Best Aaron Mcleod Podcasts (2025)

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Pioneers of AI: The power of storytelling in VCs, with Jeffrey Katzenberg and ChenLi Wang 44:56

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1d ago44:56

44:56

In this episode of Pioneers of AI, Jeffrey Katzenberg and ChenLi Wang of the venture capital firm WndrCo share why storytelling is essential for building transformative companies and how AI shapes their work. Learn more about Pioneers of AI: http://pioneersof.ai/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https…

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Build stronger trust on your teams, with Rachel Botsman 30:04

4d ago30:04

30:04

What happens when your team doesn’t trust each other? How can you repair damaged trust at work? How has technology changed the way we decide who to trust? Author and trust researcher Rachel Botsman joins host Jeff Berman to tackle these questions and more. Her latest book is How to Trust and Be Trusted: https://www.rachelbotsman.com/work/how-to-tru…

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Lower Manhattan Meander Part One with Connor Ratliff 55:09

2h ago55:09

55:09

In part one of this two-part Big Apple amble, Allan and Connor Ratliff (The George Lucas Talk Show, Dead Eyes, Ghosts) schlep from Greenwich village to SoHo.By Allan McLeod

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After devastating aid cuts, Mercy Corps keeps fighting, with Tjada D’Oyen McKenna 31:10

5d ago31:10

31:10

For an organization built around responding to crises around the globe, Mercy Corps now finds itself at the center of its own trauma. Following the Trump administration’s aid cuts, two-thirds of Mercy Corps’ US-funded programs have been rescinded. CEO Tjada D’Oyen McKenna joins Rapid Response to share how she’s leading her team amid immense pressur…

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How to find your next mentor, with Janice Omadeke 32:50

10d ago32:50

32:50

A great mentor can supercharge your career. That’s why author and entrepreneur Janice Omadeke wanted to make it easier for people to connect with the best possible mentors. She joins host Jeff Berman to reveal the insights from her book, Mentorship Unlocked, and lessons from her own journey as the founder of a tech platform for corporate mentorship…

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Mid-City with Seth Morris 1:03:20

7d ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Allan and Seth Morris (College Town, Big Mouth, The Good Place) spend the morning exploring a little of the middle of Los Angeles: Stopping by a number of architecturally significant homes, pondering an unpermitted neighborhood fence, and mallwalkin’ around the Koreatown Plaza.By Allan McLeod

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Historic changes across high fashion, with WSJ. Magazine’s Sarah Ball 26:33

13d ago26:33

26:33

As the fashion world navigates an unprecedented wave of turnover from Chanel to Dior, WSJ. Magazine’s Editor in Chief, Sarah Ball joins Rapid Response to explore the most closely watched New York Fashion Week in years — what she calls "a September to remember." Ball also shares insights about how Vogue is poised to take shape post-Anna Wintour, the…

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Possible: Stephen Colbert isn’t so sure about AI (with Reid Hoffman) 55:20

15d ago55:20

55:20

On the latest episode of Reid Hoffman’s Possible podcast, he and Aria talk with comedian Stephen Colbert. They discuss how J.R.R. Tolkien helps The Late Show host make sense of AI, whether technology will ever be able to replicate the ‘micronutrients’ of human interaction, and more. You can find this episode and more on the Possible podcast feed: h…

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How a near-death experience changed this founder’s approach to fear 30:24

18d ago30:24

30:24

Matthew Pohlson’s dreams of building a company were almost cut short by a near-death experience. The CEO and co-founder of Omaze reveals how it changed his mindset, and unlocked new ways to scale his business. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy an…

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Debs Park with Aaron Stanford 1:10:01

17d ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Allan and Aaron Stanford (Deadpool and Wolverine, 12 Monkeys, X2) wander the urban wilderness of one of L.A.’s most popular birding destinations. Along the way, they listen for feathered friends, ponder a peanut-shaped lake, and visit the local Audubon Center.By Allan McLeod

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Music biz at a crossroads: from Taylor Swift to AI, with Sowmya Krishnamurthy 30:09

20d ago30:09

30:09

Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards shone a light on some of the biggest storylines in the music business today – from the TikTokification of newly minted stars, to the evolving relationship between artists and brands. Music journalist and author Sowmya Krishnamurthy joins Rapid Response to break down business and cultural lessons from the show and wha…

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Betting on product to win in fantasy sports, with Underdog’s Jeremy Levine 35:02

25d ago35:02

35:02

As the NFL season kicks off this week, host Jeff Berman talks with a serial entrepreneur known for innovating in fantasy sports. Jeremy Levine is the founder and CEO of Underdog, a rapidly scaling unicorn. Levine reveals how a relentless focus on product helps his company break through entrenched competition. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekl…

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Hollywood Heights with Eliot Glazer 1:10:48

21d ago1:10:48

1:10:48

Allan and Eliot Glazer (Broad City, New Girl) take the stairs through a classic old Hollywood hillside community. Along the way they talk about fictional L.A. detectives, marvel at an old-timey elevator, and try to keep up with Eliot’s energetic dog Moses.By Allan McLeod

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Grab’s rise from rideshare to superapp in Asia, with Anthony Tan 28:35

27d ago28:35

28:35

Grab is a rideshare service-turned superapp, not available in the US but rapidly growing in Southeast Asia. It’s even outmaneuvered global players like Uber to reach a valuation north of $20 billion. Grab’s co-founder and CEO Anthony Tan joins Rapid Response to share how the platform has successfully expanded into food delivery and fintech, while a…

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Reid Hoffman & Kickstarter’s Everette Taylor take your questions 28:44

1M ago28:44

28:44

For our latest Strategy Session, Reid Hoffman and Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor answer questions from entrepreneurs about how to build more resilient businesses. They share frameworks for taking smarter risks, finding co-founders, and more. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Polic…

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Dodger Walk with Luka Jones 1:09:57

1M ago1:09:57

1:09:57

Allan and Luka Jones (Shrill, People Of Earth, Up All Night) walk from L.A.’s Chinatown Metro Station to Dodger Stadium. Along the way they discuss peripatetic philosophy, pedestrian safety and infrastructure, and watch the Dodgers play the Twins.By Allan McLeod

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Hollywood’s hottest AI partner, with Runway’s Cristóbal Valenzuela 33:11

1M ago33:11

33:11

AI tools are disrupting all types of creative content, and Runway AI is a pioneer making major waves in Hollywood. It’s partnering with the likes of Disney and Netflix to revolutionize production. Runway’s co-founder & CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela joins Rapid Response to dissect the company’s breakneck growth, the risks and responsibilities of AI tool …

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How design drives successful companies, with Sarah Stein Greenberg 34:19

1M ago34:19

34:19

Whether you’re building a new product from scratch, growing your team, or trying to find product market fit, every part of scaling a business has one thing in common. It needs to be well designed. That’s why we’re headed back to school this week – and learning from Stanford d.school executive director Sarah Stein Greenberg. She reveals strategies f…

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Culver City with Lamar Woods 1:05:35

1M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Allan and Lamar Woods (XOXO Bada Bings, New Girl, Grand Crew) embark on a trip down memory lane, in a neighborhood rich with movie history. Along the way they admire some public art, bar hop, and do some furniture shopping.By Allan McLeod

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Dating is down. So why is Hinge thriving? with CEO Justin McLeod 26:07

1M ago26:07

26:07

As young people report feeling lonelier and less connected than ever, the dating app Hinge is driving its users into real life, human experiences. CEO Justin McLeod returns to Rapid Response to share how the platform is combating digital fatigue amongst users, as well as navigating the risks and opportunities of AI in online dating. McLeod also exp…

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The bromance that rebuilt Detroit: Dan Gilbert and Mayor Mike Duggan 24:24

1M ago24:24

24:24

As we gear up for our 2025 Masters of Scale Summit, we’re revisiting one of the stellar on-stage conversations that happened at the 2024 event. Hear Rocket Companies’ Dan Gilbert and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan reveal how their unique public-private partnerships have transformed the struggling city into a growing hub for everything from tech companie…

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The insights that fuel SharkNinja’s biggest innovations 35:57

2M ago35:57

35:57

From humble beginnings selling vacuums on late night informercials, SharkNinja has grown to a 6 billion dollar a year business. CEO Mark Barrocas joins host Jeff Berman to reveal how the company keeps coming up with hits like the Ninja Creami, why “educated consumers” are the backbone of their business, and how they’re navigating the shifting winds…

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Is it ‘economic Halloween’ in the US? with political economist Mark Blyth 36:16

2M ago36:16

36:16

Zoom out from continuing tariff turmoil and Trump’s recent attacks on the Fed and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and you’ll see a broader new economic order is forming. Political economist and Brown University professor Mark Blyth joins Rapid Response to reveal why outdated models still underpin much of our economic understanding, and what we stil…

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Inside one of the world’s greatest fundraising operations 35:12

2M ago35:12

35:12

When Rick Shadyac Jr. took over as CEO of the fundraising organization responsible for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, it was bringing in about 600 million a year. The recently retired leader joins host Jeff Berman to reveal how he built a fundraising machine that is now approaching 3 billion per year, and how that money will have a global i…

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Employers adapt to ICE raids and a workforce on edge 28:40

2M ago28:40

28:40

As the Trump Administration ramps up mass deportations, the American Business Immigration Coalition is advocating for policy reform. Rebecca Shi leads the organization made up of 1,400 current and former CEOs, trade group leaders and more, who heavily rely on an immigrant workforce. Hear how uncertainty over immigration has disrupted daily business…

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The new art and science of marketing, with Known’s Ross Martin and Kern Schireson 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

When Ross Martin and Kern Schireson blended their companies in 2020 to form Known, they knew they wanted to throw out the old rule book about how to succeed in marketing. Now, they’re scaling fast and producing jaw-dropping results for clients. They join host Jeff Berman to reveal how their success relies on innovative AI — and kind humans — workin…

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Blocking AI crawlers to save the internet, with Cloudflare’s Matthew Prince 33:01

2M ago33:01

33:01

Cloudflare recently made headlines with breakthrough technology that stops AI companies from scraping online content with impunity. That’s major impact, since the company is involved in more than 20 percent of all online traffic. Cloudflare co-founder and CEO Matthew Prince joins Rapid Response to share how the new tools are poised to dramatically …

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Strategy Session: Advice from Elan Lee and Sarah Robb O’Hagan 29:41

2M ago29:41

29:41

How do I learn to delegate? When is it time to expand? How can I find the right partners? Hear two iconic leaders – Sarah Robb O’Hagan and Elan Lee – take on real questions from early stage founders in our Masters of Scale Strategy Session. Robb O’Hagan has led iconic brands like Gatorade, Equinox and Exos. Lee is the founder and CEO of the game co…

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How to create a ‘transcendent’ career, with author Suzy Welch 33:38

2M ago33:38

33:38

NYU Stern School of Business professor Suzy Welch has designed a framework – “Becoming You” – to help you figure out how to build a career that aligns with your values. She joins host Jeff Berman to dig into what happens when those values are in conflict and how to navigate the fundamental misalignment between Gen Z and the rest of the workforce. T…

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From Colbert to Trump’s WSJ lawsuit, Axios’ Sara Fischer on media turmoil 28:30

2M ago28:30

28:30

It’s been one of the most consequential weeks ever in the media business, from CBS’ Stephen Colbert cancellation, and Trump's lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, to Congress clawing back more than $1 billion in funding from PBS and NPR. Axios’ Media Correspondent Sara Fischer joins Rapid Response to cut through the conspiracy theories and unpa…

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CATAN: Reid Hoffman’s favorite board game for business leaders 27:11

