Will AI Actually Kill Us All? & It’s True–Online Returns Are Getting Harder
Sep 11, 2026 · 32m
Summary
The episode marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 while analyzing the AI debate, noting the paradox between existential risk warnings and bullish market valuations. It covers a surge in oil and diesel prices driven by Middle East conflicts, which is spiking bond yields and fueling inflation fears. The hosts also discuss the rise of "fallcation" travel trends and the retail industry's crackdown on free returns due to fraud. Finally, they highlight record-breaking global temperatures, the British Museum's Bayeux Tapestry exhibit, and Princess Diana's famous "revenge dress" heading to auction.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Vanguard Investor Choice
Show intro and 9/11 anniversary context
Reflecting on the 25th anniversary of 9/11
Sponsor: Hotels.com business travel
Public and political reaction to AI extinction risks
Explaining how AI could lead to human extinction
Regulatory responses and market reaction to AI risks
Oil prices, diesel costs, and bond yields surge
Impact of diesel prices on US inflation
Stock of the Week: Rise of fall travel trends
Sponsor: Amazon Ads Rising Stars
Sponsor: Vanguard Investor Choice
Sponsor: Square for business owners
Dog of the Week: Retailers tighten return policies
Record-breaking global temperatures in 2026
Bayeux Tapestry exhibition in London
Princess Diana's revenge dress goes to auction
Outro and credits
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