Talks at Google

George R.R. Martin, the renowned author behind 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' dives deep into his literary journey. He shares insights on his writing process, coping with fan theories, and the intricate balance of adapting his work for television. Martin discusses character depth and point-of-view choices, highlighting the emotional weight of character deaths. He also addresses the challenges women face in leadership, drawing parallels between his fantasy world and historical realities. Plus, there’s a fun debate on choosing between the Stark and Lannister houses!

Hannah Shaw is an award-winning kitten rescuer and New York Times bestselling author, while Andrew Marttila is a professional cat photographer with a flair for capturing feline personalities. They dive into their journey of cat advocacy across 30 countries, sharing heartwarming anecdotes and the nuances of global cat culture. Highlighting community care, they discuss innovative strategies for cat welfare. The duo also emphasizes the importance of volunteering during travels, showcasing the deep connections formed with local advocates and their shared love for cats.

Back in 2014, Marvel produced the first Guardians of the Galaxy based on the comic of the same name. The movie was a stunning success, becoming the third-highest grossing film of the year and nominated for two Academy Awards. The trilogy was then completed in 2023.  Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Vin Diesel talk about the original movie and their roles, what it’s like to be action figures, and who would win in a battle royale.  Originally published in August 2014. Watch this episode at youtube.com/TalksAtGoogle.  

Nisha Vora, a cookbook author and content creator, shares her journey from a Harvard Law grad to a champion of vegan cooking with over 150 innovative recipes in her latest work, 'Big Vegan Flavor.' She discusses the essential vegan pantry staples and the art of balancing flavors, emphasizing community engagement and comfort food. Nisha also shares her favorite spices, inspirations for culinary creativity, and strategies to encourage loved ones toward a plant-based lifestyle, all while highlighting the challenges and joys of her culinary adventure.

Kheris Rogers, designer and CEO of the fashion brand, Flexin' in my Complexion, was inspired to start her brand at just 11 years old, after years of being bullied in school because of her dark skin complexion. She is the world’s youngest designer to ever showcase at New York Fashion week. She’s partnered with Nike and Lebron James, and her clothing line has been worn by celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg, Lupita Nyong’o, and Alicia Keys.  Originally published in April 2020. Watch this episode at youtube.com/TalksAtGoogle.

Ilya Strebulaev, a Professor at Stanford University and venture capital expert, shares insights from his book on navigating innovation. He discusses how traditional companies can adopt a venture mindset, emphasizing a culture that embraces failure and bold ideas. The conversation highlights the importance of team dynamics in startup success and delves into the transition of startups into unicorns, using Slack's evolution as a key example. Ilya also explores the significance of collaborative decision-making in venture capital, making a compelling case for adapting to a rapidly changing business landscape.

Phil Rosenthal, creator and host of 'Somebody Feed Phil,' shares his culinary adventures and the humor that flavors his travels. He discusses his recent experiences in vibrant locations, including Oaxaca, and the challenges of filming while balancing health. Phil reflects on the healing power of humor amid travel constraints during COVID-19 and the emotional connections formed through food. Nostalgia surfaces as he reminisces about childhood comfort foods, revealing the deep ties of family traditions and cultural significance in each dish.

Henk Rogers, Chairman of The Tetris Company and an eco-entrepreneur, shares captivating insights into Tetris' cultural impact over 40 years. He recalls how he licensed the game to Nintendo, making it a staple of handheld gaming. The conversation touches on Tetris' enduring legacy, the balance between gaming and parenting, and the challenges of modern gaming. Henk also dives into environmental initiatives in Hawaii, emphasizing sustainability. Personal anecdotes and reflections on leadership transition add depth to his fascinating journey.

Daniel Jones, the Editor of the New York Times column Modern Love since 2004, shares his journey of transforming heartfelt essays into a popular anthology and diverse media formats. He discusses the evolving dynamics of love, including how technology reshapes emotional connections. Jones highlights the importance of vulnerability in storytelling, revealing its power in navigating personal narratives. He reflects on New York as a backdrop for love stories and emphasizes essential lessons of kindness drawn from years of editing poignant tales.

Elizabeth Block, an award-winning author and art historian, dives into the fascinating world of hairdressing. She reveals how hair has shaped women's identities and societal norms, especially in 19th century America. Block discusses the entrepreneurial impact of women of color in the hair industry and critiques how advertising has influenced women's storytelling. She also uncovers the gender dynamics in hairdressing throughout history and emphasizes the need for inclusivity in hair studies to celebrate diverse identities and cultural expressions.