Untold Silicon Valley

Untold Silicon Valley

This is Untold Silicon Valley, the podcast dedicated to exploring the forgotten and almost-forgotten histories from Silicon Valley’s first decades with one part history, one part storytelling, and a pinch of snark.

In this podcast, we will be sitting ringside and examining the times, the events, and most importantly, the people who shaped the industry now known as “Silicon Valley.” We’ll meet the founders, funders, scientists and innovators who played pivotal roles in the transformation of a little known agricultural valley in Northern California known mainly for its oranges and plums to the home of the global technology industry.

Episodes

June 7, 2022

001: Glory Enough for Everyone

In the wake of World War II, Bell Labs was committed to solving one of the most pressing technological problems of the day: how to control an electrical current without the clumsy, expensive, and fragile vacuum tubes then in use. Sparing no expense to...
June 15, 2022

002: A Start on My Own

Having left Bell Labs to strike out on his own, William Shockley had some important decisions to make:  Who would be the backer for his fledgling company?  Who would be on his staff?  And where would it launch? In this episode, William...
June 15, 2022

003: 126

With a backer, a location, and the support of the ambitious Stanford Engineering Department, William Shockley recruiting efforts started in earnest.  But having burned his bridges at Bell Labs (and them some!), Shockley resorts to some unorthodox...
June 22, 2022

004: The Affair of the Luau Pig

After the meeting with Arnold Beckman, the state of Shockley Semiconductor just continues to deteriorate, and the Shockley research staff finally makes their own appeal to Arnold Beckman that something has to change. In this episode, the Shockley...
June 28, 2022

005: "A Shameful Act"

Despite the boom in the semiconductor industry, the renegade Shockley research scientists and the bankers of Hayden Stone get nothing but the cold shoulder in their search for a backer… until they catch the ear of an eccentric millionaire inventor....
July 6, 2022

006: "We Can Do That"

Sputnik sparks the Space Race, and hysteria ensues in the United States.  In the meantime, the Fairchild Semiconductor founders get to work. In this episode, the Traitorous Eight have barely moved into their new space, when the Space Race...

Reviews

Cool show!

"Nothing like getting the history of the place you llive, work or grew up - Explore the history and growth of Silicon Valley - so much to learn about - get all the cool secrets and facts on Lisa's sho…"

Life&RelationshipCoach | June 19, 2022

Informative and entertaining

"Having recently founded a company, I could relate to the particular personality quirks that get in the way of the business.... I took away some good lessons on recruiting!"

Gazelle Rastegar | June 20, 2022

Interesting Podcast!

"I’m so happy I found this podcast. The stories are so interesting. I can’t wait to hear more."

Dan991234 | June 24, 2022

So Engaging!!

"We are wired for story and I love the way Lisa presents the stories and provokes questions and anticipation. Lisa keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more! Such a great experience!"

Bexaida | June 25, 2022

Great Stories

"I've always loved tech and was young during the dotcom boom and bust. When I graduated college, I always wanted to go to SV and try throwing myself into the startup world.... but I got an amazing of…"

emjgreen | July 1, 2022

Exceptional!

"I love this show! Loving in the Silicon Valley area for the last twenty years, this show has given me some amazing insights into the history and evolution of the region! Totallly fun and informative!"

MichaelNeeley | July 1, 2022

Interesting backstories!

"A well-researched deep dive into some important stories behind big events and innovations in Silicon Valley."

CookingChat | July 1, 2022

Suprisingly Awesome, Must subsribe

"Very glad to have come across this show. I've always been interested in startup company type content. What I like about the show the most, is the host. Great voice, great pacing and story telling. Ne…"

HealthEnthusiast912 | July 3, 2022

Great substance and even better storytelling!

"If you want to learn about the history of Silicon Valley, make yourself comfortable and listen to this informative and highly entertaining podcast!"

El Gato Tunko | July 3, 2022

Entertaining and Informative

"The fascinating history of SV told in an entertaining way keeps you listening episode after episode!"

Gretchen Schultek | July 5, 2022

Great podcast for all interested in Silicon Valley

"If you’re interested in tech and the tech ecosystem this podcast shares great stories that provide valuable context and history. A great addition for those interested in Silicon Valley"

AdamLeadership | July 19, 2022

Great story told in a compelling way

"I love stories, like this one, that take broad narratives most of us know and add details and drama that bring the whole experience to life."

RemiBoncoeur | July 23, 2022

Incredible!

"Great podcast!"

erseburse | July 29, 2022

Excellent

"The best narration of a brief history of Silicon Valley. Was only disappointed it ended. Really hoping for a part 2."

Alchryptomist | Dec. 27, 2022