CRAFTED Podcast Rebrands as FAFO: Dan Blumberg’s Future-Focused Tech Show Launches
In a media landscape saturated with AI hype, tech pessimism, and recycled startup case studies, one of the most respected independent podcasts in technology journalism is making a decisive pivot.
CRAFTED, the three-time Webby Award-honoured podcast created by independent technologist and former NPR journalist Dan Blumberg, has officially rebranded as FAFO – Future Around & Find Out. The new identity signals more than a name change. It represents a bold editorial shift toward forward-looking, deeply grounded conversations about what the future of technology should look like—and how builders can shape it before it shapes them.
Launching its new season on 3 February 2026, FAFO will be available across all major podcast platforms and YouTube, marking a fresh chapter in Blumberg’s mission to help founders, technologists, and product leaders navigate a world being rapidly reshaped by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Why CRAFTED Became FAFO: A Strategic Editorial Shift
For years, CRAFTED built a loyal following by unpacking thoughtful case studies from the worlds of startups, product design, and technology leadership. But as the pace of innovation accelerated—particularly with generative AI and automation—Blumberg saw a growing gap in tech discourse.
“We’re building incredible things right now, but there’s also this underlying dread,” Blumberg said. “The headlines tell us AI is either going to destroy jobs, save humanity, or end it altogether. I don’t buy any of those extremes.”
With Future Around & Find Out, Blumberg is reframing the conversation. The podcast moves away from post-mortems and retrospective success stories and toward real-time thinking—asking builders to interrogate what they are creating now, why it matters, and what consequences it might bring.
The new name, FAFO, intentionally carries a sense of urgency and curiosity. It suggests experimentation, responsibility, and a willingness to confront uncertainty head-on.
A Podcast Positioned Between Doom and Hype
Much of today’s technology coverage sits at one of two extremes:
Doomerism, where AI is framed as an existential threat to humanity and work
Venture-fuelled hype, where every new tool is sold as a silver bullet
FAFO deliberately rejects both.
Instead, it positions itself as a clear-eyed, questioning space for builders who want to think deeply without panic or propaganda.
What FAFO Stands For
Grounded optimism, not blind enthusiasm
Critical thinking over click-driven fear
Builders’ perspectives instead of investor talking points
Long-term impact, not short-term trends
This editorial balance reflects Blumberg’s unique background, which spans journalism, product leadership, and hands-on experience across major institutions.
Dan Blumberg: From NPR Journalism to Product Leadership
Blumberg’s credibility comes not just from storytelling, but from lived experience.
Over the past two decades, he has worked as:
A journalist at NPR
A product management leader at LinkedIn and The New York Times
A senior technologist across major banks and venture-backed startups
This hybrid background allows FAFO to bridge the worlds of media, technology, and product strategy—speaking fluently to founders, engineers, designers, and decision-makers.
“What would be amazing,” Blumberg said, “is if we could build the future we actually want—before we mess it up.”
That ethos now defines FAFO’s editorial mission.
What Listeners Can Expect From FAFO
1. Forward-Looking Conversations That Matter Now
Each episode of FAFO will feature in-depth interviews with technologists, founders, and innovators who are actively shaping the future—not just commenting on it.
Rather than asking, “What did you build?”, FAFO asks:
Why does this technology exist now?
Who does it serve?
What unintended consequences should we be thinking about?
What should builders do next?
2. A Practical Lens on Artificial Intelligence
AI will remain a central theme, but FAFO aims to move beyond surface-level discussions.
Topics will include:
How AI is changing the nature of work
The impact of automation on creativity and decision-making
What responsible AI deployment actually looks like
How founders can build without reinforcing harmful incentives
Crucially, these conversations are grounded in real-world use cases, not abstract theory.
3. Spotlight on Underreported Technologies
While AI dominates headlines, FAFO will also dedicate space to technologies that often fly under the radar but may prove equally transformative.
These include:
Deep tech
Biotechnology
Climate technology
Robotics
Quantum computing
By widening the lens, FAFO aims to give builders a more holistic understanding of where innovation is heading.
A Proven Track Record of High-Calibre Guests
FAFO builds on CRAFTED’s legacy of hosting some of the most influential voices in technology and product leadership.
Past Guests Have Included:
Senior leaders from Google
Product and engineering voices from X (formerly Twitter)
Experts from AWS and GitHub
Executives from BNY Mellon
Educators from Khan Academy
Founders from early-stage AI startups
This mix of big-tech experience and startup agility remains central to FAFO’s DNA.
