Diet TBPN: October 17th, 2025

Overview

This episode dives into a mix of topics, including controversies in tech journalism, the intersection of technology and defense, the potential of robotics in sports, the evolving landscape of AI and cloud computing, and the cultural impact of media and entertainment.

Notable Quotes

- Everyone in America knows that it shouldn't take 50 years to build a new plane. - John Coogan, on inefficiencies in defense and government procurement.

- I bought a TV with Bitcoin. It was the worst financial decision of my life. I had one Bitcoin... it's a $100,000 TV, and it's actually in the trash now. - John Coogan, reflecting on early Bitcoin spending.

- The European mind cannot comprehend what happened. This is slop, but this is the purest slop possible. - John Coogan, critiquing fake news and misinformation.

📰 Tech Journalism and Controversy

- Speaker 3 criticized a Reuters journalist for omitting Palantir's on-the-record statement, calling the reporting misleading and unprofessional.

- The discussion highlighted the tension between tech companies and media, with John Coogan emphasizing the importance of including all perspectives in journalism.

- Jordi Hays noted that media isn't zero-sum, suggesting outlets like Colossus and The New York Times can coexist with distinct approaches.

⚙️ Technology in Defense and Innovation

- John Coogan discussed inefficiencies in defense procurement, contrasting it with the faster pace of innovation in Silicon Valley.

- He pointed out that other countries aren't necessarily smarter but are more efficient in building systems.

- The conversation touched on the challenges of entrenched interests slowing progress in government projects.

🤖 Robotics and Human Interaction

- The team explored the potential of robots in sports, with John Coogan suggesting robots could become the ultimate sparring partners by perfectly mimicking human movements.

- Jordi Hays proposed a scenario of 100 robots versus one human, imagining the entertainment value of such a spectacle.

- The idea of robots in gorilla costumes fighting Logan Paul was humorously pitched as a billion-view production concept.

☁️ AI and Cloud Computing Trends

- Internal documents from AWS revealed a shift in startup spending from traditional cloud services to AI models and developer tools.

- Jordi Hays and John Coogan discussed how AWS is struggling to capitalize on this shift, signaling a fundamental change in the tech ecosystem.

- The conversation also touched on the broader implications of AI's evolving role in business and innovation.

🎥 Media, Entertainment, and Cultural Commentary

- Apple’s five-year deal to broadcast Formula One in the U.S. was discussed, with Jordi Hays describing it as a barnacle economy strategy.

- John Coogan critiqued Tim Cook’s lackluster checkered flag wave at an F1 event, humorously comparing it to fishing.

- The team reflected on the cultural impact of media, from Drive to Survive's influence on F1 to nostalgic discussions about Roller Coaster Tycoon.