THE TRICKCAST: Boardroom Scholars & Magicians

The TrickCast
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The Trickcast is where business history, real-world hustle, and strategic magic collide. Hosted by Amir Abdelazim and Alexander Siletsky, this show pulls back the curtain on legendary corporate plays, hard-earned personal lessons from global boardrooms and crisis zones, and the timeless “tricks” that turn strategy into impact. Each episode blends business history with practical tricks and occasional conversations with global leaders. And we always end with the same question: What does this mean for the next generation of entrepreneurs?

  1. FEB 5

    The DARK Side of Tech in 2026: Social Media Ban, Iran's Blackouts, Robots - Ep. 17

    From the massive rollout of Australia’s social media ban to Iran’s total internet blackout and the commercial launch of Boston Dynamics' Atlas, 2026 is exposing a darker, more controlled reality for global technology. In this episode of The TrickCast, Alex Siletsky & Amir Abdelazim go beyond the headlines to reveal how governments and tech giants are reclaiming control over the digital landscape. We discuss why being "offline" is now a geopolitical weapon and how the next decade of robotics is shifting from entertainment to industrial dominance. This episode connects three industry-shaking stories: The Age of the Great Ban — Australia has officially deactivated over 4.7 million social media accounts for users under 16. We analyze the global ripple effect as Europe and the UK consider following suit -and the uncomfortable question: is this about safety, or state-level control over the next generation’s ideology? Digital Darkness in Iran - A total communications blackout has left 92 million people without a voice amid historic protests. We explore the technical "kill switches" used by dictatorships and the urgent global debate on whether internet access should finally be declared a fundamental human right. Atlas Goes Commercial — After decades of "dancing" prototypes, Boston Dynamics’ all-electric Atlas has entered production. With its first fleets shipping to major manufacturing partners, we break down the roadmap for robots to enter nursing homes and medical roles by 2028. TOP STORIES The Social Media Ban: 4.7M Accounts GoneWe analyze Australia’s world-first under-16 law. Is the "Dopamine Slot Machine" finally being regulated, or are we witnessing the end of digital freedom for the youth?Internet Blackouts as WeaponsThe case study of Iran and the "savage" tech used to suppress global communication. We discuss why a kill switch is the ultimate tool for a "New World Order."The Father of Robotics: Atlas is HereA deep dive into Marc Raibert’s "build it, break it, fix it" philosophy at Boston Dynamics and how Atlas is moving from the lab to your household.Key Themes: Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban & Digital IDThe Psychology of Algorithmic AddictionInternet Kill Switches & National SecurityThe UN Debate: Internet as a Human RightBoston Dynamics’ Commercial Roadmap (2026–2039)Leadership Lessons: Marc Raibert’s Engineering Culture🎧 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro: The 2026 New World Order in Tech 02:28 – The EU vs. US: Why Europe is "bumping" its own innovation 09:35 – Australia’s Social Media Ban: 4.7M accounts deactivated 13:16 – The Dopamine Slot Machine: How algorithms were designed for addiction 15:52 – Under-16 Age Verification: Facial scanning and ID requirements 34:13 – Iran’s 2026 Internet Shutdown: Cutting off 92 million people 42:41 – Starlink & Global Mesh Networks: Can we ever truly bypass a kill switch? 49:35 – Is Internet Access a Human Right? The 2026 UN Debate 51:04 – Boston Dynamics Atlas: The move from hydraulics to all-electric production 54:06 – Robot Roadmap: From factory floors to nursing jobs by 2028 59:13 – The Robot "Kill Switch": Establishing the 3 Laws of Robotics 01:01:15 – Build it, Break it, Fix it: The Marc Raibert Legacy 🎙️ About The TrickCast:For founders, engineers, and strategists, The TrickCast dissects the hidden power plays and physical shifts in technology. From the cloud to your car, your glasses, and eventually, your brain - we cover the rivalries shaping the future. 👉 Subscribe for more on Tech Strategy, AI Rivalries & Business Innovation. #TheTrickCast #SocialMediaBan #IranBlackout #BostonDynamics #AtlasRobot #2026Tech #DigitalRights #Robotics #CyberSecurity #FutureOfTech #AIStrategy #TechPodcast

