MTS

Jolie Gann, independent writer and science communicator behind Distressed Scientist, walks through hantavirus history and biology. She contrasts its rodent-to-human spread with respiratory viruses. Short sentences highlight the cruise ship cluster, why specific mutations would be needed for airborne spread, and how decades of data shape pandemic risk assessments.

Brendan Dolan Gavitt, security and AI researcher and co-founder of Expo, applies AI to find and exploit software flaws. He discusses how Mythos and LLMs accelerate vulnerability discovery. The conversation traces disclosure norms from the Morris Worm to responsible disclosure. They explore how AI shifts the offense-defense balance and what defenders can do next.

Frederik Hjelm, founder/CEO who built VOI and now runs Pit, a startup automating enterprise workflows with LLMs. Robin Hanson, economist and GMU professor known for prediction markets and cultural evolution research. They cover Pit’s launch and contract automation. They discuss cultural drift, fertility and institutional design. They debate AI matchmaking, prediction markets for relationships, and pandemic tracking ideas.

Nico Laqua joins MTS to discuss building Corgi as a full-stack insurance carrier, raising capital to navigate heavy regulation, and launching coverage for AI liability. He explains why insurance is the biggest words-based industry and how LLMs unlock new opportunities in underwriting and risk pooling.--https://x.com/nico_laqua--MTS is a live news and interview show covering technology, business, politics, and culture as it happens.Follow MTS: X | ⁠https://twitter.com/MTSlive⁠YouTube | ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mtsituation⁠Spotify | ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4HUNNmV1pjV7CW6Lphm1rM⁠ Apple | ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mts/id1891088763⁠ Substack | ⁠https://mtslive.substack.com/⁠Interested in sponsoring the show? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sponsors@mts.now⁠⁠--Brought to you by:Granola - The AI notepad. Try it once and never go back. https://granola.ai/mtsKong - The AI connectivity platform. Connect APIs, LLMs, agents, and systems with serious security and governance. https://konghq.comBlitzy - Autonomous software development for enterprise codebases. Ship 5x faster. https://blitzy.comMerge - OpenAI, Dropbox, and Ramp use Merge to get AI to production faster. https://merge.dev/mtsAdQuick - Make your brand a billboard. Out-of-home advertising as easy to scale as digital. https://adquick.comMacroscope - AI codebase understanding for engineering leaders. https://macroscope.com/mts--Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(04:12) Gaming to Insurance(11:00) Decision to Become a Carrier(17:31) Series B and TCV(20:11) Growth vs Underwriting in Insurance28:07) AI Coverage and Risk Pooling--Note: This podcast is not investment, legal, or tax advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Hosts and guests may hold positions in the companies and securities discussed; do your own research before acting on anything you hear.

Gerrit De Vynck, Washington Post AI reporter known for deep coverage of major AI companies and legal fights. He walks through the Musk v. Altman conflict and its origins. He examines discovery documents and private messages that reshaped the story. He explores Anthropic’s scramble for GPUs, including a deal involving SpaceX capacity.

Garrett DeVink, Washington Post AI reporter who covered the Musk v. Altman trial, shares dramatic courtroom revelations and discovery details. Niko Pashakis, insurance tech founder building Corgi as a regulated carrier, discusses fundraising and AI underwriting. Danny Werfel, former IRS commissioner, explores applying AI to tax administration and policy risks. They unpack trial evidence, DeepSeek funding, carrier strategy, and AI in government systems.

WallStreetBets Representative, an active WSB contributor who speaks for retail traders, breaks down GameStop’s eBay acquisition bid and why Ryan Cohen’s playbook matters. They talk options volume, short-term price swings, Michael Burry’s exit, and the community’s current vibe. They also contrast AI-driven growth with oil shock risks and flag market irrationality signals.

Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify and long-time company executive, discusses Shopify's strong Q1 and the company’s hundred-year vision. He talks product strategy like Sidekick AI and merchant solutions built from scale. Conversation covers GMV growth, rapid merchant success stories, and Canada’s tech culture and role modeling.

Dean Ball, AI policy expert and former government official, on proposed pre-release reviews for frontier AI and workable evaluation regimes. Harley Finkelstein, Shopify president, on Q1 results, the 100-year company mindset, and merchant-focused AI Sidekick. Jeff Morris Jr., founder of Chapter One and ex-Tinder operator, on treating venture as a product and the flight to quality in software.

Victor Cardenas, founder and CEO of Slash, who scaled a fintech using AI-driven operations. He talks about using agentic AI to automate back-office work. He describes an AI ‘company brain’ that links data and tools. He predicts tiny teams can build massive revenue businesses and foresees AI creating waves of new entrepreneurs and wealth.