Nick Bastone dives into the way Apple has tried to manage the work-from-home era, where employees have to keep the secret products under wraps while working in a non secretive location

Background Reading

How Apple is Working From Home

Jessica Toonkel talks about why Spotify decided to go on a spending spree to get into the podcasting space. We discuss how this can actually pay off for the company and how long it could take to show results. 

Priya dives into how Amazon has become one of the central pieces holding things together as large swaths of the country remains under stay-at-home orders. We also discuss whether Amazon's increasing role as a utility servicing the nation will change the way people view the company—and what it means for regulatory efforts.

Background Reading

Amazon’s Retail Power Could Grow During Pandemic

We talk to Shai Oster, our Hong Kong bureau chief, about his experience leaving the country as the coronavirus began threatening from China. Then returning to Hong Kong once the US started seeing the effects. He gives us a look at what life looks like after the quarantining ends and people attempt to return to normal. 

The first of our special midweek podcasts during the COVID-19 pandemic looks at Airbnb. Cory explores the company's decision to give guests full refunds on trips that had to be cancelled because of travel restrictions during the crisis.

Please reach out to [email protected] if this situation has happened to you if you have any thoughts as a guest or host.

Background Reading:

Airbnb’s Longstanding Ties to Hosts Frayed by Crisis

Martin talks about the effects of the market downturn in response to the global pandemic. And we discuss which companies are the most affected and how long it will take for investors to regain confidence in the markets again.

Background Reading:

Market Crash Pressures Softbank's High-Risk Investment Strategy

As Prices Fall, Private Equity's Deal Appetite Could Grow

Kate talks about the messages that investors are giving to their portfolio companies about the coronavirus and how to prepare for an economic downturn.

Background Reading:

VCs Brace for Fundraising Delays Amid Outbreak

Jessica Lessin talks about Disney's surprise appointment of a new CEO, Bob Chapek and what it means for Bob Iger in his new role as executive chairman. Priya discusses the future of Amazon Go.

Background Reading:

Despite Stepping Down as Disney CEO, Iger Will Still Be In Charge

Buyer Beware: Why Retailers Should Think Hard About Amazon ‘Go’ Partnerships

Cory interviews New York Times journalist Conor Dougherty about his new book on the California housing crisis and the role tech has played in causing it (and trying to solve it). Then Jessica Lessin talks to Robin Murdoch of Accenture about autonomous vehicles as part of our sponsored series with the firm. 

Jessica and Tom discuss Roku and whether its hard-nosed negotiation tactics with media companies will work. Cory dives into Softbank and its troubles since the WeWork collapse.