This week on Prof G Markets, Scott shares his thoughts on Twitter rebranding as “X,” and takes us through some of the best and worst branding moves in corporate history. He then takes a look at Mattel’s media strategy on the heels of Barbie’s blockbusting performance at the box office. Finally, he makes a prediction about where Snap is headed given continued weakness in the digital ad market.
Archives: Podcasts
Office Hours: Apple’s Investment in Healthcare, Should I Send My Child to Private School? and How to Introduce Social Media to Your Children
Scott gives his thoughts on Apple’s investment in the healthcare space and whether it will be Apple’s greatest contribution to mankind. He then offers advice to a listener seeking guidance on whether to send their kids to private school for a hefty sum. He wraps up with a discussion about navigating and managing your kid’s social media usage.
Prof G Markets: Carvana and Corporate Governance, Hollywood vs. Microsoft, and Oddity’s IPO
This week on Prof G Markets, Scott shares his thoughts on Carvana’s questionable governance in light of its recent debt restructuring. He then explains why Hollywood writers and actors should be picketing outside of Microsoft instead of the studios. Scott also discusses the successful public debut of Oddity, a beauty AI company, and why he tends to hold onto stocks for at least a year, even if they seem like momentum trades.
Office Hours: Why Cars are the Next Battleground for Attention, Advice to a Young Real Estate Investor, and Balancing Fun with Frugality in Your 20s
Scott gives his thoughts on the auto industry’s approach to in-vehicle infotainment and describes it as “the next battleground” in an attention economy. He then gives advice on investing in real estate as a young person whose earnings are unpredictable. He wraps up by discussing the importance of striking a balance between frugality and embracing life’s pleasures when you’re young.
Media Tumult, Masculinity, Failure, and Fatherhood — with Jake Tapper
Jake Tapper, CNN’s chief Washington correspondent and host of the weekday television news show “The Lead,” joins Scott to discuss his latest book, “All The Demons Are Here,” along with his thoughts on the current media landscape and the upcoming presidential election. We also hear about Jake’s professional successes and failures, and get his take on being a good father and partner. Follow Jake on Twitter, @jaketapper.
Scott opens by addressing a viral Washington Post essay on masculinity that featured his insights on young men and the challenges they face. Additionally, he offers recommendations for supporting and empowering that cohort – noting that compassion is not a zero-sum game. Follow the author of that essay on Twitter, @ChristineEmba.
Algebra of Happiness: forgive yourself, a lot of failures aren’t your fault.
Prof G Markets: Inflation’s Descent, Sam Altman’s SPAC, and Private Equity’s Latest Target
This week on Prof G Markets, Scott breaks down what the latest inflation data means for the American economy. He then shares his thoughts on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman taking a nuclear power company public via SPAC. Finally, he explains why private equity firms are circling mom-and-pop businesses.
Understanding AI’s Threats and Opportunities — with Mo Gawdat
Mo Gawdat, the former Chief Business Officer of Google [X] and an expert on happiness, joins Scott to discuss the need to control our response to AI, how this technology is impacting society, and the four major threats he’s identified. We also hear about Mo’s transition out of tech to focus on happiness. Follow Mo on Instagram, @mo_gawdat.
Scott opens with his thoughts on Threads and has a question for Mark Zuckerberg: are you Darth Vader, or are you Anakin?
Algebra of Happiness: express love and admiration as often as you can.
State of Play: The Video Game Industry — with Joost van Dreunen
In this special episode of The Prof G Pod’s Office Hours, we speak with Joost van Druenen, a professor at NYU Stern, and the author of One Up: Creativity, Competition, and the Global Business of Video Games.
Joost breaks down the state of play in the video game industry, including the major players and platforms, and the latest around Activision Blizzard and Microsoft. Follow Joost on Twitter, @joosterizer
Prof G Markets: The Nasdaq’s Rally, Threads vs. Twitter, and Yahoo’s Return to the Public Markets
This week on Prof G Markets, Scott breaks down why the Nasdaq just recorded its best first half of the year in four decades. He then shares his thoughts on Meta’s new Twitter competitor, Threads, and explains why he invested in Yahoo a few years ago, before it staged a comeback.
Interest Rates, the US Economy, and Demographic Change — with Matthew Klein
Matt Klein, the founder of The Overshoot, and the co-author of “Trade Wars Are Class Wars: How Rising Inequality Distorts the Global Economy and Threatens International Peace,” joins Scott to discuss the macro environment and why a recession isn’t imminent. Matt also shares how to think about the demographic shifts we’ve seen across various nations. Follow Matt on Twitter, @M_C_Klein.
Scott opens by discussing the attempted mutiny in Russia, shedding light on the power dynamics and ramifications for various players on the geopolitical stage.
Algebra of Happiness: are you floating?