The "Winging It" podcast is an engaging audio series hosted by seasoned experts from The Blue Owl Group. Everyone's got a story about "winging it" - those uncharted, universal moments we all face – when there’s no playbook, no mentor on speed dial, just your instincts and sheer determination to guide you. On Winging It, we’ll talk to top policymakers, civil society leaders, and tech trailblazers who've been there — and lived to tell the tale. At a time when technology, global democracies, and leadership face unprecedented challenges, we'll explore how today's decision-makers navigate uncertainty, take bold risks, and, yes, sometimes just have to wing it. Find us at -- www.blueowlgrp.com
Host Maeve Sheekey interviews Mark Little, News Corp insider, as he reveals insights from the intersection of journalism, technology, and power.
4 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
The Long Run: Nicholas Thompson on Discipline, Innovation, and our AI Future
Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and author of "The Running Ground," joins Colin for an illuminating conversation about overcoming self-imposed limitations, navigating technological disruption, and leading through uncertain times. Thompson reveals how discovering his own untapped potential as a distance runner in his 40s—after years of underestimating himself—transformed his understanding of what holds us back in life and work. He explores how the discipline and perseverance required fo...
17 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT
Autocrats vs. Democrats: Ambassador Michael McFaul on the New Global Disorder
In this compelling episode of "Winging It," we sit down with Ambassador Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, to discuss his groundbreaking new book "Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder." McFaul draws on decades of experience—from advising President Obama to serving in Moscow as Putin tightened his grip on power—to explain how the world's autocracies are forming dangerous alliances and challenging the democratic order...
4 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT
Tim Wu: Inside the Age of Extraction
In this episode of *Winging It*, Blue Owl Group’s Colin Crowell chats with Tim Wu — author, law professor, and former White House adviser—to discuss his new book, "The Age of Extraction." Together they trace the arc from the early optimism of the open Internet to today’s data-driven economy, where human attention, personal information, and even trust have become resources to be mined. Wu reflects on the market structures and public policy deficiencies that fueled the rise of today’s dig...
26 Aug 2025
Training AI and Mining Bitcoin: Inside the Data Center Revolution with Core Scientific's Russell Cann
Ever wondered how data centers for AI and Bitcoin mining work and how they differ? Russell Cann, Chief Development Officer at Core Scientific, joins us to break down the fascinating infrastructure that powers both Bitcoin mining and AI training. He explores how these rapidly growing markets differ in their energy and operational demands while revealing surprising synergies between Bitcoin mining and AI workloads. Russell shares insights on navigating massive power requirements, optimizing coo...
31 Jul 2025TRANSCRIPT
AI and the Common Good: A Conversation with Vilas Dhar
In this episode of Winging It, we sit down with Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, to explore how artificial intelligence can—and must—be harnessed in service of humanity. From funding global data initiatives to advocating for responsible AI governance, Dhar shares his vision for a future where technology amplifies dignity, justice, and opportunity. We discuss the role of philanthropy in shaping tech policy, the risks of unchecked innovation, and how multistakeholder...
3 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
Inside the D.C. Influence Machine: Brody Mullins on The Wolves of K Street
Pulitzer Prize winner Brody Mullins discusses his book, *The Wolves of K Street*, and exposes the hidden influence of lobbying and money in Washington D.C. in this interview.
7 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
News in the Digital Age: Assessing Tech's Impact on Journalism and the World with Cecilia Kang
Join the Blue Owl Group as we welcome award-winning technology journalist Cecilia Kang to "Winging It." As a seasoned New York Times technology correspondent and bestselling author, Cecilia shares her journey from hometown Seattle to Seoul to Washington, DC and her personal trek into journalism. The conversation also explores the evolution of the technology landscape over the last couple of decades and the delicate balance between innovation and regulation, during which Cecilia shares her ins...
