Todays episode features a conversation between Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discussing the recent angry posts on X from David Austin Walsh, a history postdoc at Yale, and what this controversy says about elite overproduction in the US. They also cover the the rise of right-wing muckrakers, discuss what the conservative movement needs now, and who they consider the smartest thinkers today are — on the left and the right.
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RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Econ 102 with Noah Smith
Every week, Noah Smith, economist and Noahpinion writer break down current events through the lens of economics — while keeping econ entertaining.
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TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Intro
(01:05) Twitter Controversy: David Austin Walsh
(04:30) Elite Overproduction and Academia
(08:29) Affirmative Action and Racial Disparities
(14:32) Sponsor: Beehiiv | Squad
(17:07) Elite overproduction’s implications for politics and academia
(22:29) Right-Wing muckrakers and progressive institutions
(32:12) Misconceptions about Barack Obama
(32:50) Mike Solana, Christopher Rufo, and other voices on the Right
(35:33) Evolution of progressive and conservative labels
(40:20) American Roots of Wokeness
(56:53) The Future of Conservatism
(1:01:41) Wrap
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.
"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg 