What Do We Do About Elon Musk?
About this episode
This episode explores the rise and influence of Elon Musk, discussing the ideas behind his power and the implications for society.
Elon Musk isn’t just the world’s richest man—he’s one of the most influential people alive. His companies have transformed industries, his wealth has shattered records, and his politics now shape governments and public debate. But how did he become this powerful? And is his dominance really inevitable? This week on “Galaxy Brain,” Charlie Warzel talks with the historian Quinn Slobodian and the technology writer Ben Tarnoff, the authors of “Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed,” about the ideas driving Musk’s rise. They unpack the mythology of the billionaire genius, the ideology behind his politics, and whether the world’s most powerful CEO is stronger—or more vulnerable—than he appears. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener. This episode of “Galaxy Brain" was produced by Renee Klahr and engineered by Miguel Carrascal. Our theme is by Rob Smierciak. Hadley Robinson is our…
People in this episode
Host: Charlie Warzel
Guests: Quinn Slobodian, Ben Tarnoff
Topics covered
- Elon Musk
- billionaire culture
- technology influence
- politics
- corporate power
Keywords
- Elon Musk
- Muskism
- technology
- politics
- billionaire
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Atlantic
Books & works: Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed
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