A brief introduction to Ivanka Trump and her character. Love of Building and Architecture

Introduction to Ivanka Trump

Ivanka Trump discusses her love of building and architecture, reflecting on her childhood and inspirations. Confidence of Youth and Multidisciplinary Nature of Real Estate

Love of Building and Architecture

Ivanka Trump reflects on the confidence of youth and the multidisciplinary nature of the real estate business. Belief in Possibility and Insecurity

Confidence of Youth and Multidisciplinary Nature of Real Estate

Discussion on the belief in possibility and the impact of insecurity on ambition and validation. Skylines as Depictions of Ambition Realized

Belief in Possibility and Insecurity

Ivanka Trump shares her perspective on city skylines as ensembles of dreams realized and the significance of architecture. Modern Architecture and Innovation

Skylines as Depictions of Ambition Realized

Insights on modern architecture, innovation, and the intersection of biology and technology in architecture. Renovation Projects and Philosophy of Design

Modern Architecture and Innovation

Ivanka Trump's experience and philosophy in renovation projects and the importance of attention to detail in construction and design. Lessons from a Trailblazing Mother

Renovation Projects and Philosophy of Design

Ivanka discusses the influence of her remarkable mother, an Olympic skier and businesswoman, on her life. The Trade-Off Between Ambition and Enjoying Life

Lessons from a Trailblazing Mother

Exploring the balance between ambition and embracing life's moments, inspired by Ivanka's mother's courage and conviction. Living Through the Prague Spring

The Trade-Off Between Ambition and Enjoying Life

Reflecting on the impact of the Prague Spring and the contrast between freedom and oppression during that time. Toughness and Gratitude in the Face of Hardship

Living Through the Prague Spring

Discussing the resilience and positive outlook of Ivanka's grandmother and the lessons learned from experiencing hardship. The Influence of a Glamorous and Ambitious Mother

Toughness and Gratitude in the Face of Hardship

Exploring the impact of Ivanka's mother as a trailblazing businesswoman and her embodiment of femininity and strength. Lessons in Simplicity and Questioning the Status Quo

The Influence of a Glamorous and Ambitious Mother

Learning the importance of asking the right questions and simplifying complex issues from Ivanka's father's approach. Building a Culture of Feedback

Lessons in Simplicity and Questioning the Status Quo

The importance of uncomfortable conversations and disruption in large projects. Transition to Fashion

Building a Culture of Feedback

The origin of the interest in fashion and the unexpected offer from Vogue. Creating a Fashion Brand

Transition to Fashion

Identifying a void in the market and launching Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry. Expanding the Fashion Collection

Creating a Fashion Brand

Expanding the product categories and making workwear aspirational. Content Creation and Branding

Expanding the Fashion Collection

Initiating the Women Who Work website and creating brand content. Real Estate and Design

Content Creation and Branding

Challenges and considerations in real estate and architectural design. Self-Improvement and Intuition

Real Estate and Design

Harnessing fear, the role of intuition, and the impact of experience. The Apprentice Experience

Self-Improvement and Intuition

Reflecting on the intense and educational experience of being on The Apprentice, including the marketing-oriented tasks, time management, and surreal moments. Challenges of Being on Camera

The Apprentice Experience

Discussing the challenges of being on camera, self-consciousness, and the struggle of watching oneself on television. Finding Purpose and Passion

Challenges of Being on Camera

Exploring the passion and enthusiasm of individuals who have found their true calling, from entertainers to nature enthusiasts. Connecting with People

Finding Purpose and Passion

Sharing experiences of connecting with people, hearing their stories, and gaining insights into their struggles and aspirations. Humbling Experiences

Connecting with People

Reflecting on humbling experiences, including being in the jungle, feeling small amidst nature, and the power of the ocean. Insights from the White House

Humbling Experiences

Sharing insights from the White House, the impact of policies, and the challenges of getting things done in Washington. Parenting and Government Policies

