
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

7 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 1h 2min
178: Peter Thiel on Rogan, Nashville vs. Austin, Bloomberg’s Business & Access Monopolies
In this engaging discussion, Peter Thiel, a prominent entrepreneur and venture capitalist, reflects on his recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience. The conversation dives into the cultural rivalry between Nashville and Austin, exploring what makes Nashville an emerging hub. Thiel also sheds light on the concept of 'access monopolies,' particularly in relation to Bloomberg's business strategies and the impact on information acquisition in finance. With humor and insight, this chat uncovers the shifting landscape of media and societal narratives.

Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 13min
177: Best Olympic Memes, Peacock App Wins, Chipotle vs. Starbucks & Nike’s Struggles
Dive into the world of Olympic memes that are stealing the spotlight from actual athletic performances. Explore the success of the Peacock app and the streaming challenges faced during the Tokyo Games. A lighthearted comparison of Chipotle and Starbucks reveals how corporate shifts impact consumer sentiment. The struggles of Nike and the rise of new competitors are analyzed, shedding light on changing consumer demands in a post-pandemic landscape. Get ready for some laughs and insights into sports, culture, and branding!

9 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 1h 15min
176: Market Mayhem, Yen Carry Trade, Overtourism & Is Google a Monopoly?
Trung Phan, a savvy commentator, shares fascinating insights from his recent Euro trip while diving into pressing financial topics. The conversation highlights the challenges of market volatility and the implications of the yen carry trade. They debate whether Google qualifies as a monopoly, considering a recent federal ruling, and navigate the complexities of overtourism, reflecting on its impact on cities like Amsterdam and Barcelona. Expect a blend of light-hearted travel tales and serious economic insights!

15 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 51min
175: Ideas That Changed Our Lives (2024)
Explore how health and happiness intertwine, as personal stories highlight the value of well-being. The conversation shifts to balancing ambition with contentment, emphasizing gradual improvement. Insights on mastery through swimming showcase energy conservation and personal growth. Delve into the perception of time and memory, particularly how novelty influences our experiences. Lastly, the use of a feelings wheel enhances emotional clarity, shedding light on navigating endurance in the digital age and the balance between genuine expression and online presence.

6 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 60min
174: ETH ETF Launches, Trump’s Crypto Pitch, The Dollar’s Decline & Building Hardware Unicorns
The podcast covers topics such as ETH ETF launches, Trump's crypto pitch, the dollar's decline, and building hardware unicorns. They discuss the challenges of raising money for innovative ventures, exciting Bitcoin events, the impact of ETF launches on prices, and the contrasts between hardware and software businesses.

Jul 17, 2024 • 43min
173: 9 things to watch, read & listen to this summer
On this podcast, the hosts discuss their top picks for summer viewing, including the TV series 'The Gentlemen'. They also explore topics like the symbolism of wearing a suit, storytelling in movies, British popularity, and a Vietnamese spy Hollywood series. Additionally, they share recommendations for shows, articles, autobiographies, and delve into the work of polymath Buckminster Fuller.

Jul 10, 2024 • 1h 6min
172: George Mack (Part 2) - UK vs. US, The Office & Lessons from Oasis
George Mack discusses UK vs. US differences and entrepreneurship. The conversation shifts to the cultural contrasts between British and American comedy, focusing on TV shows like The Office. Then, a deep dive into Oasis's significance in the music industry and their chaotic dynamics. The speakers also touch on challenging consumer desires in music and fashion, the importance of embracing individuality, and revenue generation strategies like bundling products for customer value.

24 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 8min
171: George Mack: Sticky Ideas vs. Memes, What Makes A Good Name, Presidential Debate & Private Likes
Expert in branding and idea communication, George Mack, discusses sticky ideas vs. memes, the importance of a good name, the presidential debate fallout, and the shift from public to private likes on social media platforms with the NIA boys.

Jun 25, 2024 • 49min
170: Hawk Tuah, Best Meme Days in 2024 & The Economics of Olympics
Guest Hawk Tuah discusses the monetization of viral moments, the best meme days in 2024, and the economics of hosting the Olympics. The hosts reflect on turning online fame into revenue, the challenges of sustaining profitability from short-lived fame, and the legacy of hosting big events like the Olympics.

Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 6min
169: Euro 2024 Memes, Social Media vs. Free Will, Inside Out 2 & Pixar’s History
The podcast delves into Euro 2024 memes, the influence of social media algorithms on free will, the addictive nature of apps like Duolingo, and Pixar's history in the film industry. The hosts discuss the excitement surrounding the upcoming Euro tournament, the challenges of maintaining individual agency in the digital age, and the innovative environment at Pixar that has shaped popular culture.