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Welcome to The John Johnston Lounge (formerly The Art of Value), where Tech, Business, & Culture collide.
Join host John Johnston (JJ) for daily breakdowns of the planet's most powerful tech billionaires. We critique the psychology, strategies, and politics of titans like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman, and Mark Zuckerberg. We also analyze related cultural commentary from top podcast voices like Joe Rogan and Tim Dillon.
From the AI bubble to the "Rogansphere," expect critical depth, zero sycophancy, and a healthy dose of humor!
Join host John Johnston (JJ) for daily breakdowns of the planet's most powerful tech billionaires. We critique the psychology, strategies, and politics of titans like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman, and Mark Zuckerberg. We also analyze related cultural commentary from top podcast voices like Joe Rogan and Tim Dillon.
From the AI bubble to the "Rogansphere," expect critical depth, zero sycophancy, and a healthy dose of humor!
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John Johnston (JJ) breaks down what one of Elon Musk’s most loyal “Elongelical” Tesla influencers is saying about one of Elon’s wildest predictions for the future of technology and society. We also look at some of Elon’s predictions over the past year that didn’t come true, and one that did. Related episodes:Elon Musk’s Tesla Predictions Fall Way Short Again https://open.spotify.com/episode/4GLwKH4JdiP13N9A1v7oj22 Risks To Kill The AI Boom: ‘Big Short’ Legend Steve Eisman https://open.spotify.com/episode/4WSx1Lv0xqpr0nw9ZPXkBwTesla’s Robotaxi Service in Austin Still Barely Exists https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wxUplIujYdEtz6BNi31JoReferenced video: I Just Had An Argument with Elon Musk on X | Farzadhttps://youtu.be/_6Dpl0IMrS8Disclaimer: I am not a financial adviser and nothing in this content is financial advice. This content is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Do your own analysis and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision.
John Johnston (JJ) breaks down the growing alliance between some tech billionaires and “theocracy bros”, referencing their desire for network states or freedom cities, and the anti-democratic influence of Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, Curtis Yarvin and others on US government figures such as JD Vance and Trump himself.Related episodes:Peter Thiel Calls Pope ‘The Antichrist’: JD Vance’s Palantir Problem https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RnSiaoFFsXUU52TDZSeLxTim Dillon ROASTS Peter Thiel’s Antichrist Obsession https://open.spotify.com/episode/68yc1auGogphxe4fqoNuFePalantir Co-Founder Joe Lonsdale’s Call For “Public Hangings” Sparks Outrage https://open.spotify.com/episode/1d7RUufbl1a9utngPU3XZKReferenced:Network State Meets The Seven Mountains Mandate: JD Vance, Charlie Kirk, The Rise of The Theo Bros | The Nerd Reich https://open.spotify.com/episode/53tOXWuhxnQbDLL6dbdN8lCurtis Yarvin on Trump, 'no kings' and the case for a US monarchy https://youtu.be/_WjE5P2n_ck
John Johnston (JJ) breaks down Elon Musk’s top predictions for Tesla for 2025 that have not come true. We also look at other related Tesla and Elon news, including the new lower sales estimates for the final quarter of the year, and what Elon and some critics are currently saying about Tesla’s outlook. Related episodes:Tesla Optimus Hilariously Collapses! Is Elon Faking Autonomy? https://open.spotify.com/episode/61FgiacC7B8uOirfrOkBTKSTOP AI Acceleration? Bernie Sanders vs All-In Podcast Billionaire Besties https://open.spotify.com/episode/7zaDCpkL8mLXbShUaza1iV2 Risks To Kill The AI Boom: ‘Big Short’ Legend Steve Eisman https://open.spotify.com/episode/4WSx1Lv0xqpr0nw9ZPXkBwDisclaimer: I am not a financial adviser and nothing in this content is financial advice. This content is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Do your own analysis and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision.
