Erik sits down with writer and political scientist Richard Hanania. This extended discussion encompasses Richard’s intellectual education and views on how the world works, including affirmative action, the dynamic divide between conservatives and liberals, government overreach, geopolitics, and intellectual contemporaries worth reading. If you’re looking for SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR or HIPAA compliance, head to Vanta: https://www.vanta.com/1000--We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.--Please support our sponsors: Beehiiv | Shopify | Vanta  Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.Shopify: https://shopify.com/torenberg for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all ecommerce in the US. And Shopify's the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy's, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one ecommerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify's got you covered. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/torenberg.Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with Vanta it can be super simple. Vanta automates the pricey, time-consuming process of prepping for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and more. With Vanta, you can save up to 400 hours and 85% of costs. Vanta scales with your business, helping you successfully enter new markets, land bigger deals, and earn customer loyalty. Bonus? Upstream listeners get $1000 off Vanta. Just go to https://www.vanta.com/zen--RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Every week investor and writer of the popular newsletter The Diff, Byrne Hobart, and co-host Erik Torenberg discuss today’s major inflection points in technology, business, and markets – and help listeners build a diversified portfolio of trends and ideas for the future. Subscribe to “The Riff” with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg: https://link.chtbl.com/theriff--LINKS:Richard’s new book: The Origins of Woke: Civil Rights Law, Corporate America, and the Triumph of Identity Politics Richard Hanania’s Substack: https://www.richardhanania.com/--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode preview(05:40) Richard on Vivek Ramaswamy(07:20) Diversity and corporate interest(12:10) Wokeness is subsidized by government(18:00) Wokeness as a paper tiger(22:00) Liberal media and Conservative media(31:00) What should the Republican strategy be?(40:00) What is a positive vision rooted in conservative values?(48:00) What are the winning issues for conservatives?(51:00) Crime(01:10:00) Blank Slatism, Charles Murray, and the EA movement(01:14:00) Richard’s geopolitical worldview(01:25:00) Physiognomy of Conservatives and Liberals(01:28:00) Why are we polarized?(01:33:00) Dynamic divide between liberals and conservatives(01:34:00)Richard on Elon(01:40:00) Feminism(02:00:00) Richard on other contemporary intellectuals, including Tyler Cowen, Robin Hanson, Scott Alexander, and more--TWITTER:Richard: @RichardHananiaErik: @ErikTorenberg--Upstream : @upstream__podThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

In this episode, Erik sits down with Balaji Srinivasan to discuss the Fiat Crisis, geopolitics, conspiracies, and the signs of decline for a hyperpower. Balaji is an angel investor, tech founder, philosopher, and author of The Network State. He was formerly the CTO of Coinbase. This riveting conversation is, in many aspects, a follow-up to his appearance on Moment of Zen (see links below). If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAMUpstream is part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn about sponsorships, email Erik@turpentine.co or head to www.turpentine.co--We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.ICYMI: Moment of Zen w/ Balaji Srinivasan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tk6DbkVhBlDp1hh8wzIEM?si=NA-oZU6NT7iNTKhX1ixoCQTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(01:40) What is happening with the Fiat Crisis?(08:52) Balaji’s equivalent premises(11:07) God, State, Network(12:45) Irrational adherence to principles(15:12) Sponsors: Secureframe(16:16) Hyperpower wars 1991-2021(20:05) Economic conclusions(23:12) Blue America is at war with the world(28:30) Cancellation is a weak form of warfare(32:35) Red vs Blue vs Grey America (38:00) Make America states again(39:47) America and India parallels in reverse(43:10) Can America turn around after the next election?(44:25) America and China and Russia | Microsoft and Facebook and Google(46:55) How people react to Balaji’s China stance(52:00) History between Russia and Japan(57:25) Conspiracies(01:04:35) Balaji’s predictions for 2024 & the Fed(01:11:41) Replacing the Dollar networkTWITTER:Balaji’s Twitter: @balajisErik’s Twitter: @eriktorenbergUpstream : @upstream__podSPONSOR:Please support our sponsors: Beehiiv | Shopify | Secureframe Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.Shopify: https://shopify.com/torenberg for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all ecommerce in the US. And Shopify's the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy's, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one ecommerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify's got you covered. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/torenberg.Secureframe https://secureframe.com/Secureframe is the leading all-in-one platform for security and privacy compliance. Get SOC-2 audit ready in weeks, not months. I believe in Secureframe so much that I invested in it, and I recommend it to all my portfolio companies. Sign up for a free demo and mention UPSTREAM during your demo to get 20% off your first year. Secureframe has just released Secureframe Trust, a new product that lets you showcase your organization's security posture to build customer trust.

