"Moment of Zen" – Details, episodes & analysis

Erik Torenberg and Noah Smith are joined by Dario Amodei, CEO and Co-founder of Anthropic. Dario talks about the economics of AI development, the comparative advantage of AI companies like Anthropic, AI safety, and his stance on California's SB 1047 bill. They also discuss the impacts of AI on global power dynamics, competition between the US and China, and inequality in an AI-powered world. This episode was recorded this week on Turpentine’s show Econ 102. Check it out for more like this: https://open.spotify.com/show/6q7Gn5lP8TTtBPuV1NJSGs?si=8fab4d65ddf5422a — 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: turpentinenetwork.co — RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 🎙️ This Won't Last - Eavesdrop on Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg's monthly backchannel. They unpack their hottest takes on the future of tech, business, venture, investing, and politics. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765665937 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast — SPONSORS: 💻 Building an enterprise-ready SaaS app? WorkOS has got you covered with easy-to-integrate APIs for SAML, SCIM, and more. Join top startups like Vercel, Perplexity, Jasper & Webflow in powering your app with WorkOS. Enjoy a free tier for up to 1M users! Start now at https://bit.ly/WorkOS-Turpentine-Network 🌐 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 https://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. — LINKS: Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com/ Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/ — FOLLOW ON X: @noahpinion @eriktorenberg @anthropicAI @turpentinemedia — TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (04:23) Dario's intellectual evolution (06:37) Is Google the Bell Labs of Al? (10:07) Economic moats in Al (12:35) Scaling hypothesis and Al's future (17:05) National security and Al (19:04) Leopold Aschenbrenner's essay (20:33) Al's impact on business models (26:30) Noah's big thesis  (29:51) Sponsors: WorkOS (31:58) Al arms races? (36:17) Al's impact on labor and skill distribution (40:41) Sponsor: Babbel | Squad (44:35) Future of Al and a hyperscaling world (41:42) A vision of radical abundance (49:55) Al safety and inequality (54:06) The SB 1047 debate (58:56) Rabbit alignment problem (01:01:25) Wrap

Joshua Steinman, former military officer who served as Deputy Assistant to President Trump and Senior Director for Cyber (2017-2021), now co-founder of Galvanick, joins Erik Torenberg and AI scout Nathan Labenz for a discussion on the AI arms race. They focus on US-China relations, the rate of AI development, and the global implications of a technological arms race.  Should the US and China work together to prevent a future of AI-powered warfare, or is a conflict inevitable? -- 🔥 Apply to join over 400 Founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://www.turpentinenetwork.co/ -- SPONSORS: 💻 Building an enterprise-ready SaaS app? WorkOS has got you covered with easy-to-integrate APIs for SAML, SCIM, and more. Join top startups like Vercel, Perplexity, Jasper & Webflow in powering your app with WorkOS. Enjoy a free tier for up to 1M users! Start now at https://bit.ly/WorkOS-Turpentine-Network 🌐 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. -- RECOMMENDED PODCAST: 🎙️ This Won't Last - Eavesdrop on Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg's monthly backchannel. They unpack their hottest takes on the future of tech, business, venture, investing, and politics. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765665937 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast -- References mentioned: Systems Confrontation and System Destruction Warfare: How the Chinese People's Liberation Army Seeks to Wage Modern Warfare 2024 Global Threat Report | 2024 Cyber Threat Report -- Follow on X: @JoshuaSteinman @eriktorenberg @turpentinemedia -- TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (00:16) Reflections on previous episode (03:31) Discussion on AI and Energy Concerns (05:57) AI Arms Race Concerns and China's Plans (09:49) Distributed Training and Rhetoric (12:10) Ashenbrenner Model and Benefit Sharing (15:54) Josh's Experience with Trump and Media Misrepresentation (18:22) Public Perception of Trump and Media Bias (23:07) Reasons for Disparaging Trump and the Dynamics of Power (28:41) China's Nature and Response to China (31:08) AI Concerns, Energy, and Corporate Power (36:02) Tail Risk, Slaughterbots, and Political Power (38:27) Arms Reduction Treaties and Reality (42:05) Decommissioning Nuclear Weapons and AI Arms Race (45:32) Semiconductor Policy and AI Future (47:35) Slaughterbots, AI Control, and Trust-Building (50:18) Olive Branches and China's Leadership (51:52) Rand Corporation Report and Private Speeches (55:13) The Declining Barriers to Entry in Violence (58:48) Einstein Quote and Nuclear Weapons (1:00:36) 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

