Infinite Loops
Every Thursday, join Jim O'Shaughnessy and his favorite people as they arm you with the tools & fresh perspectives required to upgrade your HumanOS and thrive in our messy, probabilistic world. Visit our Substack at newsletter.osv.llc for full transcripts, highlights, weekly doses of timeless wisdom, and a bounty of other goodies designed to make you go, "Hmm that’s interesting!"
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Rupert Sheldrake — On Scientism, Morphic Resonance and the Extended Mind (Infinite Loops CLASSICS)
07/03/2025
Rupert Sheldrake — On Scientism, Morphic Resonance and the Extended Mind (Infinite Loops CLASSICS)
Hello everyone, Jim here. We're taking a brief two-week break from new episodes to spotlight a couple of golden oldies from the Infinite Loops archive. Years later, these remain some of my favorite conversations. We’ll be back soon with fresh episodes, but in the meantime, enjoy this trip back to February 2024, when we welcomed the one and only Rupert Sheldrake. _________________ Rupert Sheldrake is a biologist and author of 9 books and over 100 scientific papers. A critic of what he sees as the scientific establishment’s dogmatic dedication to materialism, he is perhaps best known for his theory of “morphic resonance,” via which information and activity can be transferred across space and time. Rupert joins the show to discuss being branded a heretic, how to test for telepathy, his advice for young scientists, and MUCH more! Important Links: ; by Rupert Sheldrake ; by Rupert Sheldrake ; by Rupert Sheldrake ; by Rupert Sheldrake (Journal of Consciousness Studies) Show Notes: The Apostate of Scientism The Origins of Scientism How to Achieve a Phase Change in the Sciences Testing for Telepathy & Incentivizing Intuition Structural Resistance to Panpsychism When Science Gets Personal Loosening the Grip of Determinism Advice for Young Scientists Rupert as Emperor of the World MORE! Books & Articles Mentioned: The Science Delusion; by Rupert Sheldrake New Science of Life; by Rupert Sheldrake Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home: And Other Unexplained Powers of Animals; by Rupert Sheldrake Is The Sun Conscious?; by Rupert Sheldrake The New Inquisition: Irrational Rationalism and the Citadel of Science; by Robert Anton Wilson Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters; by Steven Pinker The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature; by Steven Pinker Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures; by Merlin Sheldrake The End of Faith; by Sam Harris The Fifth Science; by Exurb1a What the Tortoise Said to Achilles; by Lewis Carroll Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance; by Robert M. Pirsig The (Mis)Behaviour of Markets: A Fractal View of Risk, Ruin and Reward; by Benoit B. Mandelbrot & Richard L. Hudson The Structure of Scientific Revolutions; by Thomas Kuhn
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Aaron Stupple & Logan Chipkin — The Sovereign Child: Liberating Kids from the Tyranny of Rules
06/26/2025
Aaron Stupple & Logan Chipkin — The Sovereign Child: Liberating Kids from the Tyranny of Rules
What if everything we think we know about raising children is not just wrong, but actively harmful? Aaron Stupple and Logan Chipkin, authors of "The Sovereign Child," join Infinite Loops to make a case so compelling and radical that it challenges the very foundation of modern parenting and education. From birth, we're told that children need rules, structure, and authority to thrive. But what if this approach is crushing their natural creativity, problem-solving abilities, and authentic self-development? Stupple and Chipkin argue that children are people—full stop. They have reasons, preferences, and the capacity to make decisions about their own lives, yet we systematically ignore this reality in favor of compliance and control. We dive deep into their concept of the "foul four"—the four devastating ways that imposing non-consensual rules damages children's relationships with themselves, their parents, problem-solving itself, and their understanding of how to navigate the world. From the arbitrary nature of bedtimes to the deeper psychological damage of forcing gratitude and politeness, this conversation will make you question every "because I said so" moment in your childhood and parenting. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone interested in human flourishing, this episode offers a radically different lens through which to view childhood, autonomy, and what it means to raise great adults. Important Links: Show Notes: Opening & The Radical Quote The Childhood Inversion Problem False Dichotomy: Control vs. Neglect AI Steel-manning the Opposition Edge Cases and Prohibition Parallels Podcast Host Reactions & Food Wars Evolutionary Food Arguments Raising Great Adults Scaling Challenges & Sleep Dilemmas Market Opportunities & Historical Context Why Alternative Schools Didn’t Scale The Foul Four Explained Game Rules vs. Imposed Rules Etiquette, Manners & Sibling Conflicts The Bully Problem & Popper’s Paradox Class and Economics Arguments Rules Built on Sand Falsification & Moral Philosophy Conformity, Culture & Progress Emotional Intelligence & Propaganda Self-Silencing & Social Dynamics The School Persona Revelation Emperor of the World Matilda & Closing Thoughts Books Mentioned: The Sovereign Child: How a Forgotten Philosophy Can Liberate Kids and Their Parents (Aaron Stupple with Logan Chipkin) Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Dr. Robert Cialdini) The Open Society and Its Enemies (Karl Popper) What the Tortoise Said to Achilles (Lewis Carroll) No Country for Old Men (Cormac McCarthy) One Summer: America 1927 (Bill Bryson) Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll) Matilda (Roald Dahl) Authors Mentioned: Jed McKenna Jonathan Haidt Edward Bernays Robert Solomon David Deutsch
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Nadia Asparouhova — An Antimemetic Rollercoaster
06/19/2025
Nadia Asparouhova — An Antimemetic Rollercoaster
Nadia Asparouhova, author of "Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading," joins me for a fascinating exploration of why some ideas go viral while others—often the most important ones—resist transmission entirely. We dive into antimemes, Curtis Yarvin's journey from being canceled to becoming mainstream, St. Paul as history's ultimate memetic engineer, and why "Don't Mess with Texas" became a masterpiece of viral messaging. Plus her current research on advanced meditation techniques, internet dynamics, and MUCH MORE! Important Links: Show Notes: Nadia’s fall into the Antimemetics Rabbithole Girardian Theory vs. Antimemetics The Story of Curtis Yarvin How Subcultures Form and Coalesce Engineering Supermemes Why Maxims are Compressed Memes The History of Antimemes Truth Tellers and Meme Spreading Gaining Immunity from Memetic Viruses Nadia’s Jhana Journey Nadia as Empress of the World Books Mentioned: Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading; by Nadia Asparouhova Virus of the Mind; by Richard Brodie There Is No Antimemetics Division; by qntm Steal This Book; by Abbie Hoffman Collective Illusions; by Todd Rose How to Change Your Mind; by Michael Pollan Thank You for Smoking; by Christopher Buckley Last Chance to See; by Douglas Adams
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Miyoba Hamuhuma and Israel Balogun — Grassroots Solutions for Africa’s Impoverished Youth (EP.272)
06/12/2025
Miyoba Hamuhuma and Israel Balogun — Grassroots Solutions for Africa’s Impoverished Youth (EP.272)
I’m joined today by two remarkable men I met through the O’Shaughnessy Fellowships and Grants program. Israel Balogun was homeless and illiterate until the age of 22. Now, he leads a Nigerian youth rehabilitation nonprofit for street kids and is building a self-sustaining village for 200 out-of-school children with the support of an OSV Fellowship. Miyoba Hamuhuma lost both parents by 12 and battled polio as a child. Now he runs Enlight Abilities, a Zambian organization advocating for inclusive education and economic dignity for children with disabilities and their families, backed by an OSV Grant. “Inspiring” is overused nowadays, but here, it barely does them justice. As well as digging into their stories, we explore how personal pain became public mission, how grassroots enablement beats top-down intervention, and why they believe rewriting destiny begins with changing who gets seen, who gets supported, and who gets to dream. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: First Goodnight in 12 Years How OSV Helped to Build a Home for Street Kids The Street King – Reclaiming Agency The Dignity of Choice Microenterprise for the Mothers Rethinking the Street Kid Stigma Inclusion is Not a Luxury, It is a Necessity Trust over Control: We help the kids Lead We seek to enable and empower Emperors of the World $10 = 30 bricks = Home for a Street Child
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Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell — Speculations in Post-Materialism (EP.271)
06/05/2025
Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell — Speculations in Post-Materialism (EP.271)
Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell, neuropsychiatrist and author of "The ESP Enigma," joins me for a mind-bending exploration of consciousness, savant abilities, and the limitations of materialist science. Trained at Johns Hopkins under a neurologist-turned-psychiatrist, Diane has spent decades investigating phenomena that challenge our fundamental assumptions about how the brain works. We dive deep into why the scientific establishment reacts so emotionally to consciousness research, her fascinating work with autistic savants, and why she believes the brain functions as a navigation tool for consciousness rather than its creator. This is one of those conversations that might just upgrade your entire worldview. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!,” check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: Dr. Powell’s Journey through Science Early Interest in Savants Filter Failure and Consciousness Why People Reject Obvious Data Why are Savants different from Neurotypical People? The Sheep Goat Effect in Parapsychology The Brain as a Navigational Tool Improving our own Intuition and Focus Dr. Diane’s work on Twins Speculations in Post-Materialism Dr. Diane as Empress of the World Books Mentioned: The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat; by Oliver Sacks The ESP Enigma; by Diane Hennacy Powell What Is Life? The Physical Aspect of the Living Cell; by Erwin Schrödinger Mind Over Back Pain; by Dr. John Sarno
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Todd Rose — Are We Living in the Truman Show? (EP.270)
05/29/2025
Todd Rose — Are We Living in the Truman Show? (EP.270)
Todd Rose, co-founder and CEO of Populace and author of books including "Collective Illusions" and "The End of Average," joins the show to discuss the science behind collective illusions and their impact on society. We explore why so many Americans self-silence, the dangers of conformity, and how one person can spark change. Todd and I are simpatico on… pretty much everything! So this was a fun one. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!,” check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: Are We Living in the Truman Show? The Danger of Self-Silencing How to Know What People REALLY Think Why We Are Suckers For Groupthink Social Media: Why Bots Are Everywhere Why Persuasion is the Wrong Strategy for Fighting Collective Illusions There is More Social Trust in America Than You Think How We Can Fight Collective Illusions The Human Need to Be Understood Steelmanning & the Popperian Solution The Role of Fiction The Dawn of a New Era? Todd as World Emperor Books Mentioned: Collective Illusions; by Todd Rose The End of Average; by Todd Rose The Power of the Powerless (essay); by Václav Havel Troubled; by Rob Henderson The Idea Factory; by Jon Gertner Theory of Moral Sentiments; by Adam Smith The Wealth of Nations; by Adam Smith ; by Tinkered Thinking The Guns of August; by Barbara Tuchman
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Charles Beames — Welcome to the Second Space Race (EP.269)
05/22/2025
Charles Beames — Welcome to the Second Space Race (EP.269)
Aerospace investor and York Space Systems chairman Chuck Beames joins me for a fascinating discussion on the commercial space revolution and the future of satellite security. A retired Air Force colonel with over 20 years experience as a space and intelligence officer, Chuck brings unparalleled expertise to our conversation about what many are calling "the second space race”. We explore how America can leverage her free-market strengths, why ‘zero trust’ protocols could revolutionize cybersecurity, the military origins of GPS, and why Space Force needs a streamlined procurement approach. I hope you enjoy this insightful conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: The Second Space Race The Zero Trust Approach and ‘Secure By Design’ GPS as a Military Technology The Space Force is dealing with Multiple Complex Adaptive Systems New Paradigms in Satellite Design What VCs and Bankers Need to know about the Space Community Wargaming with AIs and Humans Laser Spoofing and Adversarial AIs Establishing Supply Chain Sovereignty Open Organizational Cultures Chuck’s Lessons from Woodworking The Job of an Executive Chairman Chuck as World Emperor
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Natasha Joukovsky — On Recursion, Status Games & Manufactured Nonchalance (EP.268)
05/15/2025
Natasha Joukovsky — On Recursion, Status Games & Manufactured Nonchalance (EP.268)
