The Newcomer Podcast

In this conversation, Madeline Renbarger, a tech and finance reporter, shares insights on the Klarna IPO, revealing key winners and losers, along with lessons for investors. Tom Dotan, a cultural commentator, discusses the fallout of the Jimmy Kimmel controversy and examines how corporate dynamics shape media narratives. They dive into Andreessen Horowitz’s media strategy, highlighting its ambition to influence tech narratives and explore the intersection of politics and entertainment. It's a lively discussion about power, media, and investment!

A pivotal shift in public health is underway, driven by billionaires in pursuit of immortality and the rapid integration of AI in healthcare. The discussion highlights troubling aspects of the American healthcare system and the excitement surrounding GLP-1 drugs. Insights from a recent summit showcase how China is advancing human trials faster than the U.S. The conversation raises critical questions about the future of patient privacy and the potential misuse of AI by insurers, all while exploring the balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations.

Annie Lamont, Founder of Oak HC/FT, and Bob Kocher, Partner at Venrock, discuss innovative business models in healthcare and the rise of AI applications, along with the future of Medicare Advantage. Vinod Khosla, Founder of Khosla Ventures, weighs in on AI's transformative role, regulatory hurdles, and the challenge of global competition. They also explore the promise of GLP-1 longevity drugs, the impact of telehealth, and how startups can reshape the entire healthcare landscape.

Nayeema Raza, a journalist and host of Smart Girl, Dumb Questions, teams up with Eric Newcomer to discuss their upcoming AI health summit, Deus Ex Medicina. They tackle how longevity has gone mainstream, the real impact of precision medicine, and the intriguing question of who controls patient data. The duo dives into D.C. policy shifts affecting healthcare, the potential of AI to discover new drugs, and their excitement for live discussions at the summit, hinting at the convergence of technology and healthcare.

Will Hurd, a former CIA officer and three-term U.S. congressman from Texas, brings his insights to the forefront as he delves into the booming defense tech sector. He discusses the impact of Ukraine on modern warfare and addresses the hype surrounding new technologies. Hurd emphasizes the challenges of securing Pentagon contracts and shares his experiences at Chaos Industries, focusing on innovative counter-drone systems. The conversation weaves through the intersection of Silicon Valley and defense, revealing the intricacies of navigating this evolving landscape.

Guillermo Rauch, the Founder and CEO of Vercel, dives into the evolving world of AI and coding. He discusses the shift from traditional coding to 'vibe coding' and how advanced AI like GPT-5 is reshaping software development. The conversation also explores the potential of AI factory-builders and predicts the emergence of a breakout vertical agent within six months. Rauch emphasizes the importance of creativity in tech education, questioning whether studying computer science remains essential in this rapidly changing landscape.

Join Ed Zitron, a sharp tech industry commentator and writer of the Better Off Ed newsletter, as he presents a skeptical view of the generative AI boom. He delves into whether the hype around AI is legit or just a bubble, critiquing media narratives and the shaky economics behind it. Discussing the challenges faced by AI companies and the misleading appearances of popularity, he raises concerns about sustainability and long-term viability. The conversation also touches on the controversial nonprofit-to-profit transition of OpenAI and the broader investment landscape.

The arrival of GPT-5 sparks debate: is it a groundbreaking advancement or just an upgrade? Discussing the role of AI investments in currently propping up the economy, the conversation highlights major tech companies' influence on GDP. The shift from cryptocurrencies to AI paints a new economic picture. Teasing apart media portrayals, the hosts critique the disconnect between tech hype and reality and examine the consequences of corporate narratives in shaping public perception. The blend of innovation with caution remains a key theme.

Danny Rimer, a seasoned investor and partner at Index Ventures, shares his insights on Figma's groundbreaking IPO and its journey as a design tool. He recounts the early days of Figma, revealing the significant moments that led to its success, including a near acquisition by Adobe. Rimer also discusses the current landscape of venture capital, detailing evolving trends and the impact of AI on startups. He emphasizes the balance between hype and real value, pinpointing where the next big opportunities lie in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Tech leaders just revealed the American AI Action Plan, signed by Trump, promising big wins for AI companies. The dynamics of a recent live discussion uncover the political intricacies around AI policy. Concerns over deregulation and competition with China highlight the tension between innovation and ethics. Additionally, the podcast tackles the challenges of copyright in AI training data and the struggles of altruistic organizations in a profit-driven landscape. All while navigating the transformative landscape of modern governance.