All-In E32: Behind the scenes of Elon hosting SNL, CDC failures, America's real-time UBI experiment & more

Jason's SNL Experience with Elon

• Jason helped Elon Musk prepare for SNL as his "wingman" in the writer's room
• Contributed to several skits including the Asperger's joke in the monologue
• Described the intensive process involving daily COVID testing and strict protocols
• Some skits that didn't make the final cut included "FOMO Capital" about venture investing
• The experience was one of the happiest times Jason had seen Elon in 20 years

CDC and COVID Policy Criticism

• Discussed CDC's misleading guidance claiming up to 10% outdoor transmission when real number is likely under 0.1%
• David Leonard's NYT article highlighted CDC's overly conservative stance on outdoor masks and activities
• Group criticized continued restrictions despite vaccine availability and dropping case numbers
• Noted stark differences in mask policies between states like Florida, Texas, and New York

Economic Concerns

• Stanley Druckenmiller interview highlighted concerns about current monetary/fiscal policy
• Fed continuing emergency measures despite retail demand being 5 years above trend
• Discussion of inflation risks with CPI up 4% and climbing
• Identified unintended consequences of unemployment benefits creating labor shortages
• Montana and Mississippi ending federal unemployment benefits early due to worker shortages

Synthetic Biology Discussion

• David Friedberg discussed recent IPOs of Ginkgo Bioworks ($15B) and Zymergen
• Explained how synthetic biology could revolutionize manufacturing, agriculture, and medicine
• Highlighted companies like Pivot Bio developing biological alternatives to chemical fertilizers
• Discussed potential medical applications including stem cell therapies and protein engineering

The group concluded by noting we're in a race between technological acceleration and social/political deterioration, with synthetic biology representing one of the most promising technological frontiers.