
"Moment of Zen"
140 episodes — Page 2 of 3
Ep 89Trump, AI, and US-China Relations with Samuel Hammond and Nathan Labenz
In this episode of Moment of Zen, Erik Torenberg is joined by Samuel Hammond (@hamandcheese), a senior economist at the Foundation for American Innovation and AI Scout/ Cognitive Revolution podcast host Nathan Labenz (@labenz). From drug innovation to nuclear risk, they discuss the impact of AI on policy and governance, exploring the challenges and opportunities of a Trump vs. Harris presidency.From drug innovation to nuclear risk, they dissect the impact of AI on policy and governance, exploring the challenges and opportunities of a Trump vs. Harris presidency.--🔥 Apply to join over 400 Founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj-RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:🎙️ This Won't Last - Eavesdrop on Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg's monthly backchannel. They unpack their hottest takes on the future of tech, business, venture, investing, and politics.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765665937Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSzYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast--SPONSORS:💻 Building an enterprise-ready SaaS app? WorkOS has got you covered with easy-to-integrate APIs for SAML, SCIM, and more. Join top startups like Vercel, Perplexity, Jasper & Webflow in powering your app with WorkOS. Enjoy a free tier for up to 1M users! Start now at https://bit.ly/WorkOS-TCR🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/zen📈 More than 37,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: netsuite.com/102💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.--LINKS:Samuel Hammond Essays* The EA case for Trump 2024:https://www.secondbest.ca/p/the-ea-case-for-trump-2024* AI and Leviathan: Part I:https://www.secondbest.ca/p/ai-and-leviathan-part-i* A Manhattan Project for AI Safety:https://www.secondbest.ca/p/a-manhattan-project-for-ai-safetyBooks:* Asymmetric Politics: How the New Right Became Resurgent in American Politics by Matthew Grossmann and David Hopkins* The New Class War by Michael Lind* The Great Stagnation by Tyler Cowen* The Singularity Is Near by Ray Kurzweil--FOLLOW US ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@hamandcheese (Samuel) @labenz (Nathan)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(01:08) Samuel's Perspective on Trump: Focus on Innovation(03:54) Nathan's Perspective on Trump: Focus on Tail Risks(07:55) Governing Philosophies and Party Structures(14:53) The Need for Understanding AI on Its Own Terms(20:48) The Potential for AI to Reform the Administrative State(21:38) Sponsor: Babbel | WorkOS(29:34) The Dissonance Between Idealism and Reality(32:33) Sponsor: NetSuite| Squad(37:54) The Potential for a Crisis-Driven AI Policy(48:56) The Case for a Trump Administration in Light of Past Policies(1:13:20) The Risks of an AI Arms Race(1:28:28) The Potential for a Shared AI Future(1:47:56) The Need for a Pause in AI Development(1:57:02) The Limits of Individual Leadership and the Importance of Institutional Change(1:58:17) The Hypothetical Scenario of Trump Ordering a Nuclear Strike(2:02:02) The Need for Outsider Leadership Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 88Biden/Trump's legacy with Noah Smith
In today’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the potential of Kamala Harris as a presidential nominee, President Biden’s legacy, impact of COVID-19 on the economy and inflation, and the recent shifts in U.S. foreign relations and immigration policies.🔥 Apply to join over 400 Founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj--RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:🎙️1 to 100 | Hypergrowth Companies Worth JoiningEvery week we sit down with the founder of a hyper-growth company you should consider joining. Our goal is to give you the inside story behind breakout, early stage companies potentially worth betting your career on. This season, discover how the founders of Modal Labs, Clay, Mercor, and more built their products, cultures, and companies.Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/70NOWtWDY995C8qDqojxGwApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1762756034-Complex Systems with Patrick McKenziePatrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOHApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812--SPONSORS: COMMANDBAR | BEEHIIV | BABBEL | SQUAD🦾 Level up your ineffective website chatbot with CommandBar. CommandBar builds a new type of web assistant which delivers highly personalized responses, real time co-browsing, and can perform actions on behalf of the users. Learn how Hashicorp, Gusto, Freshworks and more use CommandBar at https://commandbar.com/mozHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/torenberg💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.--FOLLOW US ON X:@noahpinion (Noah)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:17) Kamala Harris's political prospects(05:04) Biden's legacy and presidential impact(14:51) Sponsors: Commandbar | Beehiiv(17:12) COVID-19 vaccine release(16:03) Inflation and economic policies(22:53) Industrial policy and trade(32:26) Sponsor: Babbel | Squad(35:09) Impact of Trump’s presidency(40:19) Afghanistan withdrawal and the role of Trump and Biden(47:20) Ukraine: Biden administration's response(55:48) Biden's big challenge on immigration(59:16) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 89Brand New Balaji: Trump/Biden, Jan 6
In this episode of Moment of Zen, Balaji Srinivasan sits down with Erik Torenberg to discuss the massive vibe shift in Silicon Valley a week after Trump's near-assassination, tech's emerging role as a counter-elite force, why Biden is president NPC, January 6, and the role of the media.🔥 Apply to join over 400 Founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqjThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected] PODCASTS:🎙️1 to 100 | Hypergrowth Companies Worth JoiningEvery week we sit down with the founder of a hyper-growth company you should consider joining. Our goal is to give you the inside story behind breakout, early stage companies potentially worth betting your career on. This season, discover how the founders of Modal Labs, Clay, Mercor, and more built their products, cultures, and companies.Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/70NOWtWDY995C8qDqojxGwApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1762756034-Complex Systems with Patrick McKenziePatrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOHApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812--SPONSORS:Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/torenberg💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.🦾 Level up your ineffective website chatbot with CommandBar. CommandBar builds a new type of web assistant which delivers highly personalized responses, real time co-browsing, and can perform actions on behalf of the users. Learn how Hashicorp, Gusto, Freshworks and more use CommandBar at https://commandbar.com/moz--LINKS:Librem 5 Phone: https://puri.sm/products/librem-5/School of Fish Meme: https://x.com/balajis/status/1489288836349784064Graph: History is Running in Reverse: https://x.com/balajis/status/1749858089665257497FBI Lost Count of Number of Informants at Jan 6: https://nypost.com/2023/09/19/fbi-lost-count-of-number-of-informants-at-capitol-on-jan-6-ex-official/Most important article: https://time.com/5936036/secret-2020-election-campaign/---FOLLOW US ON X:@balajis (Balaji)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(01:21) The Vibe Shift in the Tech Industry(02:54) The Tech Counter-Elite(08:01) Tech's Influence on Politics(14:32) Tech's Impact on the Republican Party(20:40) The Democrat Party and the Tech Counter-Elite(26:49) Sponsors: beehiiv | Babbel(29:39) The Core Disagreement: Who Should Run Things?(38:45) The Power Struggle Between the Elite and Counter-Elite(38:49) Sponsors: CommandBar | Squad(40:02) Political Parties as Swarms of Ideologies(49:56) Adapting to a Changing World Order(1:12:41) The Media's Role in Shaping Public Opinion(1:26:48) The Potential for New Cities and Countries(1:41:54) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 86China's Energy Strategy, Taiwan, and US-China Relations with Samo Burja
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss China's energy strategy and its broader geopolitical implications. Contrary to popular belief, China is not aggressively pursuing energy independence but remains reliant on imports despite significant domestic oil production. The conversation delves into China's geopolitical strategy, its military preparedness, and the potential consequences of a conflict over Taiwan. The episode also explores the broader implications of a potential U.S.-China industrial competition and the risks of a bipolar world.-This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected] PODCAST: Complex Systems with Patrick McKenziePatrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOHApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812-🎙️ Second Opinion - A new podcast for health-tech insiders from Christina Farr of the Second Opinion newsletter. Join Christina Farr, Luba Greenwood, and Ash Zenooz every week as they challenge industry experts with tough questions about the best bets in health-tech.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1759267211Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A8NwQE976s32zdBbZw6bv—SPONSORS:Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/torenberg---REFERENCED ARTICLES:“China Isn’t Pursuing Energy Independence” https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/china-isnt-pursuing-energy-independence---LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/---FOLLOW US ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@samoburja (Samo)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(01:46) China's Domestic Oil Production(03:00) Energy Independence and Geopolitical Strategy(04:00) Comparing US and China Energy Policies(05:13) China's Economic Logic Over Energy Security(06:09) China's Relationship with Iran and Russia(07:55) Modernizing China's Petrochemical Industry(08:33) Advising China on Resource Independence(16:13) Sponsors: beehiiv | Babbel(18:58) China's Strategic Priorities and War Likelihood(22:16) Western Brinksmanship and Misconceptions(29:29) The Role of Manufacturing in Modern Warfare(30:44) The Need for a Massive Industrial Base(33:30) Sponsors: Squad(34:54) China's Strategic Military Preparations(36:57) China's Oil and Resource Capabilities(40:11) The Taiwan Conflict: Economic and Military Implications(52:47) The Future of Global Power Dynamics Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 852024 Election Strategy, Education Depolarization, and UBI with Noah Smith
This week, Noah Smith joins Erik Torenberg to discuss America's future. They cover the 2024 presidential race, the Chevron ruling from the Supreme Court, and the polarization of the education system. Noah and Erik also discuss where wokeness goes from here, and the potential outcomes of integrating more conservatives into the civil service through initiatives like Project 2025. Noah also debunks the deep state myth and discusses the real issues surrounding Biden's age, questioning the influence of "political handlers" and the reality of a "deep state."🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj--RECOMMENDED PODCAST:🎙️ Second Opinion - A new podcast for health-tech insiders from Christina Farr of the Second Opinion newsletter. Join Christina Farr, Luba Greenwood, and Ash Zenooz every week as they challenge industry experts with tough questions about the best bets in health-tech.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1759267211Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A8NwQE976s32zdBbZw6bvComplex Systems with Patrick McKenziePatrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOHApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812--SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | BABBEL | SQUAD🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/zen🐝 Head to beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.--FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@Noahpinion (Noah)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview(01:09) 4th of July Celebrations and Mailbag Questions(01:51) Debate Reflections: Trump vs. Biden(02:35) Biden's Age and Democratic Dilemma(03:09) Kamala Harris: The Successor Debate(04:12) Michelle Obama: A Potential Candidate?(07:06) The Deep State: Myth or Reality?(11:30) Bernie Sanders and the DNC(13:58) Chevron Ruling and Its Implications(19:10) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel(22:44) Project 2025 and Civil Service Polarization(30:34) Reflecting on the Floyd Protests(31:57) The Impact of Trump's Presidency(35:05) Sponsors: Squad (36:29) Debating the Administrative State(38:31) Challenges in the Education System(46:56) Redistribution and Class in America(53:37) The Future of UBI and Cash Benefits(57:51) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 84Trump/Biden Predictions with Richard Hanania
In this episode of Moment of Zen, Erik interviews Richard Hanania about the evolving political landscape in the U.S., focusing on the changing dynamics within both the Republican and Democratic parties. They discuss the influence of big tech, the rise of Trumpism, political polarization, and the intellectual underpinnings of current political ideologies.We’re publishing this conversation across Moment of Zen and Upstream since the themes are highly relevant to both shows.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj--RECOMMENDED PODCAST:Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOHApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812--SPONSORS: COMMANDBAR | NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | BABBEL | SQUAD🦾 Level up your ineffective website chatbot with CommandBar. CommandBar builds a new type of web assistant which delivers highly personalized responses, real time co-browsing, and can perform actions on behalf of the users. Learn how Hashicorp, Gusto, Freshworks and more use CommandBar at https://commandbar.com/moz📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.🐝 Head to beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/zen💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.--FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@RichardHanania (Richard)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(01:11) Silicon Valley's Shift: Anti-Wokeness and Economic Concerns(03:23) Political Evolution and Disillusionment with the Right(04:18) Conservatism, Technology, and Cultural Grievances(08:56) Human Capital and the Right's IQ Problem(13:53) Sponsor: CommandBar | Netsuite(16:22) Religion, Fertility, and Societal Coordination(19:10) The Return Philosophy and Women's Happiness(21:17) Trump's Political Genius and Threat to Democracy(26:01) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel | Squad(29:59) Biden vs. Trump: Election Predictions and Policy Impacts(38:34) Debunking Antisemitism Claims in Protests(39:28) Political Strategy and Victimhood(40:55) Historical Context of Antisemitism(42:11) Comparing Minority Experiences(42:56) Demonization and Conspiracy Theories(45:14) Evaluating Political Motivations(47:12) The Role of Intellectuals and Media(52:03) Immigration and National Identity(59:47) Future of American Politics(1:02:40) On Open Borders(1:04:51) IQ vs Common Sense(1:07:42) The Future of the Left and Right(1:13:56) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 83What's Happening in France with Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry
Today on Moment of Zen, Journalist Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry sits with Erik Torenberg to explain the volatile state of French politics following recent European Parliament elections where Macron’s party performed poorly and the National Rally did very well. The conversation offers insights into the broader implications of these political shifts, touches on the societal divisions fueling these changes, immigration, and the potential economic impact on France.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj RECOMMENDED PODCAST:Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOHApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812--SPONSORS: COMMANDBAR | BABBEL | BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | SQUAD🦾 Level up your ineffective website chatbot with CommandBar. CommandBar builds a new type of web assistant which delivers highly personalized responses, real time co-browsing, and can perform actions on behalf of the users. Learn how Hashicorp, Gusto, Freshworks and more use CommandBar at https://commandbar.com/moz🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/zen🐝 Head to beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.--FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@pegobry_en (Pascal)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(00:35) Sponsor: CommandBar(04:20) Macron's Strategy & Cohabitation(08:11) The Political Landscape(14:28) Comparison with U.S. Politics(14:48) Sponsor: Babbel | beehiiv(16:22) Macron's Unpopularity & Economic Challenges(21:02) Energy Policy and the Rise of Populism(24:01) Sponsor: Netsuite | Squad(27:94) The Economic Consequences of Populism(31:11) France vs. Brexit(35:46) The Future of France(45:00) Brexit Comparison & EU Reform(52:57) The Role of Young People in the Future(54:34) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 82Balaji Srinivasan on the Fiat Crisis, China, Russia, and Conspiracy Practices
In this episode that originally aired on Upstream, Erik sits down with Balaji Srinivasan to discuss the Fiat Crisis, geopolitics, conspiracies, and the signs of decline for a hyperpower. It was recorded in June of 2023. Balaji is an angel investor, tech founder, philosopher, and author of The Network State. He was formerly the CTO of Coinbase.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj RECOMMENDED PODCAST:Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOHApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812-SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUADNETSUITE📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.BEEHIIV🐝 Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. Go to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three monthsBABBEL🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/zenSQUAD💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.-FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@balajis (Balaji)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(00:51) Intro(01:23) Understanding the flat crisis(08:34) Balaji’s equivalent premises(14:54) Sponsor: NetSuite and Beehiiv(17:55) Aftermath of Iraq and Afghanistan wars(20:35) Multipolar world(25:17) Blue America is at war with the world(28:35) Sponsor: Babbel | Squad(31:02) Cancellation is a weak form of warfare(33:05) Interplay of realism and idealism in the U.S(37:00) Red vs Blue vs Grey America(44:11) Concept of American partition(46:00) Rise of India's national Identity(47:00) Evolution of China and Russia(53:00) Microsoft, Facebook, and Google(54:00) Japan-USSR rivalry and its impact(01:01:10) Conspiracy theories and historical narratives(01:09:00) Balaji’s predictions for 2024 & the Fed(01:18:31) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 81David Sacks on his Intellectual and Political journey
David Sacks is known as a CEO/investor in multiple unicorns, and most recently a media mogul with All-In. In this episode, he sits down with Erik Torenberg to trace his intellectual and political history from his days fighting student activism at Stanford to now. We cover the political and cultural changes in the last 30 years of silicon valley, how the real distinction today is between the college-educated and the not, and how even though 2⁄3 of the country didn’t go to college, their views are not represented in our institutions today. This episode was recorded in December 2022 but is just as relevant today. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj–SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUADNETSUITE📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.BEEHIIV🐝 Power your newsletter with Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three monthsSQUAD💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.–FOLLOW ON X:@davidsacks@eriktorenberg (Erik)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMediaLINKS:Craft Ventures: https://craftventures.com/All-In Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@allinGlue.ai: https://glue.ai/SaaS Grid : https://www.saasgrid.com/–FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@DavidSacks (David)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(02:11) How did tech become less free speech-oriented?(03:35) Why is PayPal so woke?(06:02) Woke Capitalism game(08:52) Corporations and governments collaborating to censor(16:22) Tracing political history in Silicon Valley (20:54) College educated vs. not is the biggest difference in USOur elite is not democratic(22:54) Sponsor: NetSuite | Beehiiv(29:15) Foreign Policy and Realism(32:28) U.S. Russiaphobia(36:30) Sponsor: Squad(38:05) Big Tech Monopolies and Regulation(41:42) The Future of Silicon Valley and Monopolies(42:32) Regulating Acquisitions and Startup Ecosystems(45:39) Censorship and Section 230(47:17) The Role of Free Speech in Social Progress(53:52) Institutional Reform and Accountability(54:56) Elon Musk's Influence on Tech and Media(1:06:33) The Future of Political and Economic Accountability(1:19:30) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 80Joe Lonsdale on How to Solve America’s Problems
Today we are airing Erik's interview with Joe Lonsdale, originally published on Upstream in 2023. Joe Lonsdale is the co-founder of Palantir, managing partner at 8VC, and the founder of The Cicero Institute, a nonpartisan policy organization discusses the root causes of educational inequality and homelessness, and argues for competence over culture wars, data-driven solutions, and market incentives to fix some of the US' most plaguing problems. Grow your newsletter with Beehiiv: head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj–SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUADNETSUITE📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.BEEHIIV🐝 Power your newsletter with Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three monthsSQUAD💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.–LINKS:Cicero Institute: https://ciceroinstitute.org/8VC: https://www.8vc.com/Palantir: https://www.palantir.com/Joe Lonsdale's blog: https://blog.joelonsdale.com–FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@JTLonsdale (Joe)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:47) Philanthropy and Impact: Joe's Approach to Social Change(01:18) Nonpartisan Solutions for Broken Systems(02:55) Cicero Institute's Mission and Impact Across States(07:42) Addressing Education Inequality and Accountability(12:32) Reforming Prisons and Probation with Data and Accountability(16:12) Tackling Homelessness with Common Sense and Accountability(18:53) Sponsor: Netsuite | Beehiiv(21:16) Introducing Market Incentives, Market Competition, and Market Accountability(25:06) Sponsor: Squad(26:34) Innovative Approaches to Healthcare(31:12) Rethinking Healthcare and Leadership(31:32) Innovating Within vs. Outside the System(32:13) The Challenge of Reforming Institutions(33:41) Navigating the Complexities of Defense and Innovation(37:36) The Power of State-Level Impact and Education Reform(39:29) Silicon Valley's Influence and Responsibility(40:32) Cultural Shifts and the Role of New Institutions(55:27) The Future of American Competence and Optimism(57:42) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 79Crypto and Gaming with Carlos Pereira
In this episode, Carlos Pereira, partner at BITKRAFT Ventures, joins Erik, Antonio and Dan as they delve into the significant transformations within gaming, betting, and combat sports, facilitated by cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, emphasizing the groundbreaking integration of cryptocurrency through Web3 gaming.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj–SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUADNETSUITE📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.BEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three monthsSQUAD💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.-LINKS:Bitkraft VC:https://www.bitkraft.vc/–FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@cegapereira (Carlos)@dwr (Dan)@antoniogm (Antonio)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Opening Banter(01:28) Diving Into Crypto and Gaming Discussions(02:11) The Evolution and Challenges of Web3 Gaming(04:44) Analyzing the Crypto Gaming Landscape(13:48) The Future of Gaming: Web3 and Beyond(17:23) Sponsor: Netsuite | Beehiiv(18:29) Deep Dive into Web3 Gaming and Digital Economies(32:38) Exploring User-Generated Content and Game Modding(34:14) Sponsor: Squad(42:19) Investment Perspectives on Gaming and Infrastructure(45:47) The Fascinating World of Gaming Business(49:49) The Evolution of Gaming: From PVE to PVP(51:40) The Intriguing Dynamics of Safe Zones in Games(53:29) The Rise of Financialized Gaming Experiences(1:06:31) Karate Combat: A New Era of Crypto-Infused Sports(1:17:15) The Future of Media and Crypto's Role(1:23:13) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 78Jonathan Haidt on The Social Media Theory of Everything
In this episode of Moment of Zen, Erik is joined by Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist at New York University’s Stern School of Business and author of the newly released book "The Anxious Generation."They have a comprehensive discussion that touches on the polarization and dysfunction in American politics, the impact of social media on democracy, and the importance of reclaiming a play-based childhood for the current generation-SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIVNETSUITE📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.BEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months-LINKS:Website: https://jonathanhaidt.com/Jon's Substack: https://www.afterbabel.com/p/welcome-to-the-after-babel-substackThe Anxious Generation: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/The Anxious Generation Book: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book-FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@JonHaidt (Jon)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia-TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:13) Evolution of Jonathan's Work: From Moral Psychology to 'The Anxious Generation'(01:14) The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health(02:50) Exploring the Tragedy of the Modern Childhood(07:29) Addressing the Criticism and Pushback(12:08) The Unprecedented Effects of Social Media on Society(19:37) Adapting to Technological Changes and the Future of Childhood(20:20) The Dire State of Democracy in the Digital Age(27:01) How Technology Affects Liberals and Conservatives Differently(28:20) Unveiling the Research: The Rise of Anxiety and Depression(28:48) Breaking Down the Data: Gender, Politics, and Mental Health(30:48) The Protective Power of Religion and Community(31:32) Parenting Styles and Moral Values(32:07) Challenges for Progressive Organizations and the Democratic Party(32:42) Recommendations for a Healthier Childhood in the Digital Age(33:50) Addressing the Broader Issues Beyond Smartphones(34:35) The Role of Schools in Children's Mental Health(36:33) A Call for Intentional Community Building(37:34) Navigating the Public Health Crisis with Apolitical Solutions(40:41) Engaging with the Tech Industry: Critiques and Clarifications(41:01) The Debate on Content Moderation and the Need for Structural Changes(56:27) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 77The Future of Media, Institutions, and Risk
Today we're sharing a recent interview Erik gave to Alex LaBossiere that covers lots of themes we discuss on Moment of Zen - including Erik's views on tech vs. the media, hypocrisy of the elites, risk orientation, and the thesis behind Turpentine. Grow your newsletter with Beehiiv, head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months--SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUADNETSUITE📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.BEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three monthsSQUAD💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.-LINKS:Alex Labossiere podcast:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@labossiereSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lf0G6SBTArFlJYuHlPPoy?si=459fb368b525468d&nd=1&dlsi=eb2b481981f44211Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/labossiere-podcast/id1566013149-FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@adlabossiere (Alex)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia-TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(05:38) On Investing vs Operating(08:05) Trust and Direct Distribution(11:55) Legacy Media and the Techlash(17:54) Sponsor: Netsuite | Beehiiv(20:32) What is Turpentine(22:23) Lessons From 1000 Interviews(23:51) The Printing Press, Barbells, and the Future of Media(28:13) Pre-Internet Journalism and Survival of the Fittest Ideas(31:35) Creator Monetization and Price Discrimination(37:45) Sponsor: Squad(39:12) Does Media Have a Direction?(46:02) Tailwinds and Turpentine at Scale(53:55) Creating More Startups and Understanding Risk(58:42) Is Entrepreneurship Founder or Market Limited?(1:03:22) What Do Most People Get Wrong About Community Building?(1:05:51) Probabilistic vs Deterministic Mindsets(1:08:48) On Faith over Logic(1:12:22) Modernity and God Shaped Holes(1:15:02) The Hypocrisy of Elites(1:17:47) Asking Erik Questions He Asks People(1:19:05) What Should More People be Thinking About?(1:22:37) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 76Should We Accelerate or Decelerate Tech Progress?
Today’s episode is a debate from Bankless on the opposing viewpoints of Effective Accelerationism (E/ACC) and Effective Altruism (EA). Hosted by Ryan Sean Adams and David Hoffman and featuring Haseeb Qureshi and our own Erik Torenberg, the podcast discusses whether AI progression should be cautiously regulated or aggressively pursued with minimal oversight.–SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUADNETSUITE📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.BEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three monthsSQUAD💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.-Recommended Podcast: Company BreakdownsEach episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0epyYBAxLeF0PsNagdDJAJApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/company-breakdowns/id1743119197–LINKS:Check out: http://podcast.banklesshq.com/–FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@hosseeb (Haseeb)@RyanSAdamsb (Ryan)@TrustlessState@BanklessHQ@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview(00:43) Navigating the Tech Acceleration vs. Deceleration Debate(06:31) Exploring Effective Altruism (EA) and Its Impact on AI and Tech(08:53) The EA Perspective: Balancing AI Risk with Technological Progress(17:52) Sponsor: Netsuite | Beehiiv(20:15) Effective altruists debate AI's future impact(30:04) Navigating the Culture War: Accelerationism vs. Decelerationism(33:48) Sponsor: Squad(35:50) EA's Influence and the Acceleration Debate(37:28 )AI Regulation and the Influence of Congress(38:12) Crypto Tribes and the Impact of Social Media(39:03) The Reality of Crypto Twitter vs. Actual Influence(39:51) Exploring Silicon Valley's Perspective on AI and Regulation(41:44) The OpenAI Coup: Unpacking the Real Story(44:03) AI Safety vs Self-Regulation(46:13) Silicon Valley in AI Development and Regulation(59:47) The Complexities of AI Ethics and the Call for More Debate(1:09:15) Exploring the EA Worldview and Its Misconceptions(1:09:44) A Rational Approach to AI and Existential Risks(1:12:04) Branding and Perception Challenges of EA(1:12:42) EA's Beta Energy vs. Alpha Aggression(1:13:15) Balanced Tech Ecosystem: EA and E/ACC Synergy(1:18:26) Navigating the Political Landscape of AI and Technology(1:31:31) The Importance of a Multi-faceted Approach to AI Regulation(1:40:06) AI Safety, Ethics, and Accelerationism(1:42:22) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 75The Future of Crypto, Social Platforms, and Descending the Tech Ladder with Mike Rainbow
In this episode, Mike Rainbow (co-founder of Rainbow wallet) joins Erik, Dan, and Antonio as they dive into crypto's future. The conversation was prompted by the thesis that innovative social protocols like Farcaster are co-evolving with crypto wallets as onramps or a portal to web3. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen — NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE| HARMONIC | SQUADHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.🧲 Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA, and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine VC during your demo.💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.–Recommended Podcast: Company BreakdownsEach episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,SpotifyApple–FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@mikedemarais (Mike)@dwr (Dan)@antoniogm (Antonio)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–LINKS:Check out Rainbow: https://rainbow.me/en/–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Exploring Crypto's Impact on Financial Intermediaries(01:36) Introducing Mike Rainbow: A Unique Crypto Personality(02:09) Massachusetts Memories and Dunkin' Donuts Dominance(02:46) East Coast Social Dynamics and Crypto Culture(04:46) The Evolution of Wallets and Social Networks in Crypto(06:26) Debating the Convergence of Crypto Products(15:00) Sponsors: Netsuite | Harmonic(17:18) Building Integrated Crypto Platforms Continued(22:15) The Future of Messaging and Composability in Crypto(27:30) Exploring Group Chat Dynamics and App Adoption(28:13) The Evolution of Transaction Frames in Crypto(30:37) Sponsor: Squad(32:02) Innovations and Challenges in Transaction Frames(36:29) Deep Dive into Frame Technology and Developer Challenges(41:39) The Future of Frames and Web3 Standards(46:51) Demographic Shifts and Future Directions for Farcaster(53:49) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 74Bryan Johnson on AI, Religion, and God
Bryan Johnson joins Antonio Garcia Martinez and Erik Torenberg on Moment of Zen to discuss the deeper spiritual beliefs behind the "Don't Die" movement in the face of AI and the inadequacy of human clock speed. They cover religions as death cults, long-termism vs engineering your own longevity, and Bryan's recent interview on Tucker Carlson.If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - now through April 15th NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | HARMONIC | SQUADHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - now through April 15th NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program.🧲 Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine VC during your demo.💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.–Recommended Podcast: Company BreakdownsEach episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,SpotifyApple–FOLLOW ON X:@bryan_johnson (Bryan)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@agm.eth (Antonio)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–LINKS:Bryan Johnson on Tucker Carlson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr4E0jEjQMMBryan Johnson's Blueprint/ Don't Die: https://protocol.bryanjohnson.com/DONT-DIE-by-ZeroBook recommendation: The Postmortal by Drew Magary https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10673576-the-postmortal–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Opening Banter(00:19) Bryan's Tucker Carlson Interview(01:19) Long-Termism(02:24) The 25th Century Perspective(07:56) Navigating the Future with AI and the Network State(09:40) Sponsor: Netsuite | Squad(12:11) The 'Don't Die' Philosophy and Its Implications(15:47) The Blade Runner Fallacy(18:39) Using Algorithms to Optimize Your Personal Life(22:39) Redefining Civilization in the Age of AI(25:50) On Mortality and Future Civilization(32:22) Exploring Existential Crises and the Role of Faith(33:45) The Identity Crisis in Modern Society(36:08) Technology and Tradition: A Surprising Harmony(38:04) Future of AI and Its Impact on Society(38:56) Navigating the Unpredictable Future(45:32) The Philosophical Debate on Existence and Survival(1:02:14) Reimagining Human Experience in a Post-Death World(1:04:28) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 73Crypto, Memes, and Politics with Li Jin
Li Jin joins Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, and Antonio Garcia Martinez. Li is the co-founder of Variant Fund and a prolific writer. This episode dives deep into crypto, web3, memecoins, and the attention economy thesis. They cover the direction of techno-capitalism and its impact on politics, decentralization, and the cultural differences between American and European value systems. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - now through April 15th NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | SQUADHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.–Recommended Podcast: Company BreakdownsEach episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,SpotifyApple–FOLLOW ON X:@ljin18 (Li)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@agm.eth (Antonio)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–LINKS:Li Jin: https://li-jin.co/about/Variant Fund: https://variant.fund/–TIMESTAMPSL(00:00) Adding Ukraine to NATO(01:30) Peace in Ukraine?(05:16) On the Attention Economy(10:16) Meme Coins and Attention Valuation(14:23) Sponsor: NetSuite | Squad(17:38) Meme Coins Continued(23:51) Marxism(33:05) Exploring the Power Structure and Social Tensions(34:10) The Managerial Elite and Bourgeoisie Capitalism(36:12) Perspectives on Europe and Innovation(44:16) Crypto's Role in Society: Egalitarian or Hierarchical?(57:35) Attention Economy and Memetics(59:28) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 72Curtis Yarvin on How to Build the Next NYT and Advice for Elon
Curtis Yarvin returns to Moment of Zen to talk media, regime change, censorship, and the future role of platforms like X and Reddit in reputation capital structures. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen — now through April 15th NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | SQUADHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.NetSuite provides financial software for all your business needs. More than 37,000 thousand companies have already upgraded to NetSuite, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and receive one-of-a-kind flexible financing program until April 15th.💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected].–Recommended Podcast: Company BreakdownsEach episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,SpotifyApple-Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836–LINKS:Curtis Yarvin's Writing: https://graymirror.substack.com/–FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@curtis_yarvin (Curtis)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview(01:54) Yarvin vs Hanania Debate(05:19) Roadmap to Building the New Regime(06:59) Militias and Building a New Regime Within an Existing One(12:10) Journalism and Intelligence in Shaping Regimes(15:00) Sponsor: Netsuite | Turpentine(16:47) Founding State Media for the Next Regime(23:42) Maximizing Trust and Engagement(45:14) Elite Seduction in Media Influence(55:21) Concept of a "Truth Machine"(59:59) Regime Change and the Role of Media(1:05:21) Advice to Elon Musk(1:13:20) Reimagining Twitter's Role and Impact(1:29:13) Authority and Power in Media(1:38:04) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 71Dune/Napoleon, Apple/Microsoft, TikTok, Polyamory, and Aella’s Legacy