16 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
David McWilliams on Trade Wars, Tariffs, and European Sovereignty
In this episode of "Winging It," the Blue Owl Group's Senior Advisor Ian Plunkett sits down with renowned Irish economist David McWilliams to unpack the complex forces reshaping global trade. From the resurgence of tariffs to Europe's quest for economic sovereignty, McWilliams offers his characteristically incisive analysis on how traditional economic paradigms are being challenged. Don't miss this wide-ranging discussion that connects the dots between protectionism, European autonomy, and th...
30 Mar 2025TRANSCRIPT
Innovación Sin Fronteras: AI and Open Data Policy in Latin America
Join Blue Owl Group Senior Advisors Andrea Barenque and Carlos Cortes as they explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, social media, and open data across Latin America. In this thought-provoking episode, Andrea and Carlos discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping business, governance, and society throughout the region. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, business leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers a nuanced perspective on how Latin American countries are th...
12 Mar 2025TRANSCRIPT
Digital Pioneer: Larry Irving's Journey from Queens to the Internet Hall of Fame
Please join us for an insightful conversation with Larry Irving, a transformative figure in American telecommunications policy and 2019 inductee to the Internet Hall of Fame. We explore Larry’s remarkable career path from Capitol Hill staffer to head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) during the Clinton Administration. Larry shares his firsthand experience navigating the dawn of Internet policymaking, including his groundbreaking research work and a...
26 Feb 2025TRANSCRIPT
The Open Internet Guardian: Mozilla's Linda Griffin on Human-centered Tech Policy in the Age of AI
Join us as we sit down with Linda Griffin, Head of Global Public Policy at Mozilla. Linda shares her remarkable journey from an upbringing on the west coast of Ireland to becoming a leading voice in global tech policy. We explore her career arc, Mozilla's groundbreaking efforts to champion the open Internet, and her current work at the forefront of AI governance and open source AI. Linda offers unique insights on the challenges and opportunities in tech policy and the importance of maintainin...
11 Feb 2025
Bluesky at the Crossroads: Trust, Tech, and Building Tomorrow's Social Web
Aaron Rodericks, Bluesky Social's Head of Trust and Safety, joins Blue Owl Group Senior Advisor Ian Plunkett to discuss how the emerging social platform approaches platform governance. From algorithmic transparency to decentralized content policies, Rodericks shares insights on harnessing technology and building trust-centric systems from day one. www.blueowlgrp.com
28 Jan 2025TRANSCRIPT
From Political Risk to AI Revolution: A Conversation with Ian Bremmer
Join us for an illuminating conversation with Ian Bremmer, founder of Eurasia Group and one of today's most influential political scientists. Bremmer shares his unconventional journey from the housing projects of Chelsea, Massachusetts to becoming a leading voice in geopolitical analysis. He offers fresh insights on artificial intelligence's impact on global power dynamics and unpacks today's most pressing geopolitical challenges.
14 Jan 2025TRANSCRIPT
Digital Down Under: Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant’s Vision for Online Safety
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Julie Inman-Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner. From pioneering work at the world's first online safety regulator to implementing groundbreaking laws targeting cyberbullying and image abuse, Inman-Grant shares how Australia is impacting online safety approaches worldwide. We learn of her unique journey from tech executive to public sector watchdog and explore her interest in advancing "Safety by Design.”Australia’s eSafety Commissioner: https://w...
2 Jun 2024TRANSCRIPT
Trailer
The "Winging It" podcast from the Blue Owl Group delves into technology policy and innovation, featuring diverse voices from their global network of Blue Owls. Each episode includes engaging discussions with innovators, policymakers, and public policy professionals, offering unique insights and a global perspective on the intersections of technology, public policy, and politics.
Inside a recent episode
Inside the Machine
Published 19 Mar 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] So when I was pitching to YouTube, the fact that we were highly educated smart English speaking workforce in Ireland was a huge advantage to us in winning those first contracts that we got. We also first contract was what ABC news. And so to convince them that we were plunging above our weight, I think that's where the Irish advantage definitely was very strong. And obviously then I realized that was something that was very strong and then when I went to work for the bigger multinational. So a combination of my own lunacy, good timing. And I think also the fact that Ireland it turns out is a location for inward investment because of its talent, not its tax. […]
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