The Puck: Venture Capital and Beyond

Jim Baer
  • 4.9 (31)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Puck: Venture Capital and Beyond

The Puck: Venture Capital & Beyond showcases the innovative forethought that defines the venture capital world. Join us as we follow the puck and explore what this community has to offer. Listen as we have in-depth conversations, gaining insights and lessons from well-established VCs, entrepreneurs, and other leading technology experts. We will learn about their successes, challenges, and how they got to where they are today. Along the way we will discover what investors most look for in who they invest in and what to avoid when making your pitch. We will also follow industry leaders to understand the cutting-edge technologies and trends that continue to shape our world.

  1. Episode 97: Michelle Goldberg

    5D AGO

    Episode 97: Michelle Goldberg

    In this powerful episode of The Puck, Jim Baer sits down with Michelle Goldberg—New York Times columnist, author, and longtime voice of progressive political commentary—for a deep and timely conversation. They explore how the Trump era reshaped institutional norms, the growing influence of conspiracy thinking, and the failures of both political parties to inspire and govern effectively. From Goldberg’s early activism to her critiques of Gavin Newsom’s media strategy, this discussion pulls no punches. They dive into the crisis of civic trust, the role of the media and social platforms in fueling division, and what it might take to inspire a new generation of political leadership. Whether you’re left, right, or somewhere in between, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity in a chaotic time.

    52 min
  2. Episode 96: Jonathan Rauch

    APR 10

    Episode 96: Jonathan Rauch

    What if the strongest case for Christianity’s role in democracy came from an atheist? Jim Baer sits down with Jonathan Rauch to discuss Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy, and why America needs the moral backbone that Christian virtues once provided. Rauch—Jewish, gay, and secular—argues that courage, equality, and forgiveness are essential civic values we’re losing. They talk fear, demagogues, pseudo-religions, and how a more humble, and forbearing approach could help save both faith and democracy. Plus, a look at aging and purpose from The Happiness Curve. Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    1h 3m
  3. Episode #95 – Steven Teles: Class, Conflict, and the Collapse of Trust

    APR 2

    Episode #95 – Steven Teles: Class, Conflict, and the Collapse of Trust

    In this thought-provoking episode, Jim Baer sits down with political scientist Steven Teles, professor at Johns Hopkins University and co-author of The Captured Economy and Never Trump. Together, they explore the shifting class dynamics fueling America’s political polarization and the deepening distrust in institutions—from higher education to public health. Teles unpacks the realignment of the Democratic and Republican parties, the decline of union-based class identity, and why our government struggles to get big things done. With sharp insight and a rare ability to speak across ideological lines, Teles highlights the paradox of an economy that protects the powerful while making life harder for the working class. If you care about the future of democracy, the role of universities, or how we might rebuild public trust—this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    53 min
  4. Episode 94: Michael Lind

    MAR 24

    Episode 94: Michael Lind

    Navigating a New World with Michael Lind In this episode of The Puck, Jim Baer sits down with acclaimed writer and policy thinker Michael Lind, co-founder of New America and author of Hell to Pay: How the Suppression of Wages is Destroying America. Together, they explore the global economic shifts, the U.S. political realignment, the dangers of intellectual gridlock, and the implications of Cold War II with China. Lind offers a wide-ranging, provocative analysis—from the future of the middle class and productivity growth to the challenges facing both major political parties. If you're looking for sharp insight into where the world—and America—might be headed, this is a must-listen.

    1h 5m
  5. Episode 93: Aswath Damodaran

    MAR 17

    Episode 93: Aswath Damodaran

    On this episode of The Puck, host Jim Baer sits down with Aswath Damodaran, renowned NYU finance professor and the “Dean of Valuation,” for a deep dive into the current economic landscape. Damodaran breaks down the market’s recent volatility, the looming risk of a recession, and why the U.S. has been able to defy macroeconomic gravity for so long. He explores the impact of globalization’s decline, the role of risk capital, and the evolving influence of AI and Big Tech on markets. From the challenges of government inefficiency to the realities of investing in turbulent times, this episode offers a sharp, data-driven perspective on what lies ahead. Is the U.S. government running an unsustainable economic experiment? Can AI and technology continue to carry the economy? And what should investors do in a world of increased volatility? Tune in to hear Damodaran’s take on where we’re headed—and why adaptability is more crucial than ever. 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud.

    1h 1m
  6. Episode 92: Patrick Ruffini

    MAR 11

    Episode 92: Patrick Ruffini

    On this episode of The Puck: Venture Capital and Beyond, host Jim Baer sits down with Republican pollster and political strategist Patrick Ruffini, co-founder of Echelon Insights and author of The Party of the People: Inside the Multiracial Populist Coalition Remaking the GOP. Ruffini shares his insights on the shifting political landscape, the rise of a multiracial working-class coalition within the Republican Party, and what this realignment means for future elections. They discuss why Trump’s economic populism has resonated with minority voters, how the GOP has become the party of the working class, and what both parties must do to stay competitive in an evolving electorate. Looking ahead to 2028, they explore whether figures like J.D. Vance can carry the torch and how policy, bureaucracy, and economic realities will shape the next four years. Tune in for a data-driven, big-picture look at where American politics is heading. 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud.

    46 min
  7. Episode 91: Gary Gerstle

    MAR 3

    Episode 91: Gary Gerstle

    On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Gary Gerstle, author, professor, and historian with a focus on “Political Orders.” His most recent book, “The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order,” came out in 2022, and explores the larger trends in political thinking which make up a consensus, oftentimes a consensus we take for granted. Their conversation covers classical liberalism, neoliberalism, and… where we are right now. You don’t want to miss this clarifying discussion.

    58 min
  8. Episode 90: Frank Furedi

    FEB 24

    Episode 90: Frank Furedi

    On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Frank Furedi, author, social commentator, and Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent. Frank is a free speech absolutist and has been a longtime critic of what he and others call “The Culture Wars.” They discuss Frank’s background, his academic work, and how he formed his worldview.

    55 min
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4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

The Puck: Venture Capital & Beyond showcases the innovative forethought that defines the venture capital world. Join us as we follow the puck and explore what this community has to offer. Listen as we have in-depth conversations, gaining insights and lessons from well-established VCs, entrepreneurs, and other leading technology experts. We will learn about their successes, challenges, and how they got to where they are today. Along the way we will discover what investors most look for in who they invest in and what to avoid when making your pitch. We will also follow industry leaders to understand the cutting-edge technologies and trends that continue to shape our world.

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