Foundering

A look at how a high-profile killing became a national spectacle and the rapid spread of rumors. A deep dive into surveillance, DMV records, and the mechanics of a quick identification. An exploration of San Francisco’s fraught politics, tech influence, recalls, and the city’s cultural clashes during gentrification and the AI boom.

Omid Talai, the lead prosecutor on the Nima Momeni murder trial, offers courtroom analysis and the prosecution's view. He discusses physical evidence like DNA and a knife, the covert reenactment video, witness testimony, media frenzy, jury dynamics, and how the trial played into wider narratives about San Francisco.

Conversations with Krista Lee (former spouse and family perspective) and friends like Jim McKelvey, Joshua Block, Harper Reid and others (colleagues and longtime acquaintances). They recall Bob Lee’s tech brilliance from Google to Square and Cash App. They also describe his energetic nightlife, the sensationalized ‘lifestyle’ label, toxicology findings, and how media narratives reshaped public perception.

Nine days after Bob Lee was found stabbed in San Francisco, police arrested Nima Momeni for his murder. Desperate to squash the ‘Doom Loop’ narrative, San Francisco officials insisted that Bob Lee was killed by someone he knew, a fellow tech executive. But the Cash App founder’s friends and family had never heard of Momeni. Reporter Shawn Wen tells the story of Momeni’s teen years in the East Bay, his minor brushes with the law, and the events that put him on a collision course with Lee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three years ago, Bob Lee, a tech executive famous for creating Cash App, was found stabbed in San Francisco. His killing set off a wave of online fury. Reporter Shawn Wen takes us back to the turbulent days before his killer was arrested, when misinformation and rumors ran rampant. Several tech industry leaders decried violent crime in San Francisco, including David Sacks, who “bet dollars to dimes” that Lee was stabbed by “a psychotic homeless person,” and Elon Musk, who called the city “horrific.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three years ago, Bob Lee, a tech executive best known for creating Cash App, was found stabbed in the streets of San Francisco. His killing set off a wave of online fury. Rumors and misinformation ran rampant. Several tech industry leaders weighed in, including David Sacks, who “bet dollars to dimes” that Lee was stabbed by “a psychotic homeless person,” and Elon Musk, who disparaged the district attorney. When Lee’s killer was arrested, it became clear that the truth of what happened could not be further from the initial speculation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s an open secret that the Chinese government has engaged in a global campaign to acquire intellectual property from foreign rivals. At the center of that campaign is the Ministry of State Security, China’s elusive intelligence agency. The US has apprehended hundreds of people accused of giving information to the MSS, but the agency’s inner workings have been a mystery — until now. Today, we’re bringing you Episode 1 of The Sixth Bureau, a limited-run series from The Big Take. The series follows an MSS intelligence officer whose mission was to acquire the crown jewels of American aerospace companies. With aliases, blackmail and the occasional break-in, he targeted corporate giants. That is, until his sloppiness — and a cunning FBI sting — led to a stunning reversal: Xu Yanjun became the first Chinese intelligence officer ever convicted on American soil. Listen to Episode 2, available now in The Big Take.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech entrepreneur Sam Altman's power struggle at OpenAI leads to a board coup, employee revolt, and his triumphant return as CEO. Explore the secrets, betrayals, and political maneuvering behind the scenes in the AI industry.

Reporter Ellen Huet explores Sam Altman's proposals for ending poverty and his relationship with his sister, Annie Altman. They discuss AI's impact on the economy, universal basic income as a solution, poverty challenges, housing insecurity, family dynamics, and personal disappointment.

Reporter Ellen Huet explores the frenzy around AI, from utopian dreams to impending doom. Discusses OpenAI's ChatGPT success, split from anthropic creation, and rise of AI doomer subculture. Explores debates on AI's impact on society and employment, and perceptions shaping the AI industry focus.