Future Squared with Steve Glaveski

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Nic Jones, a former executive who made the bold decision to step away from a high-powered career in media to drive buses. Jones, whose past roles spanned influential positions at Moshcam, Pureprofile, Nine, Yahoo, News Corp, Publisis, and Vevo, shares the experiences and reflections that led him to question the corporate world’s relentless pursuit of more. Together, we unpack the value of living in alignment with one’s true nature versus society’s definition of success, inspired by a famous Seneca quote: "Live according to nature and never be poor; live according to opinion and never be rich." Key Discussion Points: Background and Big Decisions:Pursuing Purpose Over Prestige:Identity & Letting Go of the “Golden Handcuffs”:Privilege and Perception:The Role of Social Circles & Intellectual Stimulation:Reflections on Happiness and Meaning in the Age of Screens:Relationship with Money: Show Notes Connect with Nic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic99jones/ Connect with Steve Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveglaveski Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyz Future Squared YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@futuresquaredpod Listen to Future Squared on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introduction: In this episode, we dive into the world of Lean Startup, 13 years on from its inception, and explore the challenges and nuances of applying it within large corporations. While Lean Startup principles are widely taught, executing them in established corporate environments often leads to failure. Our guest, Ben Hafele from Lean Startup Corp, shares his firsthand insights on why this happens and how leaders can overcome these challenges to foster innovation within their organizations. Key Topics Covered: Process blockers:People blockers and cultural dynamics:Navigating stakeholder interests: Show Notes: Ben on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hafele Lean Startup Co: https://leanstartup.co Lean AI Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1M9pu1POlen6tXqJCqt_Y-YVBAtygiRp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Novak is the Founder of Rackhouse Venture Capital, a global venture capital firm purpose-built to support early-stage founders and firms at the intersection of AI/ML and the real world. Previously, he served as Uber’s first Head of Data Science, its first Head of Data Science Platform, and invented its surge pricing model. We covered a lot of topics, including: Show Notes Email Kevin: kevin@rackhouse.vc Rackhouse Ventures: rackhouse.vc Kevin on X: @novakkm Connect with Steve Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveglaveski Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyz Future Squared YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@futuresquaredpod Listen to Future Squared on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Hughes is an internationally renowned stand up comedian who tells it like it is, refusing to shy away from the confonting and what is often interpreted as controversial. Steve is incredibly observant, bringing with him worldly insights into the bleeding obvious and comes armed with what he says is more issues than an Occupy movement. Steve spent the first half of his career as a heavy metal drummer for bands such as Mortal Sin before burning up the international comedy circuit, which he has been doing for more than 12 years now, having toured throughout Europe, Australia, USA, Canada & New Zealand to rave reviews and mutinous laughter. However, don’t be fooled, this conversation goes way beyond the realm of just comedy and heavy metal and we spend the majority of the two hours exploring topics such as political correctness and identity politics, Steve’s battle with depression, free will, the suppression of freedom of speech, preference falsification, feminism, disidentification with ego, leaning into adversity and bombing onstage, the state of the music industry, drugs, technology addiction, participation trophies and much much more. A word of warning, this podcast is not safe for work, and is not for the faint at heart. With that, let’s kick off my two hour deep dive with the inimitable Steve Hughes. Note: This podcast episode is NSFW. Topics Discussed: Show Notes: Steve’s website: www.SteveHughes.net.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is Preston Troutt, the founder of the innovative crowdfunding platform, Crowdsurf. Preston is a dynamic entrepreneur aiming to transform how we invest in creators, turning the conventional investor model on its head. In this episode, we'll explore how Crowdsurf allows fans and followers to invest directly in their favorite creators, the origin of this groundbreaking idea, and how the model works. We'll dive into the platform's progress, the types of creators raising funds, and share some success stories. Preston will also discuss transparency for investors, including income tracking and investor protections. We'll tackle some challenges creators face in monetizing their content, and discuss how Crowdsurf addresses these issues. Plus, we'll cover who can invest, the minimum investment required, and the criteria used to select creators. Furthermore, Preston will shed light on navigating the regulatory landscape with SEC and FINRA compliance, managing investment risks, and supporting creators to ensure long-term growth. We'll also explore the distribution of revenue to investors and Preston's vision for the future of Crowdsurf and the creator economy's