Max Chafkin

Max Chafkin, a Businessweek writer with a knack for corporate tech culture, and Dina Bass, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in Microsoft and AI, dive into the fascinating world of Excel. They discuss its rise from VisiCalc to a corporate staple and its role in everyday office life. The duo explores Excel's competitive edge against rivals like Google Sheets and the promise of AI tools, highlighting its unique ability to fulfill essential human needs in business. Excel’s reign may face challenges, but its legacy is firmly entrenched in corporate America.

Max Chafkin, Bloomberg Businessweek columnist and author who has tracked Elon Musk for years. He maps what SpaceX now contains — rockets, Starlink, and AI bets. He discusses the push to take SpaceX public, the narratives Musk sells to investors, and how Tesla, Starlink, and X fit into a larger power-and-capital strategy.

Max Chafkin, a Senior writer at Bloomberg Businessweek, and Madeline Mekelburg, Texas legal reporter for Bloomberg, dive into Elon Musk's latest venture—creating a new town called Starbase. They discuss Musk's battles with the SEC, the quirky welcome featuring a gold bust, and the implications of Musk's corporate influence on local governance. Controversies arise over community dynamics as Musk transforms a quiet area into a tech-driven hub, highlighting both hopes for innovation and challenges posed by corporate power.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg Businessweek superstar, and Sarah Frier, a big tech coverage leader at Bloomberg, delve into Elon Musk's turbulent political journey and its fallout. They discuss Musk's high-profile ties with Trump, including controversial funding and public behavior linked to drug allegations. The duo analyzes Musk's attempts to shift back to business amidst political backlash, while also hilariously recounting bizarre personal anecdotes and navigating the complexities of his ambitious ventures and shifting public perceptions.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg Businessweek senior writer, and Dana Hull, a reporter covering Elon Musk, delve into Musk's latest mega-merger of X with XAI, transforming his tech ventures into a $100 billion powerhouse. They analyze the strategic implications of this bold move and what it means for shareholders and the future of social media in AI training. Additionally, they discuss Musk's significant political influence in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, revealing how his financial contributions may tilt the election and impact broader market sentiments.

Max Chafkin, Bloomberg senior reporter who covers tech and Elon Musk, breaks down Musk’s Terafab plan. He sketches out the gargantuan scale of proposed chip fabs and space data centers. He discusses the sci-fi visuals, Starship’s pivotal role, and why Musk’s track record matters for tackling such audacious projects.

Max Chafkin, a senior reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, dives into Palantir's remarkable earnings and its role in the AI landscape. Megan Horneman, Chief Investment Officer at Verdence Capital Advisors, analyzes AI-driven market trends and offers keen portfolio strategies amid rising valuations. Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation, shares insights on the commercialization of eVTOL technology, upcoming launches, and operational challenges. Together, they unpack the intersections of technology, finance, and innovation shaping the future.

Max Chafkin, Bloomberg reporter who tracked the Epstein files, outlines the document dump and its hit to public trust. Wilbur Ross, former commerce secretary and longtime investor, discusses geopolitics, manufacturing and national-security-driven industrial policy. Sheila Kayalu, Jefferies aerospace and defense analyst, breaks down defense budgets, missile production, supply chains and winners beyond the big primes.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg reporter and author of "The Contrarian," explores the significant influence of billionaire Peter Thiel on the New Right. He discusses Thiel's unique persona, from his controversial beliefs to his entrepreneurial journey, revealing how his background shaped his worldview. The conversation also highlights the ambitious goals of global initiatives linked to Thiel and critiques the intertwining of wealth and political power within the movement, raising questions on the impact on democracy.

Max Chafkin, features editor at Bloomberg Businessweek and author of 'The Contrarian,' delves into the life of tech mogul Peter Thiel and his influence on Silicon Valley. He discusses the evolution of tech narratives and the complex ideologies shaping the PayPal Mafia's history. Chafkin critiques the intertwining of money and media, spotlighting Thiel's involvement in the Hulk Hogan lawsuit against Gawker. He also examines the ideological power dynamics of social media, especially in relation to politics and the challenges faced by the left in today’s tech-driven landscape.