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 senior reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, dives into Palantir's remarkable earnings and its role in the AI landscape. Megan Horneman, Chief Investment Officer at Verdence Capital Advisors, analyzes AI-driven market trends and offers keen portfolio strategies amid rising valuations. Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation, shares insights on the commercialization of eVTOL technology, upcoming launches, and operational challenges. Together, they unpack the intersections of technology, finance, and innovation shaping the future.

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.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg senior reporter and author of "The Contrarian," dives into the intriguing world of Elon Musk and his connections to Silicon Valley. He unpacks Musk's journey from PayPal to tech titan, revealing the complexities of his partnership with Peter Thiel. Chafkin discusses Musk's political maneuvers and the mythos he has built around himself. The conversation also touches on the influence of the PayPal mafia and how these tech titans shape political landscapes, particularly in alignment with ambitions and ideologies.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg journalist and author of "The Contrarian," joins to delve into Peter Thiel's influence in Silicon Valley. They explore Coinbase's ambitious NFT platform launch and its implications for crypto trading. Chafkin reflects on Thiel's controversial views, his role in tech politics, and the evolving landscape of venture investments. Discussions also touch on the impact of billionaire influences on media ethics and the ramifications of immigration policies for the tech sector, offering a nuanced look at power dynamics in the industry.

Max Chafkin, the Features editor at Bloomberg Businessweek and author of "The Contrarian," unpacks the complexities of Peter Thiel’s persona. They discuss whether Thiel reflects Silicon Valley's spirit or diverges from it. Topics include Thiel’s influence on entrepreneurship, his libertarian mindset, and his strategic political endorsements. Chafkin also delves into Thiel's unconventional investment strategies and the repercussions of his support for Donald Trump, providing an intriguing glimpse into the intersection of tech, politics, and society.

Max Chafkin, author of "The Contrarian," dives deep into the world of Silicon Valley's powerful players, particularly Peter Thiel. The discussion reveals the complex relationship between Big Tech and authoritarian regimes like Russia, and critiques Facebook's lackluster responses to crucial issues. Chafkin explores the implications of billionaires in politics and their responsibilities toward society. Parental concerns over social media's impact on youth health add another layer to the conversation, making for a captivating and thought-provoking session.