Tesla to Mars - The Podcast

We’ve got a special guest for Episode 50 — Roel Smelt joins Demian & Florian for one of our most philosophical deep dives yet.From meditation retreats to building mobile-first startups, Roel brings a unique perspective on technology, business, and humanity — and how it all ties into Elon Musk’s mission.Could surrendering to AI actually make us more human? And what does Elon’s vision of preserving consciousness really mean for our future?In this episode:🧠 Philosophy & ConsciousnessSpace, time & why humans are more than what they createGood vs. evil, common ground & why connection mattersThe role of love and surrender in solving conflict🤖 AI & GrokopediaElon’s plan to build a “truth-seeking” AIWhy getting humans out of the loop might be necessaryHow proactive AI could guide us toward purpose & meaning🚗 Tesla & DisruptionPolarization and why Elon attracts so much hateWhy Tesla, SpaceX & Starlink will be studied 100 years from nowThe deeper meaning behind Elon buying $1B in Tesla stock👶 Being Human AgainFalling birth rates, mental health, and rediscovering purposeWhy AI should help us live according to biology — not just optimize profitThe future of work, free time, and human connection🎙️ Reflections & Big QuestionsCan AI become a moral coach or even lead countries?What does it mean to “surrender” to AI — and should we?Why stories, purpose, and consciousness still matter👉 Subscribe for weekly deep dives into Tesla, SpaceX, AI, and Elon’s world-changing ideas.

What a week. Kees is still MIA (likely still sulking about FSD not being allowed in Europe), but Florian and Demien dive headfirst into one of Tesla’s most telling weeks of the year. From Master Plan Part 4 to a mega compensation plan, from golden Optimus bots to a diner doing $2.5M/month — it’s all happening, and it’s happening fast.Why is Elon betting big on Megablocks? Is Tesla Energy the next trillion-dollar play? And how does the acquisition of EchoStar position SpaceX to dominate mobile connectivity (and maybe launch a Tesla phone)?We also break down how Elon’s compensation package works, what the AI flywheel means for Tesla, and why the launch of a simple app could be one of the biggest milestones yet.In episode 49 we cover:⚡ Megablocks & Tesla EnergyWhy Powerwalls are finally coming to EuropeThe $1T upside of energy & infrastructure📱 Tesla’s Mobility EcosystemThe robo-taxi app that broke recordsHow franchise superchargers and diners will reshape retail🚀 Compensation Plan BreakdownHow Elon’s 10x plan works — and what needs to happenWhy even a $400B EBITDA doesn’t sound so crazy anymore📡 SpaceX x Tesla: The IntegrationEchoStar acquisition decodedStarlink-powered Optimus bots, Tesla phones & the hive mind future👉 Subscribe for weekly deep dives into Tesla, SpaceX, AI, and Elon’s world-changing ideas.

Kees is back from the U.S. and has just completed a full-blown FSD marathon. In this episode, he breaks down his 7-week road trip across America using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software — from Cybertruck to Model Y, from Michigan to San Francisco. How good is FSD *really* in the wild? And why is V13 such a leap over V12?We also dive into Tesla’s Master Plan Part 4, the future of robotrucking as a billion-dollar industry, and the AI talent war — where Elon recruits top engineers without even offering bonuses. The big question: is 2025 already shaping up to be as epic as predicted?In episode 48 we cover:🧠 Real-world FSDKees drives 30,000 km hands-offFSD V12 vs V13 — what’s changed?Why FSD sometimes drives better than you🚛 Robotrucking & HyperscalingThe business case for autonomous truckingWhy Tesla Semis could cut costs by 10xGiga Texas, convoys & infrastructure megaplans⚡ Master Plan Part 4The roadmap to sustainable abundanceAI hardware, energy, and factory evolutionWhy Tesla isn’t a car company anymore👨‍💼 Elon as Recruiter-in-ChiefHow he attracts elite AI engineers — without bonusesWhat is MacroHard, and how will it replace Microsoft?👉 Subscribe for weekly deep dives into Tesla, SpaceX, AI, and Elon’s world-changing ideas.Chapters00:00 – Kees is back from 7 weeks in the U.S.01:00 – Why Kenny left the podcast02:20 – Cybertruck meetups & FSD events05:45 – First hands-on with FSD V13 in Cybertruck09:00 – Driving FSD feels like piloting a video game12:00 – FSD V12 vs V13: What’s the real difference?16:30 – Ryzen vs Intel hardware performance in Teslas19:00 – FSD is now better than human drivers (sometimes)21:45 – Map bugs, speed limit weirdness & unsafe edge cases25:30 – Tesla’s robotrucking vision & convoys28:50 – Slipstreaming, energy savings & pricing potential33:00 – Why Tesla only builds if it’s 10x better36:00 – Master Plan Part 4: Full breakdown40:00 – AI, energy, batteries & production at scale44:00 – CyberCab design sneak peeks & Easter eggs47:30 – Is 2025 already living up to the hype?52:00 – Elon’s unique approach to recruiting55:30 – The AI war: $150M offers vs mission-driven hires58:00 – MacroHard vs Microsoft1:01:00 – Tesla’s rise as a utilitarian mega-company1:05:00 – Media narratives & FSD perception battle1:09:00 – Demographics, robotics & birth rate collapse1:14:00 – Elon = Arne Slot? The football analogy1:18:00 – Musk, momentum & the power of agency

Tesla just dropped their Q2 earnings and the numbers are rough — but is it a short-term dip or the setup for something bigger? In this episode, Kees, Demian & Kenny break it all down: from margin pressure and underperforming Cybertrucks to a massive Robotaxi and Optimus expansion plan.In episode 47 we cover:📉 Earnings BreakdownRevenue and profit drop significantlyCybertruck & Model S/X sales disappointEnergy storage segment sees explosive growth🤖 AI, Robotaxis & RobotsElon: Robotaxi coverage expanding to 50% of the U.S.Optimus: ramping up to 1 million units?FSD adoption still low — and many drivers don’t even know it exists⚡ Strategic ShiftsBatteries & energy as the next growth waveCheaper Tesla models in the worksWill Tesla licensing FSD help accelerate adoption?👉 SUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes breaking down Tesla, SpaceX, tech, and everything Elon.

We’re back with the full crew and diving straight into the latest from Austin’s Robotaxi rollout, Tesla’s Grok integration, and Elon’s mysterious promise of the most epic demo ever. From geo-expansion strategy to XAI satellites, this episode is packed.In episode 46 we discuss:🚖 Tesla’s rapid Robotaxi geo-expansion in Austin (and why it beats Waymo)🗺️ Mapping, Geofencing & why it’s still needed for Level 5 FSD🤖 Grok integration inside Teslas – what it unlocks for users📡 XAI, Starlink & why SpaceX just invested in AI💬 Should Tesla invest in XAI too?🛰️ The crazy idea of launching XAI satellites⚡ Q2 earnings expectations and what could shift Tesla’s narrative🚀 Elon’s teased “most epic demo ever” – Roadster? VTOL? Or something wilder?Plus: Optimus updates, satellite loops, and a new bombshell teased for next week.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into Tesla, SpaceX, XAI & the future of mobility.

While Kees and Florian are off the grid, Demian and Kenny break down Tesla’s latest moves, the rise of the Robotaxi fleet, and Elon’s unexpected political ambitions. A guest-free but insight-loaded conversation you don’t want to miss.In this episode we cover:🚗 Why the refreshed Model Y might be Tesla’s real “affordable” EV⚡ Cost of Goods Sold & what it tells us about Tesla’s next-gen strategy🤖 Why Robotaxis = 10X profit per vehicle📉 Cybertruck’s surprising sales slump despite the hype🧠 The logic behind optimizing EVs for Robotaxi use🏛️ Elon’s next controversial move: launching his own political party?📊 Tesla Energy growth vs investor uncertainty💸 Doge, deficit, and the $7T “Big Beautiful Bill”🎢 Why the most entertaining outcome might be the most likely one…Plus: reflections on US debt, Optimus, FSD rollout, and the missing Roadster.👉 SUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes breaking down Tesla, SpaceX, tech, and everything Elon.

