"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg

In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the dynamics of populism in politics. They analyze its strengths, limitations, and impact on institutions, governments, and political strategies, with a deep dive into historical and contemporary examples, including Trump, Brexit, and Orban's Hungary. For full show notes, visit: https://highlightai.com/share/d47475a8-fe9e-44a1-aa34-83e0621c8f6a 

—

📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 

—

SPONSOR:

📝Notion: Notion offers powerful workflow and automation templates, perfect for streamlining processes and laying the groundwork for AI-driven automation. With Notion AI, you can search across thousands of documents from various platforms, generating highly relevant analysis and content tailored just for you - try it for free at https://notion.com/upstreampod 

—

LINKS:

Bismark Analysis: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

—

X / TWITTER:

@samoburja

@eriktorenberg

@turpentinemedia

--

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss how Trump's victory signals a new alliance between right-wing politics and tech industry leaders like Elon Musk, while exploring the challenges and opportunities of reforming government institutions through technological innovation. For full show notes, visit: https://highlightai.com/share/c1bed565-e2a0-4a82-bb0b-6bd36b8d673d 

—

📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 

—

SPONSOR:

📝Notion: Notion offers powerful workflow and automation templates, perfect for streamlining processes and laying the groundwork for AI-driven automation. With Notion AI, you can search across thousands of documents from various platforms, generating highly relevant analysis and content tailored just for you - try it for free at https://notion.com/cognitiverevolution 

—

LINKS:

Bismark Analysis: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

—

X / TWITTER:

@samoburja

@eriktorenberg

@turpentinemedia

--

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

Today on Live Players, we’re releasing an interview from Steve Hsu on the Manifold Podcast with Samo Burja. They unravel the complexities of our world, discussing China's rise, Europe's future, and industrial shifts. This episode delves into unique research methods, journalism challenges, and the dynamic ecosystem of Silicon Valley. They explored urbanization impacts, labor shortages, and the evolution of cultural and political movements, and the strategic roles of industry giants, the potential for retired tech experts in science, and the crossroads where intellectual life meets venture capital.

—

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://www.turpentinenetwork.co/ 

—

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

--

SPONSORS:

Weights & Biases Weave is a lightweight AI developer toolkit designed to simplify your LLM app development. With Weave, you can trace and debug input, metadata and output with just 2 lines of code. Make real progress on your LLM development and visit the following link to get started with Weave today: https://wandb.me/cr 

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:

Bismark Analysis: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

Manifold Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3zuFjXkJWBhQeNWYTaCdEX?si=cfe3d9c5c4f94932 

—

FOLLOW ON X:

@hsu_steve

@samoburja

@eriktorenberg

@turpentinemedia

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(02:22) Discussion on Palladium Magazine

(11:56) Insights on Bismarck Analysis

(19:50) The role of technology and innovation

(20:43) Sponsors: Weights & Biases | Brave

(33:17) Effective altruism and rationalism

(49:53) Global technological collaboration

(50:29) China's strategic moves in tech

(51:34) US and South Korea's strategic options

(53:59) China's provincial strategies

(55:25) China vs. South Korea in various industries

(56:58) The Future of Europe and its challenges

(01:15:08) Urbanization and its impact on fertility

(01:27:15) Intellectual pursuits and modern challenges

(01:37:37) Wrap

This episode of Live Players centers on the alarming issue of declining fertility rates worldwide, examining specific country examples such as Japan, South Korea, and Turkey, and the societal and technological implications of these demographic changes. 

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg explore potential interventions, such as tax breaks for families, and the possibility of extreme measures like state-managed reproduction programs. They also tackle cultural and economic factors influencing fertility and the urgency of addressing this underpopulation crisis to prevent civilizational collapse. 

—

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://www.turpentinenetwork.co/ 

—

SPONSOR:

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:

Bismark Analysis: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

Who is Portugal For? by Vasco Queirós: https://www.palladiummag.com/2024/02/23/who-is-portugal-for/ 

The Long Now Foundation: https://longnow.org/ 

—

FOLLOW ON X:

@eriktorenberg

@samoburja

@turpentinemedia

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:29) Demographic challenges and fertility crisis

(02:07) Global fertility trends and anomalies

(07:50) The impact of modernity on fertility

(14:04) Future population projections and concerns

(16:52) Sponsor: Brave

(17:56) Life expectancy and healthspan

(22:42) Potential solutions and interventions

(31:17) The implications of declining fertility rates

(34:04) Urbanization and population shifts

(36:19) The future of industrial society

(38:57) AI and human extinction scenarios

(41:51) Cultural and political dynamics of fertility

(50:52) Innovative solutions to population decline

(58:33) The ethics of genetic engineering

(59:53) Wrap

In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the unique role of Palladium Magazine as a non-profit that promotes intellectual and cultural community-building. They highlight the magazine’s focus on 'governance futurism' and the importance of creating new and inspiring thought while remaining non-partisan. They also explore the concept of functional elites and the need to rejuvenate cultural and intellectual scenes, with specific examples from San Francisco's dynamic environment. They also cover the broader social and political implications of modern tech-centric culture and its potential future trajectories.

—

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://www.turpentinenetwork.co/ 

—

RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:

🎙️History 102 with WhatifAltHist

Every 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.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihm 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj

🎙️Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie

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/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812 

—

SPONSOR:

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:

Bismark Analysis: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

Palladium Magazine: https://www.palladiummag.com/ 

Quit Your Job: https://www.palladiummag.com/2022/01/06/quit-your-job/ 

—

FOLLOW ON X:

@eriktorenberg

@samoburja

@turpentinemedia

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:28) The vision behind Palladium Magazine

(00:45) Challenges and opportunities in intellectual projects

(01:46) The role of Palladium in modern discourse

(04:49) Governance futurism and technological change

(14:51) The importance of functional elites

(20:20) Reviving public discourse

(24:29) Intellectual Renaissance in San Francisco

(25:32) Silicon Valley's existential questions

(26:47) The rise of performance art in tech

(28:53) The cultural impact of social media influencers

(31:06) San Francisco's resurgence post-covid

(32:11) The new ethos of tech and housing

(37:59) The role of legacy institutions and succession

(41:44) The importance of writing for intellectual growth

(43:10) Encouraging young intellectuals

(45:41) Conclusion and future discussions

In today’s episode of Live Players, we’re featuring a discussion between Samo Burja, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg about the inherent differences between civilizations and their impact on history and politics. They explore the parallels and distinctions between ancient civilizations like Babylon and modern entities like Silicon Valley, the influence of Abrahamic religions, and how societal patterns challenge our current understanding. 

—

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://www.turpentinenetwork.co/ 

—

RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:

🎙️History 102 with WhatifAltHist

Every 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/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihm 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj 

🎙️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/this-wont-last-with-keith-rabois-kevin-ryan-logan/id1765665937

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast

🎙️Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie

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/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812 

—

SPONSOR:

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:

Bismark Analysis: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

Whatifalthist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/Whatifalthist 

—

FOLLOW ON X:

@eriktorenberg

@samoburja

@whatifalthist

@turpentinemedia

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:29) A deep dive into civilizational differences

(03:11) The influence of Abrahamic religions

(07:53) Classical vs. modern western civilization

(12:21) The rise and fall of civilizations

(16:59) Literacy and its impact on societies

(20:30) Sponsor: Brave

(26:20) Modern civilization and its roots

(40:41) The future of religion and technology

(52:21) Obscure civilizations and their impact

(57:05) Wrap

This week on Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg debate the merit and harms of globalization. They explore the implications of Peter Thiel's views on globalization potentially hindering innovation, and analyze the historical context and current impacts of globalization on innovation, trade, and political stability. They also discuss the resilience and adaptability of different economic policies, the role of regional industries, and the influence of technological advancements on global power dynamics.

—

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://www.turpentinenetwork.co/

—

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/this-wont-last-with-keith-rabois-kevin-ryan-logan/id1765665937

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast

🎙️Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie

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/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812 

—

SPONSOR:

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.

—

FOLLOW: 

Samo Burja:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samo-burja

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamoBurja 

Erik Torenberg:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriktorenberg/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg 

—

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

00:28 The debate on globalization

02:21 Economic impacts of globalization

09:01 Historical context of global trade

16:26 Political implications of globalization

22:07 Future of globalization and political centralization

27:33 Sponsor: Brave

28:40 Potential scenarios for World War III

34:46 The rise of network states

44:42 Populism and immigration policies

49:46 Wrap

In this episode of Live Players, we’re releasing a conversation between Nathan Labenz of the Cognitive Revolution Podcast and Samo Burja on the strategic dynamics of artificial intelligence through a geopolitical lens. They discuss AI's trajectory, the chip supply chain, US-China relations, and the challenges of AI safety and militarization. 

