Squawk Pod

In 2024, Jeffrey Allen applied to the first season of “Beast Games,” a reality competition show on Amazon Prime Video that was inspired by the Netflix series “Squid Game” and created by YouTuber MrBeast. Why did this California Dad want to be on a game show?  “Beast Games” offered the largest cash prize in history – and Allen wanted to make a difference in the search for a cure for his son Lucas’ rare disease.

 

Lucas was diagnosed as a toddler with Creatine Transporter Deficiency, or CTD, a rare genetic mutation that blocks the transport of the natural source of energy from the brain and muscle.  Symptoms can include difficulty growing and gaining weight, slowed development of motor skills, intellectual disabilities, autistic behaviors and seizures, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders. There are, estimated, just a few hundred CTD patients worldwide.

 

Known as Player 831, Jeffrey Allen won the first season of “Beast Games” and the massive $10 million prize. “It’s all a miracle,” he says about the serendipitous achievement and the gift of parenting Lucas. 

 

To follow “Ruck for Rare,” visit: https://creatineinfo.org/ruck4rare/

 

Join us in advancing awareness and understanding of rare diseases. Visit CNBC.com/Cures to access clips, resources, or to sign up for our weekly newsletter. 

 

Follow Becky Quick on X: @BeckyQuick

 

Please share your thoughts or rare disease story in the comments, and join us on The Path.

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More U.S. forces head to the Middle East, following the initial strikes in Iran by the U.S. and Israel. CNBC reporters Dan Murphy and Brian Sullivan on the market and global energy industry’s response.  Veteran and venture capitalist Alex Harstrick describes Operation Epic Fury as, potentially, the first “AI War” and the language barriers between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon when it comes to artificial intelligence.  And, former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein looks back on an epic Wall Street career 

 

Dan Murphy          2:27

Brian Sullivan          11:37

Alex Harstrick       24:42

Lloyd Blankfein      34:00

 

In this episode:

Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy

Brian Sullivan, @SullyCNBC

Lloyd Blankfein, @lloydblankfein

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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OpenAI has closed a staggering $110 billion funding round, more than doubling its record-setting raise from just a year ago. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joins alongside Amazon CEO Andy Jassy to discuss the massive new capital infusion, the details behind OpenAI and Amazon’s $50 billion strategic partnership, and what comes next for agentic AI. Then, IBM vice chairman and former Trump NEC director Gary Cohn reacts to news that Block is cutting 40% of its workforce, citing AI efficiencies. Cohn discusses what those cuts signal about the future of work, the broader economy, and the market’s AI-fueled momentum. Plus, Paramount Skydance moves closer to a deal for Warner Bros. Discovery, and President Trump meets with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

 

Gary Cohn                       18:23

Sam Altman & Andy Jassy          32:55

 

In this episode:

Gary Cohn, @Gary_D_Cohn

Sam Altman, @sama

Andy Jassy, @ajassy

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Zach Vallese, @ZachVallese

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After reporting a strong quarter, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks to Becky Quick about his company’s future and the future of the AI landscape–including the ongoing standoff between Anthropic and the Pentagon. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary discusses the agency’s push for reforms and expedited drug approvals, particularly for rare disease therapies. Plus, Beast Games Season 2 finale is out on Amazon Prime, and season three is already in preproduction. Beast Industries CEO Jeff Housenbold discusses his ambitions of building another Disney while producing the most-followed person on the internet, Mr. Beast. 

 

Dr. Marty Makary - 17:16

Jeff Housenbold - 33:30

 

In this episode:

Dr. Marty Makary, @DrMakaryFDA

Jeff Housenbold, @jtbold

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,

 @andrewrsorkin

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After the President’s State of the Union address, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey) discusses his party’s response to the lengthy speech and underscores the affordability crisis facing many Americans. CNBC’s Eamon Javers recaps the evening’s highlights, including moments of partisan- and bipartisanship. Then, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz discusses the administration’s push to lower drug prices. Plus, Anthropic has changed its safety policy. 

Rep. Josh Gottheimer - 21:28

Dr. Mehmet Oz - 29:44

In this episode:

Josh Gottheimer, @RepJoshG

Dr. Mehmet Oz, @DrOz

Eamon Javers, @eamonjavers

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

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