"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg
Live Players is a podcast hosted by Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg that examines influential individuals who shape business, politics, philanthropy, and media. Through conversations about figures such as Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, and George Soros, it explores how bold and contrarian actors remake industries, policies, and social norms. The show focuses on first-principles analysis of power, technology, culture, and civilization. It aims to offer reasoned reflections rather than soundbites on the people driving change.
Episodes
Using the Iran Conflict to Reindustrialize the US
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the current Iran conflict, how we got into this situation, and how the US can turn this into a winning moment and reindustrialize. Along the way they discuss rebuilding the US military to win the next war using start ups, the exit options for the current administration, and how to decrease the need for oil.
—
00:00 Introduction
What AI Means for Talent, Immigration, and Culture
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss talent, immigration, culture, and what AI means for them, including novel talent hunting methods, what Denmark gets right, and more.
—
00:00 Introduction
01:55 Economists & the Case for Immigration
07:01 Assimilation & Cultural Transformation
12:17 Democracy & Mass Immigration
16:08 The Denmark Model
20:07 The Skilled Immigrati
Long History: Civilization Is Older Than We Thought
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg explore ancient complex human society that likely predates agriculture and written history by thousands of years. They discuss ancient seafarers, violence in prehistory, how archaeology needs to change, how irreplaceable historical evidence is being lost, and more.
—
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Palladium Issue 19
03:30 Ancient Sea
Why Hardware Is the Way to Win the AI Race
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Buja and Erik Torenberg discuss the pivotal role of hardware in the advancement of AI, the strategic importance of semiconductor manufacturing, and the intricate geopolitical dynamics between the US, China, and Taiwan.
—
📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess
—SPONSORS:☁️More than 41,000 business
India, Pakistan, and Religious Tensions
This week on Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss geopolitical and societal complexities of the India-Pakistan conflict, examining the historical context, demographic challenges, military capabilities, and potential outcomes of the ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
—
📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclus
The Almost-Industrial Revolutions of Rome and China
Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the potential industrial revolutions in history, particularly in the Roman Empire and Song Dynasty China, their technological advancements, economic factors, and the reasons these revolutions didn't reach full fruition.
—
📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess
—SPONSORS:☁️ More than 41,000 busine
Is Europe Part of America?
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the global influence of U.S. politics on Western countries, the persistence of Western civilization as a political unit, the synchronization of political interests via the internet, and the potential for significant right-wing and free speech shifts in Europe given increased American cultural influence.—📰 Be notified early when
Predicting Humanity’s Interplanetary Future
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the future of space colonization, touching on the implications of Mars and lunar settlements, the technological advancements driving space exploration, and how multi-planetary life might reshape human cultures, geopolitical dynamics, and economic structures.—📰Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏
Curtis Yarvin and the Evolution of American Political Thought
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Curtis Yarvin's influence on government efficiency ideas, the pitfalls of gridlock and bureaucratic decay, and how transformative figures and strategic decision-making affect national and corporate success.—📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏 Help shape our sh
![Why Elites Failed Us w/ Auren Hoffman [World of DaaS]](https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/e066f1/e066f1b2-446e-436e-be4a-06c706d33569/25e67ce4-54db-4887-835a-a5da9ad0f9fc/3000x3000/ef3d800b3a52f864ca54eb3c6398b30d.png?aid=rss_feed)
Why Elites Failed Us w/ Auren Hoffman [World of DaaS]
Samo Burja discusses his "Great Founder Theory," in the Word of DaaS Podcast with Auren Hoffman, arguing that exceptional individuals throughout history have shaped civilization by creating influential institutions, while also exploring modern challenges around societal trust, fertility rates, and the changing dynamics between young and old generations in contemporary society.—📰 Be notified early
The Technology That Can Reshape Nations
This week on Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the significance of desalination technology, its advancements, costs, and potential to transform scarcity in regions with water shortages, highlighting how countries like Israel, Singapore, and the Gulf monarchies have employed these technologies and speculating on the geopolitical and environmental impacts.—📰 Be notified early when
Elon Musk, Social Media Influence, & the Future of Political Discourse
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the impact of social media platforms like Twitter, now X, especially under Elon Musk's ownership. They explore the changing political landscape, the dynamics of media personalities, and the evolving role of social media in shaping public discourse and political behavior.—📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exc
Syria After Assad
