In this exciting return of TechMagic in season 3, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler sit down with Kevin Rose, founder of Digg and partner at True Ventures, to explore the future of digital communities and human-first technology. Together, they discuss the ambitious Digg relaunch in partnership with Reddit’s co-founder, Alexis Ohanian, the challenges of building trust and safety on online platforms, and the disruptive role of AI in shaping content and jobs. 

From redefining how we talk about AI “hallucinations” to highlighting the rising importance of authentic human connection, this episode provides fresh insights into the evolving relationship between technology, community, and our shared digital future.

Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!

What you will learn:

• Building Trust in Digital Communities
• The Power of Niche Communities
• Strategic AI Integration
• The Return to Real-World Connection

Kevin Rose Bio

Kevin Rose is a pioneering tech entrepreneur, investor, and partner at True Ventures. He is best known as the founder of Digg, the first major social news platform. Over his 25+ year career, he has launched and led multiple ventures, including Revision3 (acquired by Discovery), Zero (the leading intermittent fasting app), and served as CEO of Hodinkee. Rose has been an early angel investor in Twitter, Square, Facebook, and more, earning recognition from Bloomberg, Forbes, MIT, and Time as one of the most influential figures in tech. His focus today is building trustworthy, human-first digital communities and advancing the future of online platforms.

Kevin Rose on LinkedIn 1

Kevin Rose on LinkedIn 2

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic Season 3
• 03:19 Adventures in Finland & India: Cathy's Global Tech Journey
• 07:05 ChatGPT Drama: Checking on AI Boyfriends
• 12:12 Kevin Rose Interview: The Return of Digg
• 18:22 Building Trust in Digital Communities
• 28:30 The Future of In-Person Meetups
• 32:19 AI Integration & Human Connection
• 39:16 Meta Connect & Smart Glasses Privacy Concerns
• 42:17 The Roblox Safety Debate
• 51:32 AWS vs. Salesforce: The Entry-Level Jobs Controversy
• 59:26 Finding Balance in a Tech-Saturated World
• 01:13:14 Final Thoughts: Gratitude & Music Recommendations

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