Most Innovative Companies

Episoder

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  Water Is the Next Luxury Product 14.08.2026 1t

  On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen talk with Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris about the water brand Loonen and the rise of consumer safety as a status symbol. Then, Fast Company senior staff writer Jeff Beer interviews Dhar Mann about building an audience and how he ended up as the NFL’s honorary chief kindness officer.  To read Ainsley’s reporting, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/91565959/loonen-and-the-rise-of-consumer-safety-as-status-symbol  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  Felicia Day doesn’t need Hollywood’s help making ‘The Guild’ Movie 07.08.2026 39min

  YouTubers are taking over Hollywood. The critical and commercial success of Curry Barker’s Obsession, Kane Parsons’ A24-backed movie Backrooms, and Markiplier’s Iron Lung—especially in contrast to relative flops like Supergirl and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu—has challenged the industry’s conventional wisdom. It’s not a huge surprise, given that so many creators on the platform have cultivated deeply engaged fandoms.  One of the first creators to really take advantage of that dynamic on YouTube was Felicia Day, when she created her seminal web series The Guild in 2007.  For the 20th anniversary next year, Day is tapping into that fandom to fund a reunion movie of The Guild. She sat down with MIC cohost Josh Christensen to discuss her decision to crowdfund The Guild movie, the importance of maintaining creative independence, and the recent mainstream success of YouTubers.
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  What makes the fintech company Stripe an idea factory? 31.07.2026 1t

  On today’s episode, cohost Yasmin Gagne talks with Fast Company and Inc. head of editorial strategy David Lidsky on what makes the fintech company Stripe an idea factory. Then NASCAR chief operating officer Ben Kennedy has a conversation with Yaz about bringing new audiences to car racing. To read David’s reporting, go to: fastcompany.com/91538341/stripe-most-underrated-influential-159-billion-company-power-map  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news /news
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  Inside Amazon’s brutal app-ification of HR 17.07.2026 1t 12min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen talk to Fast Company contributor John Pavlus about how the godmother of AI, Fei-Fei Li, is building world models — AI that many hope will replace LLMs. Then, Yaz talks to Fast Company staff writer Pavithra Mohan about her deep dive into how actual humans in the human resources department are disappearing and being replaced by apps and AI. To read John’s reporting, go to: fastcompany.com/91549046/fei-fei-li-world-labs-ai-gets-physical-models-spatial-intelligence  To read Pavithra’s deep dive, go to: fastcompany.com/91565321/amazon-is-taking-human-out-of-hr-ai-chatbot-app-aza  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  Inside one of the most remarkable urban transformations in America 10.07.2026 1t 5min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen talk to Fast Company’s  Nate Berg about how a Walmart heir helped transform a small town in Arkansas. Then, Fast Company staff writer David Salazar sits down with the CEO of American Association of Independent Music Ian Harrisson and COO of an independent record label Partisan Records Zena White to talk about the challenges, opportunities, and future of the independent music business.  To check out Nate’s reporting, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/91550093/alice-walton-crystal-bridges-expansion-bentonville  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  Bustle Digital Group is building publications for the influencer era 26.06.2026 1t 9min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen talk to Fast Company staff editor David Salazar on the most innovative ideas that are changing the world we live in. Next, Bustle Digital Group founder and CEO Bryan Goldberg speaks with Yaz about how he is building brands, including Nylon magazine, for the influencer era. To read more about world changing ideas, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/world-changing-ideas  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  How can the world prepare for biological warfare with Dr. Seth Berkley 19.06.2026 1t 16min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen talk about some of the biggest stories in the Fast Company world. Then Yaz and Josh speak with Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris about AG1, Grüns, and the gummy-ification of wellness. And finally, Yaz speaks to a physician, epidemiologist, and former CEO of the Vaccine Alliance Gavi Dr. Seth Berkley about hantavirus, Ebola, vaccines, and how political agendas are reshaping scientific institutions. To read Ainsley’s reporting, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/91538779/ag1s-green-with-envy-over-the-gummy-ification-of-wellness  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  We spoke to over 100 working Moms in senior positions. This is what we found. 12.06.2026 1t 9min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen talk about some of the biggest stories in the Fast Company world. Then Yaz and Josh talk to Fast Company staff editor Shalene Gupta about how women in senior level positions are finding it harder and harder to balance work and motherhood and what their hacks are. And finally, Yaz talks to CEO of TaskRabbit Ania Smith about the role of gig work in the age of AI To read Shalene’s reporting, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/91541720/corporate-america-is-crushing-senior-level-mothers  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  Inside Uber’s strategy for autonomous vehicles 04.06.2026 1t 9min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen talk about some of the biggest stories in the Fast Company world. Then, Yaz and Josh talk to Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris about Uber’s strategy around autonomous vehicles. And finally, Josh sits down with Audible’s chief financial and growth officer, Cynthia Chu, to talk about Audible’s growth, how the company approaches using AI in audiobooks, and what its relationship is like with publishers and authors. To read Ainsley’s reporting, go to: fastcompany.com/91548707/uber-robotaxi-strategy-dara-khosrowshahi  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  Why is Shein buying Everlane? 28.05.2026 1t 29min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen talk about some of the biggest stories in the Fast Company world. Next Yaz and Josh talk to Fast Company senior writer Elizabeth Segran about the deal between clothing brands Everlane and Shein. And finally, Fast Company executive editor Amy Farley interviews Sev Ohanian, the cofounder of Proximity Media, the production studio behind the movie Sinners.  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  Inside the evolution of Vans Warped Tour 21.05.2026 1t 7min

