The Podcast
MARCH 3, 2026
Inside America’s New Defense Tech: Drones, Data, and AI with Joe Lonsdale
Guest: 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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FEBRUARY 3, 2026
Why Energy May Be the Best Investment of the Next Decade with Wil VanLoh
Guest: Wil VanLoh
In this episode of The Holy Grail of Investing, Christopher Zook and Mark Wade sit down with Wil VanLoh, Founder of Quantum Capital Group, for a timely conversation on the future of global energy markets.
Wil shares his perspective on where the energy industry is headed, why the U.S. shale revolution may be nearing a peak, and how shifting supply dynamics could reshape the next decade.
They also explore the growing impact of AI-driven power demand, the challenges of grid reliability, and why energy remains one of the most important—and often misunderstood—areas.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify
DECEMBER 3, 2025
He Sold to Amazon for $500M and Walmart for $3B, Now They’re Tackling Food
Guest: Marc Lore, Tony Florence
In this episode of The Holy Grail of Investing Podcast, Christopher Zook and CAZ Partner, Mark Wade, sit down with serial entrepreneur Marc Lore and NEA Co-CEO Tony Florence for a dynamic conversation about reinventing one of the largest industries in the world: food.
Together, they explore how Wonder—the vertically integrated food-tech company Marc built after Diapers.com and Jet.com—is transforming the way we cook, eat, and experience convenience. From engineering a kitchen that can run 30 restaurants at once to inventing new cooking processes and delivery models, Wonder represents a complete rethinking of what’s possible when technology meets daily life.
Marc shares his VCP framework—Vision, Capital, People—and why great founders must constantly challenge the status quo. Tony Florence offers the investor’s perspective: what makes elite entrepreneurs different, how NEA evaluates massive markets, and why periods of disruption often create the best opportunities.
This conversation highlights the breakthroughs that occur when innovation, execution, and long-term thinking collide.
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NOVEMBER 5, 2025
The AI Race: Why the Future of Power Is at Stake with U.S. Energy Secretary, Chris Wright
Guest: Chris Wright
In this episode of The Holy Grail of Investing Podcast, Tony Robbins and Christopher Zook sit down with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright for a powerful conversation about America’s path to energy dominance, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.
Together, they explore how breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced energy technologies are reshaping our economy—and why expanding access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy is essential to sustaining U.S. leadership in the decades ahead.
Secretary Wright discusses the importance of removing regulatory barriers, fostering public–private partnerships, and creating an environment where entrepreneurs and scientists can thrive. From natural gas and nuclear power to fusion research and energy storage, this conversation highlights the opportunities that arise when innovation meets common sense.
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OCTOBER 7, 2025
Why the Ultra Rich Are Pouring Billions Into Defense, AI & Healthcare
Guest: Ramzi Musallam
In this episode of The Holy Grail of Investing Podcast, Tony Robbins and Christopher Zook sit down with Ramzi Musallam, CEO and Managing Partner of Veritas Capital. Under Ramzi’s leadership, Veritas has grown from $2 billion AUM into a $50+ billion platform operating within private equity and private credit.
Ramzi shares his journey from the early days of private equity when it was still a “cottage industry”, to navigating the loss of his partner, and rebuilding Veritas into one of the world’s most respected firms. He opens up about the resilience required to overcome personal and professional challenges, the importance of focus, and how Veritas carved out its niche at the intersection of government and technology.
From national security and defense to healthcare, education, and infrastructure, Ramzi explains why investing in mission-critical industries not only creates enduring value but also impacts millions of lives. This conversation blends lessons from private equity with a visionary look at how technology and leadership can drive progress in the most vital sectors of socie
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SEPTEMBER 2, 2025
How Investors Make Millions From Sports Teams (From Fans to Shareholders)
Guest: Sam Kennedy, Ian Charles and David O’Connor
Welcome to the Holy Grail of Investing Podcast with Tony Robbins and Christopher Zook! Our hosts dive deep into the revolutionary world of professional sports investing with special guest Sam Kennedy, President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox and CEO of Fenway Sports Group, along with Ian Charles and David O’Connor, Co-Founders and Managing Partners at Arctos Partners.
Discover how the landscape of sports franchise ownership has transformed since 2019, when Major League Baseball (MLB) changed the rules to allow investment firms and individual investors to take minority stakes in major sports teams. The other leagues (NBA, NHL, MLS, and NFL) have since followed suit, opening new opportunities to invest in this unique and uncorrelated asset class.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify
AUGUST 5, 2025
How ICON Is Using NASA Tech to Solve the Housing Crisis
Guest: Jason Ballard
In this third episode of the Holy Grail of Investing Podcast, Tony Robbins and Christopher Zook sit down with Jason Ballard, founder and CEO of ICON. ICON is one of the most disruptive technology companies of the past decade as they redefine our understanding of home construction using 3D printing, robotics, software and advanced materials. Jason’s vision stretches from solving the global housing crisis to partnering with NASA to build structures on the Moon! Jason’s personal story is one of fearless faith, personal trials and perfecting the art of “joyful grit.”
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, YouTube Music, Audible
JULY 24, 2025
What 99% of Investors Don’t Know About GP Stakes with Michael Rees
Guest: Michael Rees
Welcome to the second episode of The Holy Grail of Investing podcast! In this fascinating conversation, my co-hosts @ChristopherZook and Mark Wade of @CAZInvestments, sit down with Michael Rees, Co-President of @BlueOwlCapital to unpack the asset class known as GP Stakes. This strategy has grown geometrically over the past decade and is rapidly becoming one of the more coveted strategies among the world’s most sophisticated investors who want broad exposure to Private Equity.
🔗 Learn more at www.TheHolyGrailofInvesting.com and www.CAZInvestments.com
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, YouTube Music, Audible
JUNE 3, 2025
Tony Robbins x Robert Smith: The Power of the Playbook - Making Great Companies Extraordinary
Guest: Robert F. Smith
Welcome to the debut episode of The Holy Grail of Investing, a new podcast from Tony Robbins and Christopher Zook, inspired by their #1 New York Times bestselling book. In this premier conversation, we sit down with Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, to explore how he built one of the most successful private equity firms in the world with over $100 billion in assets under management. Smith shares the story behind Vista’s rise, how engineering principles inform his investment philosophy, and the how AI is impacting technology companies and creating extraordinary efficiencies.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify