"The Riff" with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne talk about how to apply Costco's business model in other industries, the risky business of Martingale strategies, usage as a potential barrier to AI model development, and more. Get Harmonic: Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo.---This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.---SPONSORS: Harmonic | beehiivHarmonic: Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo.beehiiv: Head to beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months---RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836---LINKS:Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.co---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:21) Unpacking the Hunter Book Model: A New Approach to Monetizing News(07:30) Aligning Media and Investing: Conflicts and Confluences of Interest(12:41) Sponsor: Harmonic | Beehiiv(15:09) The Benefits of Public Markets and Short Selling Insights(18:09) Martingale Beliefs and Betting Strategies in Finance(23:31) The Martingale Thesis and Market Making(27:17) Unlocking the Potential of AI with Usage-Based Lock-In(31:45) Exploring the Costco Business Model and Its Applications(37:46) The Case for GDP-Linked Bonds: A Financial Innovation(40:06) Vertical Software Companies Acquiring Operating Companies(44:37) The Intersection of Media and Tech Companies(46:40) Wrap---X / TWITTER:https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)---For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss AI & education, Stripe's shift towards unbundling, and the possibility of 24 hour markets. Get Harmonic: Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo.---This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.---SPONSORS: Harmonic | beehiiv Harmonic: Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo. beehiiv: Head to beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months ---RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836--- LINKS: Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.co--- X / TWITTER:https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)---For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss income sharing agreements, the privacy/security/usability efficient frontier, and how Meta ended up with all their GPUs. Get Harmonic: Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo.---This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.---SPONSORS: Harmonic | BeeHiivHarmonic: Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo.BeeHiiv: Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months---RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:26) Exploring Income Share Agreements and Lambda School(08:01) The Controversy and Potential of Lambda School(18:46) Sponsor: Harmonic | Beehiiv(21:17) The Bear Case on Income Share Agreements(24:31) Barriers and Threats of Selling New Financial Products(29:51) Innovative Financial Models and Crypto's Role(30:50) Exploring Personal Prediction Markets and Startups(32:51) The Impact of AI on Content Creation and Social Interactions(35:54) Navigating the Continuum of Human and AI Interaction(38:59) Meta's Strategic Shift Towards Generative AI(48:02) The Evolution of Privacy, Security, and Usability in Tech(52:21) Debunking Myths Around Index Funds(1:01:58) Adapting Investment Strategies in an Efficient Market(1:03:40) Wrap---LINKS:Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.coErik’s post on income sharing agreements: https://eriktorenberg.substack.com/p/life-capital---X / TWITTER:https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)---For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss the acquisition landscape, how to write great business memos, and why it's hard to monetize a successful ChatGPT wrapper. Get Harmonic: Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo.---This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.---SPONSOR: Harmonic Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine during your demo.---RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836---Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(00:20) Negative reputation of acquisitive companies(11:50) Sponsors: Harmonic | Turpentine(13:39) Importance of research and its competitive edge(21:37) Exploring the dynamics of unions and corporate strategies(26:11) How to write a great memo(32:49) Challenge of monetizing AI services(37:49) AI's impact on education and standardized testing(43:44) Evolution and future of Ghost Kitchens(52:19) Lessons from '50 Years in Wall Street'(56:53) Insights from Managing a Sovereign Wealth Fund(1:00:00) Wrap--- Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.co---X / TWITTER:https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)---For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss pivots in hard tech, cybersecurity and privacy, and the considerations in how often to enforce the law.For listeners watching the video, please note that Erik’s video recording dropped out towards the end of the episode. We hope you enjoy the conversation nonetheless.---This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.---RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836---Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(00:29) Hard tech pivots(04:55) Software changes the shape of innovation(08:19) Open source and closed source security models(16:14) AI regulation predictions(18:34) Google's AI monetization(24:24) Why did tech hedge funds invest in a potato company?(28:07) Good customer service is a negative signal for a country’s economic status(34:48) The data business at three resolutions(41:31) Crime prevention and surveillance(44:57) Should we fully enforce the law?(53:49) Wrap---LINKS:Byrne’s writing: thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne delve into corporate espionage, algorithmic collusion, and the lifecycle of companies amidst technological changes.---This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.---RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836---LINKS:Byrne’s writing: thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(00:26) Corporate Espionage: The Secret World of Competitive Intelligence(01:30) Facebook's Competitor Analysis(07:15) The Ethical Quandaries of Corporate Spying(15:40) Sponsor: Turpentine(16:29) Outsourcing and the East Asian Economic Boom(22:19)  Companies Aging Gracefully in the Business World(25:42) Exploring Business Strategies and Apple's Success(28:56) Evolution of Employment in the AI Era(31:31) AI-Based Coding Tools and Job Creation(33:53) Navigating the Future of Work and AI's Role(39:39) Algorithmic Collusion: A New Frontier in Antitrust(55:29) Wrap---For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss Austin real estate, why Duolingo has remained strong post-pandemic, and how to identify spurious correlations during data analysis.