Big Technology Podcast

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.

Charlie Warzel, author of the Galaxy Brain newsletter and former New York Times journalist, dives into the complexities of social media's impact. He argues that social media merely amplifies societal issues like inequality rather than solving them. Warzel shares personal anecdotes, including his quirky life in Montana, while exploring the shift to remote work post-pandemic and the importance of mental health in professional environments. His insights challenge listeners to rethink the narratives surrounding social media and workplace culture.

Michael Sayman, a former Facebook product manager and author of "App Kid," shares his journey from math class recruit to innovator targeting young users. He discusses why Facebook is determined to create products for kids, emphasizing the delicate balance between user experience and market pressure. Sayman reflects on the ethical challenges of social media, particularly around issues of body image, and explores the evolving landscape of youth engagement. With insightful anecdotes and a glimpse into the company's internal dynamics, he sheds light on the future of platforms like Instagram for children.

Lauren Goode, a Senior writer at Wired and host of the Gadget Lab podcast, dives into Amazon's latest innovations, including the Astro home robot and a Ring drone. She shares her mixed feelings about new technologies and their implications for privacy. The discussion turns to how Amazon and Apple, despite different product strategies, are on a collision course in the tech industry. Goode provides insights into the ethical dilemmas arising from smart devices and how these giants engage consumers in entertainment, gaming, and more.