Insider Finance - Business - The ‘next Joe Rogan’

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April 3, 2023

Hello, Insiders! I'm still thinking of our harrowing hacker story. (ICYMI: A hacker gained control of our senior reporter Avery Hartmans’ phone and wreaked havoc.) Have you ever been the victim of a scam like that? Let me know: insidertoday@insider.com.

And here’s what we’re covering in today’s edition:

How Lex Fridman's podcast became a safe space for the anti-woke tech elite.
Why Gen Z is sick and tired of their jobs.
How Twitter overhauled its verified check marks this weekend.

— Nicholas Carlson

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THE BIG STORY

The 'next Joe Rogan'

Tyler Le/Insider

Over the past few years, Lex Fridman has gone from an unknown academic researcher to a social-media celebrity, professional agitator, and member of Elon Musk's inner circle.

On his podcast, he asks world-renowned scientists, historians, artists, and engineers — from Joe Rogan to Ye — a series of wide-eyed questions ("Who is God? "What is the meaning of life?"). It all seems innocent enough.

But there's been an undeniable shift as a rage has built among tech magnates, and Fridman has latched onto the momentum. His guest list is a who's who of the "intellectual dark web," a movement of controversial thinkers claiming to offer an alternative to woke culture.

And whether Fridman has the credentials or smarts to be a tech figurehead remains to be seen. But one thing's for certain: He has the support of some very powerful people.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

TOP READS

Gen Z, Twitter, & more

iStock; Robyn Phelps/Insider

It’s official: Gen Z is sick and tired of their jobs. Once known for their enthusiasm, data shows young workers have now soured on work just as much as everyone else. Insider’s Aki Ito explores what’s behind the growing disenchantment — and how employers can fix it. More here.
Three years of work from home have changed the US economy forever. Downtown areas have seen a huge decline in commuters, there's been a change in demand for brick-and-mortar stores, and remote work's changed the purpose of an office. Read the full story here.
What it’s really like for people who to move to North Carolina. The fast-growing state has seen a slew of recent relocators, who sought out its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyles. But five people spoke to Insider about their experience moving to NC — and said it doesn’t actually offer lower cost of living or diversity. More on that here.
You don't want to be called “gate lice” at the airport. Flight attendants and seasoned travelers use the unflattering term to describe the overeager mob of passengers who crowd the gate before boarding. Read up on aviation pros’ pet peeves.
The super rich are trying to build private kingdoms. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk plans to build a town named "Snailbrook” — and he isn’t the only billionaire creating their own utopia. Check out our list here.
A man built a tiny home for his mom and then set up a company to help others do the same. Dan Louche couldn’t afford to buy his mom a new home, so he built one himself. His business now offers a range of options, with prices starting at around $200 for a 20-foot "Simple Living" plan. Read more.
Twitter overhauled its verified check marks — but seemingly only for The New York Times. Twitter previously said it would start removing "legacy" verified check marks starting Saturday, but only one account appears to have been affected so far. More here.

TAKE A LOOK

Sneak peek

Tim Levin/Insider

An early look at the coolest new electric SUV you've never heard of. The $84,000 Polestar 3, which will start appearing on streets later this year, boasts a sustainable interior, more than 500 horsepower, and 300 miles of range. See it for yourself.

WATCH THIS

Still Standing

Only the wealthy could eat this intricate Japanese sweet. Now it's a national delicacy. Learn about kyogashi, a type of wagashi only made in Japan's ancient capital, Kyoto. Watch here.

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This edition was curated by Nicholas Carlson, and edited by Hallam Bullock, Lisa Ryan, Dave Smith, and Jack Robert Stacey. Get in touch: insidertoday@insider.com.

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Insider Finance - Business - The ‘next Joe Rogan’

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