---This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.---SPONSOR: BRAVEGet first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.---LINKS:Byrne’s writing: thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(00:20) Generative AI and Its Impact on Platforms(04:44) The Future of Personalized Media Consumption(08:27) The Evolution of Media Distribution and Content Creation(14:36) Austin's Housing Market(28:54) Identifying False Positives in Data-Driven Decision Making(37:32) Apple's Antitrust Case(50:51) Why Duolingo Hasn’t Crashed(57:25) The Reddit IPO(1:03:03) Wrap---For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

In this episode, Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg discuss how technological changes influence markets and business adaptability. They explore the dynamics and challenges of e-commerce roll-ups, the unique economic incentives of large platforms like Facebook and Google, the complexities of content moderation on social media platforms, and social securities' future liabilities and taxes.---This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.---SPONSOR: BRAVEGet first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.---LINKS:Byrne’s writing: thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:23) Exploring E-Commerce Roll-Ups and the Amazon Model(07:13) Big Platforms and User Dynamics(10:52) Sponsor: Turpentine | Brave(12:41) The Never-Ending Challenge of Content Moderation(20:33) How AI Could Transform Advertising(29:53) Decoding the Economics of Facebook Marketplace(36:47) Understanding Shrinkflation and Its Impact on Inflation Measurement(45:46) The Future of Social Security: A Mark-to-Market Proposal(55:11) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On today’s episode, Byrne Hobart delves into the intricacies of technology-induced market shifts, hedge fund dynamics, Byrne’s post on outage economics, and the evolving landscape of open source and proprietary AI models.---This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.---RECOMMENDED PODCAST: by Molly O'SheaSourcery by Molly O’Shea brings the conversations founders and investors have behind closed doors into the light. Subscribe for upcoming episodes with: Delian Asparouhov of Founders Fund and Varda Space, and Chris Power of Hadrian.Spotify & YouTube---SPONSOR: TURPENTINE | BRAVEGet first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.---LINKS:Byrne’s writing: thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:20) Exploring Hedge Fund Dynamics: Is Alpha for Sale?(01:52) Hedge Funds and Investment Strategies(10:24) VC Insights on Scaling and Performance Metrics(16:59) Sponsor - Turpentine | Brave(19:37) Advantages Multi-Manager Hedge Funds(23:17) Personal Finance and Hedging Strategies(31:56) Outage Economics(45:09) Search Engines and Data Feedback Loops(47:40) Future Implications pf the Intersection of AI and Search Engines(54:20) Open Source AI: Balancing Innovation, Security, and Business Models(01:03:02) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss lessons about Tiger Global from Carrie Sun’s book Private Equity, the role of alternative data in investing, and why it’s hard to make a good dating app.---The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore.Watch and Subscribe on Substack: Request for Startups---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---SPONSOR: BRAVEGet first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.---LINKS:Byrne’s writing: thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:27) What makes Tiger Global tick?(03:36) Assistants make the world go round(08:02) The evolution of executive roles(13:15) Sponsor - Brave(14:17) Scaling deals and the Tiger strategy(24:13) On outsourcing knowledge retrieval(26:05) Leveraging alternative data in investment(34:13) The intersection of journalism and investment(37:53) Research in investment decisions(47:48) Data companies for private markets(55:11) Complexities of the dating app market(1:02:13) Wrap---For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

Byrne and Erik discuss company valuations, short selling, company earnings guidance, market predictions, and the behavior of companies and investors in financial markets. The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. Watch and Subscribe on Substack: Requestforstartups.substack.com---Thanks to our sponsor: BRAVEGet first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.---LINKS:Byrne’s writing: thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:44) Understanding Mispricing in Public Companies(03:28) Case Study: Boeing's Business Value(06:29) The Role of Professional and Retail Investors(12:07) Why Some Investors Matter More Than Others(18:49) Sponsor: Brave(19:51) Unpacking Risk in Investment(25:42) Gold and Bitcoin in Investment(28:54) On Yield, Buybacks, and Dividends(39:11) Short Selling in Financial Markets(51:15) Earnings Guidance and Corporate Communication(56:17) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss the fertility crisis, how Walmart is a tool of upward mobility, AI as the last interface, and more.The Riff is sponsored by Brave. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.---The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we cover better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity.* Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks* Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---SPONSOR: BRAVEGet first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.---LINKS:Byrne’s writing: thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:21) Discussion on fertility and economics(04:50) Anti-natalist aspects of monetary and fiscal policy(09:18) Would women having kids mean less GDP?