Decoder with Nilay Patel
The Verge
SummaryDecoder with Nilay Patel is essential listening for anyone trying to navigate the messy, high-stakes intersection of business, technology, and policy. Each week, Nilay sits down with the people who actually run the world’s biggest companies—from CEOs of legacy media giants and automotive titans to the leaders of the most influential AI labs and creator-economy platforms. The podcast excels at cutting through the corporate jargon to get to the heart of how decisions are really made. Whether it’s unpacking the existential risks of AI, the evolving struggle for creator autonomy against big tech algorithms, or the difficult, granular process of merging massive global brands, Decoder focuses on the mechanics of power and strategy. You will hear honest, detailed breakdowns of how leaders are rethinking their business models to survive in an era of rapid disruption. What makes the show stand out is the commitment to deep-dive conversations that value nuance over soundbites. Nilay pushes his guests to explain their "why" and their "how," making for a masterclass in modern management, industrial engineering, and the shifting landscape of global commerce. If you are curious about why the digital landscape looks the way it does and where these industries are heading next, this is the place to get those answers. It is insightful, consistently challenging, and perfectly calibrated for anyone obsessed with how the modern world works.
Updated Jul 6, 2026
Episodes
Inside the big business of the creator economy, with Ali Berman and Raina Penchansky
UTA’s creators division heads reveal how they turn top influencers into sustainable, multi-revenue media businesses.
The CMO is a dying role, says Digitas' Amy Lanzi
The traditional CMO role is failing, and the future of marketing demands a shift toward systems-driven growth.
He changed outdoor cooking forever — then took over Weber
Blackstone CEO Roger Dahle discusses merging his brand with legacy giant Weber to overhaul its culture and operations.
Rewind: CEO Jim Farley on Ford's EV gamble
Ford CEO Jim Farley pulls back the curtain on why he is betting the company’s future on a radical new EV strategy.
Can Patreon fight fire with social media fire?
Patreon is shifting from a simple payment processor to a creator-focused hub to combat broken social media algorithms.
Who decides when AI is too dangerous?
When Anthropic’s new AI model was pulled offline over security fears, it exposed a chaotic, reactive regulatory system.
Skydio CEO argues more drones will make us safer
Skydio CEO Adam Bry explains why autonomous drones are becoming essential tools for utility and public safety work.
Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch on AI, the Met Gala & his secret succession plan
Conde Nast CEO Roger Lynch shares how he is navigating Google Zero, the creator economy, and his media legacy.
Microsoft AI chief thinks superintelligence is near, but won't take your job
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman argues that superintelligence is coming soon but emphasizes it will augment your work.
Elon Musk is steamrolling Wall Street to become a trillionaire
Elon Musk is leveraging a massive SpaceX IPO and governance-bending tactics to solidify his grip on Wall Street.
AI is blowing up music. How should the Grammys handle it?
AI is becoming omnipresent in music production, forcing the Grammys to redefine how they award human creativity.
Rivian's software chief thinks you don't need CarPlay or buttons
Rivian software chief Wassym Bensaid discusses centralizing vehicle architecture and his vision for AI-powered cockpits.
How Sundar Pichai is rethinking Google for the AI era
Sundar Pichai explains how he is restructuring Google to lead in the AI era by focusing on core model development.
Musk v Altman: Much ado about nothing
Elon Musk lost his lawsuit against OpenAI, but the trial exposed the vanity and immaturity of the entire AI industry.
Exclusive: Jonah Peretti explains why he sold BuzzFeed
Jonah Peretti breaks down why he sold BuzzFeed, his exit as CEO, and the pivot to AI-powered content and apps.
Canva's CEO on its big pivot to AI enterprise software
Canva is pivoting from a design platform to an AI-driven workspace that orchestrates enterprise data and workflows.
Ronan Farrow on Sam Altman's "unconstrained" relationship with the truth
Investigative reporting reveals deep-seated concerns over Sam Altman’s history of dishonesty and executive conduct.
Can Puck’s CEO reinvent the news business for the influencer age?
Puck CEO Sarah Personette explains how her media startup combines high-end journalism with influencer-style incentives.
The AI industry's existential race for profits
OpenAI and Anthropic face a critical monetization cliff as they race to balance massive compute costs with IPO goals.
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins wants data centers in space
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins believes building data centers in space is inevitable due to power and land constraints on Earth.
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