An Update on TMO’s Background Mode Podcast

John Martellaro at the Mic

BackgroundModeLogo_1600 Introduction

The famous mathematician Ken Ono has said that behind every successful person is a great story. And that’s the story my guests tell.

Each week I interview Apple developers, tech industry executives, scientists, researchers, artists, authors and journalists— usually within the Apple community but sometimes beyond. And we also chat about their views on current tech events.

It’s more than a show about what they do; it’s about who they are.

How to Listen to Background Mode

Background Mode is published every Monday afternoon at The Mac Observer. (Or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday.) The shows range from 30 to about 40 minutes long.

There are several ways to listen to Background Mode. You can come right here to The Mac Observer on Mondays and play it from the article, just as you do with our other podcasts. You can also subscribe to it from Apple’s iOS Podcasts app. Or use the terrific Downcast app.

Archive of Previous Shows

If you’ve missed a Background Mode podcast, you can access our archive of recent shows.

John Martellaro at the Mic

Notable Guests

Every guest on Background Mode has been phenomenal and has had a terrific story to tell about how they arrived where they are today. Often, it’s the significant influence from a parent, teacher, employer or mentor that set them on their life’s path. Or a special event in their lives. Here’s a sampling of previous guests to whet your appetite.

Former Apple Executives & Staff: Mike Bombich, Dan Burcaw, James DempseyMichael Gartenberg (1), Michael Gartenberg (2), Jean-Louis Gassée, Alex Grossman, Dr. Bruce Horn, Jordan Hubbard, Skip Levens, Don Melton, Joe Moreno, David Shayer, David Sobotta, James Thomson, Chuq Von Rospach

Developers: Brian BehlendorfSander BerentsKeith BlountKen Case, John Chaffee, Graham Dawson, Tim DeBenedictisDaniel JalkutPaul Kafasis, Thorsten Lemke, Scott LoveLiz Marley, Howard Oakley, Erica SadunGreg Scown, Chuck Shotton, Rich Siegel, Michael SimmonsAndrew Stone, Alf WattChris WoodGregorio Zanon.

CEOs and Executives:  Bhavin Asher, Susan Bearden, Christopher CaenCindy Cohn, Tonya Engst, Ernesto Falcon, Mark FuccioStacey HankeAlykhan Jetha, Jean MacDonaldLarry O’ConnorPatrick O’Neil, Katharine Nester, Naomi Pearce, Max PedróNicholas Smith, Rod Roddenberry, Ben Rudolph, John Uppendahl.

Artists, Podcasters: Victor CajiaoAdam ChristiansonKatie FloydChuck Joiner, John Lunn, Mark Malkoff, John Nastos, Nitrozac (Liza Schmalcel), Rosemary Orchard, David Sparks.

Authors & Journalists: Victor Agreda, Eddie Alterman, Michel Benson, Darren BeyerSteven BrustSerenity Caldwell, Steve Carper, Bradley ChambersJacqui Cheng, Josh Centers (1)Josh Centers (2)Kyle Clark, Peter Cohen, Elizabeth CraigPhilip Elmer DeWitt,  Mike Elgan, Jonny Evans, Ryan FaasGlenn Fleishman, Anthony Frausto-RobledoLauren Goode, David GreelishKelly GuimontMark Gurman, Amy Harder, Russell HollyLeander Kahney, David Katzmaier, John KirkJoe KissellMaria LangerBob LeVitus, John MarkoffDon McAllister, Kirk McElhearnMaryn McKenna, Rich Mogull, Christopher Moore, Dan Moren, Alec Nevala-LeeJennifer Ouellette, Rob PegoraroRocco PendolaJoanna Penn, Jason Perlow,  Ken Ray, Rene Ritchie, Tim RobertsonMichael T. Rose, Steve SandeDoc Searls, Sascha Segan, Dennis Sellers, Dwight Silverman, Dr. Gina SmithJason SnellStephanie Stricklen, Jim Tanous, Shara Tibken, Lance Ulanoff, Christina Warren, John Welch, Carter Wilson, Gregory Zuckerman.

Physicists/Astronomers/Astrophysicists: Dr. Stephon Alexander, Dr. John Barentine, Dr. David Brin, Dr./Br. Guy Consolmagno, Dr. Jo Dunkley, Dr. Andrew Friedman, Dr. Jim Gates, Dr. Kelly Holley-Bockelmann, Dr. Dan Hooper, Dr. Mario Juric, Dr. Brian KeatingDr. Gaurav Khanna, Dr. Emiy Levesque, Dr. Brad MarstonDr. Chiara Mingarelli, Dr. Christine Corbett Moran, Dr. Catherine PilachowskiDr. Phil Plait, Dr. Clay Sherrod, Dr. Ethan Siegel, Dr. Paul Steinhardt, Dr. Jill Tarter.

Scientists, Professors, Researchers, Analysts:  Dr. Robert Carter, Jan Dawson, Dr. Jacquelyn Gill, Dr. Genevieve Guenther, Dr. John Gustafson, Dr. John HawksDr. Katharine Hayhoe, Dr. Craig Hunter, Dr. Ayanna Howard, Dr. Steven Lamm, Dr. Pascal Lee (1), Dr. Pascal Lee (2)Dr. Joanne Manaster, Gene Munster, Dr. Sarah Parcak, Dr. Kiki Sanford (1), Dr. Kiki Sanford (2), Dr. Joel Sercel, Dr. Michael Shermer, Dr. Chris Soghoian, Dr. George Sowers, Dr. Matt Stanley, Dr. Alan Stern. Dr. Rebecca Wragg Sykes, Mike Weasner.

I have plans to interview some awesome guests in the future.  So remember to look for my Background Mode podcast every Monday and become a subscriber.

If you have feedback or a guest suggestion, you can send your comments or requests to either [email protected]  or directly to [email protected]

I hope you’re enjoying this amazing podcast in the TMO family as my virtual fireside chats introduce you to some very special people in the Apple community and beyond.

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