In this episode of Upstream, we’re releasing an interview from 2021 with Marc Andreessen, Sriram Krishnan, and Aarthi Ramamurthy. They discuss the higher education system's inefficiencies, high costs and lack of competition, and explore innovative education models including cohort-based learning and unbundling education components. Marc shares personal anecdotes about his college experience and emphasizes the need for tech and internet-based educational models to educational models to evolve and meet global demand.

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

—

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:

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

🌐 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 https://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.

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(02:37) Erik on lifelong learning

(04:48) Challenges facing traditional higher education

(08:34) Marc Andreessen’s college experience

(12:31) Sponsors: Squad | Babbel | Brave

(16:20) Alternative education models

(18:57) MOOCs, Lambda and lifelong education

(25:52) Indian education system vs. US education system

(31:15) Wrap

In this episode of Upstream, we revisit a 2020 conversation with Erik Torenberg and Katherine Boyle exploring the intersection of religion and media in this tech-driven world. Katherine discusses her Washington Post article on how San Francisco's tech advancements have largely bypassed religious institutions. They explore the factors behind this gap, the emergence of digital faith, and the decline of traditional religious affiliations. Katherine also shares her insights on the media landscape discussing the challenges and opportunities in subscription-based journalism and the potential for startups in both media and religion. 

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

—

RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:

🎙️1 to 100 | Hypergrowth Companies Worth Joining

Every 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/70NOWtWDY995C8qDqojxGw

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1762756034

-

🎙️ 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.

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

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

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

—

SPONSORS:

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

🌐 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 https://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:

Silicon Valley has digitized everything but religion. Will that change? - https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/05/21/silicon-valley-has-digitized-everything-religion-will-that-change/

Pew Research Forum : https://www.pewresearch.org/

In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace - https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/ 

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:26) Katherine’s Article on the Washington Post About Religion and Technology

(02:47) The Decline of Religious Affiliation in the US and Europe

(04:27) Polarization and Secularization

(07:55) Media's Role in Polarization

(11:26) SPONSORS: Squad | Babbel

(14:12) The New York Times Controversy

(21:56) The Role of Independent Journalists

(23:41) The Fairness Doctrine and Media Fragmentation

(27:25) Subscription Models in Journalism

(32:11) The Evolution of Media

(35:10) SPONSOR: Brave

(45:59) Corporations and Political Stances

(49:32) Billionaires and Media Ownership

(51:34) Investing in Media and Religion Startups

(55:19) Wrap

Last week, Erik Torenberg sat down with Balaji Srinivasan to discuss the vibe shift to the right in Silicon Valley, particularly after the attempted assassination of President Trump. This episode originally aired in Moment of Zen. They discuss the rising tensions between tech counter-elites and political incumbents, and why tech is at odds with "America First". They explore tech's influence on politics, ideological shifts, and international dynamics affecting global economics and policies. Balaji also provides a critical analysis of movements like the January 6th riots and contemplates the future of democracy.

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

--

RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:

🎙️1 to 100 | Hypergrowth Companies Worth Joining

Every 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/70NOWtWDY995C8qDqojxGw

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1762756034

-

🎙️ 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.

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

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

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

—

SPONSORS:

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

🐝 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. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "UPSTREAM" 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 https://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.

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:29) The Rise of the Tech Counter Elite

(06:15) Global Influence and the Tech Center

(12:49) The Tech Counter Elite vs. Traditional Elites

(19:10) Democratic Party's Internal Struggles

(27:13) SPONSORS: Squad | beehiiv

(37:31) Conspiracy Theories and Political Divides

(39:19) SPONSORS: Babbel | Brave

(41:51) Meta Organisms and Human Coordination

(51:26) Media Manipulation and Political Narratives

(01:10:56) Economic and Political Shifts

(01:37:04) Economic Collapse and Future Predictions

(01:40:05) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This week on Upstream, we’re releasing a fascinating discussion with economist, professor, and bestselling author Tyler Cowen about how to find talented people. This was recorded in 2022 around the launch of his book 'Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Around the World' co-authored with Daniel Gross. Tyler and Erik discuss strategies for assessing raw talent, recognizing late bloomers, and fostering an environment conducive to high achievers. They also cover the importance of understanding founder compatibility, building strong peer groups, and the role of mentorship in talent development.

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

--

RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:

🎙️1 to 100 | Hypergrowth Companies Worth Joining

Every 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/70NOWtWDY995C8qDqojxGw

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1762756034

-

🎙️ 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.

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

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

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

–

SPONSORS:

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

🐝 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. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "UPSTREAM" 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 https://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:

Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Around the World - https://www.amazon.com/Talent-Identify-Energizers-Creatives-Winners/dp/1250275814

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro 

(02:07) The Genesis of Tyler Cowen's Book 'Talent'

(06:33) The Role of Peer Endorsement

(11:01) Super Fans and High Achievers

(13:19) Impact of Public Fame and Risk Aversion Among Young People 

(15:12) SPONSORS: Squad | beehiiv

(17:40) Choosing the Right Hierarchies

(20:12) Scaling Apprenticeships

(29:33) Commercial Break: Babbel Language Learning

(30:58) SPONSORS: Babbel | Brave

(31:57) Wishlist Topics for Future Research

(40:42) Organizing the World's Ambition

(47:56) The Future of Emergent Ventures

(51:14) Closing Thoughts and Future Projects

This week on Upstream, we're releasing a 2019 interview with David Gornoski and Erik Torenberg on the Village Global podcast, offering a deep dive into René Girard's Mimetic Theory, exploring its far-reaching societal impacts and surprising connections to ancient rituals and myths. They unpack the concept of mimetic desire and the profound influence of Christianity on society, exploring how the anthropological impact of Jesus could transform personal and socio-political conflicts. David also provides a unique perspective on the evolution of ancient sacrifices and mythologies, juxtaposing them with modern societal issues.

🔥 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/id1759267211

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A8NwQE976s32zdBbZw6bv

-

🎙️ 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.

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

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

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

–

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | BABBEL | SQUAD

🐝 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. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "UPSTREAM" 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 https://babbel.com/torenberg

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:51) René Girard and His Impact

(03:44) The Political Implications of Girard's Ideas

(06:39) Understanding Mimetic Desire

(13:54) SPONSORS: Babbel | Beehiiv

(16:32) Scapegoating in Society

(25:43) SPONSOR: Squad

(27:06) Modern Examples of Scapegoating

(43:01) The Inhumane System and Hidden Scapegoats

(44:26) The Power of Mercy-Driven Solutions

(45:57) Mimetic Rivalry and Political Power

(49:29) Challenging Groupthink in Science and Healthcare

(53:08) The Role of Jesus in Social Justice and Politics

(56:04) The Consequences of Sacrificial Politics

(01:08:39) Anthropology, Religion, and Future Technologies

(01:13:12) Wrap

In this week’s episode of Upstream, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss America's future. They cover the 2024 presidential race, the Chevron ruling from the Supreme Court, and the polarization of the education system. Noah and Erik also discuss where wokeness goes from here, and the potential outcomes of integrating more conservatives into the civil service through initiatives like Project 2025. Noah also debunks the deep state myth and discusses the real issues surrounding Biden's age, questioning the influence of "political handlers" and the reality of a "deep state." 🐝 Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.

🔥 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/id1759267211

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A8NwQE976s32zdBbZw6bv

-

🎙️ 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.

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

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

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

--

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | BABBEL | SQUAD

🐝 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. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "UPSTREAM" 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 https://babbel.com/torenberg

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

--

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Preview

(01:09) 4th of July Celebrations and Mailbag Questions

(01:51) Debate Reflections: Trump vs. Biden

(02:35) Biden's Age and Democratic Dilemma

(03:09) Kamala Harris: The Successor Debate

(04:12) Michelle Obama: A Potential Candidate?

(07:06) The Deep State: Myth or Reality?

(11:30) Bernie Sanders and the DNC

(13:58) Chevron Ruling and Its Implications

(19:10) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel

(22:44) Project 2025 and Civil Service Polarization

(30:34) Reflecting on the Floyd Protests

(31:57) The Impact of Trump's Presidency

(35:05) Sponsors: Squad 

(36:29) Debating the Administrative State

(38:31) Challenges in the Education System

(46:56) Redistribution and Class in America

(53:37) The Future of UBI and Cash Benefits

(57:51) Wrap

--

FOLLOW ON X:

https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)

https://twitter.com/Noahpinion (Noah)

https://twitter.com/Upstream__Pod (Upstream)

https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)

This week on Upstream, we’re airing an interview with evolutionary biologist Bret Weinstein from 2020, originally from the Village Global podcast. They discuss Weinstein's work on evolutionary trade-offs, the intersection of markets and moral progress, as well as future governance. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.

🔥 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/id1759267211

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A8NwQE976s32zdBbZw6bv

-

🎙️ 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.

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

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

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

-

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | BABBEL | SQUAD

🐝 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. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "UPSTREAM" 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 https://babbel.com/torenberg

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

--

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:27) Bret Weinstein's Background and Career

(04:37) The Concept of Trade-Offs in Evolution

(06:21) Implications of Evolutionary Trade-Offs

(10:03) The Fourth Frontier and Human History

(11:05) Understanding Evolutionary Rules and Their Broader Impact

(16:08) The Lek Paradox and Biological Puzzles

(18:52) Sponsor: Babbel | beehiiv

(23:41) Market Dynamics and Economic Trade-Offs

(32:40) Sponsor: Squad

(37:53) The Metaphor of Fitness Landscapes in Evolutionary Biology

(38:47) Civilization's Trade-offs and Sustainability

(39:37) The Concept of Game B

(41:56) Revolutionary Change Without Revolution

(44:03) The Role of Technology in Civilization

(45:44) Exploring Game B Examples

(47:39) Challenges and Opportunities for Game B

(50:30) Moral Progress

(57:00) Shamans vs. Priests and the Importance of Valley Crossing

(01:01:20) Human Adaptation and Evolution

(01:04:39) The Role of Jealousy and Evolutionary Instincts

(01:06:08) Debates with Prominent Thinkers

(01:11:42) Evolutionary Biology and the Future of Governance

(01:14:13) Wrap

--

FOLLOW ON X:

https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)

https://twitter.com/BretWeinstein (Bret)

https://twitter.com/Upstream__Pod (Upstream)

https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)

In this episode of Upstream, Erik Torenberg and Richard Hanania discuss the surprising support for Donald Trump within Silicon Valley, contrasting it with earlier elections. They also explore reasons behind this shift, such as anti-wokeness sentiments, dissatisfaction with left economic policies, and the Democrats' anti-tech stance. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.

The conversation also covers broader societal issues like the impact of religion, American Jews' political tendencies, and the strengths and weaknesses of America's socio-economic systems, and reflects on Elon Musk's political involvement and the rise of conspiratorial thinking in modern politics.

We’re publishing this conversation across Moment of Zen and Upstream since the themes are highly relevant to both shows.

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

--

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/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812

-

🎙️ 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.

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

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

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

--

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | BABBEL | SQUAD

🐝 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. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "UPSTREAM" 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 https://babbel.com/torenberg

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

--

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:19) Silicon Valley's Surprising Support for Trump

(01:20) Silicon Valley's Shift in Political Climate

(03:32) Richard's Political Evolution and Disillusionment

(04:27) Conservative and Liberal Ideologies

(09:03) Human Capital and Political Dynamics

(14:08) Sponsor: Squad | beehiiv | Babbel

(14:16) Religion's Role in Society

(35:25) Historical Context of Anti-Semitism

(36:12) Comparing Prejudices: Gypsies, Asians, and Religious Differences

(36:58) Rationalism vs. Conflict Theory

(38:00) The Role of Villainy in Political Narratives

(39:16) Conspiracies and Enlightenment Values

(41:30) The Impact of Conspiratorial Thinking

(49:43) Jewish Intellectual Influence

(52:09) DEI and Meritocracy in Silicon Valley

(53:56) America's Resilience and Future Challenges

(56:07) Immigration Policies: US vs. Europe

(1:01:44) Future of Political Parties Post-Biden and Trump

(1:07:27) Wrap

--

FOLLOW ON X:

https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)

https://twitter.com/RichardHanania (Richard)

https://twitter.com/Upstream__Pod (Upstream)

https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)

In 2019 Erik Torenberg sat down with Balaji Srinivasan and Glen Weyl to talk about the future of a decentralized world. They cover decentralized governance, politics, voting, and more. This conversation was recorded orginally for Village Global's Venture Stories.

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

--

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/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812

-

🎙️ 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.

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

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

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

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SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | BABBEL | SQUAD

🐝 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 "UPSTREAM" 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

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

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Listen to the 10X Capital Podcast: https://10xcapitalpodcast.com/

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:53) RadicalxChange

(02:20) Common ground and divergences

(05:19) Role of choice and community

(06:59) Voice vs. Exit

(10:06) Future of governance and identity

(16:52) Sponsor: Beehiiv | Babbel | Squad

(19:25) Complexity of social systems

(25:20) Social inequality and drug war

(39:40) Technocracy and its implications

(46:44) Economic models and social relations

(56:34) Changes on property law

(56:41) Quadratic voting and finance

(01:01:21) Limitations of technology in the next century

(01:04:19) Future of nation states and governance

(01:10:53) Technocrats, empires, and incentives

(01:15:07) Wrap

In 2020 Erik Torenberg sat down with Mike Solana, then VP at Founders Fund (now the Editor In Chief of Pirate Wires) to go deeper into his commitment to controversial ideas and freedom. He discusses the dynamics of America's culture wars, debating freedom vs. equality, the resurgence of Marxism, and the roots of anti-American sentiment. This conversation was recorded orginally for Village Global's Venture Stories.

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

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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/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812

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🎙️ 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.

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

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

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

--

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SQUAD

🐝 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 "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

--

FOLLOW ON X:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@micsolana (Mike)

@foundersfund

@TurpentineMedia

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:46) The Ethos of Founders Fund

(01:37) Mike's Journey to Founders Fund

(01:59) The Seasteading Institute and Anarcho-Capitalism

(03:19) Evolution of Founders Fund

(06:39) Hereticon: A Conference for Unorthodox Thinkers

(11:46) Anatomy of Next: A Vision for the Future

(13:42) Perception of Silicon Valley and Media

(16:10) Sponsor: Beehiiv | Squad

(18:44) Capitalism, Freedom, and Individualism

(26:00) Technology and Society

(33:39) A Journey Through Political Ideologies

(34:50) The Power of Belief and Free Market Capitalism

(36:06) Debating Nuclear Energy and Environmental Concerns

(39:22) Rebranding Longevity and the Death Meme

(40:43) The Future of AR, VR, and AI

(45:21) Exploring Space and the UFO Phenomenon

(50:13) Silicon Valley's Political Influence and Local Governance

(56:02) Envisioning a Post-Scarcity World

(58:25) The Culture of Trauma and Personal Responsibility

(1:01:22) The Culture War and Anti-American Sentiment

(1:09:10) Wrap