John Johnston (JJ) reacts to an interview between comedian Tony Hinchcliffe and the All-In Podcast “Besties” at a live event. Hinchcliffe get’s defensive about his involvement with the Rogansphere comedy scent in Austin, after all the recent criticism of it from other comedians and podcasters.Related episodes:Rogansphere Collapsing as Comedians Brutally Roast It https://open.spotify.com/episode/06pMyAqU09Be3EPKCfsP8yJoe Rogan Can’t Rescue His Unfunny Comedy Bros https://open.spotify.com/episode/5vGknsOzTuiL1rFuKK1jpwJoe Rogan & Andrew Schulz Melt Down in Raging Comedy War https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Ge61hPMF1UumIjNhJ6NreReferenced:All-In x Kill Tony: A Hilarious Holiday Special | All-In Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/episode/2809z3doQooFlnoEm5H6Uk
John Johnston (JJ) breaks down the two main risks famous “Big Short” investor Steve Eisman currently sees in the AI sector, which have implications for AI-related stocks, the overall stock market, and the wider economy.Related episodes:‘Big Short’ Michael Burry Slams Tesla Stock: "Ridiculously Overvalued" https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ifpJOikaer1ipPqyGQ0DJAI Bubble: Sam Altman Crashes Out, ‘Big Short’ Burry Bets on Bust https://open.spotify.com/episode/1O91IczRNH180RpGAetiZlAI Bubble Watch: Elon Musk Ally Peter Thiel Cuts Tesla Stock, Dumps Nvidia https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ltDJvr3dmqc09V9Xw5E2nReferenced:Steve Eisman on AI: LLM improvements will begin to gradually slow but not selling AI stocks I own | CNBChttps://youtu.be/wSJMtTETOv8Steve Eisman's 2025 Wrap Up: 4 Themes Defining the Market Today | The Weekly Wrap https://youtu.be/q47rNPyX3bcDisclaimer: I am not a financial adviser and nothing in this content is financial advice. This content is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Do your own analysis and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision.
Join John Johnston (JJ) for the Weekly Lounge, a compilation of the week's episodes of The John Johnston Lounge. Below are the individual episode titles and links, and recent Weekly Lounge links too, if you want to catch up on them:Tesla’s Robotaxi Service in Austin Still Barely Exists https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wxUplIujYdEtz6BNi31JoGilded Rage: Elon Musk & Tech Billionaires Radicalized (ft. Breaking Points) https://open.spotify.com/episode/6jDaBVrOVjT9JbjtU3v1q4STOP AI Acceleration? Bernie Sanders vs All-In Podcast Billionaire Besties https://open.spotify.com/episode/7zaDCpkL8mLXbShUaza1iVRecent Weekly Lounge episodes: Weekly Lounge: Sam Harris & Kara Swisher on Musk, Joe Rogan’s Billionaire Worship & Tesla’s Autopilot Ban https://open.spotify.com/episode/0n4hSJSQZdGWr2IhnZoh9bWeekly Lounge: Palantir Lonsdale Outrage, Tesla Optimus Fails & Musk’s Robotaxi Delusions https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cfFUx3uWEi1875fCqRDZfWeekly Lounge: Rogan’s "AI Jesus” Rant, TSLA Overvalued (Burry), Tesla EU Sales Crash https://open.spotify.com/episode/7k6b9wnmgqmCMt6vbqq7AP
John Johnston (JJ) reacts to a Breaking Points interview between Krystal Ball and author Jacob Silverman, about his new book Gilded Rage. The book and interview explore Silicon Valley tech billionaires’ turn to far-right politics, and the quest for more power and money, and the techno-authoritarian future they want.Related episodes:Sam Harris & Kara Swisher on Elon Musk: Techno-Authoritarianism and "Maniac" Behavior https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jEONT8ErTK2NFc5ObLmhJJoe Rogan’s Embarrassing Tech Billionaire Worship Hits New Low https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ggR6cTbiPxQwkB6DC9mpNWhy All-In Podcast Tech Billionaires Don't Get the AI Backlash (ft. Tucker Carlson) https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vOcht7oeoJGu9nqevtT98Referenced:Silicon Valley's Dark Quest For Techno Fascism | Breaking Points https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DFU0Eg44oV51hsLgMI9rMGilded Rage: Elon Musk and the Radicalization of Silicon Valley | Jacob Silverman https://amzn.to/4jmoReH
John Johnston (JJ) breaks down the news that Tesla’s Robotaxi project in Austin may be much smaller than Elon Musk claims. We also look at some of the other grand claims and predictions that Elon is currently making for SpaceX, and for the tech utopian future he envisions. Related episodes:Tesla Robotaxi Unsupervised: Safety Monitors Removed in Austin https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iyrnPUJQZZovdrK2VXqspJudge’s Tesla 60-Day Ultimatum: Rename Autopilot or Face Sales Ban https://open.spotify.com/episode/55hXViiGZulwC1QZf9PjXoElon Musk's Delusional Tesla Robotaxi Claims vs Waymo's Reality (20 mill Trips) https://open.spotify.com/episode/7CNNqzm1LBn76Ko289aDhPReferenced:The Optimus Disaster: 5 Years Late & Still Remote Controlled! | Thunderf00t https://youtu.be/NgfiuRZzBwUTesla’s Robotaxi project in Austin is much smaller than Musk claims | Electrekhttps://electrek.co/2025/12/22/tesla-robotaxi-project-austin-much-smaller-than-musk-claims/Disclaimer: I am not a financial adviser and nothing in this content is financial advice. This content is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Do your own analysis and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision.
