The cofounder of Reddit recently appeared as a guest on WIRED’s “Uncanny Valley” podcast, sharing insights from his journey in the technology industry and his vision for several current projects. During the candid conversation, he reflected on his early career, his acquisition of Digg, his perspective on women’s sports, and the values instilled by his immigrant mother.
The tech entrepreneur opened up about the formative experiences that shaped his path in the technology sector, discussing the challenges and opportunities he encountered while building Reddit into one of the internet’s most visited platforms. His recollections provided listeners with a glimpse into the early days of social media development and the decisions that helped establish Reddit’s unique position in the digital landscape.
Plans for Revitalizing Digg
A significant portion of the interview focused on the Reddit cofounder’s plans for Digg, the once-prominent social news aggregator that he acquired. Though Digg had previously lost much of its user base to platforms like Reddit, the entrepreneur outlined his strategy to breathe new life into the platform.
“I see tremendous potential in what Digg can become,” he stated during the podcast. His vision appears to involve reimagining the platform while honoring its historical significance in the evolution of social news sharing.
The discussion revealed that his approach to Digg’s revival will draw on lessons learned from both successes and failures in his previous ventures, suggesting a thoughtful rather than rushed transformation of the platform.
Championing Women’s Sports
The conversation took an interesting turn when the Reddit cofounder shared his optimistic outlook on the future of women’s sports. He expressed strong support for expanding the visibility and commercial viability of women’s athletic competitions across various disciplines.
“The growth potential in women’s sports is extraordinary,” he remarked, pointing to increasing viewership numbers and sponsorship interest. “We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in how these athletes and leagues are valued.”
His comments highlighted several factors driving this positive trend:
- Growing media coverage and broadcast deals for women’s leagues
- Increasing fan engagement across digital platforms
- Rising investment from major sponsors and venture capital
- The emergence of new stars with broad cultural appeal
Immigrant Values and American Identity
In perhaps the most personal segment of the interview, the tech entrepreneur spoke about the profound influence his immigrant mother had on shaping his understanding of American values and opportunities. He credited her perspective as someone who chose to come to the United States with giving him a unique appreciation for the country’s potential.
“My mother’s journey to America and her experiences here gave me a different lens through which to view this country,” he explained. “She taught me about determination, resilience, and the value of creating opportunities rather than just seeking them.”
This immigrant perspective, he suggested, informed his approach to entrepreneurship and his belief in technology as a tool for creating access and opportunity. The values instilled by his mother apparently continue to guide his business decisions and philanthropic efforts.
Throughout the wide-ranging interview, the Reddit cofounder demonstrated a reflective approach to his career in technology, acknowledging both achievements and missteps along the way. His willingness to discuss personal influences alongside professional ambitions provided listeners with insight into the thinking of one of tech’s notable entrepreneurs.
As he continues to pursue new ventures while maintaining involvement with established platforms, his comments suggest a focus on building technology that connects communities and creates meaningful engagement—principles that have characterized his approach since Reddit’s earliest days.