Strategy consultant turned writer Natasha Joukovsky joins me to discuss why bourgeois comfort is more conducive to writing than you think, why choice-plots make for better fiction, the eyerolling prevalence of manufactured nonchalance, our shared distaste for Atlantis Bahamas, and MUCH more! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: “You can do everything, just not at the same time” It’s Recursion All the Way Down Pretending to Read vs Actually Reading Manufactured Nonchalance as a Status Signal Counter-Signalling, Fake-Famous & Jim’s Cursed Trip to Atlantis Bahamas On No-Choice Plots & Writing in Service of Beauty The Self-Deception of Status Hunting Why Bourgeois Comfort is More Conducive to Art Than You Think Natasha’s Next Book “We don’t do auctions” Natasha as World Empress Books Mentioned: The Portrait of a Mirror; by Natasha Joukovsky The novels of Jane Austen Status Anxiety; by Alain de Botton The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock (poem); by T.S. Eliot Class: A Guide Through the American Status System; by Paul Fussell Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid; by Douglas R. Hofstadter Ulysses; by James Joyce Metamorphosis; by Franz Kafka Beloved; by Toni Morrison In Search of Lost Time (Remembrance of Things Past); by Marcel Proust Collective Illusions; by Todd Rose The Status Game; by Will Storr Anna Karenina; by Leo Tolstoy The Theory of the Leisure Class; by Thorstein Veblen A Little Life; by Hanya Yanagihara
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Tiago Forte — Unlocking the Power of the Annual Review (Ep. 267)
05/08/2025
Tiago Forte — Unlocking the Power of the Annual Review (Ep. 267)
I’ve said before that one of the best parts of hosting Infinite Loops is the chance to connect with people who consistently make me think differently — and few do that quite like Tiago Forte. Tiago Forte joins Infinite Loops for the first time, and within minutes we closed the door on his best-selling “Building A Second Brain” and were off to the races: from digitizing 50,000+ words of personal data to build an AI-powered life coach, to the emotional intelligence hiding inside envy, to the surprising lessons he learned walking through a tiny historical museum in Coconut Grove. We also dig into the messy magic of identity shifts, how fit dads triggered a personal transformation, and why letting go of productivity-as-performance might be the most productive thing you can do. Plus: the power of NotebookLM, building AI-native systems of self-awareness, and why the future will belong to those who embrace the one-way door. Unsurprisingly, this was a fun one. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: (YouTube) Show Notes: Closing the Door on Second Brain The Power of the Annual Review Tiago's Family: Incredibly Vibrant, Visual, Auditory Incorporating AI Into Work & Life Joe Hudson: Mentorship and Emotional Intelligence Miami: The Most Introspective Place on Earth Irreversible Decisions Archival Material: Underrated Forcing Function The Future of Book Publishing The Hard Truth on Performance Reviews AI Skepticism & Building Moats AI-First Mentality for Early Adopters Learning From Sci-Fi Books Cumulative Cultural Evolution Tiago as Emperor of the World Books Mentioned: Building A Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential; by Tiago Forte The PARA Method: Simplify, Organize, and Master Your Digital Life; by Tiago Forte How Emotions are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain; by Lisa Feldman Barrett Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World; by Anne-Laure Le Cunff Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned; by Kenneth O. Stanley and Joel Lehman Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine; by Candace B. Pert What Works on Wall Street; by Jim O’Shaughnessy The Beginning of Infinity; by David Deutsch One Summer: America, 1927; by Bill Bryson White Mirror; by Tinkered Thinking The Forever War; by Joe Halderman
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Nir Eyal — The Psychology of Addictive Products (EP.266)
05/01/2025
Nir Eyal — The Psychology of Addictive Products (EP.266)
Author, speaker, founder, investor and behavioral design maestro Nir Eyal joins me for his second appearance on the show. Today, we dig into Nir’s first book, “Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products.” We also discuss the difference between coercion and persuasion, AI’s use case as our personal Jiminy Cricket and MUCH more! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: What Makes Silicon Valley’s Tech Products So Sticky? The Morality of Manipulation The Perils of Legalized Gambling Twitter is for Journalists and Nerds AI for Behavioural Design Believing in our own Agency On Labels and Limiting Identities Pills Don’t Teach Skills The Power of an Internal Locus of Control Escaping Discomfort & Getting Hooked AI as a Self-Directed Personal Tutor Nir As Emperor of the World Books Mentioned: Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products; by Nir Eyal Influence; by Robert Cialdini Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life; by John Kaag
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Nathan Baschez — On AI Writing, Thought Design & Solo Foundership (EP.265)
04/24/2025
Nathan Baschez — On AI Writing, Thought Design & Solo Foundership (EP.265)
Nathan Baschez is the cofounder and CEO of Lex, an AI word-processor. He also cofounded Every, was the first employee at Substack AND co-created Product Hunt. Suffice to say, Nathan knows a thing or two about building on the internet. He joins the show to discuss how AI is changing writing, why it’s time to rethink the article, the rise of solo founders and MUCH more. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: Lex: Your Spotter In the Writing Gym Letting People Into Your Creative Process Collaboration-as-a-Service Creation Is Fundamentally About Choices What Will Become of the AI Holdouts? AI Is Like the Internet In 1995 Can AI Unfuck the Government? Blindspots While Working In Organizations Rethinking The ‘Article’ As A Medium Memes Are Dense Information Packets It’s Time for Solo Founders Why Learning About Cumulative Cultural Evolution Is Vital What’s Next for Lex? Writing As A Way To Design Thoughts Nathan As World Emperor Books Mentioned: A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life; by George Saunders The WEIRDest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous; by Joseph Henrich The Secret of Our Success: How Culture Is Driving Human Evolution, Domesticating Our Species, and Making Us Smarter; by Joseph Henrich
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Tommy Potter — Building the CIA for Entrepreneurs (EP.264)
04/17/2025
Tommy Potter — Building the CIA for Entrepreneurs (EP.264)
Young, polymathic, and full of energy — Tommy Potter is on a quest to build a “CIA for Entrepreneurs.” He calls it “The Power Hour” — a startup community in Michigan that hosts dropouts, undergrads and PhDs across many industries: enterprise, consumer, CPG, aviation, gaming, robotics and AR/VR, as they work together to build cool projects. I had a great time chatting with Tommy as we spoke about non-linear career paths, embracing authenticity, working with dazzling, delusional people and more! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: Tommy’s Origin Story Using The Third Door Lessons from Documenting the Homeless Can We Ever Be Our Authentic Self? What Traits Tommy Looks for in People Bringing Delusional People Together The East Coast - West Coast Bubbles Being a ‘Weirdo Broker’ Process Over Outcomes. Serendipity Over Itinerary. Different Personalities in Public vs. Private Markets The Importance of Learning People Life Isn’t a Highlight Reel - Live It All Tommy As World Emperor Books Mentioned: The Third Door: The Mindset of Success; by Alex Banayan One-upmanship; by Stephen Potter Class: Style and Status in the USA; by Paul Fussell Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America; by Chris Arnade The Science of Getting Rich; by Wallace D. Wattles The Act of Creation; by Arthur Koestler
