Today, let’s talk about the looming AI monetization cliff, and whether some of the biggest companies in space can become real, profitable businesses before they careen right off it.

My guest today is Hayden Field, who’s our senior AI reporter here at The Verge. She’s been keeping close tabs on both Anthropic and OpenAI, and how these two companies, both slate to go public this year, tell us a whole lot about the AI industry in 2026.

Links: 

• The vibes are off at OpenAI | The Verge
• Anthropic essentially bans OpenClaw from Claude | The Verge
• Why OpenAI killed Sora | The Verge
• OpenAI just bought TBPN | The Verge
• National poll shows voters like AI less than ICE | The Verge
• The spiraling cost of making AI | WSJ
• OpenAI’s Fidji Simo taking leave amid exec shake-up | Wired
• OpenAI raises another $122B at $850B valuation | The Verge

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Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Decoder is produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt and edited by Ursa Wright. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane. 

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.

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