This Week in Startups

Twist News: Fusion, Rural Investment, and Applied AI | E2068

Jan 6, 2025

Dive into the world of fusion energy breakthroughs inspired by Sam Altman’s insights. Explore how rural investments are being debated amidst looming austerity. The conversation shifts to the growth of U.S. oil production, highlighting the crucial role of risk-taking in fostering innovation. Unpack the challenges faced by rural communities, focusing on shipping realities and the responsibilities of entrepreneurs. Plus, there's a peek into the evolving landscape of government subsidies and their impact on rural economies.

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Quick takeaways

Sam Altman emphasizes the significance of fusion energy and its potential to usher in an age of abundance.

Rural investment discussions highlight the necessity of effective subsidies amidst looming austerity measures to support local economies.

The podcast stresses the importance of empathy in social media interactions to foster constructive dialogues rather than escalating conflicts.

Deep dives

Personal Experiences with Online Criticism

The growing trend of online criticism can have real-life consequences, as illustrated by a personal experience shared during the discussion. A podcaster recounted being doxxed after sharing opinions online, highlighting the intensity of online backlash and its impact on personal safety. The incident involved someone reverse-searching a personal photo to reveal private information, leading to heightened security concerns and the involvement of a security team. This anecdote underscores the importance of empathy and awareness of personal boundaries when engaging publicly.

Intro

2min

Engaging the Audience: A New Approach to Podcasting

3min

The Economics of Skiing: Season Passes and Corporate Ethics

4min

Skiing Chaos and Sports Betting Bliss

3min

Financial Struggles and Energy Innovations

6min

The Abundance Mindset: Oil Production, Risk, and Innovation

4min

Navigating Rural Challenges and Mindsets

5min

UPS Strategies, Rural Subsidy Debates, and Compliance Solutions for Startups

5min

Economic Policies and Cybersecurity in Focus

22min

10.

Empathy in the Digital Age

15min

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

PrizePicks. TWiST listeners, download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Go to: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/TWIST PrizePicks - Run your game.

Lemon.io. TWiST listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

Vanta. TWiST listeners automate your SOC2 and get $1,000 off at http://www.vanta.com/twist Today’s show: Jason and Alex cover Sam Altman’s fusion proclamation and the age of abundance we’re approaching, rural investment and subsidies with austerity on the horizon, and applied AI.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show. (1:33) The new interactive live show docket (4:34) The Vail Resorts Epic Pass controversy

(10:16) PrizePicks. TWiST listeners, download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Go to: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/TWIST PrizePicks - Run your game. (12:10) Critique of Vail Resorts' management and stock performance (14:39) Sam Altman's interview on fusion energy (18:03) US oil production, energy innovation, and the importance of risk-taking (20:54) Lemon.io. TWiST listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist (23:07) Ro Khanna on rural business subsidies (29:59) Vanta. TWiST listeners automate your SOC2 and get $1,000 off at http://www.vanta.com/twist (31:29) Debating government subsidies and the impact on rural living (35:10) Government debt and austerity measures (39:47) Chinese hacking into US infrastructure and cybersecurity concerns (47:10) China's economic challenges and the importance of domestic production (55:10) SF Smashburger spot review and handling online criticism (1:02:21) Security precautions for public figures and the decline of empathy online

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Check out the following articles and companies mentioned in the episode:

U.S. State-by-State AI Regulation

UPS Service Centers Close in Rural America

Salt Typhoon Hack (via Washington Post)

Density.io

Deep Sentinel

Thank you to our partners:

(10:16) PrizePicks. TWiST listeners, download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Go to: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/TWIST PrizePicks - Run your game. (20:54) Lemon.io. TWiST listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist (29:59) Vanta. TWiST listeners automate your SOC2 and get $1,000 off at http://www.vanta.com/twist *

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