On this episode of The Ben & Marc Show, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz sit down with Erik Torenberg— General Partner at a16z and founder of the media company Turpentine—to unpack how the internet shattered the old media order and reshaped the way power works in America.

What begins as a look at the evolution of media quickly becomes something bigger: a conversation about truth, trust, and the collapse of institutional authority. They explore how social media became both an x-ray and an engine, why authenticity now beats polish, and how the rules of politics, and journalism, have permanently changed.

Together, they break down:

• Why 2017 marked a structural break between tech and the press
• The tension between objectivity, activism, and “speaking truth to power”
• Why podcasters. not pundits, are setting the agenda
• How the barbell strategy is reshaping media: short-form virality meets long-form depth

With stops at Watergate, the rise of Rogan, the fall of legacy gatekeepers, and the media playbooks behind Obama, Trump, and the Kardashians—this episode explores how we got here, what’s next, and what it means for founders, voters, and anyone trying to build (or tell) a story.

Timecodes: 

00:00 Introduction

00:40 The Evolution of Media: From Centralization to Disruption

02:33 The Internet’s Impact on Legacy Media

09:32 Activism in the Modern Tech Press

12:30 The Rise and Fall of Institutional Trust

15:07 Recognizing the Shift in Legacy Media

20:51 Journalism: Objectivity vs. Activism

25:08 Martin Gurri and the Collapse of Authority

28:30 The Trump Era and the Media Paradigm Shift

32:23 Decentralization: From Talk Radio to Social Media

37:04 Is Social Media an Engine or a Camera?

43:50 Ben’s Early Perspective on Media and Politics

49:49 Trump as a Bridge Between Legacy and Social Media

55:44 Media Training vs. Unfiltered Authenticity

57:57 Reality TV, Professional Wrestling, and the New Playbook

1:01:04 Drama, Partisanship, and the Age of Personality

1:03:13 How Cable News Became 24/7 Entertainment

1:09:27 The UFC’s Early Struggles for Media Access

1:14:44 The Barbell Effect: Short Clips vs. Long-Form Podcasts

1:29:30 The Tools of Subversion When Out of Power 

1:32:00 Media Strategy for Founders

1:37:16 The Power of Going Direct: Founders, Brands, and Audiences

Listen to Us!

Apple: https://bit.ly/3SdsfNt

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3SclPOr

Resources: 

Marc on X:  https://x.com/pmarca   

Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/

Ben on X: https://x.com/bhorowitz  

Erik on X: https://x.com/eriktorenberg

Erik's Substack: https://eriktorenberg.substack.com/

Stay Updated: 

Find us on X: https://x.com/a16z

 Find us on LinkedIn:  / a16z  

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any investment or financial product. Turpentine is an acquisition of a16z Holdings, L.L.C., and is not a bank, investment adviser, or broker-dealer. Individuals and companies featured during this podcast are not endorsing AH Capital or any of its affiliates (including, but not limited to, a16z Perennial Management L.P.). Any investments or portfolio companies mentioned, referred to, or described in this podcast are not representative of all a16z investments and there can be no assurance that the investments will be profitable or that other investments made in the future will have similar characteristics or results. A list of investments made by a16z is available at https://a16z.com/investment-list/.  All  investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance.  Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals.  Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but a16z does not guarantee its accuracy.

On this episode of The Ben & Marc Show, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz sit down with Adam Neumann—founder of WeWork and now, Flow—to unpack one of the most unlikely comeback stories in tech.

What began as a personal reckoning after a very public fall has become a bold new vision for how we live and belong. Flow isn’t just a real estate company—it’s an operating system for community, built on first-principles software, design, and soul. 

Joined by a16z General Partner Erik Torenberg, the group goes deep on: 

- Why Adam’s childhood shaped his obsession with community 

- Adam’s fall from WeWork—and how he found a new path to redemption 

- How Flow is re-architecting real estate from scratch 

- Why loneliness is the greatest design challenge of our time 

With reflections on dyslexia, the American dream, and the thin line between failure and greatness, this is a candid and wide-ranging conversation about redemption, vision, and building something that matters in this world. We hope you enjoy this deeply human conversation about the future of living. 

