Firewall

What happens when a drugged-out visionary, a few brilliant businessmen and a generation of alt-rock misfits hit the road together? Tom Beaujour — co-author of Lollapalooza: The Uncensored Story of Alternative Rock's Wildest Festival — joins Bradley to tell the inside story of America’s most chaotic traveling circus. From onstage shotgun blasts to backstage basketball beefs, it's a love letter to a weirder, sweatier, more combustible time in pop culture.This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Be sure to watch Bradley’s new TED Talk on Mobile Voting at https://go.ted.com/bradleytusk.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.

Though he went to law school himself, Bradley used to tell people it was a waste of time and money for anyone who wasn't dead set on practicing law. Now, with the age of AI upon us, he thinks it could be the best way for young people to develop their critical thinking skills. Plus, he torches Trump’s latest moves as a coordinated assault on America’s economic foundations, quizzes Cory on the campaign to institute age verification for Citi Bike e-bikes, and concedes that the second part of the Billy Joel documentary didn't live up to the first part.Discussed on today's episode:Bad For The Jews, by Bradley Tusk (07/29/25)NYC pol wants to force Citi Bike to install system to ban kids from riding e-bikes, by Carl Campanile, The New York Post, (07/28/25)This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Be sure to watch Bradley’s new TED Talk on Mobile Voting at https://go.ted.com/bradleytusk.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.

Bradley talks with Eric Soufer, partner at Tusk Strategies and head of their advanced technology & crypto practice, about the dramatic shift in the regulatory and political climate surrounding digital assets. They unpack the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts, explain why stablecoins are going mainstream, and assess how the crypto lobby pulled off one of the most effective policy campaigns in recent memory. Plus, the future of prediction markets, the limits of Israeli politics, and why the Yankees' problems can be chalked up to its own version of the Deep State.This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Be sure to watch Bradley’s new TED Talk on Mobile Voting at https://go.ted.com/bradleytusk.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.

As an American Jew raised in a household of Holocaust survivors, Bradley has always been unwavering in his support for Israel. But what once felt morally clear — Israel's strength as a shield against persecution — has given way to uncertainty, as the war in Gaza grinds on without a discernible ethical purpose. To preserve Judaism's core values, Bradley argues, Jews must reassert the moral standards that have sustained them for millennia.This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Be sure to watch Bradley’s new TED Talk on Mobile Voting at https://go.ted.com/bradleytusk.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.

Why and how did progressives give up on actually building a better society? Marc Dunkelman, author of Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress — and How to Bring It Back, joins Bradley to discuss the central problem in American governance — not bad intentions, but a broken architecture of decision making. Power is now so diffused that virtually anyone can block progress, even on widely supported initiatives. “We’ve put the establishment in a cage," says Dunkelman. "And now we’ve put the bureaucrats in a cage. And there’s no one left with the power to say, 'This is the thing we’re going to do.'"This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.Be sure to watch Bradley’s new TED Talk on Mobile Voting at https://go.ted.com/bradleytuskSubscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.

This discussion dives into the power dynamics behind a Silicon Valley VC's controversial remarks on a NYC mayoral candidate. It explores the balance between individual expression and institutional risk. The UK’s proposal to lower the voting age to 16 sparks a conversation about engaging young voters in the U.S. Reflecting on the dual nature of humanity, the hosts ponder innovation's moral complexities. Plus, lively exchanges on favorite books and TV shows reveal their personal tastes and cultural observations.

Frank Carone, a renowned lawyer and former chief of staff for Mayor Eric Adams, shares insights from his book 'Everyone Wins!'. He discusses the philosophy of mutual success in business negotiation, emphasizing ethical practices and collaboration. Carone highlights how empathy has transformed negotiation strategies and reflects on happiness as tied to meaningful achievements, rather than material wealth. He dives into parenting challenges and offers strategies for managing relationships, alongside election strategies focused on trust and integrity.

Discover the inspiring potential of mobile voting and its role in revitalizing democracy. Explore the challenges and opportunities AI brings to children’s education and future careers. Enjoy a humorous dive into superhero culture, critiquing character depth and whimsical job matches. Gain insights from impactful TED Talks addressing pressing issues like hunger while advocating for essential school meal programs. This lively discussion blends serious topics with light-hearted banter, making for an engaging listen!

August Chen, CEO and co-founder of Hazel, an AI procurement company, talks about the challenges and innovations in transforming government procurement. Drawing on his experience at Palantir, he shares insights on the resistance of outdated systems to change. Chen emphasizes the role of AI in creating efficiencies, expanding vendor options, and improving public service delivery. He also discusses the balance between innovation and regulation in AI, advocating for collaboration to safely harness its benefits for society.

Bradley shares insights from his recent trip to Estonia, arguing that Americans actually find common ground on key issues like immigration and taxes. He highlights the successes of Solving Hunger in addressing child food insecurity and critiques Elon Musk's political ambitions as insufficient. The conversation takes a philosophical turn with Cicero's thoughts on integrity and happiness, examining how these ideas resonate in today's political landscape. Literary discussions explore themes of love and authenticity in contemporary writing, providing a rich tapestry of insights.