&#8220;Upstream&#8221; with Erik Torenberg

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-daily-brief-formerly-the-ai-breakdown/id1680633614

For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

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E58: Jonathan Haidt on Finally Fixing Social Media and Picking All the Cherries May 11, 2024

Show notes

This week on Upstream, Erik sits down with Jonathan Haidt to discuss his book The Anxious generation. The conversation covers the effects of social media on teen mental health, culture, politics, education, and more. beehiiv: Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gKwwMLFLc6RmjmRpbMtEO

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:13) Evolution of Jonathan's Work: From Moral Psychology to 'The Anxious Generation'

(01:14) The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health

(02:50) Exploring the Tragedy of the Modern Childhood

(07:29) Addressing the Criticism and Pushback

(12:08) The Unprecedented Effects of Social Media on Society

(19:37) Adapting to Technological Changes and the Future of Childhood

(20:20) The Dire State of Democracy in the Digital Age

(27:01) How Technology Affects Liberals and Conservatives Differently

(28:20) Unveiling the Research: The Rise of Anxiety and Depression

(28:48) Breaking Down the Data: Gender, Politics, and Mental Health

(30:48) The Protective Power of Religion and Community

(31:32) Parenting Styles and Moral Values

(32:07) Challenges for Progressive Organizations and the Democratic Party

(32:42) Recommendations for a Healthier Childhood in the Digital Age

(33:50) Addressing the Broader Issues Beyond Smartphones

(34:35) The Role of Schools in Children's Mental Health

(36:33) A Call for Intentional Community Building

(37:34) Navigating the Public Health Crisis with Apolitical Solutions

(40:41) Engaging with the Tech Industry: Critiques and Clarifications

(41:01) The Debate on Content Moderation and the Need for Structural Changes

(56:27) Wrap

X / TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/JonHaidt (Jonathan)

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/analyzing-economies-england-france-germany-poland-turkey/id1696419056?i=1000650616668

For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

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E57: Noah Smith Analyzes Economies: USA, China, Japan, Russia, India, Korea, & More May 03, 2024

Show notes

This week on Upstream, we're releasing an episode from Erik's podcast with Noah Smith, Econ 102. Noah breaks down the economies of the USA, China, Japan, Russia, India, Korea, and more. Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

For more like this, watch part 2 on Econ 102:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/52nuQvRmuTT7S6ilJoXDYr?si=bf6722824bd64bcf

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gKwwMLFLc6RmjmRpbMtEO

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-daily-brief-formerly-the-ai-breakdown/id1680633614

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SQUAD

💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:33) U.S. Economy: Trends and Concerns

(08:31) Transition to China Economy: Massive Property Bust

(15:58) Sponsor: beehiiv | Squad

(22:06) Segue to Japan Economy: Key Hub of the Electronics Manufacturing

(30:41) Korea Economic Struggles

(33:35) South Korea's Technological Capabilities and International Relations

(34:44) Exploring Taiwan's Economy and Challenges

(36:52) Indonesia's Manufacturing Shift

(38:25) Vietnam's Economic Strategy and Development Needs

(41:01) India's Poverty Reduction and Infrastructure Investments

(44:56) Pakistan Economic Mismanagement

(49:08) Philippines: Underrated Investment Destination

(50:03) Transition to Australia: The Progressive Utopia

(52:32) Russia Economy at War

(60:29) Wrap

X / TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/Noahpinion (Noah)

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-daily-brief-formerly-the-ai-breakdown/id1680633614

For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

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E56: Brian Chau on Spreading Informed AI Optimism Apr 26, 2024

Show notes

This week on Upstream, Nathan Labenz of The Cognitive Revolution podcast and Brian Chau, a machine learning engineer who recently founded the Alliance for the Future, talk about Brian's efforts in Washington, D.C. to influence AI policy based on informed AI optimism. After their conversation, Nathan and Erik chat about the AI landscape. Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gKwwMLFLc6RmjmRpbMtEO

