"The Riff" with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg Turpentine

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:
BABBEL: 🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/zen
BEEHIIV: 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. 🐝 Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months
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RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836
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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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For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss Elon Musk's and Yann Lecun's Tweets, what we can learn from Google's API decumentation leaks, how Apple is planning on improving Siri, and more. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.
---
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.
---
SPONSORS:
BABBEL: 🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at https://babbel.com/MOZ.
BEEHIIV: 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. 🐝 Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months
---
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:21) Elon Musk's and Yann Lecun's Twitter exchange
(02:26) Institutional decay
(07:54) Activist campaign against Texas Instruments
(16:36) Sponsors: Babbel | beehiiv
(19:10) Poorly executed fraud from Getty investor
(27:41) What we can learn from the Google API documentation leak
(35:07) Apple's planned improvements for Siri
(40:12) 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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For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne talk about xAI's fundraising round, Vivek Ramaswamy's investment in BuzzFeed, and the dynamics of using ads to monetize AI. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.
---
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.
---
SPONSORS: beehiiv
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. 🐝 Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months
---
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836
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Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(00:21) xAI fundraising
(12:11) Vivek Ramaswamy's majority stake in BuzzFeed & dynamics of media acquisitions
(16:15) Sponsor: beehiiv
(30:03) Changes in private equity
(35:44) Does AI hurt wordcels or shape rotators?
(39:21) Looking at new FTX documents
(44:58) Will AI be monetized mostly through ads?
(53:04) Against trusting dystopian science fiction stories
(57:11) Wrap
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LINKS:
Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.co
---
X / TWITTER:
https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)
https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)
https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)
---
For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne talk about meme stocks, the nature of reserve currencies, and why you should consider not owning a home in America. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.
---
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.
---
SPONSORS: beehiiv
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. 🐝 Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months
---
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(00:27) The case against home ownership
(06:07) The U.S. Dollar as a reserve currency
(17:49) Sponsor: beehiiv
(18:59) Colluding in the oil industry
(24:57) Meme stocks
(27:40) Why it's hard to copy Renaissance Technologies
(36:40) The shutdown of Weiss Multi-Strategy
(40:16) Alternative financial histories
(45:46) How NewBank attracts talent
(49:46) App store dynamics
(52:17) Optimal financial education
(56:59) Investing in people
(01:01:28) Wrap
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LINKS:
Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.co
---
X / TWITTER:
https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)
https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)
https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)
---
For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne talk about Amazon’s potential to buy a passenger airline, hidden economic gains, equities, and more. beehiiv: Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.
---
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.
---
SPONSORS: beehiiv
beehiiv: 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. 🐝 Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months
---
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836
---
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:20) Amazon's Unique Business Model and Expansion Strategy
(03:11) The Intricacies of the Airline Business Model
(05:58) Amazon's Long-Term Strategy and Customer Focus
(10:01) Potential for Amazon to Disrupt the Airline Industry
(17:27) Sponsor: Beehiiv
(18:33) Blackstone's Real Estate Ventures and Market Dynamics
(28:26) Understanding Financial Planning and Investment Strategies
(29:01) Exploring the Nuances of Preferred vs. Common Stock
(31:03) The Impact of Unions on Company Profits and Shareholder Value
(35:38) The Role and Evolution of Unions in Balancing Labor and Capital
(41:50) Analyzing the New York Times' Adaptation to Digital Media Trends
(51:21) The Invisible Efficiencies of Technological Advancements
(57:12) Wrap
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LINKS:
Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.co
---
X / TWITTER:
https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)
https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)
https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)
---
For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne talk about how to apply Costco's business model in other industries, the risky business of Martingale strategies, usage as a potential barrier to AI model development, and more. Get Harmonic: Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo.
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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: Harmonic | beehiiv
Harmonic: Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo.
beehiiv: 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. 🐝 Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months
---
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836
---
LINKS:
Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.co
---
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:21) Unpacking the Hunter Book Model: A New Approach to Monetizing News
(07:30) Aligning Media and Investing: Conflicts and Confluences of Interest
(12:41) Sponsor: Harmonic | Beehiiv
(15:09) The Benefits of Public Markets and Short Selling Insights
(18:09) Martingale Beliefs and Betting Strategies in Finance
(23:31) The Martingale Thesis and Market Making
(27:17) Unlocking the Potential of AI with Usage-Based Lock-In
(31:45) Exploring the Costco Business Model and Its Applications
(37:46) The Case for GDP-Linked Bonds: A Financial Innovation
(40:06) Vertical Software Companies Acquiring Operating Companies
(44:37) The Intersection of Media and Tech Companies
(46:40) Wrap
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X / TWITTER:
https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)
https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)
https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)
---
For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co