In light of his estate's launch of the new $3.1 billion Fund for Science and Technology, we revisit a classic 2011 interview with the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen to explore the "Idea Man" mindset that continues to shape his legacy. The conversation reveals the personal motivations behind his "big bet" philanthropy, his candid thoughts on his partnership with Bill Gates, and his passion for everything from brain science to jamming with rock stars.

Related stories and links: 
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s final act: New $3.1B foundation bets big on science and tech
In an age of billionaire backlash, Paul Allen’s lasting legacy stands out in Seattle

With GeekWire's Todd Bishop and Kurt Schlosser.

In light of his estate's launch of the new $3.1 billion Fund for Science and Technology, we revisit a classic 2011 interview with the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen to explore the "Idea Man" mindset that continues to shape his legacy. The conversation reveals the personal motivations behind his "big bet" philanthropy, his candid thoughts on his partnership with Bill Gates, and his passion for everything from brain science to jamming with rock stars.
Related stories and links:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/microsoft-co-founder-paul-allens-final-act-new-3-1b-foundation-bets-big-on-science-and-tech/">Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen&rsquo;s final act: New $3.1B foundation bets big on science and tech</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/in-an-age-of-billionaire-backlash-paul-allens-lasting-legacy-stands-out-in-seattle/">In an age of billionaire backlash, Paul Allen&rsquo;s lasting legacy stands out in Seattle</a></li>
</ul>
With GeekWire's Todd Bishop and Kurt Schlosser.

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

The Idea Man's Last Big Idea: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in his own words

Trevor Noah speaks with GeekWire's Todd Bishop after Noah taught a 5th grade class at Ardmore Elementary in Bellevue, Wash., for Code.org's Hour of AI during Computer Science Education Week. The former Daily Show host, comedian, author, podcast host, and Microsoft "Chief Questions Officer" talks about learning AI alongside kids, the importance of maintaining unbridled curiosity, and how artificial intelligence may — or may not — reshape the craft of comedy.

RELATED STORY: ‘We are all kids in the age of AI’: Trevor Noah teaches 5th graders — and learns a few things himself

Trevor Noah speaks with GeekWire's Todd Bishop after Noah taught a 5th grade class at Ardmore Elementary in Bellevue, Wash., for Code.org's <a href="https://code.org/en-US/hour-of-ai">Hour of AI</a> during Computer Science Education Week. The former Daily Show host, comedian, <a href="https://trevornoahbooks.com/">author</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WhatNowPodcast">podcast host</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFPUGjQjckXHAVzDxBpjXENRKgVU6KCzF">Microsoft "Chief Questions Officer"</a> talks about learning AI alongside kids, the importance of maintaining unbridled curiosity, and how artificial intelligence may &mdash; or may not &mdash; reshape the craft of comedy.
RELATED STORY: <a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/we-are-all-kids-in-the-age-of-ai-trevor-noah-teaches-5th-graders-and-learns-a-few-things-himself/">&lsquo;We are all kids in the age of AI&rsquo;: Trevor Noah teaches 5th graders &mdash; and learns a few things himself</a>

Bonus: Trevor Noah on AI, education, and the future of comedy

Amazon is experimenting again. This week, we dig into our scoop on Amazon Now, the company's new ultrafast delivery service. Plus, we recap the GeekWire team's ride in a Zoox robotaxi on the Las Vegas Strip during AWS re:Invent. And in our featured interview, from the show floor, AWS Senior Vice President Colleen Aubrey discusses Amazon's push into applied AI, why the company sees AI agents as "teammates," and how her team is rethinking product development in the age of agentic coding.

RELATED STORIES
Stars on the ceiling, Cher on the speakers: Notes from our first ride in Amazon’s Zoox robotaxi
Groceries in a flash: We tested ‘Amazon Now’ in Seattle — and got our delivery in 23 minutes
AWS CEO Matt Garman thought Amazon needed a million developers, until AI changed his mind

With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton.

 

Amazon is experimenting again. This week, we dig into our scoop on Amazon Now, the company's new ultrafast delivery service. Plus, we recap the GeekWire team's ride in a Zoox robotaxi on the Las Vegas Strip during AWS re:Invent. And in our featured interview, from the show floor, AWS Senior Vice President <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-aubrey-b90816/">Colleen Aubrey</a> discusses Amazon's push into applied AI, why the company sees AI agents as "teammates," and how her team is rethinking product development in the age of agentic coding.
RELATED STORIES
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/stars-on-the-ceiling-cher-on-the-speakers-notes-from-our-first-ride-in-amazons-zoox-robotaxi/">Stars on the ceiling, Cher on the speakers: Notes from our first ride in Amazon&rsquo;s Zoox robotaxi</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/groceries-in-a-flash-we-tested-amazon-now-in-seattle-and-got-our-delivery-in-23-minutes/">Groceries in a flash: We tested &lsquo;Amazon Now&rsquo; in Seattle &mdash; and got our delivery in 23 minutes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/aws-ceo-matt-garman-thought-amazon-needed-a-million-developers-until-ai-changed-his-mind/">AWS CEO Matt Garman thought Amazon needed a million developers, until AI changed his mind</a></li>
</ul>
With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton.
&nbsp;

Amazon’s New Frontiers: Robotaxis, Ultrafast Deliveries, and AI Teammates

What's the real value in AI tools — and what separates those who use them well from those who don't? Sam Ransbotham, professor of business analytics at Boston College and host of the "Me, Myself and AI" podcast from MIT Sloan Management Review, compares notes with GeekWire Podcast host Todd Bishop in a two-part collaboration between the shows.

On this episode, they discuss the new digital divide emerging in the classroom, AI's measurement problem (and what Wikipedia teaches us about it), the "race to mediocre," how AI is democratizing startup creation, and the tension between AI productivity, time, and the moments that make us human.

Find the rest of their conversation in the Me, Myself and AI podcast feed. 

What's the real value in AI tools &mdash; and what separates those who use them well from those who don't? <a href="https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/carroll-school/faculty-research/faculty-directory/sam-ransbotham.html">Sam Ransbotham</a>, professor of business analytics at Boston College and host of the "Me, Myself and AI" podcast from MIT Sloan Management Review, compares notes with GeekWire Podcast host Todd Bishop in a two-part collaboration between the shows.
On this episode, they discuss the new digital divide emerging in the classroom, AI's measurement problem (and what Wikipedia teaches us about it), the "race to mediocre," how AI is democratizing startup creation, and the tension between AI productivity, time, and the moments that make us human.
Find the rest of their conversation in the&nbsp;<a href="https://sloanreview.mit.edu/audio-series/me-myself-and-ai/">Me, Myself and AI podcast feed</a>.&nbsp;

The Idea Man's Last Big Idea: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in his own words

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