"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg

"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg

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"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg episodes

  • China vs US: Space and Frontier Technologies

    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 [email protected].

    —

    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=18377c69a2804333

    Listen 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 [email protected].


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    50 min
  • Xi Jinping's Legacy and China's Succession

    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. Learn

    more: 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 [email protected].


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    52 min
  • Tech Stagnation and What's Holding Us Back

    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) 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 [email protected].


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min
  • Putin & Tucker, Russia, Ukraine and Poland

    In this episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin, the history behind the Russia-Ukraine war and the media’s war propaganda machine. They also cover Poland's role within Europe, its political economy and emergence as a high-income nation, and nuclear weapons. 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/

    -

    RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 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

    -

    RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 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

    —

    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) Introduction to Live Players

    (00:29) Putin's Perspective and Strategy

    (06:37) Putin's Historical and Cultural Arguments

    (16:23) Putin's Future Plans and Potential Outcomes

    (23:33) Sponsor: Brave

    (24:33) Poland's Political Economy Transformation

    (30:39) Political Economy of Poland: Success or Failure?

    (32:22) The Impact of Catholicism on Polish Nationalism

    (34:08) Poland's Economic Growth and Immigration Policies

    (35:20) The Decline of Catholicism and Cultural Convergence in Poland

    (35:41) Poland's Political Economy and the Future of its Society

    (37:53) Poland's Role within Europe and its Political Alliances

    (42:01) Poland's Economic Inequality and its Impact on Society

    (49:55) Poland's Energy Challenge and Potential Nuclear Weapons Development

    (54:21) Poland's Future: Staying in NATO but Leaving the European Union

    (55:39) The Propaganda Challenge Faced by Countries like Russia and Israel

    __


    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].


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    59 min
  • A Deep Dive on Big Pharma and Ozempic

    In this episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and big pharma's dysfunction despite its enormous economic power, incentives behind scientific breakthroughs and the potential for improvement and changing the FDA's approval processes. 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/

    —

    RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 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

    —

    New podcast: Thesis Driven Leader Series - Brad Hargreaves interviews the leading voices at the intersection of real estate, cities, innovation and technology.

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thesis-driven-leader-series/id1724813949

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HY9OJ7WvoDzPaodgaHw6A

    Substack: https://www.thesisdriven.com/podcast

    —

    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

    (00:28) Discussion on AstraZeneca and Pharmaceutical Innovation

    (00:41) The Economic Giant: Pharmaceutical Industry

    (01:20) AstraZeneca's Market Capitalization and COVID-19 Vaccines

    (02:13) Strategies of Modern Pharmaceutical Giants

    (04:08) The Exception to the Industry: Novo Nordisk

    (06:31) Disconnects Between Profitability and Innovation

    (08:41) Market Failure in Pharmaceutical Industry

    (08:50) The Role of Patent System in Pharmaceutical Industry

    (15:17) The Need for Scientifically Minded Founders

    (30:34) Sponsor: Brave

    (31:34) The Role of FDA in Pharmaceutical Industry

    (39:16) The Impact of Managerial Approach on Pharmaceutical Industry

    (41:59) The Potential Impact of a Beauty Boom


    --

    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].


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min
  • Africa’s Geopolitics: Governance, Corruption and Global Influence

    In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Africa as the potential "next China," its corrupt governments, and Botswana's leadership example. They also touch on the Indian Ocean's geopolitical significance, what it means for the global Islamist movements and migration trends towards China, and the need for strong local governance to avoid pitfalls like civil war and kleptocracy. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.


    Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://www.turpentine.co/

    -

    RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 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

    -

    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/.

    —

    SPONSORS: HARMONIC | SHOPIFY

    🧲 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.


    Shopify 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://www.shopify.com/momentofzen

    —

    LINKS:

    Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

    —

    TIMESTAMPS

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:25) What's happened in Africa over the past 20 years

    (05:26) Nigeria and Ethiopia without the civil war.

    (08:30) Make the new states of Africa become wealthy

    (10:00) Botswana as an example of a well-run presidential democracy

    (12:40) Diamond mining in Botswana and partnership with De Beers

    (15:20) Nigeria's Economic growth

    (22:24) Sponsor - Shopify

    (23:59) Bullish case for Africa rests more on the development projects of Ethiopia

    (35:44) Africa's importance in the broader geopolitical struggle among great powers

    (41:10) Lessons from South Africa's deep history

    (49:05) On countries becoming decolonized and independent and becoming sustainable

    (54:11) Challenges faced by the regions of Africa

    (56:28) 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 [email protected].


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    56 min
  • How to Make America’s Government More Efficient

    Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss US government spending, regulation, and the importance of strategic restructuring for improved efficiency. They cover the reasons why DARPA is a model for enhanced focus and efficiency in government teams, and discuss ways the US can address challenges like education and healthcare spending. They also touch on the feasibility and potential drawbacks of implementing UBI amidst concerns about political power dynamics and economic sustainability. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.

