

#1000
Mentioned in 22 episodes
The Contrarian
Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley's Pursuit of Power
Book • 2021
In 'The Contrarian,' Max Chafkin provides a meticulous biography of Peter Thiel, one of Silicon Valley's most influential and controversial figures.
The book explores Thiel's singular life and worldview, from his conservative roots at Stanford to his founding of PayPal and Palantir, and his early investments in Facebook and SpaceX.
Chafkin also delves into Thiel's political activities, including his support for Donald Trump and his role in the lawsuit that destroyed the blog Gawker.
The biography is both a portrait of Thiel and an examination of the broader tech industry, highlighting its explosive growth, power, and the controversies surrounding it.
The book explores Thiel's singular life and worldview, from his conservative roots at Stanford to his founding of PayPal and Palantir, and his early investments in Facebook and SpaceX.
Chafkin also delves into Thiel's political activities, including his support for Donald Trump and his role in the lawsuit that destroyed the blog Gawker.
The biography is both a portrait of Thiel and an examination of the broader tech industry, highlighting its explosive growth, power, and the controversies surrounding it.
Mentioned by

















Mentioned in 22 episodes
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to Peter Thiel's investment and endorsement of Curtis Yarvin.

Bethany McLean

130 snips
Is Silicon Valley Turning Fascist?
Mentioned by 

as a sizable source for information about Peter Thiel.


Robert Evans

44 snips
Part One: How Peter Thiel Became the Gravedigger of Democracy
Genannt als eine der Hauptquellen für die Recherche über Peter Thiel.

41 snips
#01 Bad Bromance: Elon Musk, Peter Thiel und ihr Weg an die Macht – Teil 1
Vorgestellt von ![undefined]()

als Biografie, die tiefe Einblicke in Thiels Leben gibt.

Janne Knödler

35 snips
Wie ein deutscher Milliardär die Demokratie zerstört
Mentioned by 

as a biography of Peter Thiel.


Nate Silver

32 snips
#389 — The Politics of Risk
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the author of the book, discussing his insights on Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley.

Carol Massar

30 snips
Bloomberg Businessweek Weekend - March 21st, 2025
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the author of the article "Altman and Musk, Trump and Powell: These Feuds Will Define 2025", and the book 'The Contrarian: Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley's Pursuit of Power'.

Emily Graffeo

27 snips
SoftBank’s Son Pledges $100 Billion US Investment at Trump Event
Mentioned by the host as the author.

15 snips
Introducing: Everybody's Business
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the author of the book.

Tim Stenovec

15 snips
Apple Will Add 20,000 US Jobs Amid Threat from Trump Tariffs
Mentioned by Max Chafkin in discussion of Elon Musk's offer to buy OpenAI.

15 snips
Powell Tells Congress Fed Still in No Rush to Lower Rates
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing Peter Thiel and Elon Musk's relationship.

Brad Onishi

13 snips
Weekly Roundup: Elon Isn't King and So Many Other Reasons for Hope
Mentioned by 

during a discussion about Elon Musk and his companies.


Max Chafkin

13 snips
SpaceX Weighs Tender Offer, Geopolitical Turmoil
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the author of the book.

Carol Massar

12 snips
Bloomberg Businessweek Weekend - January 3rd, 2025
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the author of the book.

Carol Massar

11 snips
Amazon, Apple Earnings and Musk's DOGE Days
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the author of a biography of Peter Thiel.

Katie Razzall

11 snips
Mehdi Hasan, BBC Gaza doc controversy, Peter Thiel profile
Mentioned by 

in discussion of self-driving cars and AI investment.


Max Chafkin

JPMorgan Names Piepszak COO as Pinto Set to Retire in 2026
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book written by Max Chafkin about Anthony Lewandowski, CEO of Pronto.

Tim Stenovec

Bloomberg Businessweek Weekend - February 28th, 2025
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a recently read book about Peter Thiel.

Spencer Jakab

Spencer Jakab on the Death of Meme Stocks
Mentioned by 

as the author of a biography of Peter Thiel.


Noel King

The New Right’s pay pal
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the author of "The Contrarian, Peter Thiel, and Silicon Valley's Pursuit of Power".

Carol Massar

Trump Tariffs Shows China Has More to Lose