Live Players: Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, George Soros

This week Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss India as a live player. They cover: India's demographics and the barriers it faces towards industrialization and wealth.---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 erik@turpentine.co.---SPONSOR: HARMONIC🧲 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 during your demo.---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---LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/---FOLLOW US ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@samoburja (Samo)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:28) Diving Deep into India's Demographics and Future Prospects(04:07) The Economic and Social Implications of India's Aging Population(07:23) India's Talent and Labor Force in the Global Context(10:06) Institutional Barriers and Governance Challenges in India(14:15) The Geopolitical Landscape: India, China, and Global Dynamics(19:53) Sponsor: Harmonic(21:00) If You're Betting On India, You're Betting On a Multipolar World(27:16) India's Digital and Economic Strategy for the Future(32:20) Comparing India and China: Leadership and Economic Strategies(32:33) The Impact of Brain Drain and Language Proficiency(33:46) Globalization's Influence on Regional Economies(36:56) India's Potential Partnerships and Geopolitical Strategy(38:14) The Future of India: Recommendations and Challenges(45:14) India's Political Economy and the Need for Reform(52:41) Navigating Globalization: A Skeptical Perspective(57:37) India's Demographic Dynamics and Education System(59:55) India's Geopolitical Strategy(1:01:09) Wrap

18 Apr 20241h

This is a special re-airing of an episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg taped for Venture Stories (Village Global's podcast) in 2019 . Their conversation covers the following: the distinction between invention vs. adoption of technology. What a truly egalitarian society might like, and whether such a society can exist. How individuals’ personal theories of history have influenced outcomes in the past, from the USSR’s espionage of the Manhattan project to Christianity & the Roman elites. The U.S. government as an institution under Great Founder Theory, and its foreign policy in the 20th and 21st centuries. Lee Kuan Yew and Singapore, and Paul Kagame and Rwanda. Patronage as a social technology used by the Chinese Communist Party. To what extent China’s social stability is dependent upon the promise of growth. Bureaucratic legibility as a key mechanism by which technology is a centralizing force.---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 erik@turpentine.co.---REFERENCED ARTICLES:“Functional Institutions are the Exception” https://samoburja.com/functional-institutions-are-the-exception/“How Roman Emperors Handled the Succession Problem” https://samoburja.com/how-roman-emperors-handled-the-succession-problem/“Intellectual Dark Matter” https://www.samoburja.com/intellectual-dark-matter/---SPONSOR: HARMONIC 🧲 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.---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---LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/---FOLLOW US ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@samoburja (Samo)@whatifalthist (Rudyard)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:11) Exploring Civilizations: Flourish, Decay, and the Immortal Society(02:44) The Role of Society and Institutions in Shaping Civilization(04:07) Understanding Human Nature and the Impact of Institutions(05:06) The Dynamics of Flourishing vs. Decaying Institutions(08:40) Great Founder Theory vs. Technological Determinism(09:54) Government Innovation and Cultural Shifts(14:50) Rethinking Democracy and Governance(19:26) Designing Cities for Outliers: A Controversial Idea(23:07) Egalitarianism, Status, and Happiness in Societies(23:11) Sponsor: Turpentine(31:43) Understanding Mimetic Desire and Social Dynamics(34:19) The Role of Egalitarianism and Social Hierarchies(36:22) Prioritizing Outliers for Societal Wealth and Innovation(39:35) Theories of History and Political Dynamics(51:43) Recommendation for U. S. Foreign Policy(56:20) Globalization vs. Innovation: Navigating the Future(58:20) Centralization vs. Decentralization in the Future Society(59:10) Succession, Fertility, and the Future of Societies(1:01:34) Closing Thoughts on Centralization and Innovation(1:02:29) Wrap

16 Apr 20241h 3min

Today we're dropping a special episode of History 102 with Rudyard Lynch (@Whatifalthist on YouTube). Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into the critical moments and competing narratives of the fall of the Roman Empire. They compare the classical Greeks and Romans, identify key Roman figures and outsiders who impacted the course of history, and identify the major influences that shaped their era - and our current one.---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---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 erik@turpentine.co.---RECOMMENDED BOOKS: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon The World of Late Antiquity: AD 150-750 (Library of World Civilization) by Peter Brown Empires and Barbarians: The Fall of Rome and the Birth of Europe by Peter Heather ---SPONSOR: HARMONIC 🧲 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.---LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/---FOLLOW US ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@samoburja (Samo)@whatifalthist (Rudyard)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction to History 102's The Fall of Rome(00:14) Context and Theories(03:11) The Rise of Rome: From Village to Empire(24:52) The Huns' Invasion and Its Impact(40:06) Post-Roman Empire: The Birth of New Civilizations(48:04) Reflecting on Rome's Legacy and Modern Comparisons(52:02) Recommended Reading

