The Network State Podcast

Noor Siddiqui, founder of Orchid, pioneers in whole-genome embryo screening for genetic diseases. They discuss the evolution from biological chance to choice and how societal perceptions of embryo screening are changing. Noor highlights the clinical importance of early genetic screening in preventing severe health conditions. The conversation also touches on the evolving political landscape surrounding technology and reproduction, emphasizing the need for compassion in bioethical discussions.

In this conversation, Sean Neville, co-founder of Circle and founder of Catena Labs, dives into the world of stablecoins and machine-native money. He discusses the importance of the USDC stablecoin and the unique governance model of the Centre Consortium. Sean also explores the future of programmable money for AI agents and the crucial infrastructure needed for secure agent-to-agent transactions. Expect insights on balancing compliance with usability and the innovative potential of merging AI with crypto.

Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz and author, dives into the future of network states, drawing parallels to Netscape and Bitcoin. He discusses the integration of digital primitives like crypto and VR, emphasizing the need for richer community tools. Ben and Balaji explore physical startup societies inspired by digital roots and propose Special Founder Zones to accelerate innovation. They touch on how states regulate tech for power and the shift from rule of law to rule of code, highlighting the importance of consensus protocols and crypto in rebuilding societal trust.

Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation, shares insights on Bitcoin as a lifeline for people in collapsing economies. He critiques the IMF and World Bank's roles in creating debt traps and discusses the importance of separating money from state control. Gladstein contrasts Bitcoin with stablecoins, advocating for Bitcoin's potential to preserve free speech and property rights. He highlights real-world applications of Bitcoin, including projects like Bitcoin Beach, showcasing its power to enable financial freedom.

Bryan Johnson, an entrepreneur and longevity investor behind the Blueprint project, dives into transformative ideas around health and longevity. He discusses the transition to large-effect gene therapies and the potential of visual changes in health to inspire belief in therapies. The pair explore regulatory challenges, self-experimentation ethics, and innovations like wearable brain monitoring for everyday tracking. They envision a future where intensive diagnostics and gene therapies converge to create a 'Don't Die Network State' aimed at enhancing human life.

Dan Wang, a technology historian and author of "Breakneck," dives into the fundamental differences between China as an engineering state and the U.S. as a lawyerly one. He explores China's unique political landscape shaped by Deng Xiaoping's reforms and critiques the challenges both superpowers face, including economic discrepancies and tech crackdowns. Fascinatingly, Dan questions whether Bitcoin could be a viable rival to state powers. With insights on manufacturing dominance and digital borders, this conversation sheds light on the evolving global order.

Yat Siu, co-founder and chairman of Animoca Brands, revolutionizes gaming and digital property rights with his insights. He discusses how gaming enforces jurisdiction through code and the social dynamics that make it unique. The conversation dives into the geopolitical rift between China and India, exploring how each nation's strategies shape their digital futures. Yat emphasizes the role of blockchains in preserving property rights and the evolution of digital communities, highlighting their potential to redefine sovereignty.

Timur Kuran, a Duke University professor and author known for his insights into preference falsification, dives deep into the intricacies of public lies and the distortion of economic data. The conversation includes the implications of social pressure on truth-telling and how preference falsification affects institutional decision-making. Kuran also discusses the historical context of Islamic law in relation to corporations, the potential for modernization in the Middle East, and the role of blockchain technology in creating verifiable truths amidst public deception.

Luke Gromen, a macroeconomic analyst and founder of Forest for the Trees, shares insights from his 30 years in finance. He discusses how stocks drive consumer spending and the implications of the Fed’s interventions on market stability. Gromen emphasizes the strategic shift of BRICS away from the dollar towards gold and the yuan. The duo explores China's manufacturing dominance, its impact on U.S. military supply chains, and the consequences of potential de-dollarization, painting a vivid picture of today’s global economic landscape.

Andrew Huberman, a Stanford neurobiology professor and host of the Huberman Lab podcast, dives into the fascinating world of health and performance. He discusses the importance of regulating cortisol levels, optimizing morning and evening routines for energy and sleep, and using tech like wearable sensors for real-time health monitoring. The conversation also explores designing environments that promote healthy behaviors and the innovative use of AI for personalized health feedback. Huberman's insights are both actionable and visionary!