On this week’s show, Todd and John react to the sudden downfall of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who resigned Thursday after reports of extramarital affairs, including one with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy. They discuss the governance gaps at the world’s most valuable chipmaker, the long but low-profile Microsoft career of interim CEO Colette Kress, and who could take over permanently, including candidates from Microsoft, Amazon and the chip industry.

In the second segment, Todd explains how AI tools are changing the way he reports, with help in live interviews, research in news archives and an analysis of GeekWire’s coverage that shows Pacific Northwest M&A and IPO activity picking up this fall.

Inspired by Colette Kress's new role, the GeekWire Trivia Challenge looks at what some of Microsoft’s former finance executives have done after leaving the company.

We recorded this episode Thursday afternoon, before the full scale of the Microsoft 365 outage was clear and before Friday’s FAA ground stop. GeekWire has full coverage of both stories.

Related links:
Nvidia’s interim CEO spent 13 years behind the scenes at Microsoft
Seattle VC firm Ascend closes $17M fund to back ‘Third Act’ startups in physical AI and hardware
‘We’re still here’: Technology Access Foundation keeps opening doors for students of color, 30 years later
‘A huge pain in the ass’: Microsoft 365 starts to recover after a day of global email turmoil
Officials blame aging FAA telecom gear as U.S. airspace reopens, see no link to Microsoft or AI

With John Cook and Todd Bishop; edited by Curt Milton; music by Daniel L.K. Caldwell.

On this week&rsquo;s show, Todd and John react to the sudden downfall of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who resigned Thursday after reports of extramarital affairs, including one with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy. They discuss the governance gaps at the world&rsquo;s most valuable chipmaker, the long but low-profile Microsoft career of interim CEO Colette Kress, and who could take over permanently, including candidates from Microsoft, Amazon and the chip industry.
In the second segment, Todd explains how AI tools are changing the way he reports, with help in live interviews, research in news archives and an analysis of GeekWire&rsquo;s coverage that shows Pacific Northwest M&amp;A and IPO activity picking up this fall.
Inspired by Colette Kress's new role, the GeekWire Trivia Challenge looks at what some of Microsoft&rsquo;s former finance executives have done after leaving the company.
We recorded this episode Thursday afternoon, before the full scale of the Microsoft 365 outage was clear and before Friday&rsquo;s FAA ground stop. GeekWire has full coverage of both stories.
Related links:
<ul dir="ltr">
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/nvidias-new-interim-ceo-spent-13-years-at-microsoft-far-from-the-spotlight/">Nvidia&rsquo;s interim CEO spent 13 years behind the scenes at Microsoft</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/seattle-vc-firm-ascend-closes-17m-fund-to-back-third-act-startups-in-physical-ai-and-hardware/">Seattle VC firm Ascend closes $17M fund to back &lsquo;Third Act&rsquo; startups in physical AI and hardware</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/were-still-here-technology-access-foundation-keeps-opening-doors-for-students-of-color-30-years-later/">&lsquo;We&rsquo;re still here&rsquo;: Technology Access Foundation keeps opening doors for students of color, 30 years later</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/a-huge-pain-in-the-ass-microsoft-365-starts-to-recover-after-a-daylong-global-email-blackout/">&lsquo;A huge pain in the ass&rsquo;: Microsoft 365 starts to recover after a day of global email turmoil</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/dhs-chief-sees-no-microsoft-link-to-faa-ground-stop-says-possible-ai-role-being-investigated/">Officials blame aging FAA telecom gear as U.S. airspace reopens, see no link to Microsoft or AI</a></li>
</ul>
With John Cook and Todd Bishop; edited by Curt Milton; music by Daniel L.K. Caldwell.

GeekWire brings you the week's latest technology news, trends and insights, covering the world of technology from our home base in Seattle. Our regular news podcast features commentary and analysis from our editors and reporters, plus interviews with special guests.

GeekWire reporters John Cook, Todd Bishop and guests talk about the latest tech news and trends.

GeekWire

Nvidia’s CEO meltdown, who could replace Jensen Huang, and our latest AI tips and tricks

This week: Shield AI, the defense tech company building its X-BAT autonomous fighter jet south of Seattle, agrees to acquire Kirkland-based radar maker Echodyne in a deal valued at up to $5.3 billion. We discuss what it means for the Seattle region’s rise as a defense tech hub, how the midterm results could affect the sector, and the Mercer Island roots of Shield AI co-founders Brandon and Ryan Tseng.

Voters backed limits on data center development in 40 of 41 local ballot measures across the country, more than half of them in Ohio. We talk about the backlash, reports that foreign actors are amplifying it, and what it means for Amazon as it plans its first data centers in Washington state.

Seattle startup Suplari is acquired by Docusign, nearly three years after Microsoft spun it back out to its founders. Along with the Echodyne deal and Agility Robotics’ public listing, it could be a sign that M&A is picking up.

