The News Items Podcast

In this episode of the News Items Podcast, John Ellis speaks with venture capitalist Daniel Adamson about investing at the cutting edge of global innovation. Adamson explains his “network model,” partnering with elite investors worldwide to access breakthroughs across AI, biotech, robotics, and even fashion. The conversation cuts through AI hype, arguing for a more nuanced view of its strengths, particularly in solving complex, data-heavy, rule-based problems like drug discovery. Adamson highlights transformative opportunities, from automated science labs to humanitarian applications, while warning of disruption across sectors like infrastructure and real estate. Ultimately, the episode explores how rapid technological change is reshaping markets, portfolios, and even our understanding of what it means to be human.Daniel Adamson operates as a network-driven investor rather than a traditional venture capitalist. Instead of selecting individual startups, he invests in leading venture capital firms and partners with major global institutions such as pensions and sovereign funds. His approach centers on identifying top investors across industries like biotech, fintech, and energy, then aligning with them by taking stakes in their firms and co-investing in their strongest opportunities.This model provides access to high-quality deals, diversified exposure, and a steady flow of insight from experienced managers. By connecting capital with specialized expertise, it leverages collective knowledge rather than relying on a single viewpoint.The advantage is early access to innovation and efficient deployment of capital. Rather than trying to outperform specialists directly, his role is to build and manage a system that consistently directs investment toward the most promising opportunities worldwide.News-Items.comHosted by John EllisProduced by Dale Eisinger

John Ellis sits down with journalist John Heilemann for a sharp, fast-moving tour of a volatile geopolitical moment. They unpack a fragile Iran ceasefire, the limits of “madman theory” diplomacy, and the reputational damage to U.S. power abroad. The conversation widens to domestic fallout: Trump’s political erosion, GOP anxiety, and surprising Democratic gains in special elections. Along the way, they dissect elite decision-making, media narratives, and the vacuum of big ideas in American politics. News-Items.comHosted by John EllisProduced by Dale Eisinger

Retired U.S. Army Europe commander Ben Hodges joins the show to deliver a bracing reality check: the next war won’t look like the last one, and it may already be underway. Drawing on his book Future War and the Defense of Europe, Hodges explains how cheap drones, energy choke points, maritime sabotage, and Arctic maneuvering are reshaping the battlefield faster than politicians can draft talking points. From Ukraine’s stubborn resilience to Iran’s shadow play and Russia’s pipeline pressure tactics, this episode maps the fault lines beneath today’s uneasy peace. Sobering, sharp, and uncomfortably plausible, it’s essential listening for anyone who prefers foresight to surprise.News-Items.comHosted by John EllisProduced by Dale Eisinger

On this episode of The News Items Podcast, host John Ellis sits down with award-winning journalist Jeffrey Stern, author of Warhead, for a sweeping conversation about how precision-guided bombs reshaped not only modern warfare but also its very moral terrain.Stern traces the surprising origins of “smart” weapons back to World War II, when early guided bomb experiments, including the ill-fated mission that killed Joseph Kennedy Jr., hinted at a future of remote-controlled destruction. The technology lay dormant until the Cold War and Vietnam era, when the Eisenhower administration’s emphasis on precision found an unlikely partner in Texas Instruments. What began as tinkering with guidance systems evolved into the laser-guided bombs that defined the Gulf War and transformed America’s military image into one of surgical, high-tech dominance.But the story doesn’t end with Desert Storm. Stern and Ellis examine how drone warfare and autonomous weapons have complicated the promise of precision. Has technology reduced civilian casualties, or simply made war easier to wage? And what happens when algorithms, not pilots, make life-and-death decisions?Along the way, Stern reflects on the human stories behind the machinery, the evolution of war coverage in the media age, and his own move into film production. News-Items.comHosted by John EllisProduced by Dale Eisinger

In this episode of the News Items Podcast, host John Ellis welcomes political analyst Charlie Cook, founder of the Cook Political Report. They delve into the evolution of American politics since the late 1970s, discussing the stark polarization of today's political landscape compared to the more ideologically diverse parties of the past. Cook reflects on how the dynamics of voter behavior have shifted, with a significant portion of the electorate now firmly aligned with either party, making it increasingly difficult for candidates to appeal to undecided voters. They also explore the implications of recent elections, including the narrow margins that have defined recent presidential races and the challenges facing both parties in the upcoming midterms. The conversation further touches on the role of media in shaping public perception, particularly regarding President Biden's age and mental capacity, and how the media's credibility has been affected by its coverage of Trump. Cook shares insights on the upcoming midterm elections, highlighting key races and the factors that could influence voter turnout. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of the Democratic Party and the potential for independent candidates in a polarized political environment.News-Items.comHosted by John EllisProduced by Dale Eisinger

In the latest News Items Podcast, Juan Enriquez and John got together and discussed the life sciences revolution, the AI revolution, scientific research, the impact of advanced technologies on nation-states and the perils of brain drain. There was more to it than that, but that’s the gist. It’s a fascinating conversation because of Juan’s extraordinary grasp of complex topics and issues and his ability to discuss them in ways all of us can understand.News-Items.comHosted by John EllisProduced by Dale Eisinger

In this episode of the News Items Podcast, host John Ellis interviews Rick Cordella, the president of NBC Sports. Rick shares his journey from being a sports enthusiast and basketball player at Providence College to leading NBC Sports. He discusses his early career in fantasy sports, which led to an acquisition by NBC, and his subsequent rise through the ranks. Rick highlights the strategic importance of sports in driving subscriptions and engagement for platforms like Peacock, emphasizing the role of sports as a cultural touchstone. The conversation also touches on NBC's recent acquisitions, including NBA and MLB rights, and the challenges of managing major events like the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics simultaneously. Rick reflects on the evolving media landscape, the value of niche sports content, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships in the sports industry. The episode concludes with insights into NBC's new sports channel and the future of sports broadcasting.News Items on Substack

In this conversation, John Ellis interviews Sven Beckert about his book Capitalism: A Global History. Beckert discusses the definition of capitalism, its historical evolution, and its global implications. He emphasizes the importance of understanding capitalism from a historical perspective, highlighting key events such as the Industrial Revolution and the rise of neoliberalism. The conversation also touches on the role of inequality, financialization, and the unique characteristics of Chinese capitalism, as well as the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the future of capitalism.News Items on SubstackCapitalism: A Global History on Amazon

Dr. Neal Kassell is the founder and chairman of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and former Co-Chair of Neurosurgery at the University of Virginia. He’s the driving force behind focused ultrasound. For the most up-to-date information about focused ultrasound, here’s a link to “The State of the Field 2025” report.I talked with Neal at some length two weeks ago. The science is remarkable. The technology is developed (and developing). One story he tells about a woman with essential tremor is astonishing.Listen here. You’ll be amazed.

In this inaugural episode of the News Items Podcast -- The Future Coming at You --  I interviewed Jane Metcalfe about (1) “capturing” the digital revolution in the 1990s (with Wired magazine, which she co-founded), (2) covering the neobiological revolution with proto.life, (3) helping organize a global consortium to draw the map of the human immune system, and (4) helping advance “focused ultrasound” to treat a number of diseases, including cancer. She was a great guest. We think you'll agree.