Best Ed Byrne Podcasts (2025)

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315: Michelle Griffith-Robinson's rules for life 51:37

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7d ago51:37

51:37

She's an Olympic athlete, a brilliant life coach, and a busy mum of three - it's the awesome Michelle Griffith-Robinson! We hear all about how she became a medal-winning triple jumper, choice versus sacrifice, and whether it's true that all the athletes are having it off behind the scenes. We talk about Michelle's life now and she shares her top ti…

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314: Clara Batten on comedy, wine and vaginal vapes. 45:42

21d ago45:42

45:42

Our guest for this episode is the hilarious actor and social media star Clara Batten! We talk about everything from writing books and kickstarting your career to what it's like to have dinner with Boris Johnson. Clara tells us how she makes her brilliant reaction videos, and what the people she's reacting to make of them. We discuss how she got ban…

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313: Ellie's Dad - life lessons, a quiz, and some "jokes" 47:56

1M ago47:56

47:56

313: Ellie's Dad - life lessons, a quiz, and some "jokes" What are the lyrics to Happy Birthday? What is the correct term for male swimwear? Who is Jennifer Lopez? Ellie's Dad knows the answer to none of these questions, and we are here to mock him for it. Yes, it's a Father's Day Special as Jim returns to the podcast. We discuss Crystal Palace's F…

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312: Homelessness, filmmaking and friendship with Daisy-May Hudson 51:48

1M ago51:48

51:48

Our guest for this episode is the awesome Daisy-May Hudson. She tells us about her experience of homelessness, and her journey from documentary maker to film director. We discuss Daisy-May's latest movie, Lollipop, which tells the story of a woman fighting to get her children back, and a friendship that's rekindled along the way. It's out on the 13…

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311: Jimi Famurewa on fussy eating, food criticism, and fairy bread 46:03

2M ago46:03

46:03

Is being a restaurant reviewer the best job in the world? Where's the best place to book a table right now? And how did a picky eater become an award-winning food critic? Answering all these questions is Jimi Famurewa! He tells us all about his brilliant new book, Picky. We discuss Jimi's time as a connoisseur of all-day breakfast in a can, and sha…

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310: Riona O'Connor and Olga Thompson on bloody everything 50:46

2M ago50:46

50:46

An Englishwoman, an Irishwoman, a Greek and an Australian walk into a DJ booth... No, it's not the start of a joke, it's the latest episode of the Scummy Mummies Podcast! Our guests are the hilarious comedians Riona O'Connor and Olga Thompson. Due to an administrative error, we find ourselves crammed into an unpleasantly warm enclosed space. We get…

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309: MASHUP! Drunk Women Solving Crime X Scummy Mummies 59:09

2M ago59:09

59:09

Ooh, look at us, sifting through evidence and sipping on fizz with the excellent Drunk Women Solving Crime! Listen in as we join Taylor and Hannah to discuss parenting fails, suppository etiquette, and what happens when nuns go wrong. If you enjoyed this episode you can find many more DWS bangers wherever you get your podcasts! And why not go and s…

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E141: The Bronze Age Collapse and History's Selective Memory 1:03:08

2M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Today on Upstream, we’re sharing Erik Torenberg conversation with Samo Burja where they discuss the Bronze Age collapse, technological advancements in ancient civilizations, and the nuanced history of the Roman Empire, along with a detailed analysis of contemporary geopolitical dynamics, particularly focusing on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and i…

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E140: Why Industrial Revolutions Stall 45:59

2M ago45:59

45:59

Today on Upstream, we’re sharing Erik Torenberg conversation with Samo Burja on this week’s Live Players. They discuss the potential industrial revolutions in history, particularly in the Roman Empire and Song Dynasty China, their technological advancements, economic factors, and the reasons these revolutions didn't reach full fruition. — 📰 Be noti…

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E139: America’s Tech Strategy w/ Qasar Younis, Sen. Jack Reed, and Josh Wolfe 29:38

3M ago29:38

29:38

This week, we’re featuring a panel discussion from the 2025 Hill and Valley Forum with Josh Wolfe (Lux Capital), Senator Jack Reed (RI), and Qasar Younis, Founder and CEO, Applied Intuition They address talent attraction and retention, China's espionage and surveillance state, immigration policies, dual-use technologies, and the challenges and stra…

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308: DJ Nikki Beatnik on raving, sexism, and telling Kanye to F off 43:02

3M ago43:02

43:02

What's it like to headline a stage at Glastonbury? Who is more fun to hang out with, Mickey Rourke or Alan Titchmarsh? What item you could buy from a Robert Dyas does Mariah Carey insist on having at her parties? Answering all these questions is DJ Nikki Beatnik! She tells us about Mums That Rave and how her amazing daytime parties are taking over …

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E138: Palantir CEO Alex Karp & Rep. Ritchie Torres on Innovation & The West | Hill and Valley Forum 2024 30:28

3M ago30:28

30:28

Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies, and Congressman Richie Torres discuss higher education, Palantir's fearless culture, and the importance of contrarianism in driving innovation at the 2024 Hill and Valley Forum. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess — RECOMMENDED PODCASTS: 🎙️…

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E137: AI Safety vs Speed: Helen Toner Discusses OpenAI Board Experience, Regulatory Approaches, and Military AI [The Cognitive Revolution] 1:20:01

3M ago1:20:01

1:20:01

This week on Upstream, we’re releasing an episode of The Cognitive Revolution. Nathan Labenz interviews Helen Toner, director at CSET, about her experiences with OpenAI, the concept of adaptation buffers for AI integration, and AI's role in military decision-making. They discuss the implications of AI development, the need for regulatory policies, …

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307: Bobby Seagull on maths, panini stickers, and nominative determinism 42:29

3M ago42:29

42:29

Is there such a thing as a "maths brain"? How do you help a child who's struggling with numbers? And why should you never tell a kid they're clever? Here to answer all these questions is the legendary Bobby Seagull! He tells us how he gave up a career in the city to become a teacher, and ended up going viral after an appearance on University Challe…

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E136: Trump V2: Tariffs, American Dynamism, Higher Ed | Byrne Hobart 1:02:03

3M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

In this episode, Erik Torenberg and Byrne Hobart discuss the economic consequences of Trump's tariffs, OpenAI's recent innovations, and their implications for white collar work. They also explore the potential market shifts, the resilience of the US dollar as a reserve currency, and the state of elite higher education institutions like Harvard in t…

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E135: The Problem With Reserve Currencies and Switching to Crypto w/ Lyn Alden [From the Archives] 57:45

3M ago57:45

57:45

This week on Upstream, we’re sharing Erik Torenberg’s 2024 interview with Lyn Alden. Lyn discusses her book 'Broken Money', the impact of the global reserve currency, inflation, interest rates, and provides advice for navigating an uncertain economic future. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/ex…

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E134: Atheism’s Decline, Consciousness, and The New Right w/ Ross Douthat 57:08

3M ago57:08

57:08

Today on Upstream, Ross Douthat joins Erik Torenberg to discuss his new book 'Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious,' exploring the decline of new atheism, the intellectual defense of institutional religion, and the intersection between traditional Christianity, Silicon Valley, and modern materialism. This episode originally aired on Moment of …

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E133: China’s Energy Problem w/ Samo Burja 57:09

3M ago57:09

57:09

Today on Upstream, we’re releasing a 2024 conversation between Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja. They discuss China's approach to energy security, exploring why China isn't pursuing energy independence despite significant oil production capability and the potential for further development. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication:…

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306: Tasha Thompson on running, chafing, and whatever happened to the Reebok Step 39:24

4M ago39:24

39:24

Our guest for this episode is the awesome Tasha Thompson, founder of Black Girls Do Run! She tells us what inspired to set up the organisation, why she started running, and what keeps her going more than 25 years later. We discuss the challenges women face when it comes to getting involved in sport. Tasha talks about why we need to get out there, a…

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E132: AI Managers, US vs China Analysis, and AI Art w/ Byrne Hobart 51:38

4M ago51:38

51:38

Today on Upstream, we’re sharing an episode of The Riff (originally aired on April 1, 2025). Erik Torenberg and Byrne Hobart explore the shifting dynamics of global trade between China and the US, the potential for AI to replace senior rather than junior roles in the workplace, and the economic structure of live entertainment markets like StubHub. …

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E131: Abundance Agenda, The New Right, and 2008 Retrospective w/ Noah Smith 1:08:17

4M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Today on Upstream, Erik Torenberg and Noah Smith discuss the Abundance Agenda by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, the impact of the 2008 recession, Obama's presidency, and shifts in political ideology, focusing on the 'New Right' and its cultural and economic implications, while also touching upon the economic recovery strategies post-2008. This epis…

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E130: Elon Musk’s Network Effects and Checking in on Chinese AI w/ Byrne Hobart 59:31

4M ago59:31

59:31

This week on Upstream, we're releasing an episode of The Riff (originally aired on March 25, 2025) where Erik Torenberg and Byrne Hobart discuss Don Jr.'s leveraging of the Trump brand, Dustin Moskovitz's departure to address AI risks, economic impacts of various policies, and geopolitical considerations with a focus on AI and China's tech ambition…

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E129: Dark Triad, Romantic Partner Selection, and Dating Advice w/ Rob Henderson 1:02:32

4M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Today on Upstream, Erik Torenberg interviews author Rob Henderson about modern romance, discussing evolutionary psychology, the attraction to dark triad men, dating apps, and practical advice for men seeking romantic partners. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏 Help shape our s…

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305: Surviving cancer, separation, and teenage triplets with Em Campbell 50:04

4M ago50:04

50:04

Our guest for this episode is the amazing Emma Campbell, aka Limitless Em - author, marathon runner, cancer survivor, and single mum of four. She tells us about her experience of being diagnosed with cancer when her triplets were just six months old. We discuss the best way to talk to kids about cancer, and Em's top tip for getting through a crisis…

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E128: US-Europe Relations, How Japan Can Strengthen The Yen, and Predicting AI’s Growth Effects w/ Noah Smith 52:48

4M ago52:48

52:48

Today on Upstream, Erik Torenberg and Noah Smith analyze America's European withdrawal, China's selective globalization strategy, and tempers expectations about AI's economic impact while considering GDP measurement challenges. — 📰Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏Help shape our sh…

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E127: The Tech Right and How The Left Can Fix Itself w/ Jon Askonas 45:22

4M ago45:22

45:22

Today on Upstream, we’re airing Erik Torenberg’s conversation with Jon Askonas. They explore the emerging coalition between MAGA supporters and Silicon Valley tech leaders, examines the underlying political realignment, the tensions and fault lines within this coalition, and the potential future conflicts surrounding issues like immigration and tra…

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E126: Data Center Economics and AI Energy Requirements w/ Patrick McKenzie and Azeem Azhar 1:14:17

4M ago1:14:17

1:14:17

Today on Upstream, we’re releasing Patrick MacKenzie's interview with Azeem Azhar which originally aired in February 2025 on Complex Systems. They discuss the economics and infrastructure of data centers, comparing historical infrastructure rollouts to modern AI-driven data center needs, and explore the implications of exponential power demands, in…

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E125: Palantir’s Politics, Elon’s Approach to DOGE, and AI’s Effects on Writing w/ Byrne Hobart 56:03

4M ago56:03

56:03

Today on Upstream, Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg dive into the wide-ranging effects of technological change on media and society. They cover the AI debate, blogging's social impact, AI's influence on search and data, the changing news industry, foreign aid cuts, and the rise of new tech elites. This episode originally aired on The Riff (March 11,…

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304: Are phones really that bad for our kids? With Dr Dean Burnett 51:31

4M ago51:31

51:31

What's the right age to give a child a mobile phone? How long should kids spend on screens each day? Why don't we need to feel as guilty about our children's phone use as we might think? Answering all these questions is the awesome neuroscientist Dean Burnett. He explains the difference between compulsion and addiction, and why he doesn't think Aus…

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E124: How to Have A Philosophical Marriage w/ Agnes Callard and Arnold Brooks 1:09:21

5M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Today on Upstream, we’re releasing an episode from Modern Relationships which originally aired on February 28, 2025 where Erik Torenberg interviews philosophy professors Agnes Callard and Arnold Brooks about their unconventional marriage, the role of philosophy in their relationship, the impact of their public profile, and how they balance personal…

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E123: Trump & The Game of Populism w/ Samo Burja 56:27

5M ago56:27

56:27

Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the limitations of populist politics, the difficulty populists face in effecting change despite electoral wins, and the influence of digital democracy on modern governance. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏 Help shape our show by taking ou…

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E122: Victor Davis Hanson on What Trump Thinks of Zelensky and Predicting Geopolitics 35:03

5M ago35:03

35:03

In this Upstream episode, Erik Torenberg sits down with military historian Victor Davis Hanson. They discuss the future of Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, the evolution of the American left, and Donald Trump's potential future legacy. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏 Help shape …

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E121: Kevin Kelly on What Makes Us Human in an AI World 47:28

5M ago47:28

47:28

In this episode of Upstream, we’re releasing Erik Torenberg’s interview from 2023 with Kevin Kelly, founding executive editor of Wired Magazine, discussing Kevin’s new advice book, the impact of gratitude, and how technology, especially AI, interacts with and shapes human existence and culture. — 📰Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publi…

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303: Just the Two of Us LIVE! Galentine's Day Special with Sweaty Betty 39:54

5M ago39:54

39:54

For this special live episode we took a trip to lovely Liverpool, and had a fabulous time. We discussed how our feelings about exercise have changed over the years, and what we've learned about the different ways we can motivate ourselves. We also showed off about the time we went to Everest, and told the story of how we visited the wrong Brookside…

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E120: Why Europe Matters for America’s Future w/ Samo Burja 57:22

5M ago57:22

57:22

This week on Upstream, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the widespread interest in U.S. politics and its global influence, particularly in Western and European countries, the internet's role in synchronizing political and cultural norms, and potential changes in European political landscapes influenced by American ideologies and media. — 📰 Be …

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E119: Free Trade, AI Integration, and Shopify Q4 Results w/ Shopify President Harley Finkelstein 55:55

5M ago55:55

55:55

Erik Torenberg interviews Harley Finkelstein, president of Shopify, discussing tariffs, political shifts, Shopify's earnings, and the evolution of entrepreneurship. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/Turp…

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E118: Ending Woke, Why Elon Wins, and A Return to Innovation w/ Marc Andreessen [Moment of Zen repost] 1:45:40

5M ago1:45:40

1:45:40

Marc Andreessen and Erik Torenberg discuss the ongoing political and cultural shift in America, covering topics such as preference falsification, the role of DEI in tech and other sectors, the influence of group chats, and the emerging dynamic in politics with highly capable appointments in the new administration. — 📰Be notified early when Turpenti…

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E117: The Future of Martian & Interplanetary Societies w/ Samo Burja 58:37

5M ago58:37

58:37

This week on Upstream, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the economic, political, and cultural implications of colonizing Mars and the Moon, discussing space treaties, potential Martian and Earth societal divergence, and the technological advancements driving humanity's future as a multi-planetary species. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine'…

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302: Self-love, second chances and dick pics with Lou Featherstone 52:05

5M ago52:05

52:05

302: Self-love, second chances and dick pics with Lou Featherstone Ever dreamed of leaving your husband, buying a leopard print bus, and touring America's Bible belt while throwing vibrators out of the window? That's what Lou Featherstone did, and she tells us all about it in this episode. We hear how a dick pic inspired her to leave her marriage a…

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E116: Stuck Academia, US vs China, and Why Startups Work 1:02:58

5M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

Today, we're re-releasing an episode from 2023 where Erik Torenberg sits down with physicist and startup founder Steve Hsu on topics including the ideological shift in academia, the impact of AI on labor, China's technological advancements and geopolitical position, and the global fertility decline. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new…

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E115: New Tariff Implications, DeepSeek and Open Source Analysis, and Meta’s Big Bets w/ Byrne Hobart 1:07:01

6M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

Erik Torenberg and Byrne Hobart discuss the implications of recent tariffs, the impact of AI advancements like DeepSeek, Meta's investments in VR and AI, stock market dynamics, and differing perspectives on open-source AI models. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏 Help shape ou…

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Introducing: How to Date 10:04

6M ago10:04

10:04

Looking for love or navigating the modern dating world? We've got just the thing! How to Date is your ultimate guide to the highs, lows, and everything in between of modern romance. Hosted by broadcaster and author Elizabeth Day and relationship expert Mel Schilling, this podcast masterclass dives deep into the complexities of finding connection in…

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E114: Tyler Cowen on Legacy, Twitter + Harvard, and Fertility Decline [Upstream Archive] 56:06

6M ago56:06

56:06

Tyler Cowen discusses his book on the greatest economists of all time, evaluates the contributions of macroeconomics, and touches on topics such as stagnation, AI, fertility, and the future of academia and societal trends. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏 Help shape our show …

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E113: Reflections on Yarvin, Why the Right is Stuck, and Startups as Dictatorships w/ Samo Burja 54:17

6M ago54:17

54:17

In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Curtis Yarvin's recent New York Times interview. They explored his ideas, especially the comparison between corporate market dynamics and government functionality, and the need for live players in leadership to prevent bureaucratic decay. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new public…

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301: Just the Two of Us LIVE! Fitness Special with Sweaty Betty 37:35

6M ago37:35

37:35

We've got a live one! This special episode was recorded in front of a lovely audience at the Soho Hotel. We talk about our relationships with fitness - everything from Helen's epic running to Ellie's dodgy knees. We discuss how we both hated exercise at school, and why that changed as we got older. Helen explains how getting out of her marriage led…

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E112: Election Update, Tech’s Political Shift, and America’s Stuck GDP | This Won’t Last 1:09:43

6M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

This week on Upstream, we’re sharing Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg’s discussion of the 2025 post-election landscape centered on Trump's victory, examining his evolved approach and tech industry support, while exploring interconnected policy challenges around immigration, corporate politics, urban crime, and market regu…

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300: It's the 300th episode! With Rob Deering 39:27

6M ago39:27

39:27

What's the secret to a happy marriage? Which one of us didn't know what a reacharound is until today? Are bouquet garnis worth it? We answer all these questions, along with the most important one of all: why are people still listening to this nonsense, 300 episodes in? Joining us is the brilliant Rob Deering. He tells us about his 25 year career in…

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E111: Samo Burja & Auren Hoffman on the Decline of Fertility Rates and Institutional Trust 1:16:36

6M ago1:16:36

1:16:36

Samo Burja and Auren Hoffman discuss various topics including the Great Founder Theory, the decline of trust in elites, falling fertility rates, and the importance of exceptional individuals in shaping history and future societal structures. — 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess 🙏 H…