RECENT EPISODES
Sat 7 NovOpen to Debate: should we trust AI agents with our information?AI agents’ access to emails, calendars and apps makes them useful—and creates risks such as prompt injection, data exposure and actions users never approved. Meredith Whittaker argues consumer agents are not trustworthy as currently deployed and that companies should bear a duty of care; Neil Chillson favors judging trust by the agent, task and permissions. They also differ on whether layered safeguards can manage risks that may never be fully eliminated.Thu 5 NovDemis Hassabis says society is “not ready” for the AI futureDemis Hassabis says society is not ready to decide whether AI could have moral standing, and that debate must include voices beyond technologists. He distinguishes intelligence from consciousness, says today’s AI is not conscious, and favors tools over self-aware systems. He also warns that recursive self-improvement without human oversight could be difficult to control, calling for stronger testing, independent evaluation, and international standards.Tue 3 NovThriving in chaos: top leaders’ strategies from Masters of Scale SummitAt the Masters of Scale Summit, leaders share ways to thrive in chaos: focus on what can still be forecast, prepare alternatives, and create calm enough to act. Bob Safian says chaos is not slowing down, while Hayden Brown argues for replacing fixed roadmaps with daily learning and iteration. Upwork’s governed “crystal ball” speeds access to business insights, and Raina Kumra’s 12 AI agents show how new capacity still depends on human judgment and oversight.Sat 31 OctReed Hastings on Hollywood’s future, Netflix’s shakeup and knowing when to leaveAfter nearly 30 years building Netflix, Reed Hastings reflects on leaving as chairman and says he trusts the leaders handling the company’s shakeup, including cuts of around 1,000 jobs. He explains why Netflix walked away from its Warner Bros. Discovery bid when the price stopped making economic sense, and argues YouTube—not traditional Hollywood rivals—is the bigger fight for viewers’ attention. He also considers how AI could reshape competition and education.Thu 29 OctMaria Ressa on how to save democracy from Big TechMaria Ressa argues that social media’s spread of falsehoods and Big Tech’s unaccountable power weaken journalism and democracy. She warns that AI could further threaten human agency, from attention-driven social platforms to chatbots and agents, and says frontier-model builders have acknowledged they cannot control their models. Her response includes public-interest technology, collective governance and civic organizing to defend information integrity and democratic institutions.Tue 27 OctEric Schmidt scores US vs. China: who’s winning the AI race?Eric Schmidt sees the US-China AI race near a tie, with the leading labs’ gap narrowed to about six months; US models currently perform better, while Chinese algorithms can deliver similar results using roughly one-tenth the energy. China’s advantage in power, data-center construction and rapid deployment contrasts with US strengths in talent and funding. Their strategies also diverge: Chinese labs favor open-weight models, while US labs largely keep models closed.Thu 22 OctReid Hoffman and OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar on where AI goes from hereOpenAI CFO Sarah Friar sees AI moving from answering questions to completing tasks as agents and proactive virtual coworkers become routine at work. Frontier firms now use about eight times as many agentic tokens as average firms, and she expects traditional companies to follow. She also discusses OpenAI’s decision to hold back powerful models while researchers assess safety, and the financial and infrastructure demands of scaling AI.Tue 20 OctREI’s secrets to sustaining a beloved brand and touching grassREI CEO Mary Beth Lawton explains how the co-op can restore profitability without sacrificing the mission and values behind its beloved brand. With 26 million members, 200 stores, and knowledgeable green-vested staff, REI is working to carry trusted service online while finding new ways to make membership valuable. Lawton also shares why getting outdoors—even for 20 minutes a day—can benefit mental and physical health.Thu 15 OctRich Roll’s ‘crash course’ in entrepreneurshipRich Roll never planned to become an entrepreneur, but turning a creative podcast begun in 2012 into a business became his “crash course.” He discusses building Voicing Change Media as an independent, boutique alternative to conventional podcast networks, and its broader brand partnerships, which can combine advertising with events, appearances, and other work rather than rely on CPMs alone.Tue 13 OctThe AI race to save American science and reshape medicine foreverRenee Wagerzin warns that U.S. scientific leadership is at risk if research remains too dependent on federal funding, and makes the case for ARPA-H’s urgent, problem-focused approach. At Transfer, her team uses AI and lab recordings to capture procedural details that published methods miss, helping researchers reproduce experiments. She says AI-generated drug designs alone won’t bring cures to patients without reliable lab-to-lab transfer and scalable manufacturing.Sat 10 OctPioneers of AI: OpenAI’s Tibo Sottiaux doesn’t want humans to be an ‘afterthought’OpenAI’s Tibo