Diet TBPN: October 27, 2025

Overview

This episode dives into the evolving landscape of AI-generated music, its implications for artists and platforms, the broader AI boom, and its impact on industries like advertising and gaming. The hosts also touch on cultural phenomena, including tech bro aesthetics and the state of social media.

Notable Quotes

- It's just so undeniably magical to be able to generate a song. There is a massive amount of people that will just pay for that magic experience today. - Jordi Hays, on the appeal of AI music creation.

- If you want to make money in the AI boom, go and get $40 million for a project like this. It's genius. - John Coogan, on AI-driven advertising strategies.

- CEOs are desperate for every possible AI narrative. If they need to do layoffs, they will say we're getting efficiency out of AI. - Jordi Hays, on corporate AI narratives during economic shifts.

🎵 AI-Generated Music and Its Implications

- John Coogan highlights Suno's impressive growth, quadrupling its annual recurring revenue to $150 million, sparking questions about the source of this revenue.

- Jordi Hays discusses the appeal of AI music, such as creating jazz versions of popular songs, and its potential for fan engagement and marketing.

- Concerns arise about copyright issues, with John Coogan predicting lawsuits over AI training on existing music.

- The hosts debate whether AI music is for entertainment or passive listening, likening it to tools like GarageBand that lower barriers to music creation.

- Jordi Hays suggests revenue-sharing models for AI-generated music inspired by existing tracks, but acknowledges challenges with entirely original AI compositions.

💰 AI Boom and Monetization Strategies

- John Coogan argues that the AI boom is not a bubble, citing reasonable valuations and the beginning of a major technological shift akin to the late 1990s.

- The hosts discuss how companies like Mondelez are investing heavily in AI for advertising, with John Coogan questioning the efficiency of such investments.

- Jordi Hays notes that AI can reduce production costs but emphasizes the importance of creative ideas, which remain high-margin.

🎮 Gaming and Console Wars

- The hosts discuss the announcement of Halo coming to PlayStation, signaling a shift in strategy for Microsoft and Sony.

- John Coogan contrasts Microsoft's console-agnostic approach with Sony's focus on the PS5 as its core strategy.

- Nostalgia for simpler times in gaming, like the release of new Call of Duty titles during Q4, is expressed by Jordi Hays.

💼 Tech Bro Aesthetics and Cultural Trends

- John Coogan and Jordi Hays explore the rise of cosmetic procedures among tech professionals, including facelifts and neck lifts, as part of the tech bro look.

- They humorously critique the trend, with John Coogan joking about tech executives trying to look younger to stay relevant.

📈 AI and Economic Shifts

- The hosts analyze the correlation between the introduction of ChatGPT, high interest rates, and the divergence of stock market performance from job openings.

- Jordi Hays points out how companies use AI narratives to justify layoffs, framing them as efficiency measures rather than over-hiring corrections.

- The discussion touches on the broader implications of AI on the economy, including its role in reshaping industries and corporate strategies.