In this episode, Dan, Erik and Antonio discuss Don Lemon’s interview with Elon Musk, the Dune 2 and Napoleon releases, polyamory, the Apple antitrust case, and fatherly advice. Happy birthday Antonio! If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen -- now through April 15th NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program.–RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836._SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | SQUADHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.–FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@agm.eth (Antonio)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Don Lemon's Interview with Elon Musk(02:48) The Media Shift and the Decline of Slow Journalism(06:37) On Public Figures and Platforms(11:58) Fatherly Advice(17:10) Sponsor - Netsuite | Turpentine(24:58) Napoleon's Portrayal in Ridley Scott's Film(34:37) Dune 2 commentary(41:48) Who liked David Lynch's Adaptation of Dune?(43:57) The Evolution of Movie-Going: From Digital to Analog Luxury(45:33) Polyamory Discourse(48:37) Microsoft, Apple, and Antitrust Laws(56:57) The TikTok Conundrum(1:03:31) Age, Diet, and Digital Sabbaths(1:11:46) Aella’s Legacy: Free Speech, Polyamory, and Creator Economy(1:14:33) WrapThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 70Antonio on Social Media, Journalism, and New Religions with Parker Thompson
In this conversation, Erik Torenberg sits down with Antonio Garcia Martinez, founder of Spindl and author of ‘Chaos Monkeys’, and Parker Thompson, partner at SAX Capital, TNT Ventures, and AngelList, to explore the influence of social media on society. They discuss media literacy and journalism, how politics change people's views of social media, and the rise of unique religious movements in social activism. This episode marks the first time Erik interviewed Antonio Garcia Martinez on Venture Stories back in 2019 and remains relevant today. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen.--RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836.--SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | SQUADHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three monthsNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.--FOLLOW ON X:@antoniogm (Antonio)@pt (Parker)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia--BOOKS CITED:Chaos Monkeys by Antonio Garcia MartinezUnderstanding Media: The Extensions of Man by Marshall McLuhan Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business by Neil PostmanThe Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America by Daniel J. BoorstinThe Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium by Martin GurriSeven Types of Atheism by John Gray--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(01:23) Impact of Facebook(02:41) Evolution of Media and Its Influence on Society(10:10) Journalism and Media Ethics(26:25) Effectiveness of Media Regulation(33:10) Facebook's Content Curation(34:02) Content Control(35:32) Impact of Algorithms on Society and Business(38:50) Generational Shifts in Media Consumption(45:57) Exploring the Ideology of Silicon Valley(49:44) Secular Religions and the Quest for Community(58:39) Future of Religion and Community in the Digital Age(01:03:36) WrapThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 69Will the US Have a Civil War with @WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch
In this conversation, Erik Torenberg and Dan Romero sit with Rudyard Lynch of @WhatifAltHist to discuss his analysis of potential future global events, such as an American civil war and a revolution in China, considering economic conditions, demographics, and societal behaviors. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen.–RELATED CHANNELS:Subscribe to History 102: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5ojSubscribe to WhatifAltHist: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatifAltHist--SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | SQUADHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.–FOLLOW ON X:@whatifalthist (Rudyard)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–BOOKS CITED:Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared DiamondWho We Are and How We Got Here: Ancient DNA and the New Science of the Human Past by David ReichThe Coming Caesars by Amaury De RiencourtThe Eye of Shiva: Eastern Mysticism and Science by Amaury De RiencourtBulfinch's Mythology - All Three Volumes - The Age of Fable, The Age of Chivalry, and Legends of Charlemagne by Thomas BulfinchDune by Frank HerbertSapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(01:14) Rudyard and Dan's Approach to History(03:50) Alt History(11:57) Modern Civilization and Historical Patterns(19:31) Sponsor: NETSUITE(20:50) Possibility of a Civil War?(42:47) Political Crisis and the Split of States(44:00) Power of American National Guards(45:02) Dependence of States on Federal Funding(43:47) Economic Divide in America(47:18) Struggles of Average Americans(48:50) Insane Minorities in Civil Wars(50:00) Power of Elites in Conflicts(57:34) Potential for a Competent Trump-like Populist(01:04:50) The Future of China and Its Potential Revolution(01:17:20) WrapThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 68Dan's Intellectual Journey
This discussion is from Erik's first interview with Dan from the Venture Stories podcast. Dan shares his views on scaling Coinbase, the evolution of crypto, as well as the books and influences that shaped his intellectual journey. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen.–SPONSOR:BEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.NETSUITENetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.SQUAD💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.–FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–SELECTION OF BOOKS MENTIONED: Why the West Rules -- For Now by Ian Morris The Prize by Daniel Yergin The Kill Chain by Christian Brose Nixonland by Rick Perlstein The Sovereign Individual by James Dale Davidson and Lord William Rees-Mogg –TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:38) Lessons from Scaling Coinbase(01:02) Coinbase and Crypto Ideologies(05:55) The Reality of Working in a Fast-Growing Startup(08:12) Dan Romero's Self-Learning Journey(15:46) Sponsor: NetSuite(17:00) Impact of Globalism and State Capacity(35:00) Understanding the History of Communism(46:14) Reflections on Nixon's Presidency(51:00) Predicting the Future: Technology and Policy(53:30) Insights from the Book 'Dominion'(57:37) Reflections on Society and Morality(01:03:00) Perspectives on Peter Thiel(01:11:00) Current State and Future of Cryptocurrency(01:27:00) Power and Influence of Memes(01:32:00) Learning from Influential Figures in TechThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 67A Deep Dive on Farcaster: Past, Present, and Future
Erik Torenberg and Dan Romero talk about Dan’s company Farcaster, a decentralized social media protocol. Following the launch of Frames earlier this year, Farcaster experienced significant growth placing the team at a critical junction ripe with lessons for any startup. Dan discusses the challenges of building Farcaster, the promise of decentralization, and the future of social media. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen–SPONSORS:BEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.NETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.SQUAD:💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.–LINKS:https://www.farcaster.xyz/–FOLLOW ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@farcaster_xyz (Farcaster)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Farcaster's Explosive Growth(07:02) Understanding the Factors Behind Farcaster's Growth(08:02) Decentralization in Farcaster Explained(14:33) Sponsor - Netsuite(15:59) The Role of Channels in Farcaster's User Engagement(31:40) Building Businesses on Farcaster(37:14) Brand Advertising and Revenue Growth(37:52) Farcaster and Monetization Strategies(42:46) Monetization Model and Scaling Strategies for Farcaster(47:26) A Billion Users on Farcaster(52:25) On Going Public(57:22) The Single Biggest Threat to Farcaster(1:03:00) Retention in Scaling and Why Things Fizzled for Clubhouse(1:09:05) The Possibility of Building Niche Social Networks on Farcaster(1:14:12) WrapThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 66Chris Dixon on the Future of the Internet, Crypto, and Web3
This week Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, and Antonio Garcia Martinez sit down with Chris Dixon, a16z General Partner and author of the new book Read Write Own. They discuss the evolution of crypto, the potential impact of blockchain on existing industries, re-centralization, the implications of AI on the internet economy, and media perception of tech. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen-RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj–SPONSORS:BEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.NETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–LINK:Buy Chris' book: https://readwriteown.com/MoZ newsletter: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–X / TWITTER:@cdixon (Chris)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:12)Why Chris wrote Read Write Own'(03:36) The Negative Perception of Blockchains in Mainstream Media(08:31) The Future of Crypto and Blockchain(13:53) Sponsor: NetSuite(15:00) Open Protocol(32:23) The Impact of AI on the Internet Economy(40:33) The Power Dynamics of the Internet(42:29) The Rise of Blockchain and AI(45:59) Future of Web3(46:24) Growth of Tech(49:15) Challenges and Opportunities of Crypto(01:11:46) Policy in Tech EvolutionThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 65How to Build a Startup Now, Finding PMF, and Navigating the Idea Maze
Dan Romero and Erik Torenberg chat about building a company in 2024, selecting ideas to work on, and finding product-market fit (Dan quotes Marc Andreessen's definition of the term). They also cover Dan's experience at Coinbase and building Farcaster. They recorded this episode for a new show called Request for Startups where guests discuss the startups they think should exist, and share how they navigated the idea maze in their sector https://requestforstartups.substack.com/Subscribe to Request for Startups for more of these types of episodes: Video episodes are only available on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822 -RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj_We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITEBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–LINKS:Farcaster: https://www.farcaster.xyz/–X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:15) Farcaster's Growth and Frames(04:06) Social matters(07:46) Evolution of Farcaster(11:17) Sponsor: NetSuite(12:28) How Dan built Farcaster(28:01) Challenges of Competition(36:19) Venture involvement(36:34) How Erik started Turpentine(38:17) The Concept of Founder Market Fit(39:32) Unfair Advantages in Startups(40:06) The Danger of Over-Experience in Startups(41:24) Market Selection(42:23) Distribution(52:22) The Impact of Higher Education on Startups(55:55) The Potential of Labor Marketplaces(01:00:48) The Future of Pseudonymous Networks(01:03:04) The Role of Reputation in Hiring(01:12:43) The Power of Utilizing Idle AssetsThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 64The U.S. vs Europe, Bryan Johnson and Human Longevity
This week Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, and Antonio Garcia Martinez sit down to discuss the popular Europe vs United States debate, the concept of human longevity, the current state of democracy in the age of social media, and more. Moment of Zen is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.--Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we over better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv --RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj--SPONSORS:BEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia-TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Episode Preview(01:21) The launch of Frames(05:48) Why Frames is important(11:44) SPONSOR: SHOPIFY(13:20) About Spindle and Farcaster(20:25) SPONSOR: NETSUITE(23:05) The Europe vs America debate(48:33 - 01:15:03) Bryan Johnson & the future of life longevity(57:44) Inequality in America vs Europe(01:15:04) Effects of social media on mental health(01:21:25) Democracy in the age of social mediaThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 57What does E/acc stand for?
