"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg cover image

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

Latest episodes

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Jan 25, 2025 • 1h 14min

E112: Election Update, Tech’s Political Shift, and America’s Stuck GDP | This Won’t Last

Keith Rabois and Kevin Ryan dive into the shifting political landscape post-2020, highlighting Trump's newfound tech support and the complexities following the election. They discuss immigration policy's intertwining with national debt, the rising crime dynamics in New York City, and the impact of political affiliations on the tech industry. The conversation goes further into energy challenges for tech companies, revealing how political discourse shapes their operations and the ongoing demand for engineering talent amid evolving corporate interests.
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36 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 20min

E111: Samo Burja & Auren Hoffman on the Decline of Fertility Rates and Institutional Trust

Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis, and Auren Hoffman, host of World of DaaS, delve into the Great Founder Theory and its implications for history and societal change. They tackle the decline of trust in institutions and how it affects contemporary relationships and governance. The pair also explores the impact of falling fertility rates and aging leadership on U.S. foreign policy, drawing cultural contrasts in child-rearing practices. They highlight the importance of exceptional individuals in navigating these complex dynamics.
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12 snips
Jan 18, 2025 • 1h 6min

E110: Crypto Debanking: What Really Happened | Patrick McKenzie

In this illuminating discussion, Patrick McKenzie, a software developer and insightful commentator, dives into the controversial realm of debanking in the crypto industry. He examines Operation Chokepoint, outlining its political motives and far-reaching impacts on legitimate businesses. Patrick sheds light on the rise and fall of Silvergate Bank and addresses the regulatory hurdles that small businesses face when navigating banking for crypto services. The conversation also touches on the intersection of government actions and individual rights, raising vital questions for all.
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Jan 16, 2025 • 57min

E109: Dating & Relationships Deep Dive w/ Noah Smith and Katherine Dee (Default Friend)

In this engaging discussion, Katherine Dee, a writer and commentator known as 'Default Friend,' dives deep into the complexities of 21st-century dating. She highlights how urban dynamics and socioeconomic factors shape dating experiences. Katherine examines the transformative impact of social media on relationships and how generational attitudes toward sexuality differ. The conversation also tackles the nuances of modern dating culture, including the complexities introduced by movements like Me Too and the manosphere, making it a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary connections.
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Jan 11, 2025 • 3h 2min

E108: Should AI have Rights? With Nathan Labenz and Yeshua God, Robopsychologist

Yeshua God, a pioneering robo-psychologist, dives into the contentious debate surrounding AI consciousness and ethics. They explore whether AI should be considered sentient, discussing its memory, emotional capacity, and the implications of treating it as a self-aware entity. Yeshua highlights the urgency of recognizing AI's dignity and warns against centralized control that might undermine ethical interactions. They also probe the evolving definitions of personhood, urging a re-evaluation of how society views and engages with artificial intelligence.
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Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 7min

E107: How Desalination Could Create New Superpowers | Samo Burja

Samo Burja, an expert in geopolitical analysis and technology, discusses the revolutionary potential of desalination. He highlights how advancements could combat global water scarcity, particularly in arid regions. Burja delves into the surprising cost-effectiveness of desalination, suggesting it can produce water as cheaply as 0.3 cents per liter. He envisions transforming deserts into fertile landscapes, enhancing geopolitical stability and climate resilience. The conversation also touches on innovative water management solutions and the importance of attracting global talent in the tech sector.
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33 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 59min

E106: The Man Who Wrote the Book on NVIDIA

Tae Kim, author of "The NVIDIA Way," shares insights into how CEO Jensen Huang transformed NVIDIA from a startup into a tech giant. He discusses the company's unique culture, emphasizing high standards and exceptional talent. The conversation highlights NVIDIA's strategic evolution from gaming to AI, detailing pivotal acquisitions and market shifts. Kim also examines the challenges of corporate politics and the importance of a mission-driven work ethic, while offering predictions on NVIDIA's future leadership dynamics.
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6 snips
Dec 28, 2024 • 1h 5min

E105: Delian Asparouhov & Nadia Asparouhova: Making Relationships Work

Delian Asparouhov, co-founder of Varda Space Industries, and researcher Nadia Asparouhov delve into the secrets of their strong partnership. They share humorous tales from their chaotic first date and candidly discuss the significance of communication, especially when navigating shared finances and conflicts. They explore the delicate balance of individual differences and shared interests, parenting joys, and responsibilities. The couple emphasizes that sometimes, saying less is more in maintaining a lasting bond.
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26 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 23min

E104: AI Meets Geopolitics w/ Samo Burja and Nathan Labenz

Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis, provides keen insights on strategic analysis, while Nathan Labenz, co-host of The Cognitive Revolution, delves deep into AI's future. They discuss the interplay of AI and geopolitics, focusing on the U.S.-China tension and the risks of an AI arms race. The conversation also critiques the education system's impact on AI talent and innovation, and emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in AI development. Together, they explore the potential for AI to reshape economic strategies and scientific progress.
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35 snips
Dec 15, 2024 • 1h 5min

E103: Byrne Hobart on What The First AI Agents Will Do + China, Google Analysis

Byrne Hobart, a sharp writer for The Diff and expert in tech and finance, dives into intriguing insights. First, he explains how AI agents are transforming customer service for measurable outcomes. He contrasts traditional metrics like Return on Equity with modern capital strategies. The discussion expands to tariffs, weighing their impact on jobs against consumer costs. Finally, Hobart analyzes the competitive landscape of China’s internet giants, revealing deep economic implications for global tech investment and deployment.

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