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.

Firewall Firewall

    • 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.

    Who Owns the Next Decade?

    Who Owns the Next Decade?

    In response to Noah Smith's 'Seven Reasons America is Headed for a More Conservative Decade', Bradley offers five countervailing reasons of his own. Plus, is the anti-China narrative good for America; why the success of the Neurolink brain implant suggests a future union of man and machine; and what new books Bradley recommends for the beach (not that he personally ever reads on the beach, but you get the point).
    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 + YouTube, and be sure to pre-order his upcoming book, Vote With Your Phone. 

    • 44 min
    Are Venture Capitalists Blowing It?

    Are Venture Capitalists Blowing It?

    Jordan Nof, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Tusk Venture Partners, returns to Firewall to discuss the challenging climate for VCs. Given that the economy is strong, inflation is down, the stock market is booming and crypto has rebounded, what's holding venture back and how does politics factor into its recovery?
    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 + YouTube, and be sure to pre-order his upcoming book, Vote With Your Phone.

    • 45 min
    The Purpose Void

    The Purpose Void

    Why are young educated Americans rooting for Hamas? Bradley sketches out his thoughts for how to rebuild a sense of meaning and purpose. Plus, two things he agrees with — the ban of betting on political races and Mayor Adams’ Operation Padlock — and one he doesn’t: the rabid outrage over Apple’s iPad ad. If that company was afraid of making mistakes, it would never be what it is today.
    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 pre-order his upcoming book, Vote With Your Phone. 

    • 47 min
    Where Do We Go From Radical Candor?

    Where Do We Go From Radical Candor?

    Kim Scott, author of the blockbuster management book "Radical Candor" joins Bradley to discuss her follow-up "Radical Respect" as well as her new campaign, the Coalition of Concerned Creators, to give creators a fighting chance against the all-powerful tech platforms.
    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. 

    • 51 min
    Biden vs. Trump Rematch Bracket

    Biden vs. Trump Rematch Bracket

    What single factor will have the biggest effect in an election where both candidates have already been president and have essentially 100% name ID? Bradley makes a list of the top 16 factors, sets them off against each other in a tournament bracket and picks the winners with pollster extraordinaire Jefrey Pollock of Global Strategy Group. And the champion is ... sorry, we're not giving it away. You'll just have to listen.
    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. 

    • 49 min
    The Gilded Newsroom

    The Gilded Newsroom

    What do you call a hedge fund that reports and publishes its own stories? Bradley talks to Sam Koppelman, co-founder and publisher of HunterBrook, an innovative hybrid that seeks to break news and generate alpha. "There's this myth that journalism is a terrible business," says Koppelman. "It's actually only a really terrible business for journalists."
    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. 

    • 39 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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