Conversations with Tyler

Tom Tugendhat, a Member of Parliament and former military officer, dives into the complexities of modern governance in the UK. He discusses the need for better governance in London and reflects on the impact of Brexit on the parliamentary system. Tugendhat shares insights on the evolution of Kent's political landscape and argues for reforms in the private school system. He also contemplates the allure of the British monarchy and the challenges of devolution in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Finally, he advocates for attracting talent to the civil service amid financial barriers.

Kyla Scanlon, an economics educator and author known for her engaging social media presence, discusses her mission to make economics accessible. She compares fantasy world-building to economic modeling and shares lessons from trading options at 16. Kyla talks about choosing a state school for affordability, being an introverted content creator, and the decline of print culture. She explores modern nihilism, the rise of influencers over celebrities, and offers investing advice for young people while emphasizing the importance of accessible economics education.

Tobi Lütke, CEO of Shopify, shares his journey from a German coder to a global e-commerce leader. He discusses the role of cultural differences in innovation, emphasizing how outsiders can be great coders. The conversation dives into why German education stifled him and contrasts craftsmanship with American business agility. Tobi explains the future of retail with AI and VR, and interestingly, he connects business insights from fantasy literature to real-world management. The podcast is a blend of personal anecdotes and profound industry lessons.

Philip Ball, an award-winning science writer with degrees in chemistry and physics, shares his insights on the historical dynamics between scientists and power, contrasting past and present challenges. He explores the looming fertility crisis and societal pressures faced by researchers today. The conversation also delves into the philosophical implications of invisibility, the architectural splendor of Gothic cathedrals, and the evolution of modern myths in contemporary culture. Ball critiques established theories and highlights the environmental concerns surrounding microplastics, underscoring the complexities of scientific inquiry.

Nate Silver, acclaimed statistician and founder of FiveThirtyEight, dives into the fascinating world of predictions, poker, and politics. He shares insights on how coin flips can challenge biases and discusses the evolving landscape of gambling and poker strategies. The conversation explores AI's transformative role in sports analytics and its implications for competitiveness. Silver also reflects on the shift in presidential elections, comparing it to NBA dynamics, while considering the unpredictable nature of risk-taking across various fields.

Paul Bloom, a prominent psychology professor specializing in moral psychology and child development, dives into fascinating topics about how children develop morality. He discusses children's innate ability to discern right from wrong and how they interpret supernatural beliefs. Bloom also explores the complexities of empathy versus disgust in moral decision-making and the potential for AI therapists. The conversation touches on societal norms around values in human and animal life, while also critiquing traditional perceptions of intelligence and the impact of formal education.

Alan Taylor, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and historian at the University of Virginia, shares his insights on early American history. He explores why Canada didn’t join the American revolution and how American Tories relocated post-revolution. The conversation delves into the fears surrounding the stability of the Republic, Texas/Mexico tensions, and the implications of the Mexican-American War. Taylor also reflects on Haiti's struggles and the evolving nature of historical academia amid technological advancements.

In this engaging discussion, Brian Winter, Editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly and a seasoned analyst of Latin American politics, shares his insights on Brazil and Argentina. He highlights Brazil's economic strides and ongoing political challenges, emphasizing cultural shifts in race relations. The conversation also delves into the balance between public safety and civil liberties, particularly in El Salvador. Winter paints a vivid picture of urban life in São Paulo and explores the resilience and hidden gems of Colombia, Uruguay, and Argentina, all while intertwining personal narratives and culinary traditions.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz discusses his impactful career and groundbreaking theories. He shares insights from his eight-hour lecture in Japan, highlights the influence of his debating background, and reflects on his research in Kenyan sharecropping. Stiglitz critiques contemporary economic policies, particularly regarding inequality and labor markets, while exploring the balance of hierarchies versus decentralization in decision-making. He also touches on climate change's impact on global development and the cultural significance of fiction from developing countries.

Velina Tchakarova, a geopolitical strategist and founder of FACE consultancy, dives into the complexities of global geopolitics. She discusses the ongoing relevance of the Balkan Wars and Bulgarian nationalism. Tchakarova analyzes why China is unlikely to attack Taiwan, emphasizing strategic patience. The conversation also touches on the shortcomings of international law amid rising tensions and explores Putin's ambitions following the Ukraine conflict. Tchakarova's insights on scenario-planning and intelligence sourcing illuminate the intricate dance of international relations.