On a Personal Note
After the last few rather dense editions, I thought I’d mix things up with a lighter special edition this week.
I’ve received a few questions about my information routine—i.e., which newsletters and podcasts I regularly consume. And since these short updates are always well received (the gadget edition was one of the most-read newsletters of last year), I figured I’d use the chance to give a more detailed overview.
Once again, you’ll see that only a mad person would subject their brain to this much content. But hey, it is what it is. Enjoy! (Recommendations are always welcome!)
Also, some shameless self-promotion: I released two excellent podcasts this week—a new episode of Weltanschauung, where Philipp and I discuss the geopolitical implications of defunding USAID, and an interview with the wonderful Alexandre Lefebvre. Give them a listen!
The SG Infovore Routine
As you’ll see, I consume a lot of information throughout the day. But keep in mind—that’s basically the only thing I do lmao
Obviously, I still prefer reading books and make enough space for that (here’s a link to my last reading update). But as I’m constantly either reading or listening to something, things pile up naturally. Keen readers will notice that I’ve somewhat abandoned my “Avoid the News” mantra. Since I do much more investing these days, keeping track of the news cycle has (unfortunately) become much more essential. I don’t particularly enjoy it, but I try to stay focused on the big picture.
That also explains why there is a lot of finance-related content there, as you’ll see…
BTW, don’t get scared. I wouldn’t recommend this level of content consumption to anyone—but maybe you’ll find some gems in the mix. Everything on this list is something I actually read or listen to. This selection came about through a long process in which I tried to balance a wide range of ideological viewpoints, and there are many sources I fundamentally disagree with. But that’s healthy, I suppose.
Daily Newsletters
Wall Street Journal: The 10-Point Newsletter 🇺🇸
// finance, markets, global newsMorning Brew 🇺🇸
// finance, markets, global newsGZERO Daily 🇺🇸
// geopolitics, macro, global news// German politics
BILD+: Der Morgen 🇩🇪
// German news, boulevard
Newsletter (weekly/irregular)
Noah Smith (paid) 🇺🇸
// political analysis, economicsRichard Hanania (paid) 🇺🇸
// cultural & political commentaryRob Henderson (free) 🇺🇸
// psychology, cultural commentaryThe UnPopulist (free) 🇺🇸
// populismPostliberal Order (paid) 🇺🇸
// Feindbeobachtung, illiberalismOne Useful Thing (free) 🇺🇸
// artificial intelligencepersonal canon (free) 🇺🇸
// literature, fiction
Blogs
Marginal Revolution 🇺🇸
// economics, science, culture, global events
(maybe my most important source)
Newspaper Subscriptions
The Economist 🇺🇸
// IMHO the highest editorial standards out thereDie Zeit (cancelled 01/2025) 🇩🇪
// weekly newspaper
(cancelled because of editorial development)WirtschaftsWoche 🇩🇪
// the German “The Economist” basically// business, finance, markets
Monocle 🇺🇸
// lifestyle, foreign affairs, travel
Daily Podcast
POLITICO Berlin Playbook 🇩🇪
// German politicsAlles auf Aktien 🇩🇪
// markets, finance
Podcasts (weekly/monthly/unregular)
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg 🇺🇸
// markets, US politics, macro(maybe the most influential podcast in the world)
Pivot 🇺🇸
// Scott Galloway & Kara Swisher, balancing the aboveEconTalk 🇺🇸
// economicsConversations with Tyler 🇺🇸
// economics&&, just Tyler Cowen-things lolMultipolarity 🇺🇸
// geopolitics, alternative views// philosophy
Doppelgänger Tech Talk 🇩🇪
// tech, markets, finance, investingDeffner & Zschäpitz 🇩🇪
// markets, finance, investingThe Spectator: The Edition
// British Politics, news, cultureOMR Podcast 🇩🇪
// start-up, entrepreneurship, leadershipThe Rest Is History 🇺🇸
// historyDie sogenannte Gegenwart 🇩🇪
// cultural critiqueMachtwechsel 🇩🇪
// German politics (best in class)echtgeld.tv 🇩🇪
// markets, finance, investingTalking Counter 🇺🇸
// counter-strike newstl;dr 🇩🇪
// left-wing book reviews// German politics & economics
workshops work 🇺🇸
// facilitationModern Wisdom 🇺🇸
// self-improvement, entertainment, interviewsOther Life 🇺🇸
// niche weako philosophyReImagining Liberty 🇺🇸
// liberal philosophyPhilosophy For Our Times 🇺🇸
// philosophyEinundzwanzig, der Bitcoin Podcast 🇩🇪
// German Bitcoin sceneVery Bad Wizards 🇺🇸
// philosophy, psychology, cultural commentaryEmpire 🇺🇸
// historyThe Pen Addict 🇺🇸
// well, pens and stationery lmaoHayek Program Podcast 🇺🇸
// classical liberalismRussians With Attitude 🇺🇸
// “alternative views” lol, highly sus!!Ones and Tooze 🇺🇸
// geopolitics, analysisLex Fridman Podcast 🇺🇸
// long-form interviews, we all know Lex, I guessDwarkesh Podcast 🇺🇸
// artificial intelligence, tech, long-form interviewsOn The Brink 🇺🇸
// Bitcoin, crypto insider news from an investor perspectiveRed Scare 🇺🇸
// “alternative views” (dirtbag left), cultural commentary
Peace,
SG