Robin Hanson, economist, author ,and futurist, sits down with Erik Torenberg to discuss Robin’s ideas about status, truth, and the obstacles for innovation. Upstream is proudly sponsored by Vanta. Get $1000 off Vanta with https://www.vanta.com/upstream

Upstream is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

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SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | MERCURY | VANTA

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Shopify: https://shopify.com/torenberg for a $1/month trial period

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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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(05:38) How Robin developed his theory of the Sacred

(09:07)The Sacred binds people together

(17:17) Elites 

(19:00) Sponsors: Mercury | Vanta

(37:20) Gossip networks

(38:00) Sponsor: NetSuite

(39:13) Proposal to fix academia

(45:37) Falsehoods

(01:05:12) Double agents in our minds

(01:08:36) What is cringe?

(01:12:31) Therapy

(01:17:02) How falling fertility will affect innovation

(01:23:49) Social change strategies for reviving fertility rates

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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].

Producer: Natalie Toren

Editor: Graham Bessellieu

For inquiries about guests or sponsoring the podcast, please email [email protected]