show episodes
 
Investor and writer of the popular newsletter The Diff, Byrne Hobart, and co-host Erik Torenberg discuss today’s major inflection points in technology, business, and markets – and help listeners build a diversified portfolio of trends and ideas for the future. Topics covered: Finance, Venture Capital, Tech, AI, Crypto, and Industry Cycles The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
  continue reading
 
Rudyard Lynch, creator of the enormously popular YouTube channel WhatifAltHist joins Erik Torenberg every week to offer a deeper understanding of critical moments in history. Together they identify patterns in order to predict the future and understand the dynamics that result in civilizations rising and falling. On this season we'll cover WW1, WW2, Classical Greece, Medieval Islam, the rise of Communism, and more. History 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turp ...
  continue reading
 
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 Join host Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg as they analyze the mindsets of today's most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You'll come away with ...
  continue reading
 
Artwork

1
"In The Arena"

Jesse Genet, Erik Torenberg

Unsubscribe
Unsubscribe
Monthly
 
In The Arena is where entrepreneurs and leaders share stories of the biggest crises of their careers and lives – and how they made it through. Host (and founder herself) Jesse Genet goes beyond the headlines to interview leaders about the most challenging moments they've ever faced – from total business collapse, to public scandals, even being sentenced to prison. Along with special guest co-hosts, In The Arena revisits the crucible experiences and reveals what it was actually like in the ro ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg talk about why Brazil hasn't lived up to its expectations as a global powerhouse. Despite having immense natural resources, a large population, and a favorable geographic position, Brazil's industrialization has been stymied by high crime rates, severe corruption, and political dysfunction. They dig in…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg talk about the story of the Byzantine Empire, Rome's eastern successor, and how it thrived while the West crumbled. They also discuss on the Byzantine Empire's constant battles against invaders and how it defied expectations to survive for a millennium. Why is th…
  continue reading
 
On this week’s episode of The Riff, Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg discuss how the 2024 presidential election has changed, why Wikipedia’s partisanship problem is difficult to solve, and the strategy behind Amazon’s media business. 🔥Apply to join over 400 founders and execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj --…
  continue reading
 
In today’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the nomination of JD Vance as Vice President, Trump's political strategies, and the potential geopolitical shifts with a focus on China. The conversation also covers Biden's policy continuity and the role of tech leaders in shaping political directions. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 Founders and …
  continue reading
 
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss China's energy strategy and its broader geopolitical implications. Contrary to popular belief, China is not aggressively pursuing energy independence but remains reliant on imports despite significant domestic oil production. The conversation delves into China's geopolitical strategy, its milit…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg explore the surprising origins of Christianity. From a carpenter's son's teachings to its unexpected rise to global dominance, discover how this religion, appealing to the marginalized, provided a sense of community and purpose in a brutal world. Learn how this r…
  continue reading
 
This week, Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg dive deep into David Graeber's controversial concept of 'Bullshit Jobs,' exploring its validity and impact. They also discuss the future of labor and employment in the era of AI, the intricate dynamics of globalization, and the complexities of corporate governance. 🔥Apply to join over 400 founders and exec…
  continue reading
 
This week on ECON 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the Republican Party platform and its focus on economic issues. They also cover the influence of Trump-era policies, the evolving stance on immigration policies, cost reduction on education, housing and healthcare - and what Noah would do if he was the enlightened despot in charge of the …
  continue reading
 
In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg discuss the history of the Muslim slave trade, a forgotten tragedy that predates and rivals the Atlantic slave trade in both scale and brutality. Dive into the complex dynamics and enduring impact of this dark chapter in African history, and explore the Muslim an…
  continue reading
 
On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss the evolution of monetary systems, the economics of AI investments, and how AI is impacting the job market for junior software developers. 🔥Apply to join over 400 founders and execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj --- SPONSORS: BABBEL: 🌐 Ready to achi…
  continue reading
 
This week on Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg celebrate America by discussing its future. They explore the 2024 presidential outlook, 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 i…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg dive deep into the Axial Age, a transformative time that birthed new philosophies and religions. Uncover the surprising link between the invention of coinage, explore the decline of traditional religions, and discover the reasons why people sought new spiritual p…
  continue reading
 
This week, Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg discuss a lesser-known Chamath Palihapitiya story, the index rebalancing trade as a postmodern part of finance, AI labs, crypto, and more. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months. Byrne Hobart is hiring an associate! Check out the JD here: https://www.the…
  continue reading
 
In today’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg answer listener questions on intriguing topics from politics to personal relationships. They analyze Donald Trump, discuss Chomsky's influence on foreign policy, explore the economics of dating markets, and discuss Noah's theory 'why sex leads to love'. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg talk about the brutal cost of communist ideology, from mass killings to cultural destruction, and the psychological motivations driving its appeal. From Marx to Mao, explore the rise, fall, and enduring legacy of communism, its impact on history, and its surprisi…
  continue reading
 
This week, writer Byrne Hobart and investor Erik Torenberg discuss the economics of conferences and cities, rise of meme stocks, future of coding in the age of AI and more. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplo…
  continue reading
 
In today’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg dive into some listener questions on economics and macroeconomics issues. They discuss the Federal Reserve's strategy on interest rates, the complexities of macroeconomic prediction, the evolution of industrial policy, and pick the best economists of all time. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and E…
  continue reading
 
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the enduring influence of cities on human civilization, exploring their role as the longest-lived human institutions and their impact on social and political structures. They also examine the common criticisms of modern cities like San Francisco, their political landscape and the legacy of Democratic and Republ…
  continue reading
 
This episode of History 102 explores the fascinating rise of Islam, its Golden Age, and its decline, unpacking the cultural, political, and economic factors that shaped this pivotal period in history. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lyn…
  continue reading
 
On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss populist cycles, why billionaires buy media companies, how to invest if you think AGI is coming soon, and more. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogx…
  continue reading
 
Today Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg answer more listener questions covering the surge of support for the hard right in European elections, the impact of immigration in Europe and the US, the future of Social Security, the stability of banks, and the best and worst taxes in the US. They also dive into the negative impact of China conquering Taiwan a…
  continue reading
 
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg talk about the decline of Boeing. They discuss Boeing's recent troubles, including fatal crashes and maintenance problems, and how these issues reflect broader concerns about U.S. industrial and military capabilities. The conversation also covers the impact of globalization on Boeing's manufacturing processes, competit…
  continue reading
 
This episode of History 102 explores the European Middle Ages, its misunderstood aspects, technological and social advancements, and critical events. WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg discover how the seemingly "dark" medieval era set the stage for the scientific revolution, the age of exploration, and the rise of modern Europe…
  continue reading
 
On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss Elon Musk's and Yann Lecun's Tweets, what we can learn from Google's API decumentation leaks, how Apple is planning on improving Siri, and more. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Tu…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg are joined by Kyla Scanlon, creator, writer, analyst, and author of new book “In this Economy?" They discuss the vibecession, the housing crisis, leader fatigue, and the impact of the economy on political polarization and the age of austerity. The conversation also covers the impact of Trump's economic…
  continue reading
 
This episode of History 102 delves deeply into the ancient history of China, from its foundation around 2000 BC to the fall of the Han Dynasty around 200 AD. WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg also explore the rise and fall of the Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties, uncovering the political and social forces that shaped ancient…
  continue reading
 
On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne talk about xAI's fundraising round, Vivek Ramaswamy's investment in BuzzFeed, and the dynamics of using ads to monetize AI. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmp…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of 'Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the intricate dynamics of Mexican drug cartels and their impact on both Mexico's political and economic landscape. The discussion delves deep into how drug revenues sustain elites, non-state actors, and insurgencies worldwide — with notable examples from the Taliban to Chechen …
  continue reading
 
Today Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the recent angry posts on X from David Austin Walsh, a history postdoc at Yale, and what this controversy says about the social and economic trends of the elite in the US. They also cover the the rise of right-wing muckrakers, discuss what the conservative movement needs now, and who they consider the sma…
  continue reading
 
Today we're publishing a talk Samo Burja gave to The Stoa in 2020 all about how to find and advance uncrystallized fields of knowledge. In this discussion, Samo critiques current academia for its inefficiencies and proposes supporting new intellectual endeavors with proper economic and social incentives. The discussion covers the potential for new …
  continue reading
 
On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne talk about meme stocks, the nature of reserve currencies, and why you should consider not owning a home in America. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y…
  continue reading
 
In today’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg respond to pressing questions on US inflation, the possibility of the US becoming a petro-state, global trade dynamics in the context of geopolitical shifts, the potential impacts of de-dollarization, and the sustainability of defense strategies. They also cover the impact of recent wars, and discus…
  continue reading
 
This episode of History 102 dives into ancient India, exploring its rich civilizations, philosophical divergences from the West, and the profound influence of the caste system on its society. WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg also debunk myths and explore the real impact of the caste system, Hindu nationalism, and the arrival o…
  continue reading
 
On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne talk about Amazon’s potential to buy a passenger airline, hidden economic gains, equities, and more. beehiiv: Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/t…
  continue reading
 
In this week’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore various aspects of Joe Biden’s presidency to evaluate a case for reelecting Biden, focusing on economic policy shifts, spending concerns, inflation, and industrial policy. They also emphasize the historical and current political dynamics between the U.S. and China, exploring tariffs, tra…
  continue reading
 
This episode of History 102 features a follow up analysis of World War II focused on Japan, China, and the events located in the Pacific. WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg discuss the build-up to the Pacific War, the geopolitical backdrop of Japan's militaristic expansion, and the cultural psyche that fueled its aggressive acti…
  continue reading
 
This week on Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the pros and cons of Biden's tax plan based on Noah's recent essay. They also answered listener questions on the German economy's success, Japan's government debt management, and strategies for staying well-informed on economic issues. Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns Each episode …
  continue reading
 
On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne talk about how to apply Costco's business model in other industries, the risky business of Martingale strategies, usage as a potential barrier to AI model development, and more. Get Harmonic: Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo. --- This sh…
  continue reading
 
This episode of History 102 features a comprehensive analysis of World War II. WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg discuss the build-up to the war, including the aftermath of World War I and the conditions in Europe that led to the rise of Hitler. Recommendations for further reading on the subject are provided, enhancing understa…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of Live Players, Rudyard Lynch (@whatifalthist on YouTube) interviews Samo Burja and covers a range of topics including why Samo left academia, the current state of education, the impact of bureaucratization and managerial ideology on society, and the state of democracy and legislation in modern Western societies. This conversation …
  continue reading
 
On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss AI & education, Stripe's shift towards unbundling, and the possibility of 24 hour markets. Get Harmonic: Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo. --- This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, cov…
  continue reading
 
In today's episode of Econ 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg tackle more listener questions: the Fed's impact on inflation and the economy, theories behind interest rates' unexpected effects, and 'greedflation'. The discussion also extends to shifts in Japan's economic policies amid currency valuation concerns, housing price disparities between th…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of History 102, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into critical historical moments and patterns, focusing on the Spanish Empire's unique and often overlooked role in shaping the modern world. This episode challenges common historical narratives by examining Spain's extractive policies, and the consequences of its colonization e…
  continue reading
 
This episode features Erik and Samo's 2nd-ever interview for the Venture Stories podcast, an in-depth discussion of geopolitics, statecraft, and the study of society. It was recorded in 2019. They cover: how might cryptocurrencies increase centralized state power? What do our economic analyses miss when they do not look inside the inner workings of…
  continue reading
 
On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss income sharing agreements, the privacy/security/usability efficient frontier, and how Meta ended up with all their GPUs. Get Harmonic: Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo. --- This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcas…
  continue reading
 
In today's episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg answer listeners' questions in rapid fire format, over topics such as the global reserve currency, fair taxation, wealth redistribution, education reform, healthcare, US manufacturing, how to revitalize cities, and more. Thanks to all our listeners who continue to write in with big meaty questions! …
  continue reading
 
In this episode of History 102, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg explore the rise of Rome, from its origins as a small settlement in Central Italy to becoming a dominant force in the known world, drawing parallels between historical events and modern-day societal patterns. They discuss themes of decadence, social cohesion, and the cyclical nature o…
  continue reading
 
On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss the acquisition landscape, how to write great business memos, and why it's hard to monetize a successful ChatGPT wrapper. Get Harmonic: Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo. --- This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podca…
  continue reading
 
This week Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss India as a live player. They cover: India's demographics and the barriers it faces towards industrialization and wealth. --- 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…
  continue reading
 
In this week’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg tackle more listeners' questions focused on conflicts and war. They cover various defense strategies, emphasizing the urgency of revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base to prepare for potential conflicts. They discuss the differences between authoritarian and democratic powers, highlightin…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide