"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg

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.turpentine.co-RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---SPONSORS: HARMONIC | SHOPIFY🧲 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 VC during your demo.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen—LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:50) Technological Backsliding in Civilizations(01:59) The Mystery of Greek Fire(04:24) The Late Bronze Age Collapse(11:03) The Impact of Civilizational Failure(11:17) Predicting Centralization and Decentralization(12:30) The Fall of the Soviet Union(18:00) Sponsor: Shopify(19:37) The Future of Europe(21:49) The Role of the United States(25:10) The Potential of a Federal Europe(27:20) The Digital Cold War(28:40) The Rise of AI in Europe(29:29) Key Players in Europe's AI Scene(29:38) The Role of Macron and Orban in Europe's AI Development(30:16) The Potential of Eastern European Countries(32:41) The Future of Western and Northern Europe(33:41) Understanding Orban's Policies(33:50) The Demographic Challenges in Eastern Europe(36:13) The Impact of Nationalism and Cultural Conceptions(41:02) The Russia-Ukraine Conflict(50:10) The Influence of Politics on Historical Understanding(56:08) Revisiting the History of North America

27 Dec 20231h

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 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.turpentine.co-RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---SPONSORS: HARMONIC | SHOPIFY🧲 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 VC during your demo.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen---LINKS:- Samo's article in Palladium Magazine: https://www.palladiummag.com/2021/05/17/why-civilization-is-older-than-we-thought/- Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg@samoburja@turpentinemedia---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Episode Intro(00:26) Samo explains what long history is (the idea that human history has been far longer than previously believed)(02:16) Why civilization is older than we thought(07:27) The response of historians and archeologists and revision of general theories(14:24) The implications of having a new understanding of history and why would it matter(21:16) Sponsor: Shopify(22:56) Why do civilizations rise and fall?(31:04) The Downfall of Advanced Civilizations(31:37) The Role of Mythology in Modern Society(35:01) The Impact of Social Technologies on Civilizations(37:44) The Similarities Between the US and China(43:31) The Risks of Population Decline(47:33) The Role of Fertility in Society(53:21) Fertility, feminism, and anti-feminism

20 Dec 202357min

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 of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we over better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv ---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---SPONSORS: HARMONIC | SHOPIFY🧲 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 VC during your demo.SHOPIFY: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial periodShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen---LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg@samoburja@turpentinemedia---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro (00:54) Reflections on Kissinger's Career and Influence(02:15) Understanding Kissinger's Approach to World Order(06:43) Kissinger's Realism: A Deeper Look(09:30) Kissinger's Legacy and Influence on Modern Diplomacy(09:57) Applying Kissinger's Lens to Modern Foreign Policy(18:35) Sponsor: Shopify(23:44) Meritocracy(29:00) The Role of Academia in Shaping Statesmen(29:50) Simple Credos(32:00) The Nixon Tapes: A Historical Perspective(33:00) The Role of Meritocracy and Sameness in American System(34:00) The Struggles of India and the Influence of Lee Kuan Yew, former PM of Singapore(35:15) Critiques of Kissinger's Policies(42:45) The Blunt Realities of War and Politics(50:00) The Influence of Kissinger on Modern Foreign Policy--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.

13 Dec 202354min

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 of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we over better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv ---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---SPONSORS: HARMONIC | SECUREFRAME🧲 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 VC during your demo.Secureframe: the only compliance automation platform with AI capabilities that help customers speed up cloud remediation and security questionnaires. Get 20% off your first year of Secureframe by mentioning "The Riff" during your free demo: https://secureframe.com/riff---LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg@samoburja@turpentinemedia---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:55) How energy impacts geopolitics(02:43) Coal is extremely regional as an energy source(04:32) Oil is evenly distributed around the world(08:16) Fracking deconstrains energy(10:09) Nuclear enters the story in 1945(16:38) When the great powers of the world limit nuclear proliferation.(18:14) Making nuclear energy affordable(21:27) Our energy needs are kind of trivial and we should be a nuclear civilization by now(23:30) Sponsor - Secureframe(24:28) Nuclear acceleration is inevitable(37:46) The US might as well reap the benefits from building cheap and abundant nuclear energy(47:34) Is the only way we get the abundance that comes with nuclear energy is to increase the risk of nuclear war?(55:02] On free export of nuclear technology across countries(57:27) Wrap--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.

6 Dec 202357min

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 societal transformation and preventing societal stagnation. They also compare and contrast three prominent live players: Peter Thiel, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk, and discuss their impacts, motivations, and differing views on societal change. Lastly, they evaluate philanthropists like George Soros, Bill Gates, and the Kochs, who transitioned from successful businessmen to major influencers in societal causes.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 of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we over better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv ---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---SPONSORS: HARMONIC | SECUREFRAME🧲 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 VC during your demo.SECUREFRAMESecureframe: the only compliance automation platform with AI capabilities that help customers speed up cloud remediation and security questionnaires. Get 20% off your first year of Secureframe by mentioning "The Riff" during your free demo: https://secureframe.com/riff---LINKS:Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg@samoburja@turpentinemedia---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(00:08) Understanding the Concept of 'Live Players'(00:22) The Role of Conventions in Society(01:33) The Rarity of 'Live Players' and Their Impact(01:52) Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Live Player(03:21) Background of the Podcast Host(04:01) The Importance of Historical Knowledge(08:54) Reflections on Energy Transition(13:47) Discussion on Sam Altman and OpenAI(20:56) Comparing Live Players: Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Peter Thiel(21:30) Sponsor: Secureframe(27:30) Understanding Different Perspectives on Capitalism(28:14) The Role of Live Players in Society(29:37) The Importance of Live Players in Innovation and Change(32:17) The Concept of a Live Players Academy(37:53) The Evolution of Live Players Over Time(42:20) The Transition from Capitalism to Philanthropy(50:31) The Paradox of Open Society AdvocatesThis 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.

29 Nov 202353min