impact on traditional industries. Show Notes Crowdsurf: https://crowdsurf.xyz Connect with Steve Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveglaveski Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyz Future Squared YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@futuresquaredpod Listen to Future Squared on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating and complex world of modern weight loss with Lucas Aoun, an expert in health and performance. In 1980, 15% of Americans were obese; today, it's 42%, with over 70% either overweight or obese. England has seen similar trends. We’ll explore why this epidemic has escalated, focusing on the role of the modern food supply, historical influences like the sugar industry’s impact, and groundbreaking treatments such as Ozempic. What is Ozempic, and how does it work? We'll delve into its benefits, risks, and the societal implications of widespread use. Join us as we discuss the future of weight management, balancing pharmaceutical solutions with lifestyle changes, and learning from cultures with low obesity rates. We also look at the body positivity movement, and ask whether it's doing more harm than good. Timestamps (0:02) - Lucas' return to the show, comparison with Tim Harford. (0:07) - Introduction to obesity statistics and the rise in obesity rates. (0:12) - Causes of obesity: sedentary behaviors, poor diet, social media, and rise of obesity medications. (0:17) - Discussion on the impact of big food and misleading health ratings. (0:22) - Specific examples of food ratings and misconceptions. (0:27) - Transition to discussion on Ozempic and its effects. (0:32) - Overview of Ozempic, its mechanism, and its impact on appetite. (0:37) - Benefits and risks of Ozempic, including muscle loss. (0:42) - Psychological and societal implications of weight loss drugs. (0:47) - Dependency on weight loss drugs and long-term effects. (0:52) - Alternative methods to mimic Ozempic’s effects naturally. (0:57) - Lessons from Japanese diet and lifestyle for managing weight. (1:02) - Importance of eating habits and mindful eating. (1:07) - Closing remarks, Lucas' additional resources, and future conversations. Show Notes: Website: www.boostyourbiology.com Testosterone course: www.trtfree.com BYB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BoostYourBiology Connect with Steve Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveglaveski Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyz Future Squared YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@futuresquaredpod Listen to Future Squared on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is Alex Roslaniec, hes a co-founder of fast-growing skincare company, Hey Bud. Hey Bud was founded just 4.5 years ago, and is today available in 130 countries, boasts 200,000 customers, and is stocked in 400 Priceline stores across Australia. We discussed: And so much more. There are so many actionable tips in this one for anyone building a business so strap yourself in for my conversation with the one and only, Alex Roslaniec. Resources and Links https://heybudskincare.comhttps://www.amazon.com.au/Great-CEO-Within-Tactical-Building-ebook/dp/B07ZLGQZYC Connect with Us Follow me on Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/steveglaveskiFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter:https://futuresquared.xyz Timestamps (00:02) - Intro (05:02) - Hey Bud's unique positioning in the skincare market and initial growth strategies. (10:02) - Key milestones and growth metrics, including expanding to 130 countries and gaining 200,000 customers. (15:02) - Origin story and personal journey of Alex and his co-founders, including challenges faced as first-time founders. (20:02) - Strategies for differentiating Hey Bud in a saturated market, focusing on online reviews and customer feedback. (25:02) - Importance of influencer marketing and the role it played in Hey Bud's early success. (30:02) - Manufacturing challenges and the complexities of scaling production. (35:02) - Regulatory landscape for hemp-based products and navigating legal requirements. (40:02) - Team dynamics, hiring strategies, and maintaining a lean but effective team. (45:02) - Long-term vision for Hey Bud, including expansion plans and future opportunities. (50:02) - Wrap-up and final thoughts from Alex on the future of Hey Bud and personal reflections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Fried thinks deeply about collaboration, productivity and the nature of work. He's the co-founder of project management platform Basecamp. Founded in 1999, Basecamp has been recognised by Forbes as one of America’s best small businesses. His 2010 TED talk on ‘Why Work Doesn’t Happen At Work’ has been viewed over 5 million times. He’s also the co-author of Rework, which is about new ways to conceptualize working and creating, as well as the brand new ‘It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work’, in which he rejects the prevailing notion that long hours, aggressive hustle, and "whatever it takes" are required to run a successful business today. The Economist called the book funny, well-written and iconoclastic and by far the best thing on management published this year. As somebody who shares many of Jason’s philosophies on work, I really enjoyed this conversation. Organisations are projected to invest US$2T into digital transformation by 2022 to make them more efficient, but they could reap what I would argue are vastly greater rewards, not only in terms of productivity but in terms of employee wellness, if they just changed the way they work today. Jason