Sottiaux argues that AI should keep people at its center, with developers taking responsibility for safety rather than leaving it to regulators. He discusses how automation can free people for higher-level work, while access controls and rigorous evaluations help keep capable systems aligned. He also describes Astra’s role in accelerating development, including helping merge ChatGPT’s desktop and web codebases in 30 days, versus a traditional estimate of six to 12 months.Thu 8 OctBuilding a marketplace from scratch, with Hipcamp founder Alyssa RavasioAlyssa Ravasio traces Hipcamp’s evolution from a public-campground search tool, built after she found trip information scattered across roughly 15 websites, into a marketplace connecting campers with private landowners. She describes how user demand and a $500 offer for landowner introductions helped uncover supply, while insurance and permitting became major hurdles. The conversation also explores how camping income can help landowners retain property and support conservation goals.Tue 6 OctKalshi vs. Everyone: Co-Founder Luana Lopes Lara on the lawsuits and the long gameKalshi co-founder Luana Lopes Lara explains the fight over whether its event contracts are regulated derivatives or bets subject to state gambling laws, as Ohio and Tennessee pursue regulation and New York sues for $36 billion. She argues that peer-to-peer trading and visible prices distinguish Kalshi from sportsbooks. Lara also lays out her long game: expanding markets, liquidity and hedging tools to build the world’s largest derivatives exchange.Thu 1 OctDon't be boring: KCRW's Jennifer Ferro on building a brand people loveKCRW’s Jennifer Ferro argues that public radio need not be boring: pairing serious journalism with culture, humor and a compelling identity can attract audiences without diluting its purpose. As radio offers limited growth, she says stations must build communities that value and support them. Ferro also discusses public media’s role as a trusted counter to misinformation and the challenges posed by funding cuts and platforms that reward outrage.Tue 29 SeptHalloween meets GLP-1s: Hershey’s candy Super Bowl, with CEO Kirk TannerHershey CEO Kirk Tanner calls Halloween the company’s “Super Bowl,” with sales shaped by different pack types throughout the season and tracked daily. He says GLP-1 users still want their favorite treats but consume less, and more than 30% of Hershey’s portfolio comes in portion-controlled formats. With cocoa prices easing but still above historic norms, Hershey is balancing costs and affordability, with 75% of its portfolio priced under $4.Sat 26 SeptRapid Response: Stop creating businesses. Buy one instead, with Codie SanchezCodie Sanchez argues that profit-seekers may be better off buying an established business than starting one, while stressing that acquisitions still require financing, careful due diligence, and clarity about whether the goal is income, growth, or an exit. She outlines repeatable ways to improve a company’s performance, from pricing and hiring to customer response, and cautions against prioritizing AI before basic operations work.Thu 24 SeptHow to build a billion-dollar sports team from scratch, with Golden State Valkyries’ Jess SmithJess Smith explains how she built the Golden State Valkyries from the ground up, from launching the team’s distinctive violet brand a year before its first game to shaping its partnerships and audience strategy. The franchise’s value rose from a $50 million expansion fee to $1 billion in about two and a half years, while merchandise reached all 50 states and 70 countries within 60 days.Tue 22 SeptRebranding in a war zone, with Prosper Global (formerly Mercy Corps)In this episode, Jada McKenna discusses the rebranding of Mercy Corps to Prosper Global, emphasizing a shift from traditional aid to empowering individuals in crisis zones. The conversation highlights the differing perspectives on this change, particularly between global north staff and local teams. McKenna also addresses the challenges of misinformation about humanitarian needs in the U.S. and outlines Prosper Global's innovative strategies, including support for farmers in Ukraine and a venture capital fund aimed at fostering community resilience.Thu 17 SeptBrené Brown & Reid Hoffman on the skills every leader needs nowIn this episode, Brené Brown and Reid Hoffman discuss essential leadership skills in today's rapidly changing environment. Brown emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and the need to confront fear-driven protective behaviors that hinder effective leadership. Hoffman highlights the necessity for leaders to create time amidst urgency and to respond intelligently to challenges.Tue 15 SeptLet’s Kill Sh*t: Axios CEO on simplifying your work-life in the AI eraIn this episode, Axios CEO Jim Van De Heis discusses the importance of simplifying work processes in the fast-evolving AI landscape to boost productivity. He highlights the challenges of traditional planning in an era where AI technology is rapidly changing, urging companies to embrace AI to stay competitive. Van De Heis also addresses cognitive fatigue from overwhelming communication and suggests that streamlining management structures can alleviate this issue, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency.Sat 12 SeptRapid Response: On's 16-year overnight success: Zendaya, Federer, and outrunning competitionIn this episode, explore how On has evolved from a startup to a nearly four billion dollar brand in just 16 years, driven by its innovative CloudTec technology and strategic celebrity partnerships with figures like Zendaya and Roger Federer. The discussion highlights On's commitment to sustainability and its ambitious growth strategy, including plans to expand into new sports and open over 80 retail stores. Tune in to understand how On aims to outrun competition in the dynamic athletic footwear market.Thu 10 SeptFrom high school dropout to CEO, with Autodesk’s Andrew AnagnostIn this episode, Andrew Anagnost, CEO of Autodesk, shares his remarkable journey from high school dropout to tech leader, highlighting the importance of support and early exposure to startups. He discusses his strategic focus on transitioning Autodesk to software-as-a-service and the critical role of communication in leadership, especially during times of change. Anagnost also emphasizes the necessity of mastering AI for future success, predicting a divide between companies that adapt and those that do not.Tue 8 SeptNFL Kickoff: the science gets more damning, but the money keeps growingThis episode delves into the troubling statistics surrounding CTE, revealing that one in four NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had the condition, raising serious concerns about player safety. Despite these alarming findings, the NFL continues to thrive financially, generating over $20 billion annually and seeing franchise values soar.Thu 3 SeptAngela Duckworth on why grit isn’t enoughIn this episode, Angela Duckworth explores the limitations of grit, emphasizing the importance of both internal drive and external circumstances in achieving success. She illustrates her points with the example of Cody Coleman, who strategically positions himself in growth-oriented environments. Duckworth also discusses the impact of social connections on personal development and warns against the isolation of remote work, advocating for physical co-location to enhance collaboration and idea generation.Thu 3 SeptAngela Duckworth on why grit isn’t enoughIn this episode, Angela Duckworth explores the limitations of grit, emphasizing that success is shaped by both personal effort and external circumstances. She illustrates her points with the example of Cody Coleman, highlighting how strategic positioning can enhance potential. Duckworth discusses the importance of social connections and empathetic leadership in fostering workplace well-being, while also addressing the challenges of remote work on collaboration. She advocates for incremental change and the pursuit of meaningful goals as essential for long-term happiness.Tue 1 SeptWhen AI agents do your shopping, everything changes, with Shopify’s Jess HertzIn this episode, Jess Hertz from Shopify explores how AI is revolutionizing entrepreneurship by streamlining the shopping experience and enabling rapid business launches. She highlights the success of River, an AI tool that has significantly reduced transaction costs and improved operational efficiency. Hertz also discusses the shift towards a merchant-centric approach and the evolving employee profile needed to navigate the complexities of modern commerce, emphasizing Shopify's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in a dynamic market.Tue 1 SeptWhen AI agents do your shopping, everything changes, with Shopify’s Jess HertzIn this episode, Jess Hertz from Shopify explores how AI is revolutionizing entrepreneurship by lowering barriers to starting a business. She highlights the effectiveness of AI tools like Sidekick in enhancing merchant sales and improving conversion rates. Hertz also discusses the shift in workforce dynamics due to AI, emphasizing the need for individuals with diverse skill sets. With Shopify's robust infrastructure, the platform supports a wide range of merchants, driving significant growth and retention.Sat 29 AugPioneers of AI: Designing AI for people and the planet, with Aza RaskinIn this episode, Aza Raskin explores the intersection of AI design and human experience, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in technology development. He warns against the potential negative societal impacts of AI, such as fostering harmful dependencies and undermining human relationships. Raskin also discusses innovative projects like the Earth Species Project, which aims to decode animal communication using AI, highlighting the importance of understanding interspecies interactions as we navigate the future of technology.Sat 29 AugPioneers of AI: Designing AI for people and the planet, with Aza RaskinIn this episode, Aza Raskin explores the transformative potential of AI, emphasizing its role in enhancing human experience while cautioning against the risks of poor design and exploitation. He discusses the Earth Species Project, which aims to decode animal communication, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations in AI development. Raskin warns of the competitive race in AI between the U.S. and China, advocating for responsible design that prioritizes both human and environmental well-being.Thu 27 AugChicago Fed President on inflation, recession, and Trump’s attacksIn this episode, Chicago Fed President Austin Gulsby addresses the