This week we welcome Mark Mulligan of MIDiA Research who has had a ringside seat for years and years of bubbles, be it the creator economy, NFTs or AI music, or just everyone claiming they are gaining market share at the same time. He is the founder and driving force behind the tiny little company that an entire industry looks to as the source of truth.

For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com

You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/

More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com

(Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.)

In this episode of Bubble Trouble, hosts Richard Kramer and Will Page are joined by Mark Mulligan, a leading music industry analyst and founder of MIDiA Research. They delve into the intricate world of the music industry, discussing the evolution from digital streaming to the rise of new phenomena such as NFTs and AI in music. The trio explores the concept of bifurcation in markets and the distinction between high-end experiences versus bargain deals within the industry. The conversation also touches on the significant cultural shifts, the role of trade associations, and the future of personalized music experiences. Despite the optimism around technology, the hosts remain critical of mainstream narratives, emphasizing the importance of genuine innovation and realistic market assessments. This insightful and provocative discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of music, technology, and finance.

00:00 Introduction to Bubble Trouble

01:02 Welcoming Special Guest Mark Mulligan

01:26 Mark Mulligan's Background and Insights

02:34 The Evolution of Music Supply

04:20 The Democratization of Music Creation

06:13 AI and the Future of Music

12:16 Fragmentation and Hyper-Targeting in Media

13:40 The Role of Superstars and Long Tail Creators

19:20 Streaming Platforms: Carnivores vs. Herbivores

25:45 TikTok's Influence on the Music Industry

27:33 Part Two

28:38 Diving into the Music Industry's Hype

30:08 Constructive Criticism in Emerging Technologies

30:39 The Metaverse and NFTs: A Skeptical View

31:28 Frameworks for Assessing New Technologies

33:10 The Future of Digital Fandom

35:15 Bifurcation in the Market

43:07 Pendulum Swings in Technology Adoption

44:54 Lessons from the Aviation Industry

46:29 Final Thoughts and Predictions

52:00 Credits

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Podcasts are having another moment: Trump on Joe Rogan, Kamala on Call Her Daddy. New media is overtaking old media in audience and influence. Back in early 2023, we welcomed guest Lauren Jarvis, who helped bring Rogan to Spotify and growing podcasts into the medium we see today. Given this week’s election mania, we bring Lauren back to make sense of it all.

For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com

You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/

More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com

(Times below correspond to the episode without considering any inserted advertisements.)

The Podcast Boom: Analyzing Influence and the Future of Media

In this episode of Bubble Trouble, hosts Richard Kramer and Will Page delve into the evolving landscape of the podcast industry with guest Lauren Jarvis. They discuss the resurgence of podcasts as a significant media platform, touching on notable examples like Joe Rogan's recent Trump interview. The conversation also covers the economic potential of podcasts, their role in reaching new audiences, and the gamification of learning as a growing trend in tech. Jarvis shares insights on the integration of technology into daily life and the future of media consumption.

00:00 Introduction to Bubble Trouble

00:59 Part One

02:52 Political Influence of Podcasts

05:26 Audience Engagement and Monetization

09:09 The Future of Media Consumption

22:11 Part Two

22:13 Tech Trends and Predictions

37:46 AI and Data Utilization

46:12 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

48:33 Credits

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Repeat from November, 2023.

For more on Bubble Trouble, including transcripts of the show, visit us online at http://bubbletroublepodcast.com

You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-kramer-16306b2/

More on Will Page at: https://pivotaleconomics.com

In this episode of Bubble Trouble, hosts Richard Kramer and Will Page engage in an in-depth discussion with Alex Kantrowitz, veteran tech journalist and founder of Big Technology. The discussion provides insights on some of the issues and dilemmas facing Twitter (now called X) under the leadership of Elon Musk. Kantrowitz offers valuable perspectives on the changing dynamics in the tech world, touching on the rise of Reddit, problems with 'Threads', and the impact of new leadership on Twitter's performance and brand value. The conversation also delves into the principle of 'Effective Altruism' prevalent in Silicon Valley and what it signifies about tech leadership. Analysis of recent data reveals Twitter's shrinking user base and engagement, though it remains a highly popular app. The episode wraps with Kantrowitz sharing about his newsletter 'Big Technology', and its recent features.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:46 Part One

00:52 Interview with Tech Journalist Alex Kantrowicz

02:17 Exploring Twitter's History and Business Model

06:52 Twitter's Influence and Impact on Journalism

07:32 The Decline of Traditional Media and the Rise of Digital Platforms

08:45 Twitter's Role in the Attention Economy

09:54 Twitter's Popularity and Influence Despite Declining Numbers

15:06 Analyzing Twitter's User Data and Trends

28:47 Part Two

32:37 The Future of Twitter: Cyclical or Structural Decline?

36:26 Twitter's Competition: Reddit and Threads

36:34 The Struggles of Threads

36:59 The Power of Network Effects

38:17 The Limitations of Threads

39:48 The Rise of Reddit

40:04 The Role of Reddit in the Social Media Landscape

40:54 The Impact of Pocket App on Twitter

41:25 The Irrelevance of Threads and the Power of Meta

44:20 The Challenges Twitter Faces

45:50 Potential Strategies to Save Twitter

49:32 The Future of Twitter Under Musk's Leadership

54:51 The Role of Effective Altruism in Tech Companies

58:57 The Danger of Singular Solutions

59:27 The Value of Comments and the Future of Twitter

01:01:38 Closing Remarks and Promotion of Big Technology

01:02:34 Credits

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