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://www.turpentinenetwork.co/ 

—

RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 

🎙️ 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/id1765665937

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast

—

SPONSOR:

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:

The Cognitive Revolution Website: https://www.cognitiverevolution.ai

Bismarck Analysis: https://www.bismarckanalysis.com/ 

Subscribe to the Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/ 

—

FOLLOW: 

Nathan Labenz:

Twitter (Podcast): https://twitter.com/cogrev_podcast 

Twitter (Nathan): https://twitter.com/labenz 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanlabenz/ 

Samo Burja:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samo-burja

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamoBurja 

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:11) The evolution and Impact of AI

(03:17) Scientific progress and AI

(09:41) The role of AI scientists

(11:57) Challenges in AI development

(18:24) Sponsor: Brave

(19:27) The economic impact of generative AI

(23:49) The Cambrian Explosion of different definitions of intelligence

(28:23) Strategic advice for national governments on AI

(37:05) US-China economic competition

(40:38) Other live players in the global AI landscape

(41:34) The rise of Indian and European AI giants

(44:51) The origins and implications of US-China AI Rivalry

(46:57) The chip ban and its consequences

(48:57) Strategies for US technological leadership

(50:07) The role of ideological diversity in AI development

(53:53) Avoiding the AI arms race

(57:45) The future of AI: weaponization vs. peaceful applications

(01:12:57) Open source and global coordination

(01:13:56) Generative AI in personal workflows

(01:17:33) Wrap

In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja are joined by Ben Landau-Taylor, a Senior Analyst at Bismarck Analysis. Ben recently published an article in Palladium Magazine about the pervasive problem of fraud in academia. They discussed how fraudulent activities, particularly in medical research, often go undetected due to flawed peer review processes and institutional protectionism. They explore key cases, and possible solutions, including external watchdogs, intellectual authorities and regulatory bodies in maintaining academic integrity.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

—

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ 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/id1765665937

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast

—

SPONSOR:

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:

The Academic Culture of Fraud: https://www.palladiummag.com/2024/08/02/the-academic-culture-of-fraud/ 

Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/ 

Bismarck Analysis: https://www.bismarckanalysis.com/ 

—

FOLLOW: 

Ben Landau-Taylor:

Website: https://www.benlandautaylor.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-landau-taylor-19a00056/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/benlandautaylor 

Samo Burja:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samo-burja

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamoBurja 

Erik Torrenberg:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriktorenberg/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg 

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:32) Ben’s article: "The Academic Culture of Fraud" in Palladium magazine

(03:36) Examples of fraudulent studies and researchers (Sylvain Lesné case)

(05:29) Incentives and cultural factors enabling fraud

(07:35) Historical context and modern academia

(10:46) Scientific fraud and its consequences

(12:48) Intellectual authority and legitimacy

(19:50) Sponsor: Brave

(26:49) External pressure on academia

(28:52) Role of journalism and other institutions in exposing academic fraud

(31:24) The need for external oversight in academia

(32:12) The complex relationship between the government and academia

(34:13) Proposals for scientific integrity

(39:56) Challenges in science and bureaucracy

(43:21) Nonprofit solutions for scientific fraud

(49:42) Venture capital and scientific integrity

(54:02) Overview of Bismarck Analysis and its work in strategic research & consulting

(56:54) Wrap

In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja explore why mass immigration may not solve Europe's economic woes.

They talk about cultural assimilation difficulties, political tensions, and potential long-term consequences for European societies.

---

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 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/id1765665937

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast

---

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 

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:

Subscribe to Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

---

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:39) Challenges of European Immigration

(00:41) Historical Context and Current Events

(01:26) Integration and Multiculturalism

(06:54) Labor Markets and Economic Impact

(21:44) Questioning Immigration as a Solution

(27:12) Sponsor: Babbel | Brave

(29:40) Proposed Solutions and Predictions

(41:38) Final Thoughts and Next Steps

(48:56) Conclusion