Don't Worry About the Vase Podcast Monthly Roundup #38: January 2026
Jan 16, 2026
Dive into California's wealth tax proposal and the exodus of founders leaving the state. Uncover the alarming rise in rideshare insurance costs and workplace harassment issues. Explore creative funding opportunities like the Inkhaven residency. Learn about the ethics of foreign interventions and the privacy risks of new U.S. social media entry requirements. Discover insights on burnout triggers and solutions, plus a look at how swearing can boost physical endurance. Wrap up with thoughts on the changing dynamics of success in fame and sports analytics!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Wealth Tax Risks Tech Exodus
- California's proposed wealth tax would tax unrealized and illiquid startup equity, creating massive incentives for billionaires to leave the state.
- Zvi argues this threatens California's tech ecosystem and exemplifies why ballot propositions should end.
Prosecution Threats Undermine Fed
- Attempts to prosecute Jerome Powell look like political retaliation that threatens Fed independence.
- Zvi emphasizes this is Donald Trump trying to destroy institutional checks by trumping up charges.
Avoid Harmful Interest Caps
- Don't cap credit card rates at 10% because banks will restrict access and consumers will use costlier alternatives.
- Focus on reducing the primary deficit and monitor debt-to-GDP and interest versus nominal growth.
