"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg

"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg

See the world through the eyes of society's greatest rule-breakers. The "Live Players" podcast charts the key individuals shaping our future from first principles across multiple domains: business, politics, philanthropy, and broadcasting from the digital town square Join host Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg as they analyze the mindsets of today's most intriguing business leaders, investors, and innovators through the lens of their bold actions and contrarian worldviews. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of the development of technology, business, political power, culture and more. If you want more than soundbites and sensationalism, this podcast delivers reasoned reflections on the live players who renew and transform civilization, whether we ask them to or not. Topics frequently covered: Business titans, political players, and philanthropists like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, George Soros, Donald Trump, and more with the power to remake industries, policies, borders, or societal norms. Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

Episodes

February 21, 2025 59 mins
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 Turpentine's drops new publica...
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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  🙏Help shape our show by taki...
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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 show by taking our quick listen...
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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 when Turpentine's drops new pu...
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January 3, 2025 66 mins
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 Turpentine's drops new publica...
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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/exclusiveaccess  🙏 Help shape our...
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December 13, 2024 63 mins
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 at https://bit.ly/Turpentine...
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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 notified early when Turpentine'...
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November 15, 2024 57 mins
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-aa34-83e0621c8f6a  — 🙏 Help shape ...
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November 8, 2024 57 mins
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  — 🙏 Help shape our show by taking...
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October 14, 2024 102 mins
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 evolution of cultural and political mov...
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October 4, 2024 65 mins
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-managed reproduction programs. The...
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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 rejuvenate cultural and intellectua...
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September 19, 2024 62 mins
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 patterns challenge our current understa...
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September 11, 2024 55 mins
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 policies, the role of regional industr...
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September 6, 2024 83 mins
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 Turpentine Network: https://www.turpe...
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August 28, 2024 62 mins
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 protectionism. They explore key cases, and p...
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August 21, 2024 51 mins
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 perspective of industry ins...
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August 14, 2024 59 mins
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 predictions about Eastern Europe's ec...
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August 2, 2024 62 mins
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 explore Brexit's impact, the interpl...
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