"Moment of Zen"

Feb 02 2025 117 ep. 84 mins 270

Every week, Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez and frequent special guests discuss what's happening in technology, business, politics, and beyond.

Moment of Zen is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co

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E116: Curtis Yarvin is now in the Overton Window w/ Samo Burja

Feb 02 2025 58 mins  
Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja analyze Curtis Yarvin's arguments about government inefficiency, comparing corporate and state governance structures. The conversation covers how bureaucracies decay over time, China's approach to governance, and Yarvin's influence in shifting Silicon Valley libertarians toward more right-wing positions. They also examine his evolution from a cancelled

E115: Trump's Inauguration, Tech's Shifting Politics, and US GDP Growth Wall

Jan 26 2025 73 mins  
Today on Moment of Zen, we're bringing you the third episode of "This Won't Last", the newest show from Turpentine. Keith Rabois, Logan Bartlett, Kevin Ryan, and Zach Weinberg dissect the 2025 political landscape in a spirited discussion of Trump's evolved messaging and surprising tech industry backing. The conversation weaves through immigration policy, corporate political neutra

E114: Scott Sumner & Noah Smith Debate the China Question

Jan 18 2025 58 mins  
As China surges past the combined manufacturing might of Western democracies, economists Scott Sumner and Noah Smith square off on America's industrial future. While agreeing on economic fundamentals, they clash over the gravity of China's rise - Sumner advocating measured engagement while Smith warns of an unprecedented shift in global power requiring bold policy action. — 📰

E113: Understanding Trump: From Immigration to Elon w/ Maxwell Meyer & Indian Bronson

Jan 11 2025 77 mins  
Editor of Arena magazine Maxwell Meyer and pseudonymous writer Indian Bronson join Erik Torenberg for part 3 of the immigration series. They discuss the evolving dynamics between Trump's tech and MAGA supporters, cutting through online drama to examine how both sides might find common ground on immigration, talent, and America's future. This is part 3 to Bronson's earlier Moment

E112: Bronson vs Everyone: H-1B Wars, Elon, and Trump

Jan 03 2025 46 mins  
From Elon's immigration takes to Silicon Valley's clash with MAGA nationalists, this conversation between Erik Torenberg and Indian Bronson, a pseudonymous writer, dives deep into tech's newest culture war. Indian Bronson breaks down why Trumps's coalition has split over this issue and why America's elite and working class can't see eye to eye. This is part 2 to Bronson's earlier M

E111: NEW: Marc Andreessen on Trump, the vibe shift, and what’s after wokeness

Dec 27 2024 107 mins  
Marc Andreessen, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) returns to Moment of Zen to discuss Trump's new administration, the political vibe shift for Silicon Valley, why San Francisco may be the cultural center of the universe, and what comes after wokeness. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏 H

E110: Samo Burja on Elon Musk, X and Political Influence [Crosspost, Live Players]

Dec 22 2024 59 mins  
Samo and Erik explore Twitter's evolution, digital politics, and Europe's societal constraints. The conversation weaves through topics of online influence, cultural shifts, and the future of political discourse in the digital age. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏 Help shape our show by taking our qu

E109: Samo Burja on the Future of the Middle East

Dec 14 2024 64 mins  
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dissect the complex web of religion, nationalism, and power that shapes Middle Eastern politics. In this analysis, Samo reveals why traditional solutions have failed and offers a look at how demographic shifts and emerging ideologies will transform the region's future. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.tu

E108: Debating Immigration Policy with Indian Bronson

Dec 08 2024 64 mins  
In this episode of Moment of Zen, Erik Torenberg engages Indian Bronson, a pseudonymous writer, for a debate about immigration policy, national identity, and the future of American society. For full shownotes, visit highlight: https://highlightai.com/share/a08fc2a5-ff40-4d3b-8f2c-7174fde876cf -- 🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/Turpenti

E107: The Future of the Left and Advice for Progressive Billionaires

Nov 30 2024 75 mins  
In this episode, Erik Torenberg and economist Noah Smith dive tackle pressing questions on government efficiency, libertarianism, immigration, housing, military spending, and the future of American politics. For full shownotes, visit highlight: https://highlightai.com/share/150a6b58-03ac-4eb2-b99a-803f577b1815 -- 🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https