

Joe Lonsdale: American Optimist
Joe Lonsdale
American Optimist, hosted by Joe Lonsdale: entrepreneur, investor, and founder of four multi-billion dollar companies and other mission-driven organizations. American Optimist is an alternative to the fear, cynicism, and zero-sum thinking in mainstream media. Learn from the innovators and leaders who are solving our nation’s most pressing challenges, and doing it in a way that will lift everyone up. Hope should dominate our discourse, and American Optimist will show you why. blog.joelonsdale.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

55 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 31min
Ep 122: The AI Services Revolution with Shreyas Parab & Anton Lin of DayDream
Shreyas Parab and Anton Lin, co-founders of DayDream, discuss how AI is transforming dental billing and revenue cycle management. They unpack the inefficiencies in the current system and reveal how AI agents can swiftly recover lost claims, often missing by nearly 20%. The duo argues that rather than causing layoffs, AI is enhancing human roles, allowing workers to focus on growing their businesses. They also touch on the profound implications of AI in improving productivity across various sectors, reshaping workflows, and elevating patient care.

61 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 40min
Ep 121: Reid Hoffman on AI Optimism & How the Democratic Party Alienated Silicon Valley
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a key figure in Silicon Valley, dives into the complexities of AI and its intersection with politics. He advocates for a hopeful AI future while challenging the Democratic Party's stance towards Silicon Valley. Reid discusses the innovative culture fostered at PayPal, the role of AI in healthcare, and the potential of autonomous trucks. He emphasizes the need for regulatory reform to support growth and addresses how states may differ in embracing technological advancements, particularly in red versus blue states.

9 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 27min
Ep 120: OMB Director Russ Vought on the Big Beautiful Bill, Making DOGE Permanent & the Looming Battle over Impoundment
Russ Vought, former Director of the OMB and mastermind behind Trump's fiscal policies, shares insights on pivotal budget reforms. He dives into the implications of the Big Beautiful Bill and its impact on mandatory spending, while advocating for permanent DOGE cuts through strategic impoundment. Vought critiques the CBO's scoring methods and emphasizes the need for legislative innovation. He also warns of increasing bureaucratic power and the historical context of the Impoundment Act, making a case for restoring presidential authority and accountability in government spending.

30 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 42min
Ep 119: Former Waymo Leader Boris Sofman on Autonomous Construction & Bringing AI into the Physical World
Boris Sofman, co-founder and CEO of Bedrock Robotics, shares his journey from the Soviet Union to becoming a leader in robotics. He discusses how AI can revolutionize the $2 trillion construction industry by making it faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Sofman provides insights into his experiences at Waymo, tackling the complexities of autonomous technology in different environments. He highlights the potential of reinforcement learning to solve unexpected construction challenges and the promising future of job growth through automation in heavy machinery.

185 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 36min
Ep 118: Marc Andreessen on AI, Robotics & America's Industrial Renaissance
Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, dives into America's economic future, highlighting the critical link between industrial power and global competitiveness. He discusses the shift from manufacturing to services and its impact on urban-rural divides. With optimism, Andreessen advocates for AI and robotics to revolutionize job creation while addressing affordability in health and education. He also examines historical trade policies, suggesting a strategic reindustrialization to ensure every region, especially rural America, can thrive in the new economy.

Jun 26, 2025 • 49min
Ep 117: Dave Rubin on the Woke Right, Free Speech vs Conspiracy Theories & His New Tequila Company
Dave Rubin, a comedian-turned-political commentator and founder of Locals and Copal tequila, shares his insights on free speech and new media. He discusses the growing influence of AI on education and media, addressing the impact of censorship in digital content creation. Rubin highlights his journey in creating Locals as a space for free speech and critiques the current cultural landscape, including the emergence of a 'woke right.' He also reveals the vision behind his new tequila venture, emphasizing quality and authenticity.

15 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 51min
Ep 116: California — the Next Revolution? A Conversation with Steve Hilton
Steve Hilton, former Fox News host and political advisor, delves into California's political landscape and his journey from UK politics to running for governor. He highlights the impact of over-regulation on small businesses and the alarming rise in frivolous lawsuits harming entrepreneurs. Hilton passionately discusses how California's policies have shifted power towards government unions, creating a crisis for working families. He envisions actionable solutions to tackle housing issues and restore California's identity, inspiring a new wave of political change in the state.

115 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 44min
Ep 115: Scott Wu, Devin, and a Trillion-Dollar Opportunity
Scott Wu, the CEO and founder of Cognition AI, shares his groundbreaking journey with Devin, the world's first AI software engineer, which has revolutionized coding and boasts a valuation over $4 billion. He discusses the monumental economic potential of AI, possibly reaching trillions, and emphasizes the transformative collaboration between humans and AI in software engineering. Scott also reflects on his unconventional beginnings and the competitive programming culture that fuels innovation. He challenges listeners with a math puzzle and explores the future of creativity in tech.

74 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 39min
Ep 114: Flying Cars Are About to Change the World — Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt
JoeBen Bevirt, Co-Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, discusses the groundbreaking advancements in electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, revolutionizing urban mobility. He explores how flying cars could reshape daily commuting, much like the automobile did. The conversation dives into advancements in battery technology, the potential of hydrogen as a fuel source, and the ambitious plans for air taxis. JoeBen also shares insights on regulatory challenges and partnerships that could unlock a new era of transportation, promising a future where flying cars are as common as ride-sharing.

62 snips
May 17, 2025 • 46min
Ep 113: Why Sam Lessin Believes AI Isn't Disruptive & Venture Capital Is Fundamentally Changing
Sam Lessin, Co-founder and General Partner of Slow Ventures, previously VP of Product at Facebook, shares riveting insights on AI and venture capital. He argues that AI is overhyped compared to the disruptive potential of crypto. Lessin also discusses a radical shift in the venture capital landscape towards bespoke funding strategies. Additionally, he highlights his efforts to promote meritocracy and innovative hiring practices at Meritfirst, focusing on unlocking hidden talent and reforming traditional structures in corporate America.