From Microsoft to Modernist Cuisine: Nathan Myhrvold on Tech, AI, and Innovation

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about a year ago 22:49

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This week on the GeekWire Podcast, we're featuring highlights from a live interview with Nathan Myhrvold, CEO of Intellectual Ventures and former chief technology officer at Microsoft. Myhrvold worked at Microsoft from 1986 to 2000, where he laid the groundwork for Microsoft Research, recruited top computer scientists, and played a key role in shaping the company’s technology strategy.

Since leaving Microsoft, he has worked across fields including energy, science, physics, paleontology, photography, and high-tech cuisine.

In this conversation, recorded at Town Hall Seattle as part of GeekWire’s Microsoft@50 event, Myhrvold shares his thoughts on the rise of AI, his longtime collaboration with Bill Gates, the future of energy, the secrets of Microsoft’s success, and what’s next in his Modernist Cuisine book series.

Edited by Curt Milton; With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

378 episodes

From Microsoft to Modernist Cuisine: Nathan Myhrvold on Tech, AI, and Innovation

GeekWire

139 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Since leaving Microsoft, he has worked across fields including energy, science, physics, paleontology, photography, and high-tech cuisine.

Edited by Curt Milton; With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

378 episodes

#Tech News #GeekWire #News #Tech #Talk Weekly

All episodes

GeekWire

1
Inside the Microsoft protests: Fired engineer on Palestine, Israel, AI, and big tech 1:00:21

8 hours ago1:00:21

1:00:21

A message from GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop: This episode of the GeekWire Podcast is unlike any we’ve done before. It touches on some of the most contentious and disputed issues in the tech industry, and in the world more broadly. It started with my curiosity and desire to understand something that happened in March, at GeekWire’s independent Microsoft @ 50 event . I was on stage interviewing Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith when the conversation was interrupted by a protester. The group behind the protest, called No Azure for Apartheid , represents current and former Microsoft employees who want the company to end its cloud computing and AI contracts with the Israeli military. They cite concerns over how they believe their work is being used by Israel. Addressing the larger issues raised by the group, Microsoft said in a May 15 post that it conducted internal and external reviews and “found no evidence to date that Microsoft’s Azure and AI technologies have been used to target or harm people in the conflict in Gaza.” After covering Microsoft’s statements and the group’s response — and seeing the continued protests unfold at Microsoft events — I decided to dig deeper and learn more. As part of that, I invited one of the organizers of No Azure for Apartheid to join me on this podcast, for a conversation about the motivations behind the group, their views on Microsoft’s responsibilities, and how the tech industry intersects with international conflicts. Our guest is software engineer Hossam Nasr, who was fired by Microsoft last year related to protests on the Microsoft campus. In fact, he was the first to protest inside the GeekWire event. What followed was a complex conversation — one that at times went beyond Microsoft’s role into broader political and ethical criticisms of Israel’s actions in Gaza. These are deeply polarizing issues, and we know there are strong, divergent opinions about them. I’ve added context conveying Microsoft’s responses, and noting areas where statements and characterizations about Israel, Palestine, and Gaza are the subject of dispute. The conversation includes detailed descriptions of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and some historical comparisons that some listeners may find disturbing or offensive. And lastly, we recorded this conversation in late May, before the latest developments in the Middle East. Related Links: Microsoft: Statement on the Issues Relating to Technology Services in Israel and Gaza Associated Press : As Israel uses US-made AI models in war, concerns arise about tech’s role in who lives and who dies AP: Microsoft fires employees who organized vigil for Palestinians killed in Gaza +972: Leaked documents expose deep ties between Israeli army and Microsoft The Verge : Microsoft blocks emails that contain ‘Palestine’ after employee protests Guardian: Microsoft deepened ties with Israeli military to provide tech support during Gaza war Editing by Curt Milton. Read more at GeekWire.com . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
15 years of the GeekWire Podcast: Amazon, Microsoft, and the transformation of Seattle tech 32:28

7 days ago32:28

32:28

Fifteen years ago, Steve Jobs and Apple had just introduced the first iPad, Steve Ballmer’s Microsoft had been left for dead, and nerdy online bookseller Jeff Bezos was still getting Amazon settled into its South Lake Union HQ. That’s when we started this podcast. This week, we’re going back to 2010, revisiting clips from the earliest days of the show. We remember what was happening with Amazon, Microsoft, and Seattle’s startup scene, and try to wrap our heads around all the things that have changed since then. With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Audio editing by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
Microsoft, Remitly, and the new shape of work — plus Amazon’s NYT AI deal 26:29

14 days ago26:29

26:29

This week on the GeekWire Podcast, we discuss Amazon's new licensing deal with The New York Times for AI content training, and go behind the scenes at two different office spaces: Microsoft's redeveloped Redmond campus and Remitly's new Seattle HQ. Amazon inks deal with New York Times to license newspaper’s content for AI platforms Rebooting Redmond: Microsoft’s new campus reflects ongoing transformation, uncertain future A world away in the heart of Seattle: Remitly’s new HQ provides more room to collaborate — and grow With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop and reporter Kurt Schlosser. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

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Did Elon Really Intern at Microsoft? Plus: AI, Jobs, and the Economy 36:25

21 days ago36:25

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Satya Nadella’s offhand remark at Build, about Elon Musk once interning at Microsoft, sparked a mystery that sent us digging through biographies and transcripts in search of confirmation. We also break down Microsoft’s new AI moves, announced this week at the company's Build developer conference, and consider what its agentic ambitions mean for tech jobs and the economy. Plus, a sharp warning from Microsoft President Brad Smith on Washington state’s fading focus on innovation. RELATED STORIES Elon and Satya, together again: Microsoft brings Musk’s xAI models to Azure, despite OpenAI feud Microsoft expands AI roster with Anthropic and xAI integrations, looking beyond OpenAI alliance Businessweek: Microsoft’s CEO on How AI Will Remake Every Company, Including His Washington state cuts back economic development program amid criticism of innovation approach ‘We better wake up’: Microsoft’s Brad Smith sounds alarm as state enacts controversial tax plan Washington governor approves new business taxes, acknowledges potential ‘unintended consequences’ With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
Box CEO Aaron Levie on AI agents, enterprise data, and the future of work 25:05

28 days ago25:05

25:05

Box CEO and co-founder Aaron Levie joins the GeekWire Podcast to talk about the company’s latest AI initiatives, including a new integration with Microsoft 365 Copilot and a suite of Box AI agents designed to help businesses analyze content, extract data, and generate insights. Levie shares how AI is changing the way he and his team work, explains why he believes 2025 is still “day one” for enterprise AI agents, and offers a realistic take on what AI can — and can’t — do today. He also reflects on Box’s evolution, the shifting role of content in the enterprise, and why he thinks AI is creating more work, not less. RELATED LINKS GeekWire: Box tightens Microsoft ties with new Copilot integration, builds out its own suite of AI agents Aaron Levie: How AI is changing my work as CEO at Box With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
AI boom and D.C. hot mics: OpenAI and Microsoft go to Washington, Amazon surveys the field 30:16

5 weeks ago30:16

30:16

This week on the GeekWire Podcast: The rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence takes center stage in business technology spending, in Washington D.C., and in the global tech power struggle. We break down a headline-grabbing U.S. Senate hearing on AI and U.S.–China competitiveness, featuring testimony from Microsoft’s Brad Smith and OpenAI’s Sam Altman. There was also a fun Seattle tech callback in the form of a hot-mic moment from Sen. Maria Cantwell during Sen. Ted Cruz's opening statement. Plus, we dive into a new global survey from Amazon Web Services showing just how quickly companies are making generative AI their top tech priority — even ahead of cybersecurity. U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Winning the AI Race: Strengthening U.S. Capabilities in Computing and Innovation OpenAI CEO Sam Altman: ChatGPT will ‘probably not’ replace Google as top search engine Previously : Microsoft asks Trump to loosen chip export limits Bloomberg: Trump plans to rescind AI chip export curbs Amazon Web Services Generative AI Adoption Index Generative AI tops cybersecurity in 2025 tech budget priorities, new AWS study finds With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
Innovation in Turbulent Times: Voices from the GeekWire Awards 33:43

