Austin Next

Jason Scharf
  • 5.0 (12)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Austin is building the new tech, cultural, and intellectual stack. The region is a living laboratory to answer a single question: How do you build a global innovation superpower? Host Jason Scharf dissects innovation from the individual to the ecosystem. From the soundstage to the data center to the fab, we decode the mechanics of Austin's innovation ecosystem. As Atoms, Bits, and Intelligence converge, we explore how Hard Tech scale, digital velocity, and creative density collide. This is an audit of the future. We map the physics of the flywheel so builders and investors can navigate the chaos.

  1. Patient Capital in the Age of the $10B Seed | Brian Smith, S3 Ventures

    JAN 21

    Patient Capital in the Age of the $10B Seed | Brian Smith, S3 Ventures

    The current venture market is defined by a dangerous decoupling of capital from reality. While the industry chases $10B seed valuations and trillion-dollar infrastructure bets, Brian Smith and S3 Ventures are executing a "Discipline Arbitrage." They argue that the real returns in AI will not come from the massive CapEx spenders, but from the application layer that solves boring, regulated, enterprise problems. This episode audits the structural risks of the current AI wave and explains why staying as a small fund may be the ultimate competitive advantage. Agenda 01:30 Cisco Moment & 28 Bellagios06:31 Applications First, Agents Next19:06 2021 Bubble vs 2025 Reality32:55 Defining Patient Capital44:09 Strategic Advantage of Small Funds53:03 Return to AtomsGuest LinksBrian Smith, S3 Ventures (Website, X, LinkedIn)  -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

    52 min
  2. The Semiconductor Moment for the Mind

    JAN 14

    The Semiconductor Moment for the Mind

    The market is mispricing the human brain. Some Investors view Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) and other neurotech as the next iteration of the medical device, a slightly better stent or a more advanced catheter. This is a category error. As Matt Angle (Paradromics) and Connor Glass (Phantom Neuro) articulate its not a product, its the next modem. The parallel is the internet in 1993. We are moving from a low-bandwidth, text-based era of biology into a streaming, high-fidelity era. This shift requires a convergence of disciplines, Material science, analog engineering, and machine learning, mirroring the semiconductor boom of the 1960s. Austin, with its unique trinity of industrial scale, software speed, and risk-tolerance, has emerged as the global command center for this revolution The Agenda: 0:00 - Intro 02:48 - Electrical Input and Output of the Body 08:13 - Navigating the Valley of Death via DARPA 16:54 - Moral Hazard of Regulatory Caution 23:45 - BCI as the Next Internet 37:51 - Capital Stack and the Platform Shift 50:31 - Declaring Austin the Global Neurotech Capital 55:23 - Convergence of Semiconductor DisciplinesGuest LinksMatt Angle: LinkedIn, Paradromics (Website, X, LinkedIn)Connor Glass: LinkedIn, Phantom Neuro (Website, X, LinkedIn) -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

    1h 8m
  3. Combat as the Minimum Viable Product | Cix Liv, REK

    12/10/2025

    Combat as the Minimum Viable Product | Cix Liv, REK

    Cix Liv challenges the Silicon Valley consensus that humanoid robots belong in the warehouse or the battlefield. By explicitly rejecting the “Terminator” military arbitrage and the “Jetsons” domestic servant model, REK validates a new thesis: entertainment is the only sector where the reliability is acceptable and economically viable.  The discussion dissects the unit economics of robot combat, the “context window” required for mainstream sport adoption, and why American “lawyer culture” is fundamentally losing the hardware war to Chinese “engineering culture” explored in Dan Wang’s Breakneck This is a forensic look at building “Real Steel” without government grants or safe software margins. The Agenda: 00:00 - Beta Testing Robot Roadshows05:06 - Defining the Real Steel Concept07:14 - "Context Window" of Violence vs. eSports16:59 - State of Bipedal Balance & Chinese Hardware26:02 - Robot Soldier vs Real Steel Decision33:01 - B2B SaaS Brain Drain37:01 - Unit Economics: Reliability Arbitrage45:04 - Tech Stack of Tele-Operation52:07 - Dan Wang’s Breakneck Thesis: Engineer China vs Lawyer US57:37 - Bringing Detroit to TexasGuest Links REK: Website, X, Instagram, LinkedIn Follow Cix: X, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