This week our guest is Kevin Kelly, the founding executive editor of Wired magazine, technologist, and author. We go into Kevin’s predictions for AI, interspeciation, and how humans need to be having more children. We also talk about practical and unpretentious advice for succeeding, communicating, and being good members of society. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAMUpstream is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: Turpentine.co--TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview(01:29) Introduction(03:06) Kevin's advice for living and 'advice as a category'(15:55) Sponsors: Secureframe | Mercury(17:00) Virtue of Natalism(20:42) Future of sentience(26:13) AI safety(31:26) What technology wants(38:03) New mythologies(41:20) Global governance(45:14) Demoralizing FailureLINKS:Kevin Kelly's book: Excellent Advice for Living https://www.amazon.com/Excellent-Advice-Living-Wisdom-Earlier/dp/0593654528TWITTER:Kevin's Twitter: @kevin2kellyErik's Twitter: @eriktorenbergSPONSORS:Please support our sponsors: Beehiiv | Shopify | Secureframe | Mercury Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.-Shopify: https://shopify.com/torenberg for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all ecommerce in the US. And Shopify's the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy's, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one ecommerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify's got you covered. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/torenberg.- Secureframe: https://secureframe.com/Secureframe is the leading all-in-one platform for security and privacy compliance. Get SOC-2 audit ready in weeks, not months. I believe in Secureframe so much that I invested in it, and I recommend it to all my portfolio companies. Sign up for a free demo and mention UPSTREAM during your demo to get 20% off your first year. Secureframe has just released Secureframe Trust, a new product that lets you showcase your organization's security posture to build customer trust.- Mercury: https://mercury.com/Now more than ever, startup founders need a safe place to put their cash. Mercury protects your money and also provides the streamlined user experience that great founders expect through partner banks and their sweep networks. Mercury offers up to $5 million in FDIC insurance, which is 20 times the per-bank limit. They also make it easy to invest any cash above the FDIC-insured amount in a money market fund, a hundred thousand startups trust Mercury with their finances. I've been a happy Mercury customer and have found their team incredibly helpful and responsive.Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group and involve bank and trust members FDICThis show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.Thanks to Graham Bessellieu for production.

Today, we have a special new show to share. The Hill & Valley is a podcast that offers an inside look into how tech and the US government are starting to move closer together and pave the future of American technological leadership and national security. The show is hosted by author and commissioner of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Jacob Helberg, Varda Space Industries Founder Delian Asparouhov, and Principal at 137 Ventures Christian Garrett. Palmer Luckey is the founder of defense technology company Anduril Industries and Oculus VR. Palmer discusses the future of China-US relations, breakthroughs in DefenseTech, and working with the Department of Defense.--We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.Timestamps:(00:00) Episode Preview(03:10) Shifting dynamics between the government and Silicon Valley since Palmer started Anduril Industries(07:30) Biggest factors contributing to new demand for defense technology(13:42) Working with the U.S. Department of Defense(19:00) Sponsors: Secureframe | Mercury(20:00) Exporting strategic technology to China: patents, AI, sensor fusion(26:00) Lobbying(27:00) Building Anduril Industries on first principles(40:30) Can the US pull off a second Cold War victory with China?(45:00) Immigration reform and supply chain disruption(54:20) Palmer’s picks for the most impactful strategic technology on the horizonSPONSORS:Please support our sponsors: Beehiiv | Shopify | Mercury Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.-Shopify: https://shopify.com/torenberg for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all ecommerce in the US. And Shopify's the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy's, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one ecommerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify's got you covered. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/torenberg.- Mercury: https://mercury.com/Now more than ever, startup founders need a safe place to put their cash. Mercury protects your money and also provides the streamlined user experience that great founders expect through partner banks and their sweep networks. Mercury offers up to $5 million in FDIC insurance, which is 20 times the per-bank limit. They also make it easy to invest any cash above the FDIC-insured amount in a money market fund, a hundred thousand startups trust Mercury with their finances. I've been a happy Mercury customer and have found their team incredibly helpful and responsive. Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group and involve bank and trust members FDIC.--This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

