Most Innovative Companies
Fast Company · Mansueto Ventures
Show overview
Most Innovative Companies has been publishing since 2021, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 225 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 200 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 39 min and 1h 8m — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed earlier today, with 22 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 81 episodes published. Published by Mansueto Ventures.
From the publisher
Which companies are on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence? What’s the next major breakthrough in healthcare? How do iconic brands reinvent themselves to appeal to the next generation? Most Innovative Companies is where tech, business, and innovation convene. Join hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen as they bring you the latest innovations transforming business and society—and highlights the companies that are reshaping industries and culture.
Latest Episodes
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Inside the SpaceX founder factory
Are robots actually taking over Amazon warehouses?
How Apple became Apple
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
Inside the innovation shaping food and dining
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
Inside Fast Company’s Most Innovative AI Companies
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
Inside Fast Company’s Most Innovative Film and TV List
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
Who are the most innovative companies of 2026?
On today’s episode of the Most Innovative Companies podcast, our host, Josh Christensen, Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan, and executive editor Amy Farley break down this year’s Most Innovative Companies list. They discuss why companies like Anthropic, Unwell, Rimas Entertainment, Proximity Media, Google, Diplo’s Run Club, and the Professional Women's Hockey League made the list. They also unpack the themes that emerged and the biggest takeaways from a year in innovation. To read more about the most innovative companies of the year, go to: Fastcompany.com For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
Why are ultra-low-rise jeans back in fashion?
On today’s episode of Most Innovative Companies, Josh Christensen and guest cohost Sarah Whittle discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the war in Iran, the FFC’s threats to broadcasters covering the war critically, and the meatpackers’ strike in Colorado. Next, Sarah and Josh talk with Fast Company contributor Lilly Smith about how low-rise jeans have come back into style and what differentiates them today from denim in the early 2000s. Finally, Sarah tells Josh about the lessons she’s learned over her long career in social media. To read Lilly’s reporting, go to: fastcompany.com/91480581/ultra-low-rise-denim For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
The hidden cost of Waymo on San Francisco streets
On today’s episode, cohosts Elizabeth Segran and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the economic effects of the war in Iran, Microsoft’s support for Anthropic in the lawsuit against the Trump administration, and the latest jobs report. Next, Elizabeth and John talk with Fast Company senior writer Rebecca Heilweil about how the self-driving Waymo robotaxis are causing problems for the transit systems in San Francisco and other cities. And finally, Josh speaks with Mozilla CEO Athony Enzor-DeMeo about how Mozilla plans to build trust, grow its user base, and diversify its revenue. To check out Rebecca’s reporting on Waymo, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/91501807/waymo-robotaxis-san-francisco-uncovered-records-exclusive For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
Welcome to the age of combat via chatbot
On today’s episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the economic impacts of the Middle East conflict, how prediction markets drew criticism for allowing bets on the U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran and Crypto rebound. Next, Kristin and Josh talk with Fast Company senior writer Rebecca Heilweil about how the Anthropic-Pentagon dispute unfolded and what it will take if the U.S. military wants to start working with other AI companies. Finally, Kristin speaks with Beehiiv CEO Tyler Denk about how Beehiiv started, how they think about their relationship with the publishers and content creators, and their plans for the future. To read Rebecca’s reporting, go to fastcompany.com/user/rebecca-heilweil For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
What you need to know about the labor market today
NOTE: After recording this episode Netflix backed out of bid for Warner Bros. Discovery . We discuss the state of the deal prior to this news. For up to date recording, go to fastcompany.com/news. On today’s episode, cohosts Bryan Lufkin and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs, Trump’s State of the Union address, and how Meta’s AI safety specialist lost control of an AI agent. Next Josh and Bryan talk with Fast Company staff writer Pavithra Mohan about layoffs, the impact of AI on the workforce, and other trends in the labor market. And finally, Bryan talks with the author, entrepreneur, and Fast Company contributor Faisal Hoque about what companies get wrong when rolling out AI and how to do it better. To read more of Fast Company’s Work Life coverage, go to fastcompany.com/work-life. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news.
