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    Who does Silicon Valley want to elect in 2024?

    enJuly 24, 2024
    What technology are companies like Elastic leveraging?
    Who endorsed Vice President Harris recently?
    What ice cream brand did Tyra Banks launch?
    What controversial decision did Google reverse regarding Chrome?
    How is Silicon Valley influencing the upcoming election?

    Podcast Summary

    • AI in BusinessCompanies like Elastic are utilizing AI technology to enhance capabilities in various industries, while significant business events include endorsements, cease and desist orders, and bidding wars.

      Innovative companies, like Elastic, are leveraging AI technology to empower teams and provide real-time insights to various industries, from site reliability engineering to security analysis and developer search capabilities. Meanwhile, in the business world, significant events included President Biden's endorsement of Vice President Harris and the cease and desist sent by Condé Nast to Perplexity AI. Additionally, Google has reversed its decision to eliminate cookies in Chrome, and Warner Bros. Discovery and Amazon are in a bidding war for NBA broadcasting rights. Silicon Valley's role in the upcoming election was also discussed, with notable figures like Mark Andreessen and David Sachs supporting different candidates.

    • VCs Endorse Trump for 2024Mark Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, known for their expertise in business and tech, have endorsed Trump for 2024 despite criticisms for overlooking cultural and societal issues. Harris, a Democratic nominee, may leverage her stance against big tech and recent fundraising success to challenge this endorsement.

      Mark Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, prominent venture capitalists, have publicly endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election. They have explained their decision by focusing on their expertise in business and the tech industry, and their belief that Trump's policies will be beneficial for these areas. However, their decision has been criticized for ignoring cultural and societal issues that have previously led them to oppose Trump. The lack of detail in the Republican Party platform and Trump's past policies have also been noted as potential justifications for their endorsement. Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, has a record of taking stances against big tech, but is also seen as pro-business. Her recent fundraising success among traditional Democratic donors and tech workers suggests that she may be able to animate opposition to the VCs' endorsement of Trump.

    • 2024 Presidential Race Tech IssuesThe 2024 presidential race between Kamala Harris and potential Republican nominees will involve navigating AI development, China tensions, antitrust regulations, meme culture, and balancing small businesses vs tech monopolies.

      The 2024 presidential race between Kamala Harris and potential Republican nominees, including JD Vance, will involve navigating the complexities of AI development, geopolitical tensions with China, and antitrust regulations. Harris will need to balance the need to accelerate AI development with addressing potential risks, while Vance, despite his anti-big tech stance, shares some overlapping views with the Biden administration on tech issues. The meme culture surrounding political campaigns, including Harris' and Biden's, may impact voter perception, but the importance of digital video in reaching younger, unreachable voters cannot be ignored. Additionally, the ongoing tension between promoting small businesses and the power of tech monopolies is a significant issue in the tech policy landscape.

    • Food TV and SustainabilityRene Redzepi's Apple TV+ cooking show, 'The Heart of the Plate,' emphasizes individual ingredients and sustainability, inspiring viewers to reconsider their relationship with food without shaming them, and was made possible through a host-less, guide-focused format.

      Rene Redzepi, the renowned chef behind Noma restaurant, drew inspiration from his past experiences with food TV and childhood idol David Attenborough to create a unique and sustainable cooking show. The show, "The Heart of the Plate," focuses on individual ingredients that have shaped the world, and was made possible through Apple TV+'s belief in a host-less, guide-focused format. The production took two to three years, and Redzepi learned and grew as a cook throughout the process. The show emphasizes the importance of food and sustainability, inspiring viewers to reconsider their relationship with it, rather than shaming them into change. Redzepi also discussed the future of Noma, which includes a shift towards meatless days and a new financial platform to support the organization's growth and creativity beyond fine dining. The success of Noma's fermentation lab led to the creation of No More Projects, which produces and sells consumer goods to help people cook better at home, and potentially collaborate with other food startups and universities. Despite the challenges of the fine dining industry, Redzepi is optimistic about the future of Noma and its ability to turn a profit with the right plan in place.

    • Impact of family on businessThe organization values family life and education, planning a six-month pop-up in Japan for their team and children, and recognizes the importance of good nutrition and family meals in their work perspective.

      The organization discussed aims to be a strong, resilient, and financially stable business, with a focus on creativity and potential lifelong impact. They are currently planning a six-month pop-up in Japan, where they will bring their team and their children, providing them with a regular life and education. Regarding entertainment, the team expressed admiration for Keith Floyd's television shows and the movie "Big Night," although they haven't watched some food-related media due to the negative portrayal of foodies. They also discussed the impact of having children on their perspective of work and the importance of good nutrition and family meals. René Redzepi, the chef, shared that a roast chicken dish was the first meal that sparked his curiosity and passion for cooking at the age of 15.

    • Sustainability in CookingRené Redzepi's experience with foraging for wild snails led him to understand the importance of sustainable practices in cooking and the impact of depleting resources.

      The first experience with sustainability for René Redzepi, chef and co-owner of Noma, came not from a meal but from foraging for wild snails and realizing the consequences of depleting a resource. This moment led him to consider the importance of being mindful and responsible in using ingredients. Throughout his career, René has found passion in his work and discovered surprising stories behind various ingredients, such as the history of bananas and their impact on countries. Through his show and experiences, he emphasizes the significance of sustainable practices and the role of governments in promoting healthier agriculture for the planet and people. René's work at Noma remains his main focus, but he also seeks to explore new ways of working and continues to be inspired by the world's diverse ingredients.

    • Ingredient quality vs. overrated itemsHigh-quality ingredients can enhance taste experience, while overrated items may not necessarily provide the same level of enjoyment for everyone. Proper research and knowledge are crucial before consuming wild or unfamiliar ingredients.

      High-quality ingredients, like La Rifa chocolate or properly seasoned food, can significantly enhance the taste experience. On the other hand, overrated ingredients or luxury items, such as Wagyu or caviar, may not necessarily provide the same level of enjoyment for everyone. Additionally, the importance of proper research and knowledge before consuming wild or unfamiliar ingredients cannot be overstated, as demonstrated by René Redzepi's foraging accidents in the past. Regarding pop culture, Izzy is keeping tabs on the latest photos of the "Sex and the City" cast, particularly Carrie and Big, while Josh is following reviews of the fourth season of "The Boys," which has received mixed reactions due to its satirical take on corporate America and superheroes.

    • Tyra Banks' ice cream brandTyra Banks, known for hosting America's Next Top Model and judging Dancing With Stars, started an ice cream brand called Smize Cream, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability to new opportunities

      Tyra Banks, former America's Next Top Model host and Dancing With Stars judge, has recently started an ice cream brand called Smize Cream. This name is a nod to the popular term "smize" from her modeling days. Despite her busy schedule, she even found time to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris to her business. The name "Smize and Dream Ice Cream" leaves some confusion about the meaning of "dream," but it's better than "smisecream." The ice cream itself is reportedly good. This unexpected business venture from Banks demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to adapt to new opportunities. It also serves as a reminder that even successful people can make unexpected pivots in their careers.

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