2M ago27:11

27:11

The board game CATAN has sold 45 million copies worldwide since Klaus Teuber invented it 30 years ago. It’s Reid Hoffman’s favorite board game for business leaders. He sat down with brothers Benjamin and Guido Teuber, who now run the business of CATAN, to talk about how they’ve kept the game evolving, why its core philosophy of strategic collaborat…

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How Starbucks’ CEO is revamping the brand 30:07

2M ago30:07

30:07

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol made waves this week by announcing a new Return-to-Office mandate for corporate workers. It’s the latest in a string of changes the coffee company is making to restore its position in the US and global marketplace. Hear Niccol explain his revamped brand strategy in this conversation from February of 2025. He shares insigh…

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Trump’s chilling effect on big business, with Harvard Business Review’s Adi Ignatius 38:05

3M ago38:05

38:05

After 16 years as Editor-in-Chief of Harvard Business Review, Adi Ignatius is handing the role over to a new leader, and he joins Rapid Response for a more-than-an-exit interview. A longtime friend and colleague of host Bob Safian, Ignatius shares some of the most critical lessons he’s learned in decades of covering business and leadership, as well…

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How a summer job grew into an ice cream empire, with CEO Ben Van Leeuwen 32:44

3M ago32:44

32:44

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is one of the fastest growing dessert brands in the country. It’s known for its seriously delicious classic flavors and its wacky collaborations. (Kraft Mac and Cheese ice cream, anyone?) Co-founder and CEO Ben Van Leeuwen talks with Jeff Berman to reveal how it grew from his love of simple ingredients and driving an ice cream…

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Lake Balboa with Mookie Blaiklock 1:11:10

3M ago1:11:10

1:11:10

Allan and Mookie Blaiklock (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Cold War) and Mookie’s dog Bert take a breezy stroll around a magical man-made lake in the middle of the Sepulveda Basin. Along the way they discuss the Red Hot Chili Peppers, local eateries, and how wonderful it is to have a dog.By Allan McLeod

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PBS fights for its future, with President & CEO Paula Kerger 27:07

3M ago27:07

27:07

PBS President & CEO Paula Kerger joins Rapid Response to take us inside the organization’s financial reality if federal funding is stripped, and how she’s battling to protect iconic programming — from Frontline to Sesame Street. Kerger shares the role of corporate philanthropy in PBS’ future, its relationship with streamers like Netflix, and how sh…

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How Baby2Baby stepped up as LA wildfires raged, with co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof 36:16

3M ago36:16

36:16

Devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles at the start of 2025. Nonprofit Baby2Baby was on the ground leveraging its deep knowledge of how to respond to natural disasters to help families in need. Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof joined host Jeff Berman on stage to reflect on what it was like to use everything they’d learned s…

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NoHo Arts District with Steven Ray Morris 1:05:30

3M ago1:05:30

1:05:30

Allan and Steven Ray Morris (See Jurassic Right, JJGO) tour the eclectic heart of North Hollywood. Along the way they stroll along a newly built bike way, check out some programmatic architecture, admire a sculpture garden, and discuss how to get a walk in even when you have a very busy schedule.By Allan McLeod

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Canva’s $35B design biz is quietly taking over the workplace, with co-founder & COO Cliff Obrecht 29:40

3M ago29:40

29:40

For over a decade, Canva has made design and publishing more accessible than ever. Now, the company is wrestling with how to harness AI while staying true to its mission of empowering individual creators. Co-founder and COO Cliff Obrecht joins Rapid Response to reveal how Canva is navigating this shift—and why the stakes are so high when it comes t…

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Building a $1.5B real estate empire, with Spencer Rascoff and Austin Allison 32:53

3M ago32:53

32:53

Zillow co-founder Spencer Rascoff and Dotloop founder Austin Allison both knew that owning a vacation home was a great privilege — and an expensive hassle. They’re leveraging their decades of experience in real estate to reshape how owning a vacation home works with a new business: Pacaso. They join host Jeff Berman to reveal how it became the fast…

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Summer Dispatch: National Parks with Danielle & Cassie 53:59

3M ago53:59

53:59

Allan talks walkin’ and the outdoors with Danielle LaRock, and Cassie Yahnian (National Park After Dark, Watch Her Cook). They discuss Cassie & Danielle’s veterinary background, their many travels, and Allan pits the two longtime friends against each other in a challenging game of Which Park Did This Tragic Thing Happen In (working title).…

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Empowering frontline leaders amid Trump’s massive global aid cuts, with War Child’s Dr. Samantha Nutt 29:05

3M ago29:05

29:05

Even after the fighting stops, the impact of war is felt for generations. Dr. Samantha Nutt, President of War Child USA and Canada, joins Rapid Response to share how the nonprofit is serving families in conflict zones around the world — from Sudan to Afghanistan, utilizing local leaders and community organizers to spark meaningful and long term cha…

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How to raise $172M for the underinvested, with Stacy Brown-Philpot 33:00

3M ago33:00

33:00

After wildly successful stints at Google, as CEO of Taskrabbit, and on prominent boards, Stacy Brown-Philpot decided it was time to start her own venture capital fund. She talks with host Jeff Berman about how she raised $172 million for Cherryrock Capital, why she’s focusing on underinvested founders, and how she owes it all to a six-day silent re…

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Hillhurst Ave with Paul Scheer 1:15:02

3M ago1:15:02

1:15:02

Allan and Paul Scheer (How Did This Get Made, Black Monday, The League) take a stroll through the heart of Los Feliz. Along the way they recall their old haunts, discuss the local built environment, and admire the cinematic legacy of one of L.A.s most fun and walkable neighborhoods.By Allan McLeod

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Reid Hoffman on Trump vs Musk, Zuckerberg’s “superintelligence,” and the next wave of AI 32:31

3M ago32:31

32:31

Amid global conflict, domestic unrest, and AI’s surging impact in all corners of business, it’s getting harder than ever to decipher noise from substance. To help us navigate this challenge, Reid Hoffman returns to Rapid Response, sharing valuable insights about Trump’s public spat with Elon Musk, the crisis in the Middle East, and how his new AI h…

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Advice for grads in the age of AI from Reid Hoffman, Spencer Rascoff & more 23:50

4M ago23:50

23:50

A group of graduating students asked Reid Hoffman the biggest questions looming in their minds as they venture out into their careers. Plus, we asked a dozen incredible CEOs, founders and authors for the one piece of advice they’d give to a new graduate. It’s excellent wisdom whether you’re a new graduate or not. Read a transcript of this episode: …

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Is Dude Perfect the next Disney? 32:53

4M ago32:53

32:53

What started as five friends filming trick shot videos 16 years ago has become a new media empire. Dude Perfect has more than 61 million followers on YouTube alone. CEO Andrew Yaffe talks with host Jeff Berman about how he and the dudes are leveraging the Disney playbook to build a vertically integrated business that spans, content, products, event…

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Broadway with Alana Johnston 1:07:34

4M ago1:07:34

1:07:34

Allan and Alana Johnston (The Disinvited, Nature Talks To Itself) explore Downtown L.A.’s Theater District. Along the way they admire vintage vaudeville and silent movie theaters, ride the world’s shortest incline railway, and visit an extravagant Apple store.By Allan McLeod

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Trump’s impact on crypto future and your portfolio, with Unchained’s Laura Shin 28:25

4M ago28:25

28:25

While the first family engage in their own memecoin ventures, the crypto market is booming. Crypto expert and host of the podcast Unchained, Laura Shin joins Rapid Response to reveal the sector’s emerging economic, political and geopolitical implications. Shin also provides a primer on how to best experiment with crypto today, why Stablecoin is gro…

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Simon Sinek: How to identify great leaders & find your why 36:22

4M ago36:22

36:22

Author Simon Sinek joins host Reid Hoffman for a lively chat about how to identify good leaders, scale ideas, and leverage the “ultimate hack” for success. They also discuss why missionaries beat mercenaries in Silicon Valley and whether AI can ever really be your friend. Simon Sinek’s 15th anniversary edition of “Start With Why”: https://www.pengu…