"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg
Turpentine
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 a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more.
If you want more than soundbites and sensationalism, this podcast delivers reasoned reflections on the live players who renew and transform civilization, whether we ask them to or not.
Topics frequently covered: Business titans, political players, and philanthropists like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, George Soros, Donald Trump, and more with the power to remake industries, policies, borders, or societal norms.
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 a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more.
If you want more than soundbites and sensationalism, this podcast delivers reasoned reflections on the live players who renew and transform civilization, whether we ask them to or not.
Topics frequently covered: Business titans, political players, and philanthropists like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, George Soros, Donald Trump, and more with the power to remake industries, policies, borders, or societal norms.
Episodes
Mentioned books
47 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 46min
What AI Means for Talent, Immigration, and Culture
They debate immigration policy, fiscal tradeoffs, and how public services shape long-term costs. Assimilation as a two-way cultural transformation and risks of political capture come up. Denmark's approach to preserving welfare-state politics is examined. They explore talent-hunting methods, selective immigration systems, and how AI might reshape the future of labor and population demand.
19 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 48min
Long History: Civilization Is Older Than We Thought
They argue complex societies existed long before farming and writing. Deep seafaring, island colonization, and submerged shorelines rewrite migration stories. Genomics and massacre sites reveal prehistoric population turnovers and organized violence. They warn of lost archives and a digital dark age while proposing tech-driven archaeology to recover hidden history.
46 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 53min
Why Hardware Is the Way to Win the AI Race
The hosts dive into the crucial role of hardware in the AI race, emphasizing how capital accumulation boosts data gathering. They explore the competitive semiconductor landscape, particularly the dynamics between the U.S., China, and Taiwan. NVIDIA's rise is tied to its founder's connections with Taiwanese chip manufacturers, forming a 'Taiwan lobby' in Silicon Valley. The podcast also discusses the implications of automation on jobs and the need for a strategic U.S. industrial policy to enhance domestic semiconductor production.
22 snips
May 16, 2025 • 42min
India, Pakistan, and Religious Tensions
Dive deep into the tangled histories of India and Pakistan, uncovering the roots of their contentious relationship. The discussion reveals the military prowess of both nations, including their nuclear capabilities, and the demographic challenges that add to the complexity. Listen as they explore how nationalism and territorial disputes fuel internal unrest and the ever-present threat of conflict. With China's influence casting a shadow over the region, the podcast highlights the precarious balance of power and the urgent need for understanding amid ongoing tensions.
69 snips
May 9, 2025 • 45min
The Almost-Industrial Revolutions of Rome and China
Dive into the intriguing concept of 'failed industrial revolutions' in ancient Rome and Song Dynasty China. Discover how the Roman Empire utilized water power for industrial advancements, reshaping our understanding of their engineering feats. Learn about Heron of Alexandria’s groundbreaking inventions, including an early steam engine. Explore the economic parallels between Rome and China, revealing how complex trade systems fueled industrial growth but ultimately faced critical saturation. A fascinating journey through history's overlooked technological potential!
33 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 54min
Is Europe Part of America?
Discover how U.S. political dynamics ripple through Europe, reshaping political landscapes and ideologies. Delve into the cultural tensions and media influences, revealing the urgent need for independent European media amid American dominance. Explore the potential for right-wing shifts in Europe spurred by social media's role in shaping public opinion. Consider the complexities of national sovereignty in a digital age and the lasting cultural impact of American ideals on Western civilization.
34 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 55min
Predicting Humanity’s Interplanetary Future
Dive into the fascinating possibilities of space colonization! There's a discussion on how Martian societies may evolve amidst the challenges of zero gravity and resource management. The competition for lunar territory intensifies, with nations vying for control akin to historical rivalries on Earth. The role of advanced AI in shaping future encounters and ethical dilemmas is highlighted. Cultural shifts unique to Martian life could reshape identity and community dynamics, while humanity contemplates a united front in the quest for multi-planetary existence.
71 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 52min
Curtis Yarvin and the Evolution of American Political Thought
This discussion delves into Curtis Yarvin's provocative ideas on government efficiency and the dynamics of democracy. It critiques the limitations of using market analogies for governance and explores the challenges of Congressional gridlock versus executive power. The concept of 'patchwork' governance offers a fresh take on competing state systems. The dialogue emphasizes the role of provocative thinkers in advancing political discourse, while contrasting governance outcomes during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
21 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 15min
Why Elites Failed Us w/ Auren Hoffman [World of DaaS]
Auren Hoffman, host of the World of DaaS podcast, engages with Samo Burja, who presents his "Great Founder Theory." They discuss how exceptional individuals have historically shaped civilization and institutions. Topics include the evolving trust in elites, the decline of fertility rates, and the pressures facing modern parents. The conversation also navigates the paradox of trust in decentralized crypto systems and critiques the societal barriers faced by ambitious innovators today.
27 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Technology That Can Reshape Nations
Explore the transformative power of desalination technology in combating water scarcity. Discover how Israel, Singapore, and Gulf nations leverage these advancements. Delve into the geopolitical ramifications of turning arid regions into fertile lands and the interplay between climate change and water demand. Unpack the global tech talent race, highlighting immigration challenges and their impact on innovation. This insightful discussion reveals how technology reshapes nations and influences population dynamics.
