The AI Power Backlash, the NYMag David Ellison profile, Google Personal Intelligence | Diet TBPN

Overview

This episode dives into the growing backlash against AI data centers, Microsoft's strategic response to energy concerns, and the broader implications of AI on society. It also explores Google's new Personal Intelligence feature and profiles David Ellison's rise in Hollywood, blending tech and entertainment.

Notable Quotes

- The power bill narrative is the one that I think stuck the most. - John Coogan, on the public's resistance to AI data centers.

- Satya is simply the GOAT. He's my GOAT. - Jordi Hays, praising Microsoft's leadership in addressing energy concerns.

- Hollywood wasn't prepared for the overwhelming economic force of a Silicon Valley billionaire throwing around his wealth and ambition. - John Coogan, on David Ellison's disruptive approach to the film industry.

⚡ AI Data Centers and Public Backlash

- AI data centers are facing significant opposition due to rising electricity costs, with some areas seeing a 267% increase in wholesale electricity prices near these facilities.

- John Coogan highlighted that while water usage concerns were debunked, power consumption remains a valid issue, causing delays in $64 billion worth of data center projects.

- Local communities resist these centers, citing minimal direct benefits like jobs or access to AI products, leading to bipartisan opposition (55% Republican, 45% Democrat).

- Microsoft has committed to paying higher electricity rates to prevent costs from being passed to consumers, a move seen as both strategic and politically savvy.

🌍 Microsoft's Sustainability and Leadership

- Microsoft aims to be net-zero on carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon-negative by 2050, even retroactively offsetting emissions since its founding.

- The company’s willingness to overpay for electricity is framed as a way to encourage power companies to expand capacity, addressing supply-demand imbalances.

- Despite the high costs (estimated $3 billion annually in energy expenses), this represents less than 1% of Microsoft's operating income, showcasing its financial resilience.

🤖 Google's Personal Intelligence Feature

- Google introduced Personal Intelligence for its Gemini AI, allowing users to integrate data from Gmail, Google Photos, and other apps for personalized responses.

- Privacy remains central, with the feature being opt-in and customizable.

- Jordi Hays joked about the potential for users to get sick of switching between LLMs, highlighting the growing integration of AI into daily life.

🎥 David Ellison's Hollywood Takeover

- David Ellison, backed by his billionaire father Larry Ellison, has transitioned from acting to becoming a major Hollywood mogul.

- Skydance, his production company, has financed blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and the Mission Impossible series.

- Ellison's strategy focuses on leveraging Silicon Valley wealth to disrupt traditional Hollywood economics, avoiding Oscar bait in favor of action-packed blockbusters.

📺 AI Advertising and Public Perception

- OpenAI and other tech companies are heavily investing in advertising, with $333 million spent on TV ads and $420 million on digital ads in 2025 alone.

- OpenAI's Super Bowl ads have shifted from showcasing AI as groundbreaking innovation to positioning it as a practical, relatable tool.

- Jordi Hays humorously suggested an ad concept addressing public fears: We are not a threat to human intelligence.