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Alex Danco — On Strollers, Slop & Citizen Kane (EP.263)
04/10/2025
Alex Danco — On Strollers, Slop & Citizen Kane (EP.263)
Shopify Product Director Alex Danco returns for his NINTH appearance on the show — and he comes in hot. As you’ll hear, I didn’t even get a chance to introduce him before he launched into his take on what everyone gets wrong about Citizen Kane. We also unpack the performance art of parenting, why dinner parties are the new status signals, the difference between meme and slop culture and MUCH more. Unsurprisingly, this was a fun one. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Twitter: Substack: Website: Previous episode: Show Notes: What EVERYONE gets wrong about Citizen Kane Jim’s hardest interview question Elon & Lutnick: clash of the cartoons The status hierarchy of baby strollers What happened to Yuval Noah Harari? (With a diversion via digital girlfriends and North Korean crypto hackers) Dinner parties as status signals Parenting as performative art History’s greatest memers Infinite Jest: the sequel (an Alex Danco & Jim O’Shaughnessy production) GIF culture vs AI slop From “code is capital” to “code is labour” “Did I mention that I dropped out of Stamford?” From Clint Eastwood to Cloud Atlas MORE! Books, Articles & Films Mentioned: Two Thoughts: A Timeless Collection of Infinite Wisdom; by Jim O'Shaughnessy and Vatsal Kaushik Finnegans Wake; by James Joyce Invest Like the Best; by Jim O'Shaughnessy Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind; by Yuval Noah Harari Underwriters of the United States: How Insurance Shaped the American Founding; by Hannah Farber The Magic Mountain; by Thomas Mann ; by Venkatesh Rao ; by Alex Danco Cloud Atlas; by David Mitchell Citizen Kane; directed by Orson Welles F for Fake; directed by Orson Welles My Dinner with Andre; directed by Louis Malle Letters from Iwo Jima; directed by Clint Eastwood Million Dollar Baby; directed by Clint Eastwood Fawlty Towers (TV show) Absolutely Fabulous (TV Show)
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Vizi Andrei — The Way of the Tinkerer (EP.262)
04/03/2025
Vizi Andrei — The Way of the Tinkerer (EP.262)
My guest today is my former teammate Vizi Andrei, founder of The Sovereign Artist program and author of Sovereign Artist: Meditations on Lifestyle Design. Vizi’s journey has been anything but conventional. After dabbling in various creative projects, he realized that the internet offers a unique opportunity: the freedom to take countless small risks without catastrophic consequences. He built The Sovereign Artist program to help creators step away from the toxic hustle culture and build sustainable, meaningful lives rooted in creativity, deep work, and sacred leisure. His insights into Slow Living, the Sicilian Dream, and embracing experimentation over optimization can help one break free from comparison traps. He joins me to discuss the dangers of chasing unrealistic benchmarks of success, the myths of modern productivity, how to unlock creative freedom, and MUCH more! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our Substack. Important Links: Show Notes: Is procrastination a signal for something bigger? The Sicilian Dream: challenging the hustle culture The Pursuit of Busyness The rise of the pseudo-entrepreneur Are we taking the internet for granted? The outlier obsession can kill your creative potential Are your goals your own? or borrowed from prepackaged societal narratives? Drunk with too many choices Crossing the bridge of nihilism The art of boredom: slow living might just be the answer Knowledge is existential; energy is everything MORE! Books Mentioned: Sovereign Artist: Meditations on Lifestyle Design; by Vizi Andrei The Pathless Path: Imagining a New Story for Work and Life; by Paul Millerd Status Anxiety; by Alain de Botton The Soul of the World; by Roger Scruton Escolios to an Implicit Text; by Nicolás Gómez Dávila Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder; by Nassim Taleb The Infinity of Lists; by Umberto Eco The Myth of the Eternal Return; by Mircea Eliade Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine; by Derren Brown
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Barry Ritholtz — Make Fewer Errors, Make More Money (EP.261)
03/27/2025
Barry Ritholtz — Make Fewer Errors, Make More Money (EP.261)
My friend Barry Ritholtz has spent his career being an astute market observer, investigating behavioral finance and data analytics. He runs Ritholtz Wealth Management which has been named ETF Advisor of the Year, Financial Times Top 300 Advisors, and one of America’s fastest-growing RIAs. He’s also the host of Masters in Business, Bloomberg Radio’s most popular podcast (50+ million streams/downloads), which he started way back in 2014. In his new book, How Not To Invest, Barry emphasizes how avoiding rookie mistakes can significantly help you do better financially. He blends engaging stories with data-driven insights, and explores overlooked aspects of behavioral finance, psychology and the market. Reading his book is like having a casual drink with an experienced, wise, and honest friend. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: How Amateurs Win Managing Emotions When the Market Goes Down If You Can't Afford a Financial Advisor Yet… Notable Financial Innovations Barry’s Transition from a Trader to an Investor Varieties of Investor Personas What To Do When Randomness Derails Your Plans Finding Your Own Maintainable Processes Having Reliable Information Sources Barry As World Emperor Books Mentioned: How Not to Invest: The Ideas, Numbers, and Behaviors That Destroy Wealth - And How to Avoid Them; by Barry Ritholtz Winning the Loser’s Game; by Charley Ellis How We Know What Isn't So: The Fallibility of Human Reason in Everyday Life; by Thomas Gilovich
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Jason Carman — Filmmaking at the Frontier (EP.260)
03/20/2025
Jason Carman — Filmmaking at the Frontier (EP.260)
The relentlessly prolific Jason Carman is making the films our culture needs: optimistic, inspiring and positioned at the frontiers of modern tech and science. In under two years, he has shipped more than 70 high-quality mini-documentaries exploring the startups shaping the future, racking up over 130,000 YouTube subscribers along the way. His new venture, Story Company, premiered “New Space”, its 100+ minute-long exploration of the modern space industry, to a packed San Francisco theater this year. Story Company has multiple projects in the pipeline, including a full-length sci-fi feature. Ultimately, he intends to create a new generation of sci-fi films: a Star Wars for the 21st century. I love Jason’s ambition, drive and enthusiasm (not to mention his filmmaking chops), which is why we awarded him a $100k O’Shaughnessy Fellowship last year. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: How Jason fell in love with filmmaking Laziness as an edge How to build a good team How to fix Hollywood Frontier Films: a new category of movie From science-fact to science-fiction Finding the right infinite loops The roots of the idea of America A Complete Unknown: Jason’s slideshow & Bob Dylan’s anti-authoritarianism Getting woo on Tenet’s Sator square How do you know when a movie is finished? The fragility of the artist We are all co-creators Jason as World Emperor MORE! Books Mentioned: I Am a Strange Loop; by Douglas Hofstadter The Genius of the Beast: A Radical Re-Vision of Capitalism; by Howard Bloom One Summer: America 1927; by Bill Bryson The Hypomanic Edge: What Built America; by John D. Gartner The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; by Douglas Adams Movies Mentioned: (directed by Jason Carman) Flow (directed by Gints Zilbalodis) My Dinner With Andre (directed by Louis Malle) Star Wars (directed by George Lucas) A Complete Unknown (directed by James Mangold) Tenet (directed by Christopher Nolan) Dune: Part Two (directed by Denis Villeneuve)
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Anne-Laure Le Cunff — Experiment Your Way to a Better Life (EP.259)
03/13/2025
Anne-Laure Le Cunff — Experiment Your Way to a Better Life (EP.259)
My guest today is Anne-Laure Le Cunff, founder of Ness Labs and author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World. On paper, Anne-Laure had it all: top grades, a high-flying job at Google, and a life that seemed to hit all the markers of success. But something was off. No matter how “traditionally” successful she became, she felt… “empty.” So, she decided to do something about it. A neuroscience PhD, 100,000+ newsletter subscribers, and a newly published book later, she’s developed a new model of success — one built around conducting “tiny experiments” that help her build a life on her own terms. She joins me to discuss how we get trapped in cognitive scripts, the hidden dangers of productivity culture, how we can experiment our way to a better life and MUCH more! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: How do you know you are bored out? People who love us the most might turn out to be our biggest blockers Don't confuse activity with effectiveness We will do virtually anything to gain what is really an illusion of control The map is not the territory, the menu is not the meal. And yet, words are magic spells. The Winner’s Script and the Loser’s Script "You got to run at the top speed if you just want to stay in place.” Let go of the linear and replace it with the loop- a more cyclical approach for growth Can you sit alone in a room for 15 minutes? Procrastination is just a signal from your brain that something is not quite working right now We know nothing AI is a rocket ship for the mind In 100 years, nobody will remember you Books Mentioned: Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned; by Ken Stanley Thinking in Bets; by Annie Duke Collective Illusions; by Todd Rose Maybe Logic; by Robert Anton Wilson Beginning of Infinity; by David Deutsch Science and Sanity: An Introduction to Non-Aristotelian Systems and General Semantics; by Alfred Korzybski The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human and How to Tell Them Better; by Will Storr
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Gabriel Kennedy — The Life and Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson (EP.258)
03/06/2025
Gabriel Kennedy — The Life and Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson (EP.258)
If you’ve heard me speak for more than five minutes you’ve probably caught me dropping a Robert Anton Wilson reference (or several). Wilson is one of the most interesting (and underappreciated) writers I’ve ever come across — a Nostradamus for modern times. I was delighted to sit down with Gabriel Kennedy, author of the excellent biography Chapel Perilous: The Life and Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson. I could talk about this stuff for days, and we had a blast discussing Wilson’s ideas, influence and impact. Consider it a beginner’s guide to avoiding cosmic schmuckery. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: ; by Gabriel Kennedy ; by Jim O’Shaughnessy Show Notes: The most interesting man of the last fifty years? How can we escape chapel perilous? The anti-determinist, rock & roll philosophy of Bob Wilson Tune in: a 30 minute masterclass on the influences, ideas and impact of Robert Anton Wilson How to avoid becoming a cosmic schmuck Who influenced Wilson the most? Why you should read Wilson Gabriel as World Emperor MORE! Books & Articles Mentioned: ; by Jim O’Shaughnessy Chapel Perilous: The Life and Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson; by Gabriel Kennedy Prometheus Unbound by Robert Anton Wilson Quantum Psychology: How Brain Software Programs You and Your World by Robert Anton Wilson The Illuminatus! Trilogy by Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea Cosmic Trigger Volume I: Final Secret of the Illuminati by Robert Anton Wilson The New Inquisition: Irrational Rationalism and the Citadel of Science by Robert Anton Wilson Prometheus Rising by Robert Anton Wilson Quantum Psychology: How Brain Software Programs You and Your World by Robert Anton Wilson The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot From Ritual to Romance by Jessie L. Weston Finnegans Wake by James Joyce Science and Sanity: An Introduction to Non-Aristotelian Systems and General Semantics by Alfred Korzybski On the Einstein Podolsky Rosen Paradox; by John S. Bell How the Hippies Saved Physics: Science, Counterculture, and the Quantum Revival by David Kaiser Character Analysis by Wilhelm Reich Man Meets Dog by Konrad Lorenz
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The Art of Retirement — Christine Benz (EP.257)
02/27/2025
The Art of Retirement — Christine Benz (EP.257)
Christine Benz is the Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar, where she has spent over three decades helping investors navigate the complexities of financial planning. She is also the author of "How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement" and serves as the president of the John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy. Before focusing on retirement planning, Christine worked as a fund analyst, bringing a unique perspective that combines deep investment knowledge with practical financial wisdom. Christine joins the show to discuss why retirement isn't just about hitting your "magic number," how to overcome the psychological barriers to retirement spending, why keeping your inner circle vibrant is crucial for long-term happiness, the surprising power of lifetime giving, and MUCH more. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, "Hmm, that's interesting!", check out our Substack. Important Links: Show Notes: Retirement Focus: Finances or Lifestyle? Bring Your Kids In The Loop Embrace the Challenges of Social Health A Day in The Life of a Retiree Defaulting People Into Saving Genesis of the FIRE Movement Horsemen of The Investment Apocalypse The Delicate Balance of Investment Buckets Dodging A Single Point of Failure How to Sniff Out Fishy Financial Advice The Saver vs the Investor Personality Type Keeping Up With Mr. Market Annuities: The Low-Risk Underdog Christine as World Emperor Books / Authors Mentioned: How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement; by Christine Benz The works of Jonathan Franzen
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Luke Fehily — Ireland's Innovation Playbook (EP.256)
02/20/2025
Luke Fehily — Ireland's Innovation Playbook (EP.256)
Luke Fehily is the Director of Innovation Policy at Progress Ireland — an independent think tank backed by the likes of the Collison brothers — that’s on a mission to connect Ireland to proven policy solutions from around the world. Before joining Progress Ireland, Luke cut his teeth in both public and private sectors, developing a unique perspective on how to navigate bureaucratic challenges while maintaining ambitious visions for change. His current work spans housing, infrastructure, and innovation policy, with a particular emphasis on meta-scientific approaches to research funding and development. In this episode we discuss why Ireland should embrace techno-optimism, how to beat the NIMBY challenge with win-win solutions, why young scientists need more research funding, and MUCH more. Plus, we even touch on drone coffee deliveries (happening now in Dublin) and the things needed to unleash Ireland's entrepreneurial spirit. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: The Irish GDP Boom The Origins of Progress Ireland The Path Past Bureaucratic Barriers Where the State Meets the Street How Bad Political Vibes Can Seep in Where the Creme De La Creme Goes in State Projects Innovation Amidst EU’s Strict Restrictions National EU Friction Densification Dilemmas Balancing Efficiency and Equity in Public Procurement How to Handle NIMBYs Pushing Past Infrastructural Comfort Zones Fostering Cultural Shifts What is Metascience? Recalibrating Success Metrics The Irish Brain Drain Books Mentioned: Where the State Meets the Street by Bernardo Zacka
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Rudy Havenstein — How to Fix America’s Accountability Crisis (EP.255)
02/13/2025
Rudy Havenstein — How to Fix America’s Accountability Crisis (EP.255)
Rudy Havenstein is a writer and satirist known for his sharp critiques of America’s sprawling institutions and the elites who run them. He joins the show to discuss the accountability crisis in America — how it manifests across political life and, most importantly, what we can do to fix it. Important Links: Show Notes: Why we should fear hyperinflation “The Fed is Congress’ drug dealer” The Great Financial Crash & America’s accountability crisis How to disagree agreeably How democracy REALLY works Why we should bring back Glass-Steagall The problem of cluelessness Solutions to the accountability crisis What has happened to investigative journalism? Why partisanship is overstated Rudy as World Emperor MORE! Books Mentioned: Yellen: The Trailblazing Economist Who Navigated an Era of Upheaval; by Jon Hilsenrath Deterring Democracy; by Noam Chomsky The Rule of Nobody: Saving America from Dead Laws and Broken Government; by Philip K. Howard
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Mark Daniel — How to Find a Kaleidoscopic Alien (EP.254)
02/06/2025
Mark Daniel — How to Find a Kaleidoscopic Alien (EP.254)
Mark Daniel is the co-founder and managing partner of the investment firm Digital, whose portfolio extends across accelerated computing, gaming, crypto, social networking, AI, extended reality, cybersecurity, creator tools, spatial computing, and immersive learning. Back in 2013, he was also one of the very first recipients of a Thiel Fellowship. This was a fun one. Mark joins the show to discuss why podcasts are dangerous (😬), why content creators should have a 10 post limit, how he identifies kaleidoscopic aliens to invest in, and MUCH more. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: Why podcasts are dangerous Why content creators should be limited to 10 posts Advice is simple; life is hard How to find a kaleidoscopic alien How to win the great game Mania-immune investing Jim’s “I’m a sports guy” algorithm What beliefs would you die for? What have you unlearned in the past year? The fragility of morality Passion as a forcing function Movie recommendations: My Dinner With Andre & Elevator to Gallows Mark as World Emperor MORE! Books & Articles Mentioned: ; by Jim O’Shaughnessy How to Win Friends and Influence People; by Dale Carnegie
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John Kennedy — The Hidden Crisis in American Education (EP.253)
01/30/2025
John Kennedy — The Hidden Crisis in American Education (EP.253)
John Kennedy, a director at the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation, is tackling an overlooked crisis in American education: air quality. With the ingenious use of a simple $60 box fan, he's on a mission to revolutionize the health and learning environments of students nationwide. It's mind-boggling how much low-hanging fruit there is here. The difference that clean air makes to health and brain capacity is enormous, and it's a surprisingly cheap problem to fix. In fact, as you'll hear about halfway through our conversation, I was so convinced by John and the Corsi-Rosenthal team's solution that I committed to offering him a $100k Fellowship on the spot. But our discussion went far beyond air quality. John shared fascinating insights into the future of education—how we can reorganize it from the ground up to produce happy, healthy, and high-agency adults ready for the challenges of the 21st century. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: Nobody gets to choose the air they breathe… Why has air quality been overlooked? When Jim got stranded up a mountain How do you scale a K-12 solution? What would it cost to put a Cori-Rosenthal box in every New York classroom? Surprise! Welcome to the O’Shaughnessy Fellowships What would a model 21st-century K-12 system look like? How to overcome systemic inertia Do Charter schools work? Why public schools can’t mimic private school innovations What exciting developments are happening in edtech? What does public school look like in 2044? John as World Emperor MORE! Books Mentioned: The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America; by George Packer
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Michael Strong — Let’s Get Socratical (EP.252)
01/23/2025
Michael Strong — Let’s Get Socratical (EP.252)