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg the current situation in Syria, including the impact of President Assad's exile, the role of various factions and foreign powers, and the challenges of establishing a stable government amid ongoing conflict.—📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey a
Dissecting Modern Society with Rudyard Lynch
Samo Burja and Rudyard Lynch explore global power shifts and the psychological impacts of modernity, drawing parallels between current societal changes and historical patterns from medieval times through the 1600s to analyze contemporary challenges in technology, surveillance, and social control. For full show notes, visit: https://highlightai.com/share/73c93dab-ae97-4cd1-af2b-e71406a6c16b —📰 Be n
Populism vs The Deep State
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the dynamics of populism in politics. They analyze its strengths, limitations, and impact on institutions, governments, and political strategies, with a deep dive into historical and contemporary examples, including Trump, Brexit, and Orban's Hungary. For full show notes, visit: https://highlightai.com/share/d47475a8-fe9e-44a1-
Advice for Trump and Elon
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss how Trump's victory signals a new alliance between right-wing politics and tech industry leaders like Elon Musk, while exploring the challenges and opportunities of reforming government institutions through technological innovation. For full show notes, visit: https://highlightai.com/share/c1bed565-e2a0-4a82-bb0b-6bd36b8d673d —
Urbanization, Technology, and Global Shifts
Today on Live Players, we’re releasing an interview from Steve Hsu on the Manifold Podcast with Samo Burja. They unravel the complexities of our world, discussing China's rise, Europe's future, and industrial shifts. This episode delves into unique research methods, journalism challenges, and the dynamic ecosystem of Silicon Valley. They explored urbanization impacts, labor shortages, and the evol
The Possibility of Human Extinction
This episode of Live Players centers on the alarming issue of declining fertility rates worldwide, examining specific country examples such as Japan, South Korea, and Turkey, and the societal and technological implications of these demographic changes. Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg explore potential interventions, such as tax breaks for families, and the possibility of extreme measures like state-
Palladium, Intellectual Culture, and Silicon Valley
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the unique role of Palladium Magazine as a non-profit that promotes intellectual and cultural community-building. They highlight the magazine’s focus on 'governance futurism' and the importance of creating new and inspiring thought while remaining non-partisan. They also explore the concept of functional elites and the need to
Civilizational Differences
In today’s episode of Live Players, we’re featuring a discussion between Samo Burja, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg about the inherent differences between civilizations and their impact on history and politics. They explore the parallels and distinctions between ancient civilizations like Babylon and modern entities like Silicon Valley, the influence of Abrahamic religions, and how societal patt
Globalization vs. Innovation
This week on Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg debate the merit and harms of globalization. They explore the implications of Peter Thiel's views on globalization potentially hindering innovation, and analyze the historical context and current impacts of globalization on innovation, trade, and political stability. They also discuss the resilience and adaptability of different economic pol
AI's Impact on Geopolitics
In this episode of Live Players, we’re releasing a conversation between Nathan Labenz of the Cognitive Revolution Podcast and Samo Burja on the strategic dynamics of artificial intelligence through a geopolitical lens. They discuss AI's trajectory, the chip supply chain, US-China relations, and the challenges of AI safety and militarization. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpe
Fraud in Academia with Ben Landau-Taylor
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja are joined by Ben Landau-Taylor, a Senior Analyst at Bismarck Analysis. Ben recently published an article in Palladium Magazine about the pervasive problem of fraud in academia. They discussed how fraudulent activities, particularly in medical research, often go undetected due to flawed peer review processes and institutional protectio
Mass Immigration Won't Save Europe
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja explore why mass immigration may not solve Europe's economic woes.They talk about cultural assimilation difficulties, political tensions, and potential long-term consequences for European societies.---This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from
The Eastern European Experiment
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja dive deep into the complex transformation of Eastern Europe since the fall of communism. They discuss the region's economic evolution from small business-driven economies to potential tech hubs, examine how countries like Poland balance traditional values with Western influences, and analyze the impact of EU integration. Samo offers pr
EU in Flux
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja dive deep into the European Union. They examine the bloc's historical foundation centered on peace and economic prosperity, contrasting its ambitious goals with its current realities. They discuss EU's challenges, including a fragmented digital market, inconsistencies in labor and defense policies, and bureaucratic hurdles. They also e
Advice for the Next US President
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja tackle the pressing challenges for the next U.S. president, focusing on bureaucratic inefficiencies and the need for reform. They discuss foreign policy, including managing relations with China, reassessing military strategies, and fostering economic alliances. They also address the inefficiencies in the non-profit sector's handling of
Brazil: A Country of the Future?
