

What's Your Problem?
iHeartPodcasts and Pushkin Industries
Every week on What's Your Problem?, former Planet Money host Jacob Goldstein talks with entrepreneurs and engineers tackling the biggest challenges at the forefront of technology. How do you make a trip to space as routine as a plane flight? How do you turn solar energy into clean fuel? How do you use AI to stop deadly infections before they spread? We hear a lot these days about how the world is getting worse. What's Your Problem? learns from the thinkers and doers trying to make our future better.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dec 19, 2024 • 31min
Measles: The Cancer Killer?... from Incubation
Stephen Russell, a former Mayo Clinic researcher and CEO of Vyriad, reveals groundbreaking insights into the measles virus and its unexpected potential as a cancer treatment. Russell discusses how measles can induce immune responses that may aid in tumor remission. He also explores the concept of 'immune amnesia' caused by measles, shedding light on its complex interaction with other infections. The conversation highlights innovative approaches to using viruses as a therapeutic tool, offering hope for future cancer treatments.

10 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 43min
RoboPod and the Perpetual Money Machine – Cautionary Questions 2… from Cautionary Tales
Delve into the factors behind the 2008 financial crash and the enigmatic concept of shadow banking. Discover the surprising links between NIMBYs and BANANAs in housing debates. Explore how AI is reshaping creativity and employment, coupled with discussions on climate change's financial implications. The conversation also uncovers the limitations of insurance in a changing environment and critiques monopolistic payment systems, all while advocating for housing reform to benefit the younger generation.

14 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 51min
Turning Solar Energy Into Fuel (The Solar Era, Part 3)
Join Raffi Garabedian, co-founder and CEO of Electric Hydrogen, as he tackles the challenge of transforming solar and wind energy into affordable clean hydrogen fuel. They dive into the hurdles faced in creating effective hydrogen infrastructure and discuss the crucial role of political support in clean tech investments. Learn about the global perspectives on renewable energy policies, innovations in hydrogen production, and the exciting potential for hydrogen across industries. Plus, enjoy a lighthearted chat about tools and music!

Dec 2, 2024 • 51min
Get Happier, Help Others: Some Good Ideas About Giving
Join Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale psychologist and host of The Happiness Lab, and Elie Hassenfeld, co-founder and CEO of GiveWell, as they delve into the surprising joy of giving. Discover how spending on others boosts your happiness more than spending on yourself. Learn about impactful charities and the effectiveness of small donations. The conversation also highlights the psychology of generosity, challenges in effective philanthropy, and the unique contributions from the poker community to charitable causes. Tune in for insights that could transform your approach to giving!