Clubhouse: Pivot to audio

Clubhouse: Pivot to audio

From Version History by The Verge

March 15, 2026 · 1h 2m

About this episode

The episode discusses the rise of Clubhouse as an audio-based social network during the pandemic and its impact on social interactions.

If you were launching a new app in 2020, it was either the worst timing (see: Quibi) or the best timing (see: Clubhouse). Clubhouse was an initially invite-only, audio-based social network that worked like an old-timey party line or radio call-in show… and it was exactly what people needed who suddenly found themselves stuck at home. Casey Newton (Hard Fork, Platformer) and Ashley Carman (Bloomberg) join host David Pierce to talk about the app where celebrities, venture capitalists and normies hobnobbed during lockdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: David Pierce

Guests: Casey Newton, Ashley Carman

Topics covered

  • audio-based social network
  • Clubhouse
  • 2020 app launches
  • celebrity interactions
  • lockdown
  • social media

Keywords

  • Clubhouse
  • audio social network
  • 2020
  • Casey Newton
  • Ashley Carman
  • David Pierce
  • lockdown
  • Quibi

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Clubhouse, Quibi, Bloomberg, The Verge

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