  On today’s episode, our cohost Yasmin Gagne is back! David Salazar and Josh Christensen catch her up on some of the biggest, weirdest, and most viral stories of the year in a new segment called “Unauthorized Superlatives.” Next, David talks with the Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman about how the touring festival began and evolved over 2025, their hiatus and comeback, and what to expect this year.  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  The race to build agentic commerce 14.05.2026 1t 25min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Bryan Lufkin and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the latest inflation report, OpenAI’s partnership with private equity, and selling Buzzfeed. Next, Bryan and Josh talk with Fast Company staff writer Elizabeth Segran about the race to build agentic commerce. And finally, Bryan talks with writer, speaker and Fast Company contributor Laëtitia Vitaud about why women over 50 are best equipped to deal with the world changed by AI. To read Elizabeth’s reporting, go to: fastcompany.com/91533534/shop-til-you-bot-google-openai-and-the-race-to-build-agentic-commerce  To read Laetitia’s writing, go to: fastcompany.com/91505607/why-women-over-50-are-the-future-of-work-in-the-age-of-ai  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  What to know about Apple’s new CEO 07.05.2026 1t 9min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Coinbase layoffs, GameStop’s bid to buy eBay, and Spirit Airlines’ shutdown. Next, Josh and Kristin talk with Fast Company global technology editor Harry McCracken to dive deep into what’s next for Apple and its new CEO, John Ternus. And finally, Kristin speaks with B Lab’s co-lead executive Sarah Schwimmer about the evolution of the company over the past 20 years, the ongoing challenges her team faces, and how companies can assess their social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  Bluesky set out to fix social media. Now it’s running into familiar problems 23.04.2026 1t 19min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Elizabeth Segran and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including SpaceX’s partnership with Cursor, Apple’s new CEO, and Allbirds’ pivot to AI. Next, Elizabeth and Josh talk with Fast Company contributing writer Tanya Chen on the problems Bluesky is running into.  And finally, Elizabeth speaks with the CEO and president of GAP Global Brand Mark Breitbard on how GAP is reinventing itself and what’s next for the brand.  To read more about Bluesky, go to fastcompany.com/91528304/bluesky-set-out-to-fix-social-media-now-its-running-into-familiar-problems  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  Inside the SpaceX founder factory 16.04.2026 1t 25min

  On today’s episode, cohosts David Salazar and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the latest on the war in Iran, 7-Eleven store closures, and Amazon’s bid to boost its satellite internet business.  Next, David and Josh sit down with Fast Company senior writer Rebecca Heilweil to discuss her deep dive into what makes SpaceX an impressive founder factory. And finally, Josh and David are joined by Fast Company senior tech editor Max Ufberg in a game of sorts about the tech we use everyday.  To check out Rebecca’s reporting, go to fastcompany.com/91518561/inside-spacex-founder-factory-race-solve-next-generation-impossible-problems  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  Are robots actually taking over Amazon warehouses? 09.04.2026 1t 18min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Bryan Lufkin and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Anthropic’s new AI model, the deal between Amazon and USPS, and the latest on the war in Iran. Next, Josh and Bryan talk with Fast Company staff writer Pavithra Mohan about how robotics is taking over Amazon warehouses.   And finally, Bryan talks with the CEO of TED, Logan McClure Davda, about the transformation of TED and what the TED community will look like in the future. To check out Pavithra’s reporting on Amazon, go to fastcompany.com/91514112/what-will-the-robot-jobs-apocalypse-look-like-ask-amazon-warehouse-workers  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  How Apple became Apple 02.04.2026 1t 20min