6 weeks ago33:43

33:43

Recorded live at the 2025 GeekWire Awards in Seattle, this episode features industry leaders navigating a shifting tech and political landscape. Amid celebrations of AI breakthroughs, startup milestones, and community-building, guests discuss deeper concerns: capital flight, regulatory headwinds, and what the region needs to retain its innovation edge. Featured on the show: Ambika Singh , founder and CEO of Armoire (Workplace of the Year winner) Joseph Williams , Washington State Department of Commerce (Public Policy Champion for Innovation) Emer Dooley , Creative Destruction Lab, University of Washington (Geeks Give Back honoree) Laura Ruderman , CEO of the Technology Alliance Aviel Ginzburg , co-founder at Foundations (Geeks Give Back honoree) Anand Subbaraj , CEO of Zuper (CEO of the Year finalist) Related coverage: GeekWire Awards 2025 revealed: Community ‘alive and well’ at annual celebration of best in tech Photos: Inside the GeekWire Awards, where it was ‘game on’ for a night of networking and more Presented by Astound Business Solutions, with category sponsors BECU, Baker Tilly, JLL, WTIA, Alltech, Wilson Sonsini, and First Tech. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
White House and Amazon clash over tariff transparency 12:00

7 weeks ago12:00

12:00

On this special episode of the GeekWire Podcast, we break down a public clash between Amazon and the White House over tariffs, transparency, and politics. After a report from Punchbowl News suggested Amazon would start displaying the cost of President Trump’s tariffs on product prices, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called it a “hostile and political act” during a press briefing — saying she had just spoken to the president about it. Amazon responded by clarifying that the idea had come from a small team behind its Amazon Haul discount storefront but was never approved and “not going to happen.” Meanwhile, CNN reported that Trump personally called Jeff Bezos to complain. Related links and content GeekWire: ‘Not going to happen’: Amazon responds to White House barb over purported tariff transparency plan Punchbowl News: Amazon to display tariff costs for consumers Reuters, 2021: Amazon partnered with China propaganda arm CNN's Alayna Treene on X : "Scoop: Trump called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos Tuesday morning to complain about reports that his company was considering displaying the cost U.S. tariffs next to prices for certain products on its website, two senior White House officials told @CNN." Amazon statement: "The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store considered the idea of listing import charges on certain products. This was never approved and is not going to happen.” GeekWire Podcast: How Amazon is adapting to the TikTok generation, and what it says about the state of Prime With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
AI teammates, a fully remote unicorn, and the new world of work 27:11

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On this week’s GeekWire Podcast: Microsoft sees a future where humans manage fleets of AI agents — promising to fundamentally change the way companies are run and work gets done. Plus, we dive into the story of Chainguard, the $3.5 billion cybersecurity startup proving that a fully remote company can scale fast without a physical office. And we explore how AI is reshaping everyday life, from travel planning to home repairs. Related stories Meet your new AI teammate: Microsoft sees humans as ‘agent bosses,’ upending the workplace: Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index envisions a future where employees manage AI agents, fundamentally reshaping organizational structures. Chainguard doesn’t have an office. Here’s how the $3.5B cybersecurity startup makes remote work: A look at how Chainguard successfully operates as a fully remote company, including intentional communication and periodic in-person gatherings. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop and editor Taylor Soper. Edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Platforms, AI, and the power of human creativity, with Microsoft's Marcus Fontoura 30:59

8 weeks ago30:59

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In this episode of the GeekWire Podcast, we’re joined by Marcus Fontoura, technical fellow at Microsoft and CTO for Azure Core. Fontoura is the author of A Platform Mindset , a new book that explores how to build scalable systems, support high-performing teams, and foster a culture of collaboration. We talk about the evolving role of platforms in tech, the impact of AI on engineering productivity, and why creativity and autonomy are more important than ever. Fontoura draws on decades of experience at Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, and IBM to share insights on leadership, technical debt, and why great engineers should be treated more like artists than managers-in-waiting. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
Melinda French Gates on life transitions, tech, and speaking her truth 25:51

9 weeks ago25:51

25:51

On this episode of the GeekWire Podcast, Melinda French Gates joins us to discuss her new book, The Next Day , a personal and philosophical reflection on life’s transitions. French Gates opens up about her emotional and spiritual journey of the past few years, the lessons she’s learned from therapy and motherhood, and how she’s now using her full voice through her company, Pivotal Ventures. We talk about her billion-dollar commitment to women’s advancement, the promise and pitfalls of AI, and what it means to pause, reflect, and take action — especially in uncertain times. Hosted by GeekWire reporter Lisa Stiffler. Audio editing by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
From Microsoft to Modernist Cuisine: Nathan Myhrvold on Tech, AI, and Innovation 22:49

9 weeks ago22:49

22:49

This week on the GeekWire Podcast, we're featuring highlights from a live interview with Nathan Myhrvold , CEO of Intellectual Ventures and former chief technology officer at Microsoft. Myhrvold worked at Microsoft from 1986 to 2000, where he laid the groundwork for Microsoft Research, recruited top computer scientists, and played a key role in shaping the company’s technology strategy. Since leaving Microsoft, he has worked across fields including energy, science, physics, paleontology, photography, and high-tech cuisine. In this conversation, recorded at Town Hall Seattle as part of GeekWire’s Microsoft@50 event , Myhrvold shares his thoughts on the rise of AI, his longtime collaboration with Bill Gates, the future of energy, the secrets of Microsoft’s success, and what’s next in his Modernist Cuisine book series . Edited by Curt Milton; With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on the company's 50th, and what's next 14:40

10 weeks ago14:40

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On this episode of the GeekWire Podcast, we talk with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about the company's 50th anniversary, and where it's headed from here. Plus, highlights from Microsoft’s 50th anniversary event in Redmond, which featured a rare joint appearance by Nadella with former leaders Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. The day also reflected Microsoft's role in an increasingly complex global landscape, with a CNBC interview focusing in part on the impact of tariffs on the company and the global economy, and a protest outside the event condemning the use of the company’s technologies to support Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza. Related coverage: Inside Microsoft’s 50th: Iconic moments, strong memories, and the realities of the outside world Gates, Ballmer, Nadella and Copilot: Microsoft CEOs past and present engage in podcast chat with AI Inside the Microsoft Archives: How the tech giant preserves, shares, and learns from its history Microsoft@50 is an independent GeekWire editorial project supported by Accenture. More in GeekWire’s Microsoft@50 series AI Dreams: Microsoft@50, Chapter 1 Microsoft President Brad Smith on AI, global turmoil, and key issues facing the tech giant at 50 Microsoft’s startup story: How the company became a tech giant, and what we can learn from it today A new era for Windows: Can Microsoft’s longtime engine power another tech revolution? ‘The Road Ahead’ at 30: What Bill Gates’ classic book about the future says about the world today Bill Gates on Microsoft at 50, and what’s next for AI and innovation More : Microsoft@50 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
Inside Amazon's attempt to reinvent Alexa for the new era of AI 30:51

11 weeks ago30:51

30:51

This week on the GeekWire Podcast : A conversation with Daniel Rausch , Amazon’s vice president of Alexa and Echo, recorded at the company’s Seattle headquarters. Rausch explained the company’s vision for Alexa+ , Amazon's next-generation voice assistant, in advance of its upcoming rollout through an early access program. Alexa+ promises more fluid conversations with users, integrating with more services and devices for new capabilities, including the ability act autonomously on behalf of a user. It's a significant upgrade for Amazon's longtime voice assistant, judging from the live demos that Rausch walked us through before and after the podcast recording. But it remains to be seen how much value people will find in using their voice in those situations, rather than the tried-and-true simplicity of using a smartphone app or web browser. And at a fundamental level, Amazon is playing catch-up with OpenAI's ChatGPT and many other AI chatbots in the world of conversational artificial intelligence. Related links: What Alexa’s AI upgrade means for Amazon’s business and Alexa users Amazon’s new Alexa+ uses generative AI to personalize conversations and automate tasks With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

GeekWire

1
Microsoft@50: Steve Ballmer on what worked, what didn’t, and what he still believes in 33:44

11 weeks ago33:44