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Happy new year, friends!

This year, I’m excited to return to my Lucky 8’s annual blog—a little peek into the ideas and inspirations that shaped my year. The first Lucky 8’s was published in 2021, and I’ve continued similar traditions each year since. For 2024, I’ll be switching things up slightly. While I won’t be including 8 “trends” this time (those will be covered in a separate blog focused on evolutions in tech, business, and society in 2024), I will be highlighting the 8 quotes, books, and podcasts that I found most insightful this year.

Some of these gems were published earlier, but this was the year I discovered—or rediscovered—them. I hope you find them as inspiring and thought-provoking as I did!

8 Quotes

"Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from bad decisions.” - Mark Twain
"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” - Winston Churchill
“I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure - which is: Try to please everybody.” - Herbert Bayard Swope
“We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be.” - Kurt Vonnegut
“Over the short term your results are determined by your intensity and over the long run your results are determined by your consistency.” - James Clear
"We are prone to overestimate how much we understand about the world and to underestimate the role of chance in events." - Daniel Kahneman
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." - Voltaire
“Your heroes aren't gods, they're just regular people who probably got good at one thing by neglecting literally everything else.” - Jason Pargin

8 Books

#1 Mellon: An American Life by David Cannadine

This is essentially The Business History of Pittsburgh—and one of the best books to understand how a single family can shape an entire region and even a nation. Judge Thomas Mellon, the family patriarch, was a towering figure in Pittsburgh’s early days, leveraging his business acumen and land inherited through the Negleys to lay the groundwork for the city’s economic dominance. Pittsburgh, under Mellon’s influence—and bolstered by the meteoric success of Carnegie Steel—reached the second-highest GDP in the U.S. by 1910.

The Mellon Bank financed industrial titans like Alcoa, Gulf Oil, Westinghouse, Heinz, Union Steel, and Koppers, fueling advancements in aluminum, steel, oil, electricity, and more. Their financial backing catapulted Pittsburgh into the forefront of the industrial revolution, helping define the economy of modern America.

Andrew Mellon did far more than simply expand the family’s legacy—he made some of the most strategic decisions in Mellon history, driving extraordinary growth and cementing their influence. Partnering with his brother, Dick Mellon, who was widely admired in Pittsburgh and father to Richard King (R.K.) Mellon, Andrew played a hands-on role in shaping businesses. Together, they strategically intervened in ventures, such as installing their nephew, A.L. Mellon, as President of Gulf Oil. A.L.’s leadership added yet another sharp business mind to the family dynasty, ensuring its continued dominance in key industries.

Andrew also became America’s longest-serving Secretary of the Treasury (1921–1932), shaping tax policy and economic strategy during the Roaring Twenties. A dedicated patron of the arts, Mellon founded the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., donating his extensive personal collection to establish the institution.

But Mellon’s story isn’t all triumph. His life was marked by personal struggles and unhappiness, even as his business acumen reshaped Pittsburgh and the United States. This book doesn’t shy away from Mellon’s complexities, offering a nuanced portrait of a man whose vision built industries and legacies. For anyone fascinated by Pittsburgh’s history, the industrial revolution, or the interplay of wealth and power, this is essential reading.

#2 The Man from the Future by Ananyo Bhattacharya

John von Neumann’s groundbreaking work in computing, game theory, and quantum mechanics laid the foundation for many of the technologies and systems we rely on today. Often an unsung hero, von Neumann was instrumental in developing the architecture that underpins modern computers, where memory and processing are integrated—a framework still used in everything from laptops to supercomputers. His pioneering ideas in AI helped define early concepts of machine learning, while his work in cryptography advanced secure communication methods, influencing everything from military encryption to the digital security protocols we use today.

