Exploring the evolution of middle-out economics from a new theory to mainstream practice, with insights from economists, researchers, and former officials. Discussing the impact of middle-out economics on economic growth, antitrust enforcement, public satisfaction, infrastructure investments, workers' rights, and advocating for a more equitable economic approach.

Walter Isaacson, biographer of Elon Musk, Lewis, author of Going Infinite, Su Zhu jailed in Singapore, and Bharat Ramamurti discuss topics like Elon Musk's potential Twitter acquisition, tungsten obsession, FTX solvency, Ethereum's security, OCP 2.0 architect departing White House, and Bitcoin lab leak. Coinbase gets a license in Singapore.

In this discussion, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, reveals the significance of the NFL's decision to allow private equity investments, emphasizing its potential impact on fans and players. Bharat Ramamurti shares insights on economic policies and highlights Vice President Harris' tax proposals aimed at high-income earners. The conversation also touches on Warren Buffett's recent sell-off of Bank of America shares and the rising cost of luxury hotels, reflecting broader economic trends and uncertainties.

Join Bharat Ramamurti, a key player in U.S. crypto policy, alongside Alex Thorn from Galaxy Research and Nic Carter of Castle Island Ventures. They dive into Operation Choke Point 2.0 and its chilling effects on crypto banking. Discover how different political climates—like a Harris or Trump presidency—could shape regulatory landscapes. The discussion also touches on the motivations behind anti-crypto sentiments among politicians and the pressing need for clearer frameworks. Tune in for insights on navigating the evolving crypto legislative terrain!

This episode examines the potential for misuse and fraud among those applying for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)—and how fintech and software provide overlooked tools to stop it.  On March 27th, the government enacted a $2.2 trillion dollar stimulus package called the CARES Act, the largest aid measure in history. The act provides more than $500 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, a low-interest, forgivable loan program designed to help small businesses and self-employed individuals retain workers and stay afloat during the pandemic. Since March, the Small Business Administration has approved billions of dollars in PPP loans. But it is also estimated that U.S. losses from coronavirus-related fraud and identity theft have reached almost $100 million. According to the New York Times, the Small Business Administration’s fraud hotline has received 42,000 reports about coronavirus-related cheating and misuse; by comparison, last year it had less than 800.To date, the Department of Justice has charged more than 40 cases of PPP-related schemes, from claiming non-existent employees or non-existent businesses to identity theft, kickback schemes, fake tax documents, and multi-state fraud rings. Most of those cases have alleged fraud of more than a $1 million. But what about the countless others that may be cheating taxpayers out of smaller—but not insignificant—sums? How does the government decide who should get money and who shouldn’t among millions of applications from businesses of all industries and sizes—and what role do banks play? How does the program then distribute that money quickly and accurately—or not, in many cases? And what tools are at our disposal to catch those who cheat the system? Host Lauren Murrow is joined by Bharat Ramamurti, the original member of the COVID-19 Congressional Oversight Commission, which is tasked with evaluating the impact of coronavirus relief loans; Naftali Harris, the CEO of SentiLink, a software company that builds technology to detect synthetic fraud; and a16z fintech general partner Alex Rampell.