Timecodes 

00:00 Introduction 

00:51 Adam's Early Life and Family Background 

07:56 Military Service and Discipline 

10:08 Transition to the US and Education 

14:43 Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 

17:49 The Concept of Flow and Vision 

20:28 Meeting and Partnership Formation 

25:22 Overcoming Challenges and Resilience 

28:30 The Isolation Phenomenon 

30:03 Navigating Post-Crisis Relationships 

31:50 Real Estate Strategies During COVID 

33:47 The Genesis of a New Venture 

36:47 Lessons from WeWork 

38:49 Building Flow: The Vision 

41:44 The Importance of Alignment 

51:23 Technological Innovations in Real Estate 

55:44 Revolutionizing Real Estate Software and Flexible Living Solutions 

56:28 Challenges and Innovations in Multifamily Housing Rental Markets 

58:40 Global Housing Crisis and Solutions 

01:06:10 Expanding to Saudi Arabia 

01:08:49 Success in Saudi Arabia 

01:12:43 Real Estate Funds and Future Plans 

01:19:10: Why Is This an Opportunity? 

01:20:45 Impact of COVID on Living and Working 

01:26:14 Future Potential of Housing and Living 

Resources: 

Read Marc's blog post about Flow: https://a16z.com/announcement/flow/

Marc on X: https://x.com/pmarca 

Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/ 

Ben on X: https://x.com/bhorowitz 

Erik on X: https://x.com/eriktorenberg 

Erik's Substack: https://eriktorenberg.substack.com/ 

Stay Updated: 

Find us on X: https://x.com/a16z 

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z 

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any investment or financial product. Any investments or portfolio companies mentioned, referred to, or described in this podcast are not representative of all a16z investments and there can be no assurance that the investments will be profitable or that other investments made in the future will have similar characteristics or results. A list of investments made by a16z is available at https://a16z.com/investment-list/. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but a16z does not guarantee its accuracy.

On this episode of "The Ben & Marc Show", a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz sit down with legendary music producer and bestselling author Rick Rubin to explore the origin of his unexpected new creation: "The Way of Code"

Blending ancient philosophy and modern AI, The Way of Code reimagines the 3,000-year-old Tao Te Ching for the age of artificial intelligence, software, and “vibe coding.” What began as a viral tweet quickly evolved into a creative manifesto—part book, part tool, part spiritual operating system for the future.

Joined by a16z General Partners Anjney Midha and Erik Torenberg, the group dives deep into: 

- How Rick became a meme for Vibe Coding —and then quickly wrote "The Way of Code" 

- Why AI is just another artistic tool - Remix culture, creativity, and collective consciousness 

- Why great founders and artists need to stay true to themselves 

With shout outs to punk rock, the collective unconscious, and Johnny Cash’s famed acoustic sessions, this conversation is a sprawling, soul-searching journey across music, philosophy, tech, and truth. We hope you enjoy this deeply personal and surprisingly practical conversation on how to live—and create—in the age of AI.

The Way of Code: https://www.thewayofcode.com/

Resources: 

Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca 

Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/

Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz 

Erik on X: https://x.com/eriktorenberg 

Erik's Substack: https://eriktorenberg.substack.com/

Stay Updated: 

Find us on X: https://twitter.com/a16z 

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z 

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any investment or financial product.  Any investments or portfolio companies mentioned, referred to, or described in this podcast are not representative of all a16z investments and there can be no assurance that the investments will be profitable or that other investments made in the future will have similar characteristics or results. A list of investments made by a16z is available at https://a16z.com/investment-list/. All  investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but a16z does not guarantee its accuracy.

On this special live episode of The Ben & Marc Show, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz take the stage for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on the evolution—and future—of Andreessen Horowitz.

Recorded live at a16z’s LP Summit in Las Vegas, Marc and Ben unpack how the firm grew from a disruptive newcomer into one of the most ambitious and adaptive forces in VC. They share how a16z broke from industry orthodoxy to build a firm designed to scale with innovation itself—powered by structural agility, a platform model, and a long-term commitment to transformational founders.

