"The Riff" with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg · 2025-04-01 · 51 min
This week, Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg discuss the transformative impact of technological change on global trade, AI’s disruption of senior roles, the debate over AI-generated art, and market dynamics - particularly in live entertainment ticketing - offering a wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion. - Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at - Highlights from the Episode: US-China Trade Relations: There's an interesting role reversal where China is now championing free trade while the US has become more protectionist. China's Economic Challenges: Demographics are a crucial factor affecting China's economy - an aging population creates financial imbalances. AI's Impact on Work Hierarchy: Contrary to common assumptions, AI might replace senior rather than junior roles. While AI isn't a perfect substitute for mentorship, it provides "synthetic wisdom" without requiring equity stakes. StubHub and Pricing Dynamics: Entertainment businesses operate as "stacks of monopolies" (artists, venues) monetizing layers of perfect competition.
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E70: OpenAI’s Open Source Strategy, Volatility & Tariffs, and Automation’s Consequences w/ Byrne Hobart
E69: Good vs Bad Bubbles, Stagnation, and Bitcoin [Byrne on Bankless]
E67: Hidden X-Risk, Network Effects of Elon’s Empire, and American Hegemony
E66: The Politics of Alex Karp and Palantir, DOGE Breakdown, and AI vs Blogging