challenges of managing inflation and employment amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. He warns that unanchored inflation expectations could necessitate a deep recession, complicating the Fed's dual mandate. Gulsby also discusses the potential economic impact of artificial intelligence, cautioning against a possible stock market bubble driven by AI hype, while emphasizing the importance of central bank independence in the current political climate.Thu 27 AugChicago Fed President on inflation, recession, and Trump’s attacksIn this episode, Chicago Fed President Austin Goolsbee addresses the complexities of inflation and recession amid geopolitical tensions and trade issues. He discusses the Federal Reserve's dual mandate of stabilizing prices and maximizing employment, highlighting the challenges posed by tariffs and the potential for a self-fulfilling inflation cycle. Goolsbee also explores the impact of artificial intelligence on productivity and job markets, cautioning about the risks of tech overvaluation and its implications for economic stability.Tue 25 AugFord's Jim Farley on beating China, and the storm nobody sees comingIn this episode, Jim Farley discusses Ford's resilience in the face of a declining Chinese automotive market and the company's strategic focus on affordable electric vehicles. He highlights the significance of the Universal Electric Vehicle platform, likening it to the Model T, and emphasizes Ford's commitment to distinctive vehicles.Tue 25 AugFord's Jim Farley on beating China, and the storm nobody sees comingIn this episode, Jim Farley discusses the competitive threat from China's automotive industry, which has the capacity to dominate the North American market. He highlights Ford's shift towards affordable electric vehicles in response to rising prices and changing consumer preferences. Farley also addresses workforce challenges in essential jobs, emphasizing the need for proactive measures in education and training to ensure Ford's success and the broader economic future.Thu 20 AugHow Barnes & Noble made a comeback, with CEO James DauntIn this episode, CEO James Daunt shares his insights on revitalizing Barnes & Noble and Waterstones, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement and curation over data-driven strategies. He discusses the challenges of cultural change within bookstores and the need to empower local stores to enhance customer experiences. Daunt also highlights the significance of authentic relationships between booksellers and authors, predicting that while AI may impact certain book categories, the demand for genuine literary connections will persist.Thu 20 AugHow Barnes & Noble made a comeback, with CEO James DauntJames Daunt, CEO of Barnes and Noble and founder of Daunt Books, joins the show to explain how he applied the same decentralized turnaround playbook he used at Waterstones to rescue a chain he described as really awful and getting worse.Tue 18 AugWhat the jobs report isn't telling you about AI & the workforce, with Upwork’s Hayden BrownIn this episode, Hayden Brown discusses the evolving relationship between AI and the workforce, highlighting the necessity for professionals to master AI tools to remain competitive. He notes a significant rise in freelancing, particularly among knowledge workers, and reveals that clients are increasingly shifting tasks back to human workers due to AI's limitations.Tue 18 AugWhat the jobs report isn't telling you about AI & the workforce, with Upwork’s Hayden BrownUpwork CEO Hayden Brown argues that standard monthly jobs reports miss the most consequential labor market dynamics unfolding right now, pointing to a recent report showing 23,000 jobs lost while unemployment simultaneously fell as evidence that headline figures are structurally incomplete.Sat 15 AugPioneers of AI: Why AI conversations are always one-sidedIn this episode, Rana El-Kalyubi and Charles Juhig delve into the limitations of AI in fostering genuine conversations, highlighting how interactions with AI often lack the emotional depth and reciprocity found in human communication. Juhig discusses the complexities of human connection and the importance of recognizing destructive communication patterns to enhance dialogue quality. The episode emphasizes that while AI can simulate conversation, it ultimately serves as a tool for information discovery rather than a substitute for authentic emotional exchanges.Sat 15 AugPioneers of AI: Why AI conversations are always one-sidedRana El-Kalyubi and Charles Duhigg explore why AI conversations can feel intimate yet remain one-sided: chatbots may serve as questioning journals, but lack the reciprocal feedback and human vulnerability that build trust. Duhigg distinguishes practical, emotional, and social conversations, explaining how mismatched expectations can derail them. He also discusses using AI to rehearse difficult exchanges—and why real listening requires showing that you have processed what someone says.Thu 13 AugKnow which rules to break, with MTV co-founder Tom FrestonIn this episode, Tom Freston, co-founder of MTV, explores the groundbreaking rules that were challenged during the network's rise, particularly through the iconic "I Want My MTV" campaign. He shares personal experiences that shaped his understanding of innovation and the importance of empathy in business.