Episodes

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.

Comedian Andrew Schulz joins the crew. Friedberg kicks off with a brief Science Corner on fertility advancements. The team discusses Gavin Newsom's podcast, debating its strategic purpose. They then examine the current tariff experiment, its risks, and communication hurdles. The conversation shifts to the broken American Dream, proposing housing market solutions and social security reforms. They also discuss boosting stock market participation to align financial incentives. Schulz shares his comedy journey, leveraging YouTube for success. The episode wraps up with reflections on America, conspiracy theories, and thoughts on Trump and DOGE.

The episode kicks off with personal updates before diving into the week's major news and tech developments. Topics include tariffs, Trump's economic strategies, and renewable energy spending. Discussions cover campaign finance, political spending, and the CoreWeave IPO's impact on data centers. The hosts explore market dynamics between Main Street and Wall Street, the effects of lower interest rates, and US debt. They analyze US involvement in Ukraine, NATO's relevance, multipolar power dynamics, and techno-optimism. The episode also delves into AI advancements, crypto regulations, and the SEC's influence on digital asset markets, wrapping up with closing thoughts.

The episode kicks off with a lively intro and a dive into Twitter's latest controversies and Jeopardy's cultural impact. The conversation shifts to the rise of home robots and Stripe's expanding market presence. AI advancements and stablecoins' role in SaaS and payment sectors are explored, alongside economic trends and Trump's influence on policies. The discussion extends to political effects on economic strategies and the golden visa debate. Financial literacy and investment strategies are highlighted, followed by an analysis of Trump's executive order concerning the US Postal Service. Bezos' views on free speech and media curation are examined before wrapping up with closing thoughts.

The episode begins with Valentine's Day thoughts from the Collison brothers and Chamath's fintech investment regrets. They explore stablecoins, Stripe's B2B solutions, and the credit card industry's disruption. Jamie Dimon's remote work comments ignite a debate on post-COVID corporate culture. Military spending, tech integration, and Argentina's crypto issues are discussed. The ARC Institute's sustainability efforts and genetic diversity in agriculture are highlighted. Large-scale projects, planetary defense, and Stripe's choice to stay private are examined. The episode concludes with a preview of South by Southwest appearances.