Opening and Matt Hasselbeck:

The interview starts with the Speaker 01 bringing up a topical question about Matt Hasselbeck returning to the Seahawks. Paul Allen addresses the uncertainty due to ongoing labor disputes. Although the question was intended to be light-hearted, it serves as an entry point into deeper issues.

Writing “Idea Man”:

Paul Allen discusses the process of writing his book, “Idea Man,” describing it as one of the hardest things he has ever done. He initially planned to write the book but accelerated the process after falling ill in 2009. Allen highlights how revisiting moments of triumph and failure helped him reflect on his life.

Public Perception and Book Coverage:

When asked about the media coverage of his book and what he hopes readers will gain from it, Allen explains that he wishes to convey the wide-ranging nature of his life experiences. He wants readers to understand his enthusiasm for the creative process and gain insights from his life’s ups and downs.

Candor and Honesty:

Paul Allen talks about the candidness with which he approached the book. He mentions that it was easy to be forthright about his life experiences due to his upbringing. On the topic of his relationship with Bill Gates, he expects that Gates will want to discuss certain aspects but does not believe it will jeopardize their friendship.

Focus on the Pacific Northwest:

Paul Allen’s focus in terms of philanthropy and investment is predominantly on the Pacific Northwest. He feels a deep sense of home and community, attributing some of this to his mother’s philanthropic work and his early life. He aims for his local efforts, like the Brain Institute, to have a global impact.

Local Investments and Community Expectations:

In the final segment, Allen touches on the risks and responsibilities of being a highly visible local investor. He emphasizes the importance of being selective and choosing investments that resonate with his interests and values. While he acknowledges being approached for various local challenges, he suggests that careful analysis is crucial in making decisions.

Throughout the interview, Paul Allen comes across as a reflective, candid, and creative individual who values his roots in the Pacific Northwest while maintaining a global perspective.

Dual Impact of Cancer:

Paul Allen describes how his second bout with cancer impacted him in two paradoxical ways. On one side, it made him more patient because undergoing treatment made him realize that some elements are out of one’s control, requiring a positive and patient attitude. On the other side, the threat of limited time intensified his focus on achieving his dreams and ambitions quickly.

Changing Approach to Life:

When asked about how his experience affected his future planning, Allen mentioned that he has decided to “cast a wider net,” putting more focus and ambition into his projects like the Brain Institute. He explained that in fields like brain research, planning for long-term impacts is essential, even when the effects won’t be immediate.

Balance in Scope:

Allen notes that while it’s tempting to focus efforts on a few impactful areas, it’s also crucial not to spread oneself too thin. He said that with limited time, it becomes a question of balancing focus with ambition. This led him to reconsider his priorities, looking for new areas where he could make a difference, such as global health initiatives and animal welfare.

Importance of Support:

Allen highlighted the role that family and friends play in helping one through illnesses. He emphasized the importance of this support network in providing emotional strength and assistance during tough times.

Comment on Microsoft:

Although the primary focus of the talk was on Allen’s personal experiences, he also briefly mentioned his candid views about Microsoft’s present-day challenges, as covered in his book. This implies that Allen has applied the same level of analytical thought to his professional life as he has to his personal journey.

Agility in Recognizing New Platforms:

Paul Allen emphasizes the necessity for Microsoft to quickly adapt to emerging platforms, citing the iPhone and iPad as examples. Allen states that Microsoft is actively working to catch up with the strong presence of competitors like iPhone and Google’s Android. His prescription for the company includes agility and seizing new opportunities rather than letting them slip away to competitors.

Personal Technology Preferences:

When asked about his choice of smartphone, Allen reveals he still uses a BlackBerry, primarily because of his comfort with the keyboard. However, he notes that he’s always evaluating other platforms like iPhone, Android, and Windows mobile phone. He argues that truly understanding technology and its future requires trying different alternatives.

Forward-Looking in Technology:

Allen describes his strength as being able to forecast where technology is heading. He examines the development of chips and software to make educated guesses about how they will influence future platforms. He asserts that to have a comprehensive understanding, one must be willing to explore all existing alternatives.