    ---

    RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 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

    ---

    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/

    ---

    SPONSORS: HARMONIC | SHOPIFY

    🧲 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.:


    Shopify 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://www.shopify.com/momentofzen

    ---

    LINKS:

    Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

    ---

    TIMESTAMPS

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:28) Deep Dive into DARPA

    (03:27) The Impact of DARPA on the Economy

    (06:02) The Future of DARPA and its Influence

    (10:43) The Effectiveness of Term Limits

    (12:19) The Autonomy and Flexibility of DARPA

    (23:41) Sponsor: Shopify

    (25:16) The Power and Limitations of the President

    (28:47) The Potential for Government Efficiency

    (32:57) Tackling Healthcare and Education Challenges

    (48:10) The Impact of Regulatory Capture

    (51:47) Closing Thoughts on Government Efficiency


    --

    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].


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    52 min
  • China's Elite vs America's Elite

    In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss China as America’s mirror, how the prestige of American universities is waning while Chinese students are increasingly choosing to study within China, the role of gender in political divergence and what Chinese “woke” looks like, and how China’s leadership is shifting to academia from businessmen. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.

    Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

    --

    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

    ---

    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: www.eriktorenberg.com

    ---

    SPONSORS: HARMONIC | SHOPIFY

    🧲 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.


    SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period

    Shopify 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/momentofzen

    —

    LINKS:

    Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

    The Growing Power of China’s Elite Universities: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/the-growing-power-of-chinas-elite

    —

    TIMESTAMPS:

    (00:00:00) - Intro

    (00:02:53) - Academia during The Cultural Revolution

    (00:08:36) - China’s “woke”

    (00:11:15) - How Xi wants China to not fail in the same way the Soviets did

    (00:15:00) - Rise of student activism in the US

    (00:17:02) - The translation of regional/ethnic inequalities into ideological ones

    (00:20:54) - The political ideological paradox generates an opportunity to organize young people

    (00:26:28) - Chinese feminism

    (00:32:51) - Sponsor: Shopify

    (00:36:21) - Materialist focused education in China vs legal focused education in US

    (00:41:53) - Will American universities have as much power in the next 10 years as they do now?

    (00:45:00) - What positive and negative changes will China see in the near future?

    (00:48:30) - 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 [email protected].


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    52 min
  • Dynasties, Meritocracies, and Succession

    On this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the key aspects of succession for the Sulzberger family of the NYTimes, Samsung Lee family, and Sweden’s Wallenberg family. They debate the values of dynastic succession and touch on modern examples like Botswana. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.


    Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

    ---

    RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 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

    ---

    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: www.eriktorenberg.com.

    ---

    SPONSORS: HARMONIC | SHOPIFY

    🧲 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.


    SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period

    Shopify 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/momentofzen

    —

    LINKS:

    Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

    —

    TIMESTAMPS:

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:29) Dynasties and Succession

    (00:54) The Succession Problem and its Implications

    (01:31) The Decay of Merit-Based Systems

    (04:40) The Power of Familial Associations

    (05:26) The Influence of Dynasties in Everyday Contexts

    (06:00) The Transfer of Informal Aspects of Power

    (07:15) The Role of Marriage in Transferring Personal Reputation

    (07:45) The Influence of Parental Success on Children

    (12:16) The Dynasty behind The New York Times

    (21:00) Case study: Bostwana

    (26:35) Sponsor: Shopify

    (28:08) The Lee family behind Samsung

    (35:27) The Wallenberg Family in Sweden


    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].


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min
  • Singapore's Rise to Prosperity: The City-State Strategy

    In this episode of Live Players, Sam Burja and Erik Torenberg delve into an analysis of Singapore's post-colonial rise to power as a city state, how city states are more oriented towards prosperity than other kinds of states, and the transferable strategies of Singapore to other regions. They also discuss ways that Singapore can be diplomatically active in US-China relations, Singapore's succession problems, and their draconian approach to law enforcement. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.


    Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

    -

    RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 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

    ---

    SPONSORS: HARMONIC | SHOPIFY

    🧲 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.


    SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period

    Shopify 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/momentofzen


    ---

    LINKS:

    Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

    ---

    TIMESTAMPS:

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:25) Singapore and how it achieved full prosperity after being a post-colonial state in the 20th century

    (04:50) Understanding the era of Singapore's ascent

    (11:31) The forks in the road to Singapore's prosperity

    (19:40) Singapore's awareness of their demographic problems and their aging society

    (21:33) Sponsor: Shopify

    (23:21) On Singapore's draconian approach to law enforcement and the economics of wasting space

    (28:48) What can the world copy from Singapore's strategies?

    (35:10) On Singapore food self-sufficiency (and the promotion of insect food)

    (37:56) How should Singapore respond to de-globalization

    (45:44) Samo's thoughts on Singapore in 2024 as a culturally East Asian country

    (49:59) Succession problems and keeping the family legacy

    (52:39) 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 [email protected].


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    51 min

About "Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg

From the publisher's feed

See the world through the eyes of society's greatest rule-breakers. The "Live Players" podcast charts the key individuals shaping our future from first principles across multiple domains: business, politics, philanthropy, and broadcasting from the digital town square