"The Riff" with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg cover image

"The Riff" with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg

Latest episodes

undefined
20 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 2min

E36: Meritocracy, Modeling Globalization, and The Burden of Knowledge

Discussing the validity of 'Bullshit Jobs' concept by David Graeber, future of labor in AI era, globalization dynamics, complexities of corporate governance, meritocracy origins, knowledge transmission impact, AI on job sectors, corporate control challenges, and the fragility of global empires.
undefined
16 snips
Jul 6, 2024 • 1h

E35: How to Be President, the Future of AI Celebrities, and Training Larger AI Models

The podcast discusses the evolution of monetary systems, economics of AI investments, and AI's impact on junior software developers. Topics include centralized planning, challenges of governance, peaceful transfers of power in elections, navigating political systems, a German company's transition, AI's influence on fame, financial systems, and job markets.
undefined
19 snips
Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 5min

E34: Chamath & Tinder, Threads API, and the Difficulties of Scaling AI Labs

Chamath Palihapitiya shares a lesser-known story, discussing the index rebalancing trade in finance. The conversation covers AI labs, crypto market aspects, Twitter ideological clustering, and trading strategies based on index inclusions. It also touches on company evolution, hiring, and job opportunities.
undefined
21 snips
Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 7min

E33: AI Therapy, 4chan, and Why Conferences Are Like Cities

Explore the economics of conferences and cities, rise of meme stocks, future of AI therapy, cultural influence of platforms like 4chan and Reddit, and the impact of accessible creation on software and media.
undefined
35 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 57min

E32: Populism, Elites, and Preparing for AGI

The podcast discusses populist cycles, billionaires buying media companies, investing for AGI, elite influence post-financial crisis, navigating elite status, power dynamics in media conflicts, rise of AI, and venture capital role in tech firms.
undefined
6 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 46min

E31: Google API Documentation Leak, Apple's Plans for Siri, and Analyzing Texas Instruments

Elon Musk and Yann Lecun's Tweets, Google's API documentation leak, Apple's plans for Siri, challenges of technocracy, shareholder activism in decision-making, white-collar fraud, market manipulation, Amazon's margin strategy, ad revenue capture, language learning with Babbel, and introduction to Beehive for successful newsletters
undefined
May 30, 2024 • 1h 3min

E30: xAI Fundraising, Vivek's BuzzFeed Investment, and Ad-Based AI Monetization

The podcast discusses xAI's fundraising, Vivek Ramaswamy's investment in BuzzFeed, and monetizing AI through ads. It also explores interconnected companies, valuation of media companies, challenges in media and business, and the intersection of science fiction and technology narratives.
undefined
May 23, 2024 • 1h 7min

E29: Meme Stocks, Reserve Currencies, and the Case Against Home Ownership

This podcast discusses meme stocks, reserve currencies, and arguments against owning a home in America. They also touch on collusion in the oil industry, investment strategies, challenges of financial literacy in schools, and different investing strategies.
undefined
May 17, 2024 • 1h 3min

E28: Amazon’s Potential for an Airline, Hidden Economic Gains, and the Nature of Equities

Exploring Amazon's potential to buy a passenger airline, hidden economic gains, equities, and more. Analyzing Amazon's entry into challenging industries like the airline sector and the evolution of media distribution models. Discussing diversified real estate investments, preferred stock, unions, and productivity growth through technological advancements.
undefined
May 9, 2024 • 53min

E27: Costco's Business Model, Martingale Strategies, and Usage-Based Lock-in for AI

Costco's business model, Martingale strategies, and usage-based lock-in for AI are discussed. The show explores how Costco's revenue model can be applied in other industries and the implications of AI technology. Also, conflicts in media and investing sectors, company life cycles, and expanding media companies' business are touched upon.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode