Inside the Machine

From RTÉ foreign correspondent to Storyful founder to News Corp insider to Kinzen — Mark Little has spent his career at every collision point between journalism, technology, and power. He tells us what he actually found at the heart of these transformational moments for business, culture, and society.

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and author of "The Running Ground," joins Colin for an illuminating conversation about overcoming self-imposed limitations, navigating technological disruption, and leading through uncertain times. Thompson reveals how discovering his own untapped potential as a distance runner in his 40s—after years of underestimating himself—transformed his understanding of what holds us back in life and work. He explores how the discipline and perseverance required for long-distance running mirrors the mindset needed to lead a major media organization through the AI revolution. The discussion delves into the challenges facing society today as AI emerges as a major technological force and what its rise means for quality journalism, copyright battles with AI companies, the flood of AI-generated content threatening to displace human creativity, and why Thompson believes embracing these tools—while fiercely protecting original content—is essential for society. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

In this illuminating episode of Winging It, we sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Brody Mullins, co-author of the "The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government."  Mullins, a veteran Wall Street Journal reporter who has spent decades covering the intersection of money and politics, pulls back the curtain on Washington's most powerful industry: lobbying. Drawing from his groundbreaking investigative work, he reveals how K Street became the epicenter of American political influence, where corporations spend billions to shape legislation and policy.  Whether you're a policy wonk, a concerned citizen, or simply curious about how Washington really works, this episode offers an unvarnished look at the forces shaping American democracy. Mullins' insider knowledge and storytelling prowess make this a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the true dynamics of power in Washington. www.blueowlgrp.com

Join the Blue Owl Group as we welcome award-winning technology journalist Cecilia Kang to "Winging It." As a seasoned New York Times technology correspondent and bestselling author, Cecilia shares her journey from hometown Seattle to Seoul to Washington, DC and her personal trek into journalism. The conversation also explores the evolution of the technology landscape over the last couple of decades and the delicate balance between innovation and regulation, during which Cecilia shares her insights on how tech platforms and services are reshaping the media landscape and the world. 

In this episode of "Winging It," the Blue Owl Group's Senior Advisor Ian Plunkett sits down with renowned Irish economist David McWilliams to unpack the complex forces reshaping global trade. From the resurgence of tariffs to Europe's quest for economic sovereignty, McWilliams offers his characteristically incisive analysis on how traditional economic paradigms are being challenged. Don't miss this wide-ranging discussion that connects the dots between protectionism, European autonomy, and the digital currency revolution – offering both warnings and opportunities for businesses navigating an increasingly unpredictable global economy.blueowlgrp.com

Join Blue Owl Group Senior Advisors Andrea Barenque and Carlos Cortes as they explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, social media, and open data across Latin America. In this thought-provoking episode, Andrea and Carlos discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping business, governance, and society throughout the region. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, business leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers a nuanced perspective on how Latin American countries are thinking about public policy frameworks for AI and open data and navigating complex social media landscapes. www.blueowlgrp.com