What's Your Problem?

Matt Levine, a finance columnist and former Goldman Sachs banker, joins Michael Lewis to reflect on the 2008 financial crisis. Levine shares his firsthand experience during Lehman’s collapse and discusses how regulations shifted risk away from banks to hedge funds. They dive into the rise of Bitcoin as a reaction to the crisis and draw parallels between crypto collapses and the dynamics of 2008. Levine emphasizes that short-term funding is a core crisis cause, while speculating on where the next financial shock might originate.

Nina Mohanty, founder and CEO of Bloom Money, shares insights on building a fintech app to support immigrants in managing finances. She discusses the importance of rotating savings groups and how cultural traditions can influence modern practices. Nina explains the technology behind Bloom, highlighting its unique structure that connects users for saving and lending. She also addresses the challenges of navigating regulations and venture capital, and reveals plans to expand into new markets to empower diaspora communities.

Explore the transformative impact of Thomas Edison, who didn't just invent gadgets but reshaped how we invent itself. Discover his scrappy childhood, early hustles, and how his telegraphy skills opened the door to a groundbreaking career. Learn about his first patent, the lessons from its failure, and how Edison's innovations led to the phonograph. The podcast dives into the intricacies of modern invention and Edison's relentless ambition, setting the stage for a deep exploration of his legacy.

Mike Blue, CEO of HistoSonics, shares his fascinating journey from a garage-built ultrasound prototype to an FDA-approved cancer treatment device. He discusses how converging sound waves create bubble clouds that destroy tumors non-invasively. After a setback with a failed clinical trial, he rebranded the technology and attracted funding. Blue also reveals insights from the pivotal HOPE for Liver trial, showcasing impressive results and patient outcomes, while addressing challenges in scaling their innovative treatment for various cancers.

Chris Urmson, co-founder and CEO of Aurora, has nearly two decades of experience in autonomous vehicles, including pioneering work at Google. He shares thrilling tales from the DARPA Challenge, including lessons from building a Humvee robot. The discussion dives into the future of autonomous trucking, focusing on the benefits of Class 8 long-haul vehicles, real-world testing milestones, and the intricate technology like new FMCW LiDAR. Urmson also reflects on his journey from Google to founding Aurora, highlighting the societal benefits of autonomy.

Michael Porter, Chief Technology Officer of OceanWell, pioneers submerged desalination systems. He shares how he created a prototype right in his kitchen and the technical challenges of providing fresh water from the ocean floor. The discussion reveals how innovations from the oil and gas industry are making this ambitious project feasible. Michael also highlights environmentally friendly practices to protect marine life and outlines the economic viability of undersea desalination, aiming for significant water self-reliance and benefits by 2028.

Justin Lopas, co-founder and COO of Base Power, tackles the critical challenge of delivering more energy without extensive grid expansion. He shares insights on how home batteries can alleviate peak demand and reduce costly upgrades. Justin elaborates on Base Power’s innovative model of selling electricity alongside batteries, offering savings and reliability. He discusses the rapid demand for installations in Texas and the company's mission to lower electricity costs, all while navigating the complexities of scaling and manufacturing.

Fletcher Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Throne Labs, tackles the challenge of making public bathrooms cleaner, safer, and more accessible. He discusses the historic decline of public toilets and how his team designs innovative, movable bathroom units equipped with smart features to prevent vandalism. Fletcher shares interesting insights about community advocacy and how local users often take pride in these facilities. He also recounts lessons learned from early tests, emphasizing accessibility and user feedback as keys to improving the public restroom experience.

Boris Sofman, co-founder and CEO of Bedrock Robotics and former Waymo engineer, dives into the future of construction with autonomous diggers. He shares insights on how machine learning from autonomous vehicles is revolutionizing heavy machinery. Boris discusses the labor shortage in the construction industry, explaining how autonomy could boost building capacity. He highlights the unique challenges of teaching machines to dig while addressing safety concerns at construction sites, and also reflects on his journey from the Soviet Union to leading innovation in robotics.

Justin Kolbeck, co-founder and CEO of Wildtype, is on a mission to revolutionize seafood by cultivating salmon cells without harming fish. He discusses the thrill of watching heart cells beat, the challenges of scaling production, and navigating regulatory hurdles. Justin emphasizes the urgency of addressing wild fish stock issues and details their journey from lab experiments to potential cost-effective solutions. With taste tests showing consumers can't tell the difference from traditional salmon, Wildtype aims for a sustainable future in seafood.