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg talk about why Brazil hasn't lived up to its expectations as a global powerhouse. Despite having immense natural resources, a large population, and a favorable geographic position, Brazil's industrialization has been stymied by high crime rates, severe corruption, and political dysfunction. They dig into Brazil's missed opportunities for industrializa
Can China Power its Rise?
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 o
The Power Structures of Cities
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the enduring influence of cities on human civilization, exploring their role as the longest-lived human institutions and their impact on social and political structures. They also examine the common criticisms of modern cities like San Francisco, their political landscape and the legacy of Democratic and Republican policies.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders an
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 com
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 po
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
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.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founder
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 narr
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
What Causes Institutions to Flourish?
This is a special re-airing of an episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg taped for Venture Stories (Village Global's podcast) in 2019 . Their conversation covers the following: the distinction between invention vs. adoption of technology. What a truly egalitarian society might like, and whether such a society can exist. How individuals’ personal theories of history have influenced outcomes in the p
Fall of Rome with Rudyard Lynch
Today we're dropping a special episode of History 102 with Rudyard Lynch (@Whatifalthist on YouTube). Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into the critical moments and competing narratives of the fall of the Roman Empire. They compare the classical Greeks and Romans, identify key Roman figures and outsiders who impacted the course of history, and identify the major influences that shaped their
China, AI, and the New Global Order
In this episode Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the current state and future state of America, China, Russia, Ukraine, energy, the US dollar, AI, Peter Zeihan, Balaji Srinivasan, and more. This episode was recorded in 2023 for the Upstream podcast - before the two started Live Players. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first cam
Alibaba After Jack Ma & China's Economy in 2024
In this conversation, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Alibaba after Jack Ma's exit and analyze the Chinese Economy. With 1.3 billion users and $135 billion in revenue, Alibaba is like China's version of PayPal, Amazon, and Walmart combined. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.__RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explore
China vs US: Space and Frontier Technologies
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss how China's technological advancements in space exploration and quantum technology could change things around the world. They cover China's active pursuit of these advancements, not just for economic reasons, but to enhance its global influence and power. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount
Xi Jinping's Legacy and China's Succession
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive deep into how Xi Jinping is shaping China's society today and its place in the world. They discuss Xi’s firm hold on power, his connections with different political groups, and how his decisions are affecting China's economy, military, and politics. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your
Tech Stagnation and What's Holding Us Back
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss tech stagnation, drawing from Peter Thiel and Tyler Cowen's theories on technological progress rates with energy consumption as a metric. They also delve into Y Combinator and Andreessen Horowitz's influence and potential futures amidst differing views on tech slowdown, and they touch on regulatory, cultural, and economic bottlenecks. Head to
Putin & Tucker, Russia, Ukraine and Poland
In this episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin, the history behind the Russia-Ukraine war and the media’s war propaganda machine. They also cover Poland's role within Europe, its political economy and emergence as a high-income nation, and nuclear weapons. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount
A Deep Dive on Big Pharma and Ozempic
In this episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and big pharma's dysfunction despite its enormous economic power, incentives behind scientific breakthroughs and the potential for improvement and changing the FDA's approval processes. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.Live Players is part
