David Pierce, a technology reporter and co-host of the popular Waveform Podcast, is stepping in for senior reviewer Allison Johnson at The Verge for six weeks. He kicked off his tenure with a subscriber-only AMA (Ask Me Anything) on July 19.
What’s Actually Happening Here
Johnson, who typically covers smartphones, cameras, and consumer hardware for The Verge, is away for the next six weeks. Pierce is filling in to ensure that coverage continues seamlessly. Think of it like a substitute teacher showing up, but this one has an established audience and knows the ins and outs of the tech world.
Pierce started his stint with a live AMA for Verge subscribers, taking questions at 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET on July 19. This format gives readers a direct line to ask about his plans, current technology trends, or anything else they’re curious about.
Who Is David Pierce?
Pierce is a recognized figure in tech media. He co-hosts the Waveform Podcast with MKBHD (Marques Brownlee), who runs one of the largest tech YouTube channels, boasting over 18 million subscribers. The podcast dives into consumer tech, phone reviews, and broader industry trends in a conversational style that resonates with tech enthusiasts.
Before joining Waveform, Pierce worked at several major tech outlets. So, stepping into The Verge’s environment feels familiar for him rather than starting from scratch.
What This Means for Verge Readers
If you count on The Verge for smartphone and gadget reviews, don’t worry — the daily coverage will continue without interruption. Pierce brings his unique perspective, shaped by the Waveform audience, which tends to favor Android phones and camera performance. Readers might see a slightly different take on product choices during his six-week stint.
For subscribers, the AMA format offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with a journalist about their approach to coverage, what they’re currently testing, and what they find important in the tech landscape. This level of access typically only happens at live podcast events or panels.
Community Reaction
“David is genuinely one of the most thoughtful tech communicators out there. This is a great get for Verge subscribers.”
“Waveform crossover at The Verge? I’m subscribing just for this run.”
What To Watch
- Next six weeks: Pierce’s reviews and columns will appear under his name at The Verge. Keep an eye out for his thoughts on any major hardware announcements during this time.
- Allison Johnson’s return: No specific date has been announced, but the six-week period suggests she’ll be back in late August or early September 2026.
- AMA transcript: The Verge usually shares highlights from subscriber AMAs after they wrap up, so non-subscribers can expect a summary soon after.
- Waveform crossover content: Given Pierce’s role in the podcast, there’s a good chance some of his work at The Verge will be discussed or expanded upon in upcoming episodes of Waveform.
Sources: The Verge
Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a digital culture journalist at Explosion.com covering social media platforms, streaming services, and the creator economy. With 4 years reporting on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the apps that shape daily life, Ava specializes in explaining platform policy changes and their impact on everyday users. She previously managed social media strategy for a tech startup, giving her firsthand experience with the platforms she now covers.
