Tech'ed Up

Niki Christoff

What's happening on the frontlines of tech? Tune in for a zippy conversation about emerging technology hosted by industry veteran Niki Christoff. From the C-Suite and Capitol Hill to AI and crypto, quantum computing to the decentralized internet, Niki breaks down the trends in tech to help savvy listeners get even smarter. Guests include experts, enthusiasts, regulators, policymakers, CEOs, and reporters.

New episodes premiere bi-weekly on Thursdays. Subscribe for the latest episodes on YouTube or listen on your podcast app of choice.

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Tech'ed Up Welcome Trailer 2024

Tech'ed Up Welcome Trailer 2024

What’s happening on the frontlines of tech? Tune in to Tech'ed Up for zippy conversations about emerging technology hosted by industry veteran Niki Christoff.From the C-Suite and Capitol Hill to AI and crypto, quantum computing to the decentralized internet, Niki breaks down the trends in tech to help savvy listeners get even smarter. Guests include experts, enthusiasts, regulators, policymakers, CEOs, and reporters. Listen here or anywhere you get your podcasts to learn more from Niki and guests like SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, SeedAI Founder & President Austin Carson, Bloomberg podcast host & NY Times best-selling author Ashlee Vance, and Stellar Foundation CEO Denelle Dixon. New episodes premiere bi-weekly on Thursdays. Subscribe for the latest episode on YouTube, follow on Instagram, or listen on your podcast app of choice. Learn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Episodes

The Art of the Pivot • Gary Shapiro (CTA)

The Art of the Pivot • Gary Shapiro (CTA)

CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, Gary Shapiro, joins Niki in the studio for an informal chat about his new book Pivot or Die. They discuss pivotal moments in his career, leading the influential trade association fighting for tech and innovation, and looking to the future of tech in America. “We have to recognize that technology and innovation are actually our secret sauce in this country that allows us to do all these amazing things, and have a strong economy, and grow our way into the future.” -Gary ShapiroFollow Gary on XLearn more about CTAGet tickets to CESBuy Pivot or Die hereLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Lessons from Twitter’s Takeover • Lauren Culbertson Grieco

Lessons from Twitter’s Takeover • Lauren Culbertson Grieco

Twitter's former Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy for the US and Canada, Lauren Culbertson Grieco, joins Niki in the studio to talk about her career - from tweeting for senators to navigating Elon Musk's Twitter takeover. Currently President of The Ledyard Group, she shares leadership lessons from the transition days at X, and she and Niki swaptech policy stories. They also share a prediction about what will dominate legislators’ tech agenda in the next Congress. “Most of the people who worked at Twitter and some of the ones who still work there have a very strong sense of mission for what the platform means in the world.” -Lauren CulbertsonRead about lessons learned from Twitter hereLearn more about The Ledyard GroupCheck out The Blue Owl GroupFollow Lauren on LinkedInLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Profiles in Tech: From Campaigns to Crypto • Julie Stitzel (DCG)

Profiles in Tech: From Campaigns to Crypto • Julie Stitzel (DCG)

Sr. VP of Policy at Digital Currency Group, Julie Stitzel, sits down with Niki in the D.C. studio to talk about their shared path from Midwestern upbringings to helping shape crypto policy in the nation’s capital. Julie shares her admiration for Hill staffers and why she remains optimistic for the future of crypto in the U.S. They also do a little arm-chair quarterbacking on the 2024 presidential campaign. “...when I think about innovation, I think the U.S. should be the place where people come. These innovators, these builders should feel free and excited about building in the U.S. and it's been the opposite experience for builders in the digital asset space.” -Julie StitzelFollow Julie on TwitterLearn more about DCGLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

AI’s Campaign Influence • Sheera Frenkel (New York Times)

AI’s Campaign Influence • Sheera Frenkel (New York Times)

New York Times reporter, Sheera Frenkel, joins Niki remotely to talk about the AI 2024 campaign season that wasn’t. She shares insights from her reporting on tech, shedding light on the reluctance to use AI by US campaigns compared to other countries, the rush by foreign adversaries to capitalize on AI’s capability to enhance disinformation campaigns, and lays out what has led Facebook to step back from political coverage. “While our candidates are not excited about using AI…There are nation-states all over the world who are super excited about the possibilities of AI and how it lets them reach Americans in unprecedented ways.” -Sheera FrenkelRead Sheera’s articles in the New York TimesCheck out 2021’s “An Ugly Truth” by Cecilia Kang and Sheera FrenkelRead Kate Conger & Ryan Mac’s new book “Character Limit”Learn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Quantum 101 • Murray Thom (D-Wave)

Quantum 101 • Murray Thom (D-Wave)

VP of Quantum Technology Evangelism at D-Wave, Murray Thom, joins Niki remotely to explore the basics of quantum computing and share some real-world, right-now applications of this leap in compute power. They talk AI, the impact that efficiency improvements have on daily life, and the exciting potential of quantum to facilitate breakthroughs in health care and drug discovery. “There's a really deep technical connection between quantum computing and artificial intelligence.” -Murray ThomFollow Murray on TwitterLearn more about D-WaveBuild things with D-Wave Leap Learn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Venture Capital Meets Mission Critical • Steve Bowsher, IQT (In-Q-Tel)

