"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

Agnes Callard, a philosopher at the University of Chicago, dives into fascinating discussions on the essence of philosophy. She illuminates the gaps between academic and public philosophy, advocating for accessibility in philosophical discourse. Callard explores the value of inquiry in modern society, negotiating the complexities of self-awareness and societal expectations. The dialogue touches on irony's role in social dynamics and engages with themes of sincerity and free speech, urging a deeper understanding of truth in public discourse.

Richard Hanania, an insightful author focusing on elite human capital and American culture, shares his evolving views on politics and societal dynamics. He dives into the role of elite figures in shaping ideologies and stresses the importance of robust institutions. Discussions explore contrasting values in political support, especially towards Trump, and the accountability of tech leaders in political discourse. Hanania also tackles the complexities of immigration and crime while reflecting on the future of the Republican Party amid today’s polarized landscape.

In this discussion, economist Noah Smith, known for his insights on economic policy and authoring 'Noahpinion', dives into the shift from empirical studies to grand theories in economics. He critiques the evolving perception of the Economics Nobel Prize and its implications for the field. The conversation spans topics like the impact of AI on jobs, the historical lessons from North and South Korea’s differing economic journeys, and the often-overlooked importance of microeconomics over flashy macroeconomic theories.

Samo Burja, a demographic expert and co-host of the Live Players podcast, dives into the pressing issue of global declining fertility rates. He discusses the potential catastrophic implications on job markets and real estate, citing examples from Japan and Thailand. Burja also explores the complex realities of fertility trends, societal impacts, and the inaccuracies in population projections. The conversation touches on the speculative future of underpopulation, AI's role, and evolving surrogacy practices as solutions to this demographic crisis.

Dr. Michael Levin, a Distinguished Professor of Biology at Tufts University, dives into fascinating research on embodied minds and limb regeneration. He discusses the creation of Xenobots, revealing how non-neural cells can manipulate electric memories. The conversation explores parallels between biological regeneration and AI, illuminating how simple algorithms can exhibit emergent properties. Levin challenges the definitions of life and agency, advocating for a deeper understanding of cognition that intersects with AI and raises ethical considerations in creating intelligent systems.

Bryan Johnson, longevity entrepreneur and creator of the 'Don't Die' movement, dives deep into the spiritual underpinnings of his philosophy amidst the rise of AI. He explores the tension between engineering longevity and long-term thinking, discussing the potential risks of a gerontocracy. The conversation touches on how traditional religions are adapting to modern tech and the future's uncertain landscape shaped by AI. Johnson also considers life extension's implications for society and the evolving nature of identity and human connections in a tech-driven era.

Join Byrne Hobart, an insightful investor and writer of The Diff, alongside Patrick McKenzie, a polymath specializing in software and finance. They unpack the psychology of in-app purchases and their critical link to gaming monetization. The duo explores the evolution of restaurant web development and AI’s influence on operational efficiency. They also discuss the innovative parallels between SaaS models and franchising. Plus, discover the importance of writing for memory retention and how AI can enhance our understanding of complex topics.

In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a renowned social psychologist and author of 'The Anxious Generation,' delves into how social media significantly affects youth mental health. He highlights the importance of real, unstructured play for children in a digital world. Haidt also examines the dual role of social media in democracy, revealing its potential dangers and the necessity of reforms to protect young users. The conversation urges a collaborative approach to tackle these pressing challenges, stressing community support and intentional regulation.

Patty McCord, former chief talent officer at Netflix, co-authored the influential Netflix Culture Deck, which revolutionized workplace culture in Silicon Valley. In this conversation, she discusses the deck's evolution, the challenges of scaling a fast-growing company, and the role of effective feedback in high-performance teams. Patty also highlights the importance of adapting HR practices post-pandemic and bridging generational gaps in the modern workplace, sharing insights on leadership, communication, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.

Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries and Oculus VR, discusses the pivotal intersection of Silicon Valley and U.S. defense technology. He highlights the urgent need for strategic tech independence amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with China. The conversation explores ethical dilemmas in weapon development, innovative military applications, and the future of space warfare. Luckey also addresses the implications of potential TikTok bans and the importance of reforming government contracting to meet national security challenges.