Insights from the White House

The impact of government policies on parenting and the experiences shared during the campaign. Child Tax Credit and Childcare Centers

Parenting and Government Policies

The story of Brittany Houseman and the impact of child care block grants on creating childcare centers. Challenges of Policy Implementation

Child Tax Credit and Childcare Centers

Challenges of implementing policies such as doubling child tax credits and getting politicians to compromise. Paid Family Leave and National Tax Credit

Challenges of Policy Implementation

Advocating for paid family leave and the first-ever national tax credit for workers making under $72,000 a year. Architecting Well-Rounded Policies

Paid Family Leave and National Tax Credit

The importance of humility in architecting well-rounded policies and the need for active listening. Legislation and Education Prioritization

Architecting Well-Rounded Policies

Legislation prioritization, modernizing vocational education, and the under-prioritization of education. Combating Human Trafficking

Legislation and Education Prioritization

Legislation and coalition efforts to combat human trafficking and digital exploitation of children. Personal Challenges and Family Support

Combating Human Trafficking

The toll of serving in the White House and the role of family support during challenging times. Balancing Work and Family

Personal Challenges and Family Support

The conflict of balancing work and family, and the finite nature of serving in the White House. Role of Family and Joyful Moments

Balancing Work and Family

The role of family and joyful moments experienced with children and pets. Parenting and Cultivating Empathy

Role of Family and Joyful Moments

Cultivating empathy as a parent and learning from the unique characteristics of each child. Navigating Parenting Challenges

Parenting and Cultivating Empathy

Navigating the challenges of parenting, including conflicts between children and projecting into the future. Responding to Attacks and Stoicism

Navigating Parenting Challenges

The philosophy of not engaging in political attacks and staying focused on solving problems. The Power of Words and Self-Reflection

Responding to Attacks and Stoicism

Reflecting on the impact of words and the importance of self-growth. Evolution and Growth

The Power of Words and Self-Reflection

Embracing personal growth and evolving into a better version of oneself. Prioritizing Family Over Politics

Evolution and Growth

Choosing to prioritize family and private life over political involvement. Service Beyond Politics

Prioritizing Family Over Politics

Exploring alternative ways of serving the community outside of politics. Family, Love, and Turmoil

Service Beyond Politics

Navigating personal and familial challenges with love and resilience. The Influence of Music and Martial Arts

Family, Love, and Turmoil

Exploring the impact of music, live performances, and the philosophy of martial arts. Adventures and Aspirations

The Influence of Music and Martial Arts

Discussing future aspirations, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and experiencing new adventures with family. Black Belt Goals

Adventures and Aspirations

Discussing the goal of achieving a black belt in jiu-jitsu and aspirations for space travel. Dreaming of Space

Black Belt Goals

Expressing a desire to visit the moon and Mars, and the awe of viewing Earth from space. Interplanetary Travel

Dreaming of Space

Exploring the impact of interplanetary travel on humanity and the need to protect Earth. Hope for the Future

Interplanetary Travel

Finding hope in nature, genuine human experiences, and the potential of humanity. Celebrating Humanity

Hope for the Future

# The Lex Friedman Podcast Newsletter

## A Conversation with Ivanka Trump

In this edition of The Lex Friedman Podcast, we delve into a fascinating conversation with Ivanka Trump, where she shares her love for architecture and building in New York City and beyond. Here's a snippet of the insightful conversation:

### The Love for Building and Architecture

Ivanka Trump shares her deep passion for building and architecture, rooted in her childhood and family background in real estate. She reminisces about her early dreams of contributing to the New York City skyline and the inspiration she draws from the diverse architectural styles present in the city.

- **Confidence and Insecurity in Youth**: Ivanka reflects on the confidence and insecurity that comes with youth, as she looked out over the city skyline from her bedroom window and imagined her future contributions to the city.

- **Multidisciplinary Nature of Real Estate**: She highlights the multidisciplinary nature of real estate, involving design, engineering, construction, time management, and project planning, which allowed her to explore various areas of interest.