Beyond computing, von Neumann revolutionized game theory by formalizing the mathematical study of strategic decision-making. His book, Theory of Games and Economic Behavior, co-authored with Oskar Morgenstern, introduced concepts like the Nash equilibrium and paved the way for applications in economics, political science, and even biology. In quantum mechanics, his work on the mathematical foundations of the discipline helped formalize the concept of quantum operators and measurement, influencing fields from physics to quantum computing.

Von Neumann’s contributions extended beyond academic circles. As part of the Manhattan Project, he applied his expertise in mathematics and fluid dynamics to improve bomb designs, playing a key role in developing the implosion method used for the atomic bomb. After the war, he was instrumental in founding early research institutions like the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton, mentoring future innovators and shaping the direction of 20th-century science. This biography offers a fascinating look at a mind that redefined multiple fields and left a legacy that continues to shape society.

#3 How the Internet Happened by Brian McCullough

How the Internet Happened is the wild ride you didn’t know you needed through the internet’s scrappy, chaotic rise. Brian McCullough masterfully recounts the early days of the web, when visionaries like Marc Andreessen brought us Netscape and made surfing the internet more accessible than navigating a command line. Back then, the internet wasn’t a global juggernaut—it was a nerdy experiment that required you to be a hacker and drink a lot of Mountain Dew (don’t fact-check me on the second part). McCullough tells the story of how software engineering advanced from niche tinkering to a tool leveraged by every business and individual across every developed nation.

Of course, no tale of the internet would be complete without the dot-com boom—and bust. McCullough dives into the insanity of the late 1990s, when companies with zero revenue somehow landed billion-dollar valuations. But from the ashes of that crash came the titans we know today. Jeff Bezos was quietly perfecting Amazon’s relentless customer obsession while Google’s founders were figuring out how to turn search into the ultimate money machine. McCullough connects the dots, showing how companies that weathered the storm laid the groundwork for our digital economy.

And then came the iPhone in 2007, when Steve Jobs handed us the internet in our pockets and changed the game entirely. McCullough brilliantly captures how the smartphone didn’t just revolutionize tech—it turned the internet into an ever-present force that transformed industries, from retail to entertainment. The iPhone didn’t just let us text faster or snap better photos—it made the internet a 24/7 companion, for better or worse. (Looking at you, social media addiction.)

At its core, this book isn’t just about the big wins—it’s about the messy, unpredictable journey of innovation. McCullough reminds us that today’s tech giants were born out of chaos, wild ideas, and more than a little luck. If you’ve ever wondered how we got from clunky dial-up modems to a world where your fridge might have Wi-Fi, this book is your answer. And hey, it might just inspire the next generation of scrappy dreamers to build whatever comes next.

#4 Chip War by Chris Miller

This is the story of semiconductors—the tiny, intricate chips that power everything from smartphones and cloud computing to military systems and AI. Chris Miller takes readers on a journey through the history of these critical components, tracing their invention from the groundbreaking work at Bell Labs to the creation of the first integrated circuits. These innovations laid the foundation for modern computing and launched the semiconductor industry, which has since become the backbone of the global economy.

Miller delves into the rise of industry giants like Intel, AMD, and TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), whose advancements in chip design and production have propelled innovation in countless industries. Taiwan, in particular, emerges as a pivotal player, manufacturing over 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors. This concentration of manufacturing has created significant geopolitical tension, particularly with China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province. China’s growing reliance on foreign chip technology, coupled with its aggressive push to dominate semiconductor production, has escalated fears of supply chain disruptions. The book paints a stark picture of how Taiwan’s strategic importance in the chip supply chain has become a potential flashpoint for global conflict.

Beyond the technological breakthroughs, Chip War captures the broader geopolitical stakes surrounding semiconductors. These tiny devices are not just technological marvels but also critical to national security and economic stability. Countries like the U.S. are investing heavily in reshoring chip production to counter China’s ambitions and safeguard their technological edge. From trade restrictions to sanctions targeting Chinese companies like Huawei, Miller illustrates how semiconductors have become a battlefield in the competition for global power. This book is essential for understanding how chips underpin modern technology, the strategic battles over their production, and the future of innovation and influence.

