#0053 - Tech Controversies, Banning TikTok, a Smartphone Monopoly, Reddit’s Triumphant IPO, and More
Release Date: 04/01/2024
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: Frank has been making music. Check him out at: on Instagram and TikTok, or sign up for text alerts on music drops at - MIT ran a study with 54 participants writing essays using either their brain, a search engine, or ChatGPT—then tracked brain activity using EEG. - CEO Tim Kuniskis apologizes for discontinuing the Hemi V-8—with doughnuts, drifts, and a...
info_outlineSomewhat 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 After-Work Happy Hour Is Dying - Remote work, shifting priorities, and social fatigue are changing workplace culture. CNBC 2025 Disruptor 50 List - OpenAI Expands Into Meetings, Docs, and Cloud Storage - AI-Designed Drug Shows Promise - Small Funds, Big Wins - World’s Tallest 3D-Printed Building - First Mushroom Casket Burial in the...
info_outlineSomewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber) and (Simon Kahan IG: @SimonKahan) discuss the following topics: - the iconic PBS show is heading to Netflix under a new licensing deal. - OpenAI is teaming up with Jony Ive — the design genius behind Apple’s most iconic products — to build a totally new kind of AI-first device. - the company that handles logistics for massive global tours and sporting events — just got acquired in a $1 billion deal. - It costs almost 3 cents to make a 1-cent coin — and the U.S. Mint is...
info_outlineSomewhat 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: - OpenAI will remain under the control of its nonprofit despite previous plans to convert fully to a for-profit model; its business division will instead become a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) overseen by the nonprofit. - Starbase was officially incorporated as a city after a 212–6 vote, with most voters being SpaceX employees or their relatives; no traditional campaigning occurred. -...
info_outlineSomewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (X: @simonkahan) explore the following topics: Founders, investors, startup teams, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs), and innovators, we invite you to join the Established Network, our digital hub where creativity, capital, and collaboration collide. . As part of the Established Network, we also host the Monthly Innovation Circle, with some great featured speakers and we’ll continue hosting these events on the third Thursday of every month. Sign...
info_outlineSomewhat 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: - TechCrunch has been sold again – Yahoo has sold the tech news site to private equity firm Regent for an undisclosed amount. - 23andMe is filing for bankruptcy – The genetic testing company has struggled financially due to its one-time purchase model and declining sales. It is now seeking a buyer, and co-founder Anne Wojcicki has stepped down as CEO but hopes to repurchase the company. -...
info_outlineSomewhat 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 Established Network’s Monthly Innovation Circle kicked off on March 20th with some great featured speakers and we’ll be hosting a new one on the third Thursday of every month. The next one is set for April 17th at 3pm ET. Sign up at: Frank got a chance to talk with Jenny Fielding, an investor from Everywhere Ventures, about her new book Venture Everywhere....
info_outlineSomewhat Frank
On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics: We are hosting the Established House in Austin on Friday, March 7th, with a couple of featured conversations, a barista spinning our delightful lattes and teas and lots of opportunities to connect with one another. If you’ll be in Austin, please join us! RSVP at: - The traditional Silicon Valley model of heavy fundraising and large headcounts is being replaced by AI-driven efficiency, with...
info_outlineSomewhat 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. ...
info_outlineSomewhat 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...
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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