E16: The Fertility Crisis

"The Riff" with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss the fertility crisis, how Walmart is a tool of upward mobility, AI as the last interface, and more.

The Riff is sponsored by Brave. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

---

The Riff is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co

---

RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHist

Every week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more. Subscribe:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihm

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj

---

We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

---

SPONSOR: BRAVE

Get first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

---

LINKS:

Byrne’s writing: thediff.co

---

X / TWITTER:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@byrnehobart (Byrne)

@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)

---

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:21) Discussion on fertility and economics

(04:50) Anti-natalist aspects of monetary and fiscal policy

(09:18) Would women having kids mean less GDP?

(13:30) Discounted cash flow analysis

(18:34) Sponsor - Brave

(26:50) Walmart as a tool of upward mobility

(34:06) White collar work

(36:37) AI as the last interface

(42:01) Sam Zemurray, America’s banana king

(46:23) Wrap

---

The Riff is a production from Turpentine

Producer: Sam Kaufman

Editor: Seven Morris

For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact [e-mail]