#5 The World for Sale by Javier Blas and Jack Farchy

Many products have a value chain, meaning their end-to-end supply chain from raw materials to the final product. This book focuses on the earliest and most critical part of that chain: raw materials. It dives into how these resources shape businesses, global economies, and even governments.

The World for Sale explores the secretive world of global commodity traders who control the flow of oil, metals, and rare earth elements—the foundational resources behind everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. From oil barons to cobalt traders, these shadowy players quietly wield immense power, influencing geopolitics and the global economy while staying out of the spotlight. It’s a stark reminder that the sleek tech we celebrate depends on a complex, volatile, and often opaque resource trade.

The book profiles major commodity trading houses like Glencore, Vitol, and Trafigura, revealing their influence over industries and governments alike. These firms have deep ties to tech giants, energy companies, and manufacturing powerhouses, supplying the critical materials that drive innovation. The authors also detail how traders operate in politically unstable regions, sometimes brokering deals with authoritarian regimes to secure access to resources. This web of relationships highlights the uncomfortable truth: the modern tech revolution relies on commodities sourced from ethically and politically complicated circumstances. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone looking to grasp the full picture of how industries and economies truly operate.

#6 The Pentagon’s Brain by Annie Jacobsen

DARPA, the U.S. government’s most secretive and innovative R&D agency, has been at the forefront of technological breakthroughs for decades. Annie Jacobsen takes readers behind the curtain to explore how DARPA’s bold ideas led to the creation of world-changing technologies like the internet, GPS, drones, and even early AI systems. Founded during the Cold War to ensure the U.S. stayed ahead in the global arms race, DARPA became a hub for audacious, moonshot thinking that often outpaced the private sector.

Jacobsen doesn’t just celebrate DARPA’s achievements; she also delves into the moral complexities of its work. The book examines how the agency’s projects, from autonomous weapons to advanced surveillance systems, raise ethical questions about privacy, accountability, and the unintended consequences of innovation. At the same time, Jacobsen highlights how DARPA’s role remains critical in maintaining U.S. leadership over nations like China, which are heavily investing in military advancements, often without the same emphasis on transparency or democratic principles. As DARPA pushes the envelope on technology, its work is not only about innovation but also about ensuring these powerful tools remain under the influence of nations that value open societies and human rights.

At its core, The Pentagon’s Brain is a testament to the power of government-backed innovation to shape industries and societies. From self-driving vehicles to biotech advancements, many of the technologies we take for granted today can trace their roots to DARPA’s early experiments. Jacobsen’s exploration of this shadowy agency is both a thrilling history of cutting-edge science and a thought-provoking discussion on the balance between progress and responsibility.

#7 The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman

Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind and a pioneer in artificial intelligence, offers an urgent and compelling exploration of the technologies reshaping our world. AI is set to transform daily life—enabling personalized healthcare, automating workplaces, and optimizing entire cities. Synthetic biology promises to revolutionize agriculture and medicine, creating lab-engineered crops and personalized treatments. Meanwhile, quantum computing is poised to crack previously unsolvable problems, from encryption to climate modeling. These technologies aren’t just advancing—they’re redefining the boundaries of what’s possible.

Suleyman also confronts the profound societal challenges these advancements bring. Automation risks displacing millions of workers, while AI’s concentration of power could deepen inequality. Surveillance technologies and misinformation could undermine trust, and the geopolitical struggle for technological dominance, particularly between nations like the U.S. and China, raises the stakes. Drawing from his firsthand experience at the cutting edge of AI, Suleyman outlines why these risks demand immediate attention and careful management.

At its core, The Coming Wave is both a warning and a guide. Suleyman calls for proactive governance, global cooperation, and ethical innovation to ensure these tools uplift society rather than destabilize it. His insights, grounded in years of pioneering work at DeepMind, make this book an essential read for understanding how humanity can navigate the immense power of emerging technologies. It’s a clear-eyed roadmap for thriving in a future that’s arriving faster than we ever imagined.