(13:30) Discounted cash flow analysis(18:34) Sponsor - Brave(26:50) Walmart as a tool of upward mobility(34:06) White collar work(36:37) AI as the last interface(42:01) Sam Zemurray, America’s banana king(46:23) Wrap---The Riff is a production from TurpentineProducer: Sam KaufmanEditor: Seven MorrisFor guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne sit down with Brad Hargreaves, founder of General Assembly and Common and editor at real estate publication Thesis Driven. They do a deep dive on everything real estate, from investing to housing policy to urbanism.The Riff is sponsored by Brave. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.---The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co---Check out Brad's new podcast Leader Series where he interviews the leading voices at the intersection of real estate, cities, innovation and technology. Guests include innovators like Zillow founder Spencer Rascoff, the renowned East Coast developer MaryAnne Gilmartin, AOL founder and real estate visionary Steve Case and many more top change makers in real estate. Leader Series is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Substack: https://www.thesisdriven.com/podcastApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thesis-driven-leader-series/id1724813949Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HY9OJ7WvoDzPaodgaHw6A---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---SPONSOR: BRAVEGet first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.---LINKS:Byrne's writing: thediff.coSubscribe to Thesis Driven on Substack: https://www.thesisdriven.com/podcast---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS---The Riff is a production from TurpentineProducer: Sam KaufmanEditor: Seven MorrisFor guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne do a deep dive on the history of media, how technology is impacting the media landscape, and how to build the next media empire.The Riff is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.---The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we cover better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivityWatch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checksApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---Thanks to our sponsor: SHOPIFYShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen---LINKS:Byrne's writing: https://thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:40) How media was a great business and what changed(12:54) How media fortunes are made(18:22) When content becomes valuable again - BuzzFeed versus the New York Times(20:09) Streaming distribution - Netflix's current evolution(24:27) The decline in the level of journalism layoffs and why AI has something to do with it(29:18) Sponsor | Shopify(31:20) If you want to do investigative reporting, you need to like billionaires(36:22) On Byrne's approach to building a media empire(49:10) Why tech journalism struggled in the last decade(52:22) Reconciling history and the changing nature of fame(57:31) The business cadence case against every company is a tech company(1:04:57) Wrap---The Riff is a production from TurpentineProducer: Sam KaufmanEditor: Seven MorrisFor guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss the mortality of corporations, why momentum investing works, and when to learn from extreme events.The Riff is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.---The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we cover better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivityWatch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checksApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---Thanks to our sponsor: SHOPIFYShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen---LINKS:Byrne's writing: https://thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:44) Corporate mortality(10:16) The persistence of social class(16:42) Sponsor | Shopify(18:17) Learning from Extreme Events(25:43) Understanding momentum investing(36:06) What to learn from the economics of trade magazines(43:25) Brainstorming Turpentine & how to build a media business(52:15) Wrap---The Riff is a production from TurpentineProducer: Sam KaufmanEditor: Seven MorrisFor guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss factor netural hedge funds, the trend of Silicon Valley becoming more financially literate, the opportunity cost of features, and more.The Riff is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.---The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we cover better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivityWatch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checksApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---Thanks to our sponsor: SHOPIFYShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen---LINKS:Byrne's writing: https://thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction to the Riff(00:43) Increasing overlap between tech and finance(08:25) Factor neutral hedge funds(18:00) Sponsor | Shopify(19:30) VC is a compensation scheme masquerading as an asset class(33:30) Understanding generalists(40:07) The opportunity cost of features(45:30) Why grocery stores are like tech companies---The Riff is a production from TurpentineProducer: Sam KaufmanEditor: Seven MorrisFor guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

This week's episode is the second part of Erik's March 2020 interview with Byrne on Venture Stories from Village Global. Erik and Byrne about generalists vs specialists, how the work of Rene Girard can be used to understand financial bubbles, the role of pseudonyms, why duopolies exist, and more.The Riff is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.---The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we cover better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivityWatch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checksApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---Thanks to our sponsor: SHOPIFYShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen---LINKS:Byrne's writing: https://thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:01:10) The fox-hedgehog dichotomy and specialists vs generalists(00:11:09) Finance as a metaphor for everything(00:21:48) Sponsor | Shopify(00:23:22) Darwinian metaphors for relationships(00:27:06) Does everything move left over time?(00:41:26) The role of Christianity in the West(00:46:35) Girardian analysis of financial bubbles(00:52:17) Austrian economics & the legacy of Alan Greenspan(01:00:21) The future of homeschooling(01:04:41) The role of pseudonyms & the future of identity(01:17:50) Why is there so much political polarization?(01:24:36) The role of government in Wall Street(01:44:31) Understanding social capital(01:48:58) How to think about financial bubbles(01:55:45) Comparing text and audio content(02:01:08) Byrne on Samo Burja(02:03:24) The tyranny of the long generation(02:08:01) Silicon Valley's approach to politics(02:16:49) Why are there so many duopolies?(02:25:01) What Byrne was thinking about in March 2020---The Riff is a production from TurpentineProducer: Sam KaufmanFor guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