    1h 2m

  2. JAN 22

    2026 Tech Predictions - End of Screens, Nvidia’s Car Brain & The Chip War - Ep. 16

    From retina projection replacing smartphones, to Russia’s brute-force "dishwasher" strategy for semiconductors, to Mark Zuckerberg’s quiet talent heist, 2026 is kicking off a massive "Agricultural Revolution" in AI. This week’s TrickCast exposes the physical reality of the future - where phones die, cars think faster than humans, and nations fight for computing survival. This episode connects three industry-shaking stories: The Death of the Screen – Why tech giants are killing the smartphone in favor of "Retina Projection" and how close we really are to brain implants. The Global Chip War – ASML’s monopoly is under attack. China is reverse-engineering the machines, while Russia ignores size entirely to build "dishwasher-sized" supercomputers. Physical AI & Corporate Heists – Why Mercedes needs Nvidia to survive, and why Meta’s latest acquisition proves Zuckerberg isn't buying companies anymore—he’s stealing talent. TOP STORIES Killing the Screen: The Post-Phone EraWe analyze the biggest news from CES 2026. The phone is now "Enemy of the State." We discuss the shift to AR glasses that project directly into your eyes and the uncomfortable truth: if you don’t get an implant, you will fall behind. The Chip War: "We Don't Care About Size"While the West fights for 2-nanometer chips, Russia and China are rewriting the rules. We break down how China is cloning ASML’s $300M machines and why Russia is using "dishwasher" logic to solve the compute deficit. Is brute force the new strategy? Physical AI: Cars & Corporate HeistsNvidia isn't just making chips; they are building brains for Mercedes. We debate why a 3-second lag in AI is a death sentence on the Autobahn. Plus, Meta’s aggressive acquisition of "Manos" proves Zuck is playing a different game: the war for Agent AI talent. Key Themes: CES 2026 & The "Agricultural Revolution" of AI Bio-implants vs. Handheld devices ASML’s Monopoly vs. Chinese Reverse Engineering Russian tech strategy: Brute force compute Nvidia’s role in the German Auto Industry Leadership lessons: Zuckerberg’s "Talent Heist" strategy 🎧 In this episode of The TrickCast, Alex Siletsky & Amir Abdelazim break down: 00:00 – Intro: The Agricultural Revolution of AI 01:45 – Killing the Screen: Why the phone is the enemy 10:00 – CES 2026: Retina Projection & AR Glasses 12:15 – The Cyborg Future: "We’re all getting implants" 14:40 – Nvidia + Mercedes: Why 3 seconds is too slow 22:56 – The Chip War: China vs. ASML 29:43 – The $300M Printer Monopoly 32:50 – Russia’s Strategy: "We don't care about size" 34:39 – The Dishwasher Theory 39:48 – Meta’s Heist: Zuckerberg stealing talent, not companies 46:16 – Final Predictions: Physical AI is the trend of 2026 🎙️ For founders, engineers, and strategists: This episode dissects the physical shift of AI - from the cloud to your car, your glasses, and eventually, your brain - and why hardware is the new battlefield. 👉 Subscribe for more bold conversations on tech rivalries, power plays, and the hidden “tricks” behind business success. #CES2026 #Nvidia #ChipWar #ASML #Meta #TechPodcast #TheTrickCast #Cyberpunk #FutureTech #RussiaTech #Implants #AI

    49 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    McDonald’s VS Burger King - Here's WHY Competition is Important...

    Why McDonald’s Needs Burger King (and Why Founders Need Rivals) A new chapter of “The Art of Competition” - Episode 3: McDonald’s vs Burger King How did two fast-food giants spend decades fighting for dominance without killing each other off? In this episode of The TrickCast, Alex Siletsky and Amir Abdelazim unpack the legendary, symbiotic rivalry between McDonald's and Burger King – and the bigger lesson about why great companies actually need strong competitors to innovate. This conversation isn’t about who makes a better burger. It’s a case study in strategy, branding, and how rivalry shapes culture. We cover: Contrasting Strategies: McDonald’s obsession with speed & scale vs. BK’s focus on personalization & bold moves 🍔The psychology behind risky marketing like BK's "Moldy Burger" campaign 🍄Why neither brand would be the global powerhouse it is today without the other forcing their hand 🤝Consistency vs. Chaos: How contrasting brand identities shaped the entire fast-food industry 🍟 🎙️ If you're a founder, leader, or operator, this episode shows why having the right competitor can be your biggest long-term advantage. 👉 Subscribe for more bold rivalries, business strategy & leadership lessons. 🔔 Don’t miss future episodes of The TrickCast – Boardroom Scholars & Magicians where past rivalries meet today’s business challenges.

    24 min

  4. 12/12/2025

    Netflix BUYING Warner Bros? OpenAI "Code Red" & Motorola's Secret War Tech - Ep.14

    From the massive potential merger of Netflix and Warner Bros, to Motorola’s pivot into military-grade "self-healing" networks, to Sam Altman’s panic button at OpenAI, this week’s TrickCast exposes the hidden strategies defining the future of media, defense, and AI.This episode connects three industry-shaking stories: Netflix acquiring Warner Bros Discovery - A look at the "traumatized organizations" involved and why this deal could change Hollywood forever.Motorola’s Silent Domination - While you weren't looking, they moved from flip phones to building the "self-healing" communication networks of the future.OpenAI’s "Code Red" - Why ChatGPT might be the next Netscape, and how Google Gemini is quietly winning the ecosystem war.TOP STORIES 1. Netflix + Warner Bros: The Ultimate Monopoly? We analyze the rumors of Netflix buying the debt-heavy giant. Can the culture of "No Rules Rules" survive the legacy of Batman and Game of Thrones?2. Motorola is Back (But Not for Phones) A deep dive into Motorola’s acquisition strategy in mission-critical comms. We discuss "self-healing" mesh networks that work when everything else fails—from terrorist attacks to natural disasters.3. Is OpenAI Dying? Sam Altman declares "Code Red" as Google Gemini flexes its ecosystem muscle. We debate if OpenAI is destined to be the "Netscape" of the AI revolution—first to market, but crushed by the giants.Key Themes:- Media Consolidation: Streaming vs. Theater models- "Traumatized Organizations" & Post-Merger Integration- Mission Critical Tech & Self-Healing Networks- The Netscape vs. Microsoft parallel for OpenAI- Google Gemini’s ecosystem advantage- Leadership lessons: Reed Hastings vs. David Zaslav vs. Sam Altman🎧 In this episode of The TrickCast, Alex Siletsky & Amir Abdelazim break down:00:00 – Intro: Three stories, one theme: Culture Trumps Strategy01:00 – The rumor: Netflix buying Warner Bros Discovery04:36 – The AT&T disaster: How we got here08:58 – David Zaslav’s brutal cleanup job16:42 – Why Netflix actually wants the debt21:27 – Antitrust fears & "Traumatized Organizations"24:45 – Motorola’s smart new acquisition26:30 – What is a "Self-Healing Network"?30:38 – Why "boring" mission-critical tech wins33:56 – OpenAI declares "Code Red"36:00 – The Netscape vs. Microsoft history lesson41:50 – Why Google Gemini is winning the long game44:57 – Final thoughts: Culture is the key🎙️ For founders, engineers, and strategists: This episode dissects the cultural clashes behind the biggest M&A rumors and why being "first" in AI doesn't mean you'll be the last one standing.👉 Subscribe for more bold conversations on tech rivalries, power plays, and the hidden “tricks” behind business success. #Netflix #WarnerBros #OpenAI #GoogleGemini #Motorola #TechPodcast #TheTrickCast #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessStrategy #SamAltman #AIWar #MissionCritical