John Johnston (JJ) reacts to part of a recent episode of the All-In Podcast with the tech billionaire “Besties”, Chamath, Jason, David Sacks, and Friedberg, in relation to what politician Bernie Sanders is currently saying about AI sector development. Senator Sanders is proposing an AI data center moratorium, and is critical of the tech billionaires involved. The All-in Besties explain why they think this is just fearmongering, and think the tech sector needs to frame fast AI development in a more positive way. Related episodes:Why All-In Podcast Tech Billionaires Don't Get the AI Backlash (ft. Tucker Carlson) https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vOcht7oeoJGu9nqevtT98Sam Harris & Kara Swisher on Elon Musk: Techno-Authoritarianism and "Maniac" Behavior https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jEONT8ErTK2NFc5ObLmhJElon MUSK’S xAI Grok si POISONING Memphis! https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hAAzu6bIiBQpkSSmkZPhsReferenced videos:Bernie Sanders: Stop All AI, China's EUV Breakthrough, Inflation Down, Golden Age in 2026? | All-In Podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/26BF1wvIwGuic4lYhWuBfhIt's Time for a Moratorium on Data Centers | Sen. Bernie Sanders https://youtu.be/f40SFNcTOXo
Join John Johnston (JJ) for the Weekly Lounge, a compilation of the week's 5 episodes of The John Johnston Lounge. Below are the individual episode titles and links, and recent Weekly Lounge links too, if you want to catch up on them:Tesla Robotaxi Unsupervised: Safety Monitors Removed in Austin https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iyrnPUJQZZovdrK2VXqspSam Harris & Kara Swisher on Elon Musk: Techno-Authoritarianism and "Maniac" Behavior https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jEONT8ErTK2NFc5ObLmhJWhy All-In Podcast Tech Billionaires Don't Get the AI Backlash (ft. Tucker Carlson) https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vOcht7oeoJGu9nqevtT98Judge’s Tesla 60-Day Ultimatum: Rename Autopilot or Face Sales Ban https://open.spotify.com/episode/55hXViiGZulwC1QZf9PjXoJoe Rogan’s Embarrassing Tech Billionaire Worship Hits New Low https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ggR6cTbiPxQwkB6DC9mpNRecent Weekly Lounge episodes: Weekly Lounge: Palantir Lonsdale Outrage, Tesla Optimus Fails & Musk’s Robotaxi Delusions https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cfFUx3uWEi1875fCqRDZfWeekly Lounge: Rogan’s "AI Jesus” Rant, TSLA Overvalued (Burry), Tesla EU Sales Crash https://open.spotify.com/episode/7k6b9wnmgqmCMt6vbqq7APWeekly Lounge: Rogan vs Theo Von, Thiel Dumps NVDA, Musk vs Bezos in Space https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JnYCpEijlloMimu0zPvoh
John Johnston (JJ) breaks down how Joe Rogan is continuing down the road of worshiping the tech billionaires he has on his podcast, such as Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, Mark Zuckerberg and others. It’s a far cry from the “everyman” and “anti-establishment” image he cultivated in the past. JJ reacts to Emma Vigeland and Sam Seder from The Majority Report, who discuss Rogan, and then comedian Tim Dillon talking with Joe Rogan about the Tech Billionaires wanting to start their own sovereign states, or so-called “network states”.Related episodes:Sam Harris: Joe Rogan’s Podcast is a “Bug Light” for Maniac Guests https://open.spotify.com/episode/0y5EBw33i8DPf8fPQnMl8EJoe Rogan’s “Jesus as AI” Rant: Has He Lost It? (American Alchemy Reaction) https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wLVQjgnEKEsSSYdLvyu31Joe Rogan GLAZES Peter Thiel & Palantir, Theo Von COOKS https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kNKj2d1vOXqlTKosqBhTYReferenced video:Rogan's Billionaire Bootlicking Hits Pathetic New Low | The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder https://youtu.be/A_FICdmz_TQ
John Johnston (JJ) breaks down the news that a judge in California has ruled that Tesla’s marketing of its “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” systems was deceptive, and that Tesla’s license to sell and produce cars in the state should be revoked for 30 days. The California DMV has said it will give Tesla 60 days to comply and fix its marketing before going through with the suspension. This news comes at the same that Tesla is beginning to remove in-car safety monitors from its robotaxis in Austin, Texas. Is Tesla’s driving software now safe enough to operate fully autonomous robotaxis?Related episodes:Tesla Faces New NHTSA Probe of ‘Almost Sentient’ FSD https://open.spotify.com/episode/2LX5ly0J5ORNp8yGg0ERnVElon’s Tesla Self-Driving Lies Are Catching Up To Him: Forbes https://open.spotify.com/episode/4f1avoIZag16DWbEospxfSJury Finds Tesla Partly Liable ($243m) in Autopilot Fatality https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ScnbKkJutsMmBlfR0izzXReferenced video:The Insanity of Tesla CRASH DATA https://youtu.be/zT-sfRF6Hvk
