Big Technology Podcast

Ranjan Roy, a sharp writer for Margins, dives into tech's hot topics with insight and wit. He discusses Mark Zuckerberg's image makeover as Threads competes with Twitter. The conversation shifts to the FTC's struggles against Big Tech, revealing its regulatory hurdles. Elon Musk's ambitious AI venture, xAI, is explored, alongside transformative AI tools that democratize data analysis. Lastly, Roy tackles the growing fears of actors over AI's role in film, highlighting serious issues of fairness and labor rights in this evolving landscape.

Zach Coelius, managing partner at Coelius Capital, dives into the future of Threads and whether it could outshine Twitter or become another Clubhouse. He dissects Threads' rapid user growth and the authenticity of its engagement while examining the impact of Elon Musk's actions at Twitter. The conversation shifts to venture capital challenges, detailing the current landscape against the backdrop of MediaMath's bankruptcy and the evolving nature of tech investments. Coelius offers a wealth of insight into the intertwining worlds of social media and venture capital.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Heath, deputy editor at The Verge and tech reporter, dives deep into Meta's Threads launch. He examines how Threads rapidly amassed 70 million users and its intent to compete with Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Alex shares insights on its unique features and strategies for user retention. He also explores the implications of the Digital Markets Act for Meta, alongside the challenges and opportunities this new platform presents in the evolving social media landscape.

Eliot Brown, a Wall Street Journal reporter and co-author of 'The Cult of We,' dives into Big Tech's stock market resurgence and its ripple effects on VCs and startups. He discusses the surprising rise of tech valuations amidst high interest rates and the complex landscape of AI investments. Eliot also highlights risks in commercial real estate linked to remote work trends and shares a personal touch on the wrongful imprisonment of his colleague, Evan Gershkovich, urging listeners to advocate for press freedom.

Jason Del Rey, author of 'Winner Sells All', and Matt Stoller, antitrust expert and director at the American Economic Liberties Project, dive into the fierce rivalry between Amazon and Walmart. They unpack Amazon's regulatory challenges and the FTC's scrutiny over its business practices. The duo discusses how Walmart counteracts Amazon's dominance and highlights the stark differences in corporate cultures. They also touch on public perceptions of Jeff Bezos and explore whimsical debates about tech titans, making for a captivating and insightful conversation.

David Pogue, a CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and host of the Unsung Science Podcast, recounts his thrilling yet precarious experience aboard the OceanGate submersible. He reflects on initial confidence in the sub's safety, the emotional weight of visiting the Titanic's wreck site, and the fine line between adventure and risk. Pogue discusses the complexities of public perception and media coverage surrounding the disaster, and delves into ethical dilemmas surrounding rescue operations, questioning the value placed on different lives in peril.

Ranjan Roy, a contributor to Margins known for his sharp insights on tech trends, dives into a whirlwind of topics. He tackles the tragic OceanGate sub incident and debates whether we should celebrate risk-taking or be more cautious. The humorous speculation of a cage match between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg adds a lighter touch. There's also an analysis of Spotify's podcasting struggles and a look at TikTok's leadership changes, weighing implications for user privacy and corporate strategy. A thought-provoking mix of humor and critique!

Bill McDermott, CEO of ServiceNow, shares his remarkable journey from owning a delicatessen at 16 to leading a tech giant. He discusses how generative AI can foster workplace innovation while urging businesses to retrain their workforce for upcoming changes. McDermott reflects on his time at Xerox, highlighting the importance of adaptability during corporate decline. He also reveals effective strategies for closing deals, emphasizing customer-centric approaches and trust in negotiations. Tune in for insights from one of tech's most dynamic leaders!

Sara Fischer, a senior media reporter at Axios and media analyst at CNN, dives into the recent Reddit blackout sparked by moderators protesting new data access policies. She highlights the significant job losses in media and the shift of advertising dollars to retail. The conversation shifts to the ethical dilemmas of AI, especially regarding misinformation in politics and the dangers of sharing personal data with large language models. Fischer also discusses the White House's efforts to tackle junk fees and protect consumer privacy in the digital age.

Bob Muglia, former CEO of Snowflake and an influential figure at Microsoft, shares his insights on the transformative power of AI. He discusses Marc Andreessen's compelling argument that AI could save the world and offers lessons from his book on the creators shaping the future. The conversation delves into how Azure emerged amidst cultural challenges at Microsoft and examines the delicate balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations, including AI's impact on jobs and geopolitical tensions.