Channels with Peter Kafka

Emily Sundberg, a former Meta creative director turned Substack star, shares her journey of building the successful newsletter 'Feed Me,' which focuses on New York City's vibrant culture and business scene. She discusses the evolution of personal branding in modern journalism and how her shift from stable employment to freelance work has shaped her career. Sundberg highlights the delicate balance between personal storytelling and professional identity, especially for women in media, while navigating the challenges of subscription models and audience engagement.

In this engaging conversation, John Gruber, the influential voice behind Daring Fireball, shares insights from over two decades of blogging about Apple. He discusses the recent fallout from his critical post on Siri's AI challenges and examines Apple’s evolving relationship with developers. Gruber also reflects on the current landscape of content creation, emphasizing the unique appeal of ad-supported blogging in a world dominated by platforms like YouTube and Substack. His views on authenticity and Apple's marketing strategies add depth to this intriguing dialogue.

Join Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor and former BuzzFeed journalist, alongside Brian Morrissey, the mastermind behind The Rebooting newsletter. They dive into the evolving media landscape, highlighting how legacy outlets like ESPN are adapting to new challenges. The duo explores the role of AI in reshaping journalism, discussing the need for authenticity to attract younger audiences. They emphasize the potential for revitalized storytelling and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity amidst a changing digital world.

Scott Frank, a celebrated writer and director known for 'Out of Sight' and 'The Queen's Gambit', dives into the mechanics of modern filmmaking. He shares insights on creating 'Dept. Q', his latest Netflix hit, and reflects on the shifting landscape of Hollywood amidst the streaming boom. Frank discusses the implications of AI in the industry, expressing cautious optimism yet concern about technology's evolving power dynamics. He also contemplates which career path he would choose if starting anew in 2025, hinting at the ever-growing intersection of tech and storytelling.

Jay Graber, CEO of Bluesky and a former digital rights organizer, joins for a revealing conversation. He shares how Bluesky transitioned from a tech experiment to a competitor with over 36 million users, despite its decentralized roots. Graber discusses Jack Dorsey’s mixed feelings about Bluesky, the importance of user customization, and the app's unique features that enhance community engagement. He also touches on decentralization's potential to reshape social media, making it more user-centric and controlled.

Katie Drummond, Global Editorial Director of Wired, shares her journey of revamping the iconic magazine, emphasizing the need to attract new audiences and revenue. She discusses the surge in subscriber growth driven by political coverage and how this aligns with current societal dynamics. The conversation also touches on the changing perceptions of tech leaders post-election, the unique Canadian perspective on U.S. politics, and the challenges of maintaining high-quality journalism in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram at Meta, shares insights on the platform's dynamics and the evolution of social media. He dives into the complexities of content moderation and how Instagram navigates its policies. Mosseri discusses the challenges and opportunities of launching Threads as a fresh social network, aiming to learn from past mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of fostering constructive environments and supporting smaller creators to diversify digital landscapes, while also addressing user engagement shifts from traditional platforms.

Patrick McGee, a seasoned journalist and author of 'Apple in China,' shares insights on Apple's deep entanglement with China. He explains how the company’s reliance on Chinese manufacturing has become a liability amid U.S.-China trade tensions. McGee discusses the complexities of relocating production and Tim Cook's strategic choices. As Apple faces fierce competition from local brands, he highlights the ethical dilemmas in operating under a repressive regime and the potential future impacts on innovation and corporate values.

In a captivating discussion, Ian Rogers, Chief Experience Officer at Ledger and a digital music pioneer, shares his insights on both the music industry and cryptocurrency. He reflects on his role in reshaping digital music from the 90s, emphasizing the parallels between early internet excitement and today's crypto landscape. Rogers highlights the importance of digital ownership and security, while advocating for self-custody solutions. He also touches on innovative storage options for digital assets and the potential mainstream adoption of stablecoins.

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games and mastermind behind Fortnite, shares his intense five-year legal battle against Apple over App Store rules. He discusses a recent court ruling that may shift the balance of power in favor of developers, allowing them to communicate alternative payment options directly to users. Sweeney highlights the case's broader implications for digital freedom and competition in the marketplace. He also hints at the potential return of Fortnite to iOS, revealing the vast stakes involved for companies and gamers alike.