Somewhat Frank

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: AllBirds from Billions to Millions. Pinch of Gold Dust May Be Secret to Bringing Longer Lasting and Safer Batteries to Market. Anthropic's Claude Mythos Preview & Project Glasswing: The Model Too Dangerous to Release. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: Amazon Turns NFL Games into Live Shopping Experiences. NYTimes Sues Perplexity — Who Owns Journalism in the AI Era? Raccoons Are Showing Early Signs of Domestication. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: AI country band "Breaking Rust" tops the charts. Three astronauts aboard China's space station are stuck aboard without a guaranteed safe return vehicle. SuperMe just closed a $6.8 M seed round (led by Greylock) to power its AI‑expert network. Google has launched Gemini 3 (specifically the "Pro" version), what the company calls its "most intelligent model" yet. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: NEO pre-orders open as Tesla's Optimus heats up the robot race. Researchers have built a working computer memory component using the mycelium (the root-like network) of the shiitake mushroom. Area 2 Farms uses modular indoor-farming technology to turn under-utilised buildings (including former offices) into vertical farms, packing rack-based systems into ~3,000 sq ft spaces. Tom Brady revealed that his beloved dog is actually a genetically identical clone. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: Mark Cuban Slams OpenAI’s Erotica Plan — “This Is Going to Backfire” Instagram introduces PG-13 settings Regulators probe Waymo after its robotaxi drove around a stopped school bus Louvre Museum Heist: Nearly$140 Million in Losses We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: Taylor Swift’s The Life Of A Showgirl AI-Generated “Workslop” Meta Will Begin Using AI Chatbot Conversations to Target Ads OpenAI launches Sora 2 We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: Meta / Ray-Ban Display + Gen-2 + Oakley Vanguard Smart Glasses - https://www.wired.com/story/meta-smart-glasses-ray-ban-display-ray-ban-gen-2-oakley-vanguard/ K-pop Demon Hunters - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-08-31/-kpop-demon-hunters-proves-an-old-hollywood-rule-nobody-knows-anything The Bermuda Triangle Explained - https://nypost.com/2025/08/27/science/scientist-claims-to-have-natural-explanation-for-mystery-of-bermuda-triangle/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Gemini achieves gold-medal level at the International Collegiate Programming Contest World Finals - https://deepmind.google/discover/blog/gemini-achieves-gold-level-performance-at-the-international-collegiate-programming-contest-world-finals/ Oura Ring (Gen 4) → sleep/recovery/activity tracker. Here is a 10% off link. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: Right now, you can lease an EV for as little as $100 a month — which is pretty wild. Debunked! China was developing humanoid “pregnancy robots” for $14K per birth, prototype by 2026. The founding of the first AI-led rights advocacy group. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: CNN SuperAger Article - SuperAgers are individuals who maintain exceptional cognitive function as they age—remaining mentally sharp even into their 80s and 90s. Sam Altman is in the process of co-founding a new brain-to-computer interface startup called Merge Labs and raising funds for it with the capital possibly coming largely from OpenAI’s ventures team, unnamed sources told the Financial Times. Drones Reveal Largest Turtle Nesting Site Hidden in the Amazon - Using drone aerial imaging and advanced statistical modeling, University of Florida researchers identified the world’s largest known nesting site for a threatened turtle species—over 41,000 Giant South American River Turtles along the Guaporé River in the Amazon. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: Twitter Founder Jack Dorsey Launched Messaging App That Doesn’t Need Internet. - https://www.inc.com/sam-blum/twitter-co-founder-jack-dorsey-just-launched-a-messaging-app-that-doesnt-need-the-internet/91210801 Harvard scientist believes interstellar comet could be alien craft: "We should put all possibilities on the table." - https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/harvard-scientist-comet-alien-craft-earth/ Eight months in, Swedish unicorn Lovable crosses the $100M ARR milestone. - https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/23/eight-months-in-swedish-unicorn-lovable-crosses-the-100m-arr-milestone/ Australia is expanding its current restrictions on social media use by children under 16 and the ban now includes YouTube. - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv0zkxx0njo North Spore - Based in Portland, Maine, North Spore (https://northspore.com) is the premier destination for all your mushroom growing needs. As the #1 mushroom growing shop, North Spore provides everything you need to cultivate mushrooms. Check out our most recent Startup of the Year podcast episode, where we were joined by Dr. Amy Beckley, from PROOV, who is changing the landscape of women’s health. Listen here: https://soty.link/Pod140 We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: AI Rock Band With More Than A Million Listeners - https://nypost.com/2025/07/10/entertainment/rock-band-with-more-than-1-million-spotify-listeners-reveals-its-entirely-ai-generated-down-to-the-musicians-themselves/ AI Talent War Is On Fire - https://www.tipranks.com/news/meta-poaches-apples-aapl-ai-superstar-with-200m-offer Zuckerberg says Meta will build data center the size of Manhattan - https://ground.news/article/meta-ceo-zuckerberg-says-first-ai-data-supercluster-will-come-online-in-2026_2b17de The new Superman movie - https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/superman_2025 Jurassic World Rebirth - https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jurassic_world_rebirth We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: Frank has been making music. Check him out at: @frankgrubermusic on Instagram and TikTok, or sign up for text alerts on music drops at laylo.com/frankgrubermusic Your Brain on ChatGPT: MIT Measures the Mental Cost of AI Writing - MIT ran a study with 54 participants writing essays using either their brain, a search engine, or ChatGPT—then tracked brain activity using EEG. Ram Trucks fires up a near-perfect brand apology ad - CEO Tim Kuniskis apologizes for discontinuing the Hemi V-8—with doughnuts, drifts, and a NASCAR lap. A Couples Retreat With 3 AI Chatbots and the Humans Who Love Them https://www.wired.com/story/couples-retreat-with-3-ai-chatbots-and-humans-who-love-them-replika-nomi-chatgpt/ Jeff Bezos Wedding - Bezos proposed in 2023 in the south of France with a 30‑carat pink diamond ring valued at $3–5 million We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics: The After-Work Happy Hour Is Dying Apple News – The Cut - Remote work, shifting priorities, and social fatigue are changing workplace culture. CNBC 2025 Disruptor 50 List - CNBC Article OpenAI Expands Into Meetings, Docs, and Cloud Storage - TechCrunch article AI-Designed Drug Shows Promise - Bloomberg article Small Funds, Big Wins - James Heath VC – Substack World’s Tallest 3D-Printed Building - Tom’s Hardware First Mushroom Casket Burial in the U.S. Happens in Maine - Portland Press Herald We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber) and (Simon Kahan IG: @SimonKahan) discuss the following topics: Sesame Street Heads to Netflix - the iconic PBS show is heading to Netflix under a new licensing deal. OpenAI x Jony Ive’s Mysterious AI Device - OpenAI is teaming up with Jony Ive — the design genius behind Apple’s most iconic products — to build a totally new kind of AI-first device. Rock-it Cargo’s $1B Live Events Logistics Deal - the company that handles logistics for massive global tours and sporting events — just got acquired in a $1 billion deal. Should the Penny Be Retired? - It costs almost 3 cents to make a 1-cent coin — and the U.S. Mint is finally rethinking whether the penny still makes sense. Napster Reboots as a $1.5B AI Music Startup - Napster is back — but this time, it’s a $1.5 billion AI-powered music company. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) discuss the following topics: OpenAI Changes Course Will Remain A Nonprofit - OpenAI will remain under the control of its nonprofit despite previous plans to convert fully to a for-profit model; its business division will instead become a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) overseen by the nonprofit. Inside Starbase: Elon Musk’s Town - Starbase was officially incorporated as a city after a 212–6 vote, with most voters being SpaceX employees or their relatives; no traditional campaigning occurred. Why Chobani’s Founder Hamdi Ulukaya Is Investing $1.2B in A State of the Art Dairy Farm in Upstate New York - Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya is investing $1.7 billion in two major U.S. manufacturing expansions: $1.2 billion for a new facility in Rome, New York, and $500 million to expand the company’s Idaho plant. ChatGPT Users Are Developing Bizarre Delusions - AI chatbots like ChatGPT are fueling delusional beliefs in some users, who claim to receive sacred missions or mystical revelations, often worsening preexisting mental health issues. Elizabeth Holmes’s Partner Has a New Blood-Testing Startup - Billy Evans, partner of convicted Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, is raising funds for a new diagnostics startup named Haemanthus, which aims to revolutionize health testing starting with pets and eventually humans. Do you sit on the floor? - Sitting and moving from the floor regularly strengthens lower-body muscles and balance, which can help prevent falls—a major health risk for older adults, according to longevity expert Dan Buettner. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (X: @simonkahan) explore the following topics: Founders, investors, startup teams, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs), and innovators, we invite you to join the Established Network, our digital hub where creativity, capital, and collaboration collide. https://established.network. As part of the Established Network, we also host the Monthly Innovation Circle, with some great featured speakers and we’ll continue hosting these events on the third Thursday of every month. Sign up today at: est.us/TheMIC2025 Astronomers Detect Possible Signal of Life on a Distant Planet - Astronomers have detected a potential biosignature on exoplanet K2-18b, located approximately 120 light-years away in the constellation Leo King’s College Scientists’ Lab-Grown Teeth Breakthrough - Researchers at King’s College London have successfully grown fully functional teeth in laboratory settings, marking a significant advancement in regenerative dentistry. Midwest Emerges as a Hub for AI Data Centers - The Midwest is experiencing a surge in data center construction, driven by the growing demand for AI and cloud computing services. Fun With AI Generated Images - We have been testing ChatGPT’s new viral image manipulation capabilities. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) discuss the following topics: TechCrunch sold again - TechCrunch has been sold again – Yahoo has sold the tech news site to private equity firm Regent for an undisclosed amount. 