Tesla’s RoboTaxi fleet is no longer a future fantasy — they’re on the streets of Austin, and we’ve got boots on the ground. While the rest of the crew is back in Europe, Kees takes us deep into the heart of the Robotaxi test zone. From Cybertrucks and stealth parking lots to conversations with Uber drivers and Tesla insiders — this episode is a live-action Tesla thriller.In this episode we cover:🚖 Kees’ full Robotaxi safari in Austin — sightings, stealth tactics & livestreams📱 Behind the scenes of Tesla’s secret test fleet: no license plates, no stickers🚘 Waymo vs Tesla: The real-life experience and the coming disruption📉 What Bloomberg’s cost analysis means for Waymo’s future🤖 Robotaxi app: Will it launch inside Tesla, X, or both?⚡ X, Grok, and the future of in-car AI integrations🌍 The rise of the “shepherd class”: how Tesla owners could earn $275K/year🌆 Giga Texas secrets, possible launch events, and Elon’s Cybertruck at Circuit of the AmericasKees is on fire in Austin — dodging security, hunting for new hardware, and spotting up to 60 RoboTaxis in 30 minutes. Is the quiet launch already happening?👉 SUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes breaking down Tesla, SpaceX, tech, and everything Elon.

This week on Tesla to Mars: Are Elon and Trump really at war—or is this just political theater? We dive into the “big, beautiful bill”, Mars ambitions, and the shadow chess game between EU, UNECE, and Tesla’s FSD revolution.In Episode 43, Demian, Florian & Kees unpack what’s really going on behind the headlines—from deleted tweets to backdoor strategy. As Tesla makes major moves in Austin and gets listed as an autonomous operator in Texas, are we witnessing the soft launch of the RoboFleet?We explore:🚨 The Elon–Trump “feud”: what’s real, what’s noise📉 $7 trillion debt bomb and the political fallout🧠 Why Ashok might shock the Optimus timeline🌐 EU vs. UNECE: The self-driving regulation shake-up🤖 Real-world FSD rollout in the U.S. — while Europe sleeps📊 Waymo, Uber & the problem with scaling robotaxis💡 Use cases beyond ride-hailing: pharmacies, doctors & moreKees heads to Austin, Demian plans his Optimus ride, and Florian… still refuses to take a cybercab. One of our most packed episodes yet.👉 SUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes breaking down Tesla, SpaceX, tech, and everything Elon.

In this  episode of Tesla to Mars, Kees, Florian, and Demian take you on a wild ride through the latest in Tesla and SpaceX news — from surprising European sales spikes to the jaw-dropping scale of SpaceX’s Mars colonization timeline and the Kardashev scale.🔋 Tesla Talk:🚗 Tesla’s surprising 213% year-over-year growth in Norway despite recent downtrends.🇪🇺 What does this mean for the European market recovery?🤖 Robotaxi trademark battles and hints at a July launch.📉 Model Y Berlin ramp-up & demand insights.🧵 X discussions, FSD updates, and the expanding presence of Optimus.🌌 SpaceX Deep Dive:🚀 Starship’s latest test: What went wrong and what’s next?🛸 1000 Starships/year by 2033 – is Elon serious?🏙️ Mars colony vision, launch window science, and the role of Optimus bots.📡 How Starlink, reusability, and refueling in orbit will enable interplanetary transport.🎯 Bigger Picture:📺 Nearly 50% of our audience now watches Tesla to Mars on TV — are you one of them?🧠 Reflections on legacy media vs. direct communication.🧬 Why Elon's long-term thinking is reshaping humanity’s future — from Mars to Neuralink.👽 PLUS:Neuralink update tease.Is legacy media ignoring the biggest human story ever?And… what skill would YOU download first via Neuralink?👉 COMMENT ‘television’ if you're watching on the big screen.👉 LIKE if you believe humanity belongs on Mars.👉 SUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes breaking down Tesla, SpaceX, tech, and everything Elon.