#8 A Short History of the World by H.G. Wells

H.G. Wells’s A Short History of the World is a masterful attempt to tell humanity’s entire story in a single, digestible volume. Written in 1922, the book offers a sweeping overview of history, starting with the formation of the Earth and ending in the modern era as Wells saw it. What makes it fascinating is how it reflects the perspective of its time—capturing a world still reeling from World War I, navigating rapid technological progress, and teetering on the edge of new global dynamics. Wells’s writing is concise yet vivid, delivering big ideas without the fluff, making it a surprisingly modern read for today’s audience.

What stands out is Wells’s ability to condense monumental events—like the rise and fall of empires, the birth of religions, and the dawn of industrialization—into a narrative that feels remarkably comprehensive yet easy to follow. It’s the kind of history book you can devour without feeling like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. Wells doesn’t linger too long on any one subject, instead weaving a tapestry of connections that show how events and ideas are part of a larger, ongoing story. It’s a bird’s-eye view of human progress, written with the clarity of someone who truly believes in the power of knowledge to shape the future.

Reading A Short History of the World today is like stepping into a time capsule. Wells’s interpretations of events reflect the optimism and anxieties of the early 20th century, offering a unique lens through which to view humanity’s trajectory. For anyone looking for a digestible, all-encompassing overview of history—and a peek into how people once viewed the world’s unfolding story—it’s a remarkable and thought-provoking read.

8 Pods

AWS - Acquired Podcast

Too many people don’t realize Amazon’s real cash cow: Amazon Web Services (AWS). Sure, everyone’s heard of “cloud computing,” but most don’t really understand what it is—or how it’s become the heartbeat of nearly every modern business. This episode breaks it down beautifully, explaining how AWS revolutionized cloud computing by turning data centers into a product. Amazon built massive data centers, packed them with powerful servers (basically super-computers), and rents those servers to companies who don’t want to invest in their own infrastructure. Think about it: no need for your own servers, data center facilities, heating, cooling, wiring, or IT staff. It’s accessible from anywhere—delivered by Amazon.

Not only is Amazon the world’s largest retailer, but it’s also the biggest rental company, providing servers and IT infrastructure to businesses of every size.

Episode Significance: Cloud computing isn’t just a tech buzzword; it’s the scaffolding holding up the modern digital world. Whether it’s Netflix streaming your favorite shows or a startup running on a shoestring budget, AWS is powering it behind the scenes.

Why I’m recommending this podcast: The Acquired podcast is my favorite way to learn about the history of business and tech while also understanding the principles and strategies of the world’s greatest companies. Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal break down giants like Nvidia, Meta, and Microsoft with such precision that even the CEOs and founders join in to give their perspective.

This isn’t just storytelling—it’s a masterclass in distilling technical innovations into actionable business strategies, often tying them back to Hamilton Helmer’s 7 Powers framework. Every episode leaves me inspired and a little smarter. Ben and David are two of the sharpest minds in the game, and I’m grateful for the time, passion, and expertise they pour into each episode.

Check out the WSJ article titled “The Smartest People in the Room are all Listening to the Same Podcast.”

Daniel Yergin — The Dwarkesh Podcast

Energy might not always steal the spotlight, but Daniel Yergin makes it clear why it should. This episode dives into the geopolitics of the energy transition, exploring the shifts from oil and gas to renewables and nuclear. Yergin’s expertise shines as he covers not only the current state of energy innovation but also the rich history of oil and its role in shaping the modern world. By understanding the past, Yergin makes a compelling case for how we can navigate the future of energy amidst technological, economic, and geopolitical challenges.

Episode Significance: Daniel Yergin is a titan in the energy space. As a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and vice chairman of S&P Global, he brings decades of expertise to the table, connecting the history of energy—particularly oil—with the technologies driving today’s energy revolution. His insights into how energy transitions have historically unfolded are invaluable for understanding the role of advanced materials, energy storage solutions, and global policy in the move toward renewables and nuclear power.

