Episodes

  • Grow!
    Apr 24 2024

    In the final episode of Knight’s Laws, we journey through the evolution of Ginkgo Bioworks with co-founder Tom Knight and host Christina Agapakis. As Ginkgo celebrates its 15th anniversary, we reflect on its humble beginnings, its transformative growth, and its pivotal role in the emerging field of synthetic biology. From the hacker culture of the early days to the professional organization it is today, Ginkgo has remained steadfast in its mission to harness biology for good. Tom and Christina explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating this rapidly evolving landscape, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the acquisition of key capabilities and the company's recent public offering. As Ginkgo continues to innovate and expand, one thing remains clear: the possibilities of biology are endless, and Ginkgo is poised to lead the way. Join us in celebrating the journey of Ginkgo Bioworks and the remarkable individuals who have shaped its legacy. To learn more about Ginkgo and the future of synthetic biology, visit our website and stay tuned for more exciting updates. Happy growing!

    - Sign up for the Ginkgo newsletter.

    - Follow Ginkgo on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

    - Watch our video trailer on YouTube.

    Executive Producers: Christina Agapakis and Joseph Fridman
    Senior Producer: Jocelyn Arem
    Writer: Ginger Eager
    Sound Design: Nina Pollock
    Creative Production: Arbo Radiko www.arboradiko.com

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    21 mins
  • Life Finds a Way
    Apr 24 2024

    In Episode 5 of Knight’s Laws, Ginkgo Bioworks' President & COO, Reshma Shetty, poses a critical question: How can we ensure that powerful biotechnologies are used for constructive purposes? Host Christina Agapakis delves into the heart of Ginkgo’s culture of care, tracing its roots back to co-founder Tom Knight and the early days of synthetic biology. With insights from Ginkgo’s team, including CEO Jason Kelly, listeners explore the intersection of innovation and responsibility. From reflections on Jurassic Park to tales of scent-producing yeast, this episode navigates the complexities of shaping a future where biotechnology is harnessed with care. As Ginkgo looks ahead, the key takeaway resonates: "Do it together, with care." Join us next time as we explore the future of synthetic biology and Ginkgo Bioworks.

    - Sign up for the Ginkgo newsletter.

    - Follow Ginkgo on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

    - Watch our video trailer on YouTube.

    Executive Producers: Christina Agapakis and Joseph Fridman
    Senior Producer: Jocelyn Arem
    Writer: Ginger Eager
    Sound Design: Nina Pollock
    Creative Production: Arbo Radiko www.arboradiko.com

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    19 mins
  • Evolutionary Revolutionary
    Apr 24 2024

    In Episode 4 of Knight’s Laws, Ginkgo Bioworks’ CEO, Jason Kelly, sets the stage with a candid reflection on the company's mission: making biology easier to engineer. Host Christina Agapakis then delves into the origins of this revolutionary approach with co-founder Tom Knight. As they explore Knight’s journey from retrofitting labs to founding Ginkgo, listeners discover the driving force behind the company's innovative culture. From the early days of standardizing DNA assembly to the creation of BioBricks and the iGEM competition, Knight and his team forged a path where science and engineering converge. With insights into the risks and inspirations behind Ginkgo’s inception, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the evolutionary revolutionary spirit propelling synthetic biology forward.

    - Sign up for the Ginkgo newsletter.

    - Follow Ginkgo on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

    - Watch our video trailer on YouTube.

    Executive Producers: Christina Agapakis and Joseph Fridman
    Senior Producer: Jocelyn Arem
    Writer: Ginger Eager
    Sound Design: Nina Pollock
    Creative Production: Arbo Radiko www.arboradiko.com

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    20 mins
  • There’s a Pony There
    Apr 24 2024

    In Episode 2 of Knight’s Laws, we explored the remarkable journey of Ginkgo Bioworks' co-founder, Tom Knight, as he navigated the tumultuous landscape of early tech entrepreneurship. Now, in Episode 3: "There’s a Pony There," host Christina Agapakis continues to peel back the layers of Tom’s story, revealing the pivotal moments and hard-earned lessons that shaped Ginkgo's trajectory. From the glitzy heights of Symbolics' success to the sobering realities of missed milestones, Tom’s reflections on risk-taking and resilience offer invaluable insights for entrepreneurs and innovators alike. Join us as we delve deeper into Tom’s journey, uncovering the untold stories behind Ginkgo Bioworks and the visionary mind driving its evolution.

    - Sign up for the Ginkgo newsletter.

    - Follow Ginkgo on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

    - Watch our video trailer on YouTube.


    Executive Producers: Christina Agapakis and Joseph Fridman
    Senior Producer: Jocelyn Arem
    Writer: Ginger Eager
    Sound Design: Nina Pollock
    Creative Production: Arbo Radiko www.arboradiko.com

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    23 mins
  • A Future of Lilypads
    Apr 24 2024

    In Episode 2 of "Knight's Laws," listeners are transported to the 1960s, where Tom Knight's journey at MIT unfolds amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War draft. As Tom navigates the evolving landscape of computing technology, from isolated systems to the emergence of networked computers like ARPANET, the episode illuminates the power of collaboration and communication in driving innovation. Tom's entrepreneurial spirit comes to the forefront as he reflects on founding Symbolics in 1980 and the lessons it holds for Ginkgo Bioworks today. Through compelling storytelling and Tom's insights, the episode underscores the importance of perseverance and forward-thinking in the pursuit of transformative change, setting the stage for further exploration into the technological revolutions of the 1980s.

    - Sign up for the Ginkgo newsletter.

    - Follow Ginkgo on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

    - Watch our video trailer on YouTube.


    Executive Producers: Christina Agapakis and Joseph Fridman
    Senior Producer: Jocelyn Arem
    Writer: Ginger Eager
    Sound Design: Nina Pollock
    Creative Production: Arbo Radiko www.arboradiko.com

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    19 mins
  • Curiosity Personified
    Apr 24 2024

    From his early days of hacking Ma Bell's phone lines in the 1950s to his pivotal role in shaping synthetic biology, Tom exemplifies a relentless curiosity that transcends disciplinary boundaries. Drawing from personal anecdotes and pivotal moments in his life, Tom reflects on the power of self-directed learning and the transformative impact it had on his trajectory—from avidly reading Scientific American as a child to navigating the complexities of MIT's academic landscape. Through insightful conversations and reminiscences, the episode illuminates how curiosity, coupled with a hunger for knowledge, propelled Tom Knight from a curious boy into a pioneering figure in the fields of computer science and synthetic biology. Join Christina and Tom on a journey into the heart of curiosity, where every question sparks a new discovery and every challenge fuels innovation.

    - Sign up for the Ginkgo newsletter.

    - Follow Ginkgo on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

    - Watch our video trailer on YouTube.

    Executive Producers: Christina Agapakis and Joseph Fridman
    Senior Producer: Jocelyn Arem
    Writer: Ginger Eager
    Sound Design: Nina Pollock
    Creative Production: Arbo Radiko www.arboradiko.com

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    21 mins
  • Welcome to Knight's Laws
    Apr 19 2024

    Discover the extraordinary life and insights of Tom Knight, co-founder of Ginkgo Bioworks, in the captivating podcast series 'Knight's Laws'. Join host Christina Agapatjes as she guides listeners through Tom's remarkable journey, offering profound lessons on innovation and the intersection of science and technology.

    Executive Producers: Christina Agapakis and Joseph Fridman
    Senior Producer: Jocelyn Arem
    Writer: Ginger Eager
    Sound Design: Nina Pollock
    Creative Production: Arbo Radiko www.arboradiko.com

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    2 mins