Autocrats vs. Democrats: Ambassador Michael McFaul on the New Global Disorder
In this compelling episode of "Winging It," we sit down with Ambassador Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, to discuss his groundbreaking new book "Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder." McFaul draws on decades of experience—from advising President Obama to serving in Moscow as Putin tightened his grip on power—to explain how the world's autocracies are forming dangerous alliances and challenging the democratic order. We explore lessons from the Cold War, the stakes of great-power competition with China and Russia, and why America's leadership abroad is tied to its advocacy of enduring democratic values.
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43:27
Tim Wu: Inside the Age of Extraction
In this episode of *Winging It*, Blue Owl Group’s Colin Crowell chats with Tim Wu — author, law professor, and former White House adviser—to discuss his new book, "The Age of Extraction." Together they trace the arc from the early optimism of the open Internet to today’s data-driven economy, where human attention, personal information, and even trust have become resources to be mined. Wu reflects on the market structures and public policy deficiencies that fueled the rise of today’s digital behemoths, his stint seeking to advance tech policy in Washington, and what an “Age of Restoration” might look like.
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37:42
Training AI and Mining Bitcoin: Inside the Data Center Revolution with Core Scientific's Russell Cann
Ever wondered how data centers for AI and Bitcoin mining work and how they differ? Russell Cann, Chief Development Officer at Core Scientific, joins us to break down the fascinating infrastructure that powers both Bitcoin mining and AI training. He explores how these rapidly growing markets differ in their energy and operational demands while revealing surprising synergies between Bitcoin mining and AI workloads. Russell shares insights on navigating massive power requirements, optimizing cooling systems, and how Bitcoin mining facilities are adapting to serve AI companies in this behind-the-scenes look at the data centers shaping our technological future.
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49:15
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49:15
Training AI and Mining Bitcoin: Inside the Data Center Revolution with Core Scientific's Russell Cann
Ever wondered how data centers for AI and Bitcoin mining work and how they differ? Russell Cann, Chief Development Officer at Core Scientific, joins us to break down the fascinating infrastructure that powers both Bitcoin mining and AI training. He explores how these rapidly growing markets differ in their energy and operational demands while revealing surprising synergies between Bitcoin mining and AI workloads. Russell shares insights on navigating massive power requirements, optimizing cooling systems, and how Bitcoin mining facilities are adapting to serve AI companies in this behind-the-scenes look at the data centers shaping our technological future.
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50:24
AI and the Common Good: A Conversation with Vilas Dhar
In this episode of Winging It, we sit down with Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, to explore how artificial intelligence can—and must—be harnessed in service of humanity. From funding global data initiatives to advocating for responsible AI governance, Dhar shares his vision for a future where technology amplifies dignity, justice, and opportunity. We discuss the role of philanthropy in shaping tech policy, the risks of unchecked innovation, and how multistakeholder collaboration can help ensure AI benefits everyone—not just a privileged few.
The "Winging It" podcast is an engaging audio series hosted by seasoned experts from The Blue Owl Group. Everyone's got a story about "winging it" - those uncharted, universal moments we all face – when there’s no playbook, no mentor on speed dial, just your instincts and sheer determination to guide you. On Winging It, we’ll talk to top policymakers, civil society leaders, and tech trailblazers who've been there — and lived to tell the tale. At a time when technology, global democracies, and leadership face unprecedented challenges, we'll explore how today's decision-makers navigate uncertainty, take bold risks, and, yes, sometimes just have to wing it. Find us at -- www.blueowlgrp.com
Listen to The Blue Owl Group's "Winging It" Podcast, The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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