Michael Strong has spent decades quietly revolutionizing education by designing innovative schools and programs built around agency, critical thinking, entrepreneurship and creativity. He is the founder and CEO of The Socratic Experience, a virtual school that equips students for lifelong happiness and success through Socratic dialogue. Alongside his work in the US, he has educational consulting experience in multiple developing nations. And… he’s a fellow Minnesotan! Michael joins the show to discuss whether Socratic education can scale, the benefits of the Mormon model, why high agency is the default, and MUCH more! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: One book a night and mental chess - a Minnesotan childhood. Can Socratic education scale? Are we entrenching a new elite? Why high agency is the default Creating new subcultures & the benefits of the Mormon model Experimenting our way to prosperity Tearing down the citadel, secret censorship & claiming the moral high ground Prediction markets & why we should be betting on our reputation The heroic tradition of reason Michael as World Emperor MORE! Books Mentioned: (Infinite Loops Substack) (Infinite Loops Substack) The Habit of Thought: From Socratic Seminars to Socratic Practice; by Michael Strong Be the Solution: How Entrepreneurs and Conscious Capitalists Can Solve All the World's Problems; by Michael Strong and John Mackey The Case Against Adolescence: Rediscovering the Adult in Every Teen; by Robert Epstein The Status Game: On Human Life and How to Play It; by Will Storr The New Inquisition: Irrational Rationalism and the Citadel of Science; by Robert Anton Wilson Hierarchy in the Forest: The Evolution of Egalitarian Behavior; by Christopher Boehm Collective Illusions: Conformity, Complicity, and the Science of Why We Make Bad Decisions; by Todd Rose ; by Robin Hanson Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life; by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Hothouse Earth: An Inhabitant's Guide; by Bill McGuire Think in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts; by Annie Duke The Ultimate Resource; by Julian L. Simon ; by Paul Graham
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Sahil Bloom — A Multitude of Wealth (EP.251)
01/16/2025
Sahil Bloom — A Multitude of Wealth (EP.251)
Sahil Bloom, a prolific creator, founder and investor, has mastered the art of translating complex ideas about wealth and success into wisdom that resonates with millions. His newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle, grew from just 100 readers to over 800,000 subscribers in three years - a testament to his ability to cut through the noise with clarity and insight. His upcoming book, "The 5 Types of Wealth," challenges our conventional understanding of what it means to be truly wealthy, arguing that financial success is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Here's what makes Sahil fascinating - he's built his empire not through traditional paths (he left his high paying private equity job), but by following his curiosity and sharing what he learns along the way. Today, we'll explore the frameworks that have helped him impact millions, why traditional definitions of success might be holding us back, and how Sahil’s relationship with time reshaped the way he thinks about wealth, wisdom, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: The Ripple Effect of spreading good ideas Sahil’s Origin Story The Finite Impermanence of Time Would you trade lives with Warren Buffett? The Loneliness Epidemic The Paradox of setting Big Goals and needing Small Steps to get there Why waking up at 5am can rewire your brain Why do people chase the wrong things? Jim and Sahil’s Memento Mori Factoring in the 5 Types of Wealth when making a decision What makes A Wonderful Life? Money As a Byproduct of Pursuing Purpose Sahil’s Message As World Emperor Books Mentioned: Zorba the Greek; by Nikos Kazantzakis Adventures of a Bystander; by Peter Drucker The Anxious Generation; by Jonathan Haidt Tao Te Ching; by Lao Tzu Collective Illusions; by Todd Rose The Psychology of Money; by Morgan Housel
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Seth Stephens-Davidowitz — Who Makes the NBA? (EP.250)
01/09/2025
Seth Stephens-Davidowitz — Who Makes the NBA? (EP.250)
Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a data scientist and bestselling author, is known for his brilliant use of data to upend conventional wisdom - often with humorous, surprising, and occasionally shocking results. His latest book, Who Makes the NBA, uses data to interrogate some of basketball’s biggest questions, consistently yielding unexpected insights. Here’s the kicker - he wrote the entire book in just 30 days after discovering Code Interpreter. Unsurprisingly for a former quant, I had a blast chatting to Seth. Topics discussed include why so many NBA players are called Chris, whether basketball is due for a Moneyball moment, and why so many of us misunderstand the rags-to-riches story. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: Author, data scientist… comedian? Using Code Interpreter to write a book in 30 days The trait that makes it incredibly easy to become an NBA player Why the best NBA player in history isn’t who you think it is Is basketball due a Moneyball moment? Why are so many NBA players named Chris? What people get wrong about the rags-to-riches story The hidden magic of data storytelling Finding your audience The danger of glamour Keep it simple, stupid Why the standard interview sucks Doppelgangers & the power of A/B testing The overdue revolution in health data Why Google should be worried Stated vs revealed preferences The power of enormous data sets Seth as World Emperor Books Mentioned: Who Makes the NBA?: Data-Driven Answers to Basketball's Biggest Questions; by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz Don't Trust Your Gut: Using Data to Get What You Really Want in Life; by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are; by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz What Works on Wall Street: A Guide to the Best-Performing Investment Strategies of All Time; by Jim O’Shaughnessy
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Julian Gough — The Egg and The Rock (EP.249)
01/02/2025
Julian Gough — The Egg and The Rock (EP.249)
Julian Gough sums up his career as follows: “I just sit in my room and write.” Well, I think being an acclaimed children’s author, novelist, stage playwright, poet and top-ten Irish musician is a little more impressive than he’s letting on… Oh, and I didn’t even mention that he wrote the ending to the computer game Minecraft! His current project, The Egg and The Rock, puts all of this to shame. This book, which Julian is writing in public on Substack, seeks to do no less than redescribe the universe, arguing that is not some random, dead, purposeless sack of chemicals, but instead a living, evolving organism. Julian joins me to discuss why the arc of human evolution bends towards man-made black holes, the hidden catastrophe at the heart of materialist science, the strange life of subterranean ice aliens, and MUCH more! This was such an interesting conversation - I can’t wait for you to hear it. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: “I just sit in my room and write” Why write a book in public? Materialism & science’s hidden catastrophe “The scientific method is in conflict with human nature” The faulty assumption at the heart of cosmology Big bangs, supermassive black holes & Darwinian evolution: A ~30 minute masterclass in cosmological natural selection “I'm predicting very, very large amounts of life in this universe” The strange life of subterranean ice aliens Could we spot man-made black holes? Bringing consciousness into physics Pulling back the curtain Julian as World Emperor MORE! Books & Articles Mentioned: The New Inquisition: Irrational Rationalism and the Citadel of Science; by Robert Anton Wilson Against Method: Outline of an Anarchistic Theory of Knowledge; by Paul Feyerabend What the Tortoise Said to Achilles; by Lewis Carroll The Life of the Cosmos; by Lee Smolin What Is Life? The Physical Aspect of the Living Cell; by Erwin Schrödinger Isis Unveiled: A Master-Key to the Mysteries of Ancient and Modern Science and Theology; by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky The Bhagavad Gita ; by Lee Smolin ; by Robin Hanson