In this episode that originally aired on Upstream, Erik sits down with Balaji Srinivasan to discuss the Fiat Crisis, geopolitics, conspiracies, and the signs of decline for a hyperpower. It was recorded in June of 2023. Balaji is an angel investor, tech founder, philosopher, and author of The Network State. He was formerly the CTO of Coinbase. 🔥 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: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUAD NETSUITE 📈 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. 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 BABBEL 🌐 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 SQUAD 💥 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) @balajis (Balaji) @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen) @TurpentineMedia – TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Episode Preview (00:51) Intro (01:23) Understanding the flat crisis (08:34) Balaji’s equivalent premises (14:54) Sponsor: NetSuite and Beehiiv (17:55) Aftermath of Iraq and Afghanistan wars (20:35) Multipolar world (25:17) Blue America is at war with the world (28:35) Sponsor: Babbel | Squad (31:02) Cancellation is a weak form of warfare (33:05) Interplay of realism and idealism in the U.S (37:00) Red vs Blue vs Grey America (44:11) Concept of American partition (46:00) Rise of India's national Identity (47:00) Evolution of China and Russia (53:00) Microsoft, Facebook, and Google (54:00) Japan-USSR rivalry and its impact (01:01:10) Conspiracy theories and historical narratives (01:09:00) Balaji’s predictions for 2024 & the Fed (01:18:31) Wrap

David Sacks is known as a CEO/investor in multiple unicorns, and most recently a media mogul with All-In. In this episode, he sits down with Erik Torenberg to trace his intellectual and political history from his days fighting student activism at Stanford to now. We cover the political and cultural changes in the last 30 years of silicon valley, how the real distinction today is between the college-educated and the not, and how even though 2⁄3 of the country didn’t go to college, their views are not represented in our institutions today. This episode was recorded in December 2022 but is just as relevant today.  🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj – SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUAD NETSUITE 📈 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. BEEHIIV 🐝 Power your newsletter with Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months SQUAD 💥 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: @davidsacks @eriktorenberg (Erik) @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen) @TurpentineMedia LINKS: Craft Ventures: https://craftventures.com/ All-In Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@allin Glue.ai: https://glue.ai/ SaaS Grid : https://www.saasgrid.com/ – FOLLOW ON X: @eriktorenberg (Erik) @DavidSacks (David) @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen) @TurpentineMedia – TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (02:11) How did tech become less free speech-oriented? (03:35) Why is PayPal so woke? (06:02) Woke Capitalism game (08:52) Corporations and governments collaborating to censor (16:22) Tracing political history in Silicon Valley  (20:54) College educated vs. not is the biggest difference in US Our elite is not democratic (22:54) Sponsor: NetSuite | Beehiiv (29:15) Foreign Policy and Realism (32:28) U.S. Russiaphobia (36:30) Sponsor: Squad (38:05) Big Tech Monopolies and Regulation (41:42) The Future of Silicon Valley and Monopolies (42:32) Regulating Acquisitions and Startup Ecosystems (45:39) Censorship and Section 230 (47:17) The Role of Free Speech in Social Progress (53:52) Institutional Reform and Accountability (54:56) Elon Musk's Influence on Tech and Media (1:06:33) The Future of Political and Economic Accountability (1:19:30) Wrap

Today we are airing Erik's interview with Joe Lonsdale, originally published on Upstream in 2023. Joe Lonsdale is the co-founder of Palantir, managing partner at 8VC, and the founder of The Cicero Institute, a nonpartisan policy organization discusses the root causes of educational inequality and homelessness, and argues for competence over culture wars, data-driven solutions, and market incentives to fix some of the US' most plaguing problems. Grow your newsletter with Beehiiv: head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj – SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUAD NETSUITE 📈 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. BEEHIIV 🐝 Power your newsletter with Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months SQUAD 💥 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. – LINKS: Cicero Institute: https://ciceroinstitute.org/ 8VC: https://www.8vc.com/ Palantir: https://www.palantir.com/ Joe Lonsdale's blog: https://blog.joelonsdale.com – FOLLOW ON X: @eriktorenberg (Erik) @JTLonsdale (Joe) @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen) @TurpentineMedia – TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (00:47) Philanthropy and Impact: Joe's Approach to Social Change (01:18) Nonpartisan Solutions for Broken Systems (02:55) Cicero Institute's Mission and Impact Across States (07:42) Addressing Education Inequality and Accountability (12:32) Reforming Prisons and Probation with Data and Accountability (16:12) Tackling Homelessness with Common Sense and Accountability (18:53) Sponsor: Netsuite | Beehiiv (21:16) Introducing Market Incentives, Market Competition, and Market Accountability (25:06) Sponsor: Squad (26:34) Innovative Approaches to Healthcare (31:12) Rethinking Healthcare and Leadership (31:32) Innovating Within vs. Outside the System (32:13) The Challenge of Reforming Institutions (33:41) Navigating the Complexities of Defense and Innovation (37:36) The Power of State-Level Impact and Education Reform (39:29) Silicon Valley's Influence and Responsibility (40:32) Cultural Shifts and the Role of New Institutions (55:27) The Future of American Competence and Optimism (57:42) Wrap

