

"Moment of Zen"
Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez
Every week, Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez and frequent special guests discuss what's happening in technology, business, politics, and beyond.
Moment of Zen is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
Moment of Zen is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
Episodes
Mentioned books

35 snips
May 25, 2024 • 55min
Joe Lonsdale on How to Solve America’s Problems
Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir, talks about solving America's problems through competence, data-driven solutions, and market incentives. He discusses educational inequality, homelessness, governance competence, and the impact of technology on healthcare and defense sectors. Lonsdale also explores the influence and impact at the state vs. federal level, envisioning a future driven by competence and technological advancements.

May 20, 2024 • 1h 20min
Crypto and Gaming with Carlos Pereira
Carlos Pereira, Partner at BITKRAFT Ventures, discusses the intersection of cryptocurrency and gaming, exploring web3 gaming, on-chain assets, digital scarcity, and the potential benefits of embracing web3 in gaming. The conversation also covers the impact of blockchain technology on gaming economies, virtual reality gaming with real-life consequences, unique MMA events fully tokenized, and the challenges of merging crypto and gaming products.

8 snips
May 11, 2024 • 55min
Jonathan Haidt on The Social Media Theory of Everything
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and author, discusses the impact of social media on democracy, the importance of play-based childhood, and the polarization in American politics. They delve into the dangers of social media addiction, the evolution of political ideologies, and the need for collaborative action to address societal concerns.

7 snips
May 5, 2024 • 1h 20min
The Future of Media, Institutions, and Risk
The podcast covers tech vs. media, elite hypocrisy, risk orientation, and Turpentine's thesis. Topics include the evolution of media, tech CEOs stand, sponsor ads, and the revolution of tech media by Turpentine. It also explores the utilization of media for price discrimination, evolution of media direction, community building, and mindset for achieving success.

10 snips
Apr 27, 2024 • 1h 39min
Should We Accelerate or Decelerate Tech Progress?
Debate between E/ACC and EA on tech progress regulation in AI industry. Discussion on accelerating tech advancements, ethical dilemmas, AI safety measures, and regulatory cooperation. Highlights tribal dynamics in tech communities, balancing acceleration with precaution, and navigating AI ethics and politics. Advocates for collaborative approach between tech and AI safety communities.

Apr 18, 2024 • 51min
The Future of Crypto, Social Platforms, and Descending the Tech Ladder with Mike Rainbow
Mike Rainbow, Co-founder of Rainbow wallet, discusses the future of crypto, social platforms, and tech descent. Topics include removing middlemen in finance, direct transactions, evolving crypto wallets, chat functionalities, and challenges in transaction frame adoption. A playful chat on names and social status, along with promoting NFT minting through social signals.

15 snips
Apr 13, 2024 • 1h 2min
Bryan Johnson on AI, Religion, and God
Bryan Johnson discusses deeper spiritual beliefs, the 'Don't Die' movement in AI era, human clock speed, religions as death cults, long-termism vs engineering longevity, and technological impact on societal beliefs and identities.

Apr 7, 2024 • 57min
Crypto, Memes, and Politics with Li Jin
Li Jin, co-founder of Variant Fund, talks with Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, and Antonio Garcia Martinez about crypto, web3, memecoins, attention economics, and the impact of techno-capitalism. They discuss cultural differences, decentralization, meme coins, and the attention economy thesis.

24 snips
Mar 31, 2024 • 1h 37min
Curtis Yarvin on How to Build the Next NYT and Advice for Elon
Curtis Yarvin discusses media, regime change, and the future role of platforms like X and Reddit in reputation capital structures. Topics include building a new regime, state media, maximizing trust and engagement, elite seduction in media influence, advice to Elon Musk, reimagining Twitter's impact, authority in media, and the concept of a 'truth machine'.

Mar 23, 2024 • 1h 13min
Dune/Napoleon, Apple/Microsoft, TikTok, Polyamory, and Aella’s Legacy
Elon Musk's interviews, Dune 2 and Napoleon releases, polyamory discussions, Apple-Microsoft antitrust issues, TikTok conundrum, aging, and Aella's legacy are all discussed in a lively and insightful manner in this episode.