Ashley Carman

Ashley Carman, technology reporter who covered Clubhouse firsthand, and Casey Newton, tech journalist and Platformer founder, dig into Clubhouse’s invite-only rise and pandemic-perfect audio format. They discuss celebrity drop-ins, VC influence, moderation and safety gaps, rapid scaling and copycat rivals. The conversation tracks its peak, decline, and a later pivot toward small-group, friend-focused audio.

Rachel Martin, an NPR host known for her celebrity interviews, delves into how video transforms trust and connection in interviews. Ashley Carman, a Bloomberg reporter, outlines the podcasting industry's evolution, from the boom of Serial to the rise of YouTube as a powerhouse. Derek Thompson, a media analyst, shares his theory that everything has become television, reshaping our attention and social dynamics. Together, they explore the implications of video-first media on our society, urging listeners to consider the cultural shifts at play.

Ashley Carman, a Bloomberg audio reporter focused on AI's impact in music, delves into the evolving landscape of music production. The discussion highlights the shift in record labels from resistance to acceptance of AI-generated songs and the ethical dilemmas that arise. They explore the extraction of iconic vocals and the potential for hyper-personalized music experiences. Key concerns include the rights of artists in a market saturated with AI creations and the balance between technological advancement and authentic human expression in music.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter known for his insights into media, joins Ashley Carman, a podcast and music industry expert, to dive into UFC’s monumental $7.7 billion deal with Paramount. They discuss the strategic choice of Paramount for UFC’s broadcasting rights and analyze the implications for the media landscape. The conversation shifts to Amazon's integration of Wondery into Audible, highlighting challenges in podcast monetization. Lastly, they debate contenders who might challenge Joe Rogan's podcast supremacy in this evolving market.

Craig Jenkins, a music critic at New York Magazine's Vulture, shares insights on the end of Pitchfork’s era as it merges with GQ, reflecting on its influential role in music criticism. Ashley Carman from Bloomberg News discusses the rise of AI and algorithm-driven music discovery. They explore how this technological shift impacts artist visibility and the authenticity of music critique, questioning the balance between human input and machine recommendations in shaping our listening habits and culture.