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
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the dynamics of populism in politics. They analyze its strengths, limitations, and impact on institutions, governments, and political strategies, with a deep dive into historical and contemporary examples, including Trump, Brexit, and Orban's Hungary. For full show notes, visit:…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss how Trump's victory signals a new alliance between right-wing politics and tech industry leaders like Elon Musk, while exploring the challenges and opportunities of reforming government institutions through technological innovation. For full show notes, visit: https://highlighta…
…
continue reading
1
Urbanization, Technology, and Global Shifts
1:42:00
1:42:00
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
1:42:00
Today on Live Players, we’re releasing an interview from Steve Hsu on the Manifold Podcast with Samo Burja. They unravel the complexities of our world, discussing China's rise, Europe's future, and industrial shifts. This episode delves into unique research methods, journalism challenges, and the dynamic ecosystem of Silicon Valley. They explored u…
…
continue reading
1
The Possibility of Human Extinction
1:05:07
1:05:07
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
1:05:07
This episode of Live Players centers on the alarming issue of declining fertility rates worldwide, examining specific country examples such as Japan, South Korea, and Turkey, and the societal and technological implications of these demographic changes. Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg explore potential interventions, such as tax breaks for families, a…
…
continue reading
1
Palladium, Intellectual Culture, and Silicon Valley
51:30
51:30
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
51:30
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the unique role of Palladium Magazine as a non-profit that promotes intellectual and cultural community-building. They highlight the magazine’s focus on 'governance futurism' and the importance of creating new and inspiring thought while remaining non-partisan. They also explore…
…
continue reading
In today’s episode of Live Players, we’re featuring a discussion between Samo Burja, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg about the inherent differences between civilizations and their impact on history and politics. They explore the parallels and distinctions between ancient civilizations like Babylon and modern entities like Silicon Valley, the influ…
…
continue reading
This week on Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg debate the merit and harms of globalization. They explore the implications of Peter Thiel's views on globalization potentially hindering innovation, and analyze the historical context and current impacts of globalization on innovation, trade, and political stability. They also discuss the res…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Live Players, we’re releasing a conversation between Nathan Labenz of the Cognitive Revolution Podcast and Samo Burja on the strategic dynamics of artificial intelligence through a geopolitical lens. They discuss AI's trajectory, the chip supply chain, US-China relations, and the challenges of AI safety and militarization. 🔥 Appl…
…
continue reading
1
Fraud in Academia with Ben Landau-Taylor
1:02:16
1:02:16
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
1:02:16
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja are joined by Ben Landau-Taylor, a Senior Analyst at Bismarck Analysis. Ben recently published an article in Palladium Magazine about the pervasive problem of fraud in academia. They discussed how fraudulent activities, particularly in medical research, often go undetected due to flawed…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja explore why mass immigration may not solve Europe's economic woes. They talk about cultural assimilation difficulties, political tensions, and potential long-term consequences for European societies. --- This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, …
…
continue reading
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja dive deep into the complex transformation of Eastern Europe since the fall of communism. They discuss the region's economic evolution from small business-driven economies to potential tech hubs, examine how countries like Poland balance traditional values with Western influences, and an…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja dive deep into the European Union. They examine the bloc's historical foundation centered on peace and economic prosperity, contrasting its ambitious goals with its current realities. They discuss EU's challenges, including a fragmented digital market, inconsistencies in labor and defen…
…
continue reading
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja tackle the pressing challenges for the next U.S. president, focusing on bureaucratic inefficiencies and the need for reform. They discuss foreign policy, including managing relations with China, reassessing military strategies, and fostering economic alliances. They also address the ine…
…
continue reading
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, 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
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
1
The Turbulence of Boeing: Decline and Future Prospects
49:23
49:23
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
49:23
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
1
Live Players Analysis: Drug Cartels in Mexico
44:29
44:29
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
44:29
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
1
How to Find the Frontiers of Knowledge, Samo Burja for The Stoa
56:59
56:59
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
56:59
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
1
Academia's Impact on Society | Rudyard Lynch Interviews Samo Burja
1:03:26
1:03:26
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
1:03:26
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
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
1
What India Should Do to Secure Its Future as a Global Superpower
1:02:24
1:02:24
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
1:02:24
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
1
What Causes Institutions to Flourish?
1:05:52
1:05:52
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
1:05:52
This is a special re-airing of an episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg taped for Venture Stories (Village Global's podcast) in 2019 . Their conversation covers the following: the distinction between invention vs. adoption of technology. What a truly egalitarian society might like, and whether such a society can exist. How individuals’ personal the…
…
continue reading
Today we're dropping a special episode of History 102 with Rudyard Lynch (@Whatifalthist on YouTube). Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into the critical moments and competing narratives of the fall of the Roman Empire. They compare the classical Greeks and Romans, identify key Roman figures and outsiders who impacted the course of history, an…
…
continue reading
In this episode Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the current state and future state of America, China, Russia, Ukraine, energy, the US dollar, AI, Peter Zeihan, Balaji Srinivasan, and more. This episode was recorded in 2023 for the Upstream podcast - before the two started Live Players. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” wh…
…
continue reading
1
Alibaba After Jack Ma & China's Economy in 2024
55:51
55:51
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
55:51
In this conversation, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Alibaba after Jack Ma's exit and analyze the Chinese Economy. With 1.3 billion users and $135 billion in revenue, Alibaba is like China's version of PayPal, Amazon, and Walmart combined. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first…
…
continue reading
1
China vs US: Space and Frontier Technologies
53:23
53:23
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
53:23
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/ an…
…
continue reading
1
Xi Jinping's Legacy and China's Succession
55:09
55:09
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
55:09
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…
…
continue reading
1
Tech Stagnation and What's Holding Us Back
52:11
52:11
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
52:11
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 regula…
…
continue reading
1
Putin & Tucker, Russia, Ukraine and Poland
1:02:41
1:02:41
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
1:02:41
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/ an…
…
continue reading
1
A Deep Dive on Big Pharma and Ozempic
46:04
46:04
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
46:04
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% di…
…
continue reading
1
Africa’s Geopolitics: Governance, Corruption and Global Influence
59:06
59:06
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
59:06
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 avoi…
…
continue reading
1
How to Make America’s Government More Efficient
56:44
56:44
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
56:44
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 …
…
continue reading
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 businessm…
…
continue reading
1
Dynasties, Meritocracies, and Succession
49:51
49:51
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
49:51
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:…
…
continue reading
1
Singapore's Rise to Prosperity: The City-State Strategy
55:02
55:02
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
55:02
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 a…
…
continue reading
1
Decoding Japan's Future: Global Power Landscape and Geopolitics
1:02:21
1:02:21
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
1:02:21
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg delve into an analysis of Japan's multidimensional identity as a highly homogeneous ethno state, an economic powerhouse, and as a hub for innovation in tech & AI. They also cover its aging population, nuanced military stance, and nuclear ambitions. If you need an ecommerce platform, che…
…
continue reading
On this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the way we misunderstand or skew history. They cover the Bronze Age, Europe's Decline, Russia/Ukraine conflict, and more. 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 Tu…
…
continue reading
1
Why Our Civilization Could Fail and What To Do About It
1:01:02
1:01:02
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
1:01:02
On today's episode of Live Players, Samo Burja, shares his theory of long history, suggesting complex societies in human history is much older than traditionally assumed. He and Erik Torenberg discuss the implications of understanding ancient societies in the broader context of human behavior, power structures, China, the US, and A.I. existential r…
…
continue reading
1
What We Can Learn From Henry Kissinger
58:26
58:26
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
58:26
On today's episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the legacy of Henry Kissinger. They define Kissinger's unique brand of international relations and evaluate his career through the lens of the current culture wars. Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co --- Check out Erik's new …
…
continue reading
1
On Nuclear Weapons, e/acc, and Global Energy Supply
1:00:57
1:00:57
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
1:00:57
On today's episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive into all things nuclear. They cover the historical role of coal and oil in shaping global conflicts, the inevitability of nuclear proliferation, and the challenges of scaling nuclear energy. They also discuss the inevitability of nuclear weapons and Samo proposes a strategy to m…
…
continue reading
1
Live Players: Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, George Soros
57:40
57:40
التشغيل لاحقا
التشغيل لاحقا
قوائم
إعجاب
احب
57:40
In the inaugural episode of the Live Players podcast, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive deep into the concept of a 'live player', a term coined by Samo. He explains a 'live player' as a person who steps away from societal norms, improvises and thinks from first principles, much like successful individuals such as Arnold Schwarzenegger. He emphasiz…
…
continue reading