Podcast
World Changing Ideas
Hosted by Fast Company · EN
What if we spent more time thinking about solutions rather than problems? Are you looking for more positive news? World Changing Ideas travels around the globe to find the leaders, experts and activists who are dreaming big and working to change the world for the better. With a focus on the environment, social justice and innovation, these are stories that will get you thinking. World-changing ideas come in all shapes and sizes. Join the conversation with solutions journalist and filmmaker Amelia Hemphill.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Teflon Son? How Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son’s legend keeps growing
Jan 30, 202501:00:17Tap to summarizeOn today’s episode, host Josh Christensen is joined by ‘Fast Company’ associate editor David Salazar to help break down the latest news in the world of business and innovation, including the fallout from DeepSeek’s LLM launch, the backtracked federal funding freeze, and the rising price of eggs. (01:02)Next, Yasmin Gagne interviews Lionel Barber, former editor of the ‘Financial Times,’ about his new book, a biography of Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son: ‘Gambling Man: The Wild Ride of Japan’s Masayoshi Son.’ They discuss Son’s biggest wins, even bigger losses, and the recently announced $500 billion AI infrastructure project alongside OpenAI and Oracle called Stargate. (06:54)Then, ‘Fast Company’ editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan discusses the reaction at Davos to President Trump’s inauguration. (37:40)For more of the latest business and innovation news go to https://www.fastcompany.com/newsGambling Man: The Wild Ride of Japan’s Masayoshi Son: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/451627/gambling-man-by-barber-lionel/9780241582725Be sure to subscribe, rate and review Most Innovative Companies on your podcast app of choice. You can also find more Most Innovative Companies podcast content on Fast Company’s YouTube channel along with more videos on business news, tech, design and work life.
Transcribe →The LA fires are still burning, TikTok is still running in the US, and the new Trump administration has begun
Jan 23, 202501:09:35Tap to summarizeOn today’s episode, Donald Trump has been sworn in as president once again and almost immediately began enacting his agenda. Hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen break down the president's executive orders and policy promises relating to the economy, the tech industry, labor and climateThen, the fires in Los Angeles are still burning. ‘Los Angeles Times’ climate columnist Sammy Roth unpacks the fallout from this disaster and the role climate change has played.Finally, The TikTok ban went into effect over the weekend for a grand total of 12 hours. For now, the app remains operational in the U.S. after former President Biden declared he wouldn’t enforce the ban and President Trump signed an executive order on Monday pausing the ban for 75 days. But, what comes next for TikTok and the creators who lobbied for it to be saved? ‘Fast Company’ executive editor Maia McCann and senior staff editor Max Ufberg help explain the state of TikTok. But, what comes next for TikTok and the creators who lobbied for it to be saved? ‘Fast Company’ executive digital director Maia McCann and senior staff editor Max Ufberg try to explain the state of TikTok.For more of the latest news coming out of the Trump administration, and in the world of business, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/newsFor more on the Los Angeles Fires and Sammy Roth’s writing on climate change, you can find his newsletter, Boiling Point, here and subscribe to his podcast of the same name here Be sure to subscribe, rate and review Most Innovative Companies on your podcast app of choice. You can also find more Most Innovative Companies podcast content on Fast Company’s YouTube channel along with more videos on business news, tech, design and work life.
Transcribe →Inside Trader Joe’s and NVIDIA
Jan 17, 202501:05:51Tap to summarizeFast Company contributing writer Clint Rainey discusses his recent series on Trader Joe’s. He explains how the grocer remains a beloved brand despite a record number of product recalls, safety violations, worker misconduct complaints, and an environmental record that belies its reputation. Then, Tae Kim, a senior technology writer at Barron's and author of The Nvidia Way: Jensen Huang and the Making of a Tech Giant ,explains the secret behind NVIDIA's success.
Transcribe →Police departments are embracing AI-enhanced surveillance technology to stop crime
Jan 9, 202500:54:04Tap to summarizePolice departments across the country are embracing AI-enhanced surveillance technology in the name of stopping crime. One prominent security firm called Flock Safety is leading the effort and profiting off our fears. Fast Company Senior Writer Ainsley Harris joined Yaz and Josh to explain how the Atlanta-based startup signed a deal with San Francisco in March 2024 to install and operate 400 LPRs (license plate recognition systems).Then, Yaz chats with President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Streaming and Games JB Perrette about how (HBO) Max's globalization efforts are the biggest aspect of its growth.
Transcribe →How the most innovative companies work: Mattel - FROM FASTCO WORKS AND ATLASSIAN
Dec 17, 202400:26:24Tap to summarizeWith a history exceeding 50 years, Hot Wheels has proven it has staying power. Rooted in authentic car design and performance, the brand continues to innovate. In this episode, part of the Atlassian-sponsored 'Behind The Teams' series, Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president of Hot Wheels & the global head of vehicles; Ted Wu, head of design; and Subri Kovilmadam, Mattel’s vice president of technology, reveal how Mattel’s culture of collaboration works.
Transcribe →Why the NFL, Universal Pictures, and erotic audio company Quinn made our Brands That Matter list
Dec 12, 202401:09:51Tap to summarizeOn today’s episode, Yaz and Josh are joined by ‘Fast Company’ senior staff editor Jeff Beer and ‘Fast Company’ associate editor David Salazar to discuss the annual Brands That Matter list. This year, the list includes not just such companies as Athletic Brewing, Quinn Erotic Audio, and DoorDash, but, for the first time, it includes CMOs who have taken some really interesting creative risks.Plus, Josh talks with Second City Works creative director Tyler Dean Kempf about improv classes for corporate teams, the recent influx of AI tools, and Josh’s former life as an improviser.
Transcribe →Are Amazon robots taking over their fulfillment centers?
Dec 5, 202400:56:43Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode, Yaz and Josh take a trip to an Amazon fulfillment center to get a firsthand look at the retailer’s fleet of robots. Meant to help their workers cope with the onslaught of holiday shopping, these robots cause Yaz and Josh to wonder: Will the robots help the workers or replace them? To delve even deeper, Yaz and Josh also spoke with Amazon Chief Technologist Tye Brady about the development of these robots, what they mean for worker safety, and their grandiose names.
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Why everyone is leaving Twitter for Bluesky
Nov 21, 202401:22:56Tap to summarizeThere’s a new social media giant on the scene. After Donald Trump’s Elon Musk–assisted reelection, Blueksy’s user base ballooned. It now has over 20 million users and is the No. 1 app in the App Store. Yaz and Josh sit down with Bluesky COO Rose Wang to discuss Bluesky’s core tenets, what the surge in users has meant for her team, and whether Bluesky can succeed where others have failed: at being a permanent replacement for X. Plus, a special segment with our senior 'tween' correspondent Eleanor Farley and her review of the 'Wicked' movie.Then, Yaz and Josh talk with Fast Co. staff editor AJ Hess about the new docuseries, 'The Offseason,' and recent big investments in women’s sports.
Transcribe →Why Gen Z men really voted for Trump
Nov 14, 202401:00:09Tap to summarizeSince the 2008 election, Democratic candidates for president have won at least 60% of the under-30 vote. After last week’s election, that number is down to 54%. Joining Yaz and Josh to discuss Donald Trump’s success with young male voters is ‘Fast Company’ contributing writer, a Gen Zer himself, Henry Chandonnet. Then, Yaz sits down with Oura CEO Tom Hale to discuss the state of the wearable health-tech space.And for more content, subscribe to Fast Company Premium : https://www.fastcompany.com/premium
Transcribe →Why is fast food so expensive now?
Oct 17, 202400:57:13Tap to summarizeThere’s a growing shift in consumer sentiment about the fast-food industry. As inflation pushes menu prices steadily upward, more people are asking themselves if that weekly trip to Taco Bell, Wendy’s, or KFC is still worth the cost. ‘Fast Company’ senior editor Christopher Zara breaks down the economics of fast food and discusses what companies are doing to try and lure customers back to the drive-through. Also, ‘Fast Company’ senior staff editor Jeff Beer discusses the most recent advertising fails and successes, from Heinz’s racially tone-deaf imagery to the surprisingly popular combination of Grimace and the New York Mets.
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