Debunking misconceptions about inflation and exploring the impact of rising grocery prices on consumer sentiment. Discussed topics include the factors contributing to higher food costs, the correlation between wages and grocery prices, the relationship between gas prices and food prices, and the effects of interest rate hikes on aggregate demand. The podcast also delves into managing inflation, the Federal Reserve's actions, and the importance of inflation expectations.

Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore the mixed views on immigration in America, including open borders vs border enforcement, the economic impact of immigration, nimbyism, the negative impact on economic growth, the importance of high skilled immigration, and debunking immigration myths.

Noah Smith joins hosts Packy McCormick and Julia DeWahl to discuss the future of nuclear energy, the potential of solar power, challenges in solar power and storage, understanding GiveWell, intermittency in solar power and battery storage, and the potential of fusion as an energy source.

Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the rise in pseudoscience, the “administrification” in America, the trillion-dollar non-profit sector, and more.

Guest Sam Altman discusses his ousting at OpenAI and new position at Microsoft, the potential pivot of OpenAI, the competitive landscape of AI players, and the role of Effective Altruism. They also explore blockchain technology for controlling evil AI, corporate drama surrounding Microsoft and an independent AI lab, Altman's decision to join Microsoft, and the changing reputation of the Effective Altruism movement.

Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss Noah's travel reflections from Singapore, the recent San Francisco cleanup, and the dystopian routes of progressivism. They explore Singapore as a solar punk city, the advantages of government building housing supply, the effectiveness and societal implications of a tough on crime approach. They also examine the impact of tech workers on crime and homelessness in cities, the effects of technology on democracies and autocracies, pushback against progressives, the impact of math education on inequality, and the battle for equality and propaganda films.

Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss new geopolitical dynamics in Asia and the Middle East, Ireland's wealth, the concept of the second Cold War, the role of nuclear deterrence and Israel's arsenal, and US strategic interests and allies in the Middle East. They also explore geopolitical predictions for the region and draw lessons from Japan and Germany after World War II.

Discussion on the state of the economy, tech and VC ecosystem facing a 'rolling recession', unpacking assumptions about wealth, impact of inflation, challenges in understanding the economy and the use of models, effects of inequality on individuals and the economy, examining inequality in the economy, wealth distribution and factors contributing to wealth accumulation.

The podcast explores the drawbacks of GDP and productivity measurements, techno-optimism, individual empowerment and choice, the potential of nuclear energy, feasibility and limitations of nuclear power, virtual worlds and changing desires, causes of economic slowdown, and the impact of energy technology and the computer revolution on productivity gains.

Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the Israel-Gaza conflict, shifting geopolitical power, and the end of Pax Americana. They explore the potential for a China-Taiwan conflict and the possibility of WWIII. Topics include the impact of doubling GDP on societies, the mixed emotions surrounding Israel's collaborations, and scenarios if China attacks Taiwan.