Something Ventured -- Silicon Valley Podcast (Technology)

Joe Garofoli is the Senior Political Writer for the San Francisco Chronicle.  He is also host of the San Francisco Chronicle podcast “It’s All Political”.  Guests on “It’s All Political” recently have included California Governor Gavin Newsom, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and a “Who’s Who” of Democratic presidential hopefuls.

Very few people have Joe Garofoli’s unique perch – here in San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley – to view California and National politics through the lens of Silicon Valley.  In this podcast he takes us “behind the scenes” of the current state of California and National US politics. We talk about everything from the recent wildfires in California, to the relationship between Governor Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump, to what issues you REALLY should be paying attention to in the upcoming California ballots.

Joe Garofoli on Twitter: https://twitter.com/joegarofoli

Kent Lindstrom on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kentlind 

Joe Garofoli at SFGate: https://www.sfgate.com/author/joe-garofoli/

Something Ventured:  www.somethingventured.us

 

Direct download: 119_joe_garofoli_2019.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 8:12pm EST

Alison McCauley is the Best Selling Author of Unblocked: How Blockchain will Change your Business and What to Do About It.

Why does blockchain matter? Alison points out that disruption is no longer a moment in time. It's a continual state. How do you understand the new opportunity? Set priorities in a complex and ever-shifting landscape? Prepare for what’s ahead? Alison helps you navigate the human side of digital acceleration.

In this episode we discuss the moment Alison came to be blown away by the potential of blockchain, how it’s like the early Internet…and the surprisingly large role of women in this industry.

I also conduct a thorough podcast investigation of whether Alison is Satoshi Nakamoto. Don’t miss it!

More about Alison McCauley:

Alison is founder and CEO of Unblocked Future, a consultancy that helps executives drive adoption at the forefront of emerging tech. She helps companies communicate their vision, resonate with stakeholders, and activate communities for change. She is a keynote speaker who, in addition to spending time in the blockchain rabbit hole, helps teams to educate and drive adoption in their markets at the front edge of innovation in IoT, robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and other developing technologies.. A social scientist by training, she spent her career studying the intersection of human behavior and emerging technology, with 20 years of consulting to technology-first startups and Fortune-500 companies across industries including healthcare, education, telecommunications, energy, retail, finance, hospitality, and manufacturing

 @unblockedfuture

https://www.alisonmccauley.io

www.somethingventured.us 

Direct download: 110_Alison_McCauley.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 6:05pm EST

Adriana is the Founder and CEO of Girls in Tech, a San Francisco-based non-profit organization that empowers women in the tech industry across the globe. Before founding Girls in Tech, Adriana served in executive roles at Ogilvy & Mather, Interpublic Group of Companies, Social Gaming Network (SGN), and SecondMarket. She has been named one of the 20 most influential Latinos in Technology by CNET, among other awards.

She is author of the book Tech Boss Lady: How to Startup, Disrupt and Thrive as a Female Founder.

In this episode, Adriana charts the influence her immigrant grandparents, and entrepreneurial parents had on her. She shares her early experience with Silicon Valley’s unwelcoming male culture, and how she came to create the global enterprise that is Girls in Tech. She discusses how sexual harassment in Silicon Valley has – and hasn’t – changed. From roller skating to balling up stress like a travel t-shirt – this episode has a bit of everything.

Girls in Tech https://girlsintech.org

Something Ventured:  something ventured.us

Direct download: Adriana_Gascoine.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 6:42pm EST

Anne Dwane is co-founder and partner of Village Global, the venture firm backed by an impressive and diverse group of investors that includes: Jeff Bezos, Sara Blakely, Reid Hoffman, Magic Johnson, Anne Wojcicki, Mark Zuckerberg, Diane Green, Judy Estrin, and Ken Chennault.

Before becoming a venture capitalist, Anne was a tech company co-founder, a private company CEO, and public company executive. She built Military.com with previous podcast guest Chris Michel, and was CEO of Zinch before it was acquired by Chegg. At Chegg she had P&L responsibility as the company became public, with a value over $1 billion.

In this episode, Anne shares her journey from Harvard Business School, to Silicon Valley, and her path to becoming a public company executive to her latest role as a venture capitalist at Village Global. 

