#442 – Donald Trump Interview

At a Glance

• Lex Thanking Trump - ‘I’ve been doing this podcast for over six years, and I first and foremost have to say thank you.’ Lex expresses gratitude for the support received over the years, highlighting the podcast’s journey and his personal feelings of improbability and uncertainty in his role.

• Framing the Conversation - ‘I read a lot of history, and I admire the historian perspective.’ Lex discusses his approach to interviewing world leaders, emphasizing the importance of a historical perspective and his admiration for historians like William Shirer.

• Discussion of Modern Journalism - ‘The outrage mob and clickbait journalists are often focused on the ephemeral.’ Lex critiques modern journalism’s focus on fleeting issues, contrasting it with his goal to capture enduring truths through his interviews.

• Hard to Access the Top - ‘It’s hard, really hard, with political and business leaders.’ Lex shares the challenges of arranging long, meaningful conversations with busy and often wary leaders, reflecting on the difficulty of setting up a conducive environment for deep dialogue.

What to Do

• ‘Lean into anxiety and channel it into pursuing passions’ - Anxiety is a common feeling, especially when facing uncertainty about the future or one’s career. Instead of running away from it, embracing and using it as a motivator to pursue passions can lead to fulfilling outcomes.

• ‘Continually transform and adapt to new tools and technologies’ - In the context of programming and AI, continually learning and adapting to new technologies is crucial. This approach is applicable to many fields where technology evolves rapidly, ensuring relevance and competency.

• ‘Use AI to enhance your job, not compete with it’ - As AI technologies advance, learning to use these tools to improve efficiency and output in one’s job can be more beneficial than competing against them. This strategy can lead to better job performance and innovation.

• ‘Pursue education and personal growth despite fears and societal pressures’ - Engaging in further education and personal interests, even when it seems challenging or delayed compared to societal norms, can lead to personal satisfaction and professional success.

• ‘Embrace a multidisciplinary approach to learning’ - Engaging in diverse fields of study and interests can enrich one’s perspective and skills, making them more versatile and adaptable in various professional contexts.

• ‘Value the process of learning over the rush to achieve career milestones’ - Focusing on the journey of learning and personal development can be more rewarding and enlightening than merely achieving career goals quickly.

• ‘Be open to unexpected life chapters and remain dedicated’ - Life can be unpredictable, and being open to changes while staying dedicated to one’s goals can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.

• ‘Strive to be a good person’ - Beyond professional achievements, striving to maintain integrity and kindness can lead to a fulfilling and respected life.

What to Get

• Trump: The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump

• Birds Aren’t Real Shirts - Amazon - Worn as a conversation starter and to express interest in a conspiracy theory.

Summary

In this episode of the Lex Friedman podcast, Lex engages in a conversation with Donald Trump, discussing various topics ranging from politics to personal anecdotes. The episode begins with Lex thanking his sponsors, emphasizing their importance in supporting the podcast. He highlights Ground News for its nonpartisan approach to news aggregation, Encore for enhancing machine learning stacks, and other sponsors like 8 Sleep and NetSuite that contribute to different aspects of daily and professional life.

Lex shares his personal experiences and reflections on conducting interviews, particularly with world leaders. He expresses his gratitude for the support he has received over the six years of podcasting and discusses the challenges and intricacies of arranging long, in-depth conversations with busy and often cautious political figures. Lex mentions his admiration for historical perspectives in journalism and his disagreement with critics who dismiss certain historical narratives as overly editorialized.

The conversation shifts to Lex’s approach to interviews, where he strives to balance between capturing ephemeral, viral topics and focusing on eternal truths that withstand the test of time. He candidly admits his ongoing struggle to perfect his interviewing skills and his commitment to improving with each episode. Lex also expresses a desire to interview a range of political figures from both the left and right political spectrums, indicating his interest in exploring diverse viewpoints.

Throughout the episode, Lex interweaves philosophical reflections, mentioning his readings in history, philosophy, and literature, which influence his approach to discussions. He also touches on personal anecdotes, such as his experiences with sleep technology and its impact on his preparation for interviews, particularly the one with Donald Trump.

In summary, this podcast episode not only provides a platform for Donald Trump to share his views but also delves into Lex Friedman’s personal journey and methodologies as a podcast host. The episode is rich with insights into the challenges of media production, the importance of historical context, and the pursuit of truth in journalism. Lex’s reflections provide a deeper understanding of his intellectual pursuits and the philosophical underpinnings that guide his interactions with his guests.