    1h 3m
  4. Is The Venture Capital Model Broken? | Andrew Romans, 7BC

    12/03/2025

    Is The Venture Capital Model Broken? | Andrew Romans, 7BC

    The venture capital model of the last two decades, characterized by the "30-minute rule" and the race to a quick IPO, is obsolete. We are witnessing a fundamental decoupling of capital from geography and a restructuring of how liquidity is manufactured. In this episode, Andrew Romans of 7BC Venture Capital argues that we have entered a new era where geopolitical friction is forcing a renaissance in hard tech, hedge funds have permanently altered the growth stage, and the "Series A" playbook has been rewritten by the realities of a market where companies stay private indefinitely. Highlights 01:05 Why 30 Firms Control the Market09:49 "Stay Private Forever" & The Secondary Market 19:51 Geopolitics, Supply Chains, & Defense Tech30:30 Hedge Fund Tourists & Founder-Led VCs37:11  The Death of the "30-Minute Rule" 47:35 Beyond "Silicon Hills" Guest LinksAndrew Romans: LinkedIn, X7BC Venture CapitalFireside with a VC: Apple, Spotify, YouTube -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

    52 min
  5. Zachary Levi | Can Austin Build an Ark for Human Creativity?

    10/01/2025

    Zachary Levi | Can Austin Build an Ark for Human Creativity?

    How do we nurture and protect the most human endeavors of creation and discovery?  Zachary Levi joins us to discuss calling, technology, and a creative Ark in Austin. We move from one’s life mission to concrete plans for land and film incentives. The central question of our time is whether we ride the AI tsunami or get swept under it. Highlights 00:00 Opening and Zachary Levi’s journey to Austin05:53 Calling vs discovery13:48 Build the ark and fix Hollywood25:13 Community, work, and purpose30:20 Why Bastrop for Wyldwood38:05 Austin’s energy and first principles46:57 Film incentives and ROI54:00 AI reshapes studio vs creatives1:10:40 Purpose through creation and discovery1:19:07 What’s Next Austin?Guest BioZACHARY LEVI has proven himself a triple threat- he is an accomplished actor, singer, and dancer that was displayed with his Tony- nominated performance for “Best Leading Actor in a Musical” in the critically praised Broadway production, SHE LOVES ME. In August 2024, Zachary starred in HAROLD & THE PURPLE CRAYON for Sony, based on the wildly popular children’s book written by Crockett Johnson. He will next star in both MGM/Amazon’s SARAH’S OIL as well as Joe Carnahan’s real-life survivor thriller, NOT WITHOUT HOPE. Zac is also set to appear in HOTEL TEHRAN, a new thriller from writer-director, Guy Moshe. In March 2023, Levi reprised his role as Shazam! in the Warner Bros. DC franchise, SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS. Directed by David F. Sandberg, this was the follow-up to the first installment, SHAZAM! which held the #1 spot at the box office for weeks following its April 2019 release. In 2021, Zachary portrayed iconic NFL MVP and Hall of Fame quarterback, Kurt Warner in AMERICAN UNDERDOG for Lionsgate directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin. Zac will return with the Erwin brothers for another Lionsgate film THE UNBREAKABLE BOY, based on the true story of the most inspiring boy who touched and changed the lives of those around him in theaters February 21, 2025. In a fan favorite recurring role, Levi took home a SAG Award for “Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series” for season two and three of Amazon Studios’ Emmy winning series, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL. The first season of the show won six Primetime Emmys, two Golden Globes, as well as a Peabody Award and two Critics’ Choice Awards. The second season won one Golden Globe, three Screen Actor Guild Awards, one PGA Award, two Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards, one Critics Choice TV Award, and TV Program of the Year at the AFI Awards. Additional previous film credits include: CHICKEN RUN: DAWN OF THE NUGGET; TEDDY’S CHRISTMAS; APOLLO 10 ½: A SPACE AGE CHILDHOOD; THOR: THE DARK WORLD; ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL; and TANGLED. The song “I See the Light,” written for TANGLED (performed by Levi & Mandy Moore) was nominated that year for an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original Song. The pair performed the duet at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards ceremony. “I See the Light” also won the Grammy Award for “Best Song Written for Visual Media” at the 54th Grammy Awards. Levi is best known for his fan favorite performance as Chuck Bartowski in the hit NBC series, CHUCK. Other previous TV credits include the Netflix mini-series ALIAS GRACE & HEROES REBORN. In June 2022, Levi made his author debut with his memoir, RADICAL LOVE: LEARNING TO ACCEPT YOURSELF AND OTHERS, which shares his emotional journey through a lifetime of crippling anxiety and depression to find joy, gratitude, and ultimate purpose Guest LinksZachary Levi: X, Instagram Wyldwood -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

    1h 24m
  6. Is Austin a Music Incubator? | Terry Lickona, Austin City Limits

    09/24/2025

    Is Austin a Music Incubator? | Terry Lickona, Austin City Limits

    Austin exports culture the way it exports tech. Terry Lickona, longtime executive producer of Austin City Limits, argues Austin is a music incubator, not the music industry, and that’s a feature. We map venues, economics, the tech crossover, and what keeps the scene original.  Highlights 01:12 Austin Music Today: vibrant, original, authentic.06:49 Streaming’s role, why touring pays.11:30 Arena bookings, pricing, club spend 18:30 Venue design and experience25:55 Music districts and competition for your dollar36:25 How ACL books talent and stays eclectic.44:31 The “Live Music Capital” narrative and exports.53:25 AI in music: Tool vs crutch58:55 What’s Next Austin?Guest BioSince 1978, Terry Lickona has been the producer, now executive producer, of "Austin City Limits." Celebrating 38 years on PBS, ACL is the longest-running popular music series in American television history. In 2003, the President of the United States awarded ACL the National Medal of Arts, the nation's highest honor for artistic excellence. In 2012, ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement. Terry has also produced other specials and series for public television, cable, domestic and foreign syndication, home video, and DVD - over 800 programs, with artists ranging from Ray Charles and Johnny Cash to Juanes, Coldplay and Neil Young to Willie Nelson, Arcade Fire, Radiohead and Pearl Jam.  October 2012 also marks the 11th anniversary of the Austin City Limits Music Festival, one of the most successful music festivals in the country. In 2011 Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater opened its doors in downtown Austin as a world class live performance venue combined with a state of the art studio soundstage. Lickona has been the co-producer of the Grammy Awards Show on CBS since 2012.  He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences from 2005-2006. He also currently serves on the Board of the Latin Recording Academy. A native of Poughkeepsie, New York, he has lived in Austin, Texas since 1974. Guest LinksAustin City Limits: Website, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

    58 min
  7. From Wristbands to AI: A New Cancer Playbook | Suzanne Stone, CEO, Livestrong

    09/09/2025

    From Wristbands to AI: A New Cancer Playbook | Suzanne Stone, CEO, Livestrong

    How do you go from a cultural icon like the yellow wristbands to building AI products?  Livestrong’s CEO Suzanne Stone argues that the through line is a focus on survivorship, the life you live from diagnosis onward. This is the leap from story to community to software and back again. Highlights 01:34 Mission: Survivorship Over Cures06:18 The Wristband as Community Signal12:39 Fertility Program and Real Cost of Cancer14:34 Copycats and What Persists 25:20 From Guidebook to Ellis, a Trusted Closed-Loop AI38:56 Guardrails, Swim Lanes, and Safety51:35 Revenue Engines and Scaling01:02:40 What’s Next Austin? Guest BioSuzanne Stone is a Texas Christian University graduate and Louisiana native whose career began in television, earning a regional Emmy Award for her work in Dallas. In 1998, she transitioned from producing television to teaching it in the nonprofit sector, leading public access television initiatives in Naperville, Illinois, and later in upstate New York. Beyond media, Suzanne spent four years as Head Coach of a New York Community college women’s basketball team while simultaneously managing a local TV station. Her passion for impact-driven work led her back to Texas, where she has since dedicated her career to leading nonprofit organizations across the state, including Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Children’s Miracle Network, Lake Travis Education Foundation, and Susan G. Komen Greater Central and East Texas. In 2019, she joined Livestrong to spearhead its mission initiatives, and in November 2023, she was named President & CEO. Today, she leads the organization in its commitment to ensuring that anyone affected by cancer has the resources and support they need to live the highest quality of life possible, regardless of the diagnosis. Guest LinksSuzanne Stone: LinkedInLivestrong: Website, X, Ellis, Livestrong Challenge 2025 -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

    1h 3m
  8. Did Austin Turn Soda Into Fashion? | Stephen Ellsworth, Co-founder, Poppi

    09/03/2025

    Did Austin Turn Soda Into Fashion? | Stephen Ellsworth, Co-founder, Poppi

    Poppi is a fashion brand that happens to be soda. Stephen Ellsworth, Co-founder of Poppi, joins us to walk through the operating choices behind turning a vinegar problem into a modern soda badge. It’s how you build, scale, and exit a consumer brand. It’s another signal that Austin’s flywheel is real and accelerating.  Highlights 01:48 Dark days, PMF before funding08:05 Farmers market to Whole Foods14:50 Rebrand beat Shark Tank awareness24:58 Poppi as Fashion33:46 Make healthy default via taste38:54 AI palate mapping46:48 Austin needs cross-sector collisions51:40 What's Next Austin?Guest LinksStephen Ellsworth: Instagram, LinkedInPoppi: Website, X, Instagram  -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

    53 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Austin is building the new tech, cultural, and intellectual stack. The region is a living laboratory to answer a single question: How do you build a global innovation superpower? Host Jason Scharf dissects innovation from the individual to the ecosystem. From the soundstage to the data center to the fab, we decode the mechanics of Austin's innovation ecosystem. As Atoms, Bits, and Intelligence converge, we explore how Hard Tech scale, digital velocity, and creative density collide. This is an audit of the future. We map the physics of the flywheel so builders and investors can navigate the chaos.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Scharf
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    170
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Austin Next

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