Week in Geek Podcast: Uber’s CEO surprise, a milestone in the fight against cancer, and more

It was an unusually busy week for news in the world of business, technology and science. Join us on this episode of GeekWire’s Week in Geek podcast to catch up and make sense of what happened.

First, Uber surprised everyone by picking Expedia’s Dara Khosrowshahi as its new CEO, passing over high-profile candidates in favor of an experienced and level-headed leader out of the Pacific Northwest. We explain how Khosrowshahi came out of the blue to win the job, and assess his chances for succeeding in the role.

Meanwhile, the FDA approved the first CAR T immunotherapy in the United States, an encouraging sign for companies and researchers pursuing the type of breakthrough treatment that reprograms the immune system to fight cancer. The milestone has implications for Seattle biotech standout Juno Therapeutics, which also got a boost this week when one of its rivals was acquired for nearly $12 billion.

Also on the show, we revisit the story of the Seattle techie and his teen daughter who rode across the country on a tandem bicycle to raise awareness and funds for Pacific Northwest orcas. It was a memorable experience! Plus, we check in with the next generation of entrepreneurs at a business fair for kids in Bellevue, Wash.

On the Random Channel: Seattle’s infamous intersections on a poster; a backlash against the city’s bike share programs; Bill Gates continues to have fun on Instagram; and a moment of humanity amid Hurricane Harvey.

See earlier podcasts for more on the week’s other big news: Amazon completed its Whole Foods acquisition and immediately lowered prices; and Microsoft and Amazon announced a plan to link Cortana and Alexa.

Listen to the Week in Geek Podcast above, or download the MP3 here.