In this episode, Carlos Pereira, partner at BITKRAFT Ventures, joins Erik, Antonio and Dan as they delve into the significant transformations within gaming, betting, and combat sports, facilitated by cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, emphasizing the groundbreaking integration of cryptocurrency through Web3 gaming. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj – SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUAD NETSUITE 📈 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. 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 SQUAD 💥 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. - LINKS: Bitkraft VC: https://www.bitkraft.vc/ – FOLLOW ON X: @eriktorenberg (Erik) @cegapereira (Carlos) @dwr (Dan) @antoniogm (Antonio) @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen) @TurpentineMedia – TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Opening Banter (01:28) Diving Into Crypto and Gaming Discussions (02:11) The Evolution and Challenges of Web3 Gaming (04:44) Analyzing the Crypto Gaming Landscape (13:48) The Future of Gaming: Web3 and Beyond (17:23) Sponsor: Netsuite | Beehiiv (18:29) Deep Dive into Web3 Gaming and Digital Economies (32:38) Exploring User-Generated Content and Game Modding (34:14) Sponsor: Squad (42:19) Investment Perspectives on Gaming and Infrastructure (45:47) The Fascinating World of Gaming Business (49:49) The Evolution of Gaming: From PVE to PVP (51:40) The Intriguing Dynamics of Safe Zones in Games (53:29) The Rise of Financialized Gaming Experiences (1:06:31) Karate Combat: A New Era of Crypto-Infused Sports (1:17:15) The Future of Media and Crypto's Role (1:23:13) Wrap

In this episode of Moment of Zen, Erik is joined by Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist at New York University’s Stern School of Business and author of the newly released book "The Anxious Generation." They have a comprehensive discussion that touches on the polarization and dysfunction in American politics, the impact of social media on democracy, and the importance of reclaiming a play-based childhood for the current generation - SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV NETSUITE 📈 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. 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 - LINKS: Website: https://jonathanhaidt.com/ Jon's Substack: https://www.afterbabel.com/p/welcome-to-the-after-babel-substack The Anxious Generation: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/ The Anxious Generation Book: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book - FOLLOW ON X: @eriktorenberg (Erik) @JonHaidt (Jon) @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen) @TurpentineMedia - TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (00:13) Evolution of Jonathan's Work: From Moral Psychology to 'The Anxious Generation' (01:14) The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health (02:50) Exploring the Tragedy of the Modern Childhood (07:29) Addressing the Criticism and Pushback (12:08) The Unprecedented Effects of Social Media on Society (19:37) Adapting to Technological Changes and the Future of Childhood (20:20) The Dire State of Democracy in the Digital Age (27:01) How Technology Affects Liberals and Conservatives Differently (28:20) Unveiling the Research: The Rise of Anxiety and Depression (28:48) Breaking Down the Data: Gender, Politics, and Mental Health (30:48) The Protective Power of Religion and Community (31:32) Parenting Styles and Moral Values (32:07) Challenges for Progressive Organizations and the Democratic Party (32:42) Recommendations for a Healthier Childhood in the Digital Age (33:50) Addressing the Broader Issues Beyond Smartphones (34:35) The Role of Schools in Children's Mental Health (36:33) A Call for Intentional Community Building (37:34) Navigating the Public Health Crisis with Apolitical Solutions (40:41) Engaging with the Tech Industry: Critiques and Clarifications (41:01) The Debate on Content Moderation and the Need for Structural Changes (56:27) Wrap

Today we're sharing a recent interview Erik gave to Alex LaBossiere that covers lots of themes we discuss on Moment of Zen - including Erik's views on tech vs. the media, hypocrisy of the elites, risk orientation, and the thesis behind Turpentine. Grow your newsletter with Beehiiv, head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months -- SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUAD NETSUITE 📈 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. 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 SQUAD 💥 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. - LINKS: Alex Labossiere podcast: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@labossiere Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lf0G6SBTArFlJYuHlPPoy?si=459fb368b525468d&nd=1&dlsi=eb2b481981f44211 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/labossiere-podcast/id1566013149 - FOLLOW ON X: @eriktorenberg (Erik) @adlabossiere (Alex) @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen) @TurpentineMedia - TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (05:38) On Investing vs Operating (08:05) Trust and Direct Distribution (11:55) Legacy Media and the Techlash (17:54) Sponsor: Netsuite | Beehiiv (20:32) What is Turpentine (22:23) Lessons From 1000 Interviews (23:51) The Printing Press, Barbells, and the Future of Media (28:13) Pre-Internet Journalism and Survival of the Fittest Ideas (31:35) Creator Monetization and Price Discrimination (37:45) Sponsor: Squad (39:12) Does Media Have a Direction? (46:02) Tailwinds and Turpentine at Scale (53:55) Creating More Startups and Understanding Risk (58:42) Is Entrepreneurship Founder or Market Limited? (1:03:22) What Do Most People Get Wrong About Community Building? (1:05:51) Probabilistic vs Deterministic Mindsets (1:08:48) On Faith over Logic (1:12:22) Modernity and God Shaped Holes (1:15:02) The Hypocrisy of Elites (1:17:47) Asking Erik Questions He Asks People (1:19:05) What Should More People be Thinking About? (1:22:37) Wrap