

The Diff
Byrne Hobart
The Diff is a newsletter exploring the technologies, companies, and trends that are making the future high-variance. Posts range from in-depth company profiles, applied financial theory, strategy breakdowns and macroeconomics.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2025 • 13min
On Faking It 'Til You Make It
This is an audio version of the free newsletter. Read the newsletter at thediff.co, and subscribe for an additional 3 posts (and podcasts!) per week.
(00:00) - On Faking It 'Til You Make It
(08:01) - GPU Clouds
(08:55) - Going Global
(09:51) - Prediction Markets
(10:41) - Revenge Trading
(11:41) - Authenticity

Sep 8, 2025 • 17min
The Autistic Half-Century
Delve into the intriguing narratives of individuals with milder autistic traits, tracing their historical impact from pioneering figures like Isaac Newton to modern tech-savvy contributors. Learn how the rise of technology since the 1970s has opened doors for those on the spectrum, promoting their analytical strengths. The conversation also navigates the interplay between neurodiversity and AI, highlighting how autistic individuals enhance tech development while discussing the dynamics of IPOs and market trends in the evolving AI landscape.

Sep 2, 2025 • 15min
Rumor Markets
Delve into the world of rumor markets and discover how price systems convey complex supply and demand information. Learn about the impact of corporate attributes on prediction markets and the role of rumors in risk management. Explore the evolving U.S. market landscape with an emphasis on ETF diversification and the relationship between tech firms and government regulations. Finally, unpack the intricate ties between tariffs, AI, and rising economic nationalism shaping global trade.

Aug 25, 2025 • 14min
Figure and the Crypto Mullet Strategy
This is an audio version of the free newsletter. Read the newsletter at thediff.co, and subscribe for an additional 3 posts (and podcasts!) per week.
(00:00) - Figure and the Crypto Mullet Strategy
(09:17) - Billions
(10:09) - Intel
(11:09) - Negotiating the AI Transition
(11:47) - Price Discrimination
(12:52) - Sanctions

10 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 8min
Corporate Populism
Explore the rising power of retail investors and how they're reshaping corporate strategies amid market volatility. Discover the contrasting outlooks of large and small private equity firms as they navigate credit spreads. Dive into the intricacies of US-EU trade negotiations and the challenges non-tariff barriers pose for American tech firms. Plus, learn how technology adoption, particularly AI, is becoming a double-edged sword for CEOs, possibly leading to increased executive turnover.

10 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 14min
Concentrate
Dive into the world of investment strategies where diversification meets AI innovation. Explore the risks and rewards of leveraged ETFs and the roles of holding companies. Uncover the evolving dynamics of private equity shaped by U.S.-China relations. Delve into economic policies, tariffs, and their impact on technology. Finally, examine the debate of stock buybacks versus dividends and their implications for long-term corporate stability. Each topic adds a layer to the intricate tapestry of today's financial landscape.

Aug 4, 2025 • 15min
What Would the Aftermath of the AI Bust Look Like?
What happens if AI investments take a nosedive? Explore parallels with historical financial bubbles and their effects on productivity and labor. The discussion also dives into how AI affects economic reputation, where misinformation can damage credibility. Plus, discover the rise of young founders navigating the tech landscape amid complex market shifts, including the dynamic role of banks and investment strategies. Packed with insights on technology and economics, the talk uncovers the future of innovation and opportunity.

Jul 28, 2025 • 15min
Strip-Mining the Maybesphere
This is an audio version of the free newsletter. Read the newsletter at thediff.co, and subscribe for an additional 3 posts (and podcasts!) per week.
(00:00) - Strip-Mining the Maybesphere
(09:28) - Regulatory Clarity
(10:15) - Eurobonds
(11:17) - Just-In-Time
(11:59) - Ratings
(13:14) - The Crypto Credit Cycle

Jul 21, 2025 • 13min
The Finance of Alchemy
This is an audio version of the free newsletter. Read the newsletter at thediff.co, and subscribe for an additional 3 posts (and podcasts!) per week.
(00:00) - The Finance of Alchemy
(08:01) - SPACs, Back
(08:46) - Sanctions and Supply Chains
(09:17) - AI Filtering
(10:13) - Measurement Errors
(11:19) - Data Labeling

Jul 14, 2025 • 18min
Compensation as Game Design
This is an audio version of the free newsletter. Read the newsletter at thediff.co, and subscribe for an additional 3 posts (and podcasts!) per week.
(00:00) - Compensation as Game Design
(13:00) - More on Talent
(14:21) - Financial Engineering
(15:06) - Where We Are in the Cycle
(15:46) - Product/Service Complementarity
(16:41) - The Missing Panic