a16z Podcast
What happens when AI collides with salesmanship, streaming-era sports, and healthcare?
In this episode, Erik Torenberg is joined by Mark Cuban, entrepreneur, Dallas Mavericks co-owner, and founder of Cost Plus Drugs.
Topics include fiery group chats and how dissent sharpens thinking, the sales playbook of modern politics, and concrete fixes for U.S. healthcare like ending PBM opacity, publishing real prices, and government-backed patient financing. Mark also explains how AI is pushing media from “social” to algorithmic, why he expects millions of models, and why ESOPs are an underrated wealth engine. He shares what he’d build today and weighs in on NBA economics under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Salesmanship, Politics, and Social Media
04:05 AI, Algorithms, and the Future of Media
06:29 Fragmentation of Social Platforms
09:04 Political Messaging & Economic Populism
12:05 Wealth, Equity, and Employee Ownership
16:39 AI’s Impact on Education and Healthcare
21:32 Fixing the US Healthcare System
29:39 Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI
33:38 Business Success, Sports, and Investments
35:32 NBA Economics and Team Building
50:44 Personal Priorities & Closing Thoughts
Resources:
Find Mark on X: https://x.com/mcuban
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Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenberg
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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