Why I’m recommending this podcast: Dwarkesh’s podcast is quickly becoming a hidden gem for in-depth discussions on topics that truly matter. He has a knack for asking sharp, thoughtful questions that bring out the best in his guests. This episode with Yergin is no exception—it’s a masterclass in tying the technical, historical, and geopolitical threads of the energy sector together. Dwarkesh was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in AI, with many of the smartest minds in tech and business as listeners and guests (including Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerburg, and Marc Andresson)

Matt Mullenweg — The Tim Ferriss Show (#713)

Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, takes a deep dive into the evolution of technology and its broader societal impacts. In this episode, Mullenweg explores how open-source software is shaping the future of innovation, enabling collaboration at scale, and laying the foundation for some of the most significant tech advancements we see today. He also shares insights into the intersection of AI and creativity, cybersecurity in an increasingly connected world, and the importance of adaptability in the face of rapid technological change.

Episode Significance: Mullenweg’s insights into open-source technology showcase why it’s one of the most transformative movements in tech. It’s not just the foundation for modern tools and platforms—it’s a blueprint for how innovation can be scalable, inclusive, and future-proof. Combined with his thoughts on AI as an amplifier of creativity and strategies for cybersecurity in a hyper-connected world, this episode provides a compelling look at the future of work and technology.

Why I’m recommending this podcast: The Tim Ferriss Show is a masterclass in understanding how extraordinary people think, work, and create. Tim has a gift for getting world-class performers—like Mullenweg—to break down the habits, mindsets, and strategies behind their tangible impacts on the world. This episode is a fascinating exploration of how one individual’s approach to technology and innovation can ripple outward to shape industries and empower others. If you want to learn how high achievers think and what we can take away to apply in our own lives, this is a must-listen.

Check out Forbes article titled Tim Ferris: What You can Learn from the Habits of World-Class Performers

Sergey Nazarov on Chainlink — The Unchained Podcast

Blockchain might still feel like a buzzword, but Sergey Nazarov makes it clear that it’s so much more. This episode dives into Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), a game-changing technology enabling blockchains to communicate seamlessly. It’s the missing link that’s making decentralized finance, supply chains, and even IoT networks more efficient and secure. Nazarov also delves into Chainlink’s partnerships with major players like Google and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, showing how key investors and collaborators are betting big on its potential to reshape industries. Whether it’s connecting smart contracts or powering real-world automation, the technical innovations behind Chainlink make this a pivotal conversation for understanding the future of blockchain.

Episode Significance: CCIP is the infrastructure quietly powering the next wave of innovation. As we’ve explored, connected devices and smart manufacturing rely on secure, interoperable systems, and Chainlink is laying the groundwork for that future. Sergey’s ability to explain these complex systems and their practical implications makes this a critical episode for anyone curious about the backbone of tomorrow’s digital economy.

Why I’m recommending this podcast: The Unchained podcast is one of the best resources for breaking down highly technical developments in the blockchain world into digestible, actionable insights. Host Laura Shin has a talent for asking the right questions and simplifying complex topics without losing their nuance. This episode with Sergey Nazarov is a perfect example of how Unchained makes blockchain innovation approachable and relevant, whether you’re a developer, an investor, or just blockchain-curious. It’s a must-listen for understanding how these emerging technologies are transforming the digital landscape.

Marc Andreessen — The Joe Rogan Experience

Marc Andreessen is one of the most legendary and impactful technologists of all time. From inventing the web browser—making the internet accessible to everyday users—to building one of the world’s largest venture capital firms, Andreessen Horowitz, Marc has been at the forefront of technological progress for decades. A champion for innovation, he is a leading supporter and investor in many of the world’s most influential technology companies. Serving on over 100 boards, including Meta (Facebook), Hewlett Packard (HP), Stanford Hospitals, and numerous emerging startups, Andreessen’s influence spans industries and geographies.

