"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg

In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg talk about why Brazil hasn't lived up to its expectations as a global powerhouse. Despite having immense natural resources, a large population, and a favorable geographic position, Brazil's industrialization has been stymied by high crime rates, severe corruption, and political dysfunction. They dig into Brazil's missed opportunities for industrialization and modernization, comparing its circumstances with other countries like China, Japan, and those in Africa and Latin America.  ---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 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 SYSTEMSPatrick 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:🌐 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 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 monthsGet 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:The Roots of Brazil’s Long Stagnation - https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/the-roots-of-brazils-long-stagnationPopular social media network in Brazil - OrkutFOLLOW US ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@samoburja (Samo)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:28) Brazil: A Country of Untapped Potential(00:51) Historical Context and Geopolitical Fundamentals(03:36) The Need for Industrialization(04:29) Corruption and Political Dysfunction(09:48) The Impact of Aging Demographics(13:30) Imagining Alternative Histories for Brazil(17:12) SPONSORS: Babbel | beehiiv(26:16) The BRICS Illusion(27:35) The Future of Brazil's Government(28:17) Technocratic Possibilities and Challenges(29:40) Imitating Western Governments without Understanding Functionality(30:30) Comparing Brazil to Other Nations(31:50) SPONSOR: Brave(37:35) Lessons for Other Countries(37:47) Imitating Western Governments(49:28) Brazil's Potential as a Superpower(51:49) Comparing Brazil to Other LatAm Countries(54:12) The Bull and Bear Case for Brazil(56:44) Wrap

21 Juli 202453min

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 erik@turpentine.co.---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/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) Intro(00:28) China's Energy Strategy: Pursuit of Economic Growth over Energy Independence(01:53) The Potential of China's Domestic Oil Resources(05:14) China's Economic Priorities(05:59) China's Relationship with Iran and Russia(08:53) Why It’s Important for China to Achieve Resource Independence(12:27) Strategic Miscalculations and the Risk of Conflict with China(16:15) SPONSORS: Beehiiv | Babel(19:00) China's War Likelihood Perception (20:34) China's Military and Economic Strategy(25:56) Potential Conflicts in East Asia(28:52) The Role of Industrial Capacity in Modern Warfare(31:10) The United States' Strategic Dilemma with China(33:32) China's Military Preparations and Oil Resources(38:48) The Taiwan Conflict: Economic and Military Implications(48:20) Strategic Competition and the Future of Global Power(51:20) The Sustainability of a Bipolar World(55:13) Wrap

12 Juli 202452min

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the enduring influence of cities on human civilization, exploring their role as the longest-lived human institutions and their impact on social and political structures. They also examine the common criticisms of modern cities like San Francisco, their political landscape and the legacy of Democratic and Republican policies.🔥 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/0A8NwQE976s32zdBbZw6bv--SPONSORS:🌐 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--LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/The City Makes the Civilization: https://www.palladiummag.com/2024/05/31/the-city-makes-the-civilization/--FOLLOW US ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@samoburja (Samo)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:30) Enduring nature of cities (04:27) Misunderstandings about modern cities(06:33) Political dynamics in urban areas(13:50) Sponsor: Babbel(15:17) Charter cities and network states(23:12) Digital and physical interplay of cities(27:07) Future of urban development(36:59) Overhaul in government staffing(39:39) Refounding on industrial civilization(47:19) Wrap

14 Juni 202447min

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg talk about the decline of Boeing. They discuss Boeing's recent troubles, including fatal crashes and maintenance problems, and how these issues reflect broader concerns about U.S. industrial and military capabilities. The conversation also covers the impact of globalization on Boeing's manufacturing processes, competition with Airbus and emerging Chinese aerospace companies, and the need for innovation and industrial discipline. This detailed analysis provides valuable insights into the challenges and future prospects of the U.S. aerospace sector. Please note there is a small error at the beginning of the discussion when Samo mixed up the 737 Max with 787 Dreamliner, but Samo's original analysis of the 737 Max crash is correct in his Bismarck Brief upon which this episode is based - check it out https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/the-decay-of-boeing🔥 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/0A8NwQE976s32zdBbZw6bv--SPONSORS: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 months--LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/The Decay of Boeing:https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/the-decay-of-boeing--FOLLOW US ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@samoburja (Samo)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(00:40) The Boeing 737 Crashes(03:09) Boeing's Market Position and Risks(18:10) Sponsors: Beehiiv(20:18) Boeing's Future(24:19) US Aerospace Decline(30:36) Lessons from Airbus(43:31) Bismarck Brief on the Decay of Boeing(47:05) Wrap

7 Juni 202445min

In this episode of 'Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the intricate dynamics of Mexican drug cartels and their impact on both Mexico's political and economic landscape. The discussion delves deep into how drug revenues sustain elites, non-state actors, and insurgencies worldwide — with notable examples from the Taliban to Chechen rebels. They also discuss the potential threats posed by Mexico's porous border to U.S. national security, the global demand for drugs, the implications of drug legalization in first world countries, and the potential geopolitical shifts involving China and the U.S.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj---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. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months---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---LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/“Mexico’s Drug Cartels Are Not Competitors to the State” https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/mexicos-drug-cartels-are-not-competitors---FOLLOW US ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@samoburja (Samo)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:29) The Mexican Cartels: A Deep Dive(01:09) Global Implications of Drug Revenues(04:45) Cartels vs. Government: A Complex Relationship(07:58) The Future of Mexican Cartels(11:25) US-Mexico Relations and Drug Policy(18:30) Sponsor: Beehiiv(19:41) Industrialization and Economic Diversification(28:45) Historical and Global Comparisons(34:25) Conclusion and Final Thoughts(41:44) Outro and Sponsor Messages

