The Hill & Valley Forum Podcast

Jacob Helberg, Delian Asparouhov, Christian Garrett | HIll & Valley 2025 Opening Remarks

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:54:00 -0000

The fourth annual Hill and Valley Forum brings together Silicon Valley and Capitol Hill to strengthen public-private partnerships for American technological leadership, featuring speakers discussing the need to rebuild America's competitive edge against global adversaries in fields like AI, aerospace, and manufacturing.

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@jacobhelberg (Jacob Helberg)

@cgarrett_15 (Christian Garrett)

@zebulgar (Delian Asparouhov)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(0:13) Christian Garrett's opening remarks on rebuilding bridges between Silicon Valley and government

(2:42) Delian Asparouhov on U.S. technological advantages and challenges vs. adversaries, particularly China

(6:17) Jacob Helberg on the forum's growth and America's reindustrialization revolution

(11:54) Introduction of Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior

Doug Burgum, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior | Hill & Valley Forum 2025 Remarks

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:53:00 -0000

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum discusses the critical importance of energy dominance to American technological leadership, particularly in the AI arms race against China, highlighting the need for increased domestic electricity production, critical minerals development, and sustainable resource management on federal lands.

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@SecretaryBurgum (Doug Burgum)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(0:08) Opening gratitude and background of Doug Burgum's career in tech

(2:17) Discussion of AI's transformative impact and policy implications

(3:32) The connection between energy production and winning the AI arms race with China

(9:50) Analysis of America's electricity challenges compared to China's aggressive energy expansion

(16:57) Proposals for critical minerals development, including sovereign risk insurance and federal investment

(20:44) Vision for sustainable resource management on federal lands to generate revenue and strengthen the economy

(23:13) Closing

Senator Bill Hagerty | Hill & Valley Forum 2025 Remarks

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:52:00 -0000

Senator Bill Hagerty shares his optimistic vision for American technological and economic leadership, outlining the Trump administration's strategy to counter China's unfair trade practices through tax cuts, deregulation, energy dominance, and balanced trade policies, while also highlighting forthcoming legislation to support cryptocurrency innovation.

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(0:08) Opening remarks and acknowledgment of forum founders

(0:55) Message of optimism about America's innovative potential

(1:34) Discussion of China's unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft

(3:22) Trump administration's economic plans including tax cuts and jobs act extension

(4:51) Benefits of deregulation for American businesses

(4:57) Energy dominance strategy and its economic and geopolitical advantages

(6:02) Explanation of trade and tariff initiatives to rectify imbalances

(7:45) Introduction of the Genius Act to support cryptocurrency innovation

(8:34) Closing remarks on America's innovative capacity and leadership potential

(9:21) Closing

Palantir CEO Alex Karp | Forging the Technological Republic: Power, Purpose, and the New American Century

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:51:00 -0000

In this conversation at the Hill and Valley Forum, Palantir CEO Alex Karp discusses his book "The Technological Republic," the importance of Western values, and the organizational principles that enabled Palantir's success, while emphasizing the need for America to win the AI arms race and the critical role of conviction and meritocracy in building enduring companies.

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@jacobhelberg (Jacob Helberg)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Alex Karp's statement on AI power dynamics and America's imperative to win the AI arms race

(0:39) Introduction and discussion about Karp's book on Western values

(4:58) Disruption by a protester and Karp's response about free speech and discourse

(11:23) Shifting to organizational lessons that made Palantir successful

(16:00) The importance of belief systems and conviction in building great companies

(20:50) Discussion of Palantir's support for Israel and the source of Karp's moral convictions

(28:09) Closing

Oracle CEO Safra Catz | Special Message to Hill & Valley Forum 2025

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:50:00 -0000

Oracle CEO Safra Catz discusses the company's commitment to supporting U.S. national security, describing Oracle's longstanding relationship with intelligence agencies, their principled stance on moral issues like refusing to operate in China and supporting Israel, and how AI technologies must be leveraged to maintain America's competitive advantage against adversaries.

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@SafraCatz (Safra Catz)

@jacobhelberg (Jacob Helberg)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(0:10) Oracle's role in defending Western values and supporting the U.S. government

(1:30) Examples of Oracle staying true to its moral compass, including decisions about China and supporting Israel (4:11) Discussion on how the U.S. government can leverage AI to defend against foreign threats

(6:12) Perspective on America's potential new golden age following the recent election

(7:40) Technology first principles from Oracle that government can draw inspiration from

(9:46) Closing remarks

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang | Rebuilding Industrial Power: AI Factories & the Return of American Manufacturing

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:49:00 -0000

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang discusses the concept of AI factories—systems that transform electricity into computational intelligence—and explains how AI represents an industrial revolution that will transform every industry, create new jobs in tech and trades, and enable advanced manufacturing through digital twins and physical AI. Follow on X:

@jacobhelberg (Jacob Helberg)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction and Jensen's opening statement on AI's impact on jobs

(0:38) Welcome and initial question about AI factories

(3:17) Discussion of AI as a paradigm shift in modern computing

(4:51) Explanation of physical AI and its evolution from perception to reasoning

(9:46) Analysis of what the US needs to do to win the global AI race

(13:04) Impact of AI on the workforce and job market

(17:55) How AI enables reshoring and manufacturing through digital twins

(22:19) Timeline predictions for AI-enabled robots becoming ubiquitous

(23:52) Closing

Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf & Mike Waltz | The Arsenal Reimagined: Designing the DoD for the 21st Century Battlefield

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:48:00 -0000

Anduril co-founder Brian Schimpf and US Ambassador to the United Nations nominee Mike Waltz discuss the urgent need to reform defense acquisition processes, with Schimpf arguing for free market competition in weapons development and emphasizing how improving manufacturing capabilities and industrial capacity is critical for credible deterrence against China's growing military threat.

