Phoebe Gates, the youngest daughter of billionaire philanthropists Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, has ventured into the podcasting world with her new show titled The Burnouts. The podcast, launched on April 1, is co-hosted by Gates and her former Stanford University roommate, Sophia Kianni, who has made a name for herself in the business world as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. In The Burnouts, the two young women aim to provide business advice to Gen Z women, offering insights on building startups, pitching to investors, navigating workplace dynamics, and addressing the pressure that many young people face in an increasingly fast-paced world.

The podcast’s first episode introduces listeners to Phia, a company co-founded by Gates and Kianni. Set to launch as a Google Chrome extension in 2025, Phia is designed to help online shoppers resell products and find the best deals, highlighting the founders' commitment to innovation and addressing current challenges in the e-commerce industry. In explaining the podcast's name, Gates noted that The Burnouts is a reflection of the intense pressure young people face in their professional and personal lives. The show aims to discuss the very real “burnout factor” many experience while trying to balance ambition with fulfillment in a rapidly evolving world.

Gates, who graduated from Stanford University in 2024 with a bachelor of science in human biology, has already established herself as a prominent figure, particularly in the realm of reproductive rights. She has been a vocal advocate for reproductive freedom, using her platform to engage in discussions about abortion rights, particularly following the Supreme Court's controversial decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. Gates expressed her deep disappointment over the ruling and pledged to donate millions of dollars to abortion rights organizations. In addition to her advocacy, she is active on social media, where she has built a significant following, with 500,000 Instagram followers and 250,000 TikTok followers. Her posts often focus on promoting reproductive rights and social justice issues, demonstrating her commitment to using her voice for change.

The Burnouts is part of a broader trend in podcasting, where young influencers and entrepreneurs are turning to digital media to share their experiences, advice, and insights. The show is produced under Cooper’s Unwell Network, a platform founded in 2023, which has quickly gained popularity with shows like Call Her Daddy hosted by Alex Cooper. Cooper, an influential figure in the podcasting space, has built a network that now includes several successful podcasts, and her deal with SiriusXM, valued at $125 million, solidifies the growing dominance of the Unwell Network. Gates and Kianni’s podcast aims to continue this trend by addressing issues important to a generation that values authenticity, empowerment, and practical advice for succeeding in today’s competitive landscape.

The Gates family’s wealth and influence, especially the $107 billion fortune of Bill Gates, undoubtedly adds a layer of intrigue to Phoebe’s new career ventures. However, Phoebe Gates has repeatedly made it clear that her focus is on creating her own path, independent of her father’s fortune. Bill Gates, who recently stated in an interview that his children will inherit less than 1% of his wealth, emphasized that he does not want to create a “dynasty” for his children but instead wants them to forge their own careers and success. This sentiment reflects Phoebe’s approach to her own endeavors, as she builds her career on her passions, such as her advocacy for reproductive rights and her entrepreneurial projects like Phia.

In addition to the podcast, Phoebe Gates’ philanthropic work in reproductive rights has earned her recognition. She was named the Rising Reproductive Freedom Champion by the nonprofit Reproductive Freedom for All in 2024, in acknowledgment of her efforts to bring attention to reproductive rights issues through various media, including op-eds and documentaries. Her dedication to social causes reflects a broader commitment to making a meaningful impact on the world, much like her parents, who co-chaired the Gates Foundation until Melinda French Gates stepped down in 2024.

The Burnouts is now available on all major podcasting platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with episodes also available in video format on YouTube. The podcast provides a valuable resource for young women seeking guidance on everything from starting a business to managing work-related stress. Through her podcast and other ventures, Phoebe Gates is carving out her own space in the world of business, activism, and media, while staying true to her passion for advocating for reproductive rights and empowering the next generation of women.

As Gates continues to build her career, it’s clear that The Burnouts is just the beginning. Whether she’s discussing business, personal development, or social causes, Phoebe Gates’ voice is one to watch, and The Burnouts promises to be an insightful and inspiring platform for Gen Z women navigating the complexities of modern life and work.