Big Technology Podcast

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.

Erin Griffith, a technology and business reporter for the New York Times, dives into pressing issues in the tech world. She discusses the fallout from Twitter's removal of Blue Checks and the implications for user trust. The conversation shifts to an open letter advocating for a pause on AI development, highlighting ethical concerns and potential misinformation risks. Griffith also examines Italy's ban on ChatGPT over privacy issues and the emergence of 'prompt engineers' in the job market, alongside the financing challenges startups face post-SVB.

Palmer Luckey, the visionary behind Oculus VR and military tech firm Anduril, shares riveting insights about the future of the Metaverse. He questions Meta's ambitions while highlighting Apple's potential in the virtual realm. The discussion pivots to the ethical implications of AI warfare, its possible consequences for law enforcement, and the existential risks posed by sentient AI. Luckey's unique perspective invites listeners to grapple with the intersection of innovative technology and moral responsibility.

Joining the discussion are Eric Newcomer, founder of Newcomer and tech industry commentator, and Louise Matsakis, tech and China reporter for Semafor. They dive deep into the SEC's warning to Coinbase about upcoming enforcement actions and the fallout within the crypto landscape. The duo also tackles Hindenburg's scrutiny of Block and the staggering $150 million valuation of Character AI without revenue. Additionally, they dissect TikTok's congressional challenges and the intersection of U.S.-China relations impacting its future.