And in the GeekWire Trivia Challenge: how did Nobel Prize winner Mary Brunkow, one of this year’s GeekWire Uncommon Thinkers, find out she had won?

Related stories and links
Shield AI to buy Bill Gates-backed radar maker Echodyne in $5.3B deal, doubling down on Seattle area
Amazon plans its first data centers in Washington state as residents raise concerns
A rare second exit: AI startup Suplari acquired by Docusign nearly 3 years after Microsoft spinout
Agility Robotics co-founder on its Nasdaq debut, lessons from Amazon, and the future of work
Uncommon Thinkers: Curiosity led Mary Brunkow to an immune breakthrough — and a Nobel Prize
GeekWire Gala, Dec. 10

With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton. Music by Daniel L.K. Caldwell.

 

This week: Shield AI, the defense tech company building its X-BAT autonomous fighter jet south of Seattle, agrees to acquire Kirkland-based radar maker Echodyne in a deal valued at up to $5.3 billion. We discuss what it means for the Seattle region&rsquo;s rise as a defense tech hub, how the midterm results could affect the sector, and the Mercer Island roots of Shield AI co-founders Brandon and Ryan Tseng.
Voters backed limits on data center development in 40 of 41 local ballot measures across the country, more than half of them in Ohio. We talk about the backlash, reports that foreign actors are amplifying it, and what it means for Amazon as it plans its first data centers in Washington state.
Seattle startup Suplari is acquired by Docusign, nearly three years after Microsoft spun it back out to its founders. Along with the Echodyne deal and Agility Robotics&rsquo; public listing, it could be a sign that M&amp;A is picking up.
And in the GeekWire Trivia Challenge: how did Nobel Prize winner Mary Brunkow, one of this year&rsquo;s GeekWire Uncommon Thinkers, find out she had won?
Related stories and links
<ul dir="ltr">
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/shield-ai-to-buy-bill-gates-backed-radar-maker-echodyne-in-5-3b-deal-doubling-down-on-seattle-area/">Shield AI to buy Bill Gates-backed radar maker Echodyne in $5.3B deal, doubling down on Seattle area</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/amazon-plans-its-first-data-centers-in-washington-state-as-residents-raise-concerns/">Amazon plans its first data centers in Washington state as residents raise concerns</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/second-exit-ai-startup-suplari-acquired-by-docusign-nearly-3-years-after-microsoft-spinout/">A rare second exit: AI startup Suplari acquired by Docusign nearly 3 years after Microsoft spinout</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/agility-robotics-co-founder-on-its-nasdaq-debut-lessons-from-amazon-and-the-future-of-work/">Agility Robotics co-founder on its Nasdaq debut, lessons from Amazon, and the future of work</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/uncommon-thinkers-curiosity-led-mary-brunkow-to-an-immune-breakthrough-and-a-nobel-prize/">Uncommon Thinkers: Curiosity led Mary Brunkow to an immune breakthrough &mdash; and a Nobel Prize</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/gala">GeekWire Gala, Dec. 10</a></li>
</ul>
With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton. Music by Daniel L.K. Caldwell.
&nbsp;

Voters reject AI data centers, Shield AI's $5.3B Echodyne deal, and a startup's rare double exit

This week: Microsoft is offering buyouts to about 60,000 employees, roughly a quarter of its workforce, including some executives. We discuss what's behind the offer, why buyout stories draw so much interest from readers, and how it fits with a blockbuster quarter that included $10 billion in revenue from OpenAI.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy predicts that AWS and Amazon's stores business could each reach $1 trillion in annual revenue in the next five to 10 years, even as the cost of Amazon's AI buildout cuts into its profits.

Todd also tests Amazon's new Bee AI wearable, which listens to the first part of the show, summarizes the conversation and offers a critique of its own. John starts to come around on the device, with reservations about its shopping-related features.

Plus, our Halloween costumes, and a GeekWire Trivia Challenge about T-Mobile perks.

Related stories and links
Microsoft makes new ‘voluntary exit’ offer to about a quarter of its workforce, including some execs
Bigger than Bing or Xbox: Microsoft’s OpenAI haul reaches $10B in quarterly revenue
Choosing their own moment: Why these longtime Microsofties are taking the buyout
Andy Jassy’s prediction: Amazon could have two $1 trillion businesses within a decade
AWS growth hits 39%, its fastest in nearly five years, as Amazon misses on earnings
Amazon’s new AI devices can listen to conversations and suggest things to buy — if you opt in
Amazon’s new Bee AI devices have a bystander problem, says former AWS security engineer
T-Mobile’s new ‘T-Mix’ plans let customers trade phone deals for Netflix, ESPN and other perks

With Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton. Music by Daniel L.K. Caldwell.

