America's New Military Tech: Drones, Data and AI with Tony Robbins & Joe Lonsdale

In this episode of The Holy Grail of Investing, Christopher Zook sits down with Joe Lonsdale, a leading investor at the intersection of AI, defense, and national competitiveness, for a timely conversation on what is real (and what is hype) in the AI revolution.

Joe shares why he views AI as a major industrial revolution driven by productivity, not an “existential” technology destined to replace civilization. He breaks down the AI value chain, from energy and chips to data centers, models, software infrastructure, and the applications delivering real economic value, along with where he sees the best risk-reward opportunities.

The conversation expands into the strategic stakes of the AI race, including how defense, space, energy, and critical minerals fit together and what it takes to build world-class companies in sectors shaped by both innovation and policy. Joe also reflects on founding the University of Austin, and why courage and open debate matter more than ever in a rapidly changing world.

Disclaimer:

Joe Lonsdale appeared as a guest in his personal capacity. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of 8VC or any affiliated funds or portfolio companies. This conversation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, an endorsement, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or fund interests. Any examples mentioned are illustrative and may not be representative. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Joe and/or affiliated entities may have investments or other relationships with the companies discussed.

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"The Holy Grail of Investing podcast is about more than just investing—it’s about giving listeners a front-row seat to how some of the world’s greatest investors think,” said Tony Robbins. “These conversations usually happen behind closed doors, and now we are making them available to a much broader audience—even those just starting to explore private market opportunities.”

Hosted by Tony Robbins and investor Christopher Zook, this new podcast offers rare, behind-the-scenes conversations with legendary private market investors—exploring not just how they invest, but why they do what they do.

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Tony Robbins is a #1 New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the nation's #1 Life and Business Strategist. For more than four and a half decades, more than 100 million people from 195 countries have enjoyed the warmth, humor, and transformational power of his business and personal development events.

Mr. Robbins is the author of seven internationally bestselling books, including three #1 New York Times bestsellers: Money: Master the Game, Unshakeable, and Life Force. He created the #1 personal and professional development program of all time, and more than 10 million people have attended his live seminars.

Anthony Robbins is the chairman of a holding company comprising more than 110 privately held businesses with combined sales exceeding $7 billion a year. He has been named in the top 50 of Worth Magazine’s 100 most powerful people in global finance for three consecutive years, honored by Accenture as one of the "Top 50 Business Intellectuals in the World''; by Harvard Business Press as one of the "Top 200 Business Gurus"; and by American Express as one of the "Top Six Business Leaders in the World" to coach its entrepreneurial clients. Fortune’s recent cover article named him the “CEO Whisperer.”