
Not Investment Advice
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.
Latest episodes

8 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
208: AMA - Career Advice, Scarcity vs. Abundance, Parenting in AI Age & Future of Social Media
Explore early career advice that emphasizes passion alongside market demands. Discover how scarcity and abundance mindsets shape parenting, especially in the age of AI. Unpack the transformative impact of AI on career paths while valuing human relationships. Delve into the dynamics of online entrepreneurship and the significance of location. Finally, analyze the changing landscape of social media authenticity amidst rising AI content and shifting perceptions of genuine engagement.

Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 6min
207: AMA - Abercrombie’s Comeback, Wedding Economics, Loyalty to Brands, David Deutsch’s “Fun Criterion” & Is Work-Life Balance Possible?
The hosts dive into Abercrombie's surprising comeback, exploring its nostalgia-driven marketing aimed at a younger generation. Wedding economics take center stage as they discuss hidden costs and clever upselling tactics ruining budgets for couples. Brand loyalty is examined through personal anecdotes of drinking habits and emotional connections. They also tackle the quest for work-life balance, advocating for pursuing passion over rigidity in a fulfilling career. Finally, the concept of 'Fun Criterion' is introduced, emphasizing intuitive decision-making.

15 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 7min
206: Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, YouTube at 20, Ferrari Wild Economics & Manus DeepSeek Moment (?)
The discussion kicks off with bold insights into Bitcoin's strategic reserve and what it means for national economies. They dive deep into YouTube's 20-year transformation from quirky beginnings to a major cultural force impacting creators like Mr. Beast. The conversation shifts to Ferrari, spotlighting its unique economic model tied to luxury and racing heritage. A fascinating comparison is made between Honda's mass production and Ferrari's artisanal approach. Finally, they tackle AI advancements and their implications for technology and consumer experiences.

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 14min
205: Crypto Strategic Reserve, Skype Shutting Down, Oscars & Mixue $14B IPO
The discussion kicks off with the concept of a U.S. crypto strategic reserve aimed at shielding the industry from government oversight. The conversation shifts to the nostalgic implications of Skype's shutdown, contrasting it with modern communication platforms. They delve into the Oscars' dwindling relevance, examining its shifting audience and cultural impact. Finally, the buzz around Mixue's impressive $14 billion IPO highlights the evolving landscape of fast food and its competition with giants like McDonald's, showcasing the intersection of pop culture and business.

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 6min
204: $1.5bil Bybit Hack, Crypto Sell-off, Pig-Butchering Scams, Murdoch “Succession” Drama & Future of Local Media
The podcast dives into the shocking $1.5 billion hack of the Bybit exchange and its repercussions on the crypto market. It uncovers the chilling rise of 'pig butchering' scams that psychologically manipulate victims for financial gain. Discussions also touch on the chaotic state of Bitcoin trading and turbulent market predictions. Additionally, the hosts analyze the real-life drama of the Murdoch family, echoing themes from a popular TV show, and explore the evolving landscape of local media amidst trust issues.

68 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 18min
203: Libra $200M+ Rug, How We Use AI, OpenAI Deep Research & Vibe Coding
Dive into the drama of a $200M rug pull in the meme coin world, revealing its political ties. Discover how AI is reshaping creativity, from writing to art, and the fascinating concept of 'vibe coding' that champions imaginative coding over traditional skills. Explore the challenges of authenticity in AI-generated art and the delicate balance between efficiency and personal expression. The discussion wraps up with insights into AI's role in our daily lives and the complexities surrounding data privacy in this tech-driven landscape.

10 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 24min
202: Superbowl Ads, Kendrick HT, Elon $97B OpenAI Bid, X Algo, Dead Internet Theory & USAID
Dive into the glitzy world of Super Bowl ads, where nostalgia meets innovation and the evolving landscape of advertising is critiqued. Explore the reactions to Kendrick Lamar's halftime show, as contrasting opinions spark discussion. Unpack Elon Musk's jaw-dropping $97B bid for OpenAI and its impact on the tech landscape. Delve into the complexities of social media algorithms and the concept of 'heaven banning.' Finally, unravel the dual nature of USAID, balancing genuine aid with the intricacies of soft power.

17 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 59min
201: Tariff War (Canada, Mexico, China), Shein & Temu, & ETH Drop
Dive into the complexities of the tariff war involving Canada, Mexico, and China, and how it affects budget-friendly brands like Shein and Temu. Discover how these tariffs intertwine with deeper ethical dilemmas and economic policies. Enjoy humorous banter about trade memes and witness a shift in U.S. foreign policy amid modern challenges. Plus, explore the fluctuating world of Ethereum and digital assets, revealing insights into the market's future amidst current volatility.

19 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 23min
200: DeepSeek Breakdown, Nvidia Short Thesis and Big Tech Winners & Losers
Dive into the intriguing world of DeepSeek, exploring whether it might just be a psyop and its impact on the AI landscape. Discover Nvidia's stock rollercoaster and the competition from emerging AI models. The conversation also exposes espionage tactics like 'honeypotting' used in tech and reflects on the cultural dynamics in the industry. Plus, enjoy a light-hearted take on memes and user reactions as social media platforms evolve. It's a blend of serious insights and playful banter on the future of tech!

9 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 18min
199: Trump Memecoin, ETH vs. Solana, TikTok Ban & Inauguration Memes
This discussion delves into the intriguing world of Trump Memecoin, assessing its pros and cons in the crypto landscape. The hosts pit Ethereum against Solana, highlighting their respective market dynamics and challenges. A fascinating look at TikTok's uncertain future reveals the political chess game surrounding its ban. Plus, they dive into the cultural impact of inauguration memes and the rise of meme coins in politics, all while exploring how society reacts to these viral moments.