"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg
Turpentine
See the world through the eyes of society's greatest rule-breakers. The "Live Players" podcast charts the key individuals shaping our future from first principles across multiple domains: business, politics, philanthropy, and broadcasting from the digital town square
Join host Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg as they analyze the mindsets of today's most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more.
If you want more than soundbites and sensationalism, this podcast delivers reasoned reflections on the live players who renew and transform civilization, whether we ask them to or not.
Topics frequently covered: Business titans, political players, and philanthropists like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, George Soros, Donald Trump, and more with the power to remake industries, policies, borders, or societal norms.
Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co
Join host Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg as they analyze the mindsets of today's most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more.
If you want more than soundbites and sensationalism, this podcast delivers reasoned reflections on the live players who renew and transform civilization, whether we ask them to or not.
Topics frequently covered: Business titans, political players, and philanthropists like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, George Soros, Donald Trump, and more with the power to remake industries, policies, borders, or societal norms.
Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co
Episodes
Mentioned books
17 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 47min
Mass Immigration Won't Save Europe
The discussion delves into why mass immigration may not resolve Europe's economic challenges. It highlights the difficulties of cultural assimilation, political unrest in countries like the UK and France, and the implications for national identity. The hosts explore the critical role of trust in governance and the fragility of democratic institutions amid rising nationalism. They also critique the oversimplified view of economics and emphasize the need for sound policies that foster social cohesion and stability in European societies.
14 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 53min
The Eastern European Experiment
Samo Burja, an insightful analyst on Eastern Europe's socio-economic landscape, shares his expertise on the region's dramatic transformation since the fall of communism. He discusses how countries like Poland are emerging as tech hubs while balancing traditional values with Western influences. The conversation delves into immigration trends, generational shifts, and the impact of EU integration. Samo also forecasts a brighter economic future for Eastern Europe, hinting that Poland might outpace Germany economically by the century’s end.
18 snips
Aug 2, 2024 • 58min
EU in Flux
The podcast dives into the European Union's origins and current challenges, including a fragmented digital market and inconsistent defense policies. Brexit's impact is analyzed, revealing unexpected immigration increases and strained economic ties. Discussions touch on potential EU unification and the rise of a European superstate amidst global competition. The struggle for political and military unity within the EU is examined, alongside the complexities of higher education and talent distribution. Finally, the tensions surrounding national identities and the future of cohesion in Europe are explored.
35 snips
Jul 26, 2024 • 51min
Advice for the Next US President
Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss challenges for the next US president, focusing on bureaucratic inefficiencies, foreign policy, non-profit sector reforms, energy policy, and strategies for economic alliances and manufacturing. They propose innovative solutions like creating special economic zones and prioritizing affordable drone technology for defense.
5 snips
Jul 21, 2024 • 54min
Brazil: A Country of the Future?
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Brazil's missed industrialization opportunities due to high crime rates, corruption, and political dysfunction, comparing it with successful countries like China and Japan. They emphasize the importance of strategic government interventions for economic growth, including leveraging global supply chains and implementing technocratic policies. The podcast also explores Brazil's potential futures and the challenges faced in replicating successful governance models from other regions.
18 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 53min
Can China Power its Rise?
The podcast discusses China's energy strategy, its potential conflicts, and its reliance on oil imports. It explores China's military preparedness, industrial competition with the U.S., and the risks of a bipolar world dominated by the U.S. and China.
14 snips
Jun 14, 2024 • 47min
The Power Structures of Cities
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the enduring influence of cities on human civilization, exploring their role as the longest-lived human institutions and their impact on social and political structures. They also examine the common criticisms of modern cities like San Francisco, political dynamics in urban areas, charter cities and network states, digital and physical interplay of cities, future of urban development, overhaul in government staffing, and refounding on industrial civilization.
6 snips
Jun 7, 2024 • 46min
The Turbulence of Boeing: Decline and Future Prospects
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg delve into Boeing's troubles—fatal crashes, maintenance issues—reflecting broader concerns about US industrial capabilities. They discuss globalization's impact, competition with Airbus and Chinese firms, and the need for innovation in the aerospace sector. Insights shed light on the challenges and future prospects of US aviation.
9 snips
May 30, 2024 • 42min
Live Players Analysis: Drug Cartels in Mexico
Experts Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the impact of Mexican drug cartels on the country's political and economic landscape, touching on global security threats, drug legalization implications, and potential geopolitical shifts. They delve into the intricate relationships between cartels and governments, the challenges of combating corruption, and the prospects for peace in Latin America amid demographic shifts.
90 snips
May 25, 2024 • 57min
How to Find the Frontiers of Knowledge, Samo Burja for The Stoa
Samo Burja, an expert on advancing uncrystallized knowledge, critiques academia's inefficiencies and proposes new structures. The discussion covers fostering innovation in social scenes, pursuing genuine knowledge, and competing with current academia. Topics include the role of crackpots, super connectors, acquiring knowledge, and societal behaviors.
