I listened to the Donald Trump-Lex Friedman interview today. It reminded me a lot of the Trump-Elon interview, in that it was really kinda dull, which is unusual, as Lex is a terrific interviewer, and Trump, despite what you think of his politics, can be highly entertaining.
It just wasn’t really worth listening to, as Trump went off topic too many times, and just sounded like his “greatest hits” back catalogue. I didn’t learn anything new, and unless I hear good reviews, that might be the last time I tune in to one of these.
Two things need to be said, despite the criticism. You can’t have a crack at a bloke (or sheila) having a crack. Kamala won’t get in to the ring, so hats off to 45 for at least being part of the back and forth.
Secondly, the last 20 minutes was on Lex doing some Q&A. For those who haven’t heard of him, Lex Friedman is a star in the crowded podcasting world, an accomplished BJJ practitioner, and an AI researcher. He’s an accomplished guy.
But on the pod he was open about how much he struggled and felt lost in his 20s. That he spent way too long completing his degrees, because he was busy playing in bands, or at the dojo, or doing extra subjects in literature that were far outside his major in computer science. It was these side quests that made Lex the incredible host he is today.
It was actually beautiful to listen to.