Soundtracks and Page-Turners from the Voices of Tech

One of my favorite recurring moments on the Tech Talks Daily Podcast is when I ask every guest to name a song that means something to them. It's a simple, human question tucked at the end of often very technical, strategic conversations. And yet, time and again, it proves to be one of the hardest for guests to answer.

I'll ask someone to unpack how generative AI is applied to quantum research or explain the implications of decentralized identity systems in finance, and they'll do so with ease. But the moment I ask for a song that resonates with them personally, the pause grows longer, the smile turns nervous, and I can almost hear the internal debate begin. That contrast has become something of a running joke for me.

The reason I keep asking is simple. Music has a unique way of connecting us. It cuts through layers of professional identity and taps into memory, emotion, and personality.

The Spotify playlist we've built is an entire of those human moments. It's a mix tape curated by thinkers, builders, leaders, and innovators from around the world. It tells a different kind of story, one that moves from boardrooms to quiet moments, from problem-solving to soul-searching. And for anyone who's listened to these conversations and felt the energy behind the voices, these songs offer a new way to understand what inspires them.

The Tech Talks Daily Spotify playlist is far from predictable. You'll find an eclectic mix that spans decades and genres. One track might be a 90s classic tied to a founder's startup grind, followed by a soulful ballad that helped a CISO through a challenging leadership moment. There's the odd techno anthem, a few rock staples, and even some unexpected guilty pleasures that reveal more than a LinkedIn profile ever could.

Oh, and did I mention pirate metal? And that's precisely the point. These aren't curated to impress; they're chosen because they've meant something at a specific time, and that authenticity resonates.For listeners, the playlist has become more than background music. It's a companion piece to the podcast, a way to stay connected to the conversations even after the episode ends.

Some return to it for inspiration, others to explore new artists, and many enjoy that rare thing in tech storytelling: the reminder that every expert is also a person, with a story set to music. You can listen to it straight through, or hit shuffle and let serendipity guide you. Either way, it's an evolving snapshot of the creative minds we feature.

Equally meaningful is the Tech Talks Network Amazon book wishlist. Every guest is also asked to name a book that has inspired them in some way. The result is a diverse collection that ranges from deeply philosophical works to sharp business insights, with a healthy dose of science fiction and behavioral science woven throughout.

Titles like Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out. and Living Space sit alongside The Anxious Generation and Please Stay, reflecting the realities of both innovation and burnout, ambition and reflection. There's wisdom here, but also honesty, challenge, and hope.

It's not a reading list in the traditional sense. It's a catalog of thought leadership through a personal lens. Books like Immunity to Change, The Purpose Code, and Radical Candor don't just inform; they provoke. They come up in conversations where guests are unpacking real challenges, not just theory.

For anyone looking to grow, lead, or think a bit differently, it's a resource complete with prompts, provocations, and perspective. Whether you're interested in the philosophy of Epictetus or the strategy insights of Only the Paranoid Survive, this list offers something to spark action or, at the very least, reflection.

Whether it's the books that shape a worldview or the songs that soundtrack a journey, I hope these lists offer listeners the same thing they offer me a glimpse behind the bio.

Which track or title has resonated with you the most? Let me know. I'm always looking for the next song to add or the next book to buy.