Introduction

In the inaugural episode of the Live Players podcast, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive deep into the concept of a 'live player', a term coined by Samo. He explains a 'live player' as a person who steps away from societal norms, improvises and thinks from first principles, much like successful individuals such as Arnold Schwarzenegger. He emphasizes the importance of live players in driving societal transformation and preventing societal stagnation. They also compare and contrast three prominent live players: Peter Thiel, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk, and discuss their impacts, motivations, and differing views on societal change. Lastly, they evaluate philanthropists like George Soros, Bill Gates, and the Kochs, who transitioned from successful businessmen to major influencers in societal causes.

Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

---

Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we over better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity

• Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822
• Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv

---

We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

---

SPONSORS: HARMONIC | SECUREFRAME

🧲 Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine VC during your demo.

SECUREFRAME

Secureframe: the only compliance automation platform with AI capabilities that help customers speed up cloud remediation and security questionnaires. Get 20% off your first year of Secureframe by mentioning "The Riff" during your free demo: https://secureframe.com/riff

---

LINKS:

Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

---

X / TWITTER:

@eriktorenberg

@samoburja

@turpentinemedia

---

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:08) Understanding the Concept of 'Live Players'

(00:22) The Role of Conventions in Society

(01:33) The Rarity of 'Live Players' and Their Impact

(01:52) Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Live Player

(03:21) Background of the Podcast Host

(04:01) The Importance of Historical Knowledge

(08:54) Reflections on Energy Transition

(13:47) Discussion on Sam Altman and OpenAI

(20:56) Comparing Live Players: Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Peter Thiel

(21:30) Sponsor: Secureframe

(27:30) Understanding Different Perspectives on Capitalism

(28:14) The Role of Live Players in Society

(29:37) The Importance of Live Players in Innovation and Change

(32:17) The Concept of a Live Players Academy

(37:53) The Evolution of Live Players Over Time

(42:20) The Transition from Capitalism to Philanthropy

(50:31) The Paradox of Open Society Advocates

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.