooking.

Brody Mullins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and co-author of "The Wolves of K Street," dives into the evolution of lobbying since the 1970s. He reveals how corporate influence and shadow lobbying tactics transformed American politics, exposing the shift from transparent practices to opaque power plays. The discussion also highlights the rise of dark money and its impact on legislative representation, as well as the implications of grassroots movements contrasting with traditional lobbying in the tech sector. History intertwines with current dynamics, especially under Donald Trump's era.

Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix, discusses the platform's shift towards advertising, which has attracted over 40 million subscribers in just six months. He shares updates on Netflix's culture memo aimed at maintaining core values amidst growth. Peters also delves into the evolution of streaming, the challenges of navigating a competitive landscape, and the innovative approaches in gaming and personalization. Additionally, he highlights the balance Netflix seeks between creative advertising and user experience, alongside the role of AI in enhancing content engagement.

Alex Heath, deputy editor at The Verge, and Kylie Robison, senior AI reporter, dive deep into the bustling AI landscape. They discuss the major players like Google and OpenAI, shedding light on the fierce competition and emerging companies like Anthropic. With tales from the frontlines, they tackle pressing issues like AI safety, copyright challenges, and the hype around generative AI. Plus, they uncover what's next for innovations including Google's Gemini project and the ongoing quest for Artificial General Intelligence.

Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi—a fast-growing free streaming platform—discusses how Tubi stands out in a competitive streaming landscape. She explains why increasing subscription costs make free options appealing. Sud elaborates on Tubi's ad-supported model and its innovative strategies to engage audiences, including partnerships with TikTok creators. She also highlights the importance of quick decision-making in content strategy and Tubi's unique position as a Fox subsidiary, balancing startup culture with resource advantages.

Brendan Ballou, author of "Plunder: Private Equity’s Plan to Pillage America" and former federal prosecutor, dives into the world of private equity. He reveals how these firms use aggressive tactics to buy and reshape companies, often leaving a trail of bankruptcy, like with Toys“R”Us. The conversation highlights the dual-edged sword of operational efficiency versus crippling debt. Ballou also discusses the troubling practices, including exploiting bankruptcy laws, urging listeners to recognize the broader implications for consumers and industries.

Aidan Gomez, Co-founder and CEO of Cohere, shares insights on the enterprise-focused AI market. He discusses the shift from deterministic to probabilistic models, highlighting the complexities of human language in AI interactions. The conversation explores the financial landscape of AI, its rapid adoption, and the importance of creating reliable applications for businesses. Aidan also emphasizes the challenges and responsibilities of startups navigating a competitive environment, urging for a cultural shift in enterprises to embrace AI effectively.

Ash Parrish, a Verge video game reporter, dives into the tumultuous landscape of the video game industry. Despite record consumer interest and impressive sales, major layoffs and financial pressures threaten studios big and small. Parrish discusses the paradox of shifting gaming trends towards free-to-play models and the heavy toll on traditional AAA titles. Furthermore, the rise of indie games and the need for innovation in storytelling are highlights that offer a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.