All-In E67: Revisiting Rogan, Canadian truckers' protest, fusion breakthrough, $MSFT's savvy move & more
Episode 67 • 2/12/2022
Joe Rogan Controversy & Spotify Response
- Discussed a new controversy around old clips of Joe Rogan using racial slurs, leading to Spotify removing 110+ episodes
- The group agreed Rogan's apology seemed sincere and noted the context was different when the clips were recorded
- Spotify CEO Daniel Ek responded by pledging $100M to support underrepresented voices rather than deplatforming Rogan
- The group praised Spotify's approach of responding with "more speech" rather than censorship
Canadian Truckers Protest
- Protests have expanded beyond just truckers to include broader coalition against COVID restrictions
- Group highlighted that truckers are 90% vaccinated, suggesting protest is more about general COVID policy frustration
- Discussed PM Trudeau's response calling protesters a "fringe minority" with "unacceptable views"
- Noted this could be a pivotal moment for Biden administration's COVID policy stance
Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough
- David Friedberg explained the significance of recent fusion achievements
- Joint European Torus achieved record 59 megawatts output for 5 seconds
- Discussed potential long-term implications for energy production and element synthesis
- Group explored how this could transform energy economics in coming decades
Microsoft's Strategic Move
- Microsoft made proactive moves to get approval for $75B Activision Blizzard acquisition
- Promised open app store principles and met with regulators in Washington
- Group praised Microsoft's strategic approach of adapting to regulation rather than fighting it
- Discussed how this could pressure other platforms like Apple and Google on app store policies
CIA Surveillance Programs
- New revelations about CIA collecting data on US citizens without oversight
- Group expressed concern about lack of transparency and accountability
- Discussed broader implications for civil liberties and executive power
- Called for more mainstream media attention to these issues
The episode covered significant ground across technology, politics, and civil liberties while maintaining focus on practical implications for business and society.