#0053 - Tech Controversies, Banning TikTok, a Smartphone Monopoly, Reddit’s Triumphant IPO, and More
Release Date: 04/01/2024
#0069 - Escalating Egg Prices, DeepSeek, Stargate, Boom Supersonic, Starlink, and More - Somewhat Frank Podcast
Somewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) discuss the following topics: - Avian flu is back and hitting close to home, impacting poultry farms and sending egg prices soaring. - Chinese AI company DeepSeek dethroned ChatGPT as the #1 free app on the App Store. Markets reacted sharply, despite no independent verification of DeepSeek’s claims. - A $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative led by OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and MGX to expand U.S. data centers. ...
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#0068 - CES 2025 Recap, the New Space Race, the TikTok Ban, the Martha Stewart Documentary - Somewhat Frank Podcast
Somewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics: - The annual Consumer Electronics Show brings together the latest in technology product announcements. Earlier this month Las Vegas was once again full of robotics and AI-based systems. At CES 2025, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang also unveiled several significant advancements - On Thursday, January 16, 2025, both Blue Origin and SpaceX conducted significant rocket launches...
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#0067 - Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Fight, Netflix's Streaming Failure, Comedian/Banana Art, Developments in AI, Paw Paw Fruit - Somewhat Frank Podcast
Somewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics: - Bright light boxes can mimic natural light, which is especially helpful on dark winter days. - The boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson on November 15, 2024, drew significant global attention. - Bitcoin has reached an unprecedented high of nearly $95,000, marking a 35% increase since the November 5th election. - Maurizio...
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#0065 - OpenAI’s Swarm Feature, Nvidia’s Open-Source LLM, NFL Guardian Caps, and Halloween Fun Facts - Somewhat Frank Podcast
Somewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics: - OpenAI introduced Swarm, an experimental framework for multi-agent AI networks that can collaborate on tasks autonomously. - Nvidia, which builds some of the most highly sought-after GPUs in the AI industry, has announced that it has released an open-source large language model that reportedly performs on par with leading proprietary models from OpenAI, Anthropic,...
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#0064 - Hurricane Helene, Open AI’s Funding Round, the State of Venture Q3 Report, the Future of Education
Somewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics: Frank was in Baltimore for the EcoMap Technologies’ inaugural event, the SuperConnect conference, which aims to bring ecosystem builders from all over the country together. Click to read Frank’s recap. Chronic stress accelerates cellular aging by shortening telomeres, potentially aging the body by 9 years, but physical exercise and stress management techniques can help mitigate these...
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#0063 - Apple event, Founder Mode vs Manager Mode, Mosquito Virus Dangers, and More
Somewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics: Apple just wrapped up an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, where it unveiled new versions of the iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch. Paul Graham distinguishes between "Founder Mode" and "Manager Mode" in running companies. In founder mode, leaders remain deeply involved in day-to-day operations, while manager mode focuses more on delegating tasks and...
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#0062 - Investments in AI, US Presidential Race, CrowdStrike Disruption, SearchGPT Launch, and More
Somewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics: - OtO has released an automated lawn care robot that is smart, easy to set up, and eco friendly. Say goodbye to watering your own lawn the old fashioned way. - Activities like mowing, raking, and digging engage multiple different muscle groups. But does it count as “Exercise”? - Investments in generative AI startups remain strong even as generative AI startups are not yet...
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#0061 - Living Skin on Robots, Extraterrestrials Living Among Us, Kelp Farming, Robotaxis, and More
Somewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics: - Researchers have been exploring the attachment of actual living skin to robots, moving beyond traditional artificial surfaces. - Atlantic Sea Farms CEO Briana Warner talks about the new moves to cultivate seaweed in the U.S., from ocean to plate. - Waymo has removed the waitlist for its San Francisco robotaxi service, allowing anyone to download the app and...
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#0060 - 12th Annual Startup Ecosystem Report, 16 lab-grown brains, Rivian's $1B From VW, Astronauts Stranded in Space, and More
Somewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics: - The GSER, powered by the world’s most quality-controlled dataset on startup ecosystems, analyzes data from over 4.5 million companies across 300+ entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems. - FinalSpark's bio-computer, which integrates living brain cells (organoids) into its design, consumes significantly less energy than traditional digital processors, using...
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#0059 - Special Guest Jesse Middleton Talks About the Flybridge New AI Index and Other AI Developments
Somewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) and joined special guest Jesse Middleton from FlyBridge, who is focused on investing in early-stage AI companies. The group discussed all things AI and FlyBridge’s new AI Index: which monitors the largest AI players in the space. Jesse also talked about what he looks for when investing in AI companies and mentioned some of the AI companies he has been working with, including Splice (), Talktastic (), MelodyArc (), Arcee AI (), and...
info_outlineOn this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) dive deep into the innovations and controversies shaping our world.
We kicked off with a look at the Startup of the Year fast pitch competition that happened at SXSW, when 10 great early-stage companies pitched. The startup pitches were all really solid and the company that came out on top of that competition was Applied BioPlastics from Austin, Texas. Applied Bioplastics manufactures bioplastics from plant-based materials for retail, packaging, and medical industries to improve plastic recycling. See more: https://appliedbioplastics.com
We also chat about Magic Mind, the groundbreaking "mental performance shot" that's redefining daily routines everywhere. Unlike the traditional coffee fix, Magic Mind offers a sustainable boost to focus, motivation, and productivity without the dreaded caffeine crash. Don't forget to use the promo that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code SOMEWHATFRANK20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/SomewhatFrank
But the tech world doesn't stop turning, and neither do we. The potential TikTok ban has everyone talking. With its Chinese ownership under scrutiny, we explore what the future holds for the app that supports around 200k American jobs. Read more HERE.
The episode doesn't shy away from the big hitters, discussing the DOJ's recent move to sue Apple over its smartphone monopoly. We'll share personal insights and the broader implications of this legal battle. Read more HERE.
In a lighter vein, we celebrate Reddit's triumphant IPO, marking the first social media company to go public in five years. What does Reddit's success signal for the market and future IPOs? Read more HERE.
However, it's not all rosy. We delve into the concerning rise in mental health issues among adolescents, correlating with the smartphone era. With insights from Jonathan Haidt's latest book, "The Anxious Generation," we ponder the societal impacts of our digital age. Read more HERE.
The real estate world is also facing a shakeup, with the National Association of Realtors' recent settlement potentially transforming commission structures and housing market dynamics. We break down what this means for buyers, sellers, and the industry at large. Read more HERE.
Lastly, we shine a spotlight on Colton Rybus's debut jazz album, "Sketches from the Heart of My Cosmos." A personal connection brings this musical journey to life, showcasing the talent and passion behind the notes. Read more HERE.
And for those seeking the fountain of youth, we share Dave Asprey's simple yet effective tips for turning back the clock. Read more HERE.
As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: [email protected]
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