This week Erik sits down with Nadia Asparouhova and Bayeslord to discuss the meaning and philosophy of effective accelerationism (e/acc), the polarization and nuance in the tech industry, and much more. Moment of Zen is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.Check out Bayeslord's article in Pirate Wires, ' The Ethos of the Divine Age' https://www.piratewires.com/p/ethos-divine-age-RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj_SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | NETSUITEBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–LINKS:Bayeslord and Nadia's article:https://www.piratewires.com/p/ethos-divine-age–X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@bayeslord (Bayeslord)@nayafia (Nadia)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(01:40) Understanding the Perception of E/ACC(03:14) The Impact of E/ACC on Tech Culture(05:38) Nadia's Perspective on E/ACC(14:30) Evolution of Tech Culture(17:10) SPONSOR: SHOPIFY(29:55) Influence of Elon Musk on Tech Culture(36:35) SPOSNOR: NETSUITE(46:07) Leadership in E/ACC(49:36) Impact of Social Media(54:42) Evolution of Web 2.0 and Its Consequences(56:30) Future of AI and Potential Risks(58:31) Philosophy of E/ACC(01:27:14) WrapThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 622023 Recap, 2024 Predictions, Farcaster/Turpentine updates
Dan and Erik discuss the potential impact of a Trump win in 2024, the appeal of populism, the impact of AI on the next generation of startups, and an update from Farcaster and Turpentine. Moment of Zen is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period._RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | NETSUITEBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(01:08) Recap of 2023(01:59) Impact of Elon Musk's Takeover of Twitter(05:07) Impact of Changing Twitter and Zerp Policies(08:54) Decline of Cancel Culture and Rise of Intellectual Diversity(14:47) Sponsors: Shopify | NetSuite(27:17) The Role of Prediction Markets in Politics(35:15) Affirmative Action(37:10) The Reality of Raising Funds in the Crypto World(39:32) Tech and Politics(45:24) Potential Trump Win (01:07:31) Political Campaign Strategies(01:08:58) New City Projects(01:10:28) The Influence of Interest Rates on Tech Companies(01:12:33) The Potential of AI and Startup Efficiency(01:15:49) Forcaster updates(01:24:39) WrapThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 61Curtis Yarvin on Rufo, Harvard, FDR, and The Cathedral
Curtis joins Dan and Erik to discuss his upcoming debate with Richard Hanania, FDR's leadership style, radical changes to institutions like Harvard, and more. Moment of Zen is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.-RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj–We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | NETSUITEBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(05:10) Debating Richard Hanania(11:21) On the executive branch in DC(22:20) On the progressive movement(37:19) Intellectuals running the government(42:40) FDR—inaugural address and leadership style(53:05) The dysfunction of Washington and creating a new government(01:03:05) On the effectiveness of command-based organizations(01:13:02) The legacy of FDR(01:23:00) The Challenge of taking over institutions(01:30:07) De-woke-ifying Harvard(01:40:05) On the impunity of the elite(01:47:54 WrapThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 60Bill Ackman, Harvard, and What Happens Next?
Dan Romero and Erik Torenberg talk about what's happening between Bill Ackman and Harvard: they touch on the 10-7 movement and the focus on DEI in universities, the future of education and the challenges of disrupting elite schools, the value of credentials, and more. Moment of Zen is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.-RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj_Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we over better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv –SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | NETSUITEBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction to Bill Ackman(05:50) Bill Ackman vs. Harvard and MIT(17:30) On how 10/7 relates to DEI(26:08) The power of Twitter and social media(33:46) Curtis vs Chris Rufo(40:36) The future of education and disrupting universities(44:52) Disrupting Harvard and Stanford(51:50) The value of credentials(56:41) Why higher education is so corrupt(01:02:25) WrapThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 59Sam Harris on Populism, Inequality, and Polarization
For the holiday stretch, we're publishing a few of our favorite episodes from this year. Today, we’re airing Erik's solo interview with Sam Harris over on his Upstream podcast. This discussion covers Sam’s concerns about populism, polarization, and inequality. We also discuss why Sam is hated by the left and the right. Moment of Zen will return with a new episode this weekend.This episode originally aired on May 29th, 2023-RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj-Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we over better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv –SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | NETSUITEBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(05:07) Discussion on Misinformation and Social Media(07:34) Sam Harris's Decision to Leave Twitter(14:43) SPONSORS: SHOPIFY | NETSUITE(19:30) Exploring the Conflict Between Left and Right(22:27) Debate on Equality, Disparities, and Discrimination(28:54) Continuation of the Discussion on Equality and Discrimination(46:57) The Rise of Contrarianism and its Impact on Politics(51:55) The Dangers of Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation(55:19) The Impact of Online Politics and Misinformation(01:00:28) The Influence of Wealth and Power on Society(01:06:03) The Dangers of Polarization(01:25:19) The Role of Capitalism and the Need for Reform(01:28:28) Wrap Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 58Revisited: Moment of Zen's Origins with Marc Andreessen
For the holiday stretch, we're publishing a few of our favorite episodes from this year of Moment of Zen. Today, we’re airing our first ever episodes with Marc Andreessen (released exactly one year ago). Marc discussed SBF, Twitter and censorship, and more. In the second half of this extra long episode with Marc, we get into the ideas of Nietzsche, Henrich, Burnham and more of Marc's intellectual influences.This episode originally aired in two parts on December 28 & 30th, 2022.-RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | NETSUITE | MASTERCLASSBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.MASTERCLASS: https://masterclass.com/zen get two memberships for the price of 1Learn from the best to become your best. Learn how to negotiate a raise with Chris Voss or manage your relationships with Esther Perel. Boost your confidence and find practical takeaways you can apply to your life and at work. If you own a business or are a team leader, use MasterClass to empower and create future-ready employees and leaders. Moment of Zen listeners will get two memberships for the price of one at https://masterclass.com/zen–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Re-airing our first ever episodes(05:00) Future of Binance(11:57) Exploring the Potential Redemption Arc for SBF(16:00) Sponsors: Shopify | NetSuite(26:05) Twitter under Elon Musk(33:43) Sponsors: MasterClass(40:53) The Power Dynamics in Tech Companies and Their Influence on Free Speech(55:08) The Future of Consumer Web 3 and Its Potential Impact on Tech Industry(01:56:19) The Future of American Society Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 57Katherine Boyle and Mike Solana on Liberal Arts Debate and Saving San Francisco
Katherine Boyle, GP at a16z and Mike Solana, Editor in Chief of Pirate Wires joined Erik, Dan, and Antonio to discuss whether a liberal arts degree is worth it and how to save San Francisco. They cover the drawbacks of the current educational system, the opportunity cost of our educated class, and elitism. This episode originally aired June 17th, 2023.-RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | NETSUITE | MASTERCLASSBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.MASTERCLASS: https://masterclass.com/zen get two memberships for the price of 1Learn from the best to become your best. Learn how to negotiate a raise with Chris Voss or manage your relationships with Esther Perel. Boost your confidence and find practical takeaways you can apply to your life and at work. If you own a business or are a team leader, use MasterClass to empower and create future-ready employees and leaders. Moment of Zen listeners will get two memberships for the price of one at https://masterclass.com/zen–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(03:40) MOZ's first fight - institutionalism vs anti-institutionalism(07:18) The Shift in Educational Trends(14:30) Sponsor: Shopify | NetSuite(26:00) The Importance of Humanities in Education(30:00) The Importance of Technical Literacy in Society(31:00) Sponsor: MasterClass(35:40) The Problem with Overemphasis on College Education(48:15) The Impact of Drug Culture on Cities(58:50) The Evolution of San Francisco's Tech Scene(01:00:45) Political Engagement in San Francisco(01:22:00) The Struggles of Millennials Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 57Trump/Biden, Russia/Ukraine, Israel/Palestine, and US/China
This week Noah Smith joins Dan Romero and Erik Torenberg to discuss the overuse of the term “fascism,” what has led to the capabilities of China and the U.S., and much more. Moment of Zen is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.This episode is a collaboration with one of Turpentine's biggest shows, Econ 102. Check out Econ 102: https://www.podpage.com/econ102/_Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we over better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv –SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | NETSUITE | MASTERCLASSBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.MASTERCLASS: https://masterclass.com/zen get two memberships for the price of 1Learn from the best to become your best. Learn how to negotiate a raise with Chris Voss or manage your relationships with Esther Perel. Boost your confidence and find practical takeaways you can apply to your life and at work. If you own a business or are a team leader, use MasterClass to empower and create future-ready employees and leaders. Moment of Zen listeners will get two memberships for the price of one at https://masterclass.com/zen–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/– X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@noahpinion (Noah)@dwr (Dan)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)@TurpentineMedia@Econ102_Podcast (Econ 102)–TIMESTAMPS(00:00) The word 'Fascist'(08:40) Economic transformation in China(13:04) SPONSOR: SHOPIFY(16:10) Impacts of Trump's policies(19:07) The renegotiation of NAFTA(23:51) United States' withdrawal from the Middle East(27:22) SPONSORS: NETSUITE & MASTERCLASS(30:05) Asia & US foreign policy(41:46) The importance of focusing on Asia(48:20) U.S. production during World War II(50:14) China's production capabilities(58:57) US military budget and production(59:56) Industrial production in World War II(01:14:48) Political unity and continuity in foreign policy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 56Balaji Srinivasan and Nathan Labenz on How AI Will Shape the Future & AI Gods
Balaji Srinivasan joins Nathan Labenz to discuss polytheistic AI and AI gods, human-AI symbiosis, and how AI will be controlled. Moment of Zen is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.This episode is a feed drop of one of Turpentine's biggest shows, The Cognitive Revolution, where Nathan Labenz and Erik Torenberg interview builders on the edge of AI and explore its dramatic shift over the next decades. Listen and subscribe everywhere you get your podcasts: https://www.cognitiverevolution.ai/_We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | NETSUITE | MASTERCLASSBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.MASTERCLASS: https://masterclass.com/zen get two memberships for the price of 1Learn from the best to become your best. Learn how to negotiate a raise with Chris Voss or manage your relationships with Esther Perel. Boost your confidence and find practical takeaways you can apply to your life and at work. If you own a business or are a team leader, use MasterClass to empower and create future-ready employees and leaders. Moment of Zen listeners will get two memberships for the price of one at https://masterclass.com/zen–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/– TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Episode Preview(06:07) - Evolution of AI Systems(09:39) - Challenges of AI Robustness(29:54) - Intersection of AI and Politics(52:14) - Regulation(52:44) - Slippery slope of precedent setting(54:00) - Role of AI in political chaos(01:05:39) - AI's future as amplified intelligence(01:13:00) - Polytheistic model of AI(01:32:00) - Role of AI in Habitat Degradation(01:38:22) - Difference between AI existential threat and economic disruption(01:40:19) - Impact of cryptography on public infrastructure(02:07:40) - Role of tribalism in AI Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 55How Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, and George Soros Reshape Society
