The Technology Brothers Have Silicon Valley in Their Thrall. Now They’re Coming for You
By Julia Black | Photography by Ryan Pfluger | Fashion Editor Kat Typaldos
January 8, 2026
In the bustling heart of Los Angeles, a daily ritual is underway that has captured the spirit and attention of Silicon Valley’s tech elite—and it centers around two unlikely brethren of the venture capital era: John Coogan and Jordi Hays, collectively known as the Technology Brothers.
A Gong Problem and Tech Triumphs
The duo’s cult-favorite podcast, TBPN (Technology Business Programming Network), is famous not just for its insider commentary but also for its signature ceremonial gong. It marks fundraising victories for start-up guests and underscores their infectious enthusiasm for the tech and finance worlds they inhabit. Recently, the pair faced a “gong problem”: their 36-inch gong now seemed too small beneath the lofty ceilings of their new Hollywood soundstage.
“We’ve already gone through two smaller models,” mused Coogan. “The Hadrian gong would be a great sponsorship,” referencing the defense contractor that had just announced a $260 million Series C on their show. Although Hadrian couldn’t accommodate the dream gong’s size, producer Ben Kohler tracked down an 80-inch giant from Memphis for $40,000, promising even grander celebrations to come. In true Technology Brother fashion, these ceremonial props—like a life-size bronze statue of Napoleon’s horse Marengo—are as much part of the show’s bit as the business insights themselves.
The Mash-Up That is TBPN
Part CNBC’s Squawk Box, part Joe Rogan, and part Daily Show, TBPN offers a 360-degree audiovisual experience with a Silicon Valley twist. Its spiritual home lies on X (formerly Twitter), where Hays explains, “We turned the X timeline into an audiovisual show where we provide insider commentary and analysis.”
Launching just over a year ago under the name Technology Brothers Podcast, the show rebranded to TBPN in March 2025, embracing crafted aesthetics—mahogany as "the official wood of business," money-green hues, racing jackets, and a dash of sci-fi flair. Their barrel-vaulted LA studio exudes old-money meets new-tech charm: glass cases filled with bespoke merchandise sit beside shelves holding leather-bound editions of the Great Books of the Western World. Above them hang portraits of investing legends like Peter Lynch and Charlie Munger, all under the gaze of a massive American flag.
A Status Marker for the Tech Elite
As the show’s popularity and influence climb, an appearance on TBPN has become a coveted status symbol within tech circles. Heavy hitters such as Mark Zuckerberg, Marc Andreessen, and Sam Altman have made the guest list. OpenAI executives granted exclusive interviews during the August release of GPT-5, an unprecedented level of access that many top-tier journalists have sought for years.
Yet TBPN’s charm also lies in its embrace of the niche. For example, Soham Parekh—a software engineer briefly famous for secretly juggling multiple roles at startups—became a star guest, demonstrating the show’s unique ability to blend Silicon Valley’s A-listers with internet meme culture.
The Venture Capital Version of Gordon Gekko
Coogan, 36, and Hays, 29, are not actual brothers, but their bond and enterprise feel like a venture capitalist’s answer to the Wall Street duo Gordon Gekko and Bud Fox. Both are serial entrepreneurs: Coogan cofounded Soylent in 2013 and nicotine pouch company Lucy; Hays founded YouTube ad-tech firm Branded Native and fintech venture Party Round (now Capital).
They met in 2023 through mutual tech startup friends and quickly realized their shared enthusiasm for unfiltered capitalism and start-up life. Combining Hays’ knack for aesthetic design with Coogan’s YouTube content experience, they envisioned a show capturing the vibe of an insider Silicon Valley group chat—fast-paced, irreverent, and always live.
Running a Marathon at the Intersection of Tech, Media, and Culture
Their secret? Scale at all costs. Unlike part-time tech interviewers, they livestream daily for over three hours, boasting an “always-on” mentality akin to elite athletes’ relentless training routines. “I run a marathon every day,” Coogan says.
Their well-oiled production is a mix of high-tech and high style: racks of tailored J. Mueser suits backstage, interns in TBPN-branded Formula 1-inspired gear manning cutting-edge equipment, and desks littered with cans of venture-backed energy drinks and products from Coogan’s nicotine brand.
A Bit of Prop Comedy and Thoughtful Provocation
The duo employs a host of comedic props and wordplay to tackle complex, sometimes controversial topics. Medieval helmets, tin foil hats, pun-infused commentaries, and their famous gong become tools to both entertain and "steel man" difficult arguments. Their rule? “Always be coining”—from catchphrases to props—keeping their content fresh and compelling.
Despite their luxury tastes—Coogan favors American Cadillacs while Hays drives Mercedes—they maintain a distinct camaraderie, balancing their differences with shared ambition. Their deep networks and Silicon Valley insider status allow them to discuss topics like AI talent wars with insider jargon at a rapid-fire pace, thrilling their audience of tech insiders and aficionados.
The Future of Tech Media?
With an irresistible charm and deep connections, the Technology Brothers have created a unique space at the crossroads of capitalism, technology, and modern media. As their American-style extravagance meets Silicon Valley’s tech obsession, Coogan and Hays might not just be enthralling the Valley—they’re poised to take their brand global.
As TBPN’s gong grows ever larger, so too does their influence, signaling that these ambitious entrepreneurs are not just chronicling the world of technology—they are shaping it. The sky, it seems, is just the beginning.