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@MikeWaltz47 (Mike Waltz)

@SchimpfBrian (Brian Schimpf)

@cgarrett_15 (Christian Garrett)

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Preview

(00:50) Intro

(01:19) Waltz on defense acquisition reform and modernization initiatives

(05:07) Discussion on how tech community can work with government and defense sector

(07:34) Brian Schimpf on increased accountability and performance metrics in defense contracting

(10:17) Schimpf's vision for reimagining defense procurement through market competition

(12:11) Discussion of industrial capacity challenges and manufacturing constraints

(15:36) How Silicon Valley and Capitol Hill can work together to solve defense industrial base issues

(17:46) Challenges with allied defense partnerships and foreign military sales

(19:28) What's at stake if the US falls behind China in critical technologies

(22:06) Closing

VP Of Taiwan Hsiao Bi-Khim | Special Message to HIll & Valley Forum 2025

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:47:00 -0000

In a video address to the Hill and Valley Forum, Taiwan's representative emphasizes the strategic importance of Taiwan-US partnership across three key areas: national security, industrial manufacturing capabilities, and AI leadership, highlighting how Taiwan's resilience and technological ecosystem can contribute to rebuilding America's industrial base and maintaining technological superiority in an increasingly contested global environment.

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@bikhim (Hsiao Bi-Khim)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Opening

(0:15) Introduction and greeting from Taiwan

(0:35) Taiwan's importance as a resilient partner to the United States

(1:01) First key area: Taiwan's security as global security and defense initiatives

(2:59) Second key area: Taiwan's contribution to American industrial comeback

(3:54) Third key area: Taiwan as a partner in AI leadership

(4:55) Conclusion on Taiwan's resilience, values, and call for partnership

(6:07) Closing

Congressman George Whitesides, Major General Steve "Bucky" Butow, and SpaceX SVP Global Business Tim Hughes | The Final Frontier for American Power: Securing Leadership in Space

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:46:00 -0000

In this panel discussion at the Hill and Valley Forum, leaders from the commercial space industry and government discuss America's space superiority, with SpaceX's Tim Hughes highlighting the transformative impact of reusable rockets, Congressman George Whitesides emphasizing the need for acquisition reform and risk tolerance, and former Space Force executive Bucky discussing how economic power in space is essential for military power in space.

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@gtwhitesides (George Whitesides) @zebulgar (Delian Asparouhov)

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⁠Timestamps:

(0:00) Preview

(0:24) Applause and introduction by moderator Delian

(1:22) Discussion on the current state of commercial space activities

(3:23) SpaceX's Tim Hughes on Starship development and reusability

(5:30) Congressman Whitesides on bringing space industry perspective to Congress

(9:27) Bucky on space as a contested domain and military strategy

(12:33) Whitesides on defense acquisition reform and regulatory challenges

(15:27) Tim Hughes explaining the meaning of "commercial" in space industry

(18:55) Bucky on procurement process reform and agile development

(20:08) Whitesides on risk tolerance and development challenges in government

(22:01) SpaceX's biggest challenges as a rapidly growing space company

(23:38) Panel discussion on America's goals for the Moon and Mars

(25:20) Closing remarks

Senator Joni Ernst, Keith Rabois, and Ramp CEO Eric Glyman | First Principles for Smarter, Leaner Government

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:45:00 -0000

In this panel discussion, Senator Joni Ernst, Chair of the DOGE Caucus, joins Ramp CEO Eric Glyman and tech executive Keith Rabois to discuss improving government efficiency through commercial technologies, highlighting shocking examples of payment tracking failures, credit card misuse, and remote work abuse while emphasizing how modern financial technologies could save billions in taxpayer dollars.

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@SenJoniErnst (Sen Joni Ernst)

@rabois (Keith Rabois)

@eglyman (Eric Glyman)

@zebulgar (Delian Asparouhov)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Preview

(0:33) Introduction to government efficiency panel

(1:07) Senator Ernst on problems with federal payment tracking systems

(3:05) Keith Rabois on applying financial industry lessons to government spending

(3:47) Discussion of GSA credit card issues with 4.6 million cards for fewer employees

(6:18) Eric Glyman on how Ramp's technology prevents inappropriate spending

(9:00) Senator Ernst on expanding commercial technology adoption beyond defense

(10:49) Keith on technology improving productivity and reducing unnecessary taxation

(12:13) Eric explaining how Anduril benefits from Ramp's financial technology

(15:24) Senator Ernst on taxpayer-funded union time and examples of remote work abuse

(19:04) Discussion on benefits of in-person work versus remote environments

(20:52) Attracting and retaining tech talent in government service

(22:40) Keith on how DOGE has become a talent magnet for government service

(23:24) Senator Ernst on codifying DOGE initiatives through bipartisan legislation

(25:18) Closing

Senator Todd Young, Ohalo CEO David Friedberg, and Shaun Maguire | Made in America Again: A New Era of Industrial Strength

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:44:00 -0000

In this "Made in America" panel at the Hill and Valley Forum, experts including Senator Todd Young, David Friedberg, and Shaun Maguire discuss the urgent need to rebuild America's industrial capacity, highlighting the critical energy gap with China, the need for education reform focused on vocational training, and the importance of strategic reshoring combined with automation to compete globally.

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@SenToddYoung (Senator Todd Young)

@friedberg (David Friedberg)

@shaunmmaguire (Shaun Maguire)

@cgarrett_15 (Christian Garrett)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Preview

(1:10) Introduction to the panel on industrial strength and manufacturing challenges

(2:00) Shaun Maguire on creating market leaders in emerging industries to rebuild supply chains

(4:45) Senator Young on government's role in reshoring critical technology manufacturing

(7:53) David Friedberg on addressing energy and education as fundamental baseline issues

(12:32) Senator Young on improving higher education financing and transportation infrastructure

(15:31) Discussion on America's need to embrace higher risk tolerance for innovation

(17:46) Shaun on combating bureaucracy that hampers American progress

(18:00) Conversation on automation's role in bringing back manufacturing capacity

(20:20) Panel discussion on onshoring versus friend-shoring with allies

(25:14) Final thoughts

Congressman Ritchie Torres, James Litinsky, and Raef Sully | Strategic Independence: Reclaiming America's Energy and Mineral Supply Chains

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:43:00 -0000

In this Hill and Valley Forum panel on critical minerals, Congressman Ritchie Torres, MP Materials CEO James Litinsky, Lilac Solutions CEO Raef Sully, and Lowercarbon GP Clay Dumas discuss America's dangerous dependency on China for critical minerals like rare earths and lithium. They highlight the urgent need for domestic supply chains, the challenge of competing against China's mercantilist tactics, and how technological innovation combined with smart government policy can help the US regain mineral independence.

