Core Memory
Ashlee Vance
Core Memory is a podcast about science and technology hosted by best-selling author and filmmaker Ashlee Vance.
Vance has spent the past two decades chronicling advances in science and tech for publications like The Economist, The New York Times and Bloomberg Businessweek. Along with the stories, he's written best-selling books like Elon Musk’s biography, made an Emmy-nominated tech TV show watched by millions and produced films for HBO and Netflix. The goal has always been to bring the tales of complex technology and compelling people to the public and give them a path into exceptional and unusual worlds they would not normally have a chance to experience. www.corememory.com
Vance has spent the past two decades chronicling advances in science and tech for publications like The Economist, The New York Times and Bloomberg Businessweek. Along with the stories, he's written best-selling books like Elon Musk’s biography, made an Emmy-nominated tech TV show watched by millions and produced films for HBO and Netflix. The goal has always been to bring the tales of complex technology and compelling people to the public and give them a path into exceptional and unusual worlds they would not normally have a chance to experience. www.corememory.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 24min
We Shall Finally Map The Brain - EP 36 Andrew Payne
Andrew Payne, Co-founder and CEO of E11 Bio, specializes in innovative techniques for brain mapping. He discusses the transformative potential of connectomes—detailed wiring diagrams of brains—revealing their promise for understanding neural circuitry and treating disorders. Payne outlines the technical hurdles in capturing these complex connections and shares E11's groundbreaking methods, including a barcoding system for neurons. He emphasizes the urgency of this work, driven by personal experiences with chronic pain and the hope for future therapeutic applications.
56 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 29min
China Builds, The US Regulates - EP 35 Dan Wang
Dan Wang, a technology analyst and author of "Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future," dives into China’s unique engineering culture and contrasts it with the U.S.'s regulatory mindset. He discusses how China's governance enables rapid infrastructure development, even in poorer provinces, while the U.S. struggles under regulatory constraints. Wang also highlights the challenges of American manufacturing, the social costs of China’s policies like one-child and zero-COVID, and the implications of AI deployment in a hardware-focused future.
51 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 43min
Can California Ever Build Again? - EP 34 Jan Sramek
Jan Sramek, the visionary founder of California Forever, shares his ambitious plan to create a new city in Solano County. He invested $1 billion to acquire 68,000 acres for a community of 400,000 people, aiming to address California's housing crisis and revive local manufacturing. Jan reflects on his Czech roots and the cultural shocks he faced, explaining how that inspired his commitment. He reveals the challenges of land assembly and the political hurdles encountered, while championing the need for re-industrialization and onshoring in the state.
20 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 29min
The Man Who Changed Policing In America - EP 33 Rick Smith
Rick Smith, co-founder and CEO of Axon, revolutionized law enforcement with innovations like the TASER, body cameras, and drones. He shares insights into the challenges of developing non-lethal weapons, particularly the science behind tasers, and their impact on reducing police shootings. The discussion also touches on the scrutiny Axon faces, including controversies over its workplace culture and claims about its founding story. Smith emphasizes the importance of accountability in policing and previews the future of taser-equipped drones in enhancing public safety.
103 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 1h 17min
She's Ready To Gene Edit Babies - EP 32 Cathy Tie
Cathy Tie, Co-founder and CEO of the Manhattan Project, is at the forefront of gene editing with ambitions that sprawl from modifying embryos to creating unicorns. In a whirlwind year, she discusses her controversial partnerships, including her ties to Dr. He, and her bold vision for disease prevention through gene editing. Tie navigates the ethical complexities of IVF and the regulatory landscape across the US and China, advocating for open dialogue in biotechnology and exploring the societal implications of her groundbreaking work.
56 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 31min
The History And Future Of Brain Implants - EP 31 Sumner Norman
Sumner Norman, co-founder and CEO of Forest Neurotech and a mechanical engineer specializing in brain-computer interfaces, shares insights on the evolution of brain implants. He discusses groundbreaking ultrasound technology that offers a broader view of brain activity than traditional methods. The podcast reveals the exciting potential to detect 'covert consciousness' in comatose patients, raising ethical questions about awareness. Norman also touches on the economic aspects of neurotechnology and the future implications for treating mental health disorders.
57 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 13min
Life Beyond Blueprint - EP 30 Bryan Johnson
Bryan Johnson, an entrepreneur and longevity enthusiast, shares his captivating journey from Silicon Valley outsider to a leading figure in health innovation. He discusses his Blueprint project and its challenges, revealing personal struggles with criticism and public identity. Topics like unconventional health practices, 5-MEO-DMT experiences, and the intricacies of influencer networks are explored. Johnson also opens up about navigating the intersection of AI, community, and evolving belief systems, all while maintaining resilience in a fast-paced world.
99 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 10min
How North Korea Infiltrated American Companies With Fake Tech Workers - EP 29 Bob McMillan
Bob McMillan, a seasoned security reporter for The Wall Street Journal, discusses a startling scheme where North Koreans pose as American tech workers to infiltrate U.S. companies. He reveals how these operatives use fake online personas and recruit Americans to manage remote jobs, in a practice dubbed 'laptop farming.' While these North Korean workers may excel in their tasks, they ultimately siphon off money and sensitive information. McMillan also shares real-life implications, including legal repercussions for those caught in this web of deceit.
39 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Company Putting A Score On Your Life - EP 28 Dugal Bain-Kim
Dugal Bain-Kim, Co-founder and CEO of Lifeforce, brings his business consulting savvy to the health tech scene. He discusses innovative longevity solutions, from at-home blood tests to personalized health strategies that aim to optimize well-being. Bain-Kim highlights the importance of data-driven health management while navigating the crowded wellness landscape. He shares insights on democratizing access to longevity treatments and stresses the need for informed decision-making in healthcare, all infused with personal anecdotes and humor.
39 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 24min
The Forrest Gump of Silicon Valley - EP 27 Leslie Berlin
Leslie Berlin, an influential historian of Silicon Valley and the executive director of the Steve Jobs Archive, shares her insights into the region's tech legacy. She discusses the life of Robert Noyce, a pivotal figure in the development of integrated circuits, and the collaborative spirit that defined Silicon Valley's innovation. Berlin highlights the overlooked pioneers in the industry, the role of women in the semiconductor sector, and the significance of documenting this history to inspire future technological advancements.
