Westenberg
The Westenberg Podcast offers ideas, explainers, book notes, and reflections on technology, philosophy, and the human experience. Hosted by Joan Westenberg, each episode unpacks complex topics with clarity and depth, blending personal insights with thought-provoking analysis. It’s a space for exploring big questions and fresh perspectives in an accessible format.
Latest episodes
7 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 6min
Pepsi, the Cold War, and the Soviet Submarine Deal
Delve into the daring exploits of a Pepsi executive who seized Cold War tensions to enter the Soviet market. Discover the unconventional barter deals, including a trade involving vodka and retired submarines. This intriguing tale highlights the risks and strategies of navigating authoritarian marketplaces. It serves as a fascinating case study of how commerce intertwines with politics, offering timeless lessons for today’s business landscape. Explore the complexities of doing business in repressive regimes.
8 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 6min
More Data Doesn't Equal More Truth
Explore the paradox where more data can lead to less clarity. Through intriguing examples like coffee research, learn how an abundance of information complicates our understanding of truth. Discover the curse of dimensionality and how human biases shape narratives from data. Gain insights into navigating an information-rich world with key principles for effective decision-making and clearer insights. Rethink your approach to truth-seeking in a landscape inundated with data.