Moderated by a16z General Partner Erik Torenberg, this live chat dives deep into the firm’s internal culture, its speed of decision-making, and the philosophy that underpins every strategic move—from launching into crypto and AI to reshaping the role of media and memes in tech.

Together, they explore:

- How a16z restructured to lead across multiple emerging markets

- The importance of the firm's cultural enforcement

- What it means to build a generational firm

- Why narrative control is more vital than ever in the age of social media

Enjoy this behind-the-scenes story of how a16z became the leading VC firm -- and what comes next!

Resources: 

Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca 

Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/

Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz 

Erik on X: https://x.com/eriktorenberg 

Erik's Substack: https://eriktorenberg.substack.com/

Stay Updated: 

Find us on X: https://twitter.com/a16z 

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z 

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any investment or financial product. Any investments or portfolio companies mentioned, referred to, or described in this podcast are not representative of all a16z investments and there can be no assurance that the investments will be profitable or that other investments made in the future will have similar characteristics or results. A list of investments made by a16z is available at https://a16z.com/investment-list/. All  investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but a16z does not guarantee its accuracy.

On this episode of The Ben & Marc Show, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz dive deep into the unfiltered story behind the founding of Andreessen Horowitz—and how they set out to reinvent venture capital itself. 

For the first time, Marc and Ben walk through the origins, strategy, and philosophy behind building a world-class venture capital firm designed for the future—not just the next fund. They reveal how they broke industry norms with a bold brand, a full-stack support model, and a long-term commitment to backing exceptional builders—anchored in the radical idea that founders deserved real support, not just checks. 

Joining them to guide the conversation is Erik Torenberg—Andreessen Horowitz’s newest General Partner—who makes his Ben & Marc Show moderating debut. Erik is a technology entrepreneur, investor, and founder of the media company Turpentine. You can learn more about Erik via Marc’s announcement [here]. 

Together, they explore: 

- Why traditional VC needed reinvention 

- How a16z scaled with a platform model, not a partner model 

- The "barbell strategy" reshaping venture capital today 

- Why venture remains a human craft, even in the age of AI 

We’re thrilled to welcome Erik to the team—and we hope you enjoy this inside look at the structure, philosophy, and future of a16z.

Resources: 

Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca 

Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/

Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz 

Erik on X: https://x.com/eriktorenberg 

Erik's Substack: https://eriktorenberg.substack.com/

Stay Updated: 

Find us on X: https://twitter.com/a16z 

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z 

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any investment or financial product.Turpentine is an acquisition of a16z Holdings, L.L.C., and is not a bank, investment adviser, or broker-dealer. Individuals and companies featured during this podcast are not endorsing AH Capital or any of its affiliates (including, but not limited to, a16z Perennial Management L.P.). Any investments or portfolio companies mentioned, referred to, or described in this podcast are not representative of all a16z investments and there can be no assurance that the investments will be profitable or that other investments made in the future will have similar characteristics or results. A list of investments made by a16z is available at https://a16z.com/investment-list/. All  investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results and the opinions presented cannot be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but a16z does not guarantee its accuracy.

In this special episode, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz sit down with Chief Mike Gennaro and Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) to discuss how their organization is using advanced technology to become the safest city in America. 

In a wide-randing conversation, Chief Gennaro and Sheriff McMahill share how their department is tackling modern policing challenges -- from crime prevention to building trust in the community -- in new ways. They also explain how new technology, such as drones and automatic license plate recognition, has helped their team to reduce crime, improve efficiency, and strengthen relationships with residents. 

The discussion also covers efforts to break the cycle of recidivism, address addiction and mental health issues, and the innovative "Hope for Prisoners" program that helps former offenders rebuild their lives in productive ways. This episode offers a unique look at how LVMPD is using data and technology to transform policing and public safety, and fast becoming the blueprint for effective and community focused policing in America. Enjoy! 