John Johnston (JJ) reacts to a controversial segment of the All-In Podcast featuring guest Tucker Carlson. Hosts Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, and David Sacks attempt to diagnose the rising anti-AI sentiment among the general public. As Silicon Valley insiders, the "Besties”, along with Carlson, discuss the cultural backlash against Artificial Intelligence, why the public feels threatened, and what the tech industry should do about it.JJ breaks down their arguments to answer the key question: Do these tech billionaires actually understand the fear surrounding AI, or are they completely out of touch with the reality facing everyday people in society?Related episodes:Sam Harris & Kara Swisher on Elon Musk: Techno-Authoritarianism and "Maniac" Behavior https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jEONT8ErTK2NFc5ObLmhJOpenAI CEO Sam Altman Triggers ‘CODE RED’ as Google’s Gemini Gains | Prof G Pod Reaction https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UjHc7btIkoiQJ77Ln5MT2Elon Musk’s WILDEST Tesla Optimus Robot Claims https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QbgkOLIopzzgyHV89DnhLReferenced video:Tucker Carlson: Rise of Nick Fuentes, Paramount vs Netflix, Anti-AI Sentiment, Hottest Takes | All-In Podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zSsqEyfjkRZlp5GCDmXkB
Is Silicon Valley becoming a threat to democracy? John Johnston (JJ) reacts to a recent conversation between Sam Harris and Kara Swisher, discussing the controversial political pivot of tech billionaires like Elon Musk. Also discussed in this episode:The concept of "Techno-Authoritarianism" and why it matters.Sam Harris's critique of the fa right-wing movement in Big Tech.What the alliance between tech oligarchs and politics means for the future of freedom.Related episodes:Sam Harris: Joe Rogan’s Podcast is a “Bug Light” for Maniac Guests https://open.spotify.com/episode/0y5EBw33i8DPf8fPQnMl8EElon Musk’s Friend EXPOSES His Lies & Betrayal https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ykqwuELZi7FwJtLVVf85EReferenced video:Sam Harris on Silicon Valley’s Slide into Techno-Authoritarianism | On With Kara Swisher https://open.spotify.com/episode/6IQCtjoPJWNrYn6U9T82Ol
John Johnston (JJ) breaks down the Tesla news that the company has begun removing the in-car safety monitors from its robotaxis in Austin, during a new testing phase. Elon Musk recently said this would happen by the end of the year. Questions remain; are the robotaxis being partially or fully tele-operated, and will Tesla begin to share safety data publicly, to show that Tesla robotaxis are safe enough for public use? Related episodes:Elon Musk's Delusional Tesla Robotaxi Claims vs Waymo's Reality (20 mill Trips) https://open.spotify.com/episode/7CNNqzm1LBn76Ko289aDhPTesla Optimus Hilariously Collapses! Is Elon Faking Autonomy? https://open.spotify.com/episode/61FgiacC7B8uOirfrOkBTKTesla Europe Sales Crash Deepens & Bricked Batteries Nightmare https://open.spotify.com/episode/7hLXZlUklCzGGwf19rrcdwDisclaimer: I am not a financial adviser and nothing in this content is financial advice. This content is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Do your own analysis and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision.
Join John Johnston (JJ) for the Weekly Lounge, a compilation of the week's 5 episodes of The John Johnston Lounge. Below are the individual episode titles and links, and recent Weekly Lounge links too, if you want to catch up on them:Elon Musk’s €120M MELTDOWN: Wants EU “Abolished” https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bAlLvop4uEXymfBGrrY3nTesla Optimus Hilariously Collapses! Is Elon Faking Autonomy? https://open.spotify.com/episode/61FgiacC7B8uOirfrOkBTKPalantir Co-Founder Joe Lonsdale’s Call For “Public Hangings” Sparks Outrage https://open.spotify.com/episode/1d7RUufbl1a9utngPU3XZKElon Musk's Delusional Tesla Robotaxi Claims vs Waymo's Reality (20 mill Trips) https://open.spotify.com/episode/7CNNqzm1LBn76Ko289aDhPGamified: Big Tech’s Bet on Gambling & Scams https://open.spotify.com/episode/313XUFxnNRpiWJhAFbasCg Recent Weekly Lounge: Weekly Lounge: Rogan’s "AI Jesus” Rant, TSLA Overvalued (Burry), Tesla EU Sales Crash https://open.spotify.com/episode/7k6b9wnmgqmCMt6vbqq7APWeekly Lounge: Rogan vs Theo Von, Thiel Dumps NVDA, Musk vs Bezos in Space https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JnYCpEijlloMimu0zPvohDisclaimer: I am not a financial adviser and nothing in this content is financial advice. This content is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Do your own analysis and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision.
