All tagged Journalism

Wagner James Au: "Virtual Reality"

Wagner James Au: "Virtual Reality"

Melinda Byerley
Podcast Episodes

When Linden Lab’s Second Life debuted in 2003, few anticipated just how much it would popularize the concept of the metaverse. That’s certainly true for James Au, a freelance tech writer who was hired by the company to report on the platform and its users shortly after its launch—by becoming an avatar within the virtual world himself. Listen as he recounts the early days of the platform, how it foreshadowed many of today’s toxic social media issues, and why so many have returned to it during the pandemic.

Rachel Chalmers: "Three Horses"

Rachel Chalmers: "Three Horses"

Melinda Byerley
Podcast Episodes

A veteran of Silicon Valley for 25 years, Rachel Chalmers is certainly at home in the world of tech—though her first home is continents away. As the Head of Corporate Services at AlchemistX, the Corporate Services division of Alchemist Accelerator, some of the world’s most innovative companies rely on her insights when charting their paths. Listen as she discusses how enterprises can stay curious, how to fight burnout, and what she means by saying she prefers gardening over strip-mining.

Shireen Mitchell: "You Can't Stop the Girl" Part 2 of 2

Shireen Mitchell: "You Can't Stop the Girl" Part 2 of 2

Melinda Byerley
Podcast Episodes

Shireen Mitchell is well aware of the issues facing minority women in the tech industry. Founder of Stop Online Violence Against Women, she fights to protect women from unrelenting sexism and harassment online. In part 2 of our time with Shireen, hear her insights on topics from ineffective social media abuse policies and diversity hiring practices to the marks of true allyship and the prevalence of disinformation.

Shireen Mitchell: "You Can't Stop the Girl" Part 1 of 2

Shireen Mitchell: "You Can't Stop the Girl" Part 1 of 2

Melinda Byerley
Podcast Episodes

Born and raised in 1980s Harlem, Shireen Mitchell is an award-winning woman of color in tech. Her story is filled with overcoming a number of challenges—the same ones she helps other women overcome. And she’s not done. In this first of two episodes, you’ll hear Shireen share candid insights on what women are still facing in tech today, revisit the early days of building BBS boards, and recall stories from her childhood that positioned her to be where she is today.

Kara Goldin: "I Won't Back Down"

Kara Goldin: "I Won't Back Down"

Melinda Byerley
Podcast Episodes

After leaving a career in tech to focus on being a mom, Hint Water’s Kara Goldin probably didn’t envision starting a new company just a few years later—especially in an industry she had no experience with. But as always, her curiosity and willingness to take risks won out. And it worked. In this episode, Kara recalls her early career adventures in NYC, what prompted her move to Silicon Valley in the 90s, and why being curious and trusting your gut can often be more valuable than straight experience.

Howard Rheingold: "People Got to Be Free”

Howard Rheingold: "People Got to Be Free”

Melinda Byerley
Podcast Episodes

Some people have a gift for seeing things from a higher perspective—noticing how factors intercept to create trends, waves of public thought, and society-altering changes. Howard is one of these people. We could call him a prophet, a thinker, certainly a writer, but we’ll call him what he calls himself: an independent instigator and observer. This is a must-listen episode that explores how the human mind, belief in the future, technology—and yes, psychedelics—all connect.

Ron Lichty: "Fixing a Hole"

Ron Lichty: "Fixing a Hole"

Melinda Byerley

Ron Lichty joins Melinda Byerley to share stories about his time in Silicon Valley as a programmer, then a team and product manager. Hear about his instrumental role in the development of Apple’s game changing personal computer, the Macintosh. This is only one highlight of his distinguished career that also includes three patents, several books, and recognition as a thought leader in Agile methodology. Even if you aren’t a techie you will enjoy listening to Ron because, if you use a computer, he has probably influenced your life.

Owen Thomas: "Gimme Some Truth"

Owen Thomas: "Gimme Some Truth"

Melinda Byerley

Owen Thomas joins Melinda Byerley to talk about the history of his controversial blog post about Peter Thiel’s sexuality and the ethos of narrative control that pervades Silicon Valley. His story includes how and why Nick Denton founded Valleywag, it discusses how journalists can incite grudges, and it explores the destruction that money and power can unleash.