"Moment of Zen‪"‬ Turpentine

In this episode of Moment of Zen, Balaji Srinivasan sits down with Erik Torenberg to discuss the massive vibe shift in Silicon Valley a week after Trump's near-assassination, tech's emerging role as a counter-elite force, why Biden is president NPC, January 6, and the role of the media.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 Founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network:  https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

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.
--
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: COMPLEX SYSTEMS WITH PATRICK MCKENZIE (PATIO11)
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812

--
SPONSORS:

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

🌐 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/torenberg

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

🦾 Level up your ineffective website chatbot with CommandBar. CommandBar builds a new type of web assistant which delivers highly personalized responses, real time co-browsing, and can perform actions on behalf of the users. Learn how Hashicorp, Gusto, Freshworks and more use CommandBar at https://commandbar.com/moz
--
LINKS:
Librem 5 Phone: https://puri.sm/products/librem-5/
School of Fish Meme: https://x.com/balajis/status/1489288836349784064
Graph: History is Running in Reverse: https://x.com/balajis/status/1749858089665257497
FBI Lost Count of Number of Informants at Jan 6: https://nypost.com/2023/09/19/fbi-lost-count-of-number-of-informants-at-capitol-on-jan-6-ex-official/
Most important article: https://time.com/5936036/secret-2020-election-campaign/

---
FOLLOW US ON X:
@balajis (Balaji)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)
---
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:21) The Vibe Shift in the Tech Industry
(02:54) The Tech Counter-Elite
(08:01) Tech's Influence on Politics
(14:32) Tech's Impact on the Republican Party
(20:40) The Democrat Party and the Tech Counter-Elite
(26:49) Sponsors: beehiiv | Babbel
(29:39) The Core Disagreement: Who Should Run Things?
(38:45) The Power Struggle Between the Elite and Counter-Elite
(38:49) Sponsors: CommandBar | Squad
(40:02) Political Parties as Swarms of Ideologies
(41:04) Ant Colonies and Swarm Intelligence
(45:47) The Strength and Weakness of the NPC Meme
(49:56) Adapting to a Changing World Order
(53:27) Contextualizing the January 6th Events
(1:12:41) The Media's Role in Shaping Public Opinion
(1:13:28) The Erosion of Democracy and the Rise of One-Party States
(1:18:25) The Economic Collapse and the Future of Tech
(1:26:48) The Potential for New Cities and Countries
(1:41:54) Wrap
 

In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss China's energy strategy and its broader geopolitical implications. Contrary to popular belief, China is not aggressively pursuing energy independence but remains reliant on imports despite significant domestic oil production. The conversation delves into China's geopolitical strategy, its military preparedness, and the potential consequences of a conflict over Taiwan. The episode also explores the broader implications of a potential U.S.-China industrial competition and the risks of a bipolar world.
-
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.
--
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: LIVE PLAYERS with SAMO BURJA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fbMTkHBnom1JIBWYNVBK1
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-players-with-samo-burja-and-erik-torenberg/id1718925188

--
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: COMPLEX SYSTEMS WITH PATRICK MCKENZIE (PATIO11)
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812

—
SPONSORS:

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

🌐 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/torenberg

---
REFERENCED ARTICLES:
“China Isn’t Pursuing Energy Independence” https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/china-isnt-pursuing-energy-independence

---
LINKS:
Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

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

---
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:46) China's Domestic Oil Production
(03:00) Energy Independence and Geopolitical Strategy
(04:00) Comparing US and China Energy Policies
(05:13) China's Economic Logic Over Energy Security
(06:09) China's Relationship with Iran and Russia
(07:55) Modernizing China's Petrochemical Industry
(08:33) Advising China on Resource Independence
(16:13) Sponsors: beehiiv | Babbel
(18:58) China's Strategic Priorities and War Likelihood
(22:16) Western Brinksmanship and Misconceptions
(29:29) The Role of Manufacturing in Modern Warfare
(30:44) The Need for a Massive Industrial Base
(33:30) Sponsors: Squad
(34:54) China's Strategic Military Preparations
(36:57) China's Oil and Resource Capabilities
(40:11) The Taiwan Conflict: Economic and Military Implications
(52:47) The Future of Global Power Dynamics

This week, Noah Smith joins Erik Torenberg to discuss America's future. They cover the 2024 presidential race, the Chevron ruling from the Supreme Court, and the polarization of the education system. Noah and Erik also discuss where wokeness goes from here, and the potential outcomes of integrating more conservatives into the civil service through initiatives like Project 2025. Noah also debunks the deep state myth and discusses the real issues surrounding Biden's age, questioning the influence of "political handlers" and the reality of a "deep state."
🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

--
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812

--
SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | BABBEL | SQUAD

🌐 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

🐝 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. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

--
FOLLOW ON X:
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@Noahpinion (Noah)
@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
@TurpentineMedia
--

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Preview
(01:09) 4th of July Celebrations and Mailbag Questions
(01:51) Debate Reflections: Trump vs. Biden
(02:35) Biden's Age and Democratic Dilemma
(03:09) Kamala Harris: The Successor Debate
(04:12) Michelle Obama: A Potential Candidate?
(07:06) The Deep State: Myth or Reality?
(11:30) Bernie Sanders and the DNC
(13:58) Chevron Ruling and Its Implications
(19:10) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel
(22:44) Project 2025 and Civil Service Polarization
(30:34) Reflecting on the Floyd Protests
(31:57) The Impact of Trump's Presidency
(35:05) Sponsors: Squad 
(36:29) Debating the Administrative State
(38:31) Challenges in the Education System
(46:56) Redistribution and Class in America
(53:37) The Future of UBI and Cash Benefits
(57:51) Wrap

In this episode of Moment of Zen, Erik, Antonio, as well as two friends of the podcast who prefer to stay anonymous, discuss the disastrous Biden/Trump debate and what could happen after. They explore the state of U.S. politics by scrutinizing Joe Biden's controversial debate performance and its implications on his presidency, as well as reactions from the media and its impact on U.S. foreign relations.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812
--

SPONSORS: COMMANDBAR | NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | BABBEL | SQUAD
🦾 Level up your ineffective website chatbot with CommandBar. CommandBar builds a new type of web assistant which delivers highly personalized responses, real time co-browsing, and can perform actions on behalf of the users. Learn how Hashicorp, Gusto, Freshworks and more use CommandBar at https://commandbar.com/moz

🌐 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

🐝 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. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.

📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

--
FOLLOW ON X:
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@agm.eth (Antonio)
@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
@TurpentineMedia
--

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Political Gaffes and the Current State of Politics
(01:23) Sponsor: CommandBar
(02:18) Biden's Performance and Cognitive Decline
(03:21) The Role of Media and Public Perception
(07:15) Biden's Decision-Making and Political Dynamics
(12:53) Potential Political Replacements and Speculations
(14:55) Sponsors: Babbel | beehiiv
(19:51) International Perspectives and Influence
(22:30) Trump vs. Biden: Public Perception and Debate Tactics
(27:43) Sponsors: NetSuite | Squad
(36:54) Debating Biden's Public Image
(37:48) Tech's Right-Wing Shift and Trump Endorsement
(38:51) Silicon Valley's Political Divide
(39:53) Crypto's Trump Support
(40:49) Changing Political Opinions in Tech
(45:30) Trump's Unpredictable Nature
(46:32) Biden's Aging and Potential Successors
(51:38) January 6th and Its Aftermath
(1:07:01) Trump's Second Term Concerns
(1:20:59) Wrap

In this episode of Moment of Zen, Erik interviews Richard Hanania about the evolving political landscape in the U.S., focusing on the changing dynamics within both the Republican and Democratic parties. They discuss the influence of big tech, the rise of Trumpism, political polarization, and the intellectual underpinnings of current political ideologies.

We’re publishing this conversation across Moment of Zen and Upstream since the themes are highly relevant to both shows.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

--

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812

--

SPONSORS: COMMANDBAR | NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | BABBEL | SQUAD
🦾 Level up your ineffective website chatbot with CommandBar. CommandBar builds a new type of web assistant which delivers highly personalized responses, real time co-browsing, and can perform actions on behalf of the users. Learn how Hashicorp, Gusto, Freshworks and more use CommandBar at https://commandbar.com/moz

📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.

🐝 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. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months

🌐 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

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

--

FOLLOW ON X:
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@RichardHanania (Richard)
@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
@TurpentineMedia

--

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:11) Silicon Valley's Shift: Anti-Wokeness and Economic Concerns
(03:23) Political Evolution and Disillusionment with the Right
(04:18) Conservatism, Technology, and Cultural Grievances
(08:56) Human Capital and the Right's IQ Problem
(13:53) Sponsor: CommandBar | Netsuite
(16:22) Religion, Fertility, and Societal Coordination
(19:10) The Return Philosophy and Women's Happiness
(21:17) Trump's Political Genius and Threat to Democracy
(26:01) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel | Squad
(29:59) Biden vs. Trump: Election Predictions and Policy Impacts
(38:34) Debunking Antisemitism Claims in Protests
(39:28) Political Strategy and Victimhood
(40:55) Historical Context of Antisemitism
(42:11) Comparing Minority Experiences
(42:56) Demonization and Conspiracy Theories
(45:14) Evaluating Political Motivations
(47:12) The Role of Intellectuals and Media
(52:03) Immigration and National Identity
(59:47) Future of American Politics
(1:02:40) On Open Borders
(1:04:51) IQ vs Common Sense
(1:07:42) The Future of the Left and Right
(1:13:56) Wrap

Today on Moment of Zen, Journalist Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry sits with Erik Torenberg to explain the volatile state of French politics following recent European Parliament elections where Macron’s party performed poorly and the National Rally did very well. The conversation offers insights into the broader implications of these political shifts, touches on the societal divisions fueling these changes, immigration, and the potential economic impact on France.
🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812
--
SPONSORS: COMMANDBAR | BABBEL | BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | SQUAD
🦾 Level up your ineffective website chatbot with CommandBar. CommandBar builds a new type of web assistant which delivers highly personalized responses, real time co-browsing, and can perform actions on behalf of the users. Learn how Hashicorp, Gusto, Freshworks and more use CommandBar at https://commandbar.com/moz

🌐 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

🐝 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. A special offer is at https://beehiiv.com: use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months

📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.

💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.
--
FOLLOW ON X:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@pegobry_en (Pascal)
@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
@TurpentineMedia

--
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:35) Sponsor: CommandBar
(04:20) Macron's Strategy & Cohabitation
(08:11) The Political Landscape
(14:28) Comparison with U.S. Politics
(14:48) Sponsor: Babbel | beehiiv
(16:22) Macron's Unpopularity & Economic Challenges
(21:02) Energy Policy and the Rise of Populism
(24:01) Sponsor: Netsuite | Squad
(27:94) The Economic Consequences of Populism
(31:11) France vs. Brexit
(35:46) The Future of France
(45:00) Brexit Comparison & EU Reform
(52:57) The Role of Young People in the Future
(54:34) Wrap