E28: Amazon’s Potential for an Airline, Hidden Economic Gains, and the Nature of Equities

"The Riff" with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne talk about Amazon’s potential to buy a passenger airline, hidden economic gains, equities, and more. beehiiv: Head to https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

---

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [e-mail].

---

SPONSORS: beehiiv

beehiiv: Head to beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months

---

RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333

Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836

---

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:20) Amazon's Unique Business Model and Expansion Strategy

(03:11) The Intricacies of the Airline Business Model

(05:58) Amazon's Long-Term Strategy and Customer Focus

(10:01) Potential for Amazon to Disrupt the Airline Industry

(17:27) Sponsor: Beehiiv

(18:33) Blackstone's Real Estate Ventures and Market Dynamics

(28:26) Understanding Financial Planning and Investment Strategies

(29:01) Exploring the Nuances of Preferred vs. Common Stock

(31:03) The Impact of Unions on Company Profits and Shareholder Value

(35:38) The Role and Evolution of Unions in Balancing Labor and Capital

(41:50) Analyzing the New York Times' Adaptation to Digital Media Trends

(51:21) The Invisible Efficiencies of Technological Advancements

(57:12) Wrap

---

LINKS:

Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.co

---

X / TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)

https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)

https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)

---

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