and I unpacked many lessons on productivity from his book, including: today Topics Discussed: Show Notes: https://www.amazon.com/Doesnt-Have-Be-Crazy-Work/dp/0062874780 https://www.ted.com/talks/jason_fried_why_work_doesn_t_happen_at_work?language=en--- Employee to Entrepreneur podcast on Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/employeetoentrepreneurpodcast Listen to Future Squared on Apple Podcasts @ goo.gl/sMnEa0 Also available on: Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher and Soundcloud Twitter: www.twitter.com/steveglaveski Instagram: www.instagram.com/@thesteveglaveski Future Squared: www.futuresquared.xyz Steve Glaveski: www.steveglaveski.com Medium: www.medium.com/@steveglaveski Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Krieger is the managing partner of Pari Passu Venture Partners, a network of founders supporting founders. She has been both an operator and a venture investor and so has unique perspectives on all things startups and VCs. In this conversation, we explore: Timestamps (00:02) - Discussion about balancing work and family, and the start of the podcast conversation. (00:07) - Reflection on investing over $100 million in Marketplace and SAS companies, and insights into the Russian tech ecosystem in the early 2010s. (00:12) - Detailed discussion about the operational model and cultural philosophy at Insight Partners. (00:17) - Transition from Insight Partners to founding Village Lux, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. (00:22) - Discussion on the lessons learned from running Village Lux and transitioning to founding Pari Passu Ventures. (00:27) - Details on the setup of Paripasu Ventures and its unique investment approach through an SPV model. (00:32) - Discussion about the current venture capital environment, the importance of resilience in founders, and the impact of economic cycles on startup funding. (00:37) - Insights into how founders are adapting to the current economic environment and strategies for longer runway and fundraising. (00:42) - The philosophical and operational approach of Pari Passu Ventures, and the significance of supporting diverse founders. (00:47) - Concluding remarks and final thoughts on the future of startups, AI influence on business, and the importance of diverse and merit-based funding approaches. Resources and Links https://ppvp.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuliyagudish/ https://apps.apple.com/us/app/paripassu-invest-with-top-vcs/id6451420779 Connect with Us Follow me on Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/steveglaveskihttps://instagram.com/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter:https://futuresquared.xyz Our Sponsor Get your free content strategy:https://sonicboom.vc Leave us a review! Timestamps Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is Chris Saad, he’s a seasoned product and startup builder, co-host of The Startup Podcast, and former Head of Product at Uber's Developer Platform. He’s been at the forefront of building companies since graduating high school the turn of the millennium, and has spent considerable time in both Australia’s and the United State’s tech and startup ecosystems, giving him a unique perspective on the differences between the two. We discussed: Resources and Links https://tsp.showhttps://www.chrissaad.com Connect with Us Follow me on Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/steveglaveskihttps://instagram.com/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter:https://futuresquared.xyz Our Sponsor Get your free content strategy:https://sonicboom.vc Leave us a review! Timestamps (03:00) - Contrast between California's wealth and homelessness (05:00) - Adjusting audio settings and reconnecting with Chris Saad (07:00) - Viral LinkedIn post about Australia's startup ecosystem (09:00) - Reactions to the LinkedIn post (12:00) - Comparing entrepreneurial ecosystems of Australia and US (15:00) - Impact of social safety nets on entrepreneurial spirit (17:00) - Differences in urgency and hustle culture (19:00) - Historical and cultural factors in Australian attitudes (20:00) - Statistics on unicorns per capita (23:00) - Characteristics of US vs. Australian entrepreneurs (25:00) - Scarcity vs. abundance mindset (27:00) - Challenges in the Australian startup ecosystem (29:00) - Importance of talent density (31:00) - Changes in Australian startup ecosystem (33:00) - Networking in Silicon Valley vs. Melbourne (35:00) - Value of Silicon Valley-based clients (37:00) - Impact of regulation on startups (39:00) - Tax and regulation differences between US and Australia (41:00) - Regulatory capture and its impact on startups (43:00) - Differences in divorce law between US and Australia (45:00) - Challenges in promoting fintech startups in Australia (47:00) - Sophistication of Australian investors (49:00) - Investor mindset and startup economics (51:00) - Rational exuberance in US investments (53:00) - Importance of early-stage startup enthusiasm (55:00) - Misunderstanding of startup risk in Australia (57:00) - Universal truths in startup success (59:00) - Social justice and its impact on startups (1:01:00) - Finding balance in social justice efforts (1:03:00) - Conclusion and where to find more of Chris Saad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This man needs no introduction but I’m going to give him one anyway. Robert Greene is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law and Mastery. His highly anticipated sixth book, The Laws of Human Nature, explores people's drives and motivations, even when they are unconscious of them themselves. Knowing