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Why the tech world is ‘tokenmaxxing'

35:35
Macro of programming coding in screen.
Macro of programming coding in screen.

There’s a new word floating around Silicon Valley and the AI world: 'tokenmaxxing.' It means consuming as many units of AI as possible and often racking up multibillion dollar bills. What’s driving this behavior?

Guest

Tim Fernholz, senior reporter at TechCrunch.

Brian Elliott, CEO of Work Forward, which advises companies and leadership on the future of work.

Also Featured

A, engineer at a Fortune 500 tech company. She requested we just use her initial because she is not authorized to speak by her employer and fears retaliation.


The version of our broadcast available at the top of this page and via podcast apps is a condensed version of the full show. You can listen to the full, unedited broadcast here:


The first draft of this transcript was created by Descript, an AI transcription tool. An On Point producer then thoroughly reviewed, corrected, and reformatted the transcript before publication. The use of this AI tool creates the capacity to provide these transcripts.

This program aired on April 28, 2026.

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Claire Donnelly Producer, On Point

Claire Donnelly is a producer at On Point.

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Meghna Chakrabarti Host, On Point

Meghna Chakrabarti is the host of On Point.

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