

"World of DaaS"
Word of DaaS with Auren Hoffman
deep dive into Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) businesses. World of DaaS is a podcast for data enthusiasts, by data enthusiasts, where Auren Hoffman talks to business and technology leaders about all things data - building it, acquiring it, analyzing it, and everything in between.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 5, 2025 • 15min
The LM Brief: The Syntax Illusion
Discover how new MIT research reveals large language models are tricked by their own grammar, prioritizing structure over meaning. This leads to confident but misleading outputs, even ignoring safety protocols. Learn about the curious case of 'quickly sit Paris clouded' and how models can produce coherent responses from gibberish. They dive into real-world dangers like misinterpretation of clinical notes and discuss innovative defense strategies. Tune in for insights on long-term solutions and the future of language model safety.

20 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 57min
Patrick McGee - author of Apple in China – how Apple and China built each other
Patrick McGee, a Financial Times correspondent and author of *Apple in China*, dives deep into the intertwined fates of Apple and China. He discusses how Foxconn transformed under Apple's demands, the rise of black markets for iPhones, and how Apple inadvertently boosted Chinese tech giants like Huawei. Patrick also highlights regionalizing supply chains as a strategy over decoupling and shares insights on the complexities of U.S.-China relations. His take on practical advice provides a refreshing perspective on navigating today’s challenges.

41 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
Dave Morin, Offline Ventures - how venture studios work
Dave Morin, co-founder of Offline Ventures and an early Facebook employee, dives into fascinating topics. He explores why Meta excels at AI-driven ads compared to Netflix and Amazon, and discusses the risks of AI on social skills. Morin sheds light on Offline's unique fund-studio model for incubating startups and calls attention to the mental health crisis, highlighting breakthroughs like ketamine for depression. He also shares insights on parasocial relationships and their impact on loneliness. It's an enlightening dive into tech, investments, and well-being!

Nov 21, 2025 • 17min
The LM Brief: Why Many AI Projects Fail
The podcast dives into why many AI projects stumble, highlighting that the real roadblock lies in data pipelines rather than the models. It discusses findings that about 30% of projects fail due to poor data quality and unclear business value. The host explores the security risks from unchecked AI usage and sheds light on the complexities of integration that can lead to spiraling costs. Solutions like managed streaming platforms are presented as a way to centralize governance and ensure proactive security while restoring cost predictability.

29 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 52min
Azeem Azhar of Exponential View - AI, hyperscalers, reshaping US GDP
Azeem Azhar, founder of Exponential View and author of The Exponential Age, dives deep into the intricacies of AI and the economy. He clarifies why he believes there isn't an AI bubble just yet and explores how data centers are surprisingly boosting US GDP growth. Azeem discusses the critical role of energy in AI development and the financial strategies AI firms use to thrive. He also examines funding risks and the long-term views of sovereign wealth funds on AI, shedding light on future investment strategies and the macroeconomic landscape.

Nov 14, 2025 • 13min
The LM Brief: Love Beats Hate
Auren Hoffman dives into the power of emotions, revealing that love often trumps hate in driving behavior and success. He discusses how passionate supporters outshine lukewarm followers in elections and the pitfalls of attack ads, emphasizing that genuine devotion is key. The impact of tribal loyalty on company culture and the polarizing strategies in political races are explored. The podcast culminates in urging listeners to cultivate fierce advocates rather than simply seeking approval, underscoring the depth of engagement over shallow outreach.

19 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 40min
Bolt.new CEO Eric Simons — one of the fastest growing AI companies in the world
Eric Simons, CEO and co-founder of StackBlitz, discusses the meteoric rise of Bolt.new, reaching $40M ARR in just five months. He shares insights on pioneering usage-based pricing for AI tools and building WebContainers technology over seven years. Eric highlights the competitive landscape, noting challenges with rapid growth and operational constraints. He also explores how non-developers are now using Bolt.new, expanding the total addressable market. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on the role of AI in support and personal life, along with the importance of independent thinking.

13 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 19min
The LM Brief: The DaaS Renewal Landscape
Data leaders tackle the challenges of customer retention in a competitive data economy. They share five key lessons on reducing churn and proving ROI. Technical issues like metadata and versioning are flagged as major churn drivers. Vendors are urged to co-own customer adoption and demonstrate quantifiable business impact early on. The importance of continuous education and trust is emphasized, along with the need for fast production timelines and seamless operational value to keep clients engaged.

22 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 54min
Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley - Law Enforcement's Data Problem: Why 50% of Murders Go Unsolved
Garrett Langley, CEO of Flock Safety, leads a company revolutionizing public safety with advanced tech like drones and license plate recognition systems. He reveals the alarming statistic that 60% of U.S. murders go unsolved, largely due to outdated law enforcement data practices. Garrett discusses the potential of AI and drones to enhance crime prevention and how Flock's products are bridging the gap in data sharing between agencies. He also highlights Atlanta's growing status in hard tech innovation and shares his vision for meaningful public safety improvements.

9 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 16min
The LM Brief: 46ers, 55ers, 81ers, and today
Dr. Justin, an insightful guest and expert on generational ambition, joins Auren Hoffman to unpack the impact of birth years on leaders' careers. They explore how turning 20 during significant historical moments shapes aspirations, discussing clusters like the politically charged 46ers and the tech-driven 55ers. Additionally, they assess how 9/11 influenced the ambitions of the 81ers. Most intriguingly, they reveal that today's 20-year-olds, the O5ers, are growing up with AI as a major influence, predicting a future of innovative builders in the tech landscape.


