Clever Confidential Ep. 4: Olivetti and the Race to Create the First Personal Computer [encore] episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 21, 2025 · 38 MIN

Clever Confidential Ep. 4: Olivetti and the Race to Create the First Personal Computer [encore]

from Clever with Amy Devers

Clever Confidential is Clever’s offshoot series, where we dig into the darker side of design - the shadowy, sometimes sordid tales hiding under a glossy topcoat of respectable legacy.Before Silicon Valley, there was Olivetti—an Italian design powerhouse on the brink of changing the world. But just as their revolutionary computer neared completion, tragedy struck.Visionary leader Adriano Olivetti and brilliant engineer Mario Tchou both died suddenly, their deaths cloaked in secrecy and Cold War paranoia. What really happened to them—and who stood to gain?Host Amy Devers and writer Andrew Wagner follow the trail of innovation, betrayal, and buried history to uncover how a company destined to shape the digital age was silenced... and why its story was nearly erased.Images, links, and more about Olivetti!Many thanks to our guest expert Barry Katz. Audio clips courtesy of Luca Cottini - Italian Innovators youtube video - CAMILLO & ADRIANO OLIVETTI. At the Origins of the Computer Age. Linkedin and instagram @italianinnovatorsSUBSCRIBE - listen to Clever on any podcast app!SIGN UP - for our Substack for news, bonus content, new episode alertsVISIT - cleverpodcast.com for transcripts, images, and 200+ more episodesSAY HI! - on Instagram & LinkedIn @cleverpodcast @amydeversIf you enjoy Clever Confidential please consider leaving a review, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or introducing us to your friends! We love and appreciate you!Writing and research: Amy Devers, Andrew Wagner, Ilana NevinsEditing and Sound Design: Camille Stennis and Mark ZurawinskiTheme Music: “Astronomy” by Thin White Rope courtesy of Frontier RecordsSpecial thanks to our sponsors!Wix Studio is a platform built for all web creators to design, develop, and manage exceptional web projects at scale.Join us for Emerging Designers Spotlight LIVE, Sunday May 17, 4pm on the Main Stage at ICFF NYC. Register to attend for free with code: MISKGENSPK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clever Confidential is Clever’s offshoot series, where we dig into the darker side of design - the shadowy, sometimes sordid tales hiding under a glossy topcoat of respectable legacy.Before Silicon Valley, there was Olivetti—an Italian design powerhouse on the brink of changing the world. But just as their revolutionary computer neared completion, tragedy struck.Visionary leader Adriano Olivetti and brilliant engineer Mario Tchou both died suddenly, their deaths cloaked in secrecy and Cold War paranoia. What really happened to them—and who stood to gain?Host Amy Devers and writer Andrew Wagner follow the trail of innovation, betrayal, and buried history to uncover how a company destined to shape the digital age was silenced... and why its story was nearly erased.Images, links, and more about Olivetti!Many thanks to our guest expert Barry Katz. Audio clips courtesy of Luca Cottini - Italian Innovators youtube video - CAMILLO & ADRIANO OLIVETTI. At the Origins of the Computer Age. Linkedin and instagram @italianinnovatorsSUBSCRIBE - listen to Clever on any podcast app!SIGN UP - for our Substack for news, bonus content, new episode alertsVISIT - cleverpodcast.com for transcripts, images, and 200+ more episodesSAY HI! - on Instagram & LinkedIn @cleverpodcast @amydeversIf you enjoy Clever Confidential please consider leaving a review, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or introducing us to your friends! We love and appreciate you!Writing and research: Amy Devers, Andrew Wagner, Ilana NevinsEditing and Sound Design: Camille Stennis and Mark ZurawinskiTheme Music: “Astronomy” by Thin White Rope courtesy of Frontier RecordsSpecial thanks to our sponsors!Wix Studio is a platform built for all web creators to design, develop, and manage exceptional web projects at scale.Join us for Emerging Designers Spotlight LIVE, Sunday May 17, 4pm on the Main Stage at ICFF NYC. Register to attend for free with code: MISKGENSPK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NOW PLAYING

Clever Confidential Ep. 4: Olivetti and the Race to Create the First Personal Computer [encore]

0:00 38:05

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

Tales Of A Superstar DJ The Insomniac Spun seemingly out of nowhere from her complacent life in the corporate world, turned seemingly overnight from 16-Hour shift work and into the life of a literally starving artist and working musician, The Protagonist navigates her supposed rise to fame and superstardom on a journey through spiritual awakening, coming-of-age, and intimate self-realization--guided by an omnipresent force and equipped with the power of love, magic, and music. {Enter The Multiverse.} [The Festival Project] The Festival Project, Inc.™ is a multidimensional multimedia platform which encompasses exploratory and artistic social personifications and expressions on cosmic theory, spirituality, growth, health & wellness, philosophy and theoretic dynamics in entertainment such as music, design, film, television, radio, dance and festival culture, art, fashion, literature, and science. The Festival Project™ and its subsidiary Non-Profit, The Collective Complex © aims to challenge modern artistic and philosop Explicit Bitcoin Is Dead Trey Carson Welcome to Bitcoin is Dead, the ultimate Bitcoin variety show where host Trey takes you on a journey through the ever-evolving world of Bitcoin. Each episode brings new personalities, fascinating locations, and insightful conversations with politicians, educators, and innovators shaping the future of Bitcoin. Whether you're a seasoned Bitcoiner or just starting your journey, tune in for thought-provoking discussions, unique perspectives, and a deep dive into the ideas and people driving the Bitcoin revolution. Explicit Northern Sass and Southern Class Tay and Ani Come sit in on girl talk with Tay and Ani as we discuss life in Texas, girl math, food, wine and roasting each other. Explicit Never Time to Give Up Shadoe Lass A nod to the classics with a note from the future. A project meant to encompass every call I wanted to make but never went through. Seriously, it's just me, calling you. Pick up the phone? :) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Clever with Amy Devers?

This episode is 38 minutes long.

When was this Clever with Amy Devers episode published?

This episode was published on January 21, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Clever Confidential is Clever’s offshoot series, where we dig into the darker side of design - the shadowy, sometimes sordid tales hiding under a glossy topcoat of respectable legacy.Before Silicon Valley, there was Olivetti—an Italian design...

Can I download this Clever with Amy Devers episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!