Diet TBPN: November 3, 2025

Overview

This episode dives into the intersection of AI, business, and technology, exploring topics like the transformation of unconventional spaces into data centers, the financial strategies of OpenAI, and the parallels between tech leaders Sam Altman and Elon Musk. The hosts also touch on the cultural phenomenon of Halloween and its unexpected connection to the tech world.

Notable Quotes

- There's a thin line between grifter and visionary, and creating true believers to harvest their capital requires rhetoric that makes non-believers recoil. - John Coogan, on the leadership style of tech visionaries like Sam Altman and Elon Musk.

- Hey man, how are you gonna pay for the $1.4 trillion of spend you promised? Proceeds to crash. - Jordi Hays, critiquing Sam Altman's response to financial concerns.

- The joke of OpenAI holding up the stock market is incredibly real right now. - Jordi Hays, on the outsized influence of OpenAI on the tech and financial sectors.

🎃 Haunted Houses and Data Centers

- The co-owner of Pennsylvania's Pennhurst Asylum plans to convert the haunted house into a data center after Halloween, highlighting the growing demand for data infrastructure.

- Hollywood sound stages and studios in Georgia are also being repurposed into data centers due to underutilization.

- The hosts humorously discuss the chaos of Halloween retail, likening it to the frenzy of last-minute shoppers at Spirit Halloween stores.

💰 OpenAI's Financial Strategy and Controversy

- The podcast dissects the controversial interview where Sam Altman faced tough questions about OpenAI's ability to manage $1.4 trillion in spending with limited revenue.

- Jordi Hays criticizes Altman's vague answers, such as sell your shares and we're automating science, calling for more transparency.

- The hosts debate whether OpenAI's rapid revenue growth and ambitious deals can sustain its commitments, with John Coogan suggesting flexible contracts might mitigate risks.

- Speculation arises about whether Altman is intentionally overbuilding infrastructure to create a surplus, a theory dubbed glut-pilled.

🚀 Comparing Sam Altman and Elon Musk

- The hosts draw parallels between Altman and Musk, noting their shared ability to inspire belief while walking the line between visionary and grifter.

- Jordi Hays argues Musk's likability and track record of delivering results give him an edge over Altman, who lacks a retail army of supporters.

- Musk's approach to bold promises, like flying cars, is contrasted with Altman's more abstract visions, such as automating science.

📉 The Impact of OpenAI on the Market

- OpenAI's influence on the tech and financial markets is described as monumental, with its deals and revenue growth driving significant market activity.

- The hosts highlight the risks for companies heavily reliant on OpenAI partnerships, especially if promised growth doesn't materialize.

- The discussion touches on the broader implications of OpenAI's potential IPO, with John Coogan noting Altman's desire to involve retail investors in the company's future.

🤖 Power Struggles and Leadership in AI

- The episode delves into internal conflicts at OpenAI, including allegations of power struggles and a memo accusing Altman of dishonesty.

- The hosts role-play a mock deposition, humorously exploring the tensions between key figures like Sam Altman, Ilya Sutskever, and Mira Murati.

- Questions are raised about the ethical implications of centralized control over AI and the potential creation of a robot army.