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@RepRitchie (Congressman Ritchie Torres)

@claydumas (Clay Dumas)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Preview

(0:28) Introduction and Congressman Torres on America's complacency in critical minerals

(3:20) James Litinsky on MP Materials' journey to build a complete domestic rare earths supply chain

(7:46) Discussion of China's mercantilist approach to controlling critical mineral markets

(11:10) Raef Sully on Lilac Solutions' lithium extraction technology advantages

(14:54) Analysis of market manipulation and China's strategy to crash prices

(16:29) Raef on strategic reserves and incubating domestic critical mineral industries

(20:20) James on needing policy solutions beyond tax credits to counter Chinese price manipulation

(22:29) Raef on America's technological advantage and investing in innovation

(24:22) Congressman Torres on the importance of critical minerals for defense and decarbonization

(26:55) Closing

Chairman Stephen Miran, CEA and Agility Robotics CEO Peggy Johnson | Automation for the Republic: Reindustrializing Through Robotics

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:42:00 -0000

In this Hill and Valley Forum panel, Peggy Johnson, CEO of Agility Robotics, Stephen Miran, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, and Congressman John Moolenaar discuss how humanoid robots are helping address labor shortages in warehouses and factories while supporting America's manufacturing resurgence. They emphasize the importance of maintaining U.S. technological leadership against China's aggressive competition in robotics through smart policies, tariffs, and investments in workforce development.

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@RepMoolenaar (John Moolenaar)

@PeggyJ (Peggy Johnson)

@SteveMiran (Steve Miran)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Preview

(0:26) Introduction to the panel on robotics and manufacturing

(1:48) Peggy Johnson explaining what humanoid robots are and their capabilities

(3:36) Stephen Miran on manufacturing's importance for national security

(5:36) Discussion of competition with China in robotics technology

(7:32) Bank teller analogy: how automation creates more jobs, not fewer

(8:44) How robots fill jobs humans don't want in logistics and manufacturing

(9:49) Policy needs for robotics: safety regulations and talent development

(13:00) Creating a competitive U.S. economy through tax incentives and regulatory reforms

(15:20) Role of tariffs in addressing unfair trade practices with China(17:49) Supply chain vulnerabilities and critical components

(22:18) Future of humanoid robots in factories and eventually homes

(24:57) Making robotics appealing to the next generation of workers

(27:08) Closing

Senator Mike Rounds, Anthropic Co-Founder Jack Clark, and Ravi Mhatre of Lightspeed | AI and the American Fabric: Rebuilding Society and Code Up

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:41:00 -0000

In this Hill and Valley Forum panel, Senator Mike Rounds, Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark, and Lightspeed Venture Partners founder Ravi Mhatre discuss the critical balance between accelerating AI innovation and implementing necessary controls to maintain US technological leadership against China. They emphasize the importance of public-private collaboration, increased energy capacity, and the transformative potential of AI in healthcare and scientific research.

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@SenatorRounds (Senator Mike Rounds (SD))

@jackclarkSF (Jack Clark)

@ravi_lsvp (Ravi Mhatre)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Preview

(1:17) Introduction by moderator Ravi Mhatre of Lightseed Venture Partners

(2:29) Context setting about the current state of AI technology advancements

(4:08) Senator Rounds on how the US can stay competitive in AI through public-private collaboration

(6:52) Discussion on balancing innovation speed with necessary security controls

(9:16) Analysis of China's AI capabilities and the DeepSeek model

(13:59) Senator Rounds on China's determination to achieve AI parity with the US

(16:27) Conversation about export controls and policies around open-source AI models

(19:19) Senator Rounds highlighting AI's potential to revolutionize healthcare and cancer research

(21:25) Jack Clark on AI's ability to accelerate scientific research and discovery

(23:18) Discussion on the timeline for AI systems capable of coding and AI R&D

(24:17) Closing thoughts on policy priorities including energy infrastructure and security measures

(26:45) Closing

Senator Jack Reed, Applied Intuition CEO Qasar Younis, and Josh Wolfe | Command and Control: AI, Autonomy, and the Future of National Defense

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:40:00 -0000

In this Hill and Valley Forum panel, Applied Intuition CEO Qasar Younis, Senator Jack Reed, and Lux Capital's Josh Wolfe discuss the challenges of maintaining US technological leadership against China. They emphasize the critical importance of attracting global talent, balancing innovation with security concerns, and developing nuanced policy approaches that address espionage risks without sacrificing America's competitive edge in AI and autonomous systems.

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@SenJackReed (Senator Jack Reed)

@qasar (Qasar Younis)

@wolfejosh (Josh Wolfe)

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Preview

(1:37) Introduction of panel with Applied Intuition CEO Qasar Younis and Senator Jack Reed

(3:05) Explanation of Applied Intuition's work on AI for autonomous machines

(4:11) Senator Reed on dual-use technology and military innovation challenges

(6:12) Qasar's insights from recent visit to Shanghai and Chinese approach to IP

(10:34) Discussion on talent acquisition and immigration policy

(12:42) Qasar's observations about China's surveillance state

(15:25) Senator Reed on data security and privacy concerns

(17:09) Conversation about autonomous vehicles and data vulnerability

(19:22) Finding middle ground between privacy protection and innovation

(21:40) Senator Reed departs; continuation with Qasar Younis

(22:08) Insights from Qasar's recent trip to China and the surveillance state

(24:24) Geopolitical implications of AI and autonomous systems

(25:56) Advice for technologists and policymakers in defense autonomy

(28:22) Closing

Congressman Gabe Amo, 8VC’s Alex Moore, Saronic’s Rob Lehman, and Varun Gupta | Maritime Power Reimagined: The Naval Edge in a Dangerous World

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:39:00 -0000

In this session from the Hill & Valley Forum 2025, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI), Saronic's Co-Founder & CCO Rob Lehman, 8VC partner Alex Moore, and Caffeinated Capital GP Varun Gupta explore how autonomous surface vessels and AI-driven maritime systems could help the US counter China's substantial naval buildup. The conversation highlights the potential for a transformative "hybrid fleet" combining traditional naval assets with unmanned systems, and examines how American shipbuilding can be revitalized through private investment and public-private partnerships.

