

Stratechery
Ben Thompson
Content from Stratechery, via podcast or RSS
Episodes
Mentioned books

146 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 14min
Apple: You (Still) Don't Understand the Vision Pro
The podcast dives deep into Apple's Vision Pro and its shortcomings in delivering immersive sports experiences. Initial hands-on impressions reflect excitement, but there's a critique on how Apple missed key opportunities for engaging live broadcasts. The host explores the evolution of sports on TV and argues that the overly produced content lacks authenticity. Suggestions for a one-camera solution highlight the need for a more genuine representation of live events. Ultimately, the conclusion is a disappointment in Apple's vision.

184 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 15min
AI and the Human Condition
The discussion dives into AI's role as a threat to traditional content creation and publishing. It highlights concerns about how AI could exacerbate inequality by substituting capital for labor, yet remains skeptical of extreme predictions. Historical trends suggest that automation often leads to new job creation, fueling optimism about the future. The conversation emphasizes the enduring value of human uniqueness and creativity, citing that despite technological abundance, human emotions and social comparisons drive new economies.

242 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 14min
Netflix and the Hollywood End Game
The podcast dives into the evolution of Hollywood, tracing Warner Brothers' shift from theaters to production as a game changer. It highlights Netflix's unique internet distribution model and its impact on content economics. The discussion on the $72 billion acquisition demonstrates Netflix's ambitions to dominate as an aggregator. Examples like 'Drive to Survive' show how Netflix enhances IP value without ownership. Finally, it poses tough questions about regulatory risks and identifies YouTube as a looming threat in the battle for viewer attention.

288 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 17min
Google, Nvidia, and OpenAI
Explore the fierce competition in AI as Google’s Gemini 3 threatens OpenAI's lead, boosted by TPUs and benchmarks. Discover how Google aims to challenge NVIDIA’s dominance while its strategic maneuvers reshape the market landscape. Delve into the concept of computational scarcity, with supply chain constraints from TSMC looming large. Learn why advertising might be vital for OpenAI's growth, and ponder the long-term stakes between dominance in text versus video. The dynamics of aggregation and tech rivalry reveal an intriguing battle for the future.

226 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 21min
Robotaxis and Suburbia
Explore the charm of suburbia as one host contrasts his experiences in Taipei and Madison. Delve into Uber's transformation from struggling startup to a profitable giant and its role in creating a larger market. Learn about Tesla's Full Self-Driving tech and its mixed benefits. Discover how Amazon's purchase of Zoox ties into instant delivery ambitions and the future of robo-taxis. The discussion raises intriguing questions about technology potentially reshaping suburbia and reversing urbanization trends.

347 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 23min
The Benefits of Bubbles
Bern Hobart, co-author of 'Boom! Bubbles and the End of Stagnation', explores the intriguing role of bubbles in tech and economy. He discusses how AI may signify an inflection bubble, and contrasts it with mean-reversion bubbles. Bern argues that bubbles foster vital innovation by coordinating investments and risk-taking. He highlights the importance of abundant power for AI growth and suggests that societal risk aversion stifles transformative change. Ultimately, he encourages embracing the bubble spirit for groundbreaking projects.

173 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 16min
Resiliency and Scale
Explore the interconnected themes of resiliency and scale in the digital world. A DNS issue highlights how one regional problem can disrupt the entire internet. Discover why Northern Virginia became a data hub and how AWS's scale shifted cloud economics towards centralization. Examine the implications of globalization on manufacturing and why jobs might not follow retraining initiatives. Finally, delve into the costs of restoring resiliency in supply chains and technology after the disruptions caused by COVID and ownership changes in social media.

293 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 14min
OpenAI's Windows Play
Explore OpenAI's ambitious strategy to become the dominant OS in AI, akin to Windows in the computing world. Discover how integrating apps like Canva and Zillow within ChatGPT transforms user interactions. Delve into the implications of OpenAI's multi-billion dollar partnership with AMD, challenging NVIDIA’s market stronghold. The conversation highlights the unique competitive landscape between OpenAI and Google, and the potential long-term benefits of building robust AI infrastructure.

184 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 25min
Sora, AI Bicycles, and Meta Disruption
The discussion dives into Sora's viral, AI-generated content and its resemblance to platforms like TikTok. Ben explores the creative liberation Sora offers, likening it to a 'bicycle for the mind.' The analysis extends to Meta's challenges with AI, as Sora poses a significant threat to its attention economy. He also reflects on the importance of storytelling in engaging users, while questioning whether traditional social networks can adapt to the new wave of AI-driven creativity. The implications for personal superintelligence in social media are intriguing!

176 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 18min
The YouTube Tip of the Google Spear
Recent AI deal dynamics are explored, highlighting NVIDIA's investment in OpenAI and its role in accelerating AI adoption through ChatGPT. The shift from text to video as the primary social media medium is discussed, emphasizing YouTube's massive reach. Key insights are shared about AI's impact on content creation, especially through features like product tagging in videos, turning each clip into ad inventory. The closing thoughts center on YouTube's position as Google's leading force in the AI landscape, hinting at its explosive future potential.


