77 episodes

Every week, Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez and frequent special guests discuss what's happening in technology, business, politics, and beyond.
Moment of Zen is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co

"Moment of Zen‪"‬ Turpentine

    • Technology
    • 4.2 • 76 Ratings

Every week, Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, Antonio Garcia Martinez and frequent special guests discuss what's happening in technology, business, politics, and beyond.
Moment of Zen is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co

    Should We Accelerate or Decelerate Tech Progress?

    Should We Accelerate or Decelerate Tech Progress?

    Today’s episode is a debate from Bankless on the opposing viewpoints of Effective Accelerationism (E/ACC) and Effective Altruism (EA). Hosted by Ryan Sean Adams and David Hoffman and featuring Haseeb Qureshi and our own Erik Torenberg, the podcast discusses whether AI progression should be cautiously regulated or aggressively pursued with minimal oversight.

    SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BEEHIIV | SQUAD

    NETSUITE
    📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.

    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. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months

    SQUAD
    💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.
    -
    Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
    Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0epyYBAxLeF0PsNagdDJAJ
    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/company-breakdowns/id1743119197

    LINKS:
    Check out: http://podcast.banklesshq.com/


    FOLLOW ON X:
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @hosseeb (Haseeb)
    @RyanSAdamsb (Ryan)
    @TrustlessState
    @BanklessHQ
    @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
    @TurpentineMedia

    --
    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Preview
    (00:43) Navigating the Tech Acceleration vs. Deceleration Debate
    (06:31) Exploring Effective Altruism (EA) and Its Impact on AI and Tech
    (08:53) The EA Perspective: Balancing AI Risk with Technological Progress
    (17:52) Sponsor: Netsuite | Beehiiv
    (20:15) Effective altruists debate AI's future impact
    (30:04) Navigating the Culture War: Accelerationism vs. Decelerationism
    (33:48) Sponsor: Squad
    (35:50) EA's Influence and the Acceleration Debate
    (37:28 )AI Regulation and the Influence of Congress
    (38:12) Crypto Tribes and the Impact of Social Media
    (39:03) The Reality of Crypto Twitter vs. Actual Influence
    (39:51) Exploring Silicon Valley's Perspective on AI and Regulation
    (41:44) The OpenAI Coup: Unpacking the Real Story
    (44:03) AI Safety vs Self-Regulation
    (46:13) Silicon Valley in AI Development and Regulation
    (59:47) The Complexities of AI Ethics and the Call for More Debate
    (1:09:15) Exploring the EA Worldview and Its Misconceptions
    (1:09:44) A Rational Approach to AI and Existential Risks
    (1:12:04) Branding and Perception Challenges of EA
    (1:12:42) EA's Beta Energy vs. Alpha Aggression
    (1:13:15) Balanced Tech Ecosystem: EA and E/ACC Synergy
    (1:18:26) Navigating the Political Landscape of AI and Technology
    (1:31:31) The Importance of a Multi-faceted Approach to AI Regulation
    (1:40:06) AI Safety, Ethics, and Accelerationism
    (1:42:22) Wrap

    • 1 hr 42 min
    The Future of Crypto, Social Platforms, and Descending the Tech Ladder with Mike Rainbow

    The Future of Crypto, Social Platforms, and Descending the Tech Ladder with Mike Rainbow

    In this episode, Mike Rainbow (co-founder of Rainbow wallet) joins Erik, Dan, and Antonio as they dive into crypto's future. The conversation was prompted by the thesis that innovative social protocols like Farcaster are co-evolving with crypto wallets as onramps or a portal to web3. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen — NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.

    SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE| HARMONIC | SQUAD
    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. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months

    📈 NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - NetSuite has extended a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks.

    🧲 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 VC during your demo.

    💥 Head to Squad to access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to https://choosesquad.com/ and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

    FOLLOW ON X:
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @mikedemarais (Mike)
    @dwr (Dan)
    @antoniogm (Antonio)
    @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
    @TurpentineMedia


    LINKS:
    Check out Rainbow: https://rainbow.me/en/

    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Exploring Crypto's Impact on Financial Intermediaries
    (01:36) Introducing Mike Rainbow: A Unique Crypto Personality
    (02:09) Massachusetts Memories and Dunkin' Donuts Dominance
    (02:46) East Coast Social Dynamics and Crypto Culture
    (04:46) The Evolution of Wallets and Social Networks in Crypto
    (06:26) Debating the Convergence of Crypto Products
    (15:00) Sponsors: Netsuite | Harmonic
    (17:18) Building Integrated Crypto Platforms Continued
    (22:15) The Future of Messaging and Composability in Crypto
    (27:30) Exploring Group Chat Dynamics and App Adoption
    (28:13) The Evolution of Transaction Frames in Crypto
    (30:37) Sponsor: Squad
    (32:02) Innovations and Challenges in Transaction Frames
    (36:29) Deep Dive into Frame Technology and Developer Challenges
    (41:39) The Future of Frames and Web3 Standards
    (46:51) Demographic Shifts and Future Directions for Farcaster
    (53:49) Wrap

    • 54 min
    Bryan Johnson on AI, (New) Religion, and God

    Bryan Johnson on AI, (New) Religion, and God

    Bryan Johnson joins Antonio Garcia Martinez and Erik Torenberg on Moment of Zen to discuss the deeper spiritual beliefs behind the "Don't Die" movement in the face of AI and the inadequacy of human clock speed. They cover religions as death cults, long-termism vs engineering your own longevity, and Bryan's recent interview on Tucker Carlson.

    If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - now through April 15th NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program.


    SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | HARMONIC | SQUAD
    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.  🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.

    NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen - now through April 15th NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program.

    🧲 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 VC during your demo.

    💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

    FOLLOW ON X:
    @bryan_johnson (Bryan)
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @agm.eth (Antonio)
    @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
    @TurpentineMedia


    LINKS:
    Bryan Johnson on Tucker Carlson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr4E0jEjQMM

    Bryan Johnson's Blueprint/ Don't Die: https://protocol.bryanjohnson.com/DONT-DIE-by-Zero

    Book recommendation: The Postmortal by Drew Magary https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10673576-the-postmortal

    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Opening Banter
    (00:19) Bryan's Tucker Carlson Interview
    (01:19) Long-Termism
    (02:24) The 25th Century Perspective
    (07:56) Navigating the Future with AI and the Network State
    (09:40) Sponsor: Netsuite | Squad
    (12:11) The 'Don't Die' Philosophy and Its Implications
    (15:47) The Blade Runner Fallacy
    (18:39) Using Algorithms to Optimize Your Personal Life
    (22:39) Redefining Civilization in the Age of AI
    (25:50) On Mortality and Future Civilization
    (32:22) Exploring Existential Crises and the Role of Faith
    (33:45) The Identity Crisis in Modern Society
    (36:08) Technology and Tradition: A Surprising Harmony
    (38:04) Future of AI and Its Impact on Society
    (38:56) Navigating the Unpredictable Future
    (45:32) The Philosophical Debate on Existence and Survival
    (1:02:14) Reimagining Human Experience in a Post-Death World
    (1:04:28) Wrap

    • 1 hr 5 min
    Crypto, Memes, and Politics with Li Jin

    Crypto, Memes, and Politics with Li Jin

    Li Jin joins Erik Torenberg, Dan Romero, and Antonio Garcia Martinez. Li is the co-founder of Variant Fund and a prolific writer. This episode dives deep into crypto, web3, memecoins, and the attention economy thesis. They cover the direction of techno-capitalism and its impact on politics, decentralization, and the cultural differences between American and European value systems. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - now through April 15th NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program.


    SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | SQUAD
    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.  🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.

    NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.

    💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

    RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Turpentine Finance
    Host Sasha Orloff (3x Founder & CEO) is joined by top founders and finance leaders at high growth tech companies who share how they navigated huge make-or-break decisions, rode inflection points, and architected success. If you want to learn the mental models and tactics top business leaders and CFOs, subscribe below. Debut episode features Casey Woo unpacking his wild ride managing billions in budgets at WeWork – arguably one of the craziest capital stories ever.

    Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5BflNhFxxLjqT2RA47352G
    Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1704418764


    FOLLOW ON X:
    @ljin18 (Li)
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @dwr (Dan)
    @agm.eth (Antonio)
    @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
    @TurpentineMedia

    LINKS:
    Li Jin: https://li-jin.co/about/
    Variant Fund: https://variant.fund/

    TIMESTAMPSL
    (00:00) Adding Ukraine to NATO
    (01:30) Peace in Ukraine?
    (05:16) On the Attention Economy
    (10:16) Meme Coins and Attention Valuation
    (14:23) Sponsor: NetSuite | Squad
    (17:38) Meme Coins Continued
    (23:51) Marxism
    (33:05) Exploring the Power Structure and Social Tensions
    (34:10) The Managerial Elite and Bourgeoisie Capitalism
    (36:12) Perspectives on Europe and Innovation
    (44:16) Crypto's Role in Society: Egalitarian or Hierarchical?
    (57:35) Attention Economy and Memetics
    (59:28) Wrap

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Curtis Yarvin on How to Build the Next NYT and Advice for Elon

    Curtis Yarvin on How to Build the Next NYT and Advice for Elon

    Curtis Yarvin returns to Moment of Zen to talk media, regime change, censorship, and the future role of platforms like X and Reddit in reputation capital structures. If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen — now through April 15th NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program.

    SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | SQUAD
    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.  🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.

    NetSuite provides financial software for all your business needs. More than 37,000 thousand companies have already upgraded to NetSuite, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and receive one-of-a-kind flexible financing program until April 15th.

    💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

    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:
    Turpentine Finance  
    Host Sasha Orloff (3x Founder & CEO) is joined by top founders and finance leaders at high growth tech companies who share how they navigated huge make-or-break decisions, rode inflection points, and architected success. If you want to learn the mental models and tactics top business leaders and CFOs, subscribe below. Debut episode features Casey Woo unpacking his wild ride managing billions in budgets at WeWork – arguably one of the craziest capital stories ever.

    Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5BflNhFxxLjqT2RA47352G 
    Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1704418764
    -
    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=18377c69a2804333
    Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836

    LINKS:
    Curtis Yarvin's Writing: https://graymirror.substack.com/

    FOLLOW ON X:
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @curtis_yarvin (Curtis)
    @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
    @TurpentineMedia

    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Preview
    (01:54) Yarvin vs Hanania Debate
    (05:19) Roadmap to Building the New Regime
    (06:59) Militias and Building a New Regime Within an Existing One
    (12:10) Journalism and Intelligence in Shaping Regimes
    (15:00) Sponsor: Netsuite | Turpentine
    (16:47) Founding State Media for the Next Regime
    (23:42) Maximizing Trust and Engagement
    (45:14) Elite Seduction in Media Influence
    (55:21) Concept of a "Truth Machine"
    (59:59) Regime Change and the Role of Media
    (1:05:21) Advice to Elon Musk
    (1:13:20) Reimagining Twitter's Role and Impact
    (1:29:13) Authority and Power in Media
    (1:38:04) Wrap

    • 1 hr 39 min
    Dune/Napoleon, Apple/Microsoft, TikTok, Polyamory, and Aella’s Legacy

    Dune/Napoleon, Apple/Microsoft, TikTok, Polyamory, and Aella’s Legacy

    In this episode, Dan, Erik and Antonio discuss Don Lemon’s interview with Elon Musk, the Dune 2 and Napoleon releases, polyamory, the Apple antitrust case, and fatherly advice. Happy birthday Antonio! If you're looking for an ERP platform, check out NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen -- now through April 15th NetSuite is offering a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program.


    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=18377c69a2804333
    Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836.
    _

    SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | NETSUITE | SQUAD
    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.  🐝to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.

    NetSuite has 25 years of providing financial software for all your business needs. More than 36,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, gaining visibility and control over their financials, inventory, HR, eCommerce, and more. If you’re looking for an ERP platform head to NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/zen and download your own customized KPI checklist.

    💥 Access global engineering without the headache and at a fraction of the cost: head to choosesquad.com and mention “Turpentine” to skip the waitlist.

    FOLLOW ON X:
    @eriktorenberg (Erik)
    @dwr (Dan)
    @agm.eth (Antonio)
    @moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
    @TurpentineMedia

    --
    TIMESTAMPS:
    (00:00) Don Lemon's Interview with Elon Musk
    (02:48) The Media Shift and the Decline of Slow Journalism
    (06:37) On Public Figures and Platforms
    (11:58) Fatherly Advice
    (17:10) Sponsor - Netsuite | Turpentine
    (24:58) Napoleon's Portrayal in Ridley Scott's Film
    (34:37) Dune 2 commentary
    (41:48) Who liked David Lynch's Adaptation of Dune?
    (43:57) The Evolution of Movie-Going: From Digital to Analog Luxury
    (45:33) Polyamory Discourse
    (48:37) Microsoft, Apple, and Antitrust Laws
    (56:57) The TikTok Conundrum
    (1:03:31) Age, Diet, and Digital Sabbaths
    (1:11:46) Aella’s Legacy: Free Speech, Polyamory, and Creator Economy
    (1:14:33) Wrap

    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.

    • 1 hr 15 min

Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5
76 Ratings

76 Ratings

OpinionMinion99 ,

Missing points on purpose or just chicken?

Eric and Dan are smart dudes who dive into deep discussions, and I'm almost fan. Sometimes, I stick around for their lively debates, but other times, I'm waiting for the inevitable trainwreck of a take. They make great points peppered w glaring blind spots. They seem to see themselves as thought leaders having robust, debates, but their thoughts aren’t diverse anywhere where it might matter.

They could benefit from more balanced discussions with different voices challenging their ideas. They say they appreciate opposing views, but it often feels like they're just confirming their own beliefs. Their intelligence sometimes comes off as political spin, and they seem hesitant to face tough challenges from outsiders.

Despite all this, I'll keep tuning in because I like them but also enjoy thinking about how freely they say some things they’ll be certain to regret. They are my podcast version of know-it-all little brothers. No need to fight with them when you know their day is coming.

AH_12 ,

Getting Better!!

First few episodes sounded like a tech bros locker room conversation - was pretty average

Now less bro-y, less swearing, great guests, and highly intellectual. It’s quickly become one of my favorite podcasts

PensFan40 ,

Anthropologically Fascinating

10 years from now this may very well be a key text to understanding how the American tech sector came to embrace some truly heinous reactionary views and became a loyal ally of the authoritarian “new right.” Come for the half-cooked grand unified theories of science, medicine, and political philosophy, stay for casual denigration of minorities and trans people, fawning tributes to authoritarian regimes, and mocking dismissal of any commentary on the turn towards exclusionist white chauvinism in American politics. That’s leaving out other incredible takes like the need for tech to have its own version of Mussolini’s black shirts, to name one example. It would be funny if the hosts and guests were not as powerful and/or wealthy as they are. They’ll mock me for this but all I can say is the audits of their crypto “enterprises” can’t go far enough and someday I really hope they’re subjected to FDR-era marginal tax rates. Bleak!

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