6 Apr 202452min

In this episode Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the current state and future state of America, China, Russia, Ukraine, energy, the US dollar, AI, Peter Zeihan, Balaji Srinivasan, and more. This episode was recorded in 2023 for the Upstream podcast - before the two started Live Players. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.--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--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 erik@turpentine.co.--SPONSOR: HARMONIC | BRAVE🧲 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.Get first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to  https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.--LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/--Timestamps:(00:00) Episode preview(00:58) Who’s right: Balaji, Zeihan, or Olson?(05:00) Why China’s prospects aren’t as bad as Zeihan thinks(07:28) What have we learned one year out after Ukraine?(11:15) Future of The U.S. dollar(13:11) Sponsor: Turpentine | Brave(13:10) Balaji’s Bet(14:57) Future of America(19:20) Why Brazil hasn’t panned out(21:00) Is AI communist and crypto libertarian(26:53) Evolution of elites(31:04) Comparing Elon and SBF(33:29) Economics of automation and AI(37:23) How intellectual culture has changed(45:07) America and China converging(47:27) Startup cities vs incumbents(50:14) Bismarck Analysis(52:56) Samo’s upcoming research interests(55:04) Wrap

30 Mars 202454min

In this conversation, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Alibaba after Jack Ma's exit and analyze the Chinese Economy. With 1.3 billion users and $135 billion in revenue, Alibaba is like China's version of PayPal, Amazon, and Walmart combined. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.__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.__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 erik@turpentine.co.—SPONSOR: HARMONIC | BRAVE🧲 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.Get first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to  https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.—LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:28) What Happen to Alibaba after Jack Ma’s Departure(00:44) Alibaba: From Revolutionary to Incumbent(16:06) Sponsor: Brave | Turpentine(17:53) Jack Ma’s Influence(21:58) Who’s In Charge in China(25:39) Pushing Away Jack Ma(31:50) Losing the Economic Advantage(42:24) China’s Ambitions and Realities(47:56) Alibaba's Future(54:16) Wrap

21 Mars 202453min

In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss how China's technological advancements in space exploration and quantum technology could change things around the world. They cover China's active pursuit of these advancements, not just for economic reasons, but to enhance its global influence and power. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.__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 erik@turpentine.co.—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.—SPONSOR: HARMONIC | BRAVE🧲 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.Get first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to  https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.—LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:28) Diving Deep into China's Technological Ambitions(04:13) China's Space Endeavors: A Dual-Use Strategy(06:26) New Space Race: Commercial and Military Implications(10:49) Sponsor: Brave(12:34) Future of China's Space Exploration and Technological Advancements(28:35) Role of Private Sector in China's Space Industry(33:41) Evaluating China's Focus on Technological Innovation(46:01) Futuristic Governance and Technological Breakthroughs(50:50) Wrap__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 erik@turpentine.co.

13 Mars 202449min

In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive deep into how Xi Jinping is shaping China's society today and its place in the world. They discuss Xi’s firm hold on power, his connections with different political groups, and how his decisions are affecting China's economy, military, and politics. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learnmore: https://www.turpentine.co/ —SPONSOR: HARMONIC | BRAVE🧲 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.Get first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to  https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.—LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:30) China's Political Landscape(01:22) Xi Jinping's Power Base(10:35) Impact of Xi Jinping's Leadership(15:55) SPONSOR: BRAVE(16:56) Future of China Under Xi Jinping's Successor(30:22) Private Enterprise in China(36:06) Xi Jinping's Legacy and Future Challenges(50:24) Future of China's Scientific Inquiry(51:34) Wrap__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 erik@turpentine.co.

6 Mars 202451min

In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss tech stagnation, drawing from Peter Thiel and Tyler Cowen's theories on technological progress rates with energy consumption as a metric. They also delve into Y Combinator and Andreessen Horowitz's influence and potential futures amidst differing views on tech slowdown, and they touch on regulatory, cultural, and economic bottlenecks. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://www.turpentine.co/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: https://eriktorenberg.com/ —SPONSOR: HARMONIC | BRAVE🧲 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.Get first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to  https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.—LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:35) What is Tech Stagnation?(03:20) Exiting the Great Stagnation(06:23) The Future is Already Here (But Not Evenly Distributed)(08:19) Sponsor - Brave(09:20) How Tech Culture Has Stagnated(17:38) On Industrial Jargon(22:50) The Importance of Clear Language in Tech(24:08) Energy Consumption in Tech Progress(27:23) The Critique of Energy Consumption as a Measure of Progress(29:04) The Great Stagnation Debate(31:01) Bottlenecks of Stagnation(37:10) Y Combinator and the Software Slowdown(47:26) The Future of Tech: Applying Software to Manufacturing(48:54) 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 erik@turpentine.co.

28 Feb 202448min