This week on The Riff, Erik and Byrne talk about why you should ignore the 2024 presidential election news cycle, the barriers to the success of prediction markets, why the United States can't be a net exporter, and more.The Riff is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.---The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we cover better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivityWatch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checksApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---Thanks to our sponsor: SHOPIFYShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen---LINKS:Byrne's writing: https://thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:50) Byrne talks about why we should ignore stuff about politics for this 2024 election(07:35) The underrated impact of either a Biden or Trump presidency(12:12) The barriers to the success of prediction markets(16:27) Sponsor | Shopify(18:10) Prediction markets for career success(24:20) The economics of information and the give-to-get model(30:53) Mass adoption of prediction markets(35:35) Why do companies buy expensive headquarters?(45:10) Industry talent cycles(51:32) Russia and China - building economic blocs from net exporters(56:55) Wrap---The Riff is a production from TurpentineProducer: Sam KaufmanEditor: Seven MorrisFor guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

Today's episode is a throwback to when Erik interviewed Byrne Hobart for the first time on the Venture Stories by Village Global podcast. Byrne and Erik go deep on technological change, debate centralization versus decentralization, discuss mental models for financial bubbles, and examine human nature from the lens of different thinkers.The Riff is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.---The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we cover better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivityWatch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checksApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---Thanks to our sponsor: SHOPIFYShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen---LINKS:Byrne's writing: https://thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(01:11) Byrne's Approach to Understanding(02:56) Productivity Growth(06:38) Debate on Globalization(16:30) Sponsor: Shopify(18:12) Understanding the Impact of Geography, Demographics, and Energy(27:25) State Capacity Libertarianism(33:21) Predicting the Future of US-China Relationship(34:37) Lessons from the East Asian Economic Miracles(35:42) The Role of Corruption in Economic Growth(36:32) Strategies for Subsidizing Exports(38:05) The Impact of Anti-Globalization Movements(38:30) The Trade Deficit Debate(46:21) Charter Cities(52:38) The Techlash(01:07:38) The Future of Wall Street and Its Impact on Society(01:17:53) The Power of the Dollar System(01:18:55) Understanding Negative Interest Rates(01:20:43) The Impact of Low Interest Rates on Infrastructure Development(01:25:05) The Impact of Demographics on Long Term Bonds(01:27:48) The Problem of Underfunded Pensions(01:28:52) Understanding Financial Bubbles(01:33:37) The Dynamics of Centralization and Decentralization(01:50:43) The Future of Silicon Valley and California(01:56:31) Disagreements with Notable Thinkers This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com

This week, writer Byrne Hobart and investor Erik Torenberg discuss the failed acquisition of Figma by Adobe, a deep dive on antitrust, Byrne's take on higher education and viable alternatives, unions, and more. The Riff is sponsored by Shopify: https://shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.---The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://turpentine.co---Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we cover better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivityWatch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checksApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv---We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---Thanks to our sponsor: SHOPIFYShopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. Shopify powers 10% of all e-commerce in the US. And Shopify’s the global force behind Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Brooklinen, and 1,000,000s of other entrepreneurs across 175 countries. From their all-in-one e-commerce platform, to their in-person POS system – wherever and whatever you’re selling, Shopify’s got you covered. With free Shopify Magic, sell more with less effort by whipping up captivating content that converts – from blog posts to product descriptions using AI. Sign up for $1/month trial period: https://shopify.com/momentofzen---LINKS:Byrne's writing: https://thediff.co---X / TWITTER:@eriktorenberg (Erik)@byrnehobart (Byrne)@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)---TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:24) Figma and Adobe(03:28) Antitrust Perspective on Figma and Adobe(03:41) Understanding Antitrust in Tech(07:49) Role of Big Tech Companies in Antitrust(19:00) Sponsor: Shopify(20:38) Higher Education: A Cartel?(24:15) YC and Disruption in Higher Education(31:07) Funding Higher Education(32:50) Rethinking the Role of Traditional Institutions in Education(33:26) The Potential of Separating Vocational Training and Liberal Arts(33:47) Imagining a Different Approach to Post-High School Education(34:32) The Unpredictability of Career Paths and Interests(35:36) The Case for Subsidizing Knowledge Acquisition(36:35) The Importance of Failing and Learning in Education(37:51) Personal Experience and Reflections on College Education(38:43) The Future of Higher Education for the Next Generation(46:27) The Challenges of Traditional K-12 Education(53:24) The Ideological Monopoly in Universities(53:54) The Impact of Political Ideologies on Education This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theriffpodcast.substack.com