Podcast · Tech & Science

The Decoded Podcast

The Decoded Podcast explores the people, policy battles and market forces shaping the future of technology around the world, drawing on POLITICO’s reporting to make sense of what’s happening and what comes next.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 22 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 13 minNew

Dems widen war on AI

A new super PAC created by two longtime Democratic operatives is launching its “opening salvo” this week, spending $4 million across four key House races to portray Republicans as beholden to the artificial intelligence lobby, Decoded can exclusively report. Plus, an exclusive interview with Scott Kupor, one of the Vice Chairs on the White House’s Super Intelligence Task Force, on the goals of the group. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Decoded newsletter: politico.com/decoded Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

12 Oct 2026 · 16 minNew
The donation Ron Conway regrets, Anthropic's AI models go rogue (again)
Democratic megadonor and venture capitalist Ron Conway regrets funding an influential Big Tech political group that has fought strict AI rules, according to former Obama Press Secretary Jay Carney, who leads communications for Conway’s new AI policy initiative. Plus, The White House reaction on Friday to newly-disclosed autonomous behavior from Anthropic’s AI models was immediate, forceful — and quite different from its nonchalant response to similar actions by OpenAI agents revealed late last month. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Decoded newsletter: politico.com/decoded Learn…
9 Oct 2026 · 13 min
The rise of the AI anxiety index
Silicon Valley is stressing over the uncertainty around how artificial intelligence will be regulated. Decoded spoke to SoFi CEO Anthony Noto about how he's preparing his businesses for an AI-driven economy. Plus, Vice President JD Vance announced that Microsoft would no longer be able to sponsor green cards for employees on skilled worker visas. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Decoded newsletter: politico.com/decoded Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8 Oct 2026 · 14 min
What’s in Peter Thiel’s new Antichrist lecture?
Tech billionaire Peter Thiel is sharpening his warnings about the Antichrist — which he sees as someone who could harm technological development — as AI races ahead and public concern over its risks grow, according to exclusive recordings obtained by Decoded. Plus, a top trade group for the “metaverse” shuts its doors after eight years. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Decoded newsletter: politico.com/decoded Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7 Oct 2026 · 15 min
Inside AI safety's hottest club
Decoded got an inside look of The Curve, the invite-only conference last weekend that hosted of AI influence and offered a microcosm of the state of current global safety talks. We’ll also talk about potential presidential candidate Senator Ruben Gallego’s plans to regulate AI, and the new movies that star tech giants in "villain roles” For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Decoded newsletter: politico.com/decoded Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6 Oct 2026 · 13 min
AI industry reacts to Sam Altman's comments, AI leaders testify in New York City
The AI accelerationists are turning on OpenAI. Their calls for faster development and lighter-touch regulation are running up against a shifting, more pro-regulation stance from the ChatGPT maker and its chief executive, ratcheting up tensions just as the public’s frustration with the technology is reaching new levels. Plus, a look at the testimony given by AI industry leaders at a New York City Council meeting yesterday. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Decoded newsletter: politico.com/decoded Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
5 Oct 2026 · 28 min
Sam Altman on rogue AI, Anthropic, and getting money out of politics
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, says that he gets “ why AI has a really negative perception right now,” and doesn’t think a rebranding artificial intelligence to “super intelligence” will help. Decoded's Brendan Bordelon hears from Altman about his recent visit to the White House, how OpenAI’s approach to safety differs from his biggest competitors, and what comes next in the ongoing saga of rogue AI agents hacking into sensitive government data. For more news and analysis, subscribe to the Decoded newsletter: politico.com/decoded This episode was produced by Mansee Khurana with help from…
2 Oct 2026 · 1 min
Welcome to The Decoded Podcast
The Decoded Podcast explores the people, policy battles and market forces shaping the future of technology around the world, drawing on POLITICO’s reporting to make sense of what’s happening and what comes next. Be sure to subscribe to the Decoded newsletter here. The first episode drops October 5! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
18 Dec 2025 · 25 min
What’s behind Trump’s new Tech Force
The Trump administration launched the U.S. Tech Force this week, aiming to recruit 1,000 fellows with backgrounds in AI, cybersecurity and other high-tech fields into federal agencies. It’s the latest attempt to solve the government’s long-standing recruitment problem. But will this time be different? On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor, a longtime tech investor, to discuss the new initiative, the impact of DOGE cuts and why the government must embrace AI. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the…
11 Dec 2025 · 23 min
Why Trump is fighting states over AI
President Donald Trump declared on Truth Social this week that he will sign an executive order aimed at banning state AI laws. The move will almost certainly appease Silicon Valley executives and anger some of his fellow Republicans — not to mention ignite a legal battle with state governments concerned about federal overreach. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly breaks down the latest developments surrounding the closely watched and intensely debated AI moratorium with the help of POLITICO technology reporters Gabby Miller and Brendan Bordelon. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech…
4 Dec 2025 · 18 min
Craig Newmark sees an AI bubble. It may not be a bust.
Craig Newmark is best known for shaping our digital past. As the founder of Craigslist, he was a pioneer in online classified advertising and lived the Silicon Valley dot-com bubble firsthand. These days, Newmark is donating his vast wealth to fight disinformation and cyber scams. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sat down with Newmark to discuss whether he sees an AI bubble forming today, and why he’s hopeful the fast-moving technology will make us more secure online (even if it has some problems still to be worked out). Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the…
20 Nov 2025 · 25 min
How AI is driving Trump’s energy agenda
Meeting the rising energy demands of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other emerging technologies is one of the big challenges facing the Trump administration. And Dario Gil, the undersecretary for science at the Energy Department, is one of the key officials searching for solutions — including yet-unrealized power sources like fusion. For POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly spoke with Gil on stage at the Aspen Cyber Summit in Washington about the administration’s energy priorities, competition with China, and the future of federal research. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO…
13 Nov 2025 · 28 min
Rebroadcast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt on AI, Hollywood and owning your ‘digital self’
Joseph Gordon-Levitt has been called a “Luddite” and “anti-tech,” but the actor, filmmaker and entrepreneur insists he’s actually dazzled by artificial intelligence. He just has qualms with the tech companies building it, and how they’re compensating people for their work and data. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly met up with Gordon-Levitt on the sidelines of an Aspen Digital event in Washington, D.C. to discuss AI’s consequences for creatives, and what he wants from the tech industry and from policymakers. This episode originally published on June 19, 2025. ⁠Steven Overly⁠ is the host…
6 Nov 2025 · 16 min
Why energy bills could be AI’s new political problem
Democrats logged big election wins this week in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City. And in some races, artificial intelligence — and specifically the energy data centers will consume — was a key issue for voters. As the tech industry spends billions of dollars to build out AI infrastructure, Tuesday’s outcome suggests there could be new political roadblocks ahead. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Ian Stevenson from POLITICO's E&E News to delve into the election in Virginia and why this issue could emerge in next year’s midterms, too. Steven Overly is the host of…
30 Oct 2025 · 22 min
The business case for governing AI
Tech companies are spending billions of dollars to build out their AI ambitions — with little clarity about how they’ll recoup their investments. Miriam Vogel, the CEO of the nonprofit EqualAI and former chair of the National AI Advisory Council, says the industry’s profitability depends in part on setting ground rules for the technology. On POLITICO Tech, Vogel joins host Steven Overly to discuss the new book she’s co-authored, entitled “Governing the Machine,” and what steps are needed to build public trust in the AI future. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the…
23 Oct 2025 · 41 min
Signal’s Meredith Whittaker on AI hype and the end of privacy
Even if you don’t use Signal, you certainly remember Signalgate. That was the scandal in March when senior U.S. officials used a private messaging app to communicate about a military strike in Yemen — and included a journalist in the chat. It thrust Signal and Signal Foundation President Meredith Whittaker into the spotlight. But she’s made headlines before as a Google employee turned vocal tech critic. On this week’s episode of POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Whittaker to discuss the future of Big Tech, privacy risks in an AI world and how Silicon Valley is shaping…
16 Oct 2025 · 22 min
Why the latest U.S.-China tech fight may be the biggest yet
Tensions between the U.S. and China are inflamed yet again — with the tech sector in the crossfire. In the latest move, Beijing has threatened to restrict the trade of rare earth magnets and metals, which are critical for making high-tech products, from microchips to smartphones to electric vehicles. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Liza Tobin, a geopolitical risk adviser and former China director on the National Security Council, to discuss the shaky state of the U.S.-China relationship and why the coming weeks will prove pivotal. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO…
9 Oct 2025 · 25 min
Meet Silicon Valley’s AI-obsessed mayor
A growing number of city governments are adopting artificial intelligence — and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan wants to outpace all the rest. The former tech entrepreneur is pushing employees across Silicon Valley’s largest city to adopt the technology as a way of streamlining everything from bus routes to business permits. On POLITICO Tech, Mahan joins host Steven Overly to discuss the AI-enabled city he’s trying to build, as well as California’s new AI safety law, the risk of overregulating technology and his recent criticism of Gov. Gavin Newsom. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and…
2 Oct 2025 · 21 min
Coming to city near you: AI-powered government
The concept of "smart cities" — local governments that are digitized and automated — has been around for decades, but that bold vision hasn't quite materialized yet. Still, many cities are making a run at the idea, and they’re increasingly turning to artificial intelligence. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with James Anderson of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Government Innovation program to talk about how cities are adopting AI and the real-world hurdles they face along the way. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology.…
18 Sep 2025 · 27 min
AI, China, and the fight over free speech: Takeaways from POLITICO’s Tech Summit
POLITICO’s AI & Tech Summit this week tackled major policy debates: the partisan fight over online speech after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, along with Washington’s efforts to fend off China — and California — in the U.S. quest for AI dominance. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with technology reporters Brendan Bordelon and Anthony Adragna to analyze the most notable moments from the event, including comments from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas), White House senior AI adviser Sriram Krishnan and others.…
11 Sep 2025 · 19 min
What Anthropic’s big payout means for AI and copyright
Anthropic agreed to pay $1.5 billion to authors whose pirated books the company used to train its AI model, an eye-popping amount and one of the first big settlements of its kind. With so many copyright cases hanging out in the courts, could this be the first of many big payouts to come? On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly put that question and others to Keith Kupferschmid, the CEO of the Copyright Alliance. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy and producer of…
4 Sep 2025 · 21 min
Why AI companies are cutting Trump a deal
The federal government is buying artificial intelligence technology at deeply discounted rates — part of an effort to bring agencies into modern times. And for companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, it’s a chance to get the government hooked on their products. On POLITICO Tech, Box CEO Aaron Levie joins host Steven Overly to discuss his own bargain for the Trump administration, why these deals are happening now and what an AI-powered government could look like. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and…
21 Aug 2025 · 23 min
The next president’s AI problem
With mounting concerns about AI leading to job losses, policymakers are grappling with how to prepare workers for major changes ahead — and the disruption that has already begun. Bharat Ramamurti was the deputy director of the National Economic Council under President Joe Biden and, in a recent opinion piece, he called AI-driven unemployment “the biggest economic issue no one is talking about.” On POLITICO Tech, Ramamurti joins host Steven Overly to delve into the AI-driven economic fears that could dominate the next election cycle. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the…
14 Aug 2025 · 22 min
An exit interview with Trump’s AI policy adviser
As a senior policy adviser in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dean Ball helped write President Donald Trump’s recently released AI Action Plan. This week, Ball left the administration and plans to continue shaping AI policy from outside the White House. On POLITICO Tech, Ball joins host Steven Overly to discuss the government’s role in regulating artificial intelligence, Trump allowing China to buy American microchips, and whether the rush of AI investment will lead to a market bubble. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and…
7 Aug 2025 · 22 min
Data will soon be less secure. What can Washington do?
Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) was a tech adviser to President Barack Obama back when Washington was first grappling with artificial intelligence. Now, he’s introducing legislation this week with Rep. John McGuire (R-Va.) that aims to prepare the federal government for quantum computing, and how hackers could tap its speed and power to steal sensitive data. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly talks with Subramanyam about the cybersecurity risks that await in a post-quantum world. Plus, how he’s sizing up President Donald Trump’s new AI Action Plan. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech…
31 Jul 2025 · 22 min
Silicon Valley enters the space race
Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin may garner lots of attention, but there are a growing number of tech companies now chasing commercial and defense opportunities in space. And they’re ratcheting up the competition for longtime contractors who sell to the federal government. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Rob Geckle, the CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, to discuss Silicon Valley breaking into the defense business, the U.S. space race with China and looming federal budget cuts. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of…
24 Jul 2025 · 21 min
Trump’s AI plan is a gift to Silicon Valley — with a catch
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump unveiled his AI Action Plan, which effectively outlines his strategy for keeping the U.S. at the forefront of artificial intelligence. And for the most part, it’s a gift to Silicon Valley — slashing AI regulation at the federal level and trying to halt it in the states. But, one part of the plan will drag tech further into Trump’s war on wokeness. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly breaks down key provisions of the plan and how they could be implemented with Neil Chilson, the head of AI policy at the libertarian Abundance Institute. Steven Overly is the…
17 Jul 2025 · 24 min
The Vatican’s AI battle
Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly warned that artificial intelligence poses a danger to humanity. And as the U.S. and other governments turn away from regulating AI, the Catholic Church is emerging as a vocal skeptic on the world stage. One of the influential voices shaping those calls is Father Paolo Benanti, a professor and author who acts as the Vatican’s de facto adviser on AI. On POLITICO Tech, Benanti joins host Steven Overly to discuss ethical concerns surrounding AI and why he thinks regulators have a duty to make tough decisions. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the…
10 Jul 2025 · 21 min
Do Americans need digital IDs?
There’s a power struggle between humanity and technology. And Vilas Dhar, president and trustee of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, argues humanity coming out on top depends not just on regulation, but on people regaining agency vis-à-vis technology and a voice in how it is created. On POLITICO Tech, Dhar joins host Steven Overly to discuss how humans can reclaim their power, and why he thinks an initial step should be creating a national digital identification system. Steven Overly is the host of POLITICO Tech and covers the intersection of politics and technology. Nirmal Mulaikal is the…
3 Jul 2025 · 26 min
Apple’s China dilemma
Patrick McGee has written the definitive book on how Apple supercharged China’s development into a global manufacturing colossus and leveraged its relationship with Beijing to become one of the most iconic consumer tech brands in history. Now, the author of “Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company” joins POLITICO Tech guest host Phelim Kine to break down how Apple’s reliance on China has become a toxic codependency that has trapped the company at the center of U.S.-China trade tensions that have upended a decades-old business model hinged on a “Made in China” export…

About The Decoded Podcast

The Decoded Podcast is a English tech & science podcast from POLITICO. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: POLITICO
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 22 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1500970749

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