Max Chafkin

Max Chafkin, a Senior writer at Bloomberg Businessweek, and Madeline Mekelburg, Texas legal reporter for Bloomberg, dive into Elon Musk's latest venture—creating a new town called Starbase. They discuss Musk's battles with the SEC, the quirky welcome featuring a gold bust, and the implications of Musk's corporate influence on local governance. Controversies arise over community dynamics as Musk transforms a quiet area into a tech-driven hub, highlighting both hopes for innovation and challenges posed by corporate power.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg Businessweek superstar, and Sarah Frier, a big tech coverage leader at Bloomberg, delve into Elon Musk's turbulent political journey and its fallout. They discuss Musk's high-profile ties with Trump, including controversial funding and public behavior linked to drug allegations. The duo analyzes Musk's attempts to shift back to business amidst political backlash, while also hilariously recounting bizarre personal anecdotes and navigating the complexities of his ambitious ventures and shifting public perceptions.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg Businessweek senior writer, and Dana Hull, a reporter covering Elon Musk, delve into Musk's latest mega-merger of X with XAI, transforming his tech ventures into a $100 billion powerhouse. They analyze the strategic implications of this bold move and what it means for shareholders and the future of social media in AI training. Additionally, they discuss Musk's significant political influence in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, revealing how his financial contributions may tilt the election and impact broader market sentiments.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg reporter and author of "The Contrarian," explores the significant influence of billionaire Peter Thiel on the New Right. He discusses Thiel's unique persona, from his controversial beliefs to his entrepreneurial journey, revealing how his background shaped his worldview. The conversation also highlights the ambitious goals of global initiatives linked to Thiel and critiques the intertwining of wealth and political power within the movement, raising questions on the impact on democracy.

Max Chafkin, features editor at Bloomberg Businessweek and author of 'The Contrarian,' delves into the life of tech mogul Peter Thiel and his influence on Silicon Valley. He discusses the evolution of tech narratives and the complex ideologies shaping the PayPal Mafia's history. Chafkin critiques the intertwining of money and media, spotlighting Thiel's involvement in the Hulk Hogan lawsuit against Gawker. He also examines the ideological power dynamics of social media, especially in relation to politics and the challenges faced by the left in today’s tech-driven landscape.