Big Technology Podcast

Brian McCullough, host of the Techmeme Ride Home Podcast, teams up with Ranjan Roy, a tech and economy expert, to dissect the challenges facing OpenAI's business model, questioning its long-term viability amid significant losses. They also delve into the clash between open-source and proprietary AI, alongside mainstream concerns about AI misuse. The discussion shifts to Apple's mixed reality device, its impact on computing, and Ed Sheeran's copyright win—an intriguing intersection of creativity and AI's future in music.

Ellis Hamburger, former head of marketing strategy at Snap and now a storyteller at The Browser Company, shares his insights on the evolution of social media. He discusses how platforms often sacrifice their unique identities to mimic TikTok. Hamburger delves into the lifecycle of social media companies, highlighting the shift from idealism to monetization pressures. The conversation raises critical questions about user trust and healthier online interactions, exploring the future of platforms like Blue Sky and Be Real amidst the challenges of growth and ethics.

Ranjan Roy, a contributor to Margins, dives into the exciting world of tech news. He discusses the rise of Bluesky, highlighting its potential to reshape social media with a focus on user control. The conversation takes a turn to examine recent big tech earnings, revealing insights about the economy's health. Ranjan also addresses the UK blocking Microsoft's Activision acquisition and reflects on Clubhouse's layoffs. Finally, he poses a thought-provoking question: do we really want human writers to disclose when AI does their writing?

Josh Brown, CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and host of the Compound and Friends podcast, dives deep into the shifting landscape of tech as it grapples with tighter financial conditions. He discusses Wall Street's demands, investor sentiment, and the implications of recent stock volatility. The conversation touches on major players like Meta, Apple, and Google, exploring their strategies amid fierce competition and economic pressures. Brown also analyzes the influence of the Federal Reserve and the uncertain future of cryptocurrency, making for a compelling dialogue.

Nico Grant, a New York Times reporter specializing in AI and tech, joins to discuss the fierce competition between Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI in the AI landscape. He dives into Google's internal challenges and the implications of its recent reorganization. The conversation highlights Sundar Pichai's PR efforts, forthcoming products, and the complexities of monetizing AI technologies. Also covered are insights on Elon's turbulent 4/20 and reflections on the future of online engagement amidst industry shifts.

Congressman Ro Khanna, representing California's 17th district, shares insights from his recent visit to Taiwan, where he engaged with semiconductor leaders. He emphasizes TSMC's critical role in the global economy and discusses the pressing need for U.S. manufacturing independence. Khanna also tackles the impact of geopolitical tensions on technology policy and regulation, including recent challenges facing Big Tech, TikTok, and the banking sector. His perspective highlights the urgency of balancing economic strength with national security.

Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square and founder of Invisibly, shares his insights on the current economic landscape amid fears of a credit crunch. He discusses the challenges facing commercial real estate and the decline in VC funding, while exploring the potential of innovation during downturns. The conversation touches on AutoGPT and the need for responsible AI regulation, along with a unique service that allows people to monetize their financial data. McKelvey also reflects on the founding story of Square, emphasizing the importance of supportive workplace cultures.

Emil Michael, former chief business officer of Uber and now CEO of DPCM Capital, dives deep into the realities of the sharing economy. He unpacks the struggles of giants like Uber and Lyft, addressing the impact of rising interest rates on profitability. Michael also examines DoorDash's innovative success and warns against hasty investments in AI, likening them to historical market bubbles. He sheds light on the regulatory challenges of advanced AI and discusses Miami's potential as a burgeoning tech hub.

Ranjan Roy, author of "Margins" and a tech commentator, dives into the Internet's impact on productivity, questioning whether it's truly beneficial. He discusses AI's potential to reshape our work habits and the competitive landscape, particularly Meta's pivot toward AI. The conversation touches on changing employee perks at Google and the ongoing rivalry between Twitter and Substack. Ranjan also shares insights on finding connection in a disconnected world, emphasizing the joys of life without smartphones.

Join Joe Marchese, a partner at Human Ventures specializing in generative AI, and Michael Mignano, Lightspeed VC partner and co-founder of Anchor, as they delve into the vast potential of AI technology. They discuss how generative AI is revolutionizing content creation, enhancing search capabilities, and serving as a powerful assistive agent. The conversation also touches on the hype surrounding AI and the strategic challenges it poses for startups and businesses in adapting to this evolving landscape.