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
85 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 10min
How North Korea Infiltrated American Companies With Fake Tech Workers
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
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
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.
55 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Iranian Scientist Leading America’s Nuclear Rebirth
Kurt Terrani, an Iranian-born nuclear scientist and CEO of Standard Nuclear, teams up with Tommy Hendrix, a Green Beret and venture capitalist. They discuss revolutionary TRISO fuel technology, which enhances safety and powers small modular reactors. The duo shares their journey of rescuing this innovation from financial collapse and the potential it has for both commercial and military applications. They highlight the historical significance of nuclear advancements and the shift in public perception about nuclear energy's future.
88 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
Priscilla Chan and Her Multi-Billion Dollar Quest to End Disease
Priscilla Chan, Co-CEO of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, shares her inspiring journey from a refugee child to a pediatrician focused on curing diseases. She discusses the Initiative's ambitious goal of eradicating all diseases by the century's end and highlights breakthroughs in genetic disease treatment, including a toddler's story that sparked advances in CRISPR. Chan also delves into how AI is revolutionizing biology and the importance of innovative funding in science. Plus, she shares her unique take on balancing her tennis career with transformative healthcare work.
47 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 15min
Spaceplanes Are Upon Us
Stefan Powell, co-founder, CEO, and CTO of Dawn Aerospace, shares insights on revolutionizing space travel. His company recently set new records with the Mk-II Aurora, reaching Mach 1.1 and 20 km elevation, melding rocket technology with aircraft design. The conversation covers the future of spaceplanes, innovative satellite propulsion, and New Zealand's burgeoning aerospace scene. Powell also discusses contracts for flights from the Oklahoma Air and Space Port and hints at even larger craft that could redefine access to the edge of space.
57 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 18min
The Child Prodigy Teaching Other People How To Learn
Andrew Hsu, co-founder of Speak and a child prodigy, graduated from the University of Washington at just 16. He discusses his unconventional educational journey, highlighting the benefits of homeschooling and the unique pressures of early success. Hsu shares insights on the transformative role of AI in language learning, detailing his startup's growth and the challenges faced in adapting to different cultures. The conversation also reflects on effective learning strategies, productivity methods, and the importance of mentorship in navigating life's complexities.
14 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 23min
Fixing American Science Funding
This week, Adam Marbleston and Anastasia Gamick, co-founders of Convergent Research, discuss innovative funding models for science. With backgrounds in cutting-edge organizations like Neuralink and Google DeepMind, they emphasize how Focused Research Organizations (FROs) can bridge the gap in American science funding. They champion the idea of investing in small teams tackling big questions, like neuroscience and biotechnologies, and introduce their 'gap map' to pinpoint urgent research needs. Their insights reveal a bold vision for advancing scientific innovation.
27 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 25min
The New Era of Consumer DNA Tests
Kian Sadeghi, founder and CEO of Nucleus and a Thiel Fellow, dives into the evolving world of consumer DNA testing. He discusses how Nucleus offers comprehensive genetic insights, unlike traditional tests. Sadeghi explains the innovative embryo selection process for IVF, which is gaining popularity. He also addresses the ethical implications of gene editing and the need for consumer empowerment in genetics. His bold claims and perspective on the industry spark intriguing debates, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
41 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 18min
An AI Engineer Is Here, and It Might Redesign the Physical World
Paul Eremenko, an AI engineer and founder of P-1 AI, talks about his fascinating journey from Ukraine to leading innovation in aerospace. He shares insights on his new AI, Archie, designed to assist in engineering today and revolutionize design for buildings, planes, and rockets in the future. The discussion covers challenges in aviation sustainability, the use of AI in engineering design, and the potential for AI to transform future industries. Plus, his dog Li makes a charming cameo, picking favorites!