In this episode, Marc dives into the transformative power of technology, covering AI, robotics, and other groundbreaking innovations that are fundamentally reshaping society. He discusses the American perspective on technology and the role government should play in fostering or regulating it. From the promises and challenges of AI to the evolving culture of America, Andreessen shines a light on the opportunity to re-embrace growth and innovation—positioning America as a leader in the global tech race. He reframes AI not as a looming threat but as a tool for amplifying human creativity and solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. Whether discussing the history of technology or the philosophies driving progress, Andreessen emphasizes how technology shapes and is shaped by humanity. He also explores how increased productivity directly improves quality of life, urging Americans to adopt a mindset that prioritizes innovation and automation over the stagnation caused by excessive regulation.

Episode Significance: Andreessen is optimistic that AI and emerging technologies will continue to make the world safer, healthier, and more interconnected, enabling humanity to reach unprecedented heights. He cautions against allowing lifelong bureaucrats and politicians to overly influence technological progress, instead advocating for a culture of open-source collaboration and encouraging individuals to take an active role in shaping how major companies and industries evolve. This episode eloquently articulates the pro-business, innovation, and spending rationalization perspective that’s been gaining momentum in the United States, as reflected in the recent presidential election results. It offers a deeper look at the positive aspects of the MAGA agenda, prioritizing progress over cancel culture and hyper-regulation. Even if you don’t agree with all of Andreessen’s points, it’s an essential perspective to consider.

Why I’m recommending this podcast: Marc Andreessen has a rare combination of historical knowledge and forward-thinking vision, and this conversation showcases both. The Joe Rogan Experience brings out his unfiltered perspective, giving listeners a unique opportunity to understand how one of the sharpest minds in tech envisions the future. If you’re interested in exploring the philosophical and practical implications of emerging technologies—and how they intertwine with societal values—this episode is both provocative and deeply relevant.

Bernie Sanders — Lex Fridman Podcast

Following Marc Andreessen’s optimistic take on technology and innovation, Bernie Sanders offers a necessary counterbalance, diving into the societal challenges posed by automation, AI, and the evolving nature of work. In this episode, Sanders examines the broader implications of emerging technologies, focusing on wealth inequality, worker displacement, and the need for equitable distribution of progress. While Andreessen champions deregulation and market-driven growth, Sanders emphasizes the importance of government intervention to ensure technological advancements benefit everyone, not just a select few.

Sanders argues that, without proper oversight, the rapid pace of automation and AI could exacerbate existing disparities. He critiques the influence of corporate power on both innovation and governance, proposing reforms to make systems more inclusive and equitable. At its core, the conversation explores whether technology should primarily serve profit-driven interests or prioritize the well-being of the broader population.

Episode Significance: Sanders provides a thought-provoking lens on how unchecked technological progress might impact the average worker and society at large. His focus on fairness and inclusion offers a stark contrast to Andreessen’s market-driven perspective, highlighting the ongoing debate about the role of regulation, labor protections, and government oversight in shaping the future. This episode is a reminder that, while technology can uplift humanity, its benefits must be consciously distributed to avoid leaving people behind.

Why I’m recommending this podcast: Lex Fridman’s podcast stands out for its intelligence, balance, and thoughtfulness. As an AI researcher and MIT scientist, Lex brings impeccable credentials to every conversation, attracting world leaders, visionaries, and experts from diverse fields. His outsider perspective—having grown up outside the U.S.—allows him to approach topics without the entrenched Republican/Democrat biases that dominate many discussions, fostering a more objective and nuanced exploration of ideas.

Whether hosting technologists, scientists, or political figures like Bernie Sanders, Lex masterfully blends intellectual depth with a genuine curiosity, making every episode feel meaningful and enlightening. This conversation is no exception, offering a fair and balanced examination of how society can navigate the opportunities and challenges of technological progress. If you’re seeking smarter, more thoughtful dialogue on the future of humanity, this podcast is an essential listen.

