#967 - Jeffrey Katzenberg & Hari Ravichandran - Hollywood Trouble, Big Tech & The Crisis With Kids

Overview

This episode dives into the intersection of media, technology, and mental health, featuring Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-founder of DreamWorks, and Hari Ravichandran, CEO of Aura. The conversation spans the art of storytelling, the challenges of modern cinema, the mental health crisis among youth, and the role of technology in shaping behavior. They also explore solutions for online safety, the impact of fame, and the importance of resilience in navigating change.

Notable Quotes

- You can't hit a home run if you don't swing for the fence. – Jeffrey Katzenberg, on embracing ambitious challenges.

- The digital world is their real world. – Hari Ravichandran, on how technology shapes the lives of today's youth.

- Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. – Jeffrey Katzenberg, on staying forward-focused.

🎥 The Art of Storytelling and Modern Cinema

- Jeffrey Katzenberg describes himself as a truffle hunter, skilled at identifying great ideas and talent. He emphasizes optimism and enthusiasm as key traits for success.

- He shares lessons from Walt Disney, including the importance of great villains and endings in storytelling.

- On the state of cinema, Katzenberg acknowledges the disruption caused by streaming platforms but remains optimistic about the enduring appeal of movies.

- The conversation touches on the expansion of franchises like Star Wars into series and the cultural relevance of reimagined classics.

📱 The Impact of Technology on Youth

- Hari Ravichandran highlights the alarming mental health statistics among teens, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm post-COVID.

- They discuss the role of smartphones and social media in amplifying these issues, with Ravichandran noting that kids' real lives are now digital.

- The conversation explores the need for digital learner's permits to help children navigate online spaces safely, akin to learning to drive.

- Jeffrey and Hari emphasize the importance of parental involvement and tools to monitor and guide children's online behavior.

🛡️ Solutions for Online Safety

- Aura, the company led by Ravichandran, is developing tools to provide parents with insights into their children's digital habits without invading privacy.

- They share data-driven insights, such as the correlation between calorie-tracking apps and eating disorders, and the negative impact of social media use before bed on sleep quality.

- The platform aims to empower parents with actionable recommendations, such as setting time limits on social media and fostering offline activities.

🌟 Fame, Resilience, and Reinvention

- Katzenberg reflects on the highs and lows of his career, including being fired from Disney at the peak of his success. He credits his resilience to owning his failures and learning from them.

- He advises against letting fame define one's identity, describing it as a roller coaster that requires emotional balance.

- Both guests discuss the importance of forward-thinking and staying mission-driven, with Katzenberg emphasizing the joy of creating positive change.

👩‍👧 Parenting in the Digital Age

- The discussion highlights the critical role of parents as the front line in addressing the challenges of digital life.

- Ravichandran shares his personal experience with his daughter's mental health struggles, which inspired Aura's mission to protect kids online.

- They stress the need for parents to model healthy digital habits and engage in open conversations with their children.

- The episode concludes with a call to action for parents to educate themselves and leverage tools to create safer digital environments for their families.