

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

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.

6 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 54min
235: Meta Vibes (AI Videos), TikTok’s $14B Sale, EA’s $55B Takeover & Gold Flips US Treasuries
Dive into the world of AI with Meta's innovative video platform, Meta Vibes, and the potential backlash from creators. Analyze TikTok's intriguing $14B sale and the complex deal structure behind it. Discover the strategic motives behind EA’s staggering $55B takeover and its implications for the gaming industry. Lastly, explore the surprising rise of gold as a reserve asset, challenging US Treasuries, and the role of geopolitical concerns in shifting global finance. Could Bitcoin emerge as the next big player in reserve assets?

10 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
234: Nvidia’s $100B OpenAI Deal, Meta Ray-Ban Display & Oura’s $10B Valuation
The hosts dive into Nvidia's jaw-dropping $100B deal with OpenAI, dissecting its strategic implications for the chip market and AI demand. They explore the intriguing potential of Meta's Ray-Ban display glasses, weighing the pros and cons of augmented reality while debating real-world applications. The conversation then shifts to Oura's impressive $10B valuation, discussing how its unique blend of hardware and subscription services helps transform user lifestyles and health insights, all while highlighting the perils of data obsession.

19 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 4min
233: SpaceX $17B Deal, Tesla Bull Case, Oracle’s $1T AI Run, Gas Wars Release & PunkStrategy
Explore the monumental $17B deal by SpaceX aimed at revolutionizing satellite services, especially in rural areas. Delve into the optimistic Tesla bull case and Oracle's ambitious $1T AI project, which is shaking up the tech landscape. Discover the exciting Gas Wars NFT project, featuring unique auction mechanics and new token concepts. The conversation also touches on the potential merger of major media players like TikTok, showcasing how technology and innovative strategies are reshaping the future of business and entertainment.

Sep 10, 2025 • 52min
232: Google Monopoly Ruling, Sam Altman’s WorldCoin & The New iPhones
Dive into the intriguing world of tech with a deep dive into the recent antitrust ruling against Google, exploring its implications for the market and competition. The conversation shifts to WorldCoin, weighing its revolutionary potential in human verification against ethical concerns in the age of AI. Finally, get the latest scoop on upcoming iPhones, including the expected iPhone Air and Fold models, infused with nostalgia and humor about smartphone innovations. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of tech, identity, and consumer choices.

14 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 37min
231: US vs. Global Stocks, Gen-Z Trends, Why People Stopped Drinking Alcohol & Does "Social Media” Exist?
A lively discussion unfolds on the contrasts between US and global stocks, revealing fresh investment strategies. Gen-Z trends come into play, showcasing a shift in attitudes towards alcohol consumption. The boys delve into why many have decided to stop drinking and how societal norms are changing. The existence and impact of social media are questioned, exploring its effects on personality, behavior, and social interactions, ultimately sparking contemplation on modern digital culture and human connectivity.

4 snips
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.