In this episode of the Systems & Power Podcast, host Moses Parente speaks with Asli Erem about her unconventional journey from studying anthropology to becoming a competitive powerlifter and eventually breaking into New York City’s startup scene.

They discuss the sense of community within powerlifting, the barriers CUNY students often face when trying to access startup opportunities, and how COVID-19 affected social skills, networking, and professional development. Asli also shares her perspective on the job market for recent graduates and why networking, communication, and marketing skills can be just as important as technical ability.

The conversation also explores content creation, digital marketing, and Asli’s background in anthropology and archaeology. She reflects on the importance of storytelling in travel content, the way social media can distort perceptions of reality, and current trends in fitness and health.

Asli also talks about the value of stepping outside your comfort zone, building relationships, and using diverse experiences as a source of personal and professional growth. The episode closes with a look at her future ambitions and how technology may continue to shape the fields of anthropology, media, and entrepreneurship.

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📅 New episodes every Monday at 12 p.m. ET

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🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

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DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.

In this episode of the Systems and Power Podcast, host Moses Parente sits down with Louis Cubero to discuss his journey through social media, freelancing for startups, and navigating the fast-moving world of tech and entrepreneurship. Louis shares what he learned from living and working in hacker houses, building relationships in startup communities, and trying to stand out in an increasingly crowded online landscape.

They also explore the importance of genuine networking, the challenges of building a personal brand, and why founders should be careful about treating venture capital as the default path to success. Louis offers a candid look at the realities of startup culture, community building, and finding your place in an ecosystem where attention, credibility, and connections can matter just as much as the product itself.

If you enjoyed the video:

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• Leave a comment with your thoughts on AI agents
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📅 New episodes every Monday at 12 p.m. ET

🎧 Listen and watch:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itsmosesparente
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow me:

Instagram: @itsmosesparente
TikTok: @itsmosesparente
LinkedIn: Moses Parente

DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.

In this episode of the Systems & Power Podcast, host Moses Parente sits down with Bo Brainerd, CEO and founder of Ophelia, to discuss startups, AI agents, infrastructure, and the future of software.

Bo shares her journey from politics into the tech industry, explaining how grassroots political organizing and startup building have more in common than you might think. She breaks down the idea behind Ophelia, a technology layer designed to connect consumer software and AI agents with real-world services and capabilities.

The conversation explores the challenges of building infrastructure for a new category of software, the importance of open-source tools, and how startups can integrate AI agents into their products without rebuilding everything from scratch.

Bo also discusses New York City's growing startup ecosystem, how AI could reshape jobs and enterprise companies, and her long-term vision for giving software the ability to take meaningful action in the real world.

Topics include:

• Building Ophelia from the ground up
• AI agents and the future of startups
• Connecting software to real-world services
• Open-source infrastructure and developer tools
• Politics, grassroots organizing, and entrepreneurship
• New York City's startup ecosystem
• How AI could change jobs and the workforce
• The future of enterprise software
• Building infrastructure for an AI-native economy

If you enjoyed the conversation:

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📅 New episodes every Monday at 12 p.m. ET

🎧 Listen & Watch

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itsmosesparente
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow Moses Parente

Instagram: @itsmosesparente
TikTok: @itsmosesparente
LinkedIn: Moses Parente

DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.

In this episode of the Systems in Power Podcast, host Moses interviews Brandon Castro, the Republican candidate for New York's 30th Assembly District. They discuss the dynamics of the recent primary election, the challenges of running against an established political family, and Castro's unique position as an outsider. The conversation delves into Castro's campaign platform, which emphasizes infrastructure improvements, housing solutions, and the role of AI in education.

Here Castro shares his vision for a more inclusive political landscape and the importance of engaging with the community on various issues. In this conversation, Moses and Brandon discuss the challenges faced by Gen Z in the job market, the need for educational reform to better align with current job demands, and the rise of anti-establishment movements like the DSA. They also explore the influence of corporate money in politics and the importance of authentic leadership that prioritizes community needs over party lines.

If you enjoyed the video:

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• Leave a comment with your thoughts on AI agents
• Watch the full podcast conversation on the channel

📅 New episodes every Monday at 12 p.m. ET

🎧 Listen and watch:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itsmosesparente
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow me:

Instagram: @itsmosesparente
TikTok: @itsmosesparente
LinkedIn: Moses Parente

DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.

In this episode of the Systems & Power Podcast, Moses Parente sits down with recent law school graduate and political commentator Joe Silverstein.

They discuss Joe’s journey from combat sports into politics and media, the changing Democratic Party, AOC and the DSA’s growing influence, and how affordability is reshaping politics in New York City.

The conversation also explores social media’s influence on campaigns, immigration and sanctuary-city policies, political hypocrisy, ideological pressure in academia, and the importance of engaging in local politics—even when people strongly disagree.

If you enjoyed the video:

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Linkedin:

/ m0ses-par. .

📅 New episodes weekly on Monday 12 pm EST

🎧 Listen & Watch:

▶️ YouTube: /@itsmosesparente

🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD?si=99f7e0232c874801

🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow on Social Media

🔥 Instagram: /itsmosesparente

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DISCLAIMERS

On the Systems and Power Podcast we do not endorse, nor are we responsible for the opinions of our guests.

We provide a platform to all opinions, under the premise that you will be heard, but also put to the test.

Views expressed on this channel do not represent those of my employer.

In this episode of Systems and Power, Moses Parente sits down with Siddharth Niel Pal to discuss prediction markets, AI agents, startups, and the future of technology.

They explore whether betting markets can predict elections, the risks of insider trading, the U.S.–China AI race, data centers, AI security, and how AI agents could transform everyday life.

From politics and entrepreneurship to the infrastructure powering AI, this conversation explores where technology is headed and what it means for the future.

If you enjoyed the video:

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• Leave a comment and let me know what you want me to talk about next

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Follow me:

Instagram: / itsmosesparente

Linkedin:

/ m0ses-par. .

📅 New episodes weekly on Monday 12 pm EST

🎧 Listen & Watch:

▶️ YouTube: /@itsmosesparente

🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD?si=99f7e0232c874801

🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow on Social Media

🔥 Instagram: /itsmosesparente

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DISCLAIMERS

On the Systems and Power Podcast we do not endorse, nor are we responsible for the opinions of our guests.

We provide a platform to all opinions, under the premise that you will be heard, but also put to the test.

Views expressed on this channel do not represent those of my employer.

In this episode of the Systems in Power Podcast, host Moses interviews Khaleel Anderson, an assembly member from New York. They discuss Anderson's journey in politics, the importance of coalition building, and his experiences navigating the legislative process.

The conversation touches on significant issues such as SNAP EBT skimming, the impact of COVID-19 on campaigning, and the future of the Democratic Party.

If you enjoyed the video:

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Follow me:

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Linkedin:

/ m0ses-par. .

📅 New episodes weekly on Monday 12 pm EST

🎧 Listen & Watch:

▶️ YouTube: /@itsmosesparente

🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD?si=99f7e0232c874801

🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow on Social Media

🔥 Instagram: /itsmosesparente

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DISCLAIMERS

On the Systems and Power Podcast we do not endorse, nor are we responsible for the opinions of our guests.

We provide a platform to all opinions, under the premise that you will be heard, but also put to the test.

Views expressed on this channel do not represent those of my employer.

In this episode of the Systems in Power Podcast, host Moses Parente speaks with Andres Pazmino, CEO of Affila Group and Affila Technology. They discuss the intersection of technology, politics, and business consulting, focusing on cybersecurity and AI. Andres shares his experiences in political campaigns, his journey from Ecuador to New York City, and the transition from lobbying to technology. The conversation emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity awareness, the need for investment in cybersecurity, and the impact of AI on cybersecurity threats.

If you enjoyed the video:

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• Leave a comment and let me know what you want me to talk about next

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Follow me:

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Linkedin:

/ m0ses-par. .

📅 New episodes weekly on Monday 12 pm EST

🎧 Listen & Watch:

▶️ YouTube: /@itsmosesparente

🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD?si=99f7e0232c874801

🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow on Social Media

🔥 Instagram: /itsmosesparente

🔥 TikTok: /itsmosesparente

DISCLAIMERS

On the Systems and Power Podcast we do not endorse, nor are we responsible for the opinions of our guests.

We provide a platform to all opinions, under the premise that you will be heard, but also put to the test.

Views expressed on this channel do not represent those of my employer.