Great Chat

Publicly listed emails

eric@lightningpod.fm

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The launch industrial complex

October 07, 2026

In the AI slop era, pre-seed startups are spending real money on cinematic launch videos, renting creator armies, and prioritizing attention over substance. This week on Great Chat, Ashley and Helen ask whether manufactured hype has peaked, what comes next, and how a young startup can actually stand out when everyone is shouting. Plus: what's in a name? We dig into the proposed AI-to-SI name change, discuss AI safety, and debate whether AI can feel. Mercury is back as the headline sponsor fo...

What does the tech industry owe San Francisco?

October 01, 2026

New York's restaurants are bankrolled by Wall Street money; LA's by Hollywood. So why has tech failed to leave a physical imprint on San Francisco? This week, Ligaya Tichy, founder of New Entity and an early community builder at Yelp and Airbnb, joins the chat to make the case for putting tech wealth to work in brick-and-mortar businesses. We get into San Francisco's evolution from nerd utopia to industry town, why the last generation of tech money didn't make its way to small businesses, and...

Doomers at Dreamforce

September 23, 2026

Great Chat is back in its sixth season with Ashley, Helen, and  guest host Taylor Lorenz. We dive into AI assistant wars, Dreamforce, the All In Summit, and Corgi in context. Plus, in our main topic, we break down Dario Amodei's "pacing" essay and discuss who actually benefits from the industry's current storylines. Mercury is back as the headline sponsor for year two of Great Chat. Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial...

Venture with Grace · High booking difficulty · 100 - 1,000 listeners

The Generalist · High booking difficulty · 100 - 1,000 listeners

How do I get in touch with Great Chat?

Great Chat is hosted by Ashley Mayer and Helen Min. Its publicly listed email is eric@lightningpod.fm. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for Great Chat?

The publicly listed email for Great Chat: eric@lightningpod.fm.

How many listeners does Great Chat have?

Podseeker estimates Great Chat reaches 100 to 1,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for Great Chat?

Great Chat typically books working professionals with real expertise. Typical guest background: Technology founders, startup operators, investors, community builders, and public commentators or creators with substantial firsthand experience in the technology industry. Common among recent guests: Founded or led technology ventures or communities; Held meaningful operating or leadership roles in startups or technology companies; Built a recognizable public perspective on technology, startups, or tech culture. Recent guests include Ligaya Tichy and Alexis Gay.

How hard is it to get booked on Great Chat?

Medium. Guests usually need solid credentials in the topic and an idea that fits the show.

What topics does Great Chat cover?

Recent episodes cover Technology, Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, Artificial Intelligence, and Startup Culture. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.