Africa’s Geopolitics: Governance, Corruption and Global Influence
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Africa as the potential "next China," its corrupt governments, and Botswana's leadership example. They also touch on the Indian Ocean's geopolitical significance, what it means for the global Islamist movements and migration trends towards China, and the need for strong local governance to avoid pitfalls like civil war and kleptocracy. If you
How to Make America’s Government More Efficient
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss US government spending, regulation, and the importance of strategic restructuring for improved efficiency. They cover the reasons why DARPA is a model for enhanced focus and efficiency in government teams, and discuss ways the US can address challenges like education and healthcare spending. They also touch on the feasibility and potential drawbacks of impleme
China's Elite vs America's Elite
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss China as America’s mirror, how the prestige of American universities is waning while Chinese students are increasingly choosing to study within China, the role of gender in political divergence and what Chinese “woke” looks like, and how China’s leadership is shifting to academia from businessmen. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out o
Dynasties, Meritocracies, and Succession
On this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the key aspects of succession for the Sulzberger family of the NYTimes, Samsung Lee family, and Sweden’s Wallenberg family. They debate the values of dynastic succession and touch on modern examples like Botswana. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month tr
Singapore's Rise to Prosperity: The City-State Strategy
In this episode of Live Players, Sam Burja and Erik Torenberg delve into an analysis of Singapore's post-colonial rise to power as a city state, how city states are more oriented towards prosperity than other kinds of states, and the transferable strategies of Singapore to other regions. They also discuss ways that Singapore can be diplomatically active in US-China relations, Singapore's successio
Decoding Japan's Future: Global Power Landscape and Geopolitics
In this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg delve into an analysis of Japan's multidimensional identity as a highly homogeneous ethno state, an economic powerhouse, and as a hub for innovation in tech & AI. They also cover its aging population, nuanced military stance, and nuclear ambitions. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://shopify.com/mo
The Politicization of History
On this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the way we misunderstand or skew history. They cover the Bronze Age, Europe's Decline, Russia/Ukraine conflict, and more. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentin
Why Our Civilization Could Fail and What To Do About It
On today's episode of Live Players, Samo Burja, shares his theory of long history, suggesting complex societies in human history is much older than traditionally assumed. He and Erik Torenberg discuss the implications of understanding ancient societies in the broader context of human behavior, power structures, China, the US, and A.I. existential risk. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out
What We Can Learn From Henry Kissinger
On today's episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the legacy of Henry Kissinger. They define Kissinger's unique brand of international relations and evaluate his career through the lens of the current culture wars.Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast o
On Nuclear Weapons, e/acc, and Global Energy Supply
On today's episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive into all things nuclear. They cover the historical role of coal and oil in shaping global conflicts, the inevitability of nuclear proliferation, and the challenges of scaling nuclear energy. They also discuss the inevitability of nuclear weapons and Samo proposes a strategy to mitigate the risks associated.Live Players is part
Live Players: Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, George Soros
In the inaugural episode of the Live Players podcast, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive deep into the concept of a 'live player', a term coined by Samo. He explains a 'live player' as a person who steps away from societal norms, improvises and thinks from first principles, much like successful individuals such as Arnold Schwarzenegger. He emphasizes the importance of live players in driving socie
Recommended
megahired.com
Hard Knocks Podcast
Effective Weight Loss for Moms | High protein, Strength Training, Lose Weight, Meal Planning, Fat Loss, Healthy Habits
The Human-Animal Connection - Pet Life Radio Original
Infinite Health with Dr. Arasi Maran
The Daily
World News Tonight with David Muir
The Joe Rogan Experience
English Vocabulary Help
TED Talks Daily
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
