

Not Investment Advice
Bilal Zaidi, Jack Butcher, Trung Phan
Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.Let us know what you think on Twitter:@bzaidi@trungtphan@jackbutcher@niapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 10, 2025 • 54min
245: Jack’s Project Acquired by X Museum, Netflix’s $83B Deal for Warner Bros (and Paramount’s Hostile Bid) & Gemini Ads
A dynamic conversation unfolds about Jack's Project being acquired by X Museum, highlighting innovative auction dynamics and community engagement at Art Basel. The team dissects Netflix's bold $83B offer for Warner Bros, revealing the intricate bidding landscape, political implications, and potential shifts in the industry. They also explore Google Gemini ads, weighing the balance between user experience and monetization strategies. Insightful debates on NFTs in traditional art and theatrical release impacts round out this engaging discussion.

Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 4min
244: Jack at Art Basel, Nvidia vs. Google TPUs, The Anti-AI Bet & Strategy’s $50B+ Bitcoin Bet
The hosts dive into Jack's innovative installation at Art Basel, where NFTs serve as digital receipts. They compare Nvidia and Google's tech strategies, discussing Nvidia's advantages and Google's TPU forecasts. A deep look at investment strategies emerges, including MicroStrategy's audacious Bitcoin plays and potential risks. Finally, they explore Ari Emanuel's anti-AI stance, suggesting that live experiences like sports could thrive as AI reshapes other industries.

Nov 26, 2025 • 38min
243: Things To Watch & Read, Learning History From AI, WFH vs. Office & The State of Universal Basic Income
Explore captivating recommendations for films and books, from holiday rom-coms to thought-provoking documentaries. Dive into the Scottish Enlightenment's impact on modern thought and discover how generative AI is reshaping our understanding of history. The hosts share their thoughts on the flexibility of work-from-home versus traditional office environments, revealing personal insights into career choices in tech. Lastly, they debate universal basic income's potential as a tool for creativity or a path to complacency.

Nov 19, 2025 • 59min
242: “May I Meet You?”, Michael Burry’s AI Short, Elon’s $1T Package and Buffett’s $4B Google Bet
The hosts dive into a viral meme sparked by Bill Ackman's dating advice, unpacking its cultural context and humor. They also discuss Michael Burry's bearish stance on AI stocks like Palantir and Nvidia, highlighting valuation issues. Elon Musk's ambitious $1 trillion vision involving Optimus robots and new chip demand drivers takes center stage. Additionally, the insight into Buffett's $4 billion investment in Google sparks debate about the tech giant's future in AI distribution. Market trends and liquidity concerns round out the conversation.

12 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 57min
241: 50yr Mortgages, Square Bitcoin Payments, Treasury Co 1x mNAV, Nano Banana & Andreesen vs. Pope
Delve into the intriguing world of 50-year mortgages and discover why interest rates could be more crucial than term lengths. Explore Square's integration of Bitcoin payments and the changing landscape of digital currency adoption. Uncover the latest on Uniswap's fee switch, aiming to enhance market dynamics. Plus, enter the bizarre realm of Nano Banana leaks and the implications of deepfake technology. Finally, witness a thought-provoking exchange on tech morality featuring Andreessen and Pope that raises important ethical questions.

Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 16min
240: Humanoids at Home, Bitcoin's Silent IPO, Naming is Distribution & ZIRP Fake History
The hosts dive into the intriguing world of humanoid robots and the potential privacy risks they pose at home. They explore Bitcoin's 'silent IPO', examining market trends and the effects of naming on distribution in the crypto space. A discussion on AI's influence versus zero-rate policies offers insights into job market dynamics. They also analyze the UK’s declining income and the implications of tax structures on wealth and talent. Expect a blend of tech fascination, financial wisdom, and witty banter!

23 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 52min
239: Amazon Automation & Job Cuts, Gold Drops, Debasement Trade, AI Music & NBA Betting Scandal
The hosts dive into Amazon's massive layoffs, driven by automation, and discuss how this shift might change warehouse jobs. They explore the recent drop in gold prices, contrasting it with the rise of Bitcoin. AI-generated music takes center stage as they evaluate its quality and the implications for artists and record labels. The conversation also unpacks the NBA betting scandal and the ethical dilemmas surrounding sports betting apps and prediction markets, raising questions about transparency and fairness in gambling.

13 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 53min
238: Coinbase Buys Cobie’s Echo ($375M) + UpOnly Podcast NFT ($25M), Walmart vs. Amazon & ChatGPT Launches Browser
The hosts dive into Coinbase's hefty acquisition of Cobie's Echo for $375M, discussing its implications for the crypto landscape. They break down the $25M UpOnly NFT drop that created a storm of memes and excitement. The conversation shifts to the competitive dynamics between Walmart and Amazon, especially regarding their integration of ChatGPT for shopping. Lastly, they explore the innovative features of the new ChatGPT browser, including built-in AI actions and the potential for enhanced online shopping experiences.

Oct 15, 2025 • 58min
237: OpenAI’s $1T In Chip Deals, Crypto Sell Off & The Battle For Rare Earths
The discussion kicks off with OpenAI's staggering $1T chip deals and its central role in the AI chip market. They dive into the crypto sell-off, unraveling the impact of a political tweet and whale trades on volatility. The conversation shifts to China's dominance in rare earths, exploring its refining monopoly and the geopolitical implications of supply chain tensions. Additionally, the hosts reflect on the evolving narratives surrounding Bitcoin and energy, emphasizing the long-term perspectives investors should maintain. It's a fast-paced exploration of technology and markets!

Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 19min
236: Sora, Open AI Commerce, AI Deals (AMD, xAI, Nvidia), AI vs. Dotcom Bubble, Debasement Trade & Polymarket Deal
Zaid Admani, creator and podcaster known for The Rundown, joins to discuss a diverse range of topics in AI and commerce. He shares insights on Sora’s AI-generated videos and the ethical concerns around likeness permissions. They explore OpenAI's launch into commerce and the implications of AI making purchases for users. Zaid also analyzes the dynamics of major AI deals with companies like Nvidia and AMD, questioning if these partnerships reflect genuine value or merely circular accounting. The conversation dives into broader economic themes, including the future of jobs in an AI-driven world.


