The Newcomer Podcast

Katie Benner, a New York Times correspondent and author of 'Miracle Children,' discusses the pitfalls of a charter school that boasted a 100% college acceptance rate. She reveals how the pressure for success led to unethical practices and harmful outcomes. The conversation delves into the complexities of meritocracy, exploring its history and contradictions. Benner also critiques how elite educational paths shape social perceptions and discusses the importance of redefining success to include civic roles outside traditional college routes.

The hosts dive into future tech predictions, from AI Grammy winners to OpenAI's rumored acquisition of Pinterest. They debate the viability of smart glasses and discuss the possibility of major IPOs influencing the market peak. Concerns about OpenAI's stability amid fierce competition and financial strains in neoclouds are highlighted. They also explore potential AI-driven cybersecurity threats and the dubious chances of AI-generated songs making it to award nominations. Buckle up for a wild ride through the tech landscape of 2026!

A fascinating look at tech quotes from 2025 reveals powerful insights. J.D. Vance advocates for less AI regulation, while the Pope frames AI as a moral issue. Elon Musk's critiques ignite controversy, and ChatGPT's explosive growth reshapes the market. There’s a heated debate comparing AI risks to nuclear power, and Vinod Khosla boldly relies on ChatGPT for health decisions. Discussions on vibe coding and the critique of AI models highlight the tensions in the industry as voices vie for clarity and power.

Explore the incredible journey of a fund that quietly raised $9 billion while avoiding the hype of Silicon Valley. Discover the evolving dynamics between Amazon and OpenAI, and the implications of shifting alliances in tech. Learn what makes a mega fund and the unique strategies that set Lightspeed apart from its competitors. Delve into the risks of concentration in AI investment and the future of startups amidst mega funds. This insightful discussion reveals the hidden mechanics of the tech economy and the stakes for its key players.

The bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery reveals a desperate power play in Hollywood. Netflix's record deal raises questions about the quality of artistic content amidst data-driven choices. YouTube and TikTok are emerging as the real contenders for viewer attention, overshadowing traditional studios. Discussions about personal viewing habits highlight the dominance of short-form content. The hosts also explore the tech industry's growing influence and implications for talent and storytelling, underscoring a cultural shift that could reshape the landscape.

David Sacks finds himself at the intersection of AI policy and investment, raising eyebrows over potential conflicts of interest. His dual role prompts discussions about the implications of tech and government entanglement. The hosts dissect Sacks's background, his influential position in the Trump administration, and the reactions from both political and tech communities. They explore whether this setup is a savvy move or fraught with danger, revealing layers of hypocrisy surrounding AI regulation and the ever-complex relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington.

Ellen Huet, an investigative journalist and Bloomberg writer, dives into her five years of research on OneTaste, a wellness startup that turned into a cautionary tale for Silicon Valley. She reveals how promises of female empowerment blurred into manipulation and cult-like control. Ellen discusses the tech-style growth of OneTaste, its intertwining of sexual teachings with sales pressure, and the mystique surrounding female orgasm that drew many in. This captivating conversation exposes the darker side of self-improvement in modern culture.

Reid Hoffman, entrepreneur and co-founder of LinkedIn, dives deep into AI's future, discussing why he believes it's not a bubble. He shares insights on AGI timelines, effective AI monetization strategies, and the implications of his political engagements. Hoffman also addresses recent Epstein email controversies, advocating for transparency. He touches on crypto's resurgence in Washington and emphasizes the need for balanced AI regulations. This conversation is a blend of tech foresight and political strategy from one of the industry's most prominent voices.

The hosts delve into a provocative survey where attendees pinpoint which billion-dollar AI startup they'd short, with Perplexity leading the pack. They dissect OpenAI's projected $30 billion revenue for 2026 and Nvidia's staggering $6 trillion valuation. Discussions heat up around the implications of agentic AI on workforce dynamics and the future of strong AI, raising questions about whether agents will replace or augment jobs. Insights from industry leaders add depth to the debate on engagement trade-offs and the changing landscape of AI investment.

Mike Krieger, Chief Product Officer at Anthropic, discusses the need for truth-seeking AI to combat misinformation, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity in outputs. He explains how structured prompts improve AI interactions. Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs, shares insights into the future of voice AI, highlighting its role in customer support and integration with real-world systems. They delve into safety measures for licensed voices and the importance of authenticity in voice technology, all while tackling challenges like deepfakes.