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive deep into the concept of a 'live player', and compare and contrast three prominent live players: Peter Thiel, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk—discussing their impacts, motivations, and differing views on societal change.This episode is a feed drop of our newest show at Turpentine, Live Players, where Erik and Samo analyze more of the mindsets of today’s most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more. Listen and subscribe everywhere you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/liveplayers.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | VANTA | MASTERCLASS | NETSUITEBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenVANTA: https://www.vanta.com/zen for $1000 offAre you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at: https://www.vanta.com/zenMASTERCLASS: https://masterclass.com/zen get two memberships for the price of 1Learn from the best to become your best. Learn how to negotiate a raise with Chris Voss or manage your relationships with Esther Perel. Boost your confidence and find practical takeaways you can apply to your life and at work. If you own a business or are a team leader, use MasterClass to empower and create future-ready employees and leaders. Moment of Zen listeners will get two memberships for the price of one at https://masterclass.com/zenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(00:57) The Role of Conventions in Society(02:08) The Rarity of 'Live Players' and Their Impact(04:38) The Importance of Historical Knowledge(09:29) Reflections on Energy Transition(14:22) Discussion on Sam Altman and OpenAI(21:31) Comparing Live Players: Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Peter Thiel(21:54) Sponsors: Shopify, Vanta(24:24) Comparing Live Players Cont.(30:12) The Importance of Live Players in Innovation and Change(34:47) Sponsors: MasterClass, NetSuite(38:28) The Evolution of Live Players Over Time(42:55) The Transition from Capitalism to Philanthropy(51:06) The Paradox of Open Society Advocates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 54Who Is Beff Jezos? Beff on Being Doxxed, the e/acc movement, and Crypto & AI Crossover
Beff Jezos, the anonymous co-founder of the e/acc movement (effective accelerationism) had his identity revealed on Friday night by Forbes reporters. He gives the inside story to Antonio Garcia Martinez, Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, his e/acc cofounder bayeslord, and The Cognitive Revolution podcast host Nathan Labenz. They discuss anonymity, the media, and the role of journalism in our society. Sell and grow with Shopify: Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | VANTABEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenVANTA: https://www.vanta.com/zen for $1000 offAre you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at: https://www.vanta.com/zen–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/– X / TWITTER:@bayeslord @basedbeffjezos@dwr (Dan)@antoniogm (Antonio)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@moz_podcast@TurpentineMedia–RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Live Players With Samo BurjaJoin host Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg as they analyze the mindsets of today’s most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. Think: Elon, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, George Soros and more. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more. LIsten and subscribe everywhere you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/liveplayers–LINKS:Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilybaker-white/2023/12/01/who-is-basedbeffjezos-the-leader-of-effective-accelerationism-eacc/?sh=5b172e3a7a13PirateWires article: https://www.piratewires.com/p/thot-police-forbes-has-doxed-beff--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(01:45) Binance(07:25) Antonio joins(10:05) Beff is face doxxed(11:45) The inside story(13:55) Sponsor: Shopify(15:50) How did Beff's identity get revealed by these reporters?(22:55) Why should journalists get to decide who gets to be anon?(26:35) Beff's academic background in quantum computing(28:55) Why Beff started the anon account(31:15) Sponsor: Vanta, MasterClass(33:40) How Beff bootstrapped his anon account(38:55) What's next for e/acc(44:05) Overcentralization of AI(46:25) Where the alpha is(56:25) Decels and the rebellion(01:02:45) Why is big tech so bad & 2024 elections(01:04:55) AI Leaderboards(01:07:45) Crypto and AI crossover(01:12:25) Decentralizing the AI supply chain(01:18:25) Hardware & Extropic technology(01:23:25) Utility of e/acc(01:28:55) What is the e/acc gospel(01:40:20) What is the near term for AI? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 53Dominic Cummings on Elon, Techies in Politics, and New Elitism
Erik Torenberg and Antonio Garcia Martinez sit down with political strategist + former chief adviser to Boris Johnson's right hand Dominic Cummings who is known for architecting Brexit. They discuss whether Brexit actually saved Britain from the far right, the San Francisco homelessness complex, the 2024 election, educational polarization, & more. Sell and grow with Shopify: Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | VANTA | MASTERCLASSBEEHIIVHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenVANTA:Are you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at: https://www.vanta.com/zenMASTERCLASS: https://masterclass.com/zen get two memberships for the price of 1Learn from the best to become your best. Learn how to negotiate a raise with Chris Voss or manage your relationships with Esther Perel. Boost your confidence and find practical takeaways you can apply to your life and at work. If you own a business or are a team leader, use MasterClass to empower and create future-ready employees and leaders. Moment of Zen listeners will get two memberships for the price of one at https://masterclass.com/zen–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/– X / TWITTER:@Dominic2306 (Dominic)@antoniogm (Antonio)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@moz_podcast@TurpentineMedia--RECOMMENDED PODCAST: LIVE PLAYERSJoin host Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg as they analyze the mindsets of today’s most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more. LIsten and subscribe everywhere you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/liveplayers.-TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(01:19) Introduction(04:57) Inspiration for Brexit(13:00) Extreme parties in US vs UK (15:46) SPONSOR: VANTA(16:41) Francis Fukuyama’ and Walter Kaufmann on liberalism(22:05) European wokeness explosion(26:48) The fix SF movement(31:08) SPONSOR: VANTA(32:46) SF homeless industrial complex(34:05) Techies in politics(38:29) Elon and Israel(40:56) SPONSOR: MASTERCLASS(41:49) Israel’s PR will never win in the west(52:42) New elitism(59:15) Appealing in the 2024 election(01:10:24) Abortion laws(01:00:13) British royals(01:24:26) Educational and political polarization(01:35:02) A reformed republican Party(01:39:41) Can we fix SF? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 52OpenAI Debrief, Why Liberals Become Conservatives, and Diversity in Tech
Dan Romero and Erik Torenberg discuss their takes on why liberals become conservatives, diversity in tech, and debrief the OpenAI debacle that happened this past week.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | MASTERCLASS | NETSUITEHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenMASTERCLASS: https://masterclass.com/zen get two memberships for the price of 1Learn from the best to become your best. Learn how to negotiate a raise with Chris Voss or manage your relationships with Esther Perel. Boost your confidence and find practical takeaways you can apply to your life and at work. If you own a business or are a team leader, use MasterClass to empower and create future-ready employees and leaders. Moment of Zen listeners will get two memberships for the price of one at https://masterclass.com/zenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/– X / TWITTER:@dwr (Dan)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@moz_podcast@TurpentineMedia–RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Every week investor and writer of the popular newsletter The Diff, Byrne Hobart, and co-host Erik Torenberg discuss today’s major inflection points in technology, business, and markets – and help listeners build a diversified portfolio of trends and ideas for the future. Subscribe to “The Riff” with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg: https://link.chtbl.com/theriff–RECOMMENDED PODCAST: LIVE PLAYERSJoin host Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg as they analyze the mindsets of today’s most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more. LIsten and subscribe everywhere you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/liveplayers.–TIMESTAMPS: h/t @zohaibaallii on YouTube(00:43) New Argentinian president and rise of global populism(06:21) The appeal of populist leaders to the working class(15:07) Policy differences between Biden and Trump administrations(24:11) Does Trump poses a threat to democracy?(30:55) Is the political right or left has been more authoritarian?(36:53) Corporate "norms" under Biden vs Trump(43:45) Predictions on 2024 presidential election(50:33) Recap of the OpenAI / Sam Altman saga(01:00:00) The "feminine" nature of the OpenAI situation(01:10:30) On diversity and inclusion(01:22:20) On inequality between groups in society(01:25:20) Aspirations vs. reality of equality Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 51The Sam Altman Episode: OpenAI, Sam's Legacy
Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez and Erik Torenberg discuss their takes on Sam Altman's ouster from OpenAI, his legacy, and his comparative significance vis-à-vis figures like Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk.This is a developing story. This podcast was recorded on Sunday Nov 19th at 12pm PST.We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | MASTERCLASS | NETSUITEHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenMASTERCLASS: https://masterclass.com/zen get two memberships for the price of 1Learn from the best to become your best. Learn how to negotiate a raise with Chris Voss or manage your relationships with Esther Perel. Boost your confidence and find practical takeaways you can apply to your life and at work. If you own a business or are a team leader, use MasterClass to empower and create future-ready employees and leaders. Moment of Zen listeners will get two memberships for the price of one at https://masterclass.com/zenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/– X / TWITTER:@dwr (Dan)@antoniogm (Antonio)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@moz_podcast@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(00:14) Napoleon and the power of memes(02:05) The Intricacies of Coups in Latin America(02:59) The Role of Microsoft in OpenAI(03:33) Analyzing Sam Altman's Influence in Silicon Valley(05:12) The Potential Fallout from OpenAI Controversy(05:51) The Battle of EA vs e/acc (05:59) Sam Altman's Impact on Silicon Valley(07:42) The Future of OpenAI(08:38) The Legal Complexities of OpenAI's Structure(12:26) The Influence of Elon Musk and Microsoft on OpenAI(15:20) Sponsor: Shopify(16:44) The Future of AI and OpenAI(33:55) The Role of Energy in Computing(34:30) Sponsors: MasterClass | NetSuite(36:00) The Game of Capital and Access to Compute(38:12) Predicting the Future of OpenAI(40:30) The Betting Odds on Sam Altman's Future(43:00) The Challenges of Leading OpenAI(48:50) Discussing Sam Altman's Background and Achievements Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 47Balaji’s Gray Tribe, Fixing SF, and whether to start or buy a city?
Dan Romero and Erik Torenberg discuss whether San Francisco can be exited or reformed, how to impact local politics, and what it would take to get talented, innovative people to live in the same city. Wherever and whatever you’re selling, get Shopify for $1/month trial period using code https://shopify.com/momentofzen–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | MASTERCLASS | NETSUITEHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenMASTERCLASS: https://masterclass.com/zen to get two memberships for the price of one.Learn from the best to become your best. Learn how to negotiate a raise with Chris Voss or manage your relationships with Esther Perel. Boost your confidence and find practical takeaways you can apply to your life and at work. If you own a business or are a team leader, use MasterClass to empower and create future-ready employees and leaders. Moment of Zen listeners will get two memberships for the price of one at https://masterclass.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/– X / TWITTER:@dwr (Dan)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@moz_podcast@TurpentineMedia–RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Every week investor and writer of the popular newsletter The Diff, Byrne Hobart, and co-host Erik Torenberg discuss today’s major inflection points in technology, business, and markets – and help listeners build a diversified portfolio of trends and ideas for the future. Subscribe to “The Riff” with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg: https://link.chtbl.com/theriffRECOMMENDED PODCAST: LIVE PLAYERSJoin host Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg as they analyze the mindsets of today’s most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more. LIsten and subscribe everywhere you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/liveplayers.– TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(00:02:23) SF is back (00:05:08) SF can be cleaned up pretty fast(00:08:47) Who runs for office?(00:16:07) Sponsor: Shopify(00:17:43) You can buy a city(00:25:11) Elites don’t move(00:28:57) Analyzing the success of charter city state movements(00:34:34) Sponsor: MasterClass | NetSuite(00:36:13): Can we get people to move to SF and change the city?(00:44:30) Tech is politically absent at the local level(00:50:45) Talent wants to agglomerate(00:57:00) Educational challenges Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 49Biden vs Trump in Israel, Why Younger People Support Palestine, and Why There is No International Community
Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez and Erik Torenberg discuss the US reaction to the Israel-Hamas War. If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta for $1000 off: https://www.vanta.com/zenWe're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | VANTA | MASTERCLASS | NETSUITEHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenVANTA: https://www.vanta.com/zenAre you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at: https://www.vanta.com/zenMASTERCLASS: https://masterclass.com/zen get two memberships for the price of 1Learn from the best to become your best. Learn how to negotiate a raise with Chris Voss or manage your relationships with Esther Perel. Boost your confidence and find practical takeaways you can apply to your life and at work. If you own a business or are a team leader, use MasterClass to empower and create future-ready employees and leaders. Moment of Zen listeners will get two memberships for the price of one at https://masterclass.com/zenNETSUITE: http://netsuite.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/– X / TWITTER:@dwr (Dan)@antoniogm (Antonio)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@moz_podcast@TurpentineMedia– TIMESTAMPS :(00:00) Episode Preview(00:05) What would be different if Trump were in office?(09:10) Information and misinformation sources from the war(12:36) Sponsor: Shopify | Vanta(17:30) Apple’s Slack rebellion(19:26) Paul Graham(20:56) Trusting reported deaths(24:22) Does Israel even care about the West?(32:57) Sponsor: Masterclass | NetSuite(37:15) Living in the society of spectacle(39:15) Showy narcissism(38:50) The psychoanalysis of narcissism(42:00) The irredentist philosophy(43:39) The underlying sentiment that Israel shouldn't exist(45:40) There is no international community(49:40) Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity(52:20) US support for Israel 15 years from now(55:00) Will Hamas be eliminated?(58:00) It seems like Israel's got it all worked out(01:01:00) Just ban TikTok Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 48MoZ gets Nuke Pilled with Packy and Julia
Dan Romero and Erik Torenberg are joined by Packy McCormick of Not Boring and Julia DeWahl (founder of Antares, ex-SpaceX) to talk about the past, present, and future of nuclear energy. Packy and Julia co-host a new narrative series called Age of Miracles ( If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta for $1000 off: https://www.vanta.com/zenSUBSCRIBE TO AGE OF MIRACLES: Podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/ageofmiracles | YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@age-of-miraclesWe're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | VANTA | NETSUITEHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenAre you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at: https://www.vanta.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/– X / TWITTER:@packym (Packy)@juliadewahl (Julia)@dwr (Dan)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@moz_podcast@TurpentineMedia– TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(01:46) Why the interest in nuclear energy?(05:45) Why does energy matter?(09:10) Greta Thunberg and environmentalism as religion replacement(12:08) Why France got it right in the 70s(14:48) Sponsors: Vanta and NetSuite(17:04) Myth-busting: nuclear waste and disasters(22:33) Why has the anti-nuclear movement been so potent?(26:46) Breaking down the incentives at play in regulation and the free market(39:00) How do you change the perception and safety? (47:50) The opportunities to build in the nuclear space(56:50) Applying Elon’s frameworks to building in the nuclear space(01:00:45) Safety culture and accountability(01:08:20) Opportunity for SMR companies from Microsoft and congress(01:10:20) Are we overestimating nuclear’s impact versus other energy sources?(01:16:05) Capital markets and idea maze problem(01:23:00) How to get involved in opportunities in nuclear if you have no background Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 47Antonio's Dispatch From Israel
Antonio Garcia Martinez, reporting live from Israel, joins Dan Romero and Erik Torenberg to share his firsthand perspective on the ground, discussing the unfolding events, and potential outcomes for Israel and Gaza. If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta for $1000 off: https://www.vanta.com/zenDiscussion recorded on October 22, 2023. We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | VANTA | NETSUITEHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenAre you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at: https://www.vanta.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–NEW SHOW FROM TURPENTINE:The HR industry is at a crossroads. What will it take to construct the next generation of incredible businesses – and where can people leaders have the most business impact? Hosts Nolan Church and Kelli Dragovich have been through it all, the highs and the lows – IPOs, layoffs, executive turnover, board meetings, culture changes, and more. With a lineup of industry vets and experts, Nolan and Kelli break down the nitty-gritty details, trade offs, and dynamics of constructing high performing companies. Through unfiltered conversations that can only happen between seasoned practitioners, Kelli and Nolan dive deep into the kind of leadership-level strategy that often happens behind closed doors.Check out the first episode with the architect of Netflix’s culture deck Patty McCord.https://link.chtbl.com/hrheretics– Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(01:40) Antonio’s describes traveling to the south of israel(06:10) How Israel is unifying and mobilizing(09:05) Hostage situation sentiments(12:14) Sponsors: Vanta | NetSuite(19:05) Antonio’s predictions(28:00) What happens next in Gaza(36:00) What’s happening in the North with Hezbollah?(37:30) How the Israeli secular left do not understand the Western left’s reaction(40:30) The biblical echoes of the double standards placed on Israel(46:05) Intra-Israel civil war(52:40) Can there be a happy ending here? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 46Why this is BLM for Jews, unpacking the conflict, and predictions for Israel, Gaza, and Iran
Dan Romero and Erik Torenberg discuss the history of Israel, Gaza, and Iran and what happens next in this war on the ground. They also discuss the schism in the public discourse and the downstream political implications in the US. If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta for $1000 off: https://www.vanta.com/zenWe're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | VANTA | NETSUITEHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenAre you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at: https://www.vanta.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/– X / TWITTER:@dwr (Dan)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@antoniogm (Antonio)@moz_podcast@TurpentineMedia–SELECT LINKS:-Wikipedia : List of Jewish Nobel Laureates https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jewish_Nobel_laureates- Book: Rise and Kill First https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise_and_Kill_First- Iranian Agent - Robert Malley Spy Ring story https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/israel-middle-east/articles/iran-spy-ring-robert-malley-lee-smith& Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/09/06/rob-malley-iran-security-clearance-investigation/-Econ 102 episode where Noah Smith discusses the War in Israel and economic causes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW1coCYfapA--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(03:50) Israel, Gaza and Mood affiliation(07:55) The New York Times front page(13:00) The schism in the current thing(15:30) Moral equivalence in this conflict(19:00) Inconsistencies on the far left(23:00) History of the conflict and borders(25:00) Thanks to our sponsors: Vanta, NetSuite(27:00) Why are Jews so successful and disliked?(36:00) Argumentative Jews(40:00) Going deeper into the historical roots(45:45) Understanding Israel, Iran, and neighbors' nuclear programs(57:10) Would Palestinian economic prosperity solve this conflict?(01:06:00) Biggest concerns(01:10:00) Israel's next move(01:15:45) Pendulum swing back to Trump? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 45The Hoax of the Century, Hybrid Warfare, Iran, and Israel with Jacob Siegel
Dan Romero, Erik Torenberg and Antonio Garcia Martinez are joined by journalist Jacob Siegel to discuss disinformation, the evolving narrative between tech and political power, and geopolitics. This episode was recorded on October 1st, before Hamas' attack on Israel. If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta for $1000 off: https://www.vanta.com/zenWe're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | VANTA | NETSUITEHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenAre you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at: https://www.vanta.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–X / TWITTER:@jacob__siegel (Jacob)@dwr (Dan)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@antoniogm (Antonio)@moz_podcast@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(01:48) Jacob on Balaji’s Gray - Red - Blue tribe framework(03:38) How to make the Gray tribe inspiring(06:30) E/acc and tech with grandeur(08:27) Abundance agenda vs administrative state(14:20) Bernie Sanders(15:55) Sponsors: Vanta | NetSuite(18:10) Elon Musk relationship with Obama-era Whitehouse(22:28) Private markets vs Government subsidized innovation(24:00) Ideal balance between protectionist policies and free markets(29:45) Jacob on Israel over-leveraging its tech sector(36:00) Tracing the narrative of tech and democratic political power(42:30) Hybrid warfare since 2014(46:20) Antonio joins the conversation(51:00) Gamergate as a pivotal event(01:03:00) Plato’s cave reflections of American domestic political neurosis(01:08:40) Ukraine, Russia, and Biden’s strategic logic(01:18:30) Can there be a happy ending in Israel?(01:24:00) The threat of Iran(01:34:30) US should end the Israeli Subsidy(01:45:00)The fight over the soul of the nation(01:51:00) Predicting the future of Israel in 30-40 years Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 44Elon and the Border Crisis, the Case for Immigration, and the American Dream
Dan Romero and Erik Torenberg talk about the ongoing border crisis, the history of immigration to the US, and the case for and against immigration. If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta for $1000 off: https://www.vanta.com/zen–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | VANTA | NETSUITEHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenAre you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at: https://www.vanta.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–RECOMMENDED PODCAST: LIVE PLAYERSJoin host Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg as they analyze the mindsets of today’s most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more. LIsten and subscribe everywhere you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/liveplayers.–Sign up for our free newsletter to receive full shownotes with book and article recommendations: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–X / TWITTER:@dwr (Dan)@eriktorenberg (Erik Torenberg)@moz_podcast@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(01:31) The American dream(05:37) Why does Elon Musk care about what's happening at the border?(10:44) The history of immigration in the US(13:30) H1-B visas and temporary protected status(18:04) Sponsors: Vanta | NetSuite(19:37) Immigration under Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump(20:02) Sponsors: Vanta & Netsuite(24:51) No place for nuance(28:21) Asylum seeking(31:38) Current state: complete failure(37:15) Arguments for and against immigration(45:04) Polling on immigration issue(49:01) Basic rule of law(56:18) Fringe theory: the great replacement theory(59:21) Dan’s proposal: voter ID(01:03:13) Does a country have a right to determine its demographics?(01:12:02) Do immigrants assimilate?(01:21:39) Pro-immigration but anti gentrification(01:25:11) Is it feasible for Balaji's gray tribe to take back San Francisco?(01:33:20) Dan’s optimistic take on a potential deal(01:35:31) Immigration and innovation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 43Ideas from Balaji and Curtis That Changed Our Minds
Dan Romero and Erik Torenberg talk about their intellectual evolution, why San Francisco is back, and the ideas finding new momentum because of the thorny politics in tech the last few years. If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta for $1000 off: https://www.vanta.com/zen–SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | VANTA | NETSUITEHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenAre you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at: https://www.vanta.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.–Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/–SELECT LINKS: Dan’s reference: the most interesting new city project in San Francisco: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/25/business/land-purchases-solano-county.html James Portnoy, Founder of Barstool, going on the offensive against a Washington Post reporter writing a hit piece: https://deadline.com/2023/09/barstool-sports-owner-dave-portnoy-confronts-washington-post-reporter-1235554436/ Most important blog: Scott Alexander’s https://slatestarcodex.com/ which is now Astral Codex Ten https://www.astralcodexten.com/ Curtis Yarvin: https://www.unqualified-reservations.org/, https://graymirror.substack.com/ –X / TWITTER:@dwr (Dan)@eriktorenberg (Erik Torenberg)@moz_podcast@TurpentineMedia–TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(05:00) Why San Francisco’s Network Effects, like Twitter, is futile to leave (Network Effects are a bitch)(13:40) Tech reclaiming a political voice(15:30) Sponsors: Vanta | NetSuite(17:40) Media losing ground after taking too many shots during the last administration(20:35) Mood affiliation & social justice policies in tech companies(23:05) In this economy?(30:41) Balaji Srinivasan(34:25)The Borg(39:10) Social Supply Chain(40:21) Curtis Yarvin(59:40) Bring your whole self to work(01:03:00) The clear pill: winning by losing(01:10:00) Good ideas, bad UI(01:16:35) Newspapers are a mood affiliation business(01:19:24) Right and Left wing, who loses in the long arc of history?(01:26:30) Dan’s thinking around the next successful candidate(01:33:05) Threshold for changing your thinking Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 42Wonks vs Proles, Post Liberalism, and Politics as Religious War with Walter Russell Mead
Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez, and Erik Torenberg sit down with Professor Walter Russel Mead, an American academic, author, WSJ- and Tablet-contributor, and podcast host to discuss the shape of the next era after our information age.Moment of Zen is part of Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.coWe're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.TIMESTAMPS:(01:00) Episode Preview(03:30) What is the American Crisis right now?(08:00) New social model for the information age(11:24) Sponsors: Vanta | NetSuite(16:30) A(brahamic) bomb and revolutionary change in human society(22:40) Has religion peaked or is the world getting more religious?(28:00) Who believes in happy endings?(30:30) Israel vs. American Jews(33:00) Israeli-Palestinian conflict still matters, just not to Israelis in power(36:40) Characterizing American foreign policy(45:00) Nation states vs Network States h/t Balaji(54:20) Defining the next era of Post Liberalism(1:01:00) Populists, Plutocrats, Technocrats, and the Intelligentsia(1:11:00) Israel’s future and what’s at stake(1:24:00) Could California be Republican again?(1:30:00) Golda Meir and female power(1:33:50) Arafat and a jasmine-scented night in GazaLINKS:-What Really Matters podcast: https://www.tabletmag.com/podcasts/what-really-matters-Walter Russell Mead, The A(braham) Bomb: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/abraham-bomb-via-meadia-walter-russell-mead-Antonio Garcia Martinez, Among the Protestors: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/israel-middle-east/articles/among-the-protesters-antonio-garcia-martinez-Go back and listen to our Moment of Zen episodes with Tablet’s Editor in Chief Alana Newhouse (E29), Nadia Asparouhova (E26) and Liel Leibovitz (E23)X / TWITTER@wrmead (Walter)@WRMpod (What Really Matters)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@antoniogm (Antonio)@dwr (Dan)@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)SPONSORS: Beehiiv | Shopify | Vanta | NetSuiteHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenAre you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at https://www.vanta.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/ZEN and download your own customized KPI checklist. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ep 41Balaji on How the Tech Tribe Can Save Our Cities - Part 2
Balaji Srinivasan returns to go deeper into his theory of the Social Lens. Balaji, Erik, and Dan discuss the tactics the Gray tribe can use to create, identify, grow, and scale their power, how the tribal lens maps to geopolitics, the Blue playbook through the last several decades of world history, and more. We're proudly sponsored by Vanta. Get $1000 off Vanta with https://www.vanta.com/zenNote: This is an unfiltered discussion that functions as an early draft for an essay and video Balaji plans to release soon.TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Episode Preview(02:20) - You can found a tribe just like you can found a startup(10:30) - Exit vs Reform(16:42) - Sponsors: Vanta, NetSuite(19:05) - Any statement can be problematized(29:00) - Can you presume societal stability? Not if you’re thinking like a CEO(34:00) - Strength of network effects(52:20) - Inequality has decreased(55:15) - Japanese vs Chinese economic model for innovation(01:07:45) - Asia is rising, the US is in relative decline(01:30:15) - How Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Garry Tan respond to Blue or reform it from within(01:38:00) - The Market for Revolutionaries: Myanmar, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Hong Kong and China(01:48:00) - Blue is a business model(01:57:00) - Charity is dependency. Investment is independence.(02:06:00) - Who defines democracy, and where is the term going?(02:27:00) - Grays attract the smartest defectors(02:36:30) - How the Gray territory gets built on land(02:49:49) - What is the highest belief and ideology of each tribe?(02:56:00) - Parallels with the Soviet Union and India(03:15:00) - Mapping the advantages to Blue and Gray(03:28:50) - How Gray beats Blue for control of cities(03:33:00) - Gray pride parade(03:40:00) - Winning the police(03:50:00) - How the Grays in San Francisco will organize themselves(03:55:30 - The power of Elon renaming Twitter(03:57:00) - Small business owners and the working class(04:00:00) - The CHAZ (Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone) in reverse(04:17:00) - AI will help expedite the Gray cause(04:20:00) - Can this really happen?X / Twitter@balajis (Balaji)@dwr (Dan)@eriktorenberg (Erik)@MOZ_PodcastSPONSORS: Beehiiv | Shopify | Vanta | NetSuiteHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzenAre you building a business? If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta. Achieving compliance can actually unlock major growth for your company and build customer loyalty. Vanta automates up to 90% of Compliance work, getting you audit-ready in weeks instead of months and saving 85% of associated costs. Moment of Zen listeners get $1000 off at https://www.vanta.com/zenNetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/ZEN and download your own customized KPI checklist. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.