26 episodes

See the world through the eyes of society's greatest rule-breakers. The "Live Players" podcast charts the key individuals shaping our future from first principles across multiple domains: business, politics, philanthropy, and broadcasting from the digital town square

Join host Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg as they analyze the mindsets of today's most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more.

If you want more than soundbites and sensationalism, this podcast delivers reasoned reflections on the live players who renew and transform civilization, whether we ask them to or not.

Topics frequently covered: Business titans, political players, and philanthropists like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, George Soros, Donald Trump, and more with the power to remake industries, policies, borders, or societal norms.
Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg Turpentine

    • News
    • 4.8 • 26 Ratings

See the world through the eyes of society's greatest rule-breakers. The "Live Players" podcast charts the key individuals shaping our future from first principles across multiple domains: business, politics, philanthropy, and broadcasting from the digital town square

Join host Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg as they analyze the mindsets of today's most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more.

If you want more than soundbites and sensationalism, this podcast delivers reasoned reflections on the live players who renew and transform civilization, whether we ask them to or not.

Topics frequently covered: Business titans, political players, and philanthropists like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, George Soros, Donald Trump, and more with the power to remake industries, policies, borders, or societal norms.
Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

    The Turbulence of Boeing: Decline and Future Prospects

    The Turbulence of Boeing: Decline and Future Prospects

    Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg talk about the decline of Boeing. They discuss Boeing's recent troubles, including fatal crashes and maintenance problems, and how these issues reflect broader concerns about U.S. industrial and military capabilities. The conversation also covers the impact of globalization on Boeing's manufacturing processes, competition with Airbus and emerging Chinese aerospace companies, and the need for innovation and industrial discipline. This detailed analysis provides valuable insights into the challenges and future prospects of the U.S. aerospace sector. Please note there is a small error at the beginning of the discussion when Samo mixed up the 737 Max with 787 Dreamliner, but Samo's original analysis of the 737 Max crash is correct in his Bismarck Brief upon which this episode is based - check it out https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/the-decay-of-boeing
    --
    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. Go to https://beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months
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    LINKS:
    Samo’s Bismarck Brief: 
    https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

    The Decay of Boeing:
    https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/the-decay-of-boeing
    --
    FOLLOW US ON X:
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @samoburja (Samo)
    @turpentinemedia (Turpentine)
    --
    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Introduction
    (00:40) The Boeing 737 Crashes
    (03:09) Boeing's Market Position and Risks
    (18:10) Sponsors: Beehiiv
    (20:18) Boeing's Future
    (24:19) US Aerospace Decline
    (30:36) Lessons from Airbus
    (43:31) Bismarck Brief on the Decay of Boeing
    (47:05) Wrap

    • 49 min
    Live Players Analysis: Drug Cartels in Mexico

    Live Players Analysis: Drug Cartels in Mexico

    In this episode of 'Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the intricate dynamics of Mexican drug cartels and their impact on both Mexico's political and economic landscape. The discussion delves deep into how drug revenues sustain elites, non-state actors, and insurgencies worldwide — with notable examples from the Taliban to Chechen rebels. They also discuss the potential threats posed by Mexico's porous border to U.S. national security, the global demand for drugs, the implications of drug legalization in first world countries, and the potential geopolitical shifts involving China and the U.S.
    ---
    SPONSOR: 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. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months
    ---
    RECOMMENDED PODCAST: THE RIFF WITH BYRNE HOBART
    Byrne Hobart, the writer of The Diff, is revered in Silicon Valley. You can get an hour with him each week. See for yourself how his thinking can upgrade yours.

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rANlV54GCARLgMOtpkzKt


    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-riff-with-byrne-hobart-and-erik-torenberg/id1716646486


    ---
    LINKS:
    Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/
    “Mexico’s Drug Cartels Are Not Competitors to the State” https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/mexicos-drug-cartels-are-not-competitors

    ---
    FOLLOW US ON X:
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @samoburja (Samo)
    @turpentinemedia (Turpentine)

    ---
    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:29) The Mexican Cartels: A Deep Dive
    (01:09) Global Implications of Drug Revenues
    (04:45) Cartels vs. Government: A Complex Relationship
    (07:58) The Future of Mexican Cartels
    (11:25) US-Mexico Relations and Drug Policy
    (18:30) Sponsor: Beehiiv
    (19:41) Industrialization and Economic Diversification
    (28:45) Historical and Global Comparisons
    (34:25) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
    (41:44) Outro and Sponsor Messages

    • 44 min
    How to Find the Frontiers of Knowledge, Samo Burja for The Stoa

    How to Find the Frontiers of Knowledge, Samo Burja for The Stoa

    Today we're publishing a talk Samo Burja gave to The Stoa in 2020 all about how to find and advance uncrystallized fields of knowledge. In this discussion, Samo critiques current academia for its inefficiencies and proposes supporting new intellectual endeavors with proper economic and social incentives. The discussion covers the potential for new academic structures, the role of social scenes in fostering innovation, and the need for a genuine pursuit of knowledge versus mere intelligence signaling. At the end, Samo answers questions from the audience to go deeper into the themes of the talk.

    --
    LINKS:
    Samo’s Bismarck Brief: 
    https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/
    --
    FOLLOW US ON X:
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @samoburja (Samo)
    @turpentinemedia (Turpentine)

    --
    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Intro
    (00:29) Samo's Insightful Talk on Finding the Frontier of Knowledge
    (01:11) Navigating the Landscape of Knowledge and Institutions
    (03:20) The Role of Crackpots in Advancing Knowledge
    (05:11) Practical Steps Towards Identifying and Advancing in Your Field
    (07:20) Evaluating Institutions and Communities for Knowledge Advancement
    (11:40) Interactive Q&A: Connecting Knowledge Frontiers with Live Players
    (15:00) Debating the Viability of Competing with Current Academia
    (20:30) The Role of Super Connectors in Knowledge Domains
    (24:42) Live Players' Paths to Acquiring Knowledge
    (28:39) Exploring the Intersection of Science and Spirituality
    (29:29) Reviving Scenes and Cultural Renaissance
    (32:26) The Potential of Intellectual and Cultural Frontiers
    (34:32) Scenius, Knowledge Synthesis, and the Future of Intellectual Communities
    (38:46) Navigating the Meta Crisis Through Games and Biology
    (41:43) Rethinking Knowledge Production and Distribution
    (52:31) Envisioning a New Model for Intellectual Excellence
    (54:32) Final Reflections on Intellectual Authority and Responsibility
    (56:29) Wrap

    • 56 min
    Academia's Impact on Society | Rudyard Lynch Interviews Samo Burja

    Academia's Impact on Society | Rudyard Lynch Interviews Samo Burja

    In this episode of Live Players, Rudyard Lynch (@whatifalthist on YouTube) interviews Samo Burja and covers a range of topics including why Samo left academia, the current state of education, the impact of bureaucratization and managerial ideology on society, and the state of democracy and legislation in modern Western societies. This conversation was taped in 2023.

    Subscribe to Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg's podcast History 102

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihm


    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1730633913


    ---
    SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | HARMONIC

    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. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months

    🧲 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.
    ---
    LINKS:
    Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/
    Rudyard's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatifAltHist

    ---
    FOLLOW US ON X:
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @samoburja (Samo)
    @whatifalthist (Rudyard)
    @turpentinemedia (Turpentine)

    ---
    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Intro
    (01:30) Diving Deep with Samo Burja: A Journey from Physics to Geopolitics
    (04:14) Exploring the Bureaucratization of Society and Its Impacts
    (06:00) The Multifaceted Minds of the Past
    (11:40) Decline of Creativity and Cultural Depth
    (13:45) Zero-Sum Game of Academia and Its Societal Consequences
    (15:57) Competing Visions for the West
    (18:56) Sponsors: Beehiiv | Harmonic
    (28:09) Rethinking Education and Embracing Functional Institutions
    (32:08) Exploring Human Nature and Decision Making
    (32:59) The Evolution of Socialism and the Impact of Redefining Terms
    (34:02) Challenging the Education System and Advocating for Intellectual Diversity
    (35:37) Historical Knowledge and Its Relevance Today
    (37:49) The Role of Intellectuals and Politicians in Shaping Society
    (41:06) Innovative Ideas for Political and Social Reform
    (57:24) Addressing the Crisis of Confidence in Future Societies
    (58:50) Envisioning a Path Forward: Calls for Action and Reflection
    (1:02:57) Wrap

    • 1 hr 3 min
    The Future of Democracy

    The Future of Democracy

    This episode features Erik and Samo's 2nd-ever interview for the Venture Stories podcast, an in-depth discussion of geopolitics, statecraft, and the study of society. It was recorded in 2019. They cover: how might cryptocurrencies increase centralized state power? What do our economic analyses miss when they do not look inside the inner workings of companies? How do media companies drive news narratives?
    ​​
    Also discussed: Democracy, capitalism, and the Hong Kong protests. ​​Silicon Valley’s startup culture as it contrasts with corporate culture as descended from IBM. ​​Free trade, domestic protectionism, and subsidy of foreign exports as trade strategies for developing nations: lessons from Japan, South Korea, and pre-1980s Iran. Kissinger’s approach to geopolitics. Gorbachev and Deng Xiaoping, and Marxism’s legacy. ​​​The political future of the European Union and the economic future of the Indian Ocean. Systems of immigration in France, Canada, the U.S., and Japan. ​Predictions for meaning-making in the modern era.

    ---
    SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | HARMONIC

    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. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months

    🧲 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.
    ---
    Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
    Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
    Spotify
    Apple
    ---
    LINKS:

    Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/
    ---
    FOLLOW US ON X:
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @samoburja (Samo)
    @turpentinemedia (Turpentine)
    ---
    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Intro
    (00:50) Exploring Alternatives to Democracy and the Rise of CEO-Driven Countries
    (02:03) The Complexities of Government Transparency and Military Interventions
    (02:57) Analyzing Authoritarian Elements in Societies and the Hong Kong Protests
    (07:25) Sponsor: Beehiiv | Harmonic
    (09:35) The Influence of Economic Growth and Technology on Global Politics
    (13:37) Silicon Valley vs. Corporate America: A Battle of Cultures
    (15:01) The Future of Media: Silicon Valley's Integration with East Coast Media
    (28:04) Navigating the Complexities of Progress and Environmental Sustainability
    (35:21) Lessons from Historical Civilizations to Avoid Modern Decline
    (39:06) The Evolution of Whistleblowers and Heterodoxy
    (39:57) Reforming Societies: Historical Insights
    (40:51) Marx's Legacy and Predictions for the Future
    (43:28) China's Rising Influence and Global Shifts
    (45:43) Europe's Political Stability and Economic Challenges
    (48:44) The Future of Globalization and Regional Blocks
    (51:59) Decentralization, Blockchain, and State Power
    (55:09) Sovereign Individuals and Legal Jurisdictions
    (58:26) Immigration Policies and Cultural Integration
    (1:02:27) Globalization vs. Localization: Future Scenarios
    (1:06:11) Addressing Global Challenges: Climate Change and AI
    (1:09:54) Religion's Role in the Future
    (1:14:45) Wrap

    • 1 hr 14 min
    What India Should Do to Secure Its Future as a Global Superpower

    What India Should Do to Secure Its Future as a Global Superpower

    This week Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss India as a live player. They cover: India's demographics and the barriers it faces towards industrialization and wealth.
    ---
    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.
    ---
    SPONSOR: 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.
    ---
    Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
    Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
    Spotify
    Apple
    ---
    LINKS:
    Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/
    ---
    FOLLOW US ON X:
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @samoburja (Samo)
    @turpentinemedia (Turpentine)
    ---
    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Intro
    (00:28) Diving Deep into India's Demographics and Future Prospects
    (04:07) The Economic and Social Implications of India's Aging Population
    (07:23) India's Talent and Labor Force in the Global Context
    (10:06) Institutional Barriers and Governance Challenges in India
    (14:15) The Geopolitical Landscape: India, China, and Global Dynamics
    (19:53) Sponsor: Harmonic
    (21:00) If You're Betting On India, You're Betting On a Multipolar World
    (27:16) India's Digital and Economic Strategy for the Future
    (32:20) Comparing India and China: Leadership and Economic Strategies
    (32:33) The Impact of Brain Drain and Language Proficiency
    (33:46) Globalization's Influence on Regional Economies
    (36:56) India's Potential Partnerships and Geopolitical Strategy
    (38:14) The Future of India: Recommendations and Challenges
    (45:14) India's Political Economy and the Need for Reform
    (52:41) Navigating Globalization: A Skeptical Perspective
    (57:37) India's Demographic Dynamics and Education System
    (59:55) India's Geopolitical Strategy
    (1:01:09) Wrap

    • 1 hr 2 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
26 Ratings

26 Ratings

PodGod4 ,

Best podcast for curious intellectuals

Turpentine pushes out a lot of good podcasts but this one is great. If you’re curious and an aspiring intellectual this is the perfect podcast for you. Highly recommend!

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