why people do what they do is the most important tool we can possess, without which our other talents can only take us so far. Having read hundreds of business books myself, perhaps the books that have had the most profound positive impact on how I show up each day and how I conduct myself are books on psychology, behavioural economics, neuroscience and biological evolution. Books that ultimately helped me to understand myself and understand others. As such, I was really excited to read the Laws of Nature and speak with Greene about what is such a fundamental topic. In addition to having a strong following within the business world and a deep following in Washington, DC, Greene's books are hailed by everyone from war historians to the biggest musicians in the industry (including Jay-Z and 50 Cent). Expect to learn a ton from this conversation, but in particular, three key take-aways: 1) How having an estimated 80 jobs before becoming an author shaped Greene’s world view and made him a better and more creative writer 2) Why it is our moments of frustration where we often seek out life-changing answers 3) How Greene seeks the path of what is ‘most right’ by looking at questions from multiple angles and contemplating many alternatives This just scratches the surface of the many enlightening things we discussed - just peek at the topics discussed in the show notes to get a feel for everything discussed - so with that, it gives me much pleasure to present you with one of the most pre-eminent authors of our time, the one and only, Robert Greene. Show Notes: 1. The Blog of Robert Greene: www.powerseductionandwar.com 2. Twitter: @RobertGreene 3. Greene’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Greene/e/B001IGV3IS 4. The Laws of Human Nature Book: https://www.amazon.com/Laws-Human-Nature-Robert-Greene/dp/0525428143 Connect with Us Follow me on Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/steveglaveskihttps://instagram.com/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter:https://futuresquared.xyz Our Sponsor Get your free content strategy:https://sonicboom.vc Leave us a review! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with international touring comedian Joe Avati, known for his hilarious takes on Italian-Australian life and its cultural quirks. Joe is currently in the midst of his When I Was Your Age world tour, and I had the pleasure of catching him perform in front of a sold out crowd of 450 people in Melbourne. Joe shares insights on early life, pursuing the arts, how he has dealt with the adversity of bombing, the grit needed to make it in any profession, why comedians shouldn’t get married, raising kids to be resilient in today’s climate, and the impact of political correctness on not just comedy, but on emerging generations of young people. Key Topics Discussed Tour Update:Early Life:Career Beginnings:Family Expectations:Comedy in the Modern Era:Parenting in 2024:Celebrating Cultural Differences: Resources and Links Joe Avati's Official Website:https://www.joeavati.com Connect with Us Follow me on Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/steveglaveskihttps://instagram.com/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter:https://futuresquared.xyz Our Sponsor Get your free content strategy:https://sonicboom.vc Leave us a review! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your friends. Transcript (10:01) - Joe's take on comedians getting married and having kids late. (20:02) - Transition from food science to comedy. (25:01) - Joe's family reaction to his comedy career. (30:01) - Joe's perspective on being seen as Australian versus Italian. (35:18) - Joe's experiences with reverse jealousy and people changing. (40:02) - Joe's efforts to remain humble despite fame. (55:32) - Joe's thoughts on navigating today's political landscape as a comedian. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Future Squared, we're joined by Allan Dib, bestselling author of The 1-Page Marketing Plan, to discuss his latest book, Lean Marketing. Allan shares his insights on common marketing mistakes, the power of three force multipliers, and how businesses can leverage tools and tactics to achieve success. We also delve into the world of AI marketing, the seven core commodities of business, and key objections every marketer needs to overcome. Tune in for an enlightening conversation packed with actionable advice and expert perspectives. Topics Discussed: Common Mistakes:Three Force Multipliers:Tools and Tactics:AI Marketing:Seven Core Commodities:Key Objections:Immediate Changes for Profit:Much More: About Allan Dib: Allan Dib is a serial entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple businesses. A pickleball fan, Allan's previous book, The 1-Page Marketing Plan, has garnered over 9,000 reviews and widespread acclaim. His new book, Lean Marketing, builds upon the concepts from his previous work, offering fresh insights and strategies for today's dynamic market. Episode Links: Lean Marketing Website: https://leanmarketing.com Subscribe to our newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyz Get your free content strategy: https://sonicboom.xyz Timestamps: (2:00) - Introduction and Podcast Background (3:01) - Pickleball and Paddle Sports Discussion (4:18) - Introduction to Lean Marketing Book (5:08) - Differences Between Lean Marketing and The 1-Page Marketing Plan (6:45) - Importance of Planning in Marketing (8:24) - Marketing Challenges for Startups (9:00) - Random Acts of Marketing and Their Pitfalls (10:06) - Importance of Understanding Your Target Market (12:09) - Integrating Marketing