On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss populist cycles, why billionaires buy media companies, how to invest if you think AGI is coming soon, and more. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.

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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.

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SPONSORS:

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:21) Populists vs technocrats

(07:37) Role of media and influence

(14:02) View on counter elites

(15:41) Sponsor: Babbel | Beehiiv

(18:51) Israel on PR war

(22:59) On Big Tech Has No Power At All by Curtis Yarvin

(26:42) Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover

(30:14) Comparing media ownership: Bezos vs. Musk

(38:42) Leopold Aschenbrenner’s situational awareness paper

(44:26) Investing strategies in the age of AGI

(46:38) Role of Venture Capital

(50:05) High frequency trading explained

(53:42) Prediction markets and information transmission

(54:26) Wrap

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LINKS:

Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.co

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X / TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)

https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)

https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)

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