

Big Technology Podcast
Alex Kantrowitz
The Big Technology Podcast takes you behind the scenes in the tech world featuring interviews with plugged-in insiders and outside agitators. Alex Kantrowitz, a Silicon Valley journalist who's interviewed the world's top tech CEOs — from Mark Zuckerberg to Larry Ellison — is the host.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 8, 2023 • 36min
Apple's China Problem, Its Tenuous Valuation, And The iPhone 15 — With Walter Piecyk
Walter Piecyk, a partner at LightShed Partners, shares his sharp insights on Apple's recent $200 billion market cap loss, largely due to challenges in China and government restrictions. He discusses how geopolitical tensions with China and competition from Huawei are reshaping Apple's position. Piecyk also dives into the complexities of forecasting Apple’s future valuations amid growing risks and offers thoughts on the mixed anticipation for the iPhone 15. Additionally, he touches on the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting amid Charter's disputes.

Sep 6, 2023 • 51min
Google’s Weird Year + Neeva Goes to Snowflake — With Sridhar Ramaswamy
Sridhar Ramaswamy, co-founder of Neeva, former Google SVP, and current SVP at Snowflake, dive into Google's challenges in 2023, especially regarding search and AI integration. He discusses the evolution of search technology, shifting user expectations, and the impact of generative AI. Ramaswamy shares insights on the competitive landscape, detailing Neeva's transition to enterprise solutions under Snowflake. He candidly addresses the balance of AI advancement with caution and explains how enhanced data accessibility might shape future job markets.

5 snips
Sep 1, 2023 • 45min
Disney's Ten Year Low, Google's AI Attends Meetings For You, Metaverse Gets Legs
Ranjan Roy, a contributor to Margins and tech enthusiast, dives into the latest trends affecting major players like Disney and Google. He discusses Disney's stock hitting a ten-year low and the company's strategic crossroads. Ranjan also shares insights on Google's Duet AI that attends meetings, revolutionizing work dynamics. The surprising success of white noise podcasts captures attention, competing against larger media firms. Finally, he highlights Meta's new feature giving avatars legs, potentially transforming the Metaverse experience.

Aug 30, 2023 • 34min
The Path Toward AGI, According to Google's DeepMind — With Colin Murdoch
Colin Murdoch, Chief Business Officer at Google DeepMind, discusses the ambitious journey toward artificial general intelligence (AGI). He explores how AGI could address complex global challenges, particularly in healthcare and climate change. Colin dives into the merger of DeepMind and Google Brain, revealing how this collaboration shapes AI innovation. He also highlights AlphaFold's revolutionary role in drug discovery and the thrilling potential of merging large language models with advanced algorithms. Tune in for insights from a top AI executive!

Aug 25, 2023 • 54min
ChatGPT As An Insult, NVIDIA's Moat, A New Musk Profile
Ranjan Roy, a contributor to Margins, joins the discussion on trending tech news. They delve into the surprising use of ChatGPT as an insult in a political debate, reflecting shifting attitudes towards generative AI. The conversation highlights NVIDIA's impressive earnings and its stronghold in the AI market, alongside ARM's upcoming IPO. They also critique Bing's performance against Google and explore Elon Musk's multifaceted role in tech and politics, particularly his influence in Ukraine. A lively, insightful session awaits!

Aug 23, 2023 • 39min
Betting on the Future of AI – WIth Sarah Guo
Sarah Guo, founder of the VC firm Conviction and co-host of the "No Priors" podcast, dives deep into generative AI and its vast investment opportunities. She explores how AI is transforming creative industries, making technology more accessible for content creation while addressing job displacement concerns. Additionally, she discusses the competitive landscape among tech giants, particularly Amazon's strategic moves in AI. Guo also touches on the potential of room temperature superconductors and the chaotic GPU market, highlighting the future of tech innovation.

Aug 18, 2023 • 49min
The Cage Match That Wasn’t, Trouble At Goldman Sachs, Social Algorithms Reality Check
Ranjan Roy, a contributor to Margins and expert on tech culture, dives into a whirlwind discussion of recent tech happenings. He dissects the collapse of the Zuck-Musk cage match and scrutinizes whether Musk's antics are damaging to his business. Roy also sheds light on Goldman Sachs' struggles with their Apple partnership and offers fascinating insights from his Taiwan trip. Finally, he explores new studies revealing the complex nature of social media algorithms and advocates for customizable user experiences, emphasizing the need for choice in our digital interactions.

4 snips
Aug 16, 2023 • 43min
Self-Driving's Breakout Moment — With Kyle Vogt
Kyle Vogt, CEO of Cruise, leads the charge on self-driving technology, sharing insights on its rapid expansion. He discusses the impressive 49% month-over-month growth in autonomous rides and the innovative pod design enhancing passenger experience. Vogt addresses urban challenges as self-driving cars navigate diverse cities, examining safety, regulatory hurdles, and societal acceptance. The conversation also touches on the future landscape of autonomous vehicles and their coexistence with traditional rides, revealing fascinating data and forward-thinking strategies.

6 snips
Aug 11, 2023 • 50min
X's CEO Speaks, AI's Real Impact On Hollywood, The Streamflation Crisis — With Julia Boorstin
Julia Boorstin, CNBC's senior media and tech correspondent and author of 'When Women Lead,' joins the discussion to dive into the shifting landscape of media. She explores X's ambition to evolve into an 'everything app' and the challenges advertisers face in the age of AI. The concept of 'streamflation' is unpacked, highlighting Disney's new strategies. Julia also emphasizes the importance of female leadership in driving positive financial outcomes and addresses the biases female CEOs face in the media.

4 snips
Aug 9, 2023 • 53min
Lyft's New CEO Has a Plan To Compete — With David Risher
David Risher, Lyft's new CEO, brings a wealth of experience from Amazon and Microsoft as he discusses revamping the ride-hailing company. He candidly addresses the financial missteps made during the pandemic and his strategic plans to regain market share. Risher also shares insights on the critical role of customer safety and feedback, as well as integrating innovative approaches from his Amazon days. The discussion touches on the future of autonomous driving and the importance of fostering meaningful social interactions through Lyft.


