"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
42 snips
Sep 11, 2024 • 49min
Globalization vs. Innovation
Explore the fascinating tensions between globalization and innovation. The hosts discuss how globalization can stifle creativity, citing Peter Thiel's provocative views. Learn about the historical roots of trade from ancient civilizations to today's geopolitical landscape. They dive into the possibility of future conflicts shaped by regional tensions, particularly involving the U.S. and China. Plus, they tackle the rise of populism and the need for genuine democratic accountability amidst shifting political patterns.
81 snips
Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 17min
AI's Impact on Geopolitics
Nathan Labenz, host of The Cognitive Revolution Podcast, unpacks the strategic dynamics of AI and its geopolitical impacts. He emphasizes the clash between science and profit in AI development, highlighting the importance of genuine inquiry. The critical U.S.-China tech rivalry comes into focus, stressing the need for American innovation in semiconductors. Labenz also discusses the balance between collaboration and secrecy in AI, advocating for peaceful applications to avert an arms race while navigating the complexities of internet freedom and corporate influences.
Aug 28, 2024 • 57min
Fraud in Academia with Ben Landau-Taylor
Ben Landau-Taylor, a Senior Analyst at Bismarck Analysis, dives into the troubling world of academic fraud, particularly in medical research. He highlights how flawed peer review and institutional protectionism allow misconduct to flourish. Key discussions include the replication crisis in psychology, the impact of bureaucratic pressures on integrity, and the dangers of misinformation during public health crises. Ben passionately advocates for stronger regulations and external watchdogs to restore trust in academia.
17 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 47min
Mass Immigration Won't Save Europe
The discussion delves into why mass immigration may not resolve Europe's economic challenges. It highlights the difficulties of cultural assimilation, political unrest in countries like the UK and France, and the implications for national identity. The hosts explore the critical role of trust in governance and the fragility of democratic institutions amid rising nationalism. They also critique the oversimplified view of economics and emphasize the need for sound policies that foster social cohesion and stability in European societies.
14 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 53min
The Eastern European Experiment
Samo Burja, an insightful analyst on Eastern Europe's socio-economic landscape, shares his expertise on the region's dramatic transformation since the fall of communism. He discusses how countries like Poland are emerging as tech hubs while balancing traditional values with Western influences. The conversation delves into immigration trends, generational shifts, and the impact of EU integration. Samo also forecasts a brighter economic future for Eastern Europe, hinting that Poland might outpace Germany economically by the century’s end.
18 snips
Aug 2, 2024 • 58min
EU in Flux
The podcast dives into the European Union's origins and current challenges, including a fragmented digital market and inconsistent defense policies. Brexit's impact is analyzed, revealing unexpected immigration increases and strained economic ties. Discussions touch on potential EU unification and the rise of a European superstate amidst global competition. The struggle for political and military unity within the EU is examined, alongside the complexities of higher education and talent distribution. Finally, the tensions surrounding national identities and the future of cohesion in Europe are explored.
35 snips
Jul 26, 2024 • 51min
Advice for the Next US President
Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss challenges for the next US president, focusing on bureaucratic inefficiencies, foreign policy, non-profit sector reforms, energy policy, and strategies for economic alliances and manufacturing. They propose innovative solutions like creating special economic zones and prioritizing affordable drone technology for defense.
5 snips
Jul 21, 2024 • 54min
Brazil: A Country of the Future?
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Brazil's missed industrialization opportunities due to high crime rates, corruption, and political dysfunction, comparing it with successful countries like China and Japan. They emphasize the importance of strategic government interventions for economic growth, including leveraging global supply chains and implementing technocratic policies. The podcast also explores Brazil's potential futures and the challenges faced in replicating successful governance models from other regions.
18 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 53min
Can China Power its Rise?
The podcast discusses China's energy strategy, its potential conflicts, and its reliance on oil imports. It explores China's military preparedness, industrial competition with the U.S., and the risks of a bipolar world dominated by the U.S. and China.
14 snips
Jun 14, 2024 • 47min
The Power Structures of Cities
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, political dynamics in urban areas, charter cities and network states, digital and physical interplay of cities, future of urban development, overhaul in government staffing, and refounding on industrial civilization.
