On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Costco’s lawsuit against the U.S. government over Trump tariffs, Apple’s new AI chief, and OpenAI’s new “code red.” (00:51)
Next, Yaz and Josh speak with Fast Company staff writer Pavithra Mohan about Silicon Valley’s obsession with hustle culture and how a billion-dollar AI startup is doing things differently. 08:14
And finally, Josh sits down with Anthony Padilla, Ian Hecox, and Ale Catanese of Smosh to discuss their 20th anniversary and how Smosh went from a comedy channel on YouTube to a thriving production company and brand. They chat about growth, selling and buying back the brand, and some exciting plans. (32:32)
For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
To read Pavithra’s reporting on the Silicon Valley hustle culture, read fastcompany.com/91445544/the-1-25-billion-ai-startup-that-rejects-hustle-culture
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1:26:51
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1:26:51
Why did SoftBank sell off its Nvidia stake?
On today’s episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Cloudflare’s glitch that briefly broke half the internet, the U.S. House’s overwhelming vote to release all remaining Jeffrey Epstein files, and Anthropic’s discovery of what may be the first largely AI-led global cyber-espionage campaign.
In addition, they talk about Jeff Bezos reentering the spotlight with a mysterious new AI venture; the latest on media industry shake-ups, including the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery; Disney’s truce with YouTube TV; a major settlement between NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; and how Google introduced Gemini 3 along with its enigmatic Antigravity coding platform.
Next, Fast Company senior writer Mark Sullivan joins the conversation to discuss SoftBank and Peter Thiel’s surprising decision to dump Nvidia stock despite the company’s blowout earnings.
Finally, Harvey Spevak, executive chairman and managing partner of Equinox Group, shares how the company rebuilt after COVID, why it’s expanding globally, and why it ditched Kiehl’s for Grown Alchemist.
For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news
To learn more about Mark Sullivan’s coverage on Softbank, read:Why did SoftBank sell off its Nvidia stake?
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1:20:16
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1:20:16
Why Bill Gates is wrong about climate change
On today’s episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include the end of the government shutdown, SoftBank selling off it’s Nvidia stake, and yet another betting scandal in professional sports
Next, Bill McKibben is an author, and activist focusing on climate change and other environmental issues. He is a co-founder of the international climate organization 350.org and the founder of Third Act, which organizes people over the age of 60 for climate and racial justice. He came on the show to talk about his book, Here Comes The Sun, in which he argues for the potential of solar and wind power to address the climate crisis and help society. We also talked about Bill Gates’s recent about-face on climate change, and what the billionaire is getting wrong.
Finally, This year, Sony PlayStation has maintained its leadership in the gaming industry, with a 12% increase in global sales compared to last year, outpacing Nintendo's 8% and Xbox's 7% growth. Yaz spoke with Eric Lempel, the company’s head of marketing, business operations and consumer experience to find out how the business got where it is today, and what the future of gaming in an AI-dominated world looks like.
For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news.
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1:13:56
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1:13:56
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHASE FOR BUSINESS - The Small Business Surge: Why Entrepreneurial Growth Is Defying Economic Noise
Small business owners are staying optimistic — three-quarters expect revenue gains despite ongoing labor shortages, inflation pressures, and economic uncertainty. Their confidence, fueled by strong demand and increased clarity around tax policy, is driving investment and innovation heading into 2026.
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15:05
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15:05
The NBA’s betting scandal shows who really runs sports now
On today’s episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include the most recent info on the government shutdown, OpenAI’s deal with Amazon, and Elon Musk’s potential big payday
Next, Yaz and Josh talk to Jay Willis, a Fast Company contributing writer and the editor-in-chief of Balls and Strikes, about the latest gambling scandal to hit the NBA, what led up to this moment, and where the league may go from here.
Finally, Yaz interviews Hinge founder and CEO Justin McLeod about why his business is succeeding, and whether he worries that younger daters might choose to date AI bots rather than real people.
For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news.
Which companies are on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence? What’s the next major breakthrough in healthcare? How do iconic brands reinvent themselves to appeal to the next generation? Most Innovative Companies is where tech, business, and innovation convene. Join hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen as they bring you the latest innovations transforming business and society—and highlights the companies that are reshaping industries and culture.
USA