The Importance of Questioning Authority

We're excited to introduce Upstream listeners to Moment of Zen, a weekly podcast hosted by Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez, and additional guests. This episode features special guest Mike Solana, Editor in Chief of Pirate Wires (https://www.piratewires.com/) in conversation with Erik and Dan. They cover the recent AI congressional hearings, The Culture War's evolution, Twitter under Elon, and much more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAM

LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO "MOMENT OF ZEN"

Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/moz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MomentofZenPodcast

MoZ's first episode from Dec '22 featured Marc Andreessen and other guests who have appeared on MoZ include: Balaji Srinivasan, Katherine Boyle, Amjad Masad, Nic Carter, Noah Smith, Michelle Tandler, Byrne Hobart, and more.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction to this episode of Moment of Zen

(00:48) On what Mike Solana would say to Congress about AI

(08:00) Contrasting Zuck, Brian Armstrong, and Sam Altman’s approach to regulation

(14:20) Sponsor: Secureframe

(16:30) AI doomerism is just marketing for big AI

(26:00) Elon’s wins and losses so far as Twitter CEO

(38:00) Taylor Lorenz Mythology

(40:00) Twitter’s regime change // How the tables have turned. Muahahaha.

(50:00) Evolution of polarization

(58:00) Silver lining of polarization

(1:07:00) Distinguishing Elon’s antics from his philosophy

(1:18:00) The right is adopting woke tactics

(1:24:00) Social media and depression follow up

(1:28:00) Is half of Gen Z non-straight?

(1:32:00) Ellen Pao

(1:34:30) Is Pirate Wires conservative media? (No)

TWITTER:

@MOZ_Podcast

@micsolana (Mike)

@piratewires

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@dwr (Dan)

@antoniogm (Antonio)

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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.