Village Global
www.villageglobal.vc

Chegg
www.chegg.com

Something Ventured
www.somethingventured.us

 

Direct download: 107_anne_dwane_2019.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 5:10pm EST

Michael Tchong has been called "the most influential trend-spotter in America". He is a top-rated innovation speaker, adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco, trend forecaster and author of “Ubertrends — How Trends And Innovation Are Transforming Our Future.” He heads up incubator Ubercool Innovation and is the founder of four disruptive startups, including MacWEEK, Atelier Systems, CyberAtlas and ICONOCAST, all riding early market waves.

In this podcast we discuss “Ubertrends” — his proprietary framework of massive waves that are reshaping global human behavior. In this podcast, Michael and Kent discuss the trends that are shaping the future -- from "time compression" to the to the 'rise of women' -- we cover them all.

The full set of trends discussed includes: Digital Lifestyle -- Marriage of Man and Machine;  Fountain of Youth -- Rejuvenating Body, Spirit and Environment;  Generation X-tasy -- Been There, Done That;  Time Compression -- The Acceleration of Life;  Unwired -- Untethered and Unfettered;  Casual Living -- The Evaporation of Decorum;  Voyeurgasm -- I Like to Watch;  WAF (Woman's Acceptance Factor) -- Ascent of Woman;  Innovation -- Reinventing Business and Life

More about the book: Ubertrends — How Trends And Innovation Are Transforming Our Future is a graphic and eye-opening exploration of nine disruptive forces that are shape-shifting society. As these massive waves crash into the future, they leave many subtrends in their wake while leading to many cultural value changes. Society’s permanently altered behavior provides ready context for how the future will evolve

Direct download: 103_michael_tchong.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 7:46pm EST

Scott Kupor is the managing partner of famed venture firm Andreessen Horowitz, the venture capital firm with more than $7 billion of assets under management that sits at the beating heart of Sand Hill Road. Sand Hill road is, of course, the physical center of the venture capital industry – the greatest wealth-generating machine in the world. So...Scott is at the center, of the center of the global venture capital industry.

In his new book -- Secrets of Sand Hill Road: Venture Capital and How to Get It -- Scott covers a range of topics critical to any founder: Why VCs invest in particular stages, the key skill for raising venture capital, and what happens when things don’t go so well.

http://secretsofsandhillroad.com

www.a16z.com

www.penguinrandomhouse.com

In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.  

Direct download: 102_Scott_Kupor.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 8:07pm EST

Ellen Pao is CEO of Project Include and author of the book Reset: My Fight for Inclusion and Lasting Change.  Her book looks at power in the tech world – and why so few women and people of color hold it.

She famously sued an elite venture capital firm for sexism, and in doing so set off a national conversation.

As CEO of Reddit, she waged one of the first highly visible battles against Internet trolls – a topic which has since exploded as big tech companies come under heavier scrutiny.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover a range of topics. From Ellen’s experience litigating against a powerful venture capital firm to the current state of diversity in Silicon Valley she tells her story.

https://www.ellenkpao.com

https://projectinclude.org 

https://somethingventured.us

 

Direct download: 101_ellen_pao_2019.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 5:28pm EST

In this replay episode, Kent Lindstrom and Michael White have a bit of fun at the expense of Burning Man.  Burning Man is the the, um, art fest in the desert to which half of Silicon Valley decamps each year.

We discuss the history of Burning Man, what might make people go to Burning Man, and the myriad benefits of hanging out in San Francisco while everyone else is away.

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom goes behind the scenes as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online....and beyond.

Direct download: 89_Burning_Man_Replay_2018.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 8:36pm EST

Rick Marini is the founder of Protocol Ventures -- a cryptocurrency fund-of-funds, which is rapidly becoming a dominant force in the emerging cryptocurrency space.  Previously, Rick has been an entrepreneur building and selling multiple companies, including early social network Tickle and professional networking site Branchout.  Along the way, he has been a prolific angel investor, investing early in companies like Snapchat.  For these efforts, Rick was recently named one of the Top 50 Angel Investors by Forbes.

In our wide ranging conversation, we cover various trends in Silicon Valley, and dig in on cryptocurrency.  We discuss the value of a 'fund-of-funds" for an emerging asset class like cryptocurrency, the brief history of cryptocurrency, why crypto is such a huge deal and a lot more.  We also answer the question:  "Is Rick Marini Satoshi"?

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley Insider Kent Lindstrom goes behind the scenes in Silicon Valley as he goes behind the scenes with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online...and beyond.

Direct download: 88_rick_marini_of_protocol_ventures_2_of_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Joe Garofoli is the Senior Political Writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, and host of their "It's All Political" podcast.  Joe gives us his take on all things, um, political in Silicon Valley, California and beyond.

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom takes a look behind the scenes as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online....and beyond.

Direct download: 85_Joe_Garofoli.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

The second part of my conversation with Jim Scheinman ---  

Jim has been an entrepreneur and startup executive.  He is also the founder of Maven Ventures, one of Silicon Valley's seed investment firms, which counts among its investments Cruise (acquired by GM for over $1 billion), Chariot (acquired by Ford) and Zoom (which has raised over $100 million from firms including Sequoia Capital).

Jim discusses a variety of topics, including the state of entrepreneurship, the nearly billion dollar exit of Bebo to AOL, and the implications of self-driving technology (both as an investment and for society).

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 83_jim_scheinman_2_of_2_to_upload.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 6:17pm EST

Producer, Director, Writer and all-around Hollywood guy Mike Stutz has figured out how to hack the media. His protest group -- The Useful Idiots -- has figured out a way to get their message across, as only a group of creative types could.  The Useful Idiots include TV, film, theater dance and other creative people.  This episode is part 2 of Kent's conversation with Mike Stutz i which we learn how Mike and his colleagues get the cameras' attention, and get their message out to the masses.

Direct download: 78_stutz_hacking_media_2_of_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 2:23pm EST

Carter Cohen is the future.  In 1991 Douglas Copeland published the book "Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture", and we've worked our way down the alphabet ever since.  In this podcast, Kent discusses technology -- and the future -- from the perspective of a 17-year old on his way to college.  Is Snapchat the future?  Or Facebook messenger?  Listen to learn this, and more.  Oh, and you'll probably feel better about the future too!

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online -- and beyond.

Direct download: 71_carter_cohen_generation_z.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 3:27pm EST

#61 Sarah Marie of Spec Network (1 of 2) -- The Entrepreneur's Journey

Sarah Marie is co-founder and CEO of the fast-growing podcast network Spec Network (Spec.fm).  Sarah's entrepreneurial journey brought her to Silicon Valley from Minnesota, and involved an early stint at a bakery.  This is not your "Stanford/Facebook/XYZ VC" -- it's far more interesting.  

Spec Network has become a leading design and developer podcast network, with podcasts such as "Design Details", "Immutable" and "Runtime", among others.

Also discussed are the sometime challenges of navigating the streets of San Francisco -- and PC Games.  

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom Explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online...and beyond.

Direct download: 61_sarah_marie__1_of_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 5:49pm EST

#58 -- Sexism in Silicon Valley with Rachel Fairbanks

We pre-empt podcasts planned with Antonio Garcia Martinez and Sarah Marie of Spec Network, because Donald Trump made us.  (don't worry -- we'll get to Antonio and Sarah Marie shortly)  Without repeating the things Mr. Trump said about sexual assault and sexual harassment -- we're reminded that sexism, in all of its forms, is wrong.  In this previously aired, but always timely podcast, Rachel Fairbanks covers a theme that has come up many times on Something Ventured:  harassment and assault in Silicon Valley are more prevalent than many think.  Hey, this ain't Harry Stebbings 20 Minute VC!

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online....and beyond.

Direct download: 58_Rachel_Fairbanks_Sexism_Replay.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 7:00pm EST

#54 Peter Berger 2 of 2

Part 2 of Kent's conversation with Peter Berger -- CEO of Contact IQ and former Director of Strategic Development at Tagged.  Peter is also the organizer of the Silicon Valley Semantic Technology Group.

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 54_Peter_Berger_2_of_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 4:17pm EST

#52 Racism, Jackie Robinson and the Number 42

After explaining April 15th and #42 to enough people, I decided to make it into a quick podcast.  Racism being a frequent topic of this podcast, Michael White joins us to explain the significance of April 15th and the #42.  On April 14, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American player (since the 1880s) to play professional baseball in the "Major" leagues.  Also discussed are the Negro leagues, and the 5 best baseball movies of all time.

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online....and beyond.

Direct download: 52_Jackie_Robinson_Racism_and_the_Number_42.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 3:41pm EST

#49 Michael White -- Why Silicon Valley will rule Sports 2 of 2

Part 2 of 2 of Kent's conversation with Michael White, wherein he discusses his thesis of why Silicon Valley's unique economics and culture will lead to the Bay Area dominating professional sports.

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 49_Michael_White_Sports_in_Silicon_Valley_2_of_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#48 Silicon Valley Sports with Michael White

Fan favorite Michael White discusses his theory:  That Basketball (The Warriors), Baseball (The San Francisco Giants) and Hockey (the San Jose Sharks) will dominate professional sports, due to unique characteristics of Silicon Valley.  Part 1 of 2.

Direct download: michael_white_SV_Sports_part_1a_of_2a.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#47 Shaun Tai of Oakland Digital -- Full Episode

Note:  This is the full episode of Kent's conversation with Shaun:    "Shaun Tai is the Founder and Executive director of Oakland Digital, a non-profit that connects design students to local businesses. Shaun comes to Oakland Digital by way of hip hop, and the film industry.  Not everyone in Silicon Valley works in a tech company.  

Kent and Shaun discuss a wide range of topics, including how to connect lower income people to the tech industry, why Oakland hasn't overtaken San Francisco as the most desirable place to live...yet.  And a lot more.  This is the first of a 2 part conversation

Find Shaun and Oakland Digital on Twitter at:

@odalc   @shaun_tai @OaklandDigital

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 47_Shaun_Tai_Oakland_Digital_Full_episode_.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#46 Shaun Tai of Oakland Digital part 2 of 2

"Black people and Asian people SHOULD work together in Oakland".  So this one begins..  Shaun Tai is the Founder and Executive director of Oakland Digital, a non-profit that connects design students to local businesses. Shaun comes to Oakland Digital by way of hip hop, and the film industry.  Not everyone in Silicon Valley works in a tech company.  

Kent and Shaun discuss a wide range of topics, including how to connect lower income people to the tech industry, why Oakland hasn't overtaken San Francisco as the most desirable place to live...yet.  And a lot more.  This is the first of a 2 part conversation

Find Shaun and Oakland Digital on Twitter at:

@odalc   @shaun_tai @OaklandDigital

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 46_odalc_shaun_tai.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#45 Oakland Digital -- Shaun Tai

We turn to Oakland.  Shaun Tai is the Founder and Executive director of Oakland Digital, a non-profit that connects design students to local businesses. Shaun comes to Oakland Digital by way of hip hop, and the film industry.  Not everyone in Silicon Valley works in a tech company.  

Kent and Shaun discuss a wide range of topics, including how to connect lower income people to the tech industry, why Oakland hasn't overtaken San Francisco as the most desirable place to live...yet.  And a lot more.  This is the first of a 2 part conversation

Find Shaun and Oakland Digital on Twitter at:

@odalc   @shaun_tai @OaklandDigital

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 46_Shaun_Tai_of_Oakland_Digital_1_of_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#44 -- Transgender Kids in Silicon Valley -- Full Episode

Allison White, Silicon Valley school principal, discusses transgender kids.  This is the full conversation.  Some of the media referenced in this podcast:  1) John Oliver show on transgender; 2) TED Talk "Norman Spack"; 3) NBC Nightly News on Transgender Kids; 4) Rolling Stone Article "About a Girl -- Coy Mathis".

 

 

Direct download: 44_Full_Episode_-_Transgender_Kids_in_SIlicon_Valley.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#43 2/2 Transgender Kids in Silicon Valley

In part 2 of this conversation with Allison White, Silicon Valley school principal -- we continue the discussion about transgender kids in Silicon Valley.  Some of the referenced elements can be found by:  Search for NBC Nightly news, the Atlantic and John Oliver stories on transgender issues.  Rolling Stone -- search for "Coy Mathis".  

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 43_22_Transgender_Kids_in_SIlicon_Valley.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#42 Allison White - Transgender Kids in Silicon Valley 1 of 2

Kent sits down with Silicon Valley school principal Allison White to discuss transgender kids.  Many in Silicon Valley are only slowly beginning to understand transgender issues in the Valley and how to be supportive.  In this discussion the issues faced by transgender kids and families in Silicon Valley are discussed.