  On today’s episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the latest on the war in Iran, layoffs at Oracle, and shutting down Sora. Next, Josh and Kristin talk with Fast Company global technology editor Harry McCracken about what he found out when he collected an oral history of Apple’s earliest days. And finally, Kristin speaks with Inequality Media cofounder Robert Reich and executive director of Inequality Media Heather Kinlaw Lofthouse on their organization and how the team educates a broad range of audiences about power imbalance and civic issues in the United States today. To read about Apple’s early days, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/91514404/apple-founding-50th-anniversary-apple-1-apple-ii-jobs-wozniak  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
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  Inside the innovation shaping food and dining 30.03.2026 37min

  In this special episode of Most Innovative Companies, host David Salazar goes behind the scenes of Fast Company’s flagship franchise to unpack how this year’s list comes together—and what it takes for a company to truly stand out. Joined by Fast Company contributor Clint Rainey and restaurant technology expert Kristen Hawley, the conversation explores how innovation shows up across the food and restaurant industries—from rethinking agriculture and supply chains to reinventing convenience and sustainability. You’ll hear how companies like Row 7 are reshaping the way we grow and experience vegetables, how Kraft Heinz is using AI to modernize a pantry staple, and why QuikTrip is turning gas stations into unexpected destinations for premium beverages. Plus, a look at Shia, a small but ambitious nonprofit restaurant proving that sustainability and profitability don’t have to be at odds. Along the way, the group breaks down what makes a strong Most Innovative Companies pick, how editors balance applications with industry expertise, and why impact—not just novelty—is the ultimate measure of innovation. Whether it’s a global brand or a 22-seat restaurant, this episode reveals how bold ideas in food are shaping the future of how—and what—we eat.  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To see the Most Innovative Companies 2026 list:https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list
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  Inside Fast Company’s Most Innovative AI Companies 27.03.2026 38min

  In this special miniseries, host David Salazar goes behind the scenes of Fast Company’s 2026 Most Innovative Companies list with two of the journalists who helped shape its AI coverage: senior writer Mark Sullivan and global technology editor Harry McCracken. Together, they break down why Fast Company separates AI from applied AI, and what that distinction reveals about the companies building the future of the category. The conversation spotlights three major players—Anthropic, Sierra, and Google—and explores what made each one stand out on this year’s list. Along the way, they discuss Anthropic’s rise in the enterprise market through Claude Code, Sierra’s push to reinvent customer service with AI agents, and Google’s comeback story as Gemini becomes central to its broader product ecosystem. They also dig into the editorial judgment behind the list itself: how Fast Company weighs innovation, business impact, momentum, and controversy in one of the most closely watched sectors in business. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To see the Most Innovative Companies 2026 list:https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list
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  Inside Fast Company’s Most Innovative Film and TV List 26.03.2026 38min

  In this special episode of Most Innovative Companies, host David Salazar goes behind the scenes of Fast Company’s flagship recognition program to unpack how the 2026 list comes together—and what separates true industry changers from the rest. Focusing on the Television, Streaming, and Film category, Salazar is joined by Fast Company editorial director Jill Bernstein and contributor Thom Geier to break down the intersection of creativity, technology, and business shaping Hollywood today. From bold, genre-defying storytelling to new distribution strategies and cutting-edge production tools, they explore how innovation is redefining what—and how—we watch. The conversation highlights standout companies, including Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media, IMAX’s big-screen resurgence, AI dubbing startup Flawless, John Wells Productions’ real-time hit The Pitt, and Apple TV+’s evolving prestige strategy. Along the way, the group unpacks the key criteria behind the list—innovation and impact—and why the most meaningful shifts in entertainment often happen behind the scenes. More than just a list, this discussion reveals how storytelling itself is evolving—and why it still matters as much as ever. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To see the Most Innovative Companies 2026 list, go to:https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list