    46 min

  5. 12/04/2025

    Is Tim Cook LEAVING Apple? AirBus ALMOST CRASHED (again) & Crazy NEW Russian Drones - Ep.13

    Summary In this episode, Amir Abdelazim and Alex Siletsky break down three major stories shaking the tech, aviation, and geopolitical landscape: A viral rumor about Tim Cook leaving Apple, and what it reveals about leadership, innovation cycles, and whether Apple is losing momentum without a visionary founder. A shocking Airbus near-crash triggered by a solar event, exposing how vulnerable modern aircraft are to space weather, sensor interference, and software-dependent aviation systems. Russia’s newest next-gen drone units, including animal-shaped recon drones that mimic wildlife — raising serious questions about asymmetric warfare, surveillance, and the future of battlefield AI. Across the conversation, one theme emerges: Leadership, safety, and power are entering a new era — one shaped by software, sensors, and geopolitics. Key Topics: Apple may be entering its most uncertain decade since Steve Jobs Tim Cook’s leadership style vs. the visionary-founder model Solar storms pose a real risk to aircraft sensors & autopilot systems Europe’s aviation safety protocols may not be ready for space-weather events Russia’s new biomorphic drones could redefine stealth and reconnaissance AI-driven warfare is scaling faster than global regulation Innovation gaps often come from leadership stagnation — not technology Time Stamps: 00:00 – Welcome back to The TrickCast00:40 – Viral topic: Is Tim Cook actually leaving Apple?03:10 – Apple without a founder: innovation vs. stagnation06:25 – The Steve Jobs comparison trap08:45 – Solar flare hits Airbus systems — what really happened11:30 – How vulnerable modern aircraft are to sensor interference14:05 – Aviation safety, autopilot risk & “software-first flying”17:40 – Russia’s new biomorphic drones explained20:55 – Why animal-shaped drones are a battlefield advantage23:40 – AI warfare: low cost, high disruption27:10 – The West’s drone gap — and why it matters30:45 – Leadership, risk & why companies fall behind33:20 – Apple, Airbus, and Russia — the common thread36:50 – Closing thoughts — what this means for the next decade 🎙️ If you're a founder, technologist, or geopolitical thinker, this episode reveals how leadership, aviation safety, and AI warfare are colliding to shape the next decade. 👉 Subscribe for more bold conversations on tech, power, and the hidden “tricks” behind global change.

    39 min

  6. 11/27/2025

    Robots That FEEL? Qualtrics & NEO Just Changed the Robot/AI Game - Ep. 12

    Summary In this episode, Amir Abdelazim and Alex Siletsky explore two massive breakthroughs redefining the future of robotics and human-machine interaction: NEO, a new generation humanoid robot designed for homes - and Qualtrics’ $6.5B acquisition of Forsta, giving AI the ability to measure human emotions at scale. They break down how NEO signals a shift from factory robots to empathetic companions that can sense touch, respond to human cues, and soon perform complex tasks — including high-risk surgeries.Then they examine how Qualtrics is quietly positioning itself as the “emotional operating system” for hospitals, airports, retailers, and potentially… future robots. Across the conversation, one theme emerges:Robots are gaining bodies + and now they’re learning feelings. Main Themes:And when physical robotics meets emotional AI, everything about work, healthcare, leadership, and human relationships may change. • NEO represents the transition from industrial robots to trustworthy, home-scale humanoids• Robots will increasingly take over dangerous, dirty, and draining jobs• Emotional analytics is becoming the next frontier of AI - and Qualtrics just bought the missing piece• “Turning feelings into data” will reshape healthcare, customer experience, and leadership• Future workers may manage fleets of robots, not tasks• Emotional robots challenge our assumptions about empathy, trust, and human connection Chapter 00:00 – Welcome back to The TrickCast00:25 – Robot rights joke & episode intro01:54 – NEO humanoid robot enters the home04:13 – Why robots should take dangerous, dirty & draining work07:14 – The future of work: creativity, UBI & robot fleets12:15 – Trust, leadership & Warren Buffett’s rule14:14 – Qualtrics buys Forsta for $6.5B — what it unlocks16:03 – Turning emotions into data — the father & son example18:19 – Hospitals, airports & training empathetic AI19:16 – Emotional robots replacing managers & HR?21:08 – Why VCs love the deal & what comes next23:50 – Wearables, biometrics & “robots that feel”24:40 – Closing thoughts - emotional AI + robotics = next interface 🎙️ If you're a founder, technologist, or futurist, this episode reveals how emotional AI and humanoid robotics may converge into the biggest interface shift since the smartphone. 👉 Subscribe for more bold conversations on tech, power plays, and the hidden “tricks” behind business success.

