The a16z Show
Katherine Boyle: How Tech Can Rebuild America
The a16z Show discusses tech and culture trends, news, and the future – especially as ‘software eats the world’. It features industry experts, business leaders, and other interesting thinkers and voices from around the world. This show is produced by Andreessen Horowitz (aka “a16z”), a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm. Multiple episodes are released every week; visit a16z.com for more details and to sign up for our newsletters and other content as well!
Show Notes
Tap timecodes to jump
Why does seriousness feel radical today? a16z General Partner Katherine Boyle joins The LaBossiere Podcast to explore what it means to build for the national interest—and why that starts with purpose.
Katherine, part of the American Dynamism team at a16z, shares how we got to a place where public service became uncool, how tech can help rebuild trust in government, and why suffering, friction, and responsibility are essential ingredients for growth. From the collapse of civic duty to the rise of meme-driven politics, they dig into the cultural forces shaping America—and the opportunity to reclaim a sense of mission.
They also discuss why Silicon Valley is more idea than place, what journalists and investors have in common, and why being laughed at might be the clearest sign you’re on the right path.
Timecodes:
Intro
The Decline in Public Service
Making Government Cool Again
Silicon Valley’s Aversion to National Security
Positive Sum vs Zero Sum Cultures
China, Authoritarianism, and Doing Hard Things
What Makes America Special?
Silicon Valley and the “Real Economy”
Investing in Mature Markets
Vanna White and The Wheel of Fortune
Journalism and Loneliness
Time and Suffering
Seriousness and Purpose
Is Culture Downstream of Technology?
Propaganda and Coolness as a Strategic Asset
Florida, Texas, and Regulatory Arbitrage
DC, Silicon Valley, and Florida
What Should More People Be Thinking About
Resources:
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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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Follow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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