Most Innovative Companies

On today’s episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the economic impacts of the Middle East conflict, how prediction markets drew criticism for allowing bets on the U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran and Crypto rebound.

Next, Kristin and Josh talk with Fast Company senior writer Rebecca Heilweil about how the Anthropic-Pentagon dispute unfolded and what it will take if the U.S. military wants to start working with other AI companies. 

Finally, Kristin speaks with Beehiiv CEO Tyler Denk about how Beehiiv started, how they think about their relationship with the publishers and content creators, and their plans for the future.

To read Rebecca’s reporting, go to fastcompany.com/user/rebecca-heilweil 

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

NOTE: After recording this episode Netflix backed out of bid for Warner Bros. Discovery . We discuss the state of the deal prior to this news. For up to date recording, go to ⁠fastcompany.com/news.

On today’s episode, cohosts Bryan Lufkin and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs, Trump’s State of the Union address, and how Meta’s AI safety specialist lost control of an AI agent.

Next Josh and Bryan talk with Fast Company staff writer Pavithra Mohan about layoffs, the impact of AI on the workforce, and other trends in the labor market.

And finally, Bryan talks with the author, entrepreneur, and Fast Company contributor Faisal Hoque about what companies get wrong when rolling out AI and how to do it better. 

To read more of Fast Company’s Work Life coverage, go to fastcompany.com/work-life. 

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news.

Description: 

On today’s episode, cohosts David Salazar and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Paramount's last-chance-bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, Mark Zuckerberg's testimony in a social media addiction trial, and the latest investment in Elon Musk’s xAI by a Saudi Arabian AI company.

Next, Josh and David talk with Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris on the delivery robots in her neighborhood and the controversy surrounding them.

Finally, David speaks with the journalist and writer Gabriel Sherman about his new book Bonfire of the Murdochs, diving deep into how Rupert Murdoch became one of the most influential people on the planet and how his ambitions tore apart his family.

To read Ainsley’s reporting, go to fastcompany.com/91486773/sidewalk-delivery-robots-coco-serve-chicago-backlash For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

AI, advanced manufacturing and economic growth are driving unprecedented power demand

In this bonus episode, Williams CEO Chad Zamarin joins from the company’s 2026 Clean Energy & Technology Expo to unpack why energy demand is surging faster than new infrastructure can be built—and what it will take to close the gap. For Williams, the answers lie in a holistic approach combining innovative partnerships and next‑generation infrastructure to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable solutions at scale. It’s a multifaceted challenge that demands nuanced solutions, but our very planet depends on it.

On today’s episode, cohosts Elizabeth Segran and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the latest jobs report, Kraft Heinz putting their split on pause, and Spotify’s blockbuster earnings report. 

Next, Josh and Elizabeth speak with Fast Company’s head of editorial strategy, David Lidsky, on what’s next for Disney under Josh D’Amaro’s leadership.

And finally, Elizabeth talks to the CEO of Ulta Beauty, Kecia Steelman, about how the company grew so significantly over the past few years, what makes Ulta stand out, and what the retailer’s big plans are for the future.

For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news