Operating System and Sci-Fi Choices:

In lighter questions, Allen states that he prefers Windows as an operating system, which aligns with his history at Microsoft. On the topic of science fiction, Allen reveals that he enjoys Star Wars, Star Trek, and Battlestar Galactica, hinting at his broader interests beyond technology.

Inspiration from Science Fiction:

Allen acknowledges the role that the science fiction book “Rocket Ship Galileo” played in inspiring him. The book, about teenagers who build a rocket and fly to the moon, clearly resonated with Allen, drawing parallels to his own life and ambitions.

The segment provides a multifaceted view of Paul Allen, from his thoughts on Microsoft’s current challenges and potential directions, to his personal technology choices, and even to the inspirational role of science fiction in his life.

Early Influence of Science Fiction:

Paul Allen traces his affinity for science fiction back to his childhood, particularly recalling how he first encountered the genre through a book called “Rocket Ship Galileo.” This was during a time when space exploration was a significant part of American culture, something he was also exposed to in school through the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo launches. He credits science fiction with inspiring his creativity and teaching him to think outside the box, noting how it made him believe that “wild and crazy ideas are possible.”

Transition to Realizing Ideas:

Allen mentions that his experience with science fiction laid the groundwork for actual contributions to space exploration, most notably through Spaceship One. While he appreciates the enthusiasm of Richard Branson in commercializing space tourism, Allen himself is still considering future projects. He notes the complexity involved in scaling up the technology from Spaceship One to orbital crafts.

Risk Management in Space Endeavors:

Paul Allen also talks about the substantial risks involved in space exploration, contrasting it with his experience in software development at Microsoft. While software can be debugged after a failure, any malfunction in space exploration often leads to catastrophic outcomes. This realization has made him more cautious about future space projects.

The Allen Institute for Brain Science:

Shifting focus, Allen describes the work of the Allen Institute for Brain Science. He outlines how understanding the human brain is both a fascinating intellectual endeavor and a path towards medical advancements. The research aims to understand the brain’s complexity and could eventually lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, which his mother suffers from.

Complexity of Brain Research:

Allen admits that the complexity of brain research acts as a hindrance to quick discoveries. He refers to this obstacle as a “complexity break” and suggests that decades of research are needed for a deeper understanding. Nevertheless, Allen remains hopeful that the data released by the institute on mouse and human brains will eventually contribute to treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Open-Access Scientific Database:

Paul Allen speaks optimistically about an open-access database for scientists around the world, drawing parallels to the Human Genome Project. This initiative is aimed at accelerating research by providing a wealth of data on the genetics of the human brain. Scientists can easily look up specific genes and their effects, thereby circumventing the need to start from scratch with new experiments.

Impact on Scientific Research:

The database has already become a standard tool for scientists focusing on the genetics of the brain. Allen underscores its potential to expedite research across various disciplines by providing a centralized, accessible repository of valuable information.

Significance of Music:

Switching to the topic of music, Allen describes it as a form of expression and mentions the cathartic experience of playing guitar. He explains that while he’s not a professional musician, he’s had the privilege of playing with some of the greats, like Bono and Mick Jagger. This highlights his belief in the transformative power of music and its creative process.

Memorable Moments with Musicians:

Allen shares a fun anecdote about how Bono cleverly coaxed Mick Jagger into performing “Satisfaction” at his own birthday party. The tale reveals not just Allen’s personal interactions with legendary musicians, but also underscores Bono’s ingenuity.

Choice of Guitar & Influence:

He also reveals his preference for the Fender Stratocaster, the same guitar favored by Jimi Hendrix. Allen notes that mastering this instrument isn’t easy but offers rich rewards in terms of sound and feedback. He mentions his early concert experiences watching Hendrix as a shaping influence.

