Decoder with Nilay Patel

Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition, is a powerhouse in tech regulation, known for her tough antitrust stance. In a lively discussion, she shares insights on America’s growing hunger for tech oversight and critiques Elizabeth Warren’s breakup approach. Vestager likens Big Tech to pesticides and questions the implications of GDPR for smaller firms. She reflects on the challenges of privacy in smart devices and the ethical dilemmas in AI. Plus, she considers the future of competition in the digital landscape and Europe’s role in tech innovation.

In this engaging discussion, Amy Klobuchar, a senior U.S. Senator from Minnesota and a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, shares her insights on navigating political landscapes. She addresses the crucial need for antitrust regulations against big tech and the pharmaceutical industry, advocating for more competitive healthcare. Klobuchar reflects on her political journey, the need for climate action, and her views on campaign strategies. She also touches on systemic injustices in the legal system, making a compelling case for equality and transparency in democracy.

Kathy Griffin, a bold comedian known for her sharp political humor, dives deep into her infamous severed-head photo shoot that led to an investigation by the Secret Service. She reflects on the intense backlash, her encounters with Donald Trump, and the chilling effects of media sensationalism. Griffin talks about her new self-financed stand-up special, her thoughts on social media regulation, and the challenges women face in the industry. With humor and honesty, she navigates the absurdities of fame and resilience in her career.

Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube and a pioneer in tech leadership, discusses major challenges facing the platform. She addresses why comments are turned off for millions of videos and how YouTube is ensuring child safety amidst inappropriate content. Wojcicki tackles the balance of human oversight and AI in content moderation and shares insights on diversity in leadership. The conversation also touches on the implications of losing Section 230 immunity and the impact of employee activism within Silicon Valley.

Helena Foulkes, CEO of Hudson's Bay Company and a former CVS executive, dives into the dynamic world of retail innovation. She discusses her transition from CVS to Hudson's Bay and the strategies behind revitalizing department stores. Foulkes shares her insights on the importance of creating memorable shopping experiences and the necessity of blending digital with physical retail. She addresses the challenges of competing with giants like Amazon and explores how data can reshape the future of retail.

Laurene Powell Jobs, founder of Emerson Collective, passionately discusses her commitment to journalism and social activism. She dives into the challenges media faces today, emphasizing the need for nonprofit journalism in defending democracy. Powell Jobs shares her thoughts on the implications of billionaire investments in media and innovative projects like Alejandro Iñárritu's VR film highlighting immigration issues. She also talks about her nonprofit, College Track, aimed at helping underrepresented students succeed in education.

Social Capital CEO Chamath Palihapitiya talks with Recode’s Kara Swisher and Teddy Schleifer about an “identity crisis” that pitted his wealth and fame against personal happiness and relationships.In this episode: Social Capital’s attempts to disrupt venture capital; Palihapitiya’s “identity crisis” and search for happiness; nonwhite people aren’t allowed to appear crazy; “to all the people that worked for me ... you’re fucking welcome”; why Silicon Valley has never been unhappier; the lack of heroes and values in modern society; the uneasy balance between a business' mission and its profits; disarming the concept of mental health; why Palihapitiya isn’t a fan of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; why the startup world is a “ponzi scheme”; what entrepreneurs need to ask prospective investors to avoid getting fleeced; the looming debt crisis; the five areas he would invest in now; and the current state of Social Capital.Thanks to Microsoft Azure for sponsoring this episode. Get started with a free account and 12 months of popular free services at Azure.com/trial today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Chavern, the president and CEO of the nonprofit News Media Alliance, talks with Recode’s Kara Swisher about advocating on behalf of journalists in Washington, D.C.In this episode: How Chavern got to the News Media Alliance; the unique challenges of representing the media business; the ripple effects of the declining print business; the impact of Google and Facebook; revenue sharing, algorithm changes and conspiracy theories online; the differences among how the platforms understand the media; how tech has sucked up all the ad revenue; “charity isn’t going to solve this problem”; why does Facebook get Section 230 protections?; potential antitrust action; Trump’s dangerous “fake news” rhetoric; is education and news literacy enough?; tech billionaires buying media companies; and why it’s harder to innovate on the business model for journalism than it is in other forms of media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lora DiCarlo CEO Lora Haddock talks with Recode's Kara Swisher about the process of designing an innovative new sex toy for women — and the fight to get mainstream acceptance for her invention.In this episode: Why Haddock started Lora DiCarlo; how she designed its first product, Osé; how startups design and create new physical products; with advanced robotics, "what we're trying to elicit is a blended orgasm"; why Haddock is avoiding vibration; funding Osé's development; receiving a CES innovation award from the Consumer Technology Association; getting rejected by CES and losing the award; the ensuing back and forth with the CTA; what Lora DiCarlo did instead of being at the main show; "they couldn't have done us a bigger favor"; female CEOs in technology; why Haddock chose to leak the dispute; and what the CTA could do to make amends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Connor, the artistic director of the digital art community Rhizome, talks with Recode's Kara Swisher about the group's museum exhibit, "The Art Happens Here," and the future of art made on the internet.In this episode: How Rhizome was founded and how the museum exhibit came together; the unique challenges of preserving internet art; the earliest works of art in Rhizome's Internet Art Anthology; what does "net art" mean?; what tools do net artists use?; the impact and legacy of the Net Art Anthology; how net art reflects meme culture, emerging technologies and questions about identity; where is art going as new technologies emerge?; and the blurring line between art and non-art.Thanks to Microsoft Azure for sponsoring this episode. Get started with a free account and 12 months of popular free services at Azure.com/trial today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices