Episodes
Advice for the Next US President
In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja tackle the pressing challenges for the next U.S. president, focusing on bureaucratic inefficiencies and the need for reform.
Brazil: A Country of the Future?
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg talk about why Brazil hasn't lived up to its expectations as a global powerhouse.
Can China Power its Rise?
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss China's energy strategy and its broader geopolitical implications.
The Power Structures of Cities
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss about the nature of cities being shaped by human society.
The Turbulence of Boeing: Decline and Future Prospects
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg talk about the decline of Boeing
Live Players Analysis: Drug Cartels in Mexico
In this episode of 'Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the intricate dynamics of Mexican drug cartels and their impact on both Mexico's political and economic landscape.
How to Find the Frontiers of Knowledge, Samo Burja for The Stoa
Today we're publishing a talk Samo Burja gave to The Stoa in 2020 all about how to find and advance uncrystallized fields of knowledge. In this discussion, Samo critiques current academia for its inefficiencies and proposes supporting new intellectual endeavors …
Academia's Impact on Society | Rudyard Lynch Interviews Samo Burja
In this episode of Live Players, Rudyard Lynch (@whatifalthist) interviews Samo Burja and covers a range of topics including the evolution and current state of academia, the impact of bureaucratization and managerial ideology on society, and the state of democracy …
The Future of Democracy
This episode features Erik and Samo's 2nd-ever interview for the Venture Stories podcast, an in-depth discussion of geopolitics, statecraft, and the study of society. It was recorded in 2019. They cover: how might cryptocurrencies increase centralized state power? What do …
What India Should Do to Secure Its Future as a Global Superpower
This week Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss India as a live player. They cover: India's demographics and and the barriers it faces towards industrialization and wealth.
What Causes Institutions to Flourish?
This is a special re-airing of an episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg taped for Venture Stories (Village Global's podcast) in 2019 . Their conversation covers the following: the distinction between invention vs. adoption of technology.
Fall of Rome with Rudyard Lynch
Today we're sharing a special episode of History 102 with Rudyard Lynch (@Whatifalthist on YouTube). Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into the critical moments and competing narratives of the fall of the Roman Empire.
China, AI, and the New Global Order
In this episode Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the current state and future state of America, China, Russia, Ukraine, energy, the US dollar, AI, Peter Zeihan, Balaji Srinivasan, and more.
Alibaba After Jack Ma & China's Economy in 2024
In this conversation, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Alibaba after Jack Ma's exit and analyze the Chinese Economy.
China vs US: Space and Frontier Technologies
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss how China's technological advancements in space exploration and quantum technology could change things around the world.
Xi Jinping's Legacy and China's Succession
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg dive deep into how Xi Jinping is shaping China's society today and its place in the world.
Tech Stagnation and What's Holding Us Back
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss tech stagnation, drawing from Peter Thiel and Tyler Cowen's theories on technological progress rates with energy consumption as a metric. They also delve into Y Combinator and Andreessen Horowitz's influence and …
Putin & Tucker, Russia, Ukraine and Poland
In this episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin, the history behind the Russia-Ukraine war and the media’s war propaganda machine. Poland's role within Europe, its political economy and emergence as a high-income nation, …
A deep dive on Big Pharma and Ozempic
In this episode Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Astra Zeneca and the dysfunction of Big Pharma, its lack of innovation and potential ramifications despite its enormous economic power, incentives behind scientific breakthroughs and the potential for improvement, truth vs …
Africa’s Geopolitics: Governance, Corruption and Global Influence
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Africa as the potential "next China," its corrupt governments, and Botswana's leadership example. The corruption driven by inflated population figures, affecting economic incentives and aid allocation. Peacemaking efforts among the Hutu …
How to Make America’s Government More Efficient
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss US government spending, regulation and the importance of strategic restructuring for improved efficiency. They cover the reasons why DARPA is a model for enhanced focus and efficiency in government teams, and discuss ways the …
China's Elite vs America's Elite
In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss China as America’s mirror.
Dynasties, Meritocracies, and Succession
On this episode of Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the key aspects of succession for the Sulzberger family of the NYTimes, Samsung Lee family, and Sweden’s Wallenberg family. They debate the values of dynastic succession and touch …
Singapore's Rise to Prosperity: The City State Strategy
In this episode of Live Players, Sam Burja and Erik Torenberg delve into an analysis of Singapore's post-colonial rise to power as a city state, how city states are more oriented towards prosperity than other kinds of states, and the …