- **Naive Notion of Possibility**: Ivanka and Lex discuss the naive notion of possibility in youth and the impact it has on driving ambitious projects to fruition.

### The Beauty and Function of Architecture

The conversation delves into the beauty and function of architecture, with a focus on the New York City skyline and the iconic Tribune Tower in Chicago.

- **Reflections on New York City Skyline**: Ivanka shares her admiration for the unique features of the New York City skyline, including the diverse architectural styles and the reflection of towers on the water surface.

- **Appreciation for Gothic Architecture**: She expresses awe for the Gothic architecture of the Tribune Tower and its resemblance to the cathedrals of Europe, emphasizing the beauty and historical significance of such structures.

- **Modern vs. Traditional Architecture**: The conversation explores the perception of modern architecture as "boring" and the exciting innovations happening within the field, including robotic fabrication, 3D printing, and sustainable development practices.

### Philosophy of Design and Building

Ivanka Trump provides insights into her philosophy of design and building, drawing from her experience working on renovation projects such as the old post office building in Washington, D.C.

- **Challenges of Renovation**: She discusses the challenges and opportunities of renovating historical buildings, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning and attention to detail in the renovation process.

- **Love for the Art and Function of Building**: Ivanka emphasizes her passion for the art and function of building, highlighting the importance of living with the materials and obsessing over the physical reality of the project.

### The Influence of Her Mother

Ivanka Trump reflects on the influence of her mother, a remarkable woman who was a trailblazer in many aspects of her life.

- **Learning from Her Mother**: Ivanka shares how her mother's adventurous spirit, courage, and love for life had a profound impact on her. She emphasizes the importance of living life to its fullest and finding joy in the simple things.

- **Resilience and Optimism**: She discusses her mother's resilience and optimism, shaped by her experiences growing up in communist Czechoslovakia and navigating through challenging times. Ivanka admires her mother's ability to find joy and beauty in any situation.

- **Lessons from Her Mother**: Ivanka acknowledges the valuable lessons she learned from her mother, including the importance of freedom, agency, and the search for meaning in life.

### The Art of Fashion and Business

In this segment, Ivanka Trump shares insights into her experience in the fashion industry and the intersection of creativity and business acumen.

- **Creating a Fashion Brand**: Ivanka discusses her foray into the fashion industry, driven by her love for fashion as a form of self-expression and communication. She reflects on the origin of her fashion brand and the void she aimed to fill in the marketplace.

- **Fashion as Self-Purchasing**: She highlights the importance of creating a brand that caters to self-purchasing females and the success of her fashion collections in redefining dressing for work as aspirational.

- **Balancing Intuition and Analysis**: Ivanka discusses the balance between intuition and rigorous analysis in decision-making, emphasizing the role of accumulated knowledge in honing intuition.

### The Impact of Her Father's Presidency

Ivanka Trump reflects on the monumental shift in her life when her father decided to run for president and the profound experiences she encountered during her time in the White House.

- **Life Changes with Presidential Run**: Ivanka shares how everything changed overnight when her father announced his candidacy for president, leading to a journey of intense scrutiny and growth.

- **Connecting with Americans**: She discusses the eye-opening experiences of connecting with people from diverse communities and the depth of vulnerability and resilience she encountered during her time in the White House.

- **Challenges of Getting Things Done**: Ivanka delves into the cognitive lift required to navigate the political landscape and drive impactful policies, emphasizing the rewarding nature of the work despite its challenges.

### Dreams and Hope for the Future

In this new chunk of the conversation, Ivanka Trump shares her dreams and hopes for the future, from personal goals to the broader perspective of humanity's exploration and preservation.

- **Personal Goals**: Ivanka expresses her aspirations to achieve personal milestones, such as getting her black belt in jiu-jitsu and her desire to go to space, particularly to the moon.

