Nest
Mentioned in 16 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows
A smart home technology company founded by Tony Fidel that develops thermostats, cameras, and doorbell systems designed to collect user behavior data and enable home automation. Acquired by Google for $3.2 billion, Nest is frequently discussed in podcasts as an example of successful product innovation, platform lock-in concerns, and a notable case of Apple missing an acquisition opportunity. The company's devices and cloud-based subscription model have also been referenced in discussions about data privacy, surveillance capabilities, and the broader smart home ecosystem.
Mentioned On
Episode Mentions
Masters of Scale · May 14, 2026
Author David Epstein on why constraints fuel innovation
“Tony Fidel, co-founder, featured in book as character discussing constraint-driven product development and focus”
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk · Apr 26, 2026
685: David Epstein - The Freedom Trap, Narrative Values, General Magic, The Nobel Prize Winner Who Simplified Everything, Wearing the Same Thing Everyday, and Why Constraints Are the Secret to Your Best Work
“Founded by Tony Fidel (General Magic alumnus); used literal box prototype constraint to force design prioritization”
The Mello Millionaire with Tommy Mello · Apr 17, 2026
What you can learn from the greatest businessmen of all time (with Carmine Gallo)
“Tony Fidel (iPod creator) founded Nest and sold to Google for $3 billion; learned storytelling from Steve Jobs”
Version History · Apr 5, 2026
Amazon Echo: Always listening
“Smart home thermostat company representing early connected home devices”
On with Kara Swisher · Feb 26, 2026
Why ‘Playing It Safe’ In Your Career Doesn’t Pay with VC Bill Gurley
“Tony Fidel's company; example of successful career pivot that inspired Gurley to write his book”
Catalyst with Shayle Kann · Feb 25, 2026
Volts crossover: Six big energy questions
“Smart thermostat platform by Google; discussed as example of software-enabled home devices and platform lock-in concerns”
Armstrong & Getty On Demand · Feb 24, 2026
Why Do I Need an App to Heat My Coffee?
“Referenced as example of data-harvesting smart home device ecosystem designed to collect user behavior data”
The Dan Bongino Show · Feb 12, 2026
Another Act of Trans Violence (Ep. 2451)
“Smart home camera system mentioned in context of Guthrie case evidence and surveillance capabilities”
Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge · Feb 11, 2026
Legally Brunette: Nancy Guthrie Updates
“Doorbell camera system at victim's home captured critical surveillance footage of suspect; owned by Google.”
Red Eye Radio · Feb 11, 2026
02-11-26 Part One - A Person of Interest
“Doorbell camera system used in kidnapping case; founder explained cloud backup requirements and subscription model to media”
Relentless · Jan 29, 2026
The Future of Home Robots | Mehul Nariyawala, Matic
“Where Mehul worked and learned product development, acquired by Google for $3.2 billion”
Rich On Tech · Jan 11, 2026
CES 2026, ChatGPT Health & Gmail gets AI boost (156, January 10, 2026)
“Smart thermostat with presence detection discussed for VRBO property temperature management”
The Kim Komando Show · Jan 10, 2026
Who's picking up your kid? Nobody
“Google smart home camera recommended as alternative to dedicated baby monitors for home surveillance”
TBPN · Jan 8, 2026
xAI Raises $20B, Anthropic’s $350B Valuation, OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health | Diet TBPN
Apple Bitz XL w/ Brian Tong · Jan 4, 2026
Apple 2026 Predictions Show w/ Rich DeMuro (Apple Bitz XL, Ep. 366)
“Smart home product example; founded by Tony Fidel, acquired by Google; represents missed Apple opportunity”
The Vergecast · Dec 21, 2025
Version History: Google Glass
“Tony Fidel (Nest founder) brought in to lead Glass division after initial consumer failure”