E159: The Bestie Awards! Recapping the best and worst of 2023

Named a biggest business loser as its theatrical releases, social stances, Marvel franchise, Disney+ subscriptions, and theme park attendance all faltered in 2023. Bob Iger's conflict with Elon Musk and subscriber cancellations are also cited.

Considered a business surprise due to its resurgence after pouring billions into VR. Mark Zuckerberg's layoffs, focus on existing businesses, and progress in AI led to a stock recovery, shifting from a low of $90.

The seven companies that accounted for almost all of the stock market gains in 2023, showing a significant performance gap compared to the other 493 companies in the S&P 500.

Awarded as a biggest business winner for its market cap growth of over a trillion dollars in 2023, consumer and enterprise strength, successful acquisition of Activision, and leadership during the OpenAI weekend.

Recognized as a business turnaround and success story, entering the S&P 500, becoming profitable, planning stock buybacks, and resolving regulatory issues. It's highlighted as the most successful new startup in the recent cycle.

Identified as the biggest business loser for deploying capital in 2021, with predictions that this vintage will underperform and potentially torpedo up to 50% of firms, significantly reducing future allocations to venture capital.

Its growth is seen as extraordinary by one panelist, with an investment still in place despite CCP scrutiny and potential divestment threats from Trump and Biden. Sources indicate the investment could be worth hundreds of billions.

Awarded Best Turnaround for sustained focus and investment over a decade, leading to significant stock growth (4-5x in four years) driven by semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are considered transformational.

Described as 'pure evil' and the worst company of 2023. As the world's largest slaughterer of pigs in China, it houses pigs in cramped, dark conditions, leading to painful lives and slaughter.

Considered the biggest business loser for attempting to use social movements to drive revenue, leading to backlash from consumers who prefer companies to focus on products and pricing.

The FDA-approved CRISPR treatment for sickle cell anemia is highlighted as a significant, under-recognized science breakthrough of 2023, offering gene edits to fix the condition disproportionately affecting the Black population.

A breakthrough technology discussed for its ability to use fMRI scans and language models to narrow down what people are thinking by tracking brain activity while they listen to podcasts or simply think.

The movement, significantly damaged by Sam Bankman-Fried's downfall and the OpenAI board debacle involving effective altruists, is considered a flash in the pan and likely facing its end.

Declared the biggest political winner of 2023, as they have been winning referenda in red states and influencing legislative and court races in swing states. It's considered the Democrats' only winning issue.

Awarded as the biggest political loser of 2023, particularly after October 7th. University leaders' defense of free speech rules around anti-semitic protests brought negative attention to the movement and its linkage to anti-Semitism.

The general struggle of young people (20s and 30s) is identified as a worst trend, evidenced by increased death rates and declining marriage rates. Mental health issues are acute, with a significant rise in suicide in the Western world.

Considered the worst trend, as government spending has become normalized, moving from large single items like the TAR program to trillions, a trend exacerbated by COVID-related spending and a gradual acceptance of increased expenditures.

Considered a turnaround in the crypto markets, beginning the year at $9 and reaching $92, a 10x increase. Those holding the token are noted as happy campers.

His response to Bob Iger's attempt to blackmail him is identified as the meme of the year, characterized by specific hand gestures.

The return of color blindness as the standard and the pushback against DEI is highlighted as the best trend of 2023. This includes the Supreme Court banning race-based affirmative action and red states shutting down DEI programs.

A key trend in 2023, particularly with AI co-pilot tools enabling single individuals to achieve what previously took teams. This accelerates software development and lowers costs for creating customized software and entrepreneurial ventures.

Identified as the worst trend of 2023, described as disgusting and horrible, contributing to societal division.

The metastasizing national debt is considered the worst trend, showing an upside-down hockey stick growth pattern due to bipartisan spending issues over the last 20+ years, significantly exacerbated under recent administrations.

The Fed's Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) was a major business surprise, stepping in to prevent contagion during the regional banking crisis triggered by interest rate spikes. The Fed's subsequent pivot to potential rate cuts in December was also a surprise, influencing market direction.

Identified as the best investor, with CEO Ken Griffin recognized for building an incredible business that returned $7 billion to investors in 2023 and over $20 billion since 2020, with steady, uncorrelated returns of 15%.

Tied with Silicon Valley Bank as the 'worst company' of 2023 for allegedly stealing customer accounts and imperiling an industry.

Tied with FTX as the 'worst company' of 2023 due to its leadership and risk management infrastructure, which nearly endangered the entire banking industry.

Considered the worst company of 2023 for knowingly spreading fake news about voting machines, firing Tucker Carlson, and facing record fines and a $2.7 billion lawsuit for misleading the public and creating division.

Their brand and reputation suffered irreparable harm in 2023 due to perceived indoctrination into extreme rhetoric, leading to incapable first-principles thinkers. Applications and contributions are expected to decrease.

His ouster and return at OpenAI in a single weekend was a significant business surprise and turnaround. He was also named CEO of the Year for generating immense attention, raising capital, finding talent, and pushing boundaries.

Labeled a flash in the pan for 2023, transitioning from a seemingly altruistic figure to an Adderall-addicted grifter, significantly impacting the Effective Altruism movement.

Assessed as the biggest political winner of 2023, with his leadership galvanized by the documents case and the Colorado Supreme Court's decision potentially sealing his Republican nomination. His popularity and fundraising ability are seen as increased due to Democratic actions.

Mentioned as a non-traditional candidate who achieved a feat by getting close to Trump in some primaries, making her a potential winner in 2023.

Mentioned as a political figure who, along with Nikki Haley and RFK Jr., represented non-traditional candidates capturing young people's imaginations and becoming somewhat viable in 2023.

Identified as a significant political surprise of 2023 for dropping out of the Democratic party, running as an independent, and polling as a leading 2024 candidate. His potential to gather support among centrists and impact the election discouraging Biden is discussed.

Named the biggest political loser of 2023, citing a shift from Time Magazine's person of the year to a narrative of delusion and suicide missions. His decision not to pursue peace in April 2022, influenced by Western advice, is seen as a gambled disaster.

Named the biggest business winner of 2023 for his work with Tesla, SpaceX (Starlink and Starship), and the 'rebasing' of Twitter, which had a profound impact on Silicon Valley. Tesla is noted for consolidating leadership in EVs and battery technology.

Described as a 'diva drama queen' congressman, his election campaign funds were allegedly used for clothing and Botox. He was mentioned as a wildcard flash in the pan of 2023.

Awarded Best CEO of 2023 for generating $4 billion in revenue from her tour, merchandise, and concert movie, earning $90 million per stop and making a quarter billion directly with movie theaters.

CEO of Microsoft, recognized for adding gross tonnage of market cap dollars, closing the Activision acquisition, and retaining optionality with OpenAI, demonstrating masterful management.

CEO of NVIDIA, recognized for leading the company's stock rise of 235% and exceeding earnings forecasts, having planned for the AI boom years in advance.

Cited as the best investor for perfectly timing the bond market, shorting bonds for most of the year and then covering his positions on October 23rd, the day of the 10-year bond yield high. He is also noted for using his profits to challenge Ivy League presidents on 'woke' issues.

The former president of the University of Pennsylvania, named for the 'self-immolation award' due to her 'toned deaf' and legalistic response to a moral question about genocide during a Congressional hearing, and her subsequent step-down.

Named the namesake of the 'self-immolation award' due to a $150 million judgment against him for slander and potential indictment for fake electorates. While his actions are not defended, the judgment itself is considered excessive.

Mentioned as having 'lit himself on fire' in 2023 due to the Adidas contract cancellation and his anti-Semitism, leading to his removal from Twitter (X).

A breakthrough material initially thought to offer room temperature superconductivity, but ultimately disproven and unable to be replicated, making it a flash in the pan for 2023.

Awarded as the biggest political winner of 2023 due to its strategic position and productive relations with major global powers like the US, China, Iran, Israel, and Russia. The country is seen as having significant leverage and a positive vision for reinvesting and modernizing.

The season finale is called an extraordinary piece of television and one of the best ever made.

Season 2 is highlighted as a sleeper favorite, with a specific episode (episode 5, 'Forks') praised for its television quality, extraordinary performances, and writing, featuring a character's internship and a speech about daily dedication.

A geopolitics and world affairs podcast recommended for its accurate reporting and analysis, considered more reliable than mainstream media.

The meme 'I'm a journalist' featuring a kid is highlighted for exposing the brazen ambition and corrupt nature of the mainstream media in 2023.

Praised for its unique, deadpan Gen Z-esque interviewing style, with the Drake and Mark Cuban episodes specifically mentioned as hilarious and standout content for 2023.

Recognized as the best new tech for its extraordinary capabilities, including GPT-4, Dolly, and voice chat, which can be mapped to a phone's action button for on-the-go queries and media creation.

Considered crucial new tech for keeping AI development alive amidst regulation. These locally run models offer offline capabilities, maintaining productivity and innovation away from internet scrutiny.

A strongly recommended book on the history of Bell Labs and American innovation, detailing its vast influence on modern life, from radar to computing, and arguing that monopolies can enable long-term investment.