300 episodes

Politics, technology and the pursuit of happiness. Twice a week, Bradley Tusk, New York-based political strategist and venture investor, covers the collision between new ideas and the real world. His operating thesis is that you can't understand tech today without understanding politics, too. Recorded at P&T Knitwear, his bookstore / podcast studio, 180 Orchard Street, New York City.

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    • News
    • 4.8 • 74 Ratings

Politics, technology and the pursuit of happiness. Twice a week, Bradley Tusk, New York-based political strategist and venture investor, covers the collision between new ideas and the real world. His operating thesis is that you can't understand tech today without understanding politics, too. Recorded at P&T Knitwear, his bookstore / podcast studio, 180 Orchard Street, New York City.

    The Gaza - Schumer - TikTok Triangle

    The Gaza - Schumer - TikTok Triangle

    Yes, there is a plausible scenario for the war stopping, Chinese control of social media ending and the Democrats holding off the Republicans in the fall. Plus, Bradley gives his 13-point scouting report on Aaron Rodgers as running mate, explains how to get the best results from talking to the media and analyzes two new trends on the work-life balance.
    This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.
    Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.
    Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter, follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack, and be sure to order his debut novel, OBVIOUS IN HINDSIGHT. 

    • 55 min
    Who’s Gonna Shrink the Damn Rent?

    Who’s Gonna Shrink the Damn Rent?

    Bringing sky-high housing costs back down to earth is becoming a popular rallying cry in New York. Bradley talks to Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine about how to ignite the right kind of building boom.
    This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.
    Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media.
    Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter, follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack, and be sure to order his debut novel, OBVIOUS IN HINDSIGHT. 

    • 43 min
    TikTok's Citizen Army

    TikTok's Citizen Army

    Why did the attempt by the social media giant to mimic the 'Uber Play' — ie, politicize its user base — fail to work on Congress? Bradley parses the limits of the tactic he made famous and explains why Trump's flip-flop is not going to hurt him. Plus, he offers his thoughts on 'The Golden Age of American Jews is Ending', Frank Foer's excellent cover story for The Atlantic, Governor Hochul's deployment of the National Guard in the subway and the dazzling future home (fingers crossed) of the beleaguered Oakland A's.

    • 49 min
    The Quasi-Recovery of New York City

    The Quasi-Recovery of New York City

    Compared to big American cities, post-pandemic New York looks pretty good. On the other hand, the mayor has a 28 percent approval rating, toothpaste is still kept under lock and key and we can't get a handle on mental illness or illicit drugs. Bradley talks it all out with Ross Barkan, who writes a great Substack on city politics, media and culture. Plus, Barkan explains his theory of the all-important *mesoculture* — what it was, how we lost it and why we need it to come back.
    This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.
    Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media
    Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter, follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack, and be sure to order his debut novel, OBVIOUS IN HINDSIGHT. 

    • 42 min
    Unhappy Rich People

    Unhappy Rich People

    How can we restore a sense of balance and fairness to capitalism? Bradley ruminates on where our heedless pursuit of money and status is taking us. Plus, he proposes a remedy for immigration that is so simple it couldn't possibly work, except why the heck not; explains why we get so freaked out by "surge pricing"; and offers a hopeful take on the Supreme Court doing the right thing and rescuing democracy, if it comes down to that.
    This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.
    Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: info@firewall.media
    Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter, follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack, and be sure to order his debut novel, OBVIOUS IN HINDSIGHT. 

    • 50 min
    What If the Election Ends in a Tie

    What If the Election Ends in a Tie

    Well, it can’t *end* that way, obviously, but if the Electoral College is deadlocked at 269 — a remote but not implausible outcome — it will set off a process that could set a new peak of Trump era mayhem. Bradley plays out the thought exercise with Tom Bonier of TargetSmart, a leading Democratic poll and data shop. They also review the rest of the ‘24 political landscape and come to the conclusion that our darkest fears may not be realized after all. But it’ll be nail biter alright.
    This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.
    Send us an email with your thoughts on today’s episode: bradley@firewall.media.
    Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter, follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack, and be sure to order his debut novel, OBVIOUS IN HINDSIGHT. 

    • 41 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
74 Ratings

74 Ratings

Jay A. Dubs ,

Great podcast!

One of my favorite podcasts. Always a great perspective on current events, politics, tech, books and NYC.

Douglaster NYC ,

My favorite podcast

If you are a VC, entrepreneur, aspiring politician or just interested in the intersection of business and politics through a NYC lens, this should be a regular listen.

Candid widow ,

Firewall

I love this podcast! Thanks so much for doing it. It’s always thought provoking and full of ideas to ponder. Wish Brad would run for office again!

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