The robots are coming! (with your takeout order)
Description: On today’s episode, cohosts David Salazar and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Paramount's last-chance-bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, Mark Zuckerberg's testimony in a social media addiction trial, and the latest investment in Elon Musk’s xAI by a Saudi Arabian AI company. Next, Josh and David talk with Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris on the delivery robots in her neighborhood and the controversy surrounding them. Finally, David speaks with the journalist and writer Gabriel Sherman about his new book Bonfire of the Murdochs, diving deep into how Rupert Murdoch became one of the most influential people on the planet and how his ambitions tore apart his family. To read Ainsley’s reporting, go to fastcompany.com/91486773/sidewalk-delivery-robots-coco-serve-chicago-backlash For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
The Need for Speed & Innovation. Williams CEO Chad Zamarin on Energy Urgency
AI, advanced manufacturing and economic growth are driving unprecedented power demand In this bonus episode, Williams CEO Chad Zamarin joins from the company’s 2026 Clean Energy & Technology Expo to unpack why energy demand is surging faster than new infrastructure can be built—and what it will take to close the gap. For Williams, the answers lie in a holistic approach combining innovative partnerships and next‑generation infrastructure to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable solutions at scale. It’s a multifaceted challenge that demands nuanced solutions, but our very planet depends on it.
Will Bob Iger’s new successor fare better than his last?
On today’s episode, cohosts Elizabeth Segran and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the latest jobs report, Kraft Heinz putting their split on pause, and Spotify’s blockbuster earnings report. Next, Josh and Elizabeth speak with Fast Company’s head of editorial strategy, David Lidsky, on what’s next for Disney under Josh D’Amaro’s leadership. And finally, Elizabeth talks to the CEO of Ulta Beauty, Kecia Steelman, about how the company grew so significantly over the past few years, what makes Ulta stand out, and what the retailer’s big plans are for the future. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
The Next Hot Career: Mining Engineering
On today’s episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Disney’s new CEO, the SpaceX and xAI merger, and business leaders in the Epstein Files. Next, Josh and Kristin talk with Fast Company contributing writer Adam Bluestein on why America wants more mining engineers. Finally, Fast Company senior staff editor Jeff Beer speaks with NBCUniversal Media Group chairman Matt Strauss on NBC’s place in the streaming industry and their upcoming coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics. To check out Adam’s story, go to fastcompany.com/91471471/mining-engineer-hot-career-path-metals-minerals-college-columbia-university-colorado-rare-earth-china For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
Inside the founder factory known as Palantir
On today’s episode, cohosts Bryan Lufkin and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Minnesota executives’ response to ICE killings and the ensuing protests, the TikTok deal, and a round of layoffs from Amazon, UPS, and Nike. Next, Bryan and Josh sit down with David Lidsky, head of editorial strategy for Fast Company and Inc., about his deep dive into what makes Palantir such a successful founder factory. And finally, our guest cohost, Fast Company staff editor Kristin Toussaint, talks about all things energy sustainability and efficiency in the U.S. and internationally with Mike Zatz, senior VP and head of global data ecosystem and partnerships at Measurabl. To check out David’s story, go to fastcompany.com/91476499/inside-the-founder-factory-known-as-palantir-americas-most-polarizing-company For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news
What did Grok do this time?
On today’s episode, cohosts David Salazar and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including highlights from Davos, Minnesota-based corporations’ lack of reaction to ICE, and the latest on Netflix's bid to take over Warner Bros. Discovery. Next, Josh and David talk to Fast Company contributing writer Chris Stokel-Walker about the sexualized deepfakes X users have been creating with Grok and how regulators, and the public, have been responding. Finally, Fast Company global tech editor Harry McCracken spoke with Arm chief marketing officer Ami Badani about the future of the company that designs the architecture of the chips most of our smartphones use. To check out more of Chris’s reporting, go to: fastcompany.com/user/chrisstokelwalker For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news