Watch the FULL episode: https://youtu.be/vNW6p98SFsw

Learn more about our Guests: 

Sheriff Kevin McMahill: https://www.lvmpd.com/about/office-of-the-sheriff/sheriff-kevin-mcmahill 

Chief of Staff Mike Gennaro: https://www.lvmpd.com/about/chief-of-staff-mike-gennaro 

Hope for Prisoners program: https://hopeforprisoners.org/

Resources: 

Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca 

Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/ 

Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz 

Stay Updated: 

Find us on X: https://twitter.com/a16z 

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z 

The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds. PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: https://a16z.com/disclosures/
 

In this special post-election episode, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz reflect on Trump's dramatic political victory and its potential impact on the tech industry—particularly in AI, crypto, and defense.

They also discuss their new involvement in politics, the importance of bipartisan support and the rightful role of regulation, and how the new Trump administration offers a fresh outlook for innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s time to build!

Enjoy!

Watch the FULL episode:  https://youtu.be/g4jWb-0nj44

*Read Marc and Ben's “The Little Tech Agenda”:  https://a16z.com/the-little-tech-agenda/ 

Article mentioned on this episode:

“The Problem With Everything-Bagel Liberalism” by Ezra Klein https://nyti.ms/4etBFfl

Resources: 

Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca 

Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/ 

Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz 

Stay Updated: 

Find us on X: https://twitter.com/a16z 

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z 

The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds. PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: https://a16z.com/disclosures/

In this episode, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz dive into the latest AI policy updates, emphasizing the need for informed debate on AI’s risks and benefits, and the policies needed for AI startups to thrive and collaborate. This conversation follows a16z's recent joint statement with Microsoft’s Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella and Brad Smith, Vice-Chair and President: https://a16z.com/ai-for-startups/

Ben and Marc also discuss the geopolitical implications of U.S. tech policies, the growing internal conflicts within the AI safety community regarding censorship, and the challenges of regulating powerful tech companies while ensuring entrepreneurial freedom for Little Tech. It's time to find common ground. 

Enjoy!

Watch the Full Video: https://youtu.be/hookUj3vkE4

Truth Terminal’s Andy Ayrey 1st podcast appearance (on blocmates.): https://bit.ly/4hvJYKf 

Book mentioned on this episode: “Superintelligence” by Nick Bostrum https://amzn.to/3Ch94wj 

Resources: 

Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/ 

Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz 

Stay Updated: 

Find us on X: https://twitter.com/a16z 

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z 

The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds. PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: https://a16z.com/disclosures/

In this episode, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz explore the intensifying competition between the U.S. and China in artificial intelligence and robotics, assessing the U.S.'s strengths in software development while raising concerns about China’s growing dominance in hardware (particularly in drone technology). 

Marc and Ben present a "nightmare scenario" where Chinese drones could pose significant risks within the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for strong domestic manufacturing capabilities. They also examine China’s rapid ascent in the automotive sector, citing Xiaomi as a key example. 

Additionally, the two discuss the critical importance of addressing supply chain vulnerabilities to bolster U.S. competitiveness and underscore the necessity for a renewed focus on robotics and embodied AI in light of these challenges. Enjoy!

Watch the full Video: https://youtu.be/1_ZB7O_9hlQ?si=W1CNvVUs37JxHDso

Resources: 

Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca

Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/

Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz

Stay Updated: 

Find us on X: https://twitter.com/a16z

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z

The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds. PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: https://a16z.com/disclosures/

In this episode, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz explore the fascinating intersection of AI and crypto, highlighting the rise of Truth Terminal (@truth_terminal), an autonomous chatbot developed by AI researcher Andy Ayrey. With its own X account, Truth Terminal generates original and often hilarious content independently. 

Marc's interaction with the bot recently took a surprising turn when he decided to grant it $50,000 in Bitcoin. This funding sparked Truth Terminal’s ambition to launch its own token, eventually leading to the creation of the meme coin “GOAT” by an anonymous developer. “GOAT” recently skyrocketed to a $300m valuation. 

Join Ben and Marc as they discuss how this still unfolding story reflects the potential for community-driven systems and its implications for the future of digital assets. Enjoy!

Watch the FULL episode:  https://youtu.be/EKspo1FLj-4

Resources: 

Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca

Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/

Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz

Stay Updated: 

Find us on X: https://twitter.com/a16z

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z

The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds. PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: https://a16z.com/disclosures/