    26 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    Elon’s $1T Pay - Robot Doctors - EU Democracy Shield (EXPLAINED) - Ep. 11

    Summary In this episode, Amir Abdelazim and Alex Siletsky break down three major stories reshaping tech and geopolitics: Elon Musk’s newly approved $1 trillion Tesla package, the rise of robot doctors and humanoid labor, and the EU’s controversial “Democracy Shield” aimed at policing misinformation across Europe. They explore whether Elon’s deal is visionary or reckless, why humanoid robots may soon replace entire categories of work, and how Europe’s new regulation could redefine speech, truth, and political influence online. The discussion also touches on OpenAI’s rapid evolution and whether the company is now effectively “run” by AI systems themselves. Across these stories, one theme emerges - the future will be shaped by power, control, and who gets to define truth in an AI-driven world. Key Ideas• Elon Musk’s $1T approval signals Tesla’s total dependence on one leader• Humanoid robots could democratize medical care - or disrupt entire labor markets• The EU’s Democracy Shield raises hard questions: who decides what’s “misinformation”?• OpenAI’s speed suggests AI may be running more of the company than humans• Talent, innovation, and governance are becoming the real battlegrounds Sound Bites - “Business isn’t a democracy - you hope the dictator is a kind one.” - “Robots may outnumber entire populations.” - “Who defines truth? Who defines misinformation?” - “AI might be running OpenAI faster than humans ever could.” Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome back to The TrickCast 00:30 – Elon Musk’s $1T Tesla pay package approved 01:37 – Humanoid robots and the future of global healthcare 04:52 – By 2030, robots may outnumber people in some regions 05:12 – OpenAI goes for profit — and aims for a $1T IPO 07:25 – Is OpenAI already partially run BY AI? 09:23 – How AI agents are starting to build and test products autonomously 10:33 – Could Sam Altman let ChatGPT run the company’s roadmap? 11:21 – What the EU’s “Democracy Shield” is really about 12:19 – Misinformation, truth policing & dangerous precedent 13:07 – Who decides what’s “true”? Mandela, censorship & narratives 14:06 – Why education systems are breaking democracy 15:15 – Governments, intelligence agencies & controlling speech 17:04 – Europe’s political tensions and interference battles 18:44 – The real problem: declining value for taxpayers 22:12 – Why companies are fleeing Germany for Spain & Portugal 23:22 – Workforce ethics vs high taxes 24:22 – Transition to next episode (robots & labor) 🎙️ If you're a founder, technologist, policymaker, or futurist, this episode shines a spotlight on the structural forces - political, economic, and technological - that will define the next decade. 👉 Subscribe for more bold conversations on tech, power, and the hidden “tricks” behind global change. 🔔 The TrickCast: Boardroom Scholars & Magicians - decoding modern innovators with ancient wisdom.