Interdisciplinary Talents:

The conversation shifts to the observation that many software engineers, like Allen, are also musicians. He humorously refers to his time at Microsoft as being part of one of the “greatest bands ever,” acknowledging the company’s major “hits” in the tech world.

Friendship with Dan Aykroyd:

Towards the end, Allen discusses his friendship with actor and musician Dan Aykroyd. Both share a love for blues music, and Aykroyd has an encyclopedic knowledge of the genre. Their friendship further cements Allen’s multifaceted interests spanning science, music, and beyond.

Idea Generation and Execution:

Paul Allen describes one of his key abilities as recognizing emerging trends and piecing them together into a big idea worth pursuing. This skill traces back to his early days when he read hobbyist magazines that discussed nascent technologies. However, Allen acknowledges that having a brilliant idea is not sufficient for commercial success. Execution is crucial, requiring a great team, marketing, and financial planning.

Reasons for Post-Microsoft Challenges:

When asked why his ideas post-Microsoft have not seen as much commercial success, Allen suggests that timing is a key factor; being too early can be detrimental. He also highlights the various ways an idea can fail, from poor execution to financial missteps, which he discusses in his book. Despite failures, he stresses the importance of being a creative risk-taker.

Key Ingredients for Success:

Reflecting on the creation of Microsoft, Allen notes that success is a mix of having the right idea, the right team, and favorable market conditions. In Microsoft’s case, the synergy between microprocessor chips and software, particularly the BASIC language, was fundamental. The team’s ability to produce the first BASIC in under two months was another critical factor, as was the emerging marketplace for microprocessors at the time.

Role in Current Technological Landscape:

Since leaving Microsoft, Allen has primarily been an investor. He does not see himself making a comeback as a day-to-day Chief Technology Officer (CTO). While he acknowledges that his knowledge of program development is dated, he believes that he can still add value by asking tough questions and focusing on user interfaces. He maintains that the “craft of technology” is a domain where he can continue to contribute.

Post-Microsoft Ventures and Philanthropy:

Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, discussed his ventures post-Microsoft and his relationship with Bill Gates. He mentions that Gates focused on philanthropy after retiring, and he lauded Gates and Warren Buffet for their work in global health. Allen himself has also been involved in philanthropic projects related to global health, including a documentary funded by Gates.

Entrepreneurial Insights:

Allen shared valuable insights on business success. According to him, an idea alone is insufficient; execution and a great team are crucial. He emphasizes learning continuously and stuffing one’s brain with as many ideas and as much information as possible. This cognitive diversity allows one to draw unique connections, which can serve as the basis for innovative ideas.

Nostalgia and Early Days:

Allen expressed nostalgia for the early days at Microsoft, recalling times when he would find Gates sleeping on the office floor. Despite the hard work and challenges, Allen looks back fondly on that period, which was foundational for Microsoft.

Future of Technology:

When asked about the next technological revolution, Allen stated that while nothing could quite match the impact of the microprocessor, advancements in artificial intelligence and platforms like smartphones and tablets are noteworthy. He specifically mentioned projects like IBM’s Watson and Vulcan’s Halo as indicators of ambitious, long-term projects in artificial intelligence.

Social Media Perspective:

Allen holds a favorable view of social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. He considers Twitter a useful tool for following a broad range of subjects and for aggregating stimulating knowledge. In contrast, Facebook serves more social needs, keeping people connected with their friends.

Unexpected Developments:

Allen expressed his fascination with the unpredictability of technological advancements. He pointed out that nobody could have foreseen the rise of social networks and how they have significantly impacted our lives. This unpredictability, according to Allen, is one of the most exciting aspects of technology.

Interval Research and Intellectual Property:

Paul Allen discussed Interval Research, his lab in Silicon Valley during the 1990s. He mentioned his recent efforts to license patents from that period to various companies. These efforts often involve litigation, which Allen said is common in the tech industry. He didn’t express concern about the impact of these lawsuits on his legacy, suggesting the suits were related to the applicability of the patents.

