Big Technology Podcast

Cory Weinberg, a Senior Reporter at The Information, dives into the complexities of the tech industry's IPO landscape. He tackles the controversial shift to subscription models for social media, examining the ethics and challenges it poses. The discussion reveals struggles private companies face as they navigate compensation strategies. Cory also explores the stalled progress of voice computing and the potential of the four-day workweek, questioning its viability amidst changing workplace norms. It's a riveting look at the intersection of technology and work culture.

Blake Lemoine, an ex-Google engineer, sparked controversy with his claims about the sentience of the LaMDA chatbot. Joining him is Gary Marcus, an AI critic and author passionate about the risks of advanced technology. They dive into the limitations of AI chatbots, the troubling implications of deep interactions, and whether these entities are genuinely intelligent or merely sophisticated code. Their spirited debate underscores the urgent need for safety measures as AI evolves rapidly, challenging listeners to consider the ethical future of technology.

Ranjan Roy dives into the unsettling implications of Bing's chatbot and its fallout for Microsoft. The Metaverse appears to be losing its shine, while the landscape of digital advertising faces new challenges due to privacy shifts. A critical look at Spotify's podcasting struggles unfolds, alongside news of Susan Wojcicki's departure from YouTube. Meanwhile, Tesla grapples with a recall of its Full Self-Driving feature, raising safety questions. Lastly, an exploration of our obsession with documenting life over truly experiencing it unfolds, pondering our relationship with technology.

David Friedberg, co-host of the All-In Podcast and CEO of The Production Board, dives into the urgent need for technology to tackle the climate crisis. He shares exciting insights on sustainable agriculture practices aiming to boost yield while conserving land. The discussion also highlights advancements in renewable energy and the promising potential of nuclear fusion, which could revolutionize energy production. Friedberg's optimism shines as he illustrates how these innovations may pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Sharon Waxman, CEO and founder of The Wrap, dives into the AI landscape reshaping Hollywood and beyond. She discusses the fierce chatbot duel between Google and Microsoft, assessing who emerged stronger in the clash. Waxman reveals how screenwriters are leveraging AI, balancing innovation with creativity. The conversation also highlights Disney's crisis, examining its troubled streaming strategy and the impact of budget cuts. Join the captivating dialogue on technology's influence in entertainment and the future of storytelling.

Kaya Yurieff, a reporter specializing in the Creator Economy at The Information, teams up with Joe Caporoso, President of Team Whistle and founder of Badlands, to dissect the creator landscape. They explore whether the hype around the Creator Economy is warranted, examining disparities in creator income and the role of venture capital. The discussion also delves into the shift from free content to subscription models, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in securing sustainable income. Are creators thriving or merely surviving? Tune in to find out!

Meghana Dhar, a former executive at Snap and Instagram, shares her unique insights about the tech industry's current challenges. She discusses Snap's operational struggles and how leadership gaps affect its competitiveness. The conversation shifts to Meta's bold pivot from the metaverse to AI and whether this strategic shift is genuine or simply for show. They also explore the implications of recent layoffs, market volatility, and the broader economic landscape, all while pondering the future of ESG amidst these changes.

Brian Stelter, former host of CNN's Reliable Sources, shares insights on his career and the future of CNN. He reflects on the challenges traditional media faces in adapting to digital landscapes and the identity crisis plaguing mainstream news. Stelter discusses the pressure of maintaining journalistic integrity amid sensationalism and low ratings. He also explores how Gen Z engages with news differently and debates whether AI could outshine human media personalities in fostering connections with audiences.

Ranjan Roy, a Contributor at Margins, dives into the week’s hottest tech topics. BuzzFeed is reshaping content creation with AI, while tech companies face economic challenges. Tesla's stock sees wild fluctuations, reflecting broader market tensions. Salesforce is in the spotlight as it battles activist investors and navigates post-acquisition hurdles with Slack. There’s also chatter about Trump's return to Facebook and the ongoing scrutiny of Ticketmaster amid a Senate hearing, with implications for the ticketing industry.

Yann LeCun, Chief AI Scientist at Meta and an NYU professor, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of AI. He evaluates whether models like ChatGPT truly lead us towards human-level intelligence or are merely distractions. The conversation dives into the ethics of using existing works to train AI and the challenges of profit-driven vs. open AI research. LeCun passionately discusses the limitations of AI understanding and the need for new legal frameworks as AI impacts creativity and copyright.