Venture Capital Meets Mission Critical • Steve Bowsher, IQT (In-Q-Tel)

President and CEO of IQT (In-Q-Tel), Steve Bowsher pulls back the curtain on this CIA-launched non-profit that's been quietly shaping national security for a quarter-century. Steve shares what he looks for in game-changing startup teams, why IQT is not your average VC, and divulges what emerging technology he’s most excited about right now. “People think of us as an investment platform, but the heart of what we do is to facilitate the piloting of technology” -Steve BowsherFollow Steve on LinkedInLearn more about IQT Listen to the IQT PodcastRead The Learning Mindset Learn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Tech on the Hill • Andrew Desiderio (Punchbowl News)

Tech on the Hill • Andrew Desiderio (Punchbowl News)

Punchbowl News reporter, Andrew Desiderio joins Niki in the studio to share his insider handicapping of the state of play of tech policy on the Hill. They talk KOSA/COPPA 2.0, the DEFIANCE Act, and legislative gridlock. Andrew shares why 2024 has been a good year for major tech policy legislation despite the Senate being de-incentivized to pass tech legislation, the House likely to shut down what few bills passed the Senate before August recess, and other agencies being reluctant to pick up the slack. “When we look back on 2024, in terms of major tech policy legislation, we'll have seen some pretty landmark bills…” -Andrew DesiderioFollow Andrew on LinkedInCatch up on the latest at PunchbowlLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Profiles in Tech: Grit & Gratitude • Tiffany Moore (CTA)

Profiles in Tech: Grit & Gratitude • Tiffany Moore (CTA)

SVP of Political and Industry Affairs at the Consumer Technology Association, Tiffany Moore, gives a behind-the-scenes look at their popular CES tradeshow, shares why she’s passionate about their $10 million venture fund focused on increasing diversity in tech, and talks about the importance of GlobalWIN in helping to mentor others. "...whether you're a large company with a keynote that seats a thousand people, or you’re a startup with a 12 foot table, there is a place for you at CES.” -Tiffany MooreFollow Tiffany on LinkedInLearn more about CTAFind out more about GlobalWINRead the article discussedLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

The Case for Digital Solidarity • Pablo Chavez

The Case for Digital Solidarity • Pablo Chavez

Adjunct Fellow at CNAS and Founder of Tech Policy Solutions, Pablo Chavez joins Niki in the studio to explain digital solidarity and digital sovereignty, swap campaign convention memories, and discuss US policy when it comes to the global internet. They talk State Dept. footnotes, the TikTok ban, and the future of the open internet. “ ...the United States, increasingly as a matter of foreign policy on digital matters is a little bit in a defensive crouch.” -Pablo ChavezConnect with Pablo on LinkedInNerd out and read the US International Cyberspace & Digital Policy StrategyRead Pablo's article on digital solidarityLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

The State of Tech Policy • Dave Barmore

The State of Tech Policy • Dave Barmore

Runway Strategies Co-Founder Dave Barmore joins Niki in the studio for a deep dive into the wave of tech regulations coming from the states. They talk about gridlock at the federal level and why tech needs to pay attention to the states when it comes to pending policy regulations facing AI, data privacy, and social media. "in terms of bills getting passed and laws regulating tech, whether that's AI, data privacy, social media. Don't sleep on the states." -Dave BarmoreFollow Dave on LinkedInLearn more about Runway StrategiesRead more about the Uniform Law CommissionLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Fun & Games at Discord • Ross LaJeunesse

Fun & Games at Discord • Ross LaJeunesse

Head of Global Public Policy at Discord, Ross LaJeunesse, joins Niki in the studio to talk about how the app delivers today on the original promise of the internet - community and communication. He lays out how Discord fosters genuine servers-based connection, why it’s so important to small game developers, and what regulators should consider when they try to regulate Big Tech. Plus, he reviews just how huge gaming has become globally. “Discord is one of those places. It's community, it's belonging, and it's economic opportunity. It's a platform for entrepreneurs, creative entrepreneurs, small businesses.” -Ross LaJeunesseLearn more about DiscordPlay Chef ShowdownCheck out the Operation Politics serverLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Blockchain's Promise • Sheila Warren

Blockchain's Promise • Sheila Warren

Crypto Council for Innovation CEO Sheila Warren breaks down crypto, Web3, and blockchain once and for all. She and Niki discuss crypto’s future on Capitol Hill and how it might impact this election season, the critical role blockchain has in making AI more transparent, and why you might already have a Web3 mindset. “Things like authenticity, tracking, accountability, I think, are becoming even more important than they ever were before.” -Sheila WarrenFollow Sheila on Twitter Learn more about CCIRead the Scientific American ArticleConnect with Sheila on LinkedInLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

AI Mythbusting • Nikki Pope (NVIDIA)

AI Mythbusting • Nikki Pope (NVIDIA)

