Episodes

In this episode, Tim Dillon dives into US-China trade, focusing on technology and NVIDIA export restrictions. The discussion touches on Trump's trade policies, the gig economy, AI, and chip sales. Harvard's funding, meritocracy, and free speech issues are explored, including DEI's impact on power structures and comedy. The episode covers Hollywood's content changes, Chamath's Federal Reserve appointment, the Ukraine war, and media narratives. Friedberg shares insights, and the science corner highlights mitochondrial health. The episode wraps up with talk of George Clooney, White Lotus, and podcast crossover ideas.

In this episode, the conversation kicks off with reactions to Trump's strategic decision to target China by postponing other reciprocal tariffs. The discussion evaluates success measures for tariffs and debates the consequences of China's entry into the WTO. The question of whether the US is being exploited in trade agreements and if free trade was a misstep is explored. The team assesses the likelihood of a recession and the Trump administration's methods for information gathering. Shifting focus to politics, the future trajectory of the Democratic Party and the concept of an abundance agenda are examined. The episode concludes with reflections on a recent debate and Chamath's insights from the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.

Antonio Gracias delves into social security fraud, asylum applications, and unauthorized voting, sparking a debate on immigration policy and its electoral impact. The discussion shifts to the economic fallout of leaving California, Trump's tariffs, and their effects on corporate debt and deregulation. Insights into welfare, military spending, and historical tariffs are shared. The episode explores global economic shifts, AI's role in strategy, and onshoring jobs. Ben Shapiro discusses politics, education, and tariffs, while Chamath shares investment ideas and insights into Daily Wire's revenue. Reflections on the US economic landscape and innovation close the episode.

Dive into the creator economy's impact on society and business in this episode. Featuring Andrew Schultz, the discussion covers investing in friendships and handling tough conversations. Guests Colin Rosenblum, Samir Chaudry, and Chris Williamson explore media evolution, YouTube's influence, and content strategies. Topics include podcast dynamics, streaming trends, AI in content creation, reality TV, podcasting, and educational content. Learn about podcast monetization, ad ethics, content scaling, and the studio vs. independent creator model. Discover Spotify's video approach, psychedelics in therapy, Bryan Johnson's health practices, and insights into consumer-packaged goods, events, self-education, food safety, and an AMA with Bryan Johnson.

Gavin Baker rejoins the conversation, diving into NVIDIA's financial landscape and the implications of CoreWeave's IPO. The episode explores the resurgence of M&A and IPO activities, and the competitive landscape between the US and China in AI development. Discussion touches on China's efforts to develop its own NVIDIA-like capabilities. The team also examines the current administration's tariff strategies and potential outcomes. SignalGate is analyzed for its context and repercussions, followed by a discussion on El Salvador's deportation policies. The episode provides a comprehensive look at these pressing economic and geopolitical issues.

Cyan Banister and David Sacks join the discussion, kicking off with insights from the Besties' recent visit to Washington, D.C., including White House encounters and cabinet interviews. The conversation shifts to the M&A landscape, highlighted by Google's $32B acquisition of Wiz, with Tim Walz sharing thoughts on Tesla's position. A deep dive into the Google/Wiz deal explores its implications for venture capital, return on invested capital, and cloud market advantages. The episode also examines tensions between the Treasury and the Fed, bond market dynamics, and deregulation impacts on consumers. The discussion wraps up with a look at space exploration, contrasting SpaceX's efforts with China's lunar ambitions.

Chamath Palihapitiya and David Friedberg welcome Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss his extensive career and his long-standing relationship with President Trump. Lutnick shares insights on transitioning from business to politics, including his role in Trump's transition team and the origins of DOGE. The conversation delves into economic strategies such as budget balancing, GDP improvement, and the historical context of tariffs and global trade. They explore innovative government software, AI developments, and the strategic use of a Sovereign Wealth Fund. Lutnick also reflects on his family's reactions to his political role, providing a personal touch to his professional journey.

Chamath and Friedberg share their recent experiences in Washington D.C. before welcoming Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bessent provides insights into his journey from equities to macro investing, highlighting a legendary trade against the Bank of England in 1992 and its implications for today's economic tensions between Main Street and Wall Street. The discussion shifts to the Trump Administration's economic strategies, focusing on deregulation, the Fed relationship, and debt refinancing. They explore topics such as DOGE, IRS changes, and re-engineering social security via a US Sovereign Wealth Fund. The episode concludes with reflections on affordability challenges and President Trump's influence.