Firewall with Bradley Tusk

In this engaging discussion, Alexander Kouts, founder and CEO of Indigov, dives into thought-provoking topics like the abundance mindset versus zero-sum thinking. He argues for the importance of an anchor belief system in capitalism and explores how AI might reshape our access to knowledge. They also tackle the rising costs of higher education and the future of learning. Amidst debates about mortality and meaningful engagement, Kouts offers insights into how our love for babies and dogs provides comfort in a competitive world.

Daniel Wortel-London, author of The Menace of Prosperity: New York City and the Struggle for Economic Development, 1865–1981, joins Bradley to unpack a century of economic policy, arguing that elites have often undermined cities even as they claimed to save them—and that smarter, more inclusive development is still possible. The conversation ranges from subways and public housing to Zohran Mamdani’s prospects as mayor, asking whether technocratic competence, not ideology, is the real test for New York’s next era. Note that this episode was recorded shortly before Mamdani's election, and it was discussed as the likely outcome.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.

For Bradley, it was Blob: A Love Story by Maggie Su. In this episode, he reviews his favorites among the 96 books that he read this year, including the funniest one, the memoir that evokes real nostalgia, the one he most wants his son to read and the one that made him feel like less of a misfit. Plus, Bradley talks about how to make New York City a global model of Jewish-Muslim cooperation and why Trump's executive order on AI is little more than ill-informed bluster.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.

What does Zohran Mamdani’s upset victory look like now that the memes have faded? Drawing on the months of reporting he did for The New Yorker, Staff Writer Eric Lach walks through how Mamdani’s campaign rewrote the playbook on field organizing, social media, and “politics you can see” in the streets — rather than the "politics you can't see" in back rooms. He and Bradley pull apart why the city’s political and business class so badly misread the race and what that portends for upcoming fights involving Kathy Hochul, congressional primaries, and Chuck Schumer’s future. They also game out the big unknown: how Mamdani can govern through steep budget cuts, policing dilemmas and an impatient electorate without losing the authenticity that got him elected.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.

Get ready for a wild ride through tech and politics! Bold predictions include state legislatures leading the charge on AI regulations and skyrocketing electricity prices causing chaos. Mental-health chatbots could face misguided bans while biometric screenings gain traction. Watch out for a blooper reel from politicians mimicking short-form videos, and cities may employ drones for efficient building inspections. Plus, the future of education looks bright with AI and vocational growth.

Ravi Gupta, a former school principal turned podcaster, shares his transformative journey of pursuing immersive skillbaticals, including cooking in Italy, to reclaim focus in a tech-saturated world. He discusses how communal cooking ties into personal growth and offers practical tips for anyone looking to dedicate a year to mastering a skill. Additionally, Gupta delves into his five-part series on New Orleans' school reform post-Katrina, pinpointing what other cities can learn from its charter school successes and challenges.

Explore the shifting landscape of venture capital, where only small or massive funds thrive. Discover the innovative equity-for-services model and why it might be the future of funding. Tune into a lively debate about AOC's potential presidential run. Hear fascinating insights on AI revolutionizing education and personalized learning experiences. Plus, delve into the allure of TV villains and what makes them so captivating. This discussion blends finance, politics, and pop culture for an engaging experience.

Raj Goyle, a former Kansas state legislator and civil rights lawyer, discusses his innovative approach to running for New York State Comptroller. He shares insights on his recent campaign to ban smartphones in schools and the power of the comptroller's role in tackling affordability issues. Goyle emphasizes the urgent need for childcare reforms and housing affordability solutions while critiquing the complacency of fund managers. His journey highlights the importance of diverse representation and effective governance in restoring public trust.

Hugo Lindgren, a talented producer and on-air contributor, joins the conversation to discuss Governor Kathy Hochul’s pragmatic approach to politics. They highlight Hochul's 'regular' superpower—advocating for policies like universal school meals and subway security to address everyday concerns. The duo also analyzes the political theater of Trump's interactions, puzzling over Marjorie Taylor Greene’s surprising resignation, and critiques the complexities of AI regulation in government. It’s a witty and insightful take on how common-sense policies resonate with the public.

Oliver Libby, a venture investor and civic reform advocate, discusses his book, Strong Floor, No Ceiling. He proposes a 'radical moderation' framework aimed at rebuilding the American dream through a solid foundation of opportunity and upward mobility. Libby emphasizes the necessity of blending public, private, and nonprofit sectors to create effective policies. Topics include the importance of national service to foster civic bonds and innovative solutions for drug pricing and immigration. He warns of AI's potential to concentrate wealth and advocates for a safety net that promotes innovation.