"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
5 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 50min
China vs US: Space and Frontier Technologies
China's advancements in space and quantum technology are explored, highlighting their impact on global power dynamics. The podcast delves into China's pursuit of space exploration, satellite weaponry, and moon landings, contrasting it with the US's plans. It also discusses the rise of private satellite launch companies in China and the country's focus on replicating Western advancements in technology.
17 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 51min
Xi Jinping's Legacy and China's Succession
Exploring Xi Jinping's power base and his influence on China's society and world affairs. Discussing the impact of his leadership on the economy, military, and politics. Delving into the future challenges and succession plans in China under Xi Jinping's rule.
36 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 48min
Tech Stagnation and What's Holding Us Back
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive into tech stagnation, discussing energy consumption as a progress metric. They explore Y Combinator's influence, industrial jargon, and the importance of clear language in tech. The podcast touches on regulatory bottlenecks, evolving software innovation, and social media platform evolution.
10 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 59min
Putin & Tucker, Russia, Ukraine and Poland
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin, the history behind the Russia-Ukraine war, Poland's political economy, and emergence as a high-income nation. They touch on nuclear weapons, Putin's strategy, Poland's role in Europe, Catholicism's impact on nationalism, economic challenges, and more.
25 snips
Feb 13, 2024 • 42min
A Deep Dive on Big Pharma and Ozempic
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the dysfunction of Big Pharma, its lack of innovation, and potential ramifications despite its economic power. They delve into the incentives behind scientific breakthroughs, truth vs profit, and changing the FDA's approval processes. They also explore healthcare spending, Ozempic, and future innovations in the medical industry.
14 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 55min
Africa’s Geopolitics: Governance, Corruption and Global Influence
Discussions include Africa as the potential 'next China,' corrupt governments, and Botswana's leadership. Geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean, global Islamist movements, and migration trends towards China are also explored. The importance of strong local governance to avoid civil war and kleptocracy is emphasized.
21 snips
Jan 31, 2024 • 52min
How to Make America’s Government More Efficient
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss US government spending, regulation, and the importance of strategic restructuring for improved efficiency. They explore the evolution of DARPA and its implications, propose ideas to improve efficiency in government practices, and examine strategies to mitigate regulatory capture and improve government efficiency.
22 snips
Jan 24, 2024 • 52min
China's Elite vs America's Elite
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss China as America’s mirror, the waning prestige of American universities, the role of gender in political divergence, China’s leadership shifting to academia, the formation of elites in the US and China, and the power and influence of American universities
49 snips
Jan 17, 2024 • 46min
Dynasties, Meritocracies, and Succession
The podcast discusses the challenges of dynasties and succession, flaws in meritocracy systems, the transfer of success and status between generations, the benefits of using Shopify as a global commerce platform, influential families like the Lee family of Samsung and the Wallenberg family of Sweden, and the unique succession system in South Korea.
61 snips
Jan 10, 2024 • 50min
Singapore's Rise to Prosperity: The City-State Strategy
This episode of Live Players explores Singapore's rise to power, their transferable strategies, and their diplomatic role in US-China relations. They also discuss Singapore's succession problems and their unique approach to law enforcement.
