The Puck: Venture Capital and Beyond

Venture Capital

The Puck: Venture Capital & Beyond, hosted by Jim Baer.

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Latest Episodes

Episode 104: Aaron David Miller on the Future of Israeli-Palestinian Peace

As violence flares in Gaza and the Middle East teeters on the edge of a wider crisis, The Puck turns to Aaron David Miller — a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; a former State department analyst and negotiator in Republican and Democratic Administrations — for an unflinching look at the road ahead. In this urgent conversation, we explore the hard lessons of history, the role of U.S. leverage, the realities of Israeli and Palestinian leadership, and whether there’s any realistic path to a lasting peace after October 7th. A candid, deeply informed discussion that cuts through political soundbites to the heart of one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.

Ep. 103 — Anat Admati on Financial Fragility, Accountability, and the Future of Capitalism

Stanford professor and financial reform advocate Anat Admati joins Jim to unpack the growing fragility in our financial system and the dangerous myths still shaping public policy. From shadow banking and corporate debt subsidies to crypto hype and post-crisis denial, Admati pulls no punches in exposing the deep structural flaws threatening American capitalism. They discuss why financial regulations continue to fall short and what real reform would look like. Admati explains how public anger after 2008 was hijacked by dangerous narratives, why crypto's promise is largely a mirage, and how shadow banking adds new layers of systemic risk. She makes the case for genuine accountability—in both government and the private sector—and warns of the moral cost of allowing “profitable misconduct” to persist. This is a candid conversation about fragility, power, truth—and what it will take to rebuild a system that actually serves society.

Ep. 102 – John B. Judis: Populism, Realignment, and the Fight for America’s Future

Journalist and author John B. Judis joins Jim to unpack the political chaos of our time—from Trump and Sanders to shifting class loyalties, cultural divides, and the fragile state of democracy. Is a new political order emerging—or are we just stuck in a dangerous loop?

Episode 101 – David French: Moral Clarity in an Age of Manufactured Distrust

David French returns to The Puck for a wide-ranging, deeply thoughtful conversation about the state of American democracy, the risks of authoritarianism, and the spiritual costs of political polarization. A New York Times columnist and former National Review editor, French unpacks the dangerous allure of strongman politics, reflects on Israel’s evolving strategy in the Middle East, and explores how each of us can preserve trust and truth in chaotic times. We talk about why institutions feel broken, how Trump uses public spectacle as a shield against accountability, and what it means to live with faith and courage in a disorienting moment. From LA protests to global power shifts, from misinformation to moral resilience—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

The Puck – Episode 100: The Pursuit of Happiness with Jeffrey Rosen

To mark our 100th episode and launch of Season 9, Jim Baer sits down with Jeffrey Rosen—President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, host of We the People, and author of The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America. In this rich and timely conversation, Rosen explores how ancient moral philosophy shaped the Founders' vision of happiness—not as pleasure, but as virtue. Together, we examine how this wisdom can help us navigate today’s polarized world, restore purpose to leadership, and reconnect with practices of self-mastery, deep reading, and spiritual discipline. Rosen also shares his personal journey, the impact of Stoic philosophy, and his unexpected path into songwriting. A profound and inspiring dialogue for anyone seeking meaning, clarity, and civic renewal.

Episode 99: Greg Walton Returns to Discuss Belonging, Identity, and Civil Discourse

Stanford psychology professor Greg Walton returns for his second appearance on The Puck to discuss his new book, Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts. Three years after our first conversation, Greg rejoins the show to reflect on how our world has changed—and how subtle, science-backed interventions can help us find common ground and foster belonging. From reducing recidivism among formerly incarcerated youth to encouraging empathy across political divides, Greg explores how grace, discomfort, and deep listening can drive meaningful transformation.

Episode 98: Kristian Rönn

On this episode of The Puck: Venture Capital & Beyond, Jim Baer sits down with Kristian Rönn—climate tech founder, AI ethicist, and author of The Darwinian Trap—to explore how humanity can escape destructive evolutionary forces and build a future rooted in shared values, long-term thinking, and spiritual renewal. A conversation about risk, responsibility, and hope at the edge of history.

Episode 97: Michelle Goldberg

In this powerful episode of The Puck, Jim Baer sits down with Michelle Goldberg—New York Times columnist, author, and longtime voice of progressive political commentary—for a deep and timely conversation. They explore how the Trump era reshaped institutional norms, the growing influence of conspiracy thinking, and the failures of both political parties to inspire and govern effectively. From Goldberg’s early activism to her critiques of Gavin Newsom’s media strategy, this discussion pulls no punches. They dive into the crisis of civic trust, the role of the media and social platforms in fueling division, and what it might take to inspire a new generation of political leadership. Whether you’re left, right, or somewhere in between, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity in a chaotic time.

Episode 96: Jonathan Rauch

What if the strongest case for Christianity’s role in democracy came from an atheist? Jim Baer sits down with Jonathan Rauch to discuss Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy, and why America needs the moral backbone that Christian virtues once provided. Rauch—Jewish, gay, and secular—argues that courage, equality, and forgiveness are essential civic values we’re losing. They talk fear, demagogues, pseudo-religions, and how a more humble, and forbearing approach could help save both faith and democracy. Plus, a look at aging and purpose from The Happiness Curve. Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Bio of The Puck: Venture Capital and Beyond

The Puck: Venture Capital & Beyond, hosted by Jim Baer, is a podcast that delves into the world of venture capital and explores the forward-thinking mindset that drives this industry. Through in-depth conversations with seasoned venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and technology experts, The Puck takes listeners on a journey of discovery.

Join Jim as he uncovers the stories of these industry leaders, exploring their triumphs, obstacles, and the valuable lessons they've learned along the way. Gain insights into what investors seek in potential investments and learn the pitfalls to avoid when presenting your ideas.

In addition to the people behind venture capital, The Puck also explores the latest technologies and trends shaping our world.

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