NVIDIA’s Head of AI & Legal Ethics, Nikki Pope, talks about why how we talk about artificial intelligence matters and why making the tech representative of more people is important. She and Niki break down some of the myths surrounding the tech and re-examine what regulators should be focused on when they think of “existential threat” and AI. Spoiler alert - it’s not what Hollywood thinks! “...democratization of AI means making sure that we don't leave cultures and languages and communities behind as we all go running breakneck into the future.” -Nikki PopeFollow Nikki Pope on LinkedInRead more about Te Hiku MediaLearn more about NVIDIA’s Trustworthy AI initiativeLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Archer Aviation Takes Off • Adam Goldstein

Archer Aviation Takes Off • Adam Goldstein

Archer Aviation Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, joins Niki in the studio to talk about why, after years of flying cars being science fiction, the eVTOL industry is taking off now, how coordination with the FAA is critical to American dominance in the industry, and what the future of travel looks like. He lays out a future in which flying cars will be as accessible as automobiles. “...talent and capital are the two advantages that the US has that nowhere else in the world has.” -Adam GoldsteinFollow Adam on Twitter Check out Usher’s video featuring an eVOTLLearn more about ArcherLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

A NewNet • Frank McCourt

A NewNet • Frank McCourt

Philanthropist and author of ‘Our Biggest Fight’, Frank McCourt sits down with Niki in the studio to lay out his vision for a decentralized internet. He shares why Project Liberty is focused on personhood online instead of data privacy, why a digital bill of rights is not the answer, and shares his optimism for technologists’ ability to build a better digital future. “Let's re-decentralize the Internet so that we put people back in charge.” - Frank McCourtFollow Frank on LinkedIn Buy “Our Biggest Fight” here Learn more about Project LibertyLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Quick Tech Takes • Surveillance, TikTok & Robots

Quick Tech Takes • Surveillance, TikTok & Robots

Corporate Counsel at Google, Kat Mauler, sits down with Niki in the Tech’ed Up studio to talk about what’s moving fast in tech news. They break down big legislative moves in Congress with the expansion of FISA Section 702 adding extra surveillance remit to the US government, the TikTok divestiture bill dominating the headlines - and why it’s not a ban, and critique the moves of the new Boston Dynamics Atlas robot. “I had really thought that one of the most enduring takeaways from our last administration and the presidency would be a distrust for executive power. To see an expansion of executive power is really interesting in this moment. ” - Kat MaulerFollow Kat on LinkedIn Catch up on the Bloomberg TikTok coverageLearn more about FISA extension in the NYTWatch the new Atlas Robot debut videoLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Profiles in Tech: Fighting Online Hate • Imran Ahmed

Profiles in Tech: Fighting Online Hate • Imran Ahmed

The CEO and Founder of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, Imran Ahmed, joins Niki in the studio to talk about what his recent win against Elon Musk means for the proliferation of hate speech online. He and Niki debate who has moral responsibility for online hate but both agree the current climate is untenable.“CCDH advocates a market regulatory solution to a market regulatory failure.” -Imran AhmedFollow Imran on Twitter Learn more about the CCDHLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Quick Tech Takes • Privacy Legislation & Tech's AI Data Race

Quick Tech Takes • Privacy Legislation & Tech's AI Data Race

Corporate Counsel at Google, Kat Mauler, joins Niki for a D.C. insider take on the latest tech headlines. They talk AI’s insatiable appetite for data and the landmark bipartisan data privacy bill making waves this week. Added bonus, zombie attacks in the Terms & Conditions and the sad trombone sounds of Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” tech. “You always want tech to move ahead of regulators. If tech moved at the speed of government, we would be much less competitive.” - Kat MaulerFollow Kat on LinkedIn Read The Verge article on AI and copyright laws Learn more about the American Data Privacy bill in the WaPo Learn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Profiles in Tech: Put Yourself in The Room • Jill Hazelbaker (Uber)

Profiles in Tech: Put Yourself in The Room • Jill Hazelbaker (Uber)

SVP of Marketing and Public Affairs at Uber, Jill Hazelbaker, shares lessons learned from her career at the comms helm of John McCain’s presidential campaign, to jumping in head-first at Google, to what keeps her engaged and energized at Uber. “...most companies get a honeymoon period, and you would be very wise to use it to think about those arguments and think about your allies…” -Jill HazelbakerFollow Jill on LinkedInCheck out the Uber NewsroomLearn more about The Lab SchoolLearn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn

Quick Tech Takes • U.S. v. Apple & "The Rewiring of Childhood"

Quick Tech Takes • U.S. v. Apple & "The Rewiring of Childhood"

Founder and CEO of the Chamber of Progress, Adam Kovacevich, joins Niki for a rapid-fire take on the latest tech headlines. They dive into the latest Big Tech anti-trust litigation and have a candid talk about childhood in the smartphone era. “Apple hasn't done anything in the U.S. differently than in Europe. So it's peculiarly American that we've ended up in this situation.” - Adam KovacevichLearn more about Chamber of ProgressRead the NY Times take on the Apple monopoly case Listen to The Atlantic podcast on Smartphones and Teen Mental HealthFollow Adam on LinkedIn Learn More at www.techedup.com Check out video on YouTube Follow Niki on LinkedIn