

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

Aug 27, 2025 • 54min
230: Yeezy & Balaji Coin, Zora, Soho House ~$3B PE Deal & Shark Ninja’s $16B Empire
Dive into the intriguing world of Yeezy and Balaji Coins as the hosts dissect their emergence on the Zora platform. The conversation shifts to Soho House's high-stakes $3B deal and Shark Ninja’s rise to a $16B kitchen empire. Get ready for laughs as they explore the cultural phenomenon of air fryers, cleverly linking them to modern cooking trends. Plus, insights into Ford's struggles in a tech-driven market and the complexities of luxury memberships offer a thought-provoking backdrop.

Aug 20, 2025 • 49min
229: Oasis Concert, Chamath Launching SPAC, Intel Turnaround (?) & How The South Park Guys Became Billionaires
The hosts dive into the nostalgic vibes of an Oasis concert at Wembley, reminiscing about its impact. They discuss Chamath's ambitious SPAC launch and the intriguing challenges Intel faces in the tech industry. There's a fascinating look at how the creators of South Park turned their animation into a billion-dollar empire through clever contracts and streaming deals. Additionally, they explore the shift of UFC to a subscription model, weighing its benefits against potential visibility losses. It's a lively mix of music, tech, and business insight!

13 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h
228: GPT-5, ChatGPT vs. Claude, AI Psychosis, Nvidia 15% Export Tax & Harvard Buys Bitcoin
The discussion kicks off with the exciting debut of GPT-5, sparking a mix of curiosity and skepticism among users. A rivalry unfolds between ChatGPT and Claude, highlighting the competitive AI landscape. There's also a deep dive into Nvidia's new 15% export tax and its implications for U.S.-China tech relations. Meanwhile, Harvard's bold move to buy Bitcoin signals a shift in institutional investment strategies. The podcast navigates the intersections of technology, finance, and the evolving implications for society.

20 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 11min
227: Singapore & Vietnam’s Growth, Figma IPO, Airport Lounges & Dishoom’s Genius Marketing
Explore the rapid growth of Vietnam, highlighting its impressive GDP changes and tech advancements. Discover Singapore's evolution into a financial powerhouse, shaped by strategic policies and cultural transformations. Dive into the world of IPOs with Figma's stock fluctuations and the hurdles retail investors face. Unpack the changing dynamics of airport lounges and the impact of budget airlines on travel. Finally, learn about Dishoom's unique marketing tactics that make its dining experience a delight.

6 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 60min
226: Future of Substack, Support From Partner, Value of Names & Rebooting The UK
The discussion kicks off with the evolving landscape of Substack, challenging traditional media with a shift to subscription models. The hosts then explore the power of supportive partnerships for personal and professional growth. They delve into the significance of names in the digital age, weighing the value of premium domains against brand recognition. Finally, they reflect on relocating from the UK to the US, sharing insights on cultural differences and the entrepreneurial environment shaped by recent political changes.

6 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 3min
225: What’s Driving ETH Price, Bitcoin All Time High, Treasury Company Playbook, Stablecoin Bill & Crypto Collateral Loans
Dive into the latest dynamics of cryptocurrency as the hosts discuss what’s driving Ethereum's price and Bitcoin nearing all-time highs. Explore the implications of the stablecoin bill while uncovering the changing narratives between Bitcoin and Ethereum. They also delve into the trend of using digital collectibles as collateral for loans, shedding light on the innovative lending practices in the DeFi space. Expect humor and insights on the future of investments and the evolving landscape of finance.

20 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 3min
224: AMA - Meeting Historical Figures, PHDs vs AI, Simulation Theory, Fav 90s Media, & Routines
The hosts engage in a lively AMA, unveiling which historical figures they'd love to meet. They humorously discuss AI's growing influence on productivity, highlighting surprising cognitive costs. Nostalgia flows as they reminisce about their favorite 90s media and childhood music, reflecting on how these experiences shaped their identities. Routines and motivation take center stage as they debate balancing simplicity with ambition in life, all while sharing personal anecdotes that add fun and depth to their discussions.

4 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
223: AMA - China vs. US Energy, Population Decline, Tech Layoff Drivers & Future of AI Podcasting
Explore the intense rivalry between China and the U.S. in energy production, particularly solar and nuclear strategies. Delve into worrying trends around declining populations and their cultural impacts. Discover how tech layoffs are reshaping job markets, influenced by automation and changing workforce dynamics. The podcast also speculates on the future of AI in podcasting, balancing technology's insights with the human touch that defines authentic content creation.

19 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 43min
222: AMA - 1% Products, Dream Businesses, Disagreements, BYD vs. Tesla & is UBI a Good Idea?
In a lively AMA session, the hosts dive into what makes a product a top 1% pick, sharing humorous anecdotes about their favorite beverages. They brainstorm dream business ideas, from quirky cafes to inventive gadgets. The conversation heats up as they analyze the fierce competition between BYD and Tesla, discussing market strategies and challenges. Finally, they tackle the complexities of Universal Basic Income, weighing its potential benefits against economic realities and political hurdles. Expect laughs and insightful debates!

9 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 47min
221: Booking: $170B+ A/B Testing Machine & How a $5000 Vegas Bet Saved FedEx
Dive into the fascinating world of Booking.com as the hosts explore its transformation into a $170 billion powerhouse through innovative A/B testing techniques. Discover how FedEx was saved by a daring $5,000 Vegas bet from founder Fred Smith. The episode also reflects on the evolution of online travel booking and the powerful role AI is playing in shaping the industry's future. With a blend of insightful anecdotes and sharp humor, the discussion reveals the delicate balance of luck and strategy in business.