Conversations with Tyler

Dana Gioia, an acclaimed poet and former California Poet Laureate, discusses his fascinating journey from marketing Jell-O to becoming an influential literary figure. He shares how an MBA enriched his poetic craft and why narrative is vital for coping with life. Gioia explores the impact of Virgil on early Christian thought and the challenges of modern libretti. He reflects on the cultural power of art, the importance of bridging divides in the arts, and the value of deep interests over distractions in our information-driven world.

In this conversation, Sarah Parcak, a pioneering professor of anthropology and expert in remote sensing, reveals how satellite imagery has led to the discovery of ancient pyramids and tombs in Egypt. She discusses the socio-political lessons from the Bronze Age Collapse, the importance of conservation alongside excavation, and the evolving technologies enhancing archaeological insights. Sarah also touches on cultural critiques, shares her favorite bluegrass artists, and emphasizes the need for community involvement in preserving cultural heritage.

John Cochrane, a finance economist and Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, discusses the intertwining of his gliding passion and economic theories. He tackles intriguing puzzles like real interest rate disparities, the ongoing viability of Bitcoin, and his insights on health-status insurance. Cochrane dives into the complexities of government debt and inflation, critiques economic forecasting, and shares personal stories about his influential parents. His unique mindset seeks simplicity and logic in diverse fields, making for a captivating conversation.

Patricia Fara, a Cambridge University historian of science, delves into the life of Isaac Newton beyond the apple tree myth, highlighting his role at The Royal Mint and productivity during the Great Plague. She examines the gradual nature of the Scientific Revolution and the ancient Antikythera device's significance. Fara also discusses the vital contributions of women in science, shares insights from her startup experience, and argues for integrated education that blends art with science to enhance learning.

In this engaging discussion, Brian Armstrong, Co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, reveals his early inspirations from Argentina's hyperinflation. He talks about balancing innovation and regulation, and the mission that drives Coinbase’s culture. Brian shares insights on Bitcoin's volatility, the future of Ethereum, and the promise of stablecoins for the unbanked. With a light-hearted take on Satoshi's identity and governance on Mars, he emphasizes bridging academia with entrepreneurship to foster innovation in the crypto space.

In this engaging discussion, Benjamin Friedman, a Harvard Professor and renowned macroeconomist, explores the deep link between religion and economic beliefs. He argues that Western economic ideas stem from theological debates, not just secular Enlightenment thought. Friedman delves into how American religious sentiment influences capitalism and critiques policies like nominal GDP targeting. He also shares insights on fiscal sustainability, the importance of growth for democracy, and how his Kentucky upbringing shapes his economic outlook. Plus, he hints at his upcoming project on artificial intelligence!

Noubar Afeyan, co-founder of Moderna and CEO of Flagship Pioneering, is a biomedical innovator and philanthropist. He shares insights on the 'paranoid optimism' that fuels his entrepreneurial spirit, shaped by his Armenian-American heritage. Afeyan discusses the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine and the balance of corporate responsibility in biotech. He also explores the future of gene editing, the importance of a diverse culture in innovation, and the impact of his classical pianist mother on his life. His reflections on ethical decision-making and the role of immigrants in shaping America are equally captivating.

The hosts reflect on the transformative year of 2020, including memorable podcast moments and the challenges of remote production. They dive into how dining habits shifted during quarantine, from snacks to new food rules. Libertarian principles clash with pandemic responses, prompting discussions on government roles and individual liberties. Insights on rapid vaccine innovation highlight the need for sustained momentum in health policy. The emotional significance of returning to movie theaters is contemplated as society begins to reopen.

John O. Brennan, the former Director of the CIA and author of "Undaunted," shares insights from his extensive intelligence career. He reflects on how his Catholic upbringing shaped his views on ethics and human behavior in espionage. Brennan discusses the modern challenges of technology in intelligence work, the peculiarities of CIA culture, and the impact of American culture abroad. He also touches on the complexities of terrorism post-9/11, the ethical dilemmas of interrogation techniques, and intriguing thoughts on unidentified aerial phenomena.

Zach Carter, senior reporter at the Huffington Post and author of the acclaimed biography "The Price of Peace," dives into the life of John Maynard Keynes. They discuss Keynes' critiques of the Treaty of Versailles and his paradoxical views on imperialism. Carter sheds light on Keynes' interest in eugenics and his conservative streak, while also connecting his economic theories to modern issues like cryptocurrencies. Personal reflections on fatherhood and upcoming projects add a touching dimension to the conversation.