The Network State Podcast

Stacy Herbert, Director of the National Bitcoin Office of El Salvador, discusses the country's transformative journey from gang violence to a pro-innovation haven. She highlights the importance of regulatory clarity for Bitcoin adoption and compares President Bukele's vision to successful models like Singapore. Stacy shares firsthand experiences from liberated neighborhoods, detailing how mass arrests restored safety. She also unveils El Salvador's AI and robotics laws designed to attract talent, making it a hotspot for digital nomads and startups.

Balaji Srinivasan, a visionary entrepreneur and technologist, discusses the urgent need to build alternatives to failing legacy institutions. He highlights the launch of Network School, emphasizing its goal to create new, physical networked communities. Balaji critiques the denial in Western institutions, pointing to recent collapses like SVB and FTX. He advises ambitious young talent to seek opportunities in global innovation hubs and underscores the importance of adapting to a code-based order with cryptographic solutions for trust.

Ben Lang, community leader at Cursor, shares insights on Cafe Cursor pop-ups that blend digital and physical spaces. He recounts the rapid rise in interest, with 1,000 applicants eager to host events in ten cities. Listeners get an inside look at the logistics of these pop-ups, from cafe bookings to user networking. Ben discusses the concept of 'printing the cloud' and connecting top power users through these meet-ups, as well as navigating challenges of longer-term community spaces and engagement strategies. A must-listen for digital community enthusiasts!

Kamil Galeev is a writer and analyst known for his exploration of historical power and revolutions. He delves into how revolutions often result in strict regimes rather than freedom, using examples from France and Russia. Galeev explains the role of monocentric states, the bureaucratic camouflage in regimes like Stalin's, and how innovations can arise from periods of breakdown. He also contrasts the privatization paths of Russia and China, emphasizing the impact of foreign investment on their economies. A must-listen for those intrigued by political history!

David Friedberg, co-host of the All-In podcast and CEO of Ohalo, dives into the evolving dynamics between networks and states. He discusses the 'fractal frontier' of special economic zones and startup cities, contrasting the network-driven West with the state-dominant East. The conversation also tackles America's New Deal legacy, the complexity of China’s industrial prowess, and the concept of Freedom Cities as a vision for decentralized governance. Friedberg's insights spark a thought-provoking dialogue on the future of technocracy and economic rejuvenation.

Lily, a tech veteran with experience across the US, China, and Europe, is currently a senior figure at Solana, focusing on tokenizing equity. She dives into Solana's rapid rise in the crypto landscape, exploring how it's creating Internet Capital Markets and enabling micropayments. The conversation covers the fascinating potential of tokenizing equities to democratize ownership and enhance global trading. Lily also discusses the integration of AI in finance, shedding light on the innovative transitions from Web2 to Web3.

Join Hemant Mohapatra, a partner at Lightspeed India, as he unpacks the thriving Indian tech landscape. He discusses how India became the third-largest hub for unicorns and the fastest growing economy from 2015-2025. The conversation covers biotechnology, innovations in drone delivery, and the country's vibrant content creation scene. Hemant also explores India’s struggles and triumphs in digital transformation and entrepreneurial spirit, providing insights into what drives this powerhouse on the global stage.

Jesse Pollak, who leads Coinbase Base, discusses groundbreaking blockchain innovations. He explores the motivation behind enabling ultra-low transaction fees on Ethereum and how Base is revolutionizing product development. The conversation dives into optimistic rollups and their impact on decentralization. Pollak also highlights the potential of blockchain beyond finance, including social networking and education. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of building resilient tech communities and the evolving relationship between cryptocurrency and network states.

Claire Lehmann, founder and editor-in-chief of Quillette, dives into pressing global issues and cultural insights. She discusses the implications of Australia's AUKUS agreement amidst rising tensions with China. Lehmann explores America's shifting identity and cultural confidence, critiquing Hollywood's stagnation. The conversation touches on the intersection of media consumption and political identity, emphasizing the emergence of countries like India. She also shares visionary ideas for nurturing creativity in tech communities, marrying global talent with innovative education.

Benedict Evans, a tech analyst and former partner at Andreessen Horowitz, dives into the future of technology. He discusses the potential of smart glasses and amplified intelligence, along with the rise of robot dogs. The conversation shifts to the decentralization of media, exploring how AI is reshaping user interfaces. Evans highlights the evolving landscape of newsletters and the intricate balance between technological advancements and human engagement, offering insights into the cultural ramifications of these innovations.