On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss populist cycles, why billionaires buy media companies, how to invest if you think AGI is coming soon, and more. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.
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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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SPONSORS:
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RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:21) Populists vs technocrats
(07:37) Role of media and influence
(14:02) View on counter elites
(15:41) Sponsor: Babbel | Beehiiv
(18:51) Israel on PR war
(22:59) On Big Tech Has No Power At All by Curtis Yarvin
(26:42) Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover
(30:14) Comparing media ownership: Bezos vs. Musk
(38:42) Leopold Aschenbrenner’s situational awareness paper
(44:26) Investing strategies in the age of AGI
(46:38) Role of Venture Capital
(50:05) High frequency trading explained
(53:42) Prediction markets and information transmission
(54:26) Wrap
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LINKS:
Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.co
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X / TWITTER:
https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)
https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)
https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)
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For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co