South Lake Union Development:

Allen described his involvement in the revitalization of Seattle’s South Lake Union area. Initially supporting the Seattle Commons initiative financially, he ended up acquiring properties after the initiative failed. The area is now thriving, housing Amazon’s headquarters, biotech firms, and the University of Washington Medical School. Allen expressed satisfaction in the investment being beneficial not just financially but also for the community.

Entertainment and Culture:

Allen briefly touched upon the Experience Music Project in South Lake Union, praising its unique architecture by Frank Gehry. He also mentioned his involvement in remixing The Last Waltz, a film by Scorsese, and the rewarding experience of seeing his Nirvana exhibit.

Personal Anecdotes:

He shared light-hearted memories about Rita, an old friend, and how Bill Gates had an unusual eating habit of attacking chicken with a spoon. Allen maintains relationships with such old friends by meeting a couple of times a year.

Yachts and Adventures:

Allen owns multiple large yachts, each accommodating specific needs like housing a submarine. His inspiration for such adventurous setups comes from his childhood fascination with Jacques Cousteau’s diving films. He recently went on a trip to Antarctica aboard one of his yachts, discussing the visible impact of global warming on the ice caps.

This segment captures Allen’s multifaceted life, touching on issues ranging from intellectual property to community development and personal relationships.

Global Warming is Real:

Paul Allen strongly argues that global warming is not a myth but a reality. He emphasizes that its effects can be clearly seen in polar regions and other places like Mount Kilimanjaro. The speaker is frustrated with those who deny the existence or effects of climate change.

Adventures and Luxuries:

Paul Allen discusses his passion for scuba diving and experiences on his yachts. He mentions these luxuries as benefits of his success. While not directly connected to climate change, this section shows Allen’s exposure to natural wonders that could be affected by environmental issues.

Deep-Sea Exploration:

Allen briefly talks about submarine adventures, noting the intriguing biodiversity found 1,000 feet underwater. He injects a touch of humor, saying that listening to Pink Floyd at such depths is “fantastic.”

Complexity of the Climate Issue:

When asked about potential solutions for climate and energy problems, Allen admits the complexity of the issues at hand. He mentions his involvement in solar energy and other areas, but recognizes the monumental challenge presented, especially considering developing nations like China are expanding both their nuclear and coal-based energy capabilities.

No Magic Bullet for Climate Change:

Allen doesn’t claim to have a one-size-fits-all solution for combating global warming. He suggests that a focus on clean energy is essential given the rising energy demands of rapidly industrializing nations. He warns that without action, we’re heading toward significant deterioration in global climate.

Other Experts:

Allen refers the audience to Rita, stating that she is more knowledgeable about various initiatives to tackle climate change. This highlights Allen’s humility and openness to collaborative solutions.

Allen Telescopic Array and SETI:

Paul Allen discusses the Allen Telescopic Array, a project initiated after government funding for listening to extraterrestrial radio signals was cut. Allen was approached by Carl Sagan to continue this endeavor. He felt it was worth the investment to keep listening, even if the chances of actually detecting such signals are extremely slim.

Realistic Expectations:

Allen acknowledges that the likelihood of finding extraterrestrial intelligent life forms is a “very, very long shot.” He humorously mentions that if his team does hear something, they are supposed to contact him, but so far his BlackBerry hasn’t even vibrated.

Impact on Humanity:

Allen ponders the monumental changes to human perspective that would occur if evidence of societies beyond our solar system were found. Despite the astronomical odds, he believes the endeavor is worth the risk, given the potential for a paradigm shift in human understanding of the universe.

Dual Purpose of the Array:

Allen reveals that the Allen Telescopic Array is not solely focused on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). It is also used for conventional radio astronomy. He finds this to be an inexpensive and technologically interesting way to maintain a large radio telescope.

Human Nature and Triviality:

In a shift in topic, Allen is asked if he would pick up a penny found on the ground. He indicates that he might leave it for the next person, perhaps highlighting his belief in small acts of serendipity or generosity. This seemingly off-topic question adds a humanizing element to the broader, more cosmic conversation.