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SQUAD

💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro

(00:42) Unpacking AI Optimism and Policy Perspectives

(01:22) Exploring the Breadth of AI and Its Economic Implications

(05:23) Debunking AI Doomsday Predictions

(14:56) Sponsors: BeeHiiv | Squad

(25:53) Navigating the Near-Term AI Landscape and Government Modernization

(41:30) Exploring AI Regulation and Executive Orders

(43:55) The Impact of AI on Startups and Economic Viability

(45:36) AI Development and Regulatory Challenges

(48:40) The Debate on AI Accountability and Regulation

(59:02) Open Sourcing AI Models: Risks and Regulations

(1:07:06) The Future of AI: Ethical, Social, and Regulatory Considerations

(1:14:41) Reflections on AI Safety and the Path Forward

Alliance for the Future: https://www.affuture.org/

Brian's article on research progress in AI: https://www.affuture.org/research/3-diminishing/

X / TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/psychosort (Brian)

https://twitter.com/labenz (Nathan)

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-daily-brief-formerly-the-ai-breakdown/id1680633614

For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E55: Why China's Universities Will Become Harvard Apr 19, 2024

Show notes

This week on Upstream, we’re releasing an episode from Turpentine’s show Live Players with Samo Burja. Erik and Samo discuss China’s universities and the future of China’s elites. Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gKwwMLFLc6RmjmRpbMtEO

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SQUAD

Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.

💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

X / TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/SamoBurja (Samo)

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-daily-brief-formerly-the-ai-breakdown/id1680633614

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00:00) - Episode Preview

(00:00:57) - Universities as an example of US-China parallel evolution

(00:02:53) - Academia during The Cultural Revolution

(00:04:00) - The elite Chinese universities

(00:06:00) - Signaling theory of education

(00:06:30) - What the increase in educated leaders means for China’s ruling class

(00:07:52) - China as America’s mirror

(00:08:30) - China’s “woke”

(00:11:29) - How Xi wants China to not fail in the same way the Soviets did

(00:12:50) - Crackdown on university students

(00:14:46) - Sponsor: Squad | Turpentine

(00:15:00) - Rise of student activism in the US

(00:19:05) - The translation of regional/ethnic inequalities into ideological ones

(00:22:30) - The political ideological paradox generates an opportunity to organize young people

(00:24:30) - Role of gender in divergent politics and the East Asian “woke”

(00:27:12) - Chinese feminism

(00:34:58) - The formation of elites in US and China

(00:36:40) - Materialist focused education in China vs legal focused education in US

(00:39:47) - Printing university degrees is like printing money by devaluing degrees

(00:40:19) - Fight over Harvard Extension School

(00:42:20) - Will American universities have as much power in the next 10 years as they do now?

(00:46:05) - What positive and negative changes will China see in the near future?

(00:47:00) - Silicon Valley in China

(00:49:09) - The shift in leadership from businessmen to academia in China

For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E54: Naval Ravikant and Balaji Srinivasan on Why History Points to Crypto Apr 12, 2024

Show notes

This episode was initially recorded before a live audience in 2018. Erik talks with Naval Ravikant and Balaji Srinivasan about the history of money and centralization and why crypto has the potential to fulfill the promise of the internet. Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gKwwMLFLc6RmjmRpbMtEO

SPONSOR: BEEHIIV | SQUAD

Squad:💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:30) Decentralization and Blockchain: A Deep Dive with Naval Ravikant and Balaji Srinivasan

(06:22) Personal Journeys into the World of Cryptocurrency

(08:27) Debating Bitcoin vs. Blockchain: Perspectives and Predictions

(12:22) Sponsors: Squad | Turpentine

(14:33) The Social and Economic Implications of Blockchain Technology

(19:55) Blockchain Beyond Money: Envisioning Future Applications

(22:43) Crypto as a Social Phenomenon: Tribalism and Governance

(28:10) Envisioning a Decentralized Future: Microeconomics and Global Impact

(31:36) The Irony of Missing Out: Venture Capitalists and Karma

(36:02) The Global Impact of Blockchain on Identity and Ownership

(36:54) Navigating Regulations in a Decentralized Economy

(38:29)The Role of Crypto in Redefining Wealth Distribution

(40:05) Balaji and Naval's Vision

(46:48) What Do Failure Models Look Like?