- **Interplanetary Travel and Earth's Preciousness**: She reflects on the potential impact of interplanetary travel on humanity's appreciation for the Earth, emphasizing the need to protect and celebrate our home planet.

- **Hope for Human Civilization**: Ivanka finds hope in nature and in encountering good, honest, and passionate people, emphasizing the positive aspects of humanity and the potential for creating beautiful things.

The conversation offers a captivating glimpse into Ivanka Trump's journey, her deep appreciation for the art and function of architecture and building, as well as the profound influence of her mother. Stay tuned for more engaging conversations on The Lex Friedman Podcast.

*To support the podcast, please check out our sponsors in the description.*

*Happy upcoming 4th of July to our U.S. listeners!*

*Thank you for being a part of our community. We appreciate your support.*

*With gratitude,*

*The Lex Friedman Podcast Team*

"Exclusive Interview with Ivanka Trump: Insights into Architecture, Fashion, and the Influence of Her Mother"

Marcus Aurelius, Joseph Campbell, Alan Watts, Victor Franco

Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir

Rene Descartes, Immanuel Kant, John Locke, David Hume

Happiness is conditional and depends on specific circumstances.

Happiness can be cultivated within ourselves regardless of the situation.

Happiness is achieved through ambitious goals and comparisons.

Happiness is found in material possessions and achievements.

The search for meaning in life is irrelevant to our relationships and experiences.

The meaning of life is found in ambitious goals and achievements.

The meaning of life is in the search for meaning, relationships, experiences, and how we deal with suffering.

The meaning of life is solely dependent on material possessions and wealth.

Finding joy in life requires achieving ambitious goals and comparing oneself to others.

Finding joy in life is about appreciating the little things and having deep gratitude.

Finding joy in life is only possible under specific circumstances and conditions.

Finding joy in life is about seeking material possessions and wealth.

Gratitude is only necessary for major achievements and goals.

Gratitude should be expressed for material possessions and wealth.

Gratitude is important for the basic things of a functional body, health, and access to water.

Gratitude is irrelevant to our everyday experiences and relationships.

Breaking the general politeness and civility

The bookshelf curated by an interior designer

Their ability to express joy and excitement

Their ability to perform tasks efficiently

Their ability to understand human emotions

The joy of seeing long-lost friends at the airport

The excitement of a dog recognizing its owner

The feeling of recognition in a romantic relationship

It emphasizes the importance of self-doubt and imperfection

It focuses on achieving perfection in creativity

It discusses the role of intuition in decision-making

It explores the concept of abstract competency

Humbling and beautiful, with no noise or distractions

Intimidating and noisy, with lots of chatter

Exciting and dangerous, with powerful waves

Chaotic and violent, with a need to fight the waves

Paddling out and dealing with the impact line

Falling on your face while trying to surf

Intense scrutiny and noise, exposure to diverse communities

A shift in political viewpoints and affiliations

Motivations, concerns, and the level of candor of people

History of the United States and its political divisions

The impact of social media on political discourse

The role of the media in shaping public opinion

Cultivate levels of empathy and meet each child where they're at.

Enforce strict discipline and rules for all children.

Ignore the differences in temperament and treat all children the same.

Focus on academic achievements and intellectual development.

To focus on academic achievements and intellectual development.

To be more playful and present in the moment.

To be strict and disciplined with time management.

To prioritize work over leisure activities.

To allow the children to lead the play and be genuinely curious about their interests.

To enforce strict discipline and rules for all children.

