# Sam Altman on The No Agenda Show Sam Altman comes up in 85 chapters across 71 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from May 2014 to October 2026. - **Chapters:** 85 - **Episodes:** 71 - **Discussed:** May 2014 – October 2026 - **Related topics:** [Openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [Chatgpt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chatgpt.md), [Elon Musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [Open Ai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/open-ai.md), [Silicon Valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [Agi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agi.md), [Ai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai.md), [Anthropic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthropic.md), [Artificial Intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/artificial-intelligence.md), [Microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md) ## Chapters 1–20 of 85 ### Hollywood Films Target Tech Titans and AI - **Episode:** [1911: Surpriselets](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1911-surpriselets.md) - **Published:** 2026-10-11 - **Time:** 1:51:01–1:55:02 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1911-surpriselets/chapter/hollywood-films-target-tech-titans-and-ai.md A wave of new films and documentaries is targeting major figures in the tech industry, including a scripted movie about Sam Altman's brief exit from OpenAI. Aaron Sorkin is developing a follow-up to "The Social Network" focused on Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, while Alex Gibney has released a four-hour documentary on Elon Musk. Polls show that such media significantly influences public concern regarding AI and data center construction. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [mark zuckerberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-zuckerberg.md), [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [aaron sorkin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aaron-sorkin.md), [alex gibney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alex-gibney.md) ### Jaron Lanier on AI Religion and China - **Episode:** [1906: Name Drop](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop.md) - **Published:** 2026-09-24 - **Time:** 55:59–1:06:34 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/jaron-lanier-on-ai-religion-and-china.md Visionary Jaron Lanier spoke at a conference about the "pseudo-religion" surrounding AI and the drive to create a digital god. He argues that the industry's focus on passing the Turing Test with human-like voices is an expensive "parlor trick" that creates addiction and political distortion. Lanier notes that Chinese AI models are often cheaper because they focus on utility rather than human-like personality illusions. Keywords: [jaron lanier](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jaron-lanier.md), [turing test](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/turing-test.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [ai safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai-safety.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [virtual reality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/virtual-reality.md) ### OpenAI IPO Plans and Agentic Task Marketing - **Episode:** [1903: Non-Practicing](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1903-non-practicing.md) - **Published:** 2026-09-13 - **Time:** 2:05:01–2:10:11 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1903-non-practicing/chapter/openai-ipo-plans-and-agentic-task-marketing.md OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar indicates the company may go public by 2027. The discussion critiques the marketing of "ChatGPT Work," which promises to handle "agentic tasks" like booking concert tickets. The hosts view these features as a desperate attempt to transform the economy into a compute-powered SaaS model. Keywords: [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [ipo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ipo.md), chatgpt work, saas ### AI Safety Regulations, Open Source vs Corporate Control - **Episode:** [1901: Neighbor Narcs](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1901-neighbor-narcs.md) - **Published:** 2026-09-06 - **Time:** 29:32–34:20 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1901-neighbor-narcs/chapter/ai-safety-regulations-open-source-vs-corporate-control.md The debate over AI safety and government regulation is characterized as a corporate strategy to protect established business models from open-source competition. Industry leaders are accused of using fear-based narratives about biological weapons or cyberattacks to justify restrictive licensing. The hosts encourage parents to provide children with old laptops and open-source tools to ensure they are not left behind in the technological revolution. Keywords: [ai regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai-regulation.md), [open source](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/open-source.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [tech industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-industry.md) ### AI Sovereignty and the Rise of Local Open Source Models - **Episode:** [1899: Asymmetric Intimacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1899-asymmetric-intimacy.md) - **Published:** 2026-08-30 - **Time:** 38:26–45:37 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1899-asymmetric-intimacy/chapter/ai-sovereignty-and-the-rise-of-local-open-source-models.md Jason Calacanis argues for "AI sovereignty," urging users to run open-source models locally to avoid data harvesting by companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. He highlights the shift toward Vertical Small Language Models (VSLMs) that can run on consumer hardware like Mac Studios. The conversation also covers the financial intersection of AI and crypto, specifically how stablecoins like Tether and Circle are being used to back U.S. Treasuries. Keywords: [nvidia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nvidia.md), [open source ai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/open-source-ai.md), [anthropic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthropic.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [stablecoins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stablecoins.md), [tether](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tether.md), [11 labs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/11-labs.md) ### Open Source AI Regulation, Sam Altman Marketing - **Episode:** [1898: Goofy Foot](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1898-goofy-foot.md) - **Published:** 2026-08-27 - **Time:** 2:08:58–2:14:02 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1898-goofy-foot/chapter/open-source-ai-regulation-sam-altman-marketing.md OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other tech executives are pushing for government regulation of artificial intelligence, which critics argue is a strategy to stifle open-source competition. The discussion covers the "Hugging Face" hacking incident and the use of fear-based marketing to maintain the dominance of frontier AI models. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [open source](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/open-source.md), [hugging face](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hugging-face.md), [regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/regulation.md) ### Sam Altman, AI Deceleration and Global Competition - **Episode:** [1891: We Need Memes!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1891-we-need-memes.md) - **Published:** 2026-08-02 - **Time:** 44:51–48:34 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1891-we-need-memes/chapter/sam-altman-ai-deceleration-and-global-competition.md OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified before Congress regarding the pace of AI development, opting for the term "pacing" over "deceleration." The hosts express skepticism toward domestic AI regulations, arguing that slowing down U.S. development would only grant a competitive advantage to China. The discussion briefly touches on energy requirements for AI data centers and the continued availability of fossil fuels. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [open ai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/open-ai.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [ai regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai-regulation.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [fossil fuels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fossil-fuels.md), [capitalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/capitalism.md) ### Bernie Sanders Proposes 50% Tax on AI Companies - **Episode:** [1878: Dream Build Loop](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1878-dream-build-loop.md) - **Published:** 2026-06-18 - **Time:** 1:46:18–1:51:38 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1878-dream-build-loop/chapter/bernie-sanders-proposes-50-tax-on-ai-companies.md Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced a plan to impose a one-time 50% tax on the stock of major AI companies to create a $7 trillion sovereign wealth fund. The fund would provide a $1,000 annual dividend to every American citizen and fund universal healthcare, addressing fears of mass unemployment caused by automation. Keywords: [bernie sanders](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bernie-sanders.md), ai tax, [sovereign wealth fund](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sovereign-wealth-fund.md), [universal basic income](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/universal-basic-income.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md) ### US Government Sovereign Wealth Fund Stake in OpenAI - **Episode:** [1876: Screwball](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1876-screwball.md) - **Published:** 2026-06-11 - **Time:** 39:12–41:24 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1876-screwball/chapter/us-government-sovereign-wealth-fund-stake-in-openai.md The Trump administration and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are reportedly discussing a plan for the U.S. government to take an equity stake in the AI giant. Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed a 50% government stake to ensure Americans participate in the financial upside of AI technology, mirroring sovereign wealth fund models used in the UAE and Abu Dhabi. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [bernie sanders](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bernie-sanders.md), [sovereign wealth fund](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sovereign-wealth-fund.md), [trump administration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trump-administration.md), [anthropic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthropic.md) ### Elon Musk, OpenAI Lawsuit, Gemini AI Artifacts - **Episode:** [1871: Hatman](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1871-hatman.md) - **Published:** 2026-05-24 - **Time:** 1:47:50–1:48:49 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1871-hatman/chapter/elon-musk-openai-lawsuit-gemini-ai-artifacts.md A federal jury has dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman, ruling that Musk waited too long to file his claims of illegal enrichment. In a separate story, a Lyft driver was banned after using Google's Gemini AI to generate false images of car damage to charge a passenger. The hosts highlight the increasing presence of AI-generated artifacts in legal and commercial disputes. Keywords: [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [gemini](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gemini.md), [lyft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lyft.md), ai photos ### Elon Musk vs. Sam Altman OpenAI Lawsuit - **Episode:** [1868: Lubio](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1868-lubio.md) - **Published:** 2026-05-14 - **Time:** 1:54:59–1:59:14 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1868-lubio/chapter/elon-musk-vs-sam-altman-openai-lawsuit.md The legal battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman continues, with Musk claiming he was tricked into leaving OpenAI before it transitioned to a for-profit model. Altman's defense argues that Musk simply wanted control and is now suing because he is building a competitor, xAI. Testimony in court has focused on Altman's character, with Musk's lawyers portraying him as untrustworthy and prone to self-dealing. Keywords: [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [xai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xai.md), miramurati, for-profit ### Anthropic Valuation, AI Market Bubble Concerns - **Episode:** [1865: Wide Awakes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1865-wide-awakes.md) - **Published:** 2026-05-03 - **Time:** 1:32:57–1:36:06 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1865-wide-awakes/chapter/anthropic-valuation-ai-market-bubble-concerns.md AI startup Anthropic is reportedly in talks to raise capital at a valuation of $900 billion, potentially surpassing rival OpenAI. Despite exploding revenue growth, skeptics point to a lack of actual profit and a potential market collapse in 2027. Both companies are looking to go public by the end of the year, depending on market conditions and investor appetite. Keywords: [anthropic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthropic.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [ipo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ipo.md), [ai investment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai-investment.md) ### OpenAI Safety Team, Tumbler Ridge Apology - **Episode:** [1863: Nekkidly](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1863-nekkidly.md) - **Published:** 2026-04-26 - **Time:** 55:46–58:22 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1863-nekkidly/chapter/openai-safety-team-tumbler-ridge-apology.md OpenAI CEO Sam Altman apologized for failing to alert law enforcement about a shooter in Tumbler Ridge, Canada, who had been banned from the platform. The incident coincides with a public letter from former employees warning that the company is ignoring AI risks. OpenAI recently disbanded its long-term safety team, leading to high-profile resignations and calls for stronger whistleblower protections. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [tumbler ridge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tumbler-ridge.md), [whistleblowers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/whistleblowers.md), [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md) ### Sam Altman Residence Firebombing and AI Chatbot Hallucinations - **Episode:** [1859: Splashdown](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1859-splashdown.md) - **Published:** 2026-04-12 - **Time:** 30:26–34:47 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1859-splashdown/chapter/sam-altman-residence-firebombing-and-ai-chatbot-hallucinations.md San Francisco authorities arrested a 20-year-old suspect following a firebombing attack at the home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The suspect allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at Altman's gate before threatening to burn down the OpenAI headquarters with kerosene. Separately, users continue to document "hallucinations" and logic errors in AI chatbots, such as a ChatGPT instance failing to accurately time a runner's mile. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [molotov cocktail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/molotov-cocktail.md), [chatgpt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chatgpt.md) ### Dylan Farrow New Yorker Profile Labels Sam Altman Pathological Liar - **Episode:** [1859: Splashdown](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1859-splashdown.md) - **Published:** 2026-04-12 - **Time:** 37:14–40:56 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1859-splashdown/chapter/dylan-farrow-new-yorker-profile-labels-sam-altman-pathological-liar.md A profile by Dylan Farrow in The New Yorker, based on interviews with over 100 people, characterizes OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as a "pathological liar" and a "sociopath." The report details Altman's 2023 firing by the OpenAI board, which cited a total loss of trust and deceptive practices regarding safety testing and Microsoft investment provisions. The piece also highlights minor instances of dishonesty dating back to his early career, including false claims about his skill as a ping pong player. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), dylan farrow, [the new yorker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-new-yorker.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md) ### Sam Altman, ChatGPT Naming, AI Liars - **Episode:** [1858: Nut Spread](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1858-nut-spread.md) - **Published:** 2026-04-09 - **Time:** 1:38:24–1:42:38 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1858-nut-spread/chapter/sam-altman-chatgpt-naming-ai-liars.md The hosts discuss allegations that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is a "pathological liar," citing an anecdote about him falsely claiming to be a world-champion ping pong player. A recorded interaction with ChatGPT demonstrates the bot's tendency to "lie" or provide circular logic when questioned about the non-existent "S" in its name. The segment concludes that AI bots are programmed to be helpful and agreeable rather than factually accurate. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [chatgpt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chatgpt.md), ping pong, [pathological liar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pathological-liar.md), [anthropic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthropic.md) ### OpenAI Acquires TBPN Podcast to Control AI Narrative - **Episode:** [1857: Teen Takeover](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1857-teen-takeover.md) - **Published:** 2026-04-05 - **Time:** 1:34:31–1:37:56 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1857-teen-takeover/chapter/openai-acquires-tbpn-podcast-to-control-ai-narrative.md OpenAI has acquired the TBPN podcast in a deal valued in the low hundreds of millions of dollars. The podcast, which features prominent Silicon Valley figures and AI builders, will serve as a platform for OpenAI to manage communications and foster "constructive conversation" about Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) while maintaining purported editorial independence. Keywords: [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), tbpn, [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), fiji simoes, [venture capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venture-capital.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md) ### OpenAI IPO Preparations and Enterprise Strategy - **Episode:** [1853: Anglo](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1853-anglo.md) - **Published:** 2026-03-22 - **Time:** 1:42:27–1:44:34 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1853-anglo/chapter/openai-ipo-preparations-and-enterprise-strategy.md OpenAI is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering as early as the fourth quarter of this year. CFO Sarah Friar is leading the effort to shift the company's focus toward profitable enterprise business and disciplined infrastructure spending. The company aims to convert its 900 million ChatGPT users into high-compute productivity tool subscribers. Keywords: [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), sarah friar, [ipo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ipo.md), [chatgpt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chatgpt.md) ### Metaverse Origins and Nick The Rat Art Pick - **Episode:** [1851: Mork & Mimi](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1851-mork-mimi.md) - **Published:** 2026-03-15 - **Time:** 1:32:26–1:34:06 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1851-mork-mimi/chapter/metaverse-origins-and-nick-the-rat-art-pick.md The term "Metaverse" is traced back to Neil Stephenson's novel *Snow Crash*, which is described as increasingly prophetic. A host recounts registering the domain Metaverse.com in the early 1990s before eventually returning it to the author. The segment also recognizes "Nick The Rat" for his contribution to the show's artwork, specifically a piece titled "Error Bars" related to Sam Altman. Keywords: neil stephenson, [snow crash](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/snow-crash.md), [metaverse](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/metaverse.md), [nick the rat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nick-the-rat.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md) ### Sam Altman on Economic Utility, AI Startups - **Episode:** [1850: Error Bars](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1850-error-bars.md) - **Published:** 2026-03-12 - **Time:** 1:44:34–1:48:47 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1850-error-bars/chapter/sam-altman-on-economic-utility-ai-startups.md OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claims the world has crossed a threshold into "major economic utility" for AI, particularly in coding and science. He observes a mental shift in startups that prioritize "compute" and "tokens" over hiring human employees to avoid slowing down their operations. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [agi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agi.md), [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md), [compute](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/compute.md) [Next page](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md?offset=20) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`. - [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt) - [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md) - [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md) - [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md) - [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)