This week: Microsoft is offering buyouts to about 60,000 employees, roughly a quarter of its workforce, including some executives. We discuss what's behind the offer, why buyout stories draw so much interest from readers, and how it fits with a blockbuster quarter that included $10 billion in revenue from OpenAI.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy predicts that AWS and Amazon's stores business could each reach $1 trillion in annual revenue in the next five to 10 years, even as the cost of Amazon's AI buildout cuts into its profits.
Todd also tests Amazon's new Bee AI wearable, which listens to the first part of the show, summarizes the conversation and offers a critique of its own. John starts to come around on the device, with reservations about its shopping-related features.
Plus, our <a href="https://lnkd.in/p/grCB7iKN">Halloween costumes</a>, and a GeekWire Trivia Challenge about T-Mobile perks.
Related stories and links
<ul dir="ltr">
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/microsoft-makes-new-voluntary-exit-offer-to-more-than-a-quarter-of-its-workforce-including-some-execs/">Microsoft makes new &lsquo;voluntary exit&rsquo; offer to about a quarter of its workforce, including some execs</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/bigger-than-bing-or-xbox-microsofts-openai-haul-reaches-10b-in-quarterly-revenue/">Bigger than Bing or Xbox: Microsoft&rsquo;s OpenAI haul reaches $10B in quarterly revenue</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/choosing-their-own-moment-why-these-longtime-microsofties-are-taking-the-buyout/">Choosing their own moment: Why these longtime Microsofties are taking the buyout</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/andy-jassys-prediction-amazon-could-have-two-1-trillion-businesses-within-a-decade/">Andy Jassy&rsquo;s prediction: Amazon could have two $1 trillion businesses within a decade</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/aws-growth-hits-39-its-fastest-in-nearly-five-years-as-amazon-misses-on-earnings/">AWS growth hits 39%, its fastest in nearly five years, as Amazon misses on earnings</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/amazons-new-ai-devices-can-listen-to-conversations-and-suggest-things-to-buy-if-you-opt-in/">Amazon&rsquo;s new AI devices can listen to conversations and suggest things to buy &mdash; if you opt in</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/amazons-new-bee-ai-devices-have-a-bystander-problem-says-former-aws-security-engineer/">Amazon&rsquo;s new Bee AI devices have a bystander problem, says former AWS security engineer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/t-mobiles-new-t-mix-plans-let-customers-trade-phone-deals-for-netflix-espn-and-other-perks/">T-Mobile&rsquo;s new &lsquo;T-Mix&rsquo; plans let customers trade phone deals for Netflix, ESPN and other perks</a></li>
</ul>
With Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton. Music by Daniel L.K. Caldwell.

Microsoft's big buyout, Amazon's trillion-dollar future, and an AI wearable reviews our show

This week: Microsoft’s longtime communications chief, Frank X. Shaw, looks back on nearly three decades of telling the company’s story as he prepares to leave at the end of the year. Joined by veteran Microsoft reporter and GeekWire contributing writer Mary Jo Foley, Shaw talks about working for Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer and Satya Nadella, the mistakes he’d handle differently, and what companies of any size can learn about the evolution of communications and working with reporters.

Related Stories and Links
Microsoft comms chief Frank Shaw to exit after nearly three decades shaping the company’s message
Internal memos: Microsoft shakes up communications as Nadella makes a push to build in public
Microsoft’s ‘lost decade’: Vanity Fair piece accurate but incomplete
Frank X. Shaw: Things I’m Thinking About
Mary Jo Foley’s GeekWire stories

With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. Edited by Curt Milton. Music by Daniel L.K. Caldwell.

This week: Microsoft&rsquo;s longtime communications chief, Frank X. Shaw, looks back on nearly three decades of telling the company&rsquo;s story as he prepares to leave at the end of the year. Joined by veteran Microsoft reporter and GeekWire contributing writer Mary Jo Foley, Shaw talks about working for Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer and Satya Nadella, the mistakes he&rsquo;d handle differently, and what companies of any size can learn about the evolution of communications and working with reporters.
Related Stories and Links
<ul dir="ltr">
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/microsoft-comms-chief-frank-shaw-to-exit-after-nearly-three-decades-shaping-the-companys-message/">Microsoft comms chief Frank Shaw to exit after nearly three decades shaping the company&rsquo;s message</a></li>
<li><a href="https://geekwire.com/2026/internal-memos-microsoft-shakes-up-communications-as-nadella-makes-a-push-to-build-in-public/">Internal memos: Microsoft shakes up communications as Nadella makes a push to build in public</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2012/microsofts-lost-decade-vanity-fair-piece-accurate-incomplete/">Microsoft&rsquo;s &lsquo;lost decade&rsquo;: Vanity Fair piece accurate but incomplete</a></li>
<li><a href="https://fxshaw.com">Frank X. Shaw: Things I&rsquo;m Thinking About</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/author/maryjofoley/">Mary Jo Foley&rsquo;s GeekWire stories</a></li>
</ul>
With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. Edited by Curt Milton. Music by Daniel L.K. Caldwell.

Nvidia’s CEO meltdown, who could replace Jensen Huang, and our latest AI tips and tricks

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