Tony Fidel
Mentioned in 12 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows
A serial entrepreneur and inventor best known for creating the iPod and engineering the original iPhone, as well as founding Nest. He has been involved in early-stage investing, completing approximately 200 angel deals throughout his career. Podcasts reference him as a notable figure in tech innovation and entrepreneurship, occasionally discussing him in the context of influential industry leaders.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
Masters of Scale · May 14, 2026
Author David Epstein on why constraints fuel innovation
“Featured in book; advised Epstein on constraint-driven writing approach and product development methodology”
The Rich Roll Podcast · May 4, 2026
David Epstein On Why Constraints Drive Creativity, The Myth Of Productive Freedom, & How Limits Make Us Better
“Led iPod team, co-founded Nest; advises entrepreneurs to write press release first to establish project boundaries”
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
“Lead designer of iPod; founded Nest; General Magic alumnus who applied constraint-based design; advocates making up constraints”
Apple Bitz XL w/ Brian Tong · Apr 24, 2026
Tim Cook Is Out And John Ternus Is In As Apple CEO - Whats Next For Apple? (Apple Bitz XL, Ep. 375)
“Father of iPod; mentioned as external CEO candidate who wouldn't fit Apple culture; later created Nest smart home company”
9to5Mac Happy Hour · Apr 23, 2026
John Ternus is officially Apple’s next CEO, iPhone 18 colors, iOS 27 rumors
“Publicly expressed interest in Apple CEO role but company unlikely to hire external candidate”
The Mello Millionaire with Tommy Mello · Apr 17, 2026
What you can learn from the greatest businessmen of all time (with Carmine Gallo)
“iPod creator who worked with Steve Jobs; cited storytelling as key lesson learned; founded Nest, sold to Google for $3B”
On with Kara Swisher · Feb 26, 2026
Why ‘Playing It Safe’ In Your Career Doesn’t Pay with VC Bill Gurley
“iPod inventor, iPhone engineer, Nest founder; encouraged Gurley to write book, calling it most fulfilling work”
Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin · Feb 11, 2026
BIll Gurley
“Entrepreneur who did 200 angel deals; Gurley considered this path but realized it wasn't for him”
Apple Bitz XL w/ Brian Tong · Jan 4, 2026
Apple 2026 Predictions Show w/ Rich DeMuro (Apple Bitz XL, Ep. 366)
“iPod creator and Nest founder; discussed as hypothetical Apple successor candidate (unlikely scenario)”
The Vergecast · Dec 21, 2025
Version History: Google Glass
“iPod/iPhone pioneer; brought in to lead Glass division in 2015 after consumer failure; attempted enterprise pivot”
Version History · Dec 7, 2025
Google Glass: In your face
“iPod and iPhone co-creator brought in to lead Glass in 2015; promised Glass wasn't dead but failed to deliver consumer product”
Version History · Nov 2, 2025
Zune: The would-be iPod killer
“iPod project lead at Apple; discussed in context of Apple's focused product development approach”