How Sam Altman Uses Dots to Take Back His Time

Plus: Why he only prompts on Ultrafast, how he builds new features, and why he believes AI will spark a new Renaissance

Sep 30, 2026 · 4 min read

TL;DR: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sits down with Dan Shipper for the first episode of The Every Podcast, the new name for AI & I. It’s still conversations with the people building and using AI, as well as a look behind the scenes at Every. Natalia Quintero joins Dan as co-host later this month.

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This week, Dan sits down with Sam Altman at OpenAI’s annual DevDay, where the company shipped twenty-two products and features, more than twice as many as last year. (Altman: “Just wait for next year.”)

In a wide-ranging interview, Altman shares how his Dot—OpenAI’s new always-on agent—runs his day and gives him time back, why he can’t quit Astra’s new Ultrafast mode, and why he believes AI will bring on a new Renaissance.

Watch on X or YouTube, or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. You can also read the transcript.