    25 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Tesla vs NVIDIA: The $1T vs $5T CEO Showdown (Elon vs Jensen) - Ep. 10

    Summary In this episode, Amir Abdelazim and Alex Siletsky break down one of the most important tech leadership battles of our time: Elon Musk vs Jensen Huang — and what Tesla vs NVIDIA reveals about the future of AI, power, and innovation. They unpack Elon’s controversial $1 trillion Tesla compensation package, exploring whether it's visionary, necessary, or an ego-driven gamble. Then they contrast it with NVIDIA’s historic $5 trillion valuation, analyzing the radically different leadership style of Jensen Huang — a founder who built a global empire quietly, methodically, and with a deep engineering culture that compounds. ->This is part 2/2 of this conversation - check the previous episode for more context. The conversation expands into bigger questions:– What happens to Tesla if Elon disappears tomorrow?– Is NVIDIA structurally safer because it isn’t built around one man?– Why does leadership continuity matter more than ever in the age of AI?– And which company is truly better positioned for the next decade? The episode also revisits the rapid evolution of OpenAI, questioning whether a public-benefit corporation can stay true to its mission - and what happens when AI giants start blending monetization with moral messaging. Across these stories, one pattern emerges:Great companies are built differently - some around a single star, others around a neural network of leaders.And in the AI era, that difference may decide who survives disruption. Elon Musk’s $1T package highlights Tesla’s dependence on a single iconic leader. Jensen Huang built NVIDIA on distributed intelligence - a “neural network” of 60+ empowered leaders. Tesla’s future may be more volatile; NVIDIA’s may be more structurally resilient. Compensation packages are not just money — they are signals to markets and shareholders. OpenAI’s shift away from nonprofit ideals raises questions about ethics and transparency. Leadership styles shape companies as much as their technology. In AI-driven markets, organizations built on continuity outperform those built on cult of personality. The next decade will reward builders who combine ambition with governance — not just genius. Sound Bites: “Business isn’t a democracy - you just hope the dictator is a kind one.”“A company built around a single star collapses when that star fades.”“Every NVIDIA employee gets stock - they rise together.”“Elon wins even when he loses - that’s the power of a magician.”“Leadership is not charisma; leadership is continuity.” Timestamps: 00:00 – Why Elon vs Jensen is the defining tech comparison of the decade00:44 – Elon’s $1T package: genius deal or ego trap?03:20 – Could Tesla survive if Elon disappeared tomorrow?05:05 – Jensen Huang’s leadership model: the ‘scholar’ who built a $5T giant07:48 – Why NVIDIA employees become richer “by the minute”09:52 – Tesla’s central problem: a star at the center vs a system that scales12:30 – Is a business a democracy — or a benevolent dictatorship?14:45 – How NVIDIA 200× while Tesla 20×: a tale of two strategies17:20 – What happens when compensation becomes a market signal19:50 – Why continuity matters more than charisma in AI companies22:10 – Can Tesla reach $8.5T? And what breakthroughs would it require?24:55 – The risk of over-centralized leadership in tech27:10 – OpenAI’s new structure: mission or monetization?30:45 – How the future of AI will be shaped by leadership, not code33:40 – Final thoughts: wisdom of the crowd vs wisdom of the star 🎙️ If you're a founder, technologist, or investor, this episode reveals the leadership patterns shaping the next decade of AI - and the billion-dollar bets behind them. 👉 Subscribe for more bold conversations on tech rivalries, power plays, and the hidden “tricks” behind business success. 🔔 Stay tuned for more episodes of The TrickCast: Boardroom Scholars & Magicians — where modern innovators are decoded like ancient legends.

    22 min
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The Trickcast is where business history, real-world hustle, and strategic magic collide. Hosted by Amir Abdelazim and Alexander Siletsky, this show pulls back the curtain on legendary corporate plays, hard-earned personal lessons from global boardrooms and crisis zones, and the timeless “tricks” that turn strategy into impact. Each episode blends business history with practical tricks and occasional conversations with global leaders. And we always end with the same question: What does this mean for the next generation of entrepreneurs?

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