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 Danger of Playing It Safe

    The Danger of Playing It Safe

    Would our big cities be better off today if mayors had the guts to beg for forgiveness rather than always asking for permission? Bradley talks to New York City Council Member Justin Brannan of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn about how assertiveness fueled his unlikely rise from hard-core bands to Wall Street to politics.
    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. 

    • 34 min
    The Unhappy States of America

    The Unhappy States of America

    The World Happiness Report is a bummer for Americans, says Bradley, but there are practical things we can do about it. Such as, why not score legislation for happiness the way we do for budgetary impact? Plus, how the DOJ's antitrust case against Apple is perceived differently than cases against Google, Meta and Amazon and what's important about the betting scandal involving Shohei Ohtani's translator.
    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. 

    • 1 hr
    What Comes After a Golden Age?

    What Comes After a Golden Age?

    Franklin Foer joins Bradley and regular guest Howard Wolfson to discuss Foer's recent cover story for The Atlantic called "The Golden Age of American Jews is Ending." They talk about the resurgence of anti-Semitism in America, how to separate it from legitimate criticism of Israel and where it all goes from here.
    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 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

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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