Show Notes -- referenced in this podcast:

TED Talk
https://www.ted.com/talks/norman_spack_how_i_help_transgender_teens_become_who_they_want_to_be

John Oliver
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmoAX9f6MOc 

NBC Nightly News-Transgender Kids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGPRNbxON8g

Rolling Stone
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/about-a-girl-coy-mathis-fight-to-change-change-gender-20131028

Direct download: 42_Allison_White_Transgender_Kids_in_Silicon_Valley_1_of_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#39  Ben Cheung -- The Entrepreneur's Journey

Entrepreneur Ben Cheung, founder of Genee, details his journey from Southern China to the US, and eventually to Intel and VMware.

Ben discusses the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur, as he describes his path to making Genee a success.  

Genee is a virtual assistant that coordinates meetings for individuls or groups.  But his story will be a familiar one to most entrepreneurs.

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines, as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online...and beyond.

Direct download: 39_Benjamin_Cheung_of_Genee.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 9:03pm EST

#38 "2015 Pridecast"

In the 2015 "Pridecast", Kent discusses 2 transgender people from the world of technology who you sould know:  Lana Wachowski and Martine Rothblatt.

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines, as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online.... and beyond.

Direct download: 38_2015_Pridecast.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 2:58pm EST

#35 Neil Cohen -- "Get a Job"

Neil Cohen -- Silicon Valley CMO and San Francisco State lecturer talks about the etiquette of job searching and of hiring candidates in Silicon Valley.  Silicon Valley's hot job market doesn't keep candidates from making wealth minimizing mistakes -- so Kent and Neil discuss how to get it right.

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom goes behind the scenes in Silicon Valley with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 35_Neil_Cohen-_22Get_a_Job22_Part_1.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#34 Charlie Recksieck  2 of 2-- Tech and Music

In this part 2 of 2, Charlie Recksieck continues the conversation on music.  We begin by explaining Mark Zuckerberg and his foray into Wirehog, before Facebook.  Also discussed are how the music business works today -- how new technologies impact how artists get paid, and the implications for promoting and monetizing band tours.  Charlie's band is The Bigfellas, whose music was featured in the 2012 documentary "Don't Change the Subject".

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines, as he sits down with the peole who are shaping the way we view the world onlnie.....and beyond.

Direct download: 34_Charlie_Recksieck_2_of_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 2:46pm EST

#32 Preet Anand -- The Entrepreneur's Battle 2 of 2

In episode 2 of 2 with Preet Anand, we discuss Blue Light, the startup focused on public safety, of which Preet is CEO and Founder.  Topics include -- the process (and game) of fundraising.  Also discussed is the uniqueness of a startup in the public safety space, as well as the ups and downs of being an entrepreeur in Silicon Valley.

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online...and beyond.

Direct download: 32_Preet_Anand_and_The_Entrepreneurs_Battle_Part_2_of_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Bluelight founder and CEO Preet Anand discusses the ups and downs of his startup in this first of 2 episodes.  In "Something Ventured" fashion the first episode covers -- yes -- housing in Silicon Valley.  Also discussed are Preet's experiences at Zynga, and observations of life in the Bay Area.

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley Veteran Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online...and beyond.

Direct download: 31_Preet_Anand_and_The_Entrepreneurs_Battle_Part_1_of_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 1:51pm EST

#29 Neil Cohen Talks Mexico Entrepreneurship

Neil Cohen is a marketing executive and advisor with experience ranging from Sega and Hilton to numerous successful startups.  He is a board member of SF State UCORP and a Mentor to StartupMexico.  In this podcast, Neil and Kent discuss the booming entrepreneurial scene in Mexico City, and contrast it to Silicon Valley

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In the Something Ventured podcast Silicon Valley veteran Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 29_Neil_Cohen_--_Mexico__International.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#28 Holiday Replay Vincent Robinson on Being Gay in Silicon Valley

On October 30, 2014, Tim Cook -- Apple's CEO -- came out as gay.  He never denied it, but now said  " I haven't acknowledged it publicly, until now".

Tim Cook and other gay Silicon Valley executives were discussed in an earlier podcast with executive Vincent Robinson.  Here, we replay that episode.

Happy holidays.  Kent Lindstrom.... @kentlind

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people changing the way we view the world online and beyond.

 

Direct download: 28_Vincent_Robinson_Gay_In_SIlicon_Valley_replay.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Peter Shanley is an executive at Neo Innovation, and previously worked at Yahoo, Hewlett Packard and Betable.  He discusses "Learn Startup" concepts for big companies. Part 2 of 2.

 

In the Something Ventued podcast, Silicon Valley Insider Kent Lindstrom explores the relaity behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 27_Peter_Shanley_2_of_2_Lean_Startup_in_Big_Companies.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Jim Egbert, the Silicon Valley executive for a major financial firm, returns to talk to Kent about the first 25 episodes of Something Ventured.  Silicon Valley topics covered range from Burning Man to the structure of the internet.  Part 2 of 2.

 

In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 26_Jim_Egbert_25th_Epi-versary_Part_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#25 Jim Egbert 25th Epi-versary

Jim Egbert talks to Kent about the first 25 episodes of "Something Ventured". Issues in Silicon Valley discussed included -- being a gay CEO, sexism, librarians (yep, librarians), racism, hipsters and more.

In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 25_Jim_Egbert_25th_Epi-versary_Part_1.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#24 Peter Shanley 1 of 2 -- Housing and Social Issues in San Francisco

Peter Shanley has worked at large technology companies like Yahoo and Hewlett Packard -- but started in San Francisco running a housing project in San Francisco's most economically challened neighborhood -- the Tenderloin.  In the first part of our conversation with Peter, he talks aobut what drives the housing crunch in San Francisco, and various issues around San Francisos's difficult social problems.

 

In the Something Ventured podcast Slicon Vallen insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines, as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online...and beyond.

Direct download: 24_Peter_Shanley_1_of_2_SF_Housing_and_Social_Issues.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 3:45pm EST

#23 Jim Egbert 2 of 2 Globalization of Engineering Talent

In the second part, Jim Egbert continues the discussion of hwo firms can source talent, beyond a certain set of people in Silicon Valley.  Also included are some sound and not-so-obvious ways to manage an engineering career.

Direct download: 23_Jim_Egbert_--_2_of_2_Globalization_of_Engineering.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 2:52pm EST

#22 Jim Egbert -- 1 of 2:  Tech Talent Abroad

Jim Egbert has been an executive at small and large companies, established ones and startups.  He currently is the Silicon Valley executive for one of hte world's largest payment companies. In this episode he darws on his experience running a software firm from Budapest.  In particular -- the employer's point of view is discussed.  What to do  in a world where new college graduates can command $100,000 salaries and free meals?  The sustainability of the situation, as well as emerging sources of engineering talent are discussed.  Part 1 of 2.

Direct download: 22_Jim_Egbert_1_of_2_Tech_Talent_Abroad.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 8:57pm EST

#21 Michael White -- Silicon Valley goes to Burning Man

Every summer, Silicon Valley heads to Burning Man.  In a lighthearted look at Burning Man, Kent and Michael White discuss burning man.  The history of burning man is covered (including the 'anarchy' year).  Also discussed is just how rich the attendees are, and the irony of even richer people showing up.  

Also covered is Burning Man's "K Street".  Or "Billionaires Row" -- the new Burning Man camp for rich people, that is rich with irony.  

The documentary "Spark --  A Burning Man Story" provides source material for the podcast.

 

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In Something Ventured, Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 21_Michael_White_Talks_Burning_Man.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 3:25pm EST

#20 Tim Rosenblatt -- The Internet is a Series of Tubes

Kent Lindstrom sits down with Tim Rosenblatt -- who has been coding for 20 years, on the web since 1996.  They discuss various tech issues, including the physical structure of the Internet, and why Silicon Valley is the "Capital City".  Also discussed are the Commodore 64, why Netscape failed, and the concept of "code debt".

 

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Kent Lindstrom (@kentlind) explores the reality behidn the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 20_Tim_Rosenblatt_Aug_12_2014.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 4:00pm EST

#19 Linda Kelly -- Grateful Dead and Astrology.com

Linda Kelly is Editor-in-Chief of the website Astrology.com.  She is also the author of the book "Deadheads:  Stories from Fellow Arists, Friends and Followers of the Grateful Dead".  She came to that book project, after meeting Jerry Garcia while working for Spin magazine.

Her journey to becoming an author is discussed, as well as the relationship the Grateful Dead have to the Bay area.  

 

Also discussed -- the popularity of Astrology.com, and how they've carried one of newspapers' most popular features onto the Internet.

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The Something Ventured podcast is released each Tuesday at 9am PST.  In it, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines, as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 19_Linda_Kelly_Grateful_Dead.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Mike Stutz is a Hollywood director, writer, filmmaker, producer ("showrunner").  In this "Hollywood edition" of Something Ventured, Mike sits down with Kent to discuss how reality TV has evolved.  Also discussed are what is real in reality TV, and what is not.  Comparisons are made to Silicon Valley content companies, and Kent and Mike discuss how society's behavior is impacted by reality TV, consumer websites, video games and...even porn websites.

Part 2 of 2

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Something Ventured is released every Tuesday at 9am PST

 

In Something Ventured, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines, as he sits down with the people who are changing the way we view the world online....and beyond.

 

Direct download: 18_Stutz_Reality_Part_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#17 Mike Stutz -- Part 1/2:  Reality of Reality TV

Mike Stutz is a Hollywood director, writer, filmmaker, producer ("showrunner").  In this "Hollywood edition" of Something Ventured, Mike sits down with Kent to discuss how reality TV has evolved.  Also discussed are what is real in reality TV, and what is not.  Comparisons are made to Silicon Valley content companies, and Kent and Mike discuss how society's behavior is impacted by reality TV, consumer websites, video games and...even porn websites.

Part 1 of 2

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Something Ventured is released every Tuesday at 9am PST

 

In Something Ventured, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines, as he sits down with the people who are changing the way we view the world online....and beyond.

 

Direct download: 17_Stutz_Reality_Part_1.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

CEO Vincent Robinson discusses issues around being gay in Silcon Valley.  Discussed are the contrasts of San Francisco in the 1980s and today, the evolution of the Castro Disctrict and San Francisco's Gay Pride parade.  Also discussed:  Is there a "Gay Mafia" in Silicon Valley?  Why are there so few (none) openly gay Fortune 500 executives?  What forms of discrimination do gay people face in Silicon Valley?  Proposition 8, Mozilla and Twitter are also discussed.

 

In the "Something Ventured" Podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

 

 

Direct download: 16_Vince_Robinson_Gay_Issues_.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#15 Sexism in Silicon Valley, Part 2

The second of two parts, Rachel Fairbanks discusses sexism issues women face in Silicon Valley.  Discussed are the recent issues involving Github, Sendgrid, Tinder, and several other companies.  The themes of the movie Frozen are explained for people who don't have young daughters.  Finally, advice on how to help reduce sexism is given

 

In the "Something Ventured" podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online....and beyond.

Direct download: 15_rachel_sexism_2_music_2.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#14 Sexism in Silicon Valley, Part 1

Rachel Fairbanks, software executive, talks about sexism in Silicon Valley.  This is part one of two parts.  This first episode is a bit rough -- detailing some of the things women experience as they navigate Silicon Valley.  The #yesallwomen hashtag is explained and discussed, as well as recent incidents involving Github, Tinder, Snapchat, Sendgrid and more.

Stick with this one.  In part 2 #itgetsbetter.

 

In Something Ventured, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines, as he sits down with the people who are shaping the way we view the world online.....and beyond.

Direct download: 14_Sexism_in_Silicon_Valley_Part_1.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#13 Libraries in the Age of Google

Cindy Aden was Amazon's first librarian, head of the Washington Library Assocation, and is an executive at the world's largest library co-op.  

Discussed are -- historical aspects of libraries, the library at Alexandria -- and libraries before the age of the internet.  Also discussed are how libraries have evolved alongside the internet, what drives people to become librarians  and why librarians and libraries still matter even in the age of Google and Amazon.

 

In the Something Ventured podcast, Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the people who are shaping the world onine....and beyond.

Direct download: 13_Cindy_Aden_on_Libraries.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Rachel Fairbanks talks with Kent and it does not end well for hipsters.  Rachel is a software executive in Silicon Valley, who lives near hipster ground zero.  Silicon Valley is discussed, with a quick foray into culture.  Rachel briefly talks about being an American woman living in Asia.  When the discussion turns to hipsters -- things get nasty.

Note:  No actual hipsters were harmed in the production of this podcast.

 

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In "Something Ventured", Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the seasoned veterans and up-and-comers who are shaping the way we view the world online...and beyond.

Direct download: 12_Rachel_Fairbanks.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#11 Mike Stutz --- Silicon Valley goes to Hollywood

In the 11th Something Ventured episode, Silicon Valley meets Hollywood, and they may not be getting along.  Mike Stutz (Hollywood producer, director, writer and actor) discusses the future of produced television in the age of Youtube.  He contrasts cable television economics with web portal/Youtube economics.  The different worldviews of TV and Internet people are discussed.  Mike also explains his journey to becoming a Hollywood producer/writer/director, and his place in the Hollywood hierarchy.  Warning:  Contains mild name dropping.

Direct download: 11_Mike_Stutz_talks_content.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#10 Me

In this "Freaky Friday" episode, regular host Kent Lindstrom is interviewed by guest Eric Hall.  Obviously, the subject matter is fascinating.  Discussed are how Kent ended up in Silicon Valley, and why the "Something Ventured" podcast.

 

In the "Something Ventured" podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with the seasoned veterans and up-and-comers who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 10_Kent_Lindstrom_is_interviewed.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Vincent Robinson shares his journey from Erie Pennsylvania, through Goldman Sachs and Stanford to Silicon Valley, where he now runs his own company.  Topics include how some African-Americans view startup risk, the power of Goldman Sachs, and the similarities between Silicon Valley and Washington DC.  Also discussed are changes in San Francisco since the 1990s, and why New York continues to obsess about San Francisco.  Also whether Oakland is the next Brooklyn or the next Portland.

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In the Something Ventured podcast, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the headlines, as he sits down with the seasoned veterans and up-and-comers who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 9_Vincent_Robinson_.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

#8 Eric Hall of Dolby discusses Corporate Life in The Valley

Dolby's Eric Hall sits down with Kent to discuss the joys of working at a big tech company.  The IPO of Dolby and why big companies can be as satisfying as the small ones.  Also covered are SF protestors, the oversupply of product managers in Silicon Valley.  New York's ongoing obsessionw ith San Francisco is also discussed.

 

In Something Ventured, Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the headlines, as he sits down with the seasoned veterans, and the up-and-comers who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 8_Eric_Hall_Corporate_Life.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Michael White and Kent discuss the TV show Silicon Valley on HBO.  Also, briefly discussed, is the role of technology in baseball.

Someting Ventured Podcast -- Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines, as he sits down with the established veterans and up-and-comers who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

New episodes are posted at noon each Tuesday.

Direct download: 7_Michael_White_Silicon_Valley_the_TV_Show.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Nick Heyman - Facebook's first ops director -- talks about the early days at Facebook.  Also discussed are what wealth did to Facebook employees, and what Facebook's latest strategic moves are all about.

The Something Ventured Podcast is released every Tuesday at noon.  Silicon Valley insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines  as he sits down with the established veterans and up and comers who are shaping the way we view the world online and beyond.

Direct download: 6_Nick_Heyman_of_Facebook.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Kent Lindstrom and Michael White -- very carefully -- discuss sexism in Silicon Valley.  An aricle about Silicon Valley (from the New York based press) covers issues around an inappropriate mobile app, the reactions to it and the implications.  The first in a series of discussions with different people about gender in Silcon Valley.

 

In "Something Ventured" startup insider Kent Lindstrom explores the reality behind the Silicon Valley headlines as he sits down with established veterans and up-and-comerrs who are chanign the way we view the world onine and beyond.

Direct download: 5_Something_Ventured_Sexism_in_Silicon_Valley.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Michael White -- Silicon Valley Attorney to corpoate clients -- discusses how to maintain control of your company.  Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg famously has ironclad control of his company, to its great benefit.  Also discussed is "why so much animosity towad lawyers?"

Direct download: 4_Something_Ventured_Attorney_Michael_White__on_Maintining_Control.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Eric Hall ifrom Dolby s the guest.  Topics discussed include why the sound quality component of technology  has fallen, while everything else has gotten sharper.  Also discussed is the beginning of the Beats saga.  Thomas Dolby's role in Dolby is cleared up.

Direct download: 3_Somthing_Ventured_Dolby_Guy_Eric_Hall_on_Beats_Headphones.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

A famous venture capitalist tells the Wall Street Journal that rich people are being persecuted, comparing them to the Jewish people living in Germany in 1938.  He also imagines himself being of a kind with people who ride (Google) buses to work.  The craziness of Silicon Valley 'us vs. them' mentality is discussed.

Direct download: 2_Something_Ventured__Kristallnacht_and_Google_Buses.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 3:46pm EST

In the first episode, Kent Lindstrom talks about the inspiration behind Something Ventured, and welcomes listeners to explore the people and ideas of Silicon Valley.

Direct download: 1_Something_Ventured_--_Why.m4a
Category:Technology -- posted at: 9:06pm EST

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