"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

Samo Burja, an analyst specializing in global power dynamics, joins the discussion to unravel the intriguing history of failed industrial revolutions in the Roman Empire and Song Dynasty China. They explore how rising labor costs led to mechanical innovations like watermills, despite reliance on slave labor. Burja critiques the common narratives of economic growth, highlighting the complex reasons behind stagnation, such as demographic shifts and demand saturation. This conversation reveals valuable insights linking ancient advancements to today's challenges.

In this discussion, Qasar Younis, CEO of Applied Intuition, joins Josh Wolfe and Senator Jack Reed to delve into America's tech strategy. They tackle the fierce U.S.-China tech competition and the importance of attracting global talent to maintain innovation. The panelists emphasize balancing data privacy with technological advancement, especially in AI and autonomous vehicles. They also highlight the challenges posed by espionage and the need for robust policies to secure America's technological future while nurturing a diverse workforce.

Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies, and Congressman Richie Torres discuss higher education, Palantir's fearless culture, and the importance of contrarianism in driving innovation at the 2024 Hill and Valley Forum. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess    — RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:  🎙️‪The Hill & Valley The Hill & Valley podcast gives you an insider's look into tech and government, hearing from founders and operators of generational tech companies, elected representatives and policymakers, and more.  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39s4MCyt1pOTQ8FjOAS4mi  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hill-valley/id1692653857 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HillValleyForum — SPONSORS: ☁️ Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is a single platform for your infrastructure, database, application development, and AI needs. OCI has four to eight times the bandwidth of other clouds and offers one consistent price. Oracle is offering to cut your cloud bill in half. See if your company qualifies at https://oracle.com/turpentine 🕵️‍♂️ Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code UPSTREAM at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/upstream 💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/  and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist. — LINKS: The Hill & Valley Forum: https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/  The Hill & Valley Forum 2025 Agenda: https://x.com/zebulgar/status/1915128911274668364  — X / TWITTER: @RitchieTorres @RepRitchie @turpentinemedia — HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE: Alex Karp and Congressman Richie Torres discuss higher education, Palantir's culture, and contrarianism at the 2024 Hill and Valley Forum. Torres praises Karp for his fearlessness and moral clarity in a world of fear and moral confusion. Karp attributes his outspokenness to a desire for cultural clarity, which he believes is essential for building disruptive products and attracting top talent. Karp criticizes elite educational institutions for fostering dysfunction and antisemitism, viewing it as a betrayal of progressive values. He describes the crisis in higher education as a return to a "pagan religion" that contradicts the principles of liberalism and cognitive clarity. Karp emphasizes the importance of "non-playbook players" in the U.S., individuals who innovate without a set guide, a rare asset driving technological disruption. He acknowledges tensions between Capitol Hill and Silicon Valley but believes their relationship is structurally better than in most countries. Karp expresses confidence in the U.S. government's ability to adapt to rapid technological change, though it must improve procurement and focus on meritocracy. He highlights the U.S.'s unique advantage in producing innovative tech companies, citing meritocracy, top immigrants, and elite schools as key factors. In the U.S.-China tech arms race, Karp believes the U.S. is ahead but risks falling behind if elite institutions remain dysfunctional. He addresses fears about generative AI, advocating for embracing it as critical for GDP growth and competitive advantage, while acknowledging the need for regulation. Karp sees Palantir’s success as a model for creating a fairer, more equitable world and predicts the company will grow significantly in the next 20 years.

Helen Toner, Director at CSET and AI policy expert, shares her insights on the pressing issues surrounding AI development. She highlights the importance of regulatory frameworks and adaptation buffers as society navigates rapid technological changes. The discussion delves into the ethical complexities of AI in military contexts, particularly regarding U.S.-China relations. Toner also sheds light on the need for transparency and the challenges of balancing safety with innovation, emphasizing the significant implications for national security.

Byrne Hobart, an insightful investor and writer behind the popular newsletter The Diff, joins to tackle pressing economic issues. They dive deep into the impacts of Trump's tariffs on U.S.-China relations and the broader economy, while also discussing OpenAI's latest innovations and their effects on the workforce. The pair highlights the resilience of the U.S. dollar as a reserve currency amidst market shifts and unpacks the evolving landscape of elite higher education in this geopolitical climate. A fascinating look at modern economic dynamics!

Lyn Alden, an insightful investment strategist and author of 'Broken Money', dives deep into the evolving landscape of global currencies. She highlights how the U.S. dollar's status as the reserve currency reshapes trade dynamics and influences inflation. Alden discusses the historical evolution of money shaped by technological advancements and shares advice for navigating economic uncertainty. She emphasizes the need for a shift towards understanding cryptocurrencies and the impact of debt on modern economics, urging listeners to rethink traditional financial paradigms.

In this engaging discussion, Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author of 'Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious,' tackles the decline of new atheism and the intellectual appeal of institutional religion. He challenges listeners to rethink the relationship between faith and reason, diving into the intersection of consciousness and materialism. The conversation also explores the role of AI in understanding consciousness and the moral dilemmas posed by transhumanism, making it a captivating exploration of modern spirituality.

Samo Burja, a sociologist and strategic analyst, shares his insights on China's complex energy security strategies. He discusses why China, despite its significant oil production, isn't striving for energy independence. The conversation delves into the implications of Chinese oil dependence amid geopolitical tensions and critiques its weak ties with oil-exporting nations. Burja also touches on how military dynamics and technological rivalry influence China's energy policies, particularly in the context of Taiwan and global power balances.

Join Byrne Hobart, an investor and the insightful writer behind The Diff, as he engages in a captivating discussion covering major global shifts. They dive into the evolving trade dynamics between the US and China, shedding light on tariffs and economic implications. The conversation also addresses AI's surprising impact, suggesting it may replace senior roles more than junior ones. Plus, they explore the buzz around AI-generated art and its influence on social media, questioning what constitutes art in today's digital world.

In this conversation, economist Noah Smith, known for his insights on business and politics, engages in a thought-provoking dialogue. He discusses the Abundance Agenda and its surprising appeal amidst political despondency. The talk also reflects on Obama's presidency, highlighting challenges to national unity and past achievements. Noah critiques the 2008 financial crisis responses and explores the ideological shifts within the New Right, analyzing their impact on contemporary public discourse, identity, and the role of technology in shaping our future.