Erik Torenberg sits down with Tim Urban, writer of the popular blog Wait But Why, and author of the 2023 book What’s Our Problem? where he offers a framework for thinking about our chaotic political landscape. In this discussion, Erik and Tim discuss liberalism, why heresy is important, and the notion of equality. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAMUpstream is part of the Turpentine Network. You can learn more at turpentine.co--We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Preview(02:37) The story of Tim Urban’s new book “What’s Our Problem?”(09:01) Existential threat, technological innovation, and heresy(14:09) Why the left and the right aren’t respecting liberalism(16:51) Sponsor: Secureframe(19:42) Social justice fundamentalism vs liberal social justice(26:13) Social justice fundamentalism as a religion(29:39) Freedom vs Equality(50:42) Equality and specificity(55:08) What would change if Tim wrote the book in the next few years?TWITTER:Tim’s Twitter: @waitbutwhyErik’s Twitter: @eriktorenbergUpstream : @upstream__podSPONSORS:Please support our sponsors: Beehiiv | Shopify | Secureframe Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months-Shopify: https://shopify.com/torenberg for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all ecommerce in the US. And Shopify's the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy's, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one ecommerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify's got you covered. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/torenberg.- Secureframe: https://secureframe.com/Secureframe is the leading all-in-one platform for security and privacy compliance. Get SOC-2 audit ready in weeks, not months. I believe in Secureframe so much that I invested in it, and I recommend it to all my portfolio companies. Sign up for a free demo and mention UPSTREAM during your demo to get 20% off your first year. Secureframe has just released Secureframe Trust, a new product that lets you showcase your organization's security posture to build customer trust.--This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

Erik Torenberg sits down with Katherine Boyle, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz where she invests in companies that promote American dynamism. Erik and Katherine discuss the private sector versus the public sector, the American dream in conflict with the rise of therapeutic culture, and how to reinstill a love of public service. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAMIf you enjoyed this podcast you listen to Katherine's recent Moment of Zen episode next, where she discusses founder mentality, Twitter, SpaceX, and more ( https://link.chtbl.com/moz)--We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode preview(03:21) What is American Dynamism?(05:49) How should VC’s view China?(08:03) We aren’t seeing China as an ally anymore(10:19) Private vs public sector(13:23) Why the public sector won’t build the next SpaceX(16:35) Sponsors: Secureframe | Marketerhire(20:00) Tradeoffs with privatization(26:20) How to reinstill a love for public service(31:02) Where Katherine differs from Balaji(33:39) What can we learn from China(36:13) Building is a political philosophy(35:56) Katherine’s family background(38:47) America is where you can escape your past(40:29) We are a nation of families moreso than individuals(42:40) What Katherine learned from being an au pair(44:48) The rise of therapeutic culture(50:38) What to do about struggling men(59:32) The problems of delaying adulthood(1:07:42) The problems of optionality(1:11:07)How religion informs her work and lifeTWITTER:Katherine’s Twitter: @KTmBoyleA16z’s Twitter: @a16zErik’s Twitter: @eriktorenbergUpstream : @upstream__podLINKS:American Dynamism: https://a16z.com/american-dynamism/Please support our sponsors: Beehiiv | Shopify | Secureframe Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months-Shopify: https://shopify.com/torenberg for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all ecommerce in the US. And Shopify's the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy's, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one ecommerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify's got you covered. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/torenberg.- Secureframe: https://secureframe.com/Secureframe is the leading all-in-one platform for security and privacy compliance. Get SOC-2 audit ready in weeks, not months. I believe in Secureframe so much that I invested in it, and I recommend it to all my portfolio companies. Sign up for a free demo and mention UPSTREAM during your demo to get 20% off your first year. Secureframe has just released Secureframe Trust, a new product that lets you showcase your organization's security posture to build customer trust.--This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