Conquer territory and expand civilization

- The conversation is with Ivanka Trump, who is a businesswoman and former senior advisor to the President of the United States
- The host and Ivanka share a love for reading philosophical writings
- Ivanka is described as kind, compassionate, and thoughtful
- She has been attacked in the past, but always responded with kindness
- Ivanka talks about her love for building and architecture, which she attributes to her childhood and family influences
- They discuss the New York City skyline and the different architectural styles represented
- Ivanka reflects on the competition between New York and Chicago in building skyscrapers
- The conversation touches on the idea of architecture as a manifestation of human collaboration and ambition

- The speaker discusses the mix of old and new architecture, specifically Gothic and modern styles
- They highlight the importance of materials and context in architecture
- They express admiration for both modern and older architecture, but also acknowledge the innovation happening in modern architecture
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of function in architecture and the emotional impact of buildings on people's lives

- Discussion about the Devil's Bridge in Germany and its design and beauty
- Conversation about the philosophy of design and architecture
- Detailed explanation of the renovation of the old post office building in Washington, D.C.
- Emphasis on the importance of attention to detail and physical reality in construction and design
- Importance of loving the art and craftsmanship in creating a functional and beautiful end result

- Ivanka Trump discusses the influence of her mother, a trailblazing businesswoman and Olympic skier, on her life
- She reflects on the trade-off between ambition and enjoying life
- Ivanka's mother's experiences growing up in communist Czechoslovakia shaped her outlook on life
- Ivanka admires her mother's resilience and positive outlook despite facing hardship
- Ivanka emphasizes the importance of finding joy and beauty in any situation

- The piece discusses the importance of love and relationships, as well as finding joy in small things in life
- It highlights the philosophy of Viktor Frankl and the search for meaning in life
- It also touches on the memories and influence of the speaker's mother, who was a successful businesswoman and a trailblazer in her field
- The conversation also delves into the importance of comfort and confidence in fashion, and the impact of the loss of a parent

- The speaker talks about the importance of family and the influence of his grandmother and father in his life.
- He shares stories of his grandmother's love for reading and his father's sense of humor and love for music.
- The speaker also discusses the importance of asking the right people the right questions, as learned from his father's approach to problem-solving on job sites.
- He emphasizes the value of simplicity and the need to avoid bureaucratic hierarchy in organizations to promote efficiency and innovation.

- The speaker discusses the challenge of asking probing questions and disrupting the status quo in a hierarchical organization
- They talk about their experience in the fashion industry, creating a brand focused on self-purchasing females
- The success of the brand was attributed to the partnership with experienced designers and creating comfortable, feminine, and affordable products
- The speaker's role was more of a conductor, honing their aesthetic point of view over time rather than being the designer or architect

- Conversation with Ivanka Trump, former senior advisor to the President of the United States
- Discussion on love for reading philosophical writings and admiration for architecture
- Reflection on the influence of family and upbringing on love for building and architecture
- Emphasis on the importance of materials, context, and function in architecture
- Influence of Ivanka's mother, a trailblazing businesswoman and Olympic skier, on her outlook on life
- Importance of finding joy and beauty in any situation and the philosophy of Viktor Frankl
- Discussion on the impact of loss of a parent and the influence of family members in the speaker's life
- Success in the fashion industry attributed to partnership with experienced designers and focus on creating comfortable, feminine, and affordable products
- Speaker's role as a conductor in honing their aesthetic point of view in the fashion industry

- The speaker discusses the evolution of their fashion business, emphasizing the importance of cohesive design and teamwork.
- They also talk about their current real estate project on a Mediterranean island, highlighting the challenges of integrating modern architecture with the natural landscape.
- The conversation delves into the complexities of architectural and interior design, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful decision-making and the impact of texture and color on a space.

- The speaker discusses the impact of design elements on a space, such as fabrics, color, and finishes
- They also talk about the importance of self-doubt and intuition in decision making
- The speaker reflects on their upbringing and the fear of not being good enough, and how it has driven them to push their boundaries
- They emphasize the importance of humility and trusting one's instincts, while also acknowledging the value of age and experience in honing intuition

- The speaker learned about business and life from being on The Apprentice
- The show was a wild success and was studied at business schools
- The experience taught about teamwork, time management, and marketing
- The speaker struggled with being on camera and watching themselves on TV
- The speaker met Michael Jackson and discussed finding one's passion
- The speaker also discussed the experience of being in the jungle and connecting with nature

- The speaker finds humility in feeling small and insignificant in the vastness of the ocean and the Amazon
- Surfing is about flowing with the ocean's power and not fighting it
- The speaker's life changed drastically when their father decided to run for president, leading to intense scrutiny and exposure to diverse viewpoints
- People shared deeply personal stories with the speaker during the campaign, highlighting their resilience and courage
- The speaker believes that social media has amplified political divisions, but underneath it, people have similar concerns and struggles

- The speaker believes that the media exaggerates division in society
- They joined the White House as an advisor because they felt a responsibility to help people
- Getting things done in Washington is challenging due to the reluctance of some lawmakers to compromise
- The speaker worked to double the child tax credit, benefiting 40 million American families

- The speaker discusses the impact of government policies on 40 million families and the individual struggles they face
- The speaker shares a story of a woman benefiting from child care block grants and the child tax credit
- The challenges of getting politicians to compromise and prioritize well-designed policies are discussed
- The importance of education and vocational training is highlighted, as well as the need to address issues like human trafficking
- The speaker emphasizes the need for bipartisan cooperation and the impact of policies on millions of people

- The speaker discusses the evolution of their fashion business and their current real estate project on a Mediterranean island
- They delve into the complexities of architectural and interior design, emphasizing the impact of design elements on a space
- The speaker reflects on their upbringing and the importance of self-doubt and intuition in decision making
- They learned about business and life from being on The Apprentice, and the impact of the experience on their personal growth
- The speaker's life changed drastically when their father decided to run for president, leading to intense scrutiny and exposure to diverse viewpoints
- They believe that social media has amplified political divisions, but underneath it, people have similar concerns and struggles
- The speaker joined the White House as an advisor and worked to double the child tax credit, benefiting 40 million American families
- They discuss the impact of government policies on millions of families and the challenges of getting politicians to compromise and prioritize well-designed policies
- The importance of education, vocational training, and bipartisan cooperation is highlighted, as well as the need to address issues like human trafficking.

- Ivanka Trump worked on legislation to combat human trafficking and digital exploitation of children while in the White House
- She felt conflicted about balancing work and family priorities
- Her family provided support and joy during her time in Washington
- She also discussed her children and their pets, including a large dog named Simba

- The speaker talks about her children and their different personalities and interests
- She emphasizes the importance of empathy and meeting each child where they are
- She discusses the challenges of parenting and the need to allow children to be themselves
- The speaker also talks about the difficulty of navigating conflicts between her children
- She shares her approach to handling attacks and criticism, choosing not to engage in negativity.

- The speaker chooses not to engage in negative politics and focuses on positive actions
- They prioritize their children and private life over political involvement
- They believe in serving their community in other ways
- They express love and support for their father despite political turmoil
- They admire Dolly Parton for her authenticity and self-confidence in the public eye

- The speaker admires Adele's talent, authenticity, and love for her work
- Adele's music resonates with people of all ages
- The speaker discusses their work on criminal justice reform and the impact of pardons and commutations
- They also talk about their love for live music and influential performers like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Aretha Franklin

- The speaker discusses the power of live music and the experience of attending concerts with friends.
- They also talk about their experience with jiu-jitsu and how it has empowered them and their family.
- The Valenti Brothers' 753 code and its impact on their family's life is also mentioned.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of martial arts in teaching self-defense and instilling philosophical values.
- They express their admiration for people who dedicate themselves fully to their passions, such as Pedro's commitment to martial arts.
- The speaker also mentions their interest in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and their ongoing business and real estate ventures.

- Ivanka Trump discusses her bucket list of adventures and hobbies, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and experiencing the Northern Lights
- She expresses her desire to go to space and hopes that interplanetary travel will lead to a deeper appreciation of Earth
- Ivanka finds hope in nature and in experiencing good, honest, and passionate people
- She expresses her love for humanity and the hope for continued creation and beauty in the world

Ivanka Trump worked on legislation to combat human trafficking and digital exploitation of children while in the White House. She discussed her family, children, and pets, emphasizing the importance of empathy and allowing children to be themselves. She chooses not to engage in negative politics, prioritizes her family and private life, and admires Dolly Parton and Adele. She also talks about her work on criminal justice reform, love for live music, experience with jiu-jitsu, and interest in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Ivanka expresses her desire to go to space and finds hope in nature and humanity.

Ivanka Trump is a businesswoman, real estate developer, and former senior advisor to the President of the United States.

TRANSCRIPT:
https://lexfridman.com/ivanka-trump-transcript

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EPISODE LINKS:
Ivanka's Instagram: https://instagram.com/ivankatrump
Ivanka's X: https://x.com/IvankaTrump
Ivanka's Facebook: https://facebook.com/IvankaTrump
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Women Who Work: https://amzn.to/45yHAgj
The Trump Card: https://amzn.to/3xB22jS

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OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
1:57 - Architecture
14:12 - Modern architecture
21:45 - Philosophy of design
30:01 - Lessons from mother
53:07 - Lessons from father
1:01:39 - Fashion
1:12:35 - Hotel design
1:23:44 - Self-doubt
1:26:07 - Intuition
1:29:17 - The Apprentice
1:33:51 - Michael Jackson
1:35:26 - Nature
1:40:20 - Surfing
1:42:31 - Donald Trump
1:56:53 - Politics
2:13:05 - Work-life balance
2:19:33 - Parenting
2:34:40 - 2024 presidential campaign
2:38:17 - Dolly Parton
2:40:02 - Adele
2:40:32 - Alice Johnson
2:45:56 - Stevie Ray Vaughan
2:48:41 - Aretha Franklin
2:49:51 - Freddie Mercury
2:50:56 - Jiu jitsu
2:58:01 - Bucket list
3:02:30 - Hope

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The following is a conversation with Ivanka Trump, businesswoman, real estate developer, and former senior advisor to the President of the United States.

I've gotten to know Ivanka well over the past 2 years.

We've become good friends, hitting it off right away over our mutual love of reading, especially philosophical writings from Marcus Aurelius, Joseph Campbell, Alan Watts, Victor Franco, and so on.

She is a truly kind, compassionate, and thoughtful human being.

In the past, people have attacked her, in my view, to get indirectly at her dad, Donald Trump, as part of a dirty game of politics and clickbait journalism.

These attacks obscured many projects and efforts, often bipartisan, that she helped get done.

And they obscured the truth of who she is as a human being.

Through all that, she never returned the attacks with anything but kindness, and always walked through the fire of it all with grace.

For this and much more, she is an inspiration and I'm honored to be able to call her a friend.

Oh and for those living in the United States, happy upcoming 4th of July.

It's both an anniversary of this country's declaration of independence and an anniversary of my immigrating here to the US.

I am forever grateful for this amazing country, for this amazing life, for all of you who have given chance to a silly kid like me.

To support it, please check out our sponsors in the description.

And now, dear friends, here's Ivanka Trump.

You said that ever since you were young, you wanted to be a builder, that you loved the idea of designing beautiful city skylines, especially in New York City.

So describe the origins of that love of building.

You know, I think there's both an incredible confidence and a total insecurity that comes with youth.

So I remember at 15, I would look out over the city skyline from my bedroom window in New York and imagine where I could contribute and add value in a way that I look back on and completely laugh at how confident I was.

But I've known since some of my earliest memories it's something I've wanted to do.

I love expressions of beauty in so many different forms.

And I think that marriage of function and something that exists beyond yourself is very compelling.

I also grew up in a family where my mother was in the real estate business working alongside my father.

See all Lex Fridman transcripts on Youtube

Ivanka Trump: Politics, Family, Real Estate, Fashion, Music, and Life | Lex Fridman Podcast #436