30 Maj 202441min

Today we're publishing a talk Samo Burja gave to The Stoa in 2020 all about how to find and advance uncrystallized fields of knowledge. In this discussion, Samo critiques current academia for its inefficiencies and proposes supporting new intellectual endeavors with proper economic and social incentives. The discussion covers the potential for new academic structures, the role of social scenes in fostering innovation, and the need for a genuine pursuit of knowledge versus mere intelligence signaling. At the end, Samo answers questions from the audience to go deeper into the themes of the talk.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqjRECOMMENDED 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--LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/--FOLLOW US ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@samoburja (Samo)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:29) Samo's Insightful Talk on Finding the Frontier of Knowledge(01:11) Navigating the Landscape of Knowledge and Institutions(03:20) The Role of Crackpots in Advancing Knowledge(05:11) Practical Steps Towards Identifying and Advancing in Your Field(07:20) Evaluating Institutions and Communities for Knowledge Advancement(11:40) Interactive Q&A: Connecting Knowledge Frontiers with Live Players(15:00) Debating the Viability of Competing with Current Academia(20:30) The Role of Super Connectors in Knowledge Domains(24:42) Live Players' Paths to Acquiring Knowledge(28:39) Exploring the Intersection of Science and Spirituality(29:29) Reviving Scenes and Cultural Renaissance(32:26) The Potential of Intellectual and Cultural Frontiers(34:32) Scenius, Knowledge Synthesis, and the Future of Intellectual Communities(38:46) Navigating the Meta Crisis Through Games and Biology(41:43) Rethinking Knowledge Production and Distribution(52:31) Envisioning a New Model for Intellectual Excellence(54:32) Final Reflections on Intellectual Authority and Responsibility(56:29) Wrap

25 Maj 202456min

In this episode of Live Players, Rudyard Lynch (@whatifalthist on YouTube) interviews Samo Burja and covers a range of topics including why Samo left academia, the current state of education, the impact of bureaucratization and managerial ideology on society, and the state of democracy and legislation in modern Western societies. This conversation was taped in 2023.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqjRECOMMENDED 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: BEEHIIV | HARMONICHead 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🧲 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.---LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/Rudyard's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatifAltHist---FOLLOW US ON X:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@samoburja (Samo)@whatifalthist (Rudyard)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(01:30) Diving Deep with Samo Burja: A Journey from Physics to Geopolitics(04:14) Exploring the Bureaucratization of Society and Its Impacts(06:00) The Multifaceted Minds of the Past(11:40) Decline of Creativity and Cultural Depth(13:45) Zero-Sum Game of Academia and Its Societal Consequences(15:57) Competing Visions for the West(18:56) Sponsors: Beehiiv | Harmonic(28:09) Rethinking Education and Embracing Functional Institutions(32:08) Exploring Human Nature and Decision Making(32:59) The Evolution of Socialism and the Impact of Redefining Terms(34:02) Challenging the Education System and Advocating for Intellectual Diversity(35:37) Historical Knowledge and Its Relevance Today(37:49) The Role of Intellectuals and Politicians in Shaping Society(41:06) Innovative Ideas for Political and Social Reform(57:24) Addressing the Crisis of Confidence in Future Societies(58:50) Envisioning a Path Forward: Calls for Action and Reflection(1:02:57) Wrap

6 Maj 20241h 1min

This episode features Erik and Samo's 2nd-ever interview for the Venture Stories podcast, an in-depth discussion of geopolitics, statecraft, and the study of society. It was recorded in 2019. They cover: how might cryptocurrencies increase centralized state power? What do our economic analyses miss when they do not look inside the inner workings of companies? How do media companies drive news narratives?​​Also discussed: Democracy, capitalism, and the Hong Kong protests. ​​Silicon Valley’s startup culture as it contrasts with corporate culture as descended from IBM. ​​Free trade, domestic protectionism, and subsidy of foreign exports as trade strategies for developing nations: lessons from Japan, South Korea, and pre-1980s Iran. Kissinger’s approach to geopolitics. Gorbachev and Deng Xiaoping, and Marxism’s legacy. ​​​The political future of the European Union and the economic future of the Indian Ocean. Systems of immigration in France, Canada, the U.S., and Japan. ​Predictions for meaning-making in the modern era.---SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | HARMONICHead 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🧲 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(00:50) Exploring Alternatives to Democracy and the Rise of CEO-Driven Countries(02:03) The Complexities of Government Transparency and Military Interventions(02:57) Analyzing Authoritarian Elements in Societies and the Hong Kong Protests(07:25) Sponsor: Beehiiv | Harmonic(09:35) The Influence of Economic Growth and Technology on Global Politics(13:37) Silicon Valley vs. Corporate America: A Battle of Cultures(15:01) The Future of Media: Silicon Valley's Integration with East Coast Media(28:04) Navigating the Complexities of Progress and Environmental Sustainability(35:21) Lessons from Historical Civilizations to Avoid Modern Decline(39:06) The Evolution of Whistleblowers and Heterodoxy(39:57) Reforming Societies: Historical Insights(40:51) Marx's Legacy and Predictions for the Future(43:28) China's Rising Influence and Global Shifts(45:43) Europe's Political Stability and Economic Challenges(48:44) The Future of Globalization and Regional Blocks(51:59) Decentralization, Blockchain, and State Power(55:09) Sovereign Individuals and Legal Jurisdictions(58:26) Immigration Policies and Cultural Integration(1:02:27) Globalization vs. Localization: Future Scenarios(1:06:11) Addressing Global Challenges: Climate Change and AI(1:09:54) Religion's Role in the Future(1:14:45) Wrap

28 Apr 20241h 12min