Erik sits down with Sam Harris, an author, neuroscientist, podcaster, and philosopher. Sam is known for having crucial conversations about morality, religion, rationality, and the pursuit of truth. This discussion covers Sam’s concerns about populism, polarization, and inequality. We also discuss why Sam is hated by the left and the right. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAM--We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.LINKS:Sam's work: https://www.samharris.org/Sam's podcast Making Sense: https://www.samharris.org/podcastsTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode preview(03:00) Sam’s life’s work(05:00) Sam’s concerns around the marketplace of ideas(12:25) Sam is a mistake theorist(16:45) Sponsors: Secureframe(21:00) Why Sam is hated by both the left and the right(23:30) Fundamental conflict between the left and the right(32:00) Navigating group disparities(42:00) Individual rights vs group rights(48:00) Is wokeness the new religion?(52:00) Sam’s critique of populism(59:00) Sam’s defenses of experts/institutions(1:12:00) The right doesn’t sufficiently appreciate luck(1:17:45) Polarization is better than a one-party state(1:22:00) Global governanceTWITTER:Erik’s Twitter: @eriktorenbergUpstream : @upstream__podMaking Sense Podcast: @MakingSenseHQPlease support our sponsors: Beehiiv | Shopify | Secureframe Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months-Shopify: https://shopify.com/torenberg for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all ecommerce in the US. And Shopify's the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy's, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one ecommerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify's got you covered. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/torenberg.- Secureframe: https://secureframe.com/Secureframe is the leading all-in-one platform for security and privacy compliance. Get SOC-2 audit ready in weeks, not months. I believe in Secureframe so much that I invested in it, and I recommend it to all my portfolio companies. Sign up for a free demo and mention UPSTREAM during your demo to get 20% off your first year. Secureframe has just released Secureframe Trust, a new product that lets you showcase your organization's security posture to build customer trust.--This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

We're excited to introduce Upstream listeners to Moment of Zen, a weekly podcast hosted by Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez, and additional guests. This episode features special guest Mike Solana, Editor in Chief of Pirate Wires (https://www.piratewires.com/) in conversation with Erik and Dan. They cover the recent AI congressional hearings, The Culture War's evolution, Twitter under Elon, and much more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAMLISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO "MOMENT OF ZEN"Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/mozYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MomentofZenPodcastMoZ's first episode from Dec '22 featured Marc Andreessen and other guests who have appeared on MoZ include: Balaji Srinivasan, Katherine Boyle, Amjad Masad, Nic Carter, Noah Smith, Michelle Tandler, Byrne Hobart, and more.TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction to this episode of Moment of Zen(00:48) On what Mike Solana would say to Congress about AI(08:00) Contrasting Zuck, Brian Armstrong, and Sam Altman’s approach to regulation(14:20) Sponsor: Secureframe(16:30) AI doomerism is just marketing for big AI(26:00) Elon’s wins and losses so far as Twitter CEO(38:00) Taylor Lorenz Mythology(40:00) Twitter’s regime change // How the tables have turned. Muahahaha.(50:00) Evolution of polarization(58:00) Silver lining of polarization(1:07:00) Distinguishing Elon’s antics from his philosophy(1:18:00) The right is adopting woke tactics(1:24:00) Social media and depression follow up(1:28:00) Is half of Gen Z non-straight?(1:32:00) Ellen Pao(1:34:30) Is Pirate Wires conservative media? (No)TWITTER:@MOZ_Podcast@micsolana (Mike)@piratewires@eriktorenberg (Erik)@dwr (Dan)@antoniogm (Antonio)Please support our sponsors: Beehiiv | Shopify | NetSuite | Secureframe Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months-Shopify: https://shopify.com/torenberg for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all ecommerce in the US. And Shopify's the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy's, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one ecommerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify's got you covered. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/torenberg.-NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/upstream NetSuite provides financial software for all your business needs. More than thirty-six thousand companies have already upgraded to NetSuite, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform -> NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/upstream and defer payments of a FULL NetSuite implementation for six months.-Secureframe https://secureframe.com/Secureframe is the leading all-in-one platform for security and privacy compliance. Get SOC-2 audit ready in weeks, not months. I believe in Secureframe so much that I invested in it, and I recommend it to all my portfolio companies. Sign up for a free demo and mention UPSTREAM during your demo to get 20% off your first year. Secureframe has just released Secureframe Trust, a new product that lets you showcase your organization's security posture to build customer trust.--This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