We’ve hit 40 episodes and now it’s time to turn up the voltage.In Episode 41 of Tesla to Mars, we go full throttle into Tesla’s biggest strategic levers yet: autonomous fleets, AI supremacy, and Elon’s Mars-first mindset. This isn’t just about cars—it’s about rewriting the rules of transport, ownership, and planetary ambition.From robo-taxis gearing up to roll out, to AI systems that could steer entire cities, we unpack how Tesla’s tech stack is pulling ahead—and why the next 10 years might belong to the most misunderstood company on Earth.This episode is packed with:Tesla’s quiet push for a global robo-fleetAutopilot vs. FSD: What’s really under the hoodHow AI is shaping Tesla’s real business modelThe secret sauce behind vertical integrationElon’s master plan… and where Mars fits into itIf you’re a believer, skeptic, investor—or just Tesla-curious—this episode is your electric wake-up call.🔔 Hit subscribe and let’s drive this thing to Mars.

In this episode, we dive deep into the future of Tesla, AI, energy, and the emerging age of abundance. With our usual co-hosts away, Demian & Kenny bring a thought-provoking, guest-free discussion loaded with big insights on Elon Musk’s next compensation package, Tesla's robotics strategy, global energy infrastructure, and the societal implications of AI-driven humanoid robots.We touch on:Why Elon's pay package matters and how it might be structured.How Tesla is leading the AI and robotics revolution through Optimus and FSD.The macro impact of AI on energy demand and geopolitics.The role of major tech leaders like Satya Nadella, Jensen Huang, and ‪@Scobleizer‬  in shaping the upcoming decade.What humans will do in a world where robots do all the work.💬 What would YOU do in an age of abundance, when Optimus handles your chores? Drop a comment below!👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly insights on tech, innovation, and the future.

In this post-earnings episode, the Tesla to Mars crew dives deep into Tesla's Q1 2025 results and the broader implications of their strategy. From a "worst quarter in years" to still generating nearly a billion in cash—how is ‪@tesla‬  maintaining discipline under pressure?We unpack why the earnings call was framed as a “company update,” debate whether Elon’s leadership style is damaging the brand or building resilience, and highlight some overlooked nuggets about Optimus, Cybertruck demand, and manufacturing breakthroughs.This one’s packed with insights, laughs, and an unusual amount of talk about reset buttons (yes, again). Strap in.

Welcome to Episode 34 of Tesla to Mars!This is the first in our Robotaxi Countdown Series, where we dive deep into Tesla's upcoming autonomous future with special guest Cern Basher.We explore the economics of Tesla’s Robotaxi network, the role of fleet operators, the dawn of abundance, and how humanoid robots fit into the picture. Expect practical insights, mind-expanding theories, and a hint of what’s coming next from the Elon empire.🎙 Hosted by Florian, with Demian, Kees, Kenny & Cern Basher as a guest.🚖 Countdown to Robotaxi in Austin: T-minus 60 days...

Welcome to Episode 39 of our podcast and the 4th episode of our Robotaxi Countdown series. Exploring the future of autonomous mobility, financing innovation and Tesla’s evolving AI empire.This episode features a deep-dive conversation with Michiel, a former MisterGreen executive and financial architect behind some of the earliest FSD funding strategies. Together with Kees, Demian, and Florian, we unpack:🚗 How MisterGreen financed 5,000+ Teslas with FSD before it was cool📊 The economics behind leasing software like Full Self-Driving💰 Why Robotaxis flip traditional car depreciation on its head🏦 The “CyberFund”: a new financial vehicle for a self-driving future🌍 How cities, investors & communities could co-own autonomous fleetsYou’ll hear how FSD pricing evolved, why funding models had to get creative, and how a new class of investors and “shepherds” could reshape the mobility market. This isn’t just about cars — it’s about a new economic layer emerging from autonomy, AI, and exponential manufacturing.

In this mind-expanding episode of Tesla to Mars, we sit down with Nicolas (@RoboFlock) — entrepreneur, writer, and thought-leader in the Tesla RoboTaxi space — to explore how everyday investors, operators, and technologists can own a piece of the future.We dive deep into what it means to be a "Robotaxi Shepherd" how decentralized fleet ownership could rival Amazon's marketplace model, and why sustainable abundance is no longer science fiction — it's already beginning.We also unpack the philosophy behind Elon Musk's roadmap, the role of humanoid robots, and ideas from sci-fi authors like Iain M. Banks that might not be so fictional after all.Whether you're a Tesla investor, aspiring fleet operator, or just curious about the coming age of physical AI — this episode is for you.

In this episode, we dive into Tesla’s groundbreaking Giga Casting tech and what the recent spy shots from Texas really mean. Is the Cybercab already being mass-produced or is it maybe another model? Plus, we break down the move by ‪@tesla‬ to educate the public on FSD Supervised — a huge (and bullish) shift in strategy. From decentralized energy to a future filled with humanoid robots, this episode hits everything: Cybercab, XAI, fertility collapse, Optimus, Tesla Energy and beyond. Don’t miss the hottest takes on last night's company update! We were in the past so hopefully we weren't too far off.💡 Follow the countdown to the Robotaxi Reveal 🧠 Subscribe for future episodes with epic guests 🧑‍🚀 Hosted by Kees, Kenny, Florian & Demian

Welcome to Episode 35 of the Tesla to Mars podcast — the second installment of our Robotaxi Countdown series. We’re thrilled to be joined by Phil Beisel, former Apple and Rivian engineer, and one of the most insightful minds covering Tesla’s FSD and Optimus initiatives.In this deep-dive conversation, Phil shares his behind-the-scenes experience at Rivian, unpacks Tesla’s AI strategy, and helps us understand how robotaxis and Optimus are poised to reshape transportation and labor. If you’re into Tesla, AI, or the future of cities, this one is a must-listen.

Elon Musk is shaking things up—again. In this episode of Tesla to Mars, we break down whether Musk is truly fighting bureaucracy or just trolling the establishment. With FSD rolling out in China and major regulatory decisions in Europe, could Tesla’s autonomous driving future be closer than we think?We also dive into how Elon went from media darling to public enemy, Tesla’s strategy for robotaxis, and whether the AI-driven government could be a reality. Plus, what’s up with those insane political shifts?

This week, we dive into:✅ Is Elon Musk causing brand damage to Tesla? 🚗✅ Tesla FSD launches in China – what’s next for Europe?✅ CyberCab updates & RoboTaxi rollout timeline! 🦾✅ The rise of AI-powered government – is DO.GE the future?✅ How Grok AI could be a game-changer for Tesla owners! 🤖✅ PLUS: The latest Tesla news, market insights & spicy takes!🎙️ Hosted by the Tesla to Mars crew – don't miss out!

Welcome back to another episode of Weekly Tesla Talk! 🚀 In this episode we’re diving deep into some of the hottest topics surrounding Tesla, xAI & Grok 3, D.O.G.E. US politics and more.🔹 Elon Musk’s latest stance on reality vs. perception🔹 Tesla Model Y refresh – first impressions & impact on Q1 sales🔹 Grok 3 – groundbreaking AI that outperforms benchmarks🔹 The global political & financial landscape – how D.O.G.E. could reshape governance🔹 Apple’s mysterious AI & humanoid projects – a new competitor for Tesla?🔹 Cybertruck & Robotaxi updates – hidden Tesla patents reveal major plansJoin us as we break down these key topics, with insights, analysis, and predictions on what’s next for Tesla and the tech world. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell! 🛎️