John Johnston (JJ) reacts to and expands on a recent voidzilla video on the topic “Big tech is betting on gambling and scams”. We look at some of the companies and venture capital, and people behind the funding and investments of financial gamification in this “real money gaming” category, including a16z and Y Combinator. Related episodes:OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Triggers ‘CODE RED’ as Gemini Gains https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UjHc7btIkoiQJ77Ln5MT2Elon Musk’s WILDEST Tesla Optimus Robot Claims https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QbgkOLIopzzgyHV89DnhLElon Claims Money Will Be Irrelevant. Is He Delusional? https://open.spotify.com/episode/22dU3JaBm6mtIVA4CzqoF6
John Johnston (JJ) breaks down the Tesla and Waymo news that Elon Musk has claimed that robotaxi rival Waymo “never had a chance” against Tesla, despite Tesla not yet having deployed even one fully autonomous, paid robotaxi ride without an in-car safety monitor, while Waymo is about to pass the twenty million milestone. Elon is now saying the Tesla will deploy fully driverless robotaxis in Austin in about three weeks, without safety monitors. Related episodes:Tesla's Rough Month: Sales Drops, Robotaxi Cuts, Model Y Defects https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KieNeplYRuu6mAlIMRS6V‘Big Short’ Burry Slams Tesla: "Ridiculously Overvalued" https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ifpJOikaer1ipPqyGQ0DJElon Musk’s WILDEST Tesla Optimus Robot Claims https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QbgkOLIopzzgyHV89DnhLReferenced articles:Elon Musk delusionally claims Waymo ‘never had a chance’ against Tesla https://electrek.co/2025/12/10/elon-musk-waymo-never-had-chance-against-tesla/Tesla CEO Elon Musk claims driverless Robotaxis coming to Austin in 3 weeks https://electrek.co/2025/12/09/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-claims-driverless-robotaxis-coming-to-austin-in-3-weeks/Disclaimer: I am not a financial adviser and nothing in this content is financial advice. This content is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Do your own analysis and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision.
John Johnston (JJ) breaks down a controversy surrounding Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale. On Elon Musk’s X platform, the tech billionaire Lonsdale sparked outrage by explicitly calling for the return of "public hangings" in the United States. He talks about his desire for this kind of radical “masculine leadership” in relation to dealing with criminals.Disclaimer: This video is for educational and journalistic purposes only. It analyzes public comments made by a public figure. Related episodes:Joe Rogan GLAZES Peter Thiel & Palantir, Theo Von COOKS https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kNKj2d1vOXqlTKosqBhTYThiel Calls POPE ‘The Antichrist’: JD Vance’s Palantir Problem https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RnSiaoFFsXUU52TDZSeLxPeter Thiel: Antichrist Greta & US Headed for Civil War? https://open.spotify.com/episode/587zdde7DrHCMysy8T5bTgReferenced article:Joe Lonsdale Calls For Public Hangings | Gil Duran https://www.thenerdreich.com/joe-lonsdale-calls-for-public-hangings/
John Johnston (JJ) breaks down how and why a new video going viral, from a Tesla “Autonomy Visualized” event, shows the Tesla Optimus humanoid robot taking a nasty collapse backwards. The demo strongly suggests the Optimus robot was mimicking a remote operator suddenly removing a VR headset, rather than the robot being autonomous. Related episodes:Elon Musk’s WILDEST Tesla Optimus Robot Claims https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QbgkOLIopzzgyHV89DnhLTesla Europe Sales Crash Deepens & Bricked Batteries Nightmare https://open.spotify.com/episode/7hLXZlUklCzGGwf19rrcdwTesla's Rough Month: Sales Drops, Robotaxi Cuts, Model Y Defects https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KieNeplYRuu6mAlIMRS6VDisclaimer: I am not a financial adviser and nothing in this content is financial advice. This content is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Do your own analysis and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision.
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