Erik sits down with independent analyst Benedict Evans for a wide-ranging discussion of predictions and frameworks spanning the vast realm of technology - where we’ve been, where we’re going, and what really matters. AI scout and podcast host Nathan Labenz (The Cognitive Revolution) joins for the last 20 minutes to deepen the discussion on AI. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAM--RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Every week investor and writer of the popular newsletter The Diff, Byrne Hobart, and co-host Erik Torenberg discuss today’s major inflection points in technology, business, and markets – and help listeners build a diversified portfolio of trends and ideas for the future. Subscribe to “The Riff” with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg: https://link.chtbl.com/theriffTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode preview(02:47) Benedict’s annual presentations and frameworks for “the next thing”(08:00) Are Netflix and Tesla tech companies?(13:59) Why hasn’t software ‘eaten’ certain industries and fields?(15:47) Sponsors: Secureframe(19:30) Preconditions for predictions(25:30) Overhyped/underappreciated aspects of Web3 and Crypto(29:25) Blockchain, and Benedict’s prediction for decentralization(35:00) Building the next Twitter(44:33) Predictions for metaverse and VR(50:52) Consumer surplus and business models(52:37) AI predictions(56:22) Opportunities in AI(01:02:58) Bundling and unbundling lens on AI(01:07:35) Future of jobs(01:16:00) Predictions for Benedict’s next presentationLINKS:Presentations: https://www.ben-evans.com/Book recommendation: Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre https://www.amazon.com/Reminiscences-Stock-Operator-Edwin-Lef%25C3%25A8vre/dp/0471059684#:~:text=First%2520published%2520in%25201923%252C%2520Reminiscences%2520of%2520a%2520Stock%2520Operator%2520is,recommended%2520investment%2520book%2520ever%2520written?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=turpentine-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=19fa33d3202c6df062385946b9ec3743&camp=1789&creative=9325TWITTER:Erik’s Twitter: @eriktorenbergBenedict’s Twitter:@benedictevansPlease support our sponsors: Beehiiv | Shopify | Secureframe Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months-Shopify: https://shopify.com/torenberg for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all ecommerce in the US. And Shopify's the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy's, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one ecommerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify's got you covered. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/torenberg.- Secureframe: https://secureframe.com/Secureframe is the leading all-in-one platform for security and privacy compliance. Get SOC-2 audit ready in weeks, not months. I believe in Secureframe so much that I invested in it, and I recommend it to all my portfolio companies. Sign up for a free demo and mention UPSTREAM during your demo to get 20% off your first year. Secureframe has just released Secureframe Trust, a new product that lets you showcase your organization's security posture to build customer trust.--This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

Erik sits down with political scientist Samo Burja ( @SamoBurja  ) who founded Bismarck Analysis, a consulting firm that analyzes institutions (ranging from governments to companies). Samo is one of the most interesting and wide-ranging thinkers today. In this episode, they discuss the current state and future state of America, China, Russia, Ukraine, energy, the US dollar, AI, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAM--RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Every week investor and writer of the popular newsletter The Diff, Byrne Hobart, and co-host Erik Torenberg discuss today’s major inflection points in technology, business, and markets – and help listeners build a diversified portfolio of trends and ideas for the future. Subscribe to “The Riff” with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg: https://link.chtbl.com/theriffTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode preview(03:05) Who’s right: Balaji, Zeihan, or Olson?(07:18) Why China’s prospects aren’t as bad as Zeihan thinks(09:46) What have we learned one year out after Ukraine?(13:12) Future of The U.S. dollar(15:19) Sponsors: Secureframe(17:03) Balaji’s Bet(17:42) Future of America(22:06) Why Brazil hasn’t panned out(26:34) Is AI communist and crypto libertarian(29:37) Evolution of elites(33:40) Comparing Elon and SBF(36:12) Economics of automation and AI(41:28) How intellectual culture has changed(43:39) America exporting Western values(47:42) America and China converging(50:00) Startup cities vs incumbents(52:54) Samo’s consultancy(55:35) Samo’s upcoming research interestsTWITTER:Erik’s Twitter: @eriktorenbergSamo's Twitter: @samoburjaPlease support our sponsors: Beehiiv | Shopify | SecureframeHead to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months -Shopify: https://shopify.com/torenberg for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all ecommerce in the US. And Shopify's the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy's, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one ecommerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify's got you covered. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/torenberg.- Secureframe: https://secureframe.com/Secureframe is the leading all-in-one platform for security and privacy compliance. Get SOC-2 audit ready in weeks, not months. I believe in Secureframe so much that I invested in it, and I recommend it to all my portfolio companies. Sign up for a free demo and mention UPSTREAM during your demo to get 20% off your first year. Secureframe has just released Secureframe Trust, a new product that lets you showcase your organization's security posture to build customer trust.--This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.