Not Investment Advice

179: Telegram & Pavel Durov, $100m Podcast Deals (Alex Cooper, Kelce Bros), Oasis Reunion & Costco Japan

Aug 28, 2024

01:11:42

Snipd AI

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, joins the conversation after a recent arrest in Paris raises significant questions about free speech and content moderation. They dive into the encryption complexities of Telegram, discussing its security features and government scrutiny. The talk shifts to the billion-dollar podcast market, featuring multi-million dollar deals by Alex Cooper and the Kelce brothers. Lastly, the hosts explore Costco's massive popularity in Japan, emphasizing the cultural adaptation that makes it a hit among locals.

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Quick takeaways

Pavel Durov's arrest in France emphasizes the challenges of balancing free speech and content moderation on platforms like Telegram.

The surge in multi-million dollar podcast deals demonstrates a shifting landscape, with high-profile hosts like Alex Cooper commanding significant attention and revenue.

Costco's successful entry into the Japanese market highlights consumer demand for bulk buying options, driving massive crowds due to its value and local adaptations.

Deep dives

Costco's Unique Appeal in Japan

Costco has opened several locations in Japan, with the most recent in Okinawa attracting massive crowds. The store offers a unique shopping experience with its bulk sizing model, which is particularly appealing in a market where such options are limited. Japanese consumers appreciate Costco's value for money, especially when it comes to the Kirkland brand and direct supply chain practices that eliminate middlemen. This approach results in significant cost savings that resonate well with shoppers who are accustomed to higher prices due to traditional retail structures.

Intro

2min

Oasis Reunion: A Legendary Comeback

2min

Music Tastes and Tech Tensions

19min

Unpacking Telegram's Encryption Landscape

14min

Navigating Free Speech and Censorship

10min

Reflections on FTX and the Importance of Compliance in Business

2min

The Podcasting Gold Rush

18min

The Unique Appeal of Costco in Japan

5min

The NIA boys discuss Telegram & Pavel Durov, $100m Podcast Deals (Alex Cooper, Kelce Bros), & Costco Japan

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:51) - Meme of the Week
(00:08:17) - Telegram Founder Arrested
(00:31:35) - Censorship vs. Misinformation
(00:48:35) - $100m Podcast Deals (Alex Cooper, Kelce Bros)
(01:06:34) - Costco In Japan

1) Pavel Durov, Telegram founder, arrested in Paris

• Warrant out since July

• Charged with crimes happening on platform

• Raises questions about platform liability

• Free speech concerns vs. content moderation

• Key issue: Telegram's encryption approach may have led to arrest

2) Telegram's encryption dilemma:

• Not end-to-end encrypted by default

• Secret chats require 4-5 steps to activate

• Group chats (200k users) & channels aren't E2E

• Helped growth, but now govt pressure

3) Podcast acquisition frenzy continues:

• Alex Cooper (Call Her Daddy): $125M deal with SiriusXM

• Travis & Jason Kelce: $100M deal with Wondery

• Podcast power law: Top 25 shows = 50% of US listens

4) Spotify's podcast strategy:

• Spent $1B+ on tech & content since 2019

• Goal: Diversify from music, own more content

• Mixed results: some hits, many misses

• Now pivoting to more sustainable deals

• Example: Trevor Noah's new contract structure (recoup + rev share)

5) Costco opens in Okinawa, Japan to MASSIVE crowds

• 5-hour line just for parking

• Why so popular? Bulk buying, Kirkland brand, low prices

• Adapts to local market (e.g. amazing prepared foods)

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