Big Technology Podcast

Bobby Allyn, an NPR tech reporter in San Francisco, delves into the gripping trial of Elizabeth Holmes. He recounts key moments and dramatic twists as the jury deliberates, highlighting the prosecution's case and Holmes' emotional defense. The conversation reveals fascinating insights on public perception, particularly regarding trust and credibility for women in business. Allyn also shares a personal anecdote linking justice themes, making for a compelling discussion that illuminates the Theranos saga's broader implications for Silicon Valley.

Benedict Evans, an independent tech analyst and former Andreessen Horowitz employee, dives into Apple's ascent toward a $3 trillion valuation and its position against other tech giants. He clarifies the elusive nature of Web3, sparking debate over its real potential versus hype. The conversation navigates internet regulation complexities and the post-COVID tech landscape changes, emphasizing innovative growth challenges. Evans also tackles the impact of misinformation and discusses the future dynamics of tech, making for an insightful and thought-provoking dialogue.

Join Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman, a master of human decision-making, and Yann LeCun, the visionary chief AI scientist at Meta, as they explore the fascinating intersection of AI and human cognition. They delve into how machines can learn, the challenges of aligning AI with human reasoning, and the role of predictive coding in both realms. Discover the implications of deep learning on facial recognition and the hurdles AI faces in understanding context, showcasing a compelling dialogue about intelligence's future.

Newsha Ghaeli and Mariana Matus, co-founders of Biobot Analytics, use wastewater to track disease outbreaks and inform public health strategies. They discuss how analyzing sewage samples can provide early warnings for COVID-19, allowing communities to respond effectively. The conversation touches on the challenges of gaining trust from the public, the balance of health measures with individual privacy, and the broader implications of wastewater data for monitoring both COVID-19 and the opioid epidemic. Truly a groundbreaking approach in public health!

Liz Young, Head of Investment Strategy at SoFi, and Ranjan Roy, co-author of Margins, dive into the complexities of inflation and its effects on the economy. They discuss the surprising link between rising turkey prices and job resignations, shedding light on how the Great Resignation is reshaping the labor market. The conversation covers the challenges of monetary policy, the rise of young investors, and the evolving dynamics of work, emphasizing the need for adaptability in today’s financial landscape.

Horacio Gutierrez, Spotify’s Chief Legal Officer and global affairs head, fiercely critiques Apple's alleged anti-competitive practices. He shares insights on Spotify's struggles against Apple's dominance and discusses antitrust challenges in the tech industry. The conversation highlights Spotify's choice to abandon Apple’s payment system to combat unfair fees, the potential impact of legislative changes, and the future of app store policies. Gutierrez advocates for fair competition, urging timely reforms to reshape the digital landscape.

Zach Coelius, managing partner of Coelius Capital, brings a fresh perspective on the booming venture capital landscape. He explains how unprecedented money flow is making even novice investors appear savvy. The conversation dives into the competitive nature of securing investments and the risks associated with rapid decisions. Coelius shares insights on major players like Fidelity and SoftBank shaping the market and critiques the challenges facing San Francisco, urging tech leaders to engage more in civic issues.

Lawrence Lessig, a Harvard Law School professor and lawyer for Frances Haugen, discusses the motivations behind Haugen's whistleblowing against Facebook. He reveals insights into the strategic release of documents and the intense media scrutiny surrounding them. The conversation explores the ethical dilemmas of social media, the complexities of whistleblower funding, and the urgent need for accountability in tech. They also delve into social media's moral implications, especially its effects on youth and public discourse, emphasizing the necessity for transparency and reform.

Farhad Manjoo, a New York Times opinion columnist, dives into the heated debate surrounding Instagram's impact on youth. He argues that current criticisms may reflect deeper societal issues rather than just digital trends. The conversation touches on the complexities of digital parenting and the need for nuanced approaches to media consumption. Manjoo also shares personal reflections on cats, virtual reality, and how traditional media contributes to misinformation. This insightful discussion balances serious concerns with light-hearted moments.

Join investigative reporter Adrianne Jeffries as she uncovers Amazon's self-preferencing in search results, raising competition concerns. Tech expert Renee DiResta dives into 'ampliganda', revealing how grassroots movements shape narratives online, highlighting the battle against misinformation. Zoë Schiffer sheds light on worker activism at Netflix and Apple, discussing recent corporate pushbacks against dissenting voices. Their insights reveal the intricate dynamics of tech companies and the ongoing struggles for authenticity in social media and workplace rights.