Paul Allen: podcast appearances and interviews

Paul Allen was an American businessman, computer programmer, and investor known for co-founding Microsoft Corporation in 1975 with Bill Gates. His involvement in Microsoft helped catalyze the microcomputer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s. Allen stepped away from day-to-day operations at Microsoft in early 1983 after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma but remained on the company's board as vice-chairman. Through the founding of Vulcan Inc. in 1986 with his sister Jody Allen, he managed his business and philanthropic efforts, which spanned technology, scientific research, and real estate. Allen's investments included a diverse portfolio featuring technology companies, media, private space ventures, and sports teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Seattle Sounders FC. He was an active supporter of scientific and technological innovation, founding institutes dedicated to brain science, artificial intelligence, and cell science, and funding the development of SpaceShipOne, the first crewed private spaceplane. His philanthropic contributions exceeded $2 billion, supporting causes in education, conservation, the arts, healthcare, and community services. Recognized as one of the most influential people in the world, Allen received numerous awards and honors. His passion for exploration extended to discovering historic warship wrecks such as the IJN Musashi and USS Indianapolis. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2009, Allen ultimately died of septic shock related to cancer on October 15, 2018, at age 65. After his death, the Stratolaunch aircraft, funded by Allen, achieved its first flight in April 2019, setting records for wingspan.