Join Byrne Hobart, an insightful finance analyst and author, as he unpacks the evolution of accounting practices over time. He shares fascinating insights on the ethical challenges faced by accountants, highlighted by major scandals like WorldCom and Enron. The chat dives into the complexities of investor perception, the impact of accounting philosophies on company evaluations, and how historical events shape our understanding of financial crises. Hobart also discusses the evolving role of intangible assets in today's market.

Byrne Hobart and Tobias Huber, co-authors of the book 'Boom,' dive into the transformative power of financial booms. They argue that these economic highs, often viewed as destructive, actually spur innovation and societal progress. The duo examines how tech startups thrive during these times, highlighting their role as catalysts for change. They also discuss the cultural attitudes towards risk, advocating for a shift towards optimism to harness the full potential of technological advancements while navigating the complexities of resource limitations.

Byrne Hobart, a prominent writer of "The Diff" and co-host of "The Riff," joins Erik Torenberg to explore a range of pressing topics. They dissect the new tariff implications on global markets, the rise of populism, and the complexities of AI technologies like DeepSeek. The conversation also covers Meta's ambitious plans in the realms of VR and AI, along with the challenges posed by open-source models. Furthermore, they touch on innovative talent strategies and the evolving dynamics of the stock market, particularly in tech.