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Ben Reinhardt — Speculative Technologies (EP.248)
12/26/2024
Ben Reinhardt — Speculative Technologies (EP.248)
Ben Reinhardt is the founder of Speculative Technologies “a nonprofit industrial research lab that’s working to unlock a wonderful, abundant future through technologies that don’t have a home in other institutions.” He has previously worked at NASA and Bay Area startups/VC firms, founded a startup building robotics for eldercare, and helped entrepreneurs start companies in Singapore. Oh, and he has a Ph.D. in space robotics from Cornell University and is one of the few people with a . in history! Ben, who brings his expertise in emerging technologies to the OSV advisory council, joins the show to discuss why tech people don’t do philanthropy, when to trust a credential, why there aren’t more government moonshot programs, why academia is beholden to the new, and MUCH more! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: Speculative Technologies: the four-stage roadmap How early VC funding can affect incentives From ‘eureka!’ to getting it out into the world Market failure & institutional consolidation Where are the moonshot programs? The skills needed to run a research program Why tech people don’t do philanthropy Turning philanthropy into a status game The hidden importance of materials & manufacturing When to trust a credential Agency & American culture Lean ideas vs. fat ideas Why academia is beholden to novelty Ben as World Emperor MORE! Books Mentioned: What Works on Wall Street, Fourth Edition: The Classic Guide to the Best-Performing Investment Strategies of All Time; by Jim O’Shaughnessy The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations that Transform the World; by David Deutsch The Road; by Cormac McCarthy The Hypomanic Edge: The Link Between (A Little) Craziness and (A Lot of) Success in America; by John D. Gartner ; by Robert G. Kirby
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Jay Reno — Making A Point (EP.247)
12/19/2024
Jay Reno — Making A Point (EP.247)
My guest on Infinite Loops this week knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur from the time he was buying and selling things on eBay. Jay Reno claims he didn’t know what the word ‘arbitrage’ meant back then, but if you tug on the colourful threads of his career, you’d reveal the kind of tenacity and resourcefulness that allows special founders like him to repeatedly find value in places that have long been deserted by everybody else. If you listen in on today’s episode, it will become apparent why O’Shaughnessy Ventures invested in Jay and his current venture. Jay is the CEO and Founder of Pointhound, which helps people find amazing deals on flights and travel using their credit card points and miles. He’s also a partner at 645 ventures. Among other fun pursuits, he’s spent the last ten years building all sorts of cool things; like a same-day grocery delivery service, a craft coffee company, a restaurant and bar reservation app, and a furniture rental service for city dwellers. We spent our conversation talking about his advice for first-time founders; his learnings from building Pointhound; the whimsical world of credit card point programmes; his thoughts on consumer psychology; and much more! For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: How To Bring Your Idea To Life The Virtues of the Y-Combinator Model Picking the Right Investor Pointhound & The Points Game On Consumer Psychology and Trying New Things Removing the Invisible Barrier Product Cycles and User Feedback Slow Down to Speed Up The Common Pitfalls in Building Consumer Products The Credit Card Prestige Factor The Cashback Conundrum The Future of Pointhound Jay, The Emperor of The World Books & Articles Mentioned: ; by Nikola Tesla ; by Jim O’Shaughnessy
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Michael Garfield — Play the (Mind) Jazz (EP.246)
12/12/2024
Michael Garfield — Play the (Mind) Jazz (EP.246)
My guest today is Michael Garfield, a paleontologist, futurist, writer, podcast host and strategic advisor whose “mind-jazz” performances — essays, music and fine art — bridge the worlds of art, science and philosophy. This year, Michael received a for his “Humans On the Loop” discussion series, which explores the nature of agency, power, responsibility and wisdom in the age of automation. This whirlwind discussion is impossible to sum up in a couple of sentences (just look at the number of books & articles mentioned!) Ultimately, it is a conversation about a subject I think about every day: how we can live curious, collaborative and fulfilling lives in our deeply weird, complex, probabilistic world. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our . Important Links: Show Notes: What is “mind jazz”? Humans “ON” the loop? The Red Queen hypothesis and the power of weirdness Probabilistic thinking & the perils of optimization Context collapse, pernicious convenience & coordination at scale How organisations learn Michael as World Emperor MORE! Books, Articles & Podcasts Mentioned: The Nature of Technology: What It Is and How It Evolves; by W. Brian Arthur Pharmako-AI; by K Allado-McDowell The Global Brain: The Evolution of Mass Mind from the Big Bang to the 21st Century; by Howard Bloom The Genius of the Beast: A Radical Re-Vision of Capitalism; by Howard Bloom One Summer: America, 1927; by Bill Bryson Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There; by Lewis Carroll The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations That Transform the World; by David Deutsch Scale Theory: A Nondisciplinary Inquiry; by Joshua DiCaglio Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders and the Rise of Social Engineering; by Malcolm Gladwell The WEIRDest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous; by Joseph Henrich Do Conversation: There's No Such Thing as Small Talk; by Robert Poynton Reality Hunger: A Manifesto; by David Shields The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light: Mythology, Sexuality and the Origins of Culture; by William Irwin Thompson The New Inquisition: Irrational Rationalism and the Citadel of Science; by Robert Anton Wilson ; by K Allado-McDowell ; by Steward Brand ; by Bonnie Docherty ; by Cory Doctorow ; by Michael Garfield ; by Jessy Kate Schingler ; Future Fossils with Michael Garfield ; Future Fossils with Michael Garfield ; Future Fossils with Michael Garfield
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