Big Technology Podcast

Andrew Callaghan, the innovative creator behind All Gas No Breaks, dives into the challenges of independent media. He recounts his unique interviewing style that connects deeply with diverse American subcultures. As he transitions to Channel 5, Callaghan discusses the media’s role in perpetuating division and touches on the complexities of wealth and social movements. He candidly shares his struggles with creative freedom, monetization challenges on platforms like YouTube, and the impact of social media algorithms on public discourse.

Lauren Etter, a Bloomberg reporter and author of "The Devil's Playbook," dives into the Juul saga, revealing its rise from a health-focused alternative to a controversial player in the tobacco industry. She discusses the ethical dilemmas of marketing e-cigarettes to youth, the addictive nature of nicotine, and the regulatory gaps that enabled Juul's explosive growth. With sharp insights, Etter examines the impact of venture capital pressures on public health and the company's transformation, raising critical questions about tech ethics in today's landscape.

Jack Nicas, a New York Times reporter specializing in Apple and tech journalism, dives into the high-stakes legal battle between Epic Games and Apple. He shares insights from the courtroom, spotlighting the implications of Apple's 30% App Store cut and its antitrust challenges. Nicas also reveals disturbing details about Apple's data practices in China, where user data is stored in government-controlled servers, raising questions about privacy and corporate ethics. This conversation uncovers the delicate balance between business interests and consumer rights.

Scott Galloway, a professor at NYU's Stern School of Business and a bestselling author, dives into the complexities of our seemingly rigged economy. He breaks down how the system favors the wealthy older generations while leaving younger wage workers struggling. Galloway emphasizes the importance of alternative pathways for success, like vocational training, and discusses the impact of the pandemic on economic disparity. He advocates for empathy and collaboration to navigate these challenges, offering insights on how to reimagine opportunities in today's landscape.

Brad Stone, author of 'Amazon Unbound' and senior executive editor at Bloomberg News, dives into Jeff Bezos's remarkable transformation from a nerdy entrepreneur to a high-profile global icon. He discusses Amazon's controversial practices, Bezos's dual role as a visionary and facilitator, and the company's future leadership under Andy Jassy. Stone also touches on Bezos's influence over the Washington Post and speculates on his future ventures, including space exploration. It's a fascinating look at the man behind one of the world's largest companies.

Sridhar Ramaswamy, former head of ads and commerce at Google, now leads Neeva, an ads-free search engine focused on user privacy. He discusses his disillusionment with traditional advertising and how Neeva aims to disrupt the industry. Ramaswamy highlights the benefits of decoupling search from ads, particularly in delivering more transparent, personalized experiences. He reflects on the challenges of innovating within a corporate structure and the competitive landscape shaped by current anti-trust movements against giants like Google.

Julie Owono, a member of the Facebook Oversight Board and executive director of Internet Without Borders, shares insider insights on the board's decision to uphold Donald Trump's suspension from Facebook. She discusses the complexities of content moderation, the ethical dilemmas of political speech, and the need for transparent guidelines. Owono dives into the legal arguments surrounding free expression and highlights the challenges of accountability on social media platforms, especially regarding influential figures. Engage with the board as they navigate future rulings.

Ranjan Roy and Can Duruk, co-authors of Margins, dive into the chaotic world of cryptocurrency and NFTs. They discuss how Dogecoin is creating new millionaires while the market's volatility keeps investors on edge. The duo explores the moral dilemmas of profiting from critiqued systems and the sustainability of the NFT boom. They also evaluate the implications of Biden's proposed capital gains tax and compare economic realities between the U.S. and Turkey, highlighting growing inequalities and the need for systemic reforms.

In this conversation, Casey Newton, Editor of Platformer, shares insights on the fierce competition in social audio among tech giants like Facebook, Clubhouse, Spotify, and Apple. Fresh from an interview with Mark Zuckerberg, he examines Facebook's ambitious strategies and questions Clubhouse's sustainability. The discussion also highlights the evolving landscape of podcasting, the balance of power between institutions and individuals, and the ramifications for content creators navigating these challenges in the digital age.

Elaine Kwon, co-founder of Quantify and former Amazon vendor manager, shares her firsthand experience with Amazon's automation program, "Hands Off the Wheel." She discusses the transformation of vendor management, the challenges faced as human oversight diminished, and the implications for the workforce. Elaine highlights how automation shifts profitability dynamics and the need for adaptability in an evolving retail landscape. She also addresses broader concerns about the human impact of technology on e-commerce, urging a balance between efficiency and meaningful work.