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Welcome to the age of combat via chatbot Mar 05, 2026

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On today’s episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the economic impacts of the Middle East conflict, how prediction markets drew criticism for allowing bets on the U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran and Crypto rebound.

Next, Kristin and Josh talk with Fast Company senior writer Rebecca Heilweil about how the Anthropic-Pentagon dispute unfolded and what it will take if the U.S. military wants to start working with other AI companies.

Finally, Kristin speaks with Beehiiv CEO Tyler Denk about how Beehiiv started, how they think about their relationship with the publishers and content creators, and their plans for the future.

To read Rebecca’s reporting, go to fastcompany.com/user/rebecca-heilweil

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

What you need to know about the labor market today Feb 26, 2026

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NOTE: After recording this episode Netflix backed out of bid for Warner Bros. Discovery . We discuss the state of the deal prior to this news. For up to date recording, go to ⁠fastcompany.com/news.

On today’s episode, cohosts Bryan Lufkin and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs, Trump’s State of the Union address, and how Meta’s AI safety specialist lost control of an AI agent.

Next Josh and Bryan talk with Fast Company staff writer Pavithra Mohan about layoffs, the impact of AI on the workforce, and other trends in the labor market.

And finally, Bryan talks with the author, entrepreneur, and Fast Company contributor Faisal Hoque about what companies get wrong when rolling out AI and how to do it better.

To read more of Fast Company’sWork Life coverage, go to fastcompany.com/work-life.

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news.

The robots are coming! (with your takeout order) Feb 19, 2026

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Description:

On today’s episode, cohosts David Salazar and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Paramount's last-chance-bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, Mark Zuckerberg's testimony in a social media addiction trial, and the latest investment in Elon Musk’s xAI by a Saudi Arabian AI company.

Next, Josh and David talk with Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris on the delivery robots in her neighborhood and the controversy surrounding them.

Finally, David speaks with the journalist and writer Gabriel Sherman about his new book Bonfire of the Murdochs, diving deep into how Rupert Murdoch became one of the most influential people on the planet and how his ambitions tore apart his family.

To read Ainsley’s reporting, go to fastcompany.com/91486773/sidewalk-delivery-robots-coco-serve-chicago-backlash
For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

The Need for Speed & Innovation. Williams CEO Chad Zamarin on Energy Urgency Feb 13, 2026

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AI, advanced manufacturing and economic growth are driving unprecedented power demand

In this bonus episode, Williams CEO Chad Zamarin joins from the company’s 2026 Clean Energy & Technology Expo to unpack why energy demand is surging faster than new infrastructure can be built—and what it will take to close the gap. For Williams, the answers lie in a holistic approach combining innovative partnerships and next‑generation infrastructure to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable solutions at scale. It’s a multifaceted challenge that demands nuanced solutions, but our very planet depends on it.

Will Bob Iger’s new successor fare better than his last? Feb 12, 2026

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On today’s episode, cohosts Elizabeth Segran and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the latest jobs report, Kraft Heinz putting their split on pause, and Spotify’s blockbuster earnings report.

Next, Josh and Elizabeth speak with Fast Company’s head of editorial strategy, David Lidsky, on what’s next for Disney under Josh D’Amaro’s leadership.

And finally, Elizabeth talks to the CEO of Ulta Beauty, Kecia Steelman, about how the company grew so significantly over the past few years, what makes Ulta stand out, and what the retailer’s big plans are for the future.

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

The Next Hot Career: Mining Engineering Feb 05, 2026

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On today’s episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Disney’s new CEO, the SpaceX and xAI merger, and business leaders in the Epstein Files.

Next, Josh and Kristin talk with Fast Company contributing writer Adam Bluestein on why America wants more mining engineers.

Finally, Fast Company senior staff editor Jeff Beer speaks with NBCUniversal Media Group chairman Matt Strauss on NBC’s place in the streaming industry and their upcoming coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

To check out Adam’s story, go to fastcompany.com/91471471/mining-engineer-hot-career-path-metals-minerals-college-columbia-university-colorado-rare-earth-china

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

Inside the founder factory known as Palantir Jan 29, 2026

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On today’s episode, cohosts Bryan Lufkin and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Minnesota executives’ response to ICE killings and the ensuing protests, the TikTok deal, and a round of layoffs from Amazon, UPS, and Nike.

Next, Bryan and Josh sit down with David Lidsky, head of editorial strategy for Fast Company and Inc., about his deep dive into what makes Palantir such a successful founder factory.

And finally, our guest cohost, Fast Company staff editor Kristin Toussaint, talks about all things energy sustainability and efficiency in the U.S. and internationally with Mike Zatz, senior VP and head of global data ecosystem and partnerships at Measurabl.

To check out David’s story, go to fastcompany.com/91476499/inside-the-founder-factory-known-as-palantir-americas-most-polarizing-company

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

What did Grok do this time? Jan 22, 2026

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On today’s episode, cohosts David Salazar and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including highlights from Davos, Minnesota-based corporations’ lack of reaction to ICE, and the latest on Netflix's bid to take over Warner Bros. Discovery.

Next, Josh and David talk to Fast Company contributing writer Chris Stokel-Walker about the sexualized deepfakes X users have been creating with Grok and how regulators, and the public, have been responding.

Finally, Fast Company global tech editor Harry McCracken spoke with Arm chief marketing officer Ami Badani about the future of the company that designs the architecture of the chips most of our smartphones use.

To check out more of Chris’s reporting, go to: fastcompany.com/user/chrisstokelwalker

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

This surprising demographic is behind Walmart’s growth Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, cohosts Elizabeth Segran and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the investigation of Fed Chair Jarome Powell, the nurses strike in New York City, and Paramount’s escalated hostile bid to take over Warner Bros. Discovery.

Next, Elizabeth and Josh talk to Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris about a startup, Rainmaker, that can bring rain to places that need it.

And finally, Elizabeth speaks with Walmart’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer Latriece Watkins about how Walmart has attracted higher income families and what’s next for the retail giant.

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

To read Ainsley’s reporting on Rainmaker, go to fastcompany.com/91448561/this-is-the-hardest-startup-in-america

Will Prediction Markets Be Bigger Than the Stock Market? Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the aftermath of NicolásMaduro’s capture, the latest on the Warner Bros. Discovery deal, and the new Nvidia chip.

Next, Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan talks with journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin about his new book, 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History—and How It Shattered a Nation, as well as similarities he sees between now and then.

And finally, Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris speaks with Kalshi cofounder Luana Lopes Lara about the company’s success, its future in the growing prediction markets industry, and its partnership with CNN.

Check out Andrew Ross Sorkin’s book ‘1929’ here: penguinrandomhouse.com/books/665634/1929-by-andrew-ross-sorkin/

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

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