GeekWire

GeekWire
  • 4.8 (115)
  • TECH NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

GeekWire brings you the week's latest technology news, trends and insights, covering the world of technology from our home base in Seattle. Our regular news podcast features commentary and analysis from our editors and reporters, plus interviews with special guests.

  1. 13H AGO

    A $100k wall for talent: Tech leader and author Shirish Nadkarni on the H-1B fee and the impact of immigrants

    The U.S. tech and startup community was stunned by an executive order last week imposing a $100,000 fee for employers seeking new H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers, a program heavily used by the technology industry.   This move brings a longstanding debate back to the forefront: are skilled immigrants taking American jobs, or are they a vital engine for innovation and economic growth? Our guest this week has a strong point of view on this topic. Shirish Nadkarni is a serial entrepreneur and Microsoft veteran who founded companies acquired by BlackBerry and Rosetta Stone. An immigrant himself, he just released a timely new book, The Indian American Tech Success Story, which makes the case that immigrant founders, particularly from India, are one of America's greatest economic assets — creating far more jobs than they could ever be accused of taking. Related Links and Stories Startup leaders warn new $100K H-1B visa fee will hurt U.S. entrepreneurship and innovation New TiE Seattle president on how the $100K H-1B fee could snuff out entrepreneurial flame Will new U.S. visa fee boost Canada’s tech sector? B.C. sees an opening against Seattle and Silicon Valley With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min

  2. SEP 20

    When AI becomes the creative director: Amazon VP Jay Richman on the future of media and ads

    This week on the GeekWire Podcast: How artificial intelligence is reshaping media and advertising, and what it says about the future of the creative process. Our guest is Jay Richman, an Amazon vice president of product and technology who leads the technology team developing AI tools used by sellers and brands to create and deploy ads across Amazon's platforms. His career has tracked the evolution of digital media, from early apps for the Palm Pilot to the first wave of streaming at NBC Universal, and the reinvention of podcast ads and monetization at Spotify. Richman, who's based in New York, was in town this week for Amazon's Accelerate seller conference, where he announced new agentic AI capabilities within Amazon's Creative Studio. Related Post: Amazon unveils new agentic AI tools for sellers amid heightened scrutiny With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. Audio editing by Curt Milton.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min

  3. SEP 13

    Using AI to Upgrade Your Personal OS: Insights from Executive Coach Mark Briggs

    This week: Executive coach and AI strategist Mark Briggs explains why your "personal operating system" needs an upgrade, and how to use AI to get more time back in your day. He shares practical tips for turning scattered notes into a powerful knowledge base and discusses how AI can act as a collaborator to fight procrastination and provide instant feedback.  Plus, we play a game of "Bot or Not" to see if you can tell the difference between a human and an AI assistant, and learn how better productivity can lead to achieving personal goals. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min

  4. SEP 6

    OpenAI's big Seattle deal; Steve Ballmer under NBA scrutiny; the irony in Google's antitrust case

    This week on the GeekWire Podcast: Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his NBA team, the Clippers, face scrutiny over an alleged salary-cap dodge tied to star Kawhi Leonard. We unpack the report and Ballmer’s emphatic denial, while reflecting on his history in tech and sports.  Also: OpenAI's surprise $1.1 billion acquisition of Seattle startup Statsig, and what it says about the AI talent wars. Plus, the ironic role of Microsoft’s own antitrust past in the landmark ruling against Google’s search monopoly this week. Seattle journalist, radio host and bar owner Mike Lewis joins GeekWire's Todd Bishop for this episode, which also features a highlight from a segment with KUOW's Kim Malcolm.  Related Stories OpenAI acquires Statsig for $1.1B, names CEO to key role in surprise exit for Seattle-area unicorn ‘Absurd’: Steve Ballmer responds to report that Clippers funneled money to star player via endorsement deal Pablo Torre details his investigation on "Pablo Torre Finds Out." ESPN's Ramona Shelburne interviews Steve Ballmer. Google antitrust ruling gives Microsoft a shaky bridge over search giant’s competitive moat KUOW: Is the Google antitrust ruling a ‘big whiff,’ or an advantage for rivals like Microsoft?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  5. AUG 30

    The Idea Man's Last Big Idea: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in his own words

    In light of his estate's launch of the new $3.1 billion Fund for Science and Technology, we revisit a classic 2011 interview with the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen to explore the "Idea Man" mindset that continues to shape his legacy. The conversation reveals the personal motivations behind his "big bet" philanthropy, his candid thoughts on his partnership with Bill Gates, and his passion for everything from brain science to jamming with rock stars. Related stories and links:  Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s final act: New $3.1B foundation bets big on science and tech In an age of billionaire backlash, Paul Allen’s lasting legacy stands out in Seattle With GeekWire's Todd Bishop and Kurt Schlosser. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min

  6. AUG 23

    Booms, Busts, and Seattle in the AI Era, with Jeff Shulman of the UW Foster School

    What does Seattle gain — and lose — in times of dramatic change? University of Washington Foster School of Business marketing professor Jeff Shulman has spent years studying that question, as host of the Seattle Growth Podcast, director of the Product Management Center, and a civic voice on issues ranging from housing affordability to the campaign to bring back the Sonics. On this episode of the GeekWire Podcast, Shulman joins us to talk about Seattle’s place in the global AI boom, why the city has struggled to produce superstar startups, what AI means for marketing and education, and how civic identity, tech and sports have fueled the region. RELATED STORIES Seattle is a global AI hub — but where are the superstar startups? Despite status as a global tech hub, Seattle passengers still can’t hail a driverless ride Ken Griffey Jr. Wants Role in Bringing Seattle Sonics Back Seattle Now Podcast: Casual Friday with Todd Bishop and Jeff Shulman Also check out the Seattle Growth Podcast and "On the Brink" documentary.  With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min

  7. AUG 16

    Building an AI-first company: What these two business leaders learned from top experts in the field

    Our guests this week: Adam Brotman and Andy Sack, co-authors of the book AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand.  Brotman was Starbucks’ chief digital officer and later co-CEO of J.Crew. Sack is a founder, investor, and longtime advisor to tech leaders. Together, they run Forum3, a company that helps brands rethink loyalty and customer engagement. For their book, they interviewed experts including Bill Gates, Sam Altman, Reid Hoffman and Ethan Mollick, and spent time with companies that have had early success with AI implementation. We talk about their "holy sh*t" moment with Sam Altman, how Moderna achieved 80% employee participation through AI contests, the CEO who supercharged sales by using AI to analyze call transcripts, and what leaders should actually be doing to roll out AI within their organizations. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    49 min

  8. AUG 9

    Coding is dead, computer science is not: UW’s Ed Lazowska on AI, retirement, and why he’s not done yet

    Longtime University of Washington computer science professor Ed Lazowska — newly retired at 75 after nearly a half-century on the faculty — joins us to discuss the evolution of computer science, how AI is changing what and how students learn, why specialization is rising, the role of universities in Seattle’s tech economy, and what he plans to tackle next across teaching, advising, and policy. Read more on GeekWire. With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
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4.8
out of 5
115 Ratings

About

GeekWire brings you the week's latest technology news, trends and insights, covering the world of technology from our home base in Seattle. Our regular news podcast features commentary and analysis from our editors and reporters, plus interviews with special guests.

Information

  • Creator
    GeekWire
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 GeekWire
  • Show Website
    GeekWire

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