(51:43) How Blockchain Can Provide New Career Opportunities, Not Just In Silicon Valley

(53:33) The Potential and Challenges of Emerging Technologies

(54:55) Identity in a Blockchain World

(58:23) On Blockchain Intersecting With Other Emerging Technologies

(59:57) What Types Of Players Are Going To Be The Big Winners And Losers?

(1:00:56) Empowering the Next Generation of Builders

(1:04:04) Visionary Ideas for Changing the World

(1:05:41) Wrap

X / TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/naval (Naval)

https://twitter.com/balajis (Balaji)

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-daily-brief-formerly-the-ai-breakdown/id1680633614

For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

Music license: OYOCYNQ0XUH22PB8

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E53: Nathan Labenz and Noah Smith on What AI Actually Means for the Economy Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

This week on Upstream, Erik is joined by Nathan Labenz and Noah Smith for a deep dive on how AI will impact job markets, the social contract, and the role of the government. Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gKwwMLFLc6RmjmRpbMtEO

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SQUAD | BRAVE

Squad:💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

Brave: Get first-party targeting with Brave’s private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:50) AI and the Future of Employment

(03:57) The Intersection of AI, Robotics, and Biotech

(05:00) Economic Disruption

(06:40) Future of Jobs in an AI-Dominated World

(08:27) AI's Impact on Economy

(10:34) Pessimism Surrounding AI's Economic Impact

(12:17) Comparative Advantage in the AI Era

(13:50) AI Replacing Human Jobs

(19:03) Sponsor: Squad | Brave

(21:24) New Social Contract in the AI Era

(34:38) Human Wages in an AI-Dominated Economy

(39:36) Impact of AI on Job Market

(41:45) Fear of AI Taking Over Human Jobs

(47:51) Role of Government in AI Development

(50:09) Potential Risks and Benefits of AI

(53:15) Future of AI and Its Social Impact

(58:38) Fear of Totalitarian States and AI

(01:03:13) The Need for a Positive Vision for AI

(01:11:03) Wrap up

X / TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/noahsmith (Noah)

https://twitter.com/Labenz (Nathan)

For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

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E52: David Friedman on Anarcho-Capitalism, Utilitarianism, and Inequality Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

This week on Upstream, Erik is joined by David Friedman for a deep dive on anarcho-capitalism, utilitarianism, and more. To get Brave: Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

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

SPONSOR: BEEHIIV | BRAVE | SQUAD

Get first-party targeting with Brave’s private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:46) The Friedman Family's Intellectual Lineage

(03:18) Market Failures and Government Intervention

(06:11) Privatizating Everything

(09:33) The Mechanics of Anarcho-Capitalism

(12:47) Why David Isn't a Utilitarianism

(16:33) Midroll: Brave | Turpentine

(18:19) David's Moral Framework

(23:36) Is Global Coordination Possible?

(30:46) Privatizing Military and National Defense

(32:54) Addressing Poverty in an Anarcho-Capitalist World

(35:40) Competitive Dictatorship

(40:54) Historical Precedents for Private Law

(42:31) The Inefficiency of Governments

(44:06) Coordination under Decentralization vs Centralization & Surveillance Capitalism

(55:07) Law & Punishment under Anarcho-Capitalism

(58:28) The Problems with Restorative Justice

(01:07:31) Addressing Common Criticisms of Market Systems

(01:14:41) Exploring the Moral Case for Economic Growth

(01:16:26) Existential Risks from Global Warming, AI, Nanotech, and Biotech

(01:18:49) The Market's Short-Term vs. Long-Term Dilemma

(01:20:13) Utilitarian Thought Experiment

(01:22:03) Income Sharing Agreements

(01:26:20) Equality of Opportunity vs. Outcome

(01:30:15) Why Do We Care about Equality?

(01:47:40) Anarcho-Capitalism and Crypto

(01:51:04) David's Legacy

LINKS:

David's Website: http://www.daviddfriedman.com/

X / TWITTER: