What's Your Problem? cover image

What's Your Problem?

Latest episodes

undefined
8 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 55min

Preparing for the Future of War

Christopher Kirchhoff, a key figure behind the Defense Innovation Unit, discusses the military's struggle to adapt to rapid technological changes. The conversation explores drone warfare innovations in Ukraine and how they defy traditional military strategies. Kirchhoff emphasizes the need for the U.S. military to update outdated procurement processes and embrace AI, while also reflecting on how autonomous technologies can shift global power dynamics. The urgency for transformation to keep pace with modern threats shares the spotlight with tales of ingenuity in conflict.
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 28min

Stopping HIV Without a Vaccine

Jared Baeten is senior vice president in virology at Gilead Sciences. Jared's problem is this: In a world without a vaccine, how do you make a medicine that people will actually take to help prevent HIV?There’s already a daily pill that reduces the risk of getting HIV, but a majority of people who are at high risk are unwilling or unable to take it.So Jared and his colleagues are developing a new drug, lenacapivir, designed to be given as a shot once every six months. Note: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Get early, ad-free access to episodes of What's Your Problem? by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Mar 6, 2025 • 49min

Harnessing the Heat Deep Beneath Our Feet

Carlos Araque is the co-founder and CEO of Quaise Energy. Carlos' problem is this: How do you make drilling for geothermal energy as routine, widespread, and profitable as drilling for oil or gas? The answer involves digging deeper into the Earth than anyone has ever dug before.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
undefined
Feb 27, 2025 • 29min

The Brain Implant That Could Change Medicine

Ben Rapoport, co-founder and CSO of Precision Neuroscience, is on a mission to create brain-computer interfaces that allow paralyzed individuals to control computers with their thoughts. He discusses the groundbreaking implications of this technology for communication and independence while emphasizing minimally invasive methods to ensure safety. The conversation also dives into clinical trials, ethical considerations, and the intersection of neuroscience with AI. Plus, Ben shares insights on hiring practices in tech, making for a thought-provoking listen.
undefined
Feb 20, 2025 • 45min

Building a Mass Market Robot

Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik, is on a mission to make humanoid robots affordable for less than $50,000. He shares the journey of overcoming initial skepticism and the challenges of developing safe, reliable robots for factories and elder care. Exploring advancements in AI, Jeff emphasizes the emotional and practical benefits of integrating robots into daily life. He discusses crucial innovations in manufacturing to achieve mass production and the transformative role of robotics in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly.
undefined
Feb 13, 2025 • 44min

Solving Solar’s Biggest Problem

Curtis Van Wallingham, co-founder and CEO of Hydrostor, dives into tackling the critical challenge of long-duration energy storage for renewable energy. He discusses the innovative use of compressed air in underground caverns to store energy efficiently. Curtis shares the obstacles of traditional methods and his company's breakthrough solutions, which aim to accelerate the adoption of solar and wind power. He also reflects on his journey in the renewable sector, including navigating investor challenges and the impact of climate change on energy storage.
undefined
Feb 6, 2025 • 55min

How Bubbles Power Breakthroughs

Bern Hobart, author of The Diff and co-author of Boom: Bubbles and the End of Stagnation, dives into how bubbles can spur massive technological leaps. He discusses historical breakthroughs like the Manhattan Project and Apollo missions, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and funding that fuel innovation. Hobart highlights the dual nature of AI as both a transformative force and a potential disruptor. He also explores how emerging sectors, including cryptocurrency and space ventures, are being shaped by visionary leadership and social bubbles to drive extraordinary ambitions.
undefined
Jan 30, 2025 • 51min

Teaching AI to Build Stuff in the Physical World

In this engaging discussion, Edward Mehr, co-founder and CEO of Machina Labs, tackles the challenge of enhancing AI capabilities in the physical manufacturing realm. He shares insights on transforming rigid robots into skilled craftsmen, navigating issues in the aerospace sector, and the limitations of 3D printing. Mehr emphasizes the need for flexibility in production, the collaboration of AI and human expertise, and envisions a future where custom manufacturing becomes accessible to all, unleashing creativity across various industries.
undefined
8 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 44min

NVIDIA: At the Heart of the AI Boom

Tae Kim, a staff writer at Barron's and author of "The Nvidia Way," takes listeners through NVIDIA's remarkable rise from gaming chips to AI dominance. He recounts the pivotal moment in 2001 that shifted the company's path and how innovations like CUDA transformed technology. Kim discusses how AlexNet propelled NVIDIA into the AI spotlight, the geopolitical stakes surrounding Taiwan's chip production, and the nuances of trust in tech leadership. Plus, nostalgia for gaming classics adds a fun twist to the conversation.
undefined
26 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 42min

What Claude Shannon Figured Out

In this discussion, David Tse, a Stanford professor of electrical engineering and a prominent figure in wireless communication, sheds light on the brilliance of Claude Shannon, the father of information theory. They explore Shannon's revolutionary ideas that transformed communication technology, particularly in wireless systems. Tse shares insights on how Shannon's concepts of redundancy and expectation management play a critical role in today's tech landscape. They also touch on Bell Labs' innovative environment that fostered groundbreaking inventions, shaping modern communication.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode