Big Technology Podcast

Swati Mylavarapu, a tech investor and activist known for her role at Insight Partners and political engagement, dives deep into the tech industry's responsibilities. She shares her battle with COVID-19, highlighting the emotional toll and healthcare challenges. Mylavarapu discusses Silicon Valley's impact on income inequality and advocates for conscious capitalism. She emphasizes the urgency for tech leaders to address societal issues through activism while balancing profit with purpose, promoting diversity and accountability in the sector.

Hunter Walk, a partner at Homebrew VC and former Google and YouTube executive, dives into the intersection of tech and politics in a rapidly evolving landscape. He discusses how tech companies have entered political discourse and their newfound responsibilities. The conversation touches on the influence of giants like Facebook and YouTube on governance and society, the complexities of regulating platforms, and the implications of U.S.-China tech relations, particularly around TikTok. Hunter also shares insights from his transition from media to venture capital.

Noah Shachtman, Editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast, shares insights on the recent election results and the future of the Democratic Party. He discusses the challenges of managing a newsroom during a high-stakes election night. The conversation dives into the interplay between politics and internet culture, where social media's role in shaping voter perceptions is scrutinized. Shachtman also evaluates how tech platforms are combating misinformation, balancing regulation and free expression, all amid a tense political landscape.

Steve Schmidt, co-founder of The Lincoln Project and former senior advisor to John McCain, dives into the tumultuous evolution of the Republican Party since 2008. He discusses the pervasive influence of social media on modern politics and how it’s utilized to spread anti-Trump messaging. Schmidt also critiques the party's moral decay, emphasizing the need for a pro-democracy approach. Additionally, he sheds light on the challenges of financial transparency in political campaigns and how targeted advertising strategies are reshaping voter engagement.

Meredith Whittaker, an AI researcher and a former Google employee renowned for leading the 2018 walkout, dives into the intricacies of tech activism. She critiques 'The Social Dilemma,' emphasizing the need for an inclusive discussion on tech's impact on social issues like race and gender. Whittaker discusses the disparities in labor practices within tech and advocates for collective action. She highlights the importance of including marginalized voices in AI discussions and the ethical dilemmas emerging from corporate practices.

Luther Lowe, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at Yelp, shares his insights on the U.S. Department of Justice's groundbreaking antitrust lawsuit against Google. He highlights Google's monopolization strategies, including how default settings and partnerships, particularly with Apple, contribute to its dominance. Lowe discusses the shift of Google from a useful tool to a monopolistic force and stresses the need for small businesses to unite in the face of big tech. With bipartisan support for the case, the future of competition in Silicon Valley hangs in the balance.

Ben Smith, former editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News and current media columnist for The New York Times, shares insights on the evolving media landscape. He discusses the impact of tools like Slack on newsroom dynamics and the importance of inclusivity in journalism. Smith highlights the decline of trust in mainstream media among Republicans and the challenges posed by misinformation. He also explores the complex relationship between tech regulation and politics, advocating for common-sense solutions as the media industry navigates transformation.

Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology and star of 'The Social Dilemma,' dives deep into the ethical implications of technology. He unpacks the film's critique of social media manipulation and discusses algorithms that can amplify harmful behaviors. Harris addresses the pushback against the film, highlighting the urgent need for honest conversations about misinformation and societal trust. He emphasizes the responsibility of tech companies to prioritize humane technology over profit-driven engagement metrics.

Join Eric Newcomer, a Bloomberg reporter known for his deep dives into tech stories, and Brian Merchant from OneZero, as they dissect the intricate relationship between journalism and the tech industry. They explore how media narratives surrounding tech companies like Uber and Facebook are shifting from admiration to skepticism. The conversation uncovers the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity and the necessity of accountability in a landscape where secrecy reigns. Their insights reveal a clash of cultures between tech and traditional media.

Roy Bahat, head of Bloomberg Beta and a veteran venture capitalist, shares candid insights on the current turmoil in the tech industry. He discusses how venture capitalists now feel under siege for the negative impacts of their innovations. The conversation touches on the importance of authenticity, accountability, and the complex relationship between tech companies and societal issues. Bahat emphasizes the need for more socially responsible founders and the role of organized employees in fostering change. It's a thought-provoking look at the evolving landscape of technology and venture capital.