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Alex Moore on how elite Silicon Valley engineers are entering the naval space

(00:27) America's maritime challenges and China's naval advantage

(01:29) Congressman Gabe Amo on the strategic imbalance in the Indo-Pacific and funding predictability challenges

(03:51) Rob Lehman explaining Saronic's approach to unmanned vessels enhancing the Navy's hybrid fleet concept

(06:38) Alex Moore on the compounding nature of maritime AI and autonomous software stacks

(09:14) Congressman Amo discussing underwater drone development in Rhode Island's maritime industry

(11:58) The evolution of maritime dominance from battleships to distributed autonomous systems

(15:19) Discussion of America's withered shipbuilding industrial base compared to Asian competitors

(17:38) Rob Lehman detailing Saronic's $250 million investment in Gulf Craft and plans for Port Alpha

(20:17) The emergence of tech startups entering naval defense and shipbuilding after decades of Silicon Valley neglect

Senator Mike Lee and Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar | The Great Defense Reformation: Innovation, Agility, and the Future Force

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:38:00 -0000

In this session from the Hill & Valley Forum 2025, Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar and Senator Mike Lee (UT) diagnose the crippling bureaucracy hampering America's defense innovation and outline a path to reform. Sankar argues that America's defense procurement has forgotten the formula that produced previous breakthroughs: competing programs, heretic innovators, and prioritizing people over process. Senator Lee details how excessive regulation (100,000 pages annually costing $1.5 trillion) threatens America's ability to compete with China in the AI arms race, and champions the REINS Act to restore constitutional order and spur innovation by requiring congressional approval for major regulations.

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@senmikelee@CGarrett_15

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Shyam Sankar explains how America's defense innovation has been hobbled

(01:01) Introduction to the panel on "The Great Defense Reformation"

(02:34) Senator Lee on the self-perpetuating bureaucracy that throttles American innovation

(06:15) Sankar on the importance of competition among government programs, not just defense contractors

(09:56) The critical role of "heretics" and founders in American defense innovation history

(13:01) Senator Lee on America's energy disadvantage against China due to regulatory burdens

(16:52) How the tech community can support regulatory reform through the REINS Act

(18:40) Sankar on positive steps from the current administration to streamline federal acquisition

(21:08) Two key reforms: implementing service-level agreements (SLAs) for government processes and recognizing requirements documents are always imperfect

(22:55) Senator Lee's detailed plan for permitting reform to accelerate innovation and development

Thrive Capital’s Josh Kushner and Jacob Helberg | Digital Dominion: Reviving American Leadership in the 21st Century

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:37:00 -0000

In this conversation recorded at the Hill & Valley Forum 2025, Josh Kushner, Founder of Thrive Capital, sits with Jacob Helberg to discuss his firm's investment approach and America's AI leadership strategy. Kushner emphasizes that maintaining U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence is "the most important moment in our lifetimes," advocating for policies that secure American access to critical AI inputs: talent, compute, and energy. He urges leaders to treat AI competition as a crisis despite America's current leadership position, warning that AI systems built without democratic values could have extraordinary consequences for the Western world. Kushner also shares his optimism about embodied AI and robotics creating new economic opportunities while enabling domestic manufacturing.

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@joshuakushner

@jacobhelberg

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Josh Kushner on the critical importance of AI built with American democratic values

(01:34) Overview of Thrive Capital's investment approach

(03:33) Thrive's five-pronged investment strategy in artificial intelligence

(06:33) Why American leadership in AI is crucial and how public-private partnership can secure it

(09:20) Kushner's perspective on DeepSeek and the dangers of supporting Chinese AI models

(11:54) The future of embodied intelligence and AI's expansion into robotics

(14:31) How AI and automation will ultimately create more prosperity despite job displacement

(15:40) Policy advice for Washington: treating AI leadership as a national crisis despite current advantages

(18:00) The importance of first principles thinking in both entrepreneurship and policy making

Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Sierra Nevada Corporation CEO Fatih Ozmen | Winning the Decisive Decade: Tech, Resolve, and the Arsenal of Democracy

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:36:00 -0000

In this session from the Hill & Valley Forum 2025, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Fatih Ozmen (CEO, Sierra Nevada Corporation) discuss America's strategy for winning the decisive decade in great power competition with China. They examine the critical challenges facing America's industrial base, from supply chain vulnerabilities and consolidation among defense contractors to budget uncertainty caused by Congressional dysfunction. They advocate for expanding the defense industrial base through open architectures, public-private partnerships, and reforms to how the government articulates requirements and approaches life-cycle costs.

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@SenatorShaheen

@CGarrett_15

Subscribe to The Hill & Valley Forum Podcast:

⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HillValleyForum⁩⁠

Apple:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hill-valley-forum-podcast/id1692653857

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/39s4MCyt1pOTQ8FjOAS4mi

⁠

Timestamps:

(00:00) Fatih Ozmen emphasizes how expanding America's industrial base helps the entire country

(00:28) Introduction to the panel on winning the decisive decade in great power competition

(01:28) Fatih Ozmen on the need to expand America's defense industrial base and increase competition

(04:47) Senator Shaheen's concerns about the first 100 days of the administration and cuts to key programs

(07:55) Discussion of how American foreign assistance cuts have created openings for Chinese influence

(12:00) Fatih on creating a "whole of nation" approach and the importance of open architectures

(16:16) The NASA model of public-private partnerships that enables new companies to enter the market

(18:55) How American leadership in space promotes our values and inspires future generations

(19:16) Senator Shaheen on how Congressional budget uncertainty undermines national security

(22:20) Fatih's proposal for accountability in government through stronger incentive structures

(24:18) Recommendations for government to share capability requirements earlier and focus on life-cycle costs

OpenAI CPO Kevin Weil, Google CIO Ruth Porat, and Emil Michael | The AI Reckoning: How Artificial Intelligence is Rewriting America's Future

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:34:00 -0000

In this panel from the 2025 Hill & Valley Forum, tech leaders Kevin Weil (Chief Product Officer, OpenAI), Ruth Porat (President and Chief Investment Officer, Alphabet and Google), and Emil Michael (nominee for Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering) discuss America's AI leadership and the strategic imperative of maintaining it against China's growing capabilities. The conversation spans OpenAI's plans to release open-source models one generation behind their frontier systems, Google's breakthrough achievements with AlphaFold, and the critical infrastructure challenges - particularly energy production and modernizing the electrical grid - that must be addressed to ensure continued U.S. technological dominance.

