In this episode, Reid and Aria are live from New York as they unpack why predictions about the “death” of San Francisco and New York keep missing the mark and how network effects continue to anchor these cities as the world’s leading tech and finance hubs. Reid also shares advice for young founders choosing where to build and explains how to align your startup with the right economic network by breaking down lessons from companies like Shopify and Spotify that scaled outside Silicon Valley. The conversation then shifts to the future of AI in biotech as Reid offers an update on Manas AI and why curing disease hinges on regulation as much as technological breakthroughs. The episode closes with a candid discussion on media, political pressure, and the dangers of “pre-obeying” authority. Reid reflects on free speech, institutional courage, and what a volatile post-midterm landscape could mean for American democracy.

Network effects, AI medicine, and the fight for free speech

Spotify

What if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Possible is an award-winning, weekly podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Hosts Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger explore what’s possible with forward-thinking leaders, deep thinkers, and ambitious builders across many fields, such as technology, art, education and healthcare. These conversations center on the ways technology—and, in particular, AI—is shaping the future. In episodes, AI tools such as OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Inflection’s Pi are at work, offering informational asides, prompting guests, or demoing what they can do. Lastly, between guest episodes, Aria interviews her co-host Reid on his latest takes on what’s possible if we use technology—and our collective effort—effectively.

Possible

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