"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
29 snips
May 6, 2024 • 1h 2min
Academia's Impact on Society | Rudyard Lynch Interviews Samo Burja
Former academic Samo Burja discusses the impact of bureaucratization on society, delving into the current state of education, managerial ideology, democracy, and legislation. The conversation with interviewer Rudyard Lynch covers reasons for leaving academia, concerns about specialization, and the need for reform in institutions to adapt to changing societal needs.
60 snips
Apr 28, 2024 • 1h 13min
The Future of Democracy
Geopolitics, statecraft, and society studies are discussed. Impact of cryptocurrencies on state power, economic analyses of companies, and media influence on news narratives. Democracy, capitalism, and Hong Kong protests are explored. Lessons from trade strategies of Japan, Korea, and Iran. Geopolitics of Kissinger, Gorbachev, and Deng Xiaoping. Future of EU, Indian Ocean economy, and immigration systems. Predictions for meaning-making in the modern era.
10 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 1h
What India Should Do to Secure Its Future as a Global Superpower
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss India's demographics, industrialization barriers, talent pool, and institutional challenges. They delve into aging population implications, geopolitical tensions with China, and India's potential as a global superpower. The podcast explores economic strategies, societal dynamics, and the need for transformative leadership in contrast to China's success.
54 snips
Apr 16, 2024 • 1h 3min
What Causes Institutions to Flourish?
Samo Burja, an expert on institutions and societal development, discusses topics like the distinction between invention vs. adoption of technology, what a truly egalitarian society might look like, personal theories of history, U.S. government as an institution, Lee Kuan Yew and Singapore, patronage as a social technology in China, and bureaucratic legibility as a centralizing force in technology.
28 snips
Apr 6, 2024 • 53min
Fall of Rome with Rudyard Lynch
Historian Rudyard Lynch discusses the fall of the Roman Empire with Erik Torenberg, exploring key figures, societal changes, and major influences like Christianity, Huns, and Greek influence. They compare the rise of Rome, military strategies, and cultural assimilation, leading to the Empire's decline and reshaping of Europe by Germanic tribes.
22 snips
Mar 30, 2024 • 54min
China, AI, and the New Global Order
Topics discussed in the podcast include China's future outlook, innovation dynamics between US and China, analysis of the US state and Brazil's potential, AI and cryptocurrency's impact on economic structures, charter cities and governance systems, and future trends in the Chinese nuclear industry and AI talent.
29 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 53min
Alibaba After Jack Ma & China's Economy in 2024
Discussion on Alibaba post-Jack Ma, China's economy in 2024, Alibaba's evolution, Jack Ma's influence, Chinese government control, Belt and Road Initiative, Alibaba's AI challenges, and Ant Group dynamics.
5 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 50min
China vs US: Space and Frontier Technologies
China's advancements in space and quantum technology are explored, highlighting their impact on global power dynamics. The podcast delves into China's pursuit of space exploration, satellite weaponry, and moon landings, contrasting it with the US's plans. It also discusses the rise of private satellite launch companies in China and the country's focus on replicating Western advancements in technology.
17 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 51min
Xi Jinping's Legacy and China's Succession
Exploring Xi Jinping's power base and his influence on China's society and world affairs. Discussing the impact of his leadership on the economy, military, and politics. Delving into the future challenges and succession plans in China under Xi Jinping's rule.
36 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 48min
Tech Stagnation and What's Holding Us Back
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive into tech stagnation, discussing energy consumption as a progress metric. They explore Y Combinator's influence, industrial jargon, and the importance of clear language in tech. The podcast touches on regulatory bottlenecks, evolving software innovation, and social media platform evolution.
