Intro

This week on Upstream, we’re sharing Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg’s discussion of the 2025 post-election landscape centered on Trump's victory, examining his evolved approach and tech industry support, while exploring interconnected policy challenges around immigration, corporate politics, urban crime, and market regulation in areas like wildfire insurance and healthcare.

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RECOMMENDED PODCASTS: 

🎙️This Won't Last

Eavesdrop on Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg's monthly backchannel. They unpack their hottest takes on the future of tech, business, venture, investing, and politics.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1765665937  

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

🎙️Check out Modern Relationships, where Erik Torenberg interviews tech power couples and leading thinkers to explore how ambitious people actually make partnerships work. This season's guests include: Delian Asparouhov & Nadia Asparouhova, Kristen Berman & Phil Levin, Rob Henderson, and Liv Boeree & Igor Kurganov.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg 

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

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LINKS:

Check out the Logan Bartlett Show:  ‪@theloganbartlettshow‬ 

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X / TWITTER:

@rabois

@kevinryan

@loganbartlett

@zachweinberg

@turpentinemedia

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Trump won the presidency with refined messaging and tech industry backing, despite a narrow popular vote margin.
• His administration combines qualified experts and controversial picks, emphasizing economic growth and debt reduction.
• Immigration debate centered on H-1B reform and enforcement policy, balancing population needs with border control.
• Companies have largely adopted Coinbase's "no politics at work" stance, though diversity initiatives remain contentious.
• NYC crime shows declining murders but rising minor crimes, spurring debates over bail reform and policing.
• California's wildfire insurance crisis highlights market dynamics as private insurers exit high-risk areas.
• Regulatory capture in healthcare and auto sales demonstrates how entrenched interests create market inefficiencies.