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@kevinweil

@emilmichael

@zebulgar

Subscribe to The Hill & Valley Forum Podcast:

⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HillValleyForum⁩⁠

Apple:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hill-valley-forum-podcast/id1692653857

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/39s4MCyt1pOTQ8FjOAS4mi

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:30) Discussion of America's technological leadership in AI

(01:30) Kevin Weil on ChatGPT's exponential growth to 500 million weekly users and rapid capability improvements

(05:13) Ruth Porat on AlphaFold's Nobel Prize and revolutionizing scientific discovery

(07:43) Kevin on how AI partnerships with national labs are accelerating scientific research

(09:12) Discussion of DeepSeek and the strategy for countering Chinese open-source AI soft power

(12:15) Concerns about U.S. venture capital funding Chinese AI companies

(14:18) Emil Michael on reforming Pentagon acquisition to better leverage commercial AI technology

(16:17) Building a risk-taking culture in government and celebrating success rather than punishing failure

(19:00) Ruth Porat on America's energy infrastructure challenges and Google's policy recommendations

(21:05) OpenAI's Project Stargate and $500 billion investment in U.S. AI infrastructure

(23:51) Final thoughts on maintaining U.S.-Silicon Valley cooperation and technological competitiveness

Vinod Khosla and Delian Asparouhov | Venture and Valor: Building the Future from Silicon to Steel

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:33:00 -0000

In his closing fireside at the 2025 Hill & Valley Forum, Vinod Khosla shares his strategic vision for American AI dominance, detailing why strategic AI advantages are critical for national security and economic leadership. Khosla explains why releasing open-source models strategically (keeping the latest generation proprietary) is essential, why AI treaties with China are unworkable, and how AI could revolutionize healthcare costs by reducing the "expertise inflation" that drives up expenses. He offers a compelling framework for understanding the technological, economic, and geopolitical implications of the AI race with China.

Follow on X:

@vkhosla (Vinod Khosla)

@zebulgar (Delian Asparouhov)

Subscribe to The Hill & Valley Forum Podcast:

⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HillValleyForum⁩⁠

Apple:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hill-valley-forum-podcast/id1692653857

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/39s4MCyt1pOTQ8FjOAS4mi⁠⁠

Timestamps:

(00:00) AI and robotics as the key to bringing manufacturing back to America

(00:48) Open-source AI models versus state-of-the-art models

(02:16) Why releasing one-generation-behind models is the right strategy for American leadership

(03:31) Explanation of why AI treaties would never work due to verification challenges

(04:37) Immigration of top AI talent as America's greatest competitive advantage

(05:32) Why the nation with the better AI model will win the economic race within 10 years

(06:18) How China could use free AI doctors and tutors as powerful geopolitical soft power tools

(07:49) The persuasive power of AI and the dangers of Chinese AI with Chinese ethics

(09:01) The growing divide between exponential AI progress and institutional resistance

(10:35) How AI could slash healthcare costs by replacing expensive expertise

(13:03) Balancing AI safety concerns with the more immediate threat of Chinese AI dominance

(15:50) Why reducing supply chain dependence on China is a strategic imperative

(17:30) The role of AI and robotics in reshoring manufacturing cost-effectively

(19:24) The threat of Taiwan invasion and the need for semiconductor independence

(20:17) Why venture capital's risk-taking approach to defense technology outperforms traditional contractors

(22:26) The challenges of reshoring rare earth mineral processing and new AI-driven solutions

Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson | Closing Remarks HIll & Valley Forum 2025

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:31:00 -0000

In his closing address at the 2025 Hill & Valley Forum, House Speaker Mike Johnson outlines a vision for revitalizing American industrial strength through three key Republican priorities: unleashing American energy production, maintaining low taxes, and reducing government size through spending cuts and deregulation. Speaker Johnson emphasizes the critical relationship between technological innovation and industrial capacity, arguing that the government's role is not to control markets but to create conditions where innovation can thrive.

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@speakerjohnson (Mike Johnson)

@jacobhelberg (Jacob Helberg)

Subscribe to The Hill & Valley Forum Podcast:

⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HillValleyForum⁩⁠

Apple:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hill-valley-forum-podcast/id1692653857

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/39s4MCyt1pOTQ8FjOAS4mi⁠

Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction of Speaker Mike Johnson by Jacob Helberg

(01:45) Speaker Johnson discusses the relationship between government and innovation

(03:36) Analysis of how industrial erosion has affected American prosperity and security

(06:53) First Republican priority: Unleashing abundant American energy production

(09:10) Second priority: Keeping taxes low to foster investment and competition

(09:27) Third priority: Reducing government size through spending cuts and deregulation

(11:31) Discussion of AI regulation and the importance of not overregulating

(13:29) Explanation of President Trump's approach to tariffs and trade rebalancing

(14:37) Emphasis on embracing technological innovation and industrial renewal

(16:29) Closing remarks on American exceptionalism and the foundations of the republic

Howard Lutnick, US Secretary of Commerce | Hill & Valley Forum 2025 Closing Remarks

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:30:00 -0000

In his address at the 2025 Hill & Valley Forum, 41st Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick outlines the administration's industrial policy focused on rebuilding American manufacturing through tariffs, investment incentives, and strategic trade negotiations. Secretary Lutnick highlights the administration's "Investment Accelerator" program that has secured $6 trillion in manufacturing commitments and explains how reducing the trade deficit by just $300 billion would add 1% to America's annual GDP growth, creating high-paying jobs in advanced manufacturing and technical trades.

Follow on X:

@howardlutnick (Howard Lutnick)

@jacobhelberg (Jacob Helberg)

@cgarrett_15 (Christian Garrett)

@zebulgar (Delian Asparouhov)

Subscribe to The Hill & Valley Forum Podcast:

⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HillValleyForum⁩⁠

Apple:⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hill-valley-forum-podcast/id1692653857

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/39s4MCyt1pOTQ8FjOAS4mi⁠

Timestamps:

(00:00) Anecdote about trade negotiations revealing hidden subsidies

(00:49) Introduction and reflections on Cabinet expertise and transparency

(03:31) Explanation of the Commerce Department's "Investment Accelerator" program

(04:38) Breakdown of $6 trillion in manufacturing commitments secured for America

(06:55) Analysis of semiconductor manufacturing investments and government partnerships

(09:06) The pharmaceutical industry imbalance and bringing production back to America

(10:47) Success story of light truck tariffs creating American manufacturing dominance

(13:30) Addressing non-tariff trade barriers and unfair government subsidies abroad

(21:02) Breaking down the $1.2 trillion trade deficit and potential GDP growth

(28:30) The human impact of offshoring on American communities and workers

(32:27) How automation and AI enable manufacturing to return to America affordably

(35:05) The administration's vision for American industrial policy and economic security

Hill & Valley Conversation: Roelof Botha, Jacob Helberg, Erik Torenberg on Bridging the Hill and Valley Divide, AI, and Decoupling Tech from China

Wed, 15 May 2024 16:23:00 -0000

Erik Torenberg interviews Roelof Botha, the managing partner of Sequoia Capital, and Jacob Helberg, advisor to Palantir CEO and organizer of The Hill & Valley Forum. Roelof and Jacob discuss the need for collaboration between Silicon Valley and Washington, especially on national security and frontier technologies, TikTok as a bellwether for the technological decoupling between the US and China, and debate the challenges of open-source and AI regulation.

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

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Check out Modern Relationships, where Erik Torenberg interviews tech power couples and leading thinkers to explore how ambitious people actually make partnerships work. Founders Fund's Delian Asparouhov and researcher Nadia Asparouhova kick off the series with an unfiltered conversation about their relationship evolution.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRelationshipsPod

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

LINKS:

The Hill and Valley Forum 2024
Silicon Valley Can’t Be Neutral in the U.S.-China Cold War by Jacob Helberg

FOLLOW ON X:

@roelofbotha (Roelof)

@jacobhelberg (Jacob)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(02:00) The Importance of Silicon Valley and DC

(06:45) Sequoia's Bullish Stance on Defense and Frontier Tech

(09:17) The New Arms Race with China and TikTok's Ban

(11:55) Sequoia's Separation from Chinese Entity

(14:17) Technological Decoupling and TikTok as a Bellwether

(24:27) AI Supply Chain and Export Controls Discussion

(31:26) AI Regulation and the Open vs Closed Source Debate

(46:55) Closing Statements and Future Outlook

Hill & Valley Forum: Alex Karp, Ritchie Torres' Evening Remarks

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:10:00 -0000

In the special evening session of the Hill & Valley Forum, Palantir CEO Dr. Alex Karp and house representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) discuss their efforts against discrimination, particularly Anti-Semitism. Karp stress the importance of clarity and honesty within his company, Palantir, and how that culture allows them to deliver superior hard tech products. He also argues this approach has made Palantir a competitive environment attracting top talent, contrasting sharply with institutions promoting ideologies that foster discrimination, such as some elite educational institutions.

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

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRelationshipsPod

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

LINKS:

Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNay6Oa3Fww

The Hill & Valley Forum https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@PalantirTech

@RitchieTorres

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) The courage to innovate

(04:47) Building a culture of disruption and honesty at Palantir

(07:22) Challenging the status quo

(07:39) The crisis in higher education

(09:34) A call to action: standing up against discrimination

(11:45) The role of elite education in shaping Silicon Valley

(12:24) Understanding non-playbook players

Hill & Valley Forum: Jacob Helberg's Evening Remarks

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:09:00 -0000

Jacob Helberg discusses the importance of technological advancements for national defense and the shifting relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington D.C., highlighting an end to the era of neutrality in tech companies.

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

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. Guests included Venture Capitalists Vinod Khosla, Joe Lonsdale, and Roelof Botha, tech CEOs Alex Karp (Palantir) and Alex Wang (Scale AI) as well as politicians such as house speaker Mike Johnson, Senators Todd Young, and Cory Booker. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

LINKS:

Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPtTYWh6WcM

The Hill & Valley Forum https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@jacobhelberg

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Opening Remarks: Reflecting on the Past Year

(01:15) Legislative Achievements and Acknowledgments

(02:22) The Evolving US-China Technology War

(03:46) Forecasting the Future of the U.S.-China Tech Race

(04:25) Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

Hill & Valley Forum: Alex Wang, Andrew Ng, Jack Clark, Cory Booker on The Roadmap to AGI and Implications on the Global Balance of Power

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:08:00 -0000

The founders of Scale AI, Anthropic, and AI Fund have gathered to warn the U.S. that China as an adversary is still being underrated. They are no longer the cheap plastics manufacturer of the ’90s. In today’s AI race, they are no longer just copying the United States. They argue that the papers out of Tsinghua University are just as impressive as those coming out of American universities. China is just as creative, but maybe even more motivated. While discussions of regulations have encompassed certain restraints, Alex Wang, Andrew Ng, and Jack Clark argue that we’re not moving fast enough.

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

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:

🎙️ This Won't Last - Eavesdrop on Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg's monthly backchannel. They unpack their hottest takes on the future of tech, business, venture, investing, and politics.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765665937

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast

LINKS:

Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIvqliIO5Wk

The Hill & Valley Forum https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@alexandr_wang

@AndrewYNg

@jackclarkSF

@CoryBooker

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) AI's Potential and Global Impact

(00:24) Assembling the founders of Anthropic, Scale AI, and AI Fund

(01:45) Predictions for AGI

(05:11) Navigating AI innovation amidst regulation

(13:01) Global AI competition and the urgency of innovation

(20:34) Empowering future generations

Hill & Valley Forum: Roelof Botha, Daniel Gross, Lindsey Graham on The Future of Dual-Use AI and the Explosion of AI Apps

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:07:00 -0000

Sequoia Managing Partner Roelof Botha, Senator Linsey Graham, and Daniel Gross, the former Head of AI at Apple and Co-Founder of Andromeda discuss the future of dual-use AI. Global trade as a percentage of GDP peaked in 2008. Since then, it’s been in a steady decline. A flat world where economic incentives have the chance to bring people together did not turn out to be true. This led Roelof Botha to cut off all external arms of Sequoia and re-focus Sequoia’s focal point around caring for Western values, Western ideals, and U.S. competitiveness. Lindsey Graham joins Botha to forecast what the partnership between D.C. and Silicon Valley could look like, and discusses regulatory challenges. While risks around section 230 are present, Graham still expands on his optimism of the patriots who are the engineers in Silicon Valley.

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

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

---

RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765665937

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast

LINKS:

Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEanx6CeAeQ

The Hill & Valley Forum https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@roelofbotha

@danielgross

@LindseyGrahamSC

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Silicon Valley's Role in National Security

(01:52) Senator Lindsey Graham on AI, regulation, and the debate over Section 230

(09:02) Roelof Botha on the dual-use nature of AI technology

(15:40) Regulating large versus small engines

(16:40) Losing our edge

(22:43) Regulating AI and synthetic biology: balancing Innovation and security

(26:46) Closing Remarks

Hill & Valley Forum: Joe Lonsdale, Josh Wolfe, Matt Steckman, and Senator Mike Rounds on Insights on Novel Military Applications of AI

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:06:00 -0000

For the next level of having skin in the game, Anduril matched the Australian government dollar for dollar in their contract to develop their Ghost Shark coming in under budget and a year ahead of schedule. There is not a single defense prime that would share the risk with their clients, leading to delayed timelines and over budget projects still producing comfortable bonuses for the executives. Joe Lonsdale, Co-Founder at Epirus and 8VC, Josh Wolfe of Lux Capital and Matthew Steckman at Anduril share that they have been ready with the best products. They have just been pushing to get their foot in the door but are finally seeing a shift in culture and detail the potential this could bring about.

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

LINKS:

Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/4P2e3xKdtTw

The Hill & Valley Forum: https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@JTLonsdale

@wolfejosh

@steck50

@anduriltech

@SenatorRounds

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Anduril winning the CCA Downselect

(01:02) Opening Remarks from Senator Mike Rounds

(02:16) Joe Lonsdale on applications of AI

(02:44) Josh Wolfe on investing in defensetech

(04:28) Matt Steckman on the watershed moment for Anduril

(07:09) Future of warfare

(09:46) Leveraging VC for Defense

(12:35) The role of AI in modernizing Defense

(15:14) Embracing New Entrants and Innovation in Defense Contracting

(15:21) The significance of the Australian Project and Innovation Funding

(18:06) The urgency of adopting new technologies in defense

(25:50) AI's Potential beyond defense: healthcare and acquisition processes

(29:23) Closing Remarks

Hill & Valley Forum: Alex Karp, Jacob Helberg on Early Lessons from Ukraine and Israel on How Software and AI are Redefining Power and Warfare

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:05:00 -0000

The most pressing blockades in tech discussed today revolve around at-risk supply chain systems, acquiring GPUs for model advancement, lean manufacturing systems and more. However, Alex Karp, CEO & co-founder of Palantir makes the argument that the biggest hindrance is a culture problem. Jacob Helberg and Alex Karp sit down to discuss why Palantir is rooted in a foundation of being unpopular in being unapologetically a DoD supporter, and defender of Israel. Karp emphasizes that these are the necessary foundations for the best products. Karp expands on his contrarian takes regarding why the U.S. tech scene is the best in the world - that our Western views of living are superior and the scene is an expression and action of our values.

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

LINKS:

Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqXQFfCIOiA

The Hill & Valley Forum https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@PalantirTech

@jacobhelberg

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Navigating unpopularity in tech

(01:18) Palantir's stance on global conflicts and AI

(02:02) Taking a stand in international affairs

(02:34) The evolution of Silicon Valley and defense technology

(14:37) The role of AI in modern warfare and beyond

(19:49) Tech culture: innovation and heterodoxy

(23:51) Addressing cultural and ethical challenges in society

Hill & Valley Forum: Tom Mueller, Ken Calvert, Delian Asparouhov on the Second Space Race

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:04:00 -0000

Delian Asparouhov, Partner at Founders Fund and Co-Founder at Varda Space brings together Tom Mueller, Founder at Impulse Space, and Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA) to discuss the urgency of why we are diving into the second space race. In 1996, the United States developed the ramjet engine for the first hypersonic missiles reaching Mach 9. In the summer of 2021, China demonstrated a production-ready boost glide hypersonic missile system. In conjunction, reports have stated that Russia is preparing to place a 1-megaton bomb in low earth orbit. This conversation covers the forces shaping the second space race, America’s lunar ambitions, and the critical technologies enabling space commerce and defense.

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

LINKS:

The Hill & Valley Forum https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@zebulgar

@lrocket

@KenCalvert

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Lunar Ambitions

(00:37) The new space race

(01:49) Identifying key players in the space race and the role of China

(02:48) The future of space: propulsion, AI, and the economy

(05:38) Government and commercial sector collaboration in space

(07:07) Addressing threats: Russia's space ambitions and global security

(09:23) The Importance of space for military and civilian life

(10:24) Boosting U.S. space capabilities

(15:16) The Moon: the ultimate high ground in space

(22:22) Collaboration and competition: shaping the future of space

(26:31) Regulatory challenges and the future of space exploration

Hill & Valley Forum: Robert Silvers, Nand Mulchandani, Kyrsten Sinema on America's Readiness for an AI Pearl Harbor

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:03:00 -0000

Nand Mulchandani, CTO of the CIA and Rob Silvers, Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans of the DHS, join Senator Kyrsten Sinema (AZ) to discuss the complete overhaul of the most private agency in the United States. With his Silicon Valley background at multiple unicorn startups, Mulchandani is re-architecting every facet of the CIA to partner and keep pace with Silicon Valley. Silvers and Nand discuss the urgent need to not just lower barriers to partnerships between the private and public sectors, but to completely dissolve them.

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

LINKS:

Watch this session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuFcOnbt1B8

The Hill & Valley Forum https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@SenatorSinema

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Dissolving barriers between government and industry in AI

(01:28) Nand Mulchandani, CTO of the CIA on AI's Impact on National Security

(04:14) Rob Silvers on future warfare and defense strategies

(05:21) Competitive edge in AI

(06:35) China's digital battlefield preparations and US response

(09:08) The ‘Infinite Race’ with China

(12:06) Government's role in accelerating AI integration and innovation

(19:47) Shaping the future of AI in government

(21:37) How does government adjust to the iteration cycles required in the private markets?

(27:38) The continuous race in AI innovation

Hill & Valley Forum: House Speaker Mike Johnson's Closing Remarks

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:02:00 -0000

Speaker Mike Johnson emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in AI, expressing concerns over potential Chinese dominance and the misuse of AI technologies against American interests. Johnson outlines three key strategies to secure America's place as a global leader in AI: fostering a regulatory environment that encourages innovation, strengthening international cooperation to protect U.S. tech companies from harmful regulations, and promoting an 'all of the above' energy strategy to support the growing demands of AI development. He touches on Chinese AI initiative such as TikTok, and the importance of bipartisan support for American technological advancement and security.

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. Guests included Venture Capitalists Vinod Khosla, Joe Lonsdale, and Roelof Botha, tech CEOs Alex Karp (Palantir) and Alex Wang (Scale AI) as well as politicians such as house speaker Mike Johnson, Senators Todd Young, and Cory Booker. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

LINKS:

Watch this session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE-WXe6N-7I

The Hill & Valley Forum https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@SpeakerJohnson

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Opening Remarks and the Importance of Expertise in Congress

(00:22) The Urgency of Navigating AI and Maintaining American Leadership

(02:36) Strategies for Fostering Innovation and Competing Globally

(05:29) Emphasizing the Need for a Robust Energy Strategy

(07:08) Launching an AI Task Force for Legislative Action

(08:38) Addressing the TikTok Issue and Protecting Against Chinese AI Threats

(10:15)a Closing Remarks and Call for Partnership

Hill & Valley Forum: House AI Task Force Chairman Jay Obernolte

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:01:00 -0000

House Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA) discusses pivoting from his background in computer science to entering congress, where he now leads the House AI Task force. Tasked with creating a regulatory framework for AI by year's end, Obernolte addresses the balance between mitigating AI's risks and enabling its beneficial uses, critical for economic competitiveness and national security. Obernolte criticizes the European Union's approach to AI regulation, proposing instead a focus on reducing consumer harms and considering whether existing sectoral regulators could regulate AI effectively. Highlighting AI's potential in increasing worker productivity, Obernolte makes a case that this is vital for US prosperity, urging collective effort in advancing AI.

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. Guests included Venture Capitalists Vinod Khosla, Joe Lonsdale, and Roelof Botha, tech CEOs Alex Karp (Palantir) and Alex Wang (Scale AI) as well as politicians such as house speaker Mike Johnson, Senators Todd Young, and Cory Booker. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

LINKS:

Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be5AGR82MaY

The Hill & Valley Forum https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@JayObernolte

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) A personal journey into AI and politics

(02:10) Leading the AI task force

(02:33) The Challenge of Regulating AI: A federal framework

(03:38) Balancing AI Regulation and innovation

(04:38) Sectoral regulation vs. new agency for AI

(07:17) International AI ambitions and security concerns

(10:37) The importance of continuing AI development

(11:43) Optimism for AI's Impact on worker productivity and economy

(12:51) A push for more STEM education

Hill & Valley Forum: House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik

Wed, 15 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

House Republican Elise Stefanik discusses the importance of AI in national security, acknowledges Palantir's support for Israel, and outlines the U.S.'s efforts to maintain technical superiority. She highlights legislation against TikTok and CCP-controlled drones, her role in establishing the National Security AI Commission, the significance of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center and the Chief Digital and AI Office, and the need for collaboration between the Pentagon and the private sector. Stefanik also criticizes the Air Force's decision to end the Defense Ventures Fellowship Program and announces plans to reconstitute a venture DOD fellowship program in the National Defense Authorization Act.

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. Guests included Venture Capitalists Vinod Khosla, Joe Lonsdale, and Roelof Botha, tech CEOs Alex Karp (Palantir) and Alex Wang (Scale AI) as well as politicians such as house speaker Mike Johnson, Senators Todd Young, and Cory Booker. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

LINKS:

Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON7nl08XYZU&t=3s

The Hill & Valley Forum https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@EliseStefanik

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Opening Remarks at the 2024 Hill and Valley Conference

(00:34) The critical role of AI in national security

(01:57) Legislative efforts

(03:14) Challenges and opportunities in AI Development

(03:57) Announcing a new Venture DOD Fellowship Program

(04:55) Closing Remarks

Hill & Valley Forum: Vinod Khosla, Jacob Helberg, and Senator Todd Young on Perspectives on the US-China Techno-Economic War & the National Security Implications of AI

Mon, 13 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Vinod Khosla of Khosla Ventures, and Senator Todd Young (R-IN) dive straight into the most pressing national security concerns regarding the threat of AI. In this techno-economic race, Vinod and Senator Young discuss how the winner will have economic and military control over Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. A technology capable of that much influence is described as being comparable to an atomic bomb. If AI is viewed through the lens of an atomic bomb, should the U.S. be forming a new Manhattan Project? Would you open source the Manhattan Project? This session is hosted by Jacob Helberg.

The session concludes with a message from the Vice President-Elect of Taiwan, discussing the importance of Taiwan-U.S. collaboration in defense and technology to counteract authoritarian expansion.

This session was recorded live at The Hill & Valley Forum in 2024, a private bipartisan community of lawmakers and innovators committed to harnessing the power of technology to address America's most pressing national security challenges. The Hill & Valley podcast is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

LINKS:

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Cnak2WXkc

The Hill & Valley Forum https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

FOLLOW ON X:

@vkhosla (Vinod)

@SenToddYoung (Todd)

@jacobhelberg (Jacob)

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) The Urgency of AI in the US-China Techno-Economic War

(01:19) AI's Role in Modern Warfare and Global Influence

(03:15) The Future of AI-Enabled Conflict

(08:38) Global AI Supply Chain and National Security Concerns

(14:51) Open Source vs. Closed Model Debate in AI Development

(20:02) Special Address: Taiwan's Role in Global Technology and Security

Palmer Luckey of Anduril Industries on next gen DefenseTech, China, and U.S. Policy

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:02:00 -0000

The Hill & Valley podcast gives you an insider's look into tech and government, hearing from founders and operators of generational tech companies, elected representatives and policymakers, and more. The podcast is hosted by the co-hosts of The Hill & Valley Forum: Author and Commissioner of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission Jacob Helberg, Partner at Founders Fund and Founder of Varda Delian Asparouhov, and Principal at 137 Ventures Christian Garrett.

For our debut episode, we are joined by Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries and Oculus VR.

The Hill & Valley podcast is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: www.turpentine.co

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(02:10) Shifting dynamics between the government and Silicon Valley since Palmer started Anduril Industries

(06:30) Biggest factors contributing to new demand for defense technology

(08:00) Evolving reaction of tech investors and talent to defense technology

(13:42) Working with the U.S. Department of Defense

(18:18) Exporting strategic technology to China: patents, AI, sensor fusion

(21:15) How can more tech companies compete for DoD contracts?

(24:00) Lobbying

(25:00) Building Anduril Industries on first principles

(29:00) Banning Chinese hardware and software (like TikTok)

(38:40) Can the US pull off a second Cold War victory with China?

(43:00) Immigration reform and supply chain disruption

(52:20) Palmer’s picks for the most impactful strategic technology on the horizon

Twitter:

Jacob Hellberg | @jacobhelberg

Delian Asparouhov | @zebulgar

Christian Garrett | @CGarrett_15

Palmer Luckey | @PalmerLuckey