23andMe Files For Bankruptcy, what does that mean for the security of your genetic data? - 23andMe is filing for bankruptcy – The genetic testing company has struggled financially due to its one-time purchase model and declining sales. It is now seeking a buyer, and co-founder Anne Wojcicki has stepped down as CEO but hopes to repurchase the company. Banning Lab Grown Meats - Mississippi bans lab-grown meat – The state unanimously passed a bill prohibiting the cultivation and sale of cell-derived meat, with penalties including fines and jail time. Similar bans have been enacted in Florida and Alabama, with other states considering restrictions. Bill Gates on AI and jobs - In a recent interview, Bill Gates discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce, including AI’s role in medicine and education, potential job disruptions, etc. Your AI lover will change you - The normalization of AI lovers is imminent, with AI-powered chatbots and virtual companions becoming more interactive, personalized, and emotionally engaging. This could fundamentally reshape human relationships. YouTube Shorts - YouTube Shorts is a short-form video experience for creators. Frank started to upload some videos this past week to test it out with a couple of videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@FrankGruber/shorts Sunnier Days For Sesame Street? - Sesame Workshop is facing financial struggles – The nonprofit behind Sesame Street is losing its lucrative HBO contract, worth $30–$35 million per year, and dealing with lost government grants, creating a projected $40 million deficit. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics: The Established Network’s Monthly Innovation Circle kicked off on March 20th with some great featured speakers and we’ll be hosting a new one on the third Thursday of every month. The next one is set for April 17th at 3pm ET. Sign up at: est.us/TheMIC2025 Frank got a chance to talk with Jenny Fielding, an investor from Everywhere Ventures, about her new book Venture Everywhere. Check out the interview here: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/0135-jenny-fielding-on-venture-everywhere-and-investing-in-global-startups PepsiCo buys prebiotic soda brand Poppi for nearly $2 billion – will this make the M&A market pop right open for other startups? - PepsiCo’s $1.95 Billion Deal: PepsiCo acquired prebiotic soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion, which includes $300 million in anticipated cash tax benefits, resulting in a net purchase price of $1.65 billion. Google to Acquire Cybersecurity Company Wiz for $32 billion - Alphabet, Google's parent company, has agreed to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for $32 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date. Celtics Sold To Private Equity-Led Group For $6.1 Billion - Biggest Sports Sale In U.S. History - The Boston Celtics have been sold for $6.1 billion, setting a new record for the highest price paid for a U.S. sports team, surpassing the $6.05 billion sale of the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023. NASA astronauts who were supposed to be in space for nine days returning to Earth after nine months on ISS - NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams are returning to Earth after an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics: We are hosting the Established House in Austin on Friday, March 7th, with a couple of featured conversations, a barista spinning our delightful lattes and teas and lots of opportunities to connect with one another. If you’ll be in Austin, please join us! RSVP at: est.us/house25 AI Is Changing How Silicon Valley Builds Startups - The traditional Silicon Valley model of heavy fundraising and large headcounts is being replaced by AI-driven efficiency, with companies like Anysphere and ElevenLabs reaching $100M revenue with under 50 workers. Also, here is Frank’s take on it: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7299885251869196288/ Mice have been genetically engineered to look like mammoths - Colossal Biosciences genetically engineered mice with mammoth-like fur by altering up to five genes, though only one matches the mammoth genome exactly. Here are some more thoughts on the animal/human hybrid topic: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/japan-approves-first-human-animal-embryo-experiments/ Digg is coming back, thanks to its founder Kevin Rose — and Reddit’s success - Digg is relaunching with Kevin Rose as chair, Alexis Ohanian as an adviser, and Justin Mezzell as CEO, aiming to revive its “homepage of the internet” legacy. A Private Space Mission Just Successfully Landed on the Moon for the First Time - Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar module became the first private company’s lander to successfully touch down on the moon, landing on March 2, 2025. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) discuss the following topics: Egg Prices Are Sky High - Avian flu is back and hitting close to home, impacting poultry farms and sending egg prices soaring. DeepSeek Shakes Up the AI Landscape - Chinese AI company DeepSeek dethroned ChatGPT as the #1 free app on the App Store. Markets reacted sharply, despite no independent verification of DeepSeek’s claims. What to know about 'Stargate,' the $500 billion AI infrastructure project - A $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative led by OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and MGX to expand U.S. data centers. The First Solar Data Center on the Moon - A Florida startup, Lonestar, is setting up the first-ever lunar data center. Boom Supersonic - Boom Supersonic successfully tested its prototype jet, reaching supersonic speeds over the Mojave Desert. Apple & SpaceX Team Up for Starlink on iPhones - Apple & SpaceX partnering to bring satellite connectivity to iPhones, which eliminates dead zones, providing coverage in remote areas. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us