BG2Pod (Weekly)

The BG2Pod (Business Games 2 Podcast) is hosted by two of the most respected minds in tech and investing: Brad Gerstner, founder of Altimeter Capital, and Bill Gurley, legendary venture capitalist at Benchmark. Together, they bring decades of experience scaling industry-defining companies like Uber, Zillow, Snowflake, and many more. As hosts, Brad and Bill unpack the strategies, frameworks, and principles that drive the world’s most successful businesses, offering listeners a unique combination of insider knowledge and sharp analysis.

Brad Gerstner dives into the intersection of capital allocation, market dynamics, and tech innovation, while Bill Gurley breaks down competitive advantage, disruption, and long-term strategy. Both hosts have a proven track record of identifying transformative trends and backing companies that shape entire industries. Their firsthand experience makes every episode a masterclass in understanding the mechanics of business success.

Episode Significance: The BG2Pod stands out for its ability to bridge the gap between theoretical strategy and practical execution. Whether dissecting Hamilton Helmer’s 7 Powers, analyzing platform business models, or exploring the latest technological disruptions, Brad and Bill bring unmatched depth to each topic. Their combined expertise ensures that every discussion is packed with insights into the decisions, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s business landscape.

Why I’m recommending this podcast: Brad Gerstner and Bill Gurley aren’t just commentators—they’re active players who’ve helped build some of the most transformative companies in history. Their ability to distill complex business strategies into actionable lessons makes this podcast invaluable for anyone looking to understand the modern economy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an investor, or just fascinated by the world of business, BG2Pod offers unparalleled access to two of the sharpest minds in the game. If you want to learn how to think like the people shaping the future, this podcast is a must-listen.

All-In Podcast (Weekly)

The All-In Podcast features four of the most influential minds in tech and business—Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg—sharing unfiltered insights on the topics shaping our world. These aren’t armchair commentators; they’re trailblazers who’ve built billion-dollar companies and reshaped industries. Chamath helped scale Facebook from 1 million to over 1 billion users and is a world-class investor, Jason was an early investor in Uber, David Sacks co-founded PayPal and Yammer, and David Friedberg, an early Google employee, revolutionized agtech and climate innovation. Their firsthand experience in building, investing, and innovating gives their conversations a depth and credibility that few other podcasts can match.

Each week, the All-In crew dives into key issues at the intersection of technology, business, and society, tackling everything from AI regulation and energy policy to financial markets and geopolitical challenges. Their debates combine diverse perspectives rooted in years of execution and leadership, offering sharp analysis and actionable insights. Whether exploring the ethics of emerging technologies, dissecting policy decisions, or forecasting the next big disruption, this podcast delivers a comprehensive and nuanced look at the forces shaping industries and economies today.

Episode Significance: This podcast feels like a real-time extension of the topics we explore—smart manufacturing, robotics, and connected devices—paired with deep dives into the societal and political forces shaping the innovation landscape. Whether they’re discussing policy or predicting the next big trend, the All-In crew consistently offers sharp analysis and thought-provoking commentary.

Why I’m recommending this podcast: The All-In Podcast goes beyond reporting on trends—it shapes them. Chamath, Jason, David, and Friedberg bring their A-game every week, delivering insights that are as provocative as they are actionable. With a mix of humor, debate, and deep analysis on everything from AI to global markets, this podcast provides unparalleled access to how some of the brightest minds in tech are thinking about the future. When billionaires and tech leaders share their unfiltered insights, it’s worth tuning in.

The "Lucky 8s" blog series honors the Rayburg family's lucky number 8, a nod to the cousins who wore it in sports before me, making it the perfect theme to reflect on the year's most meaningful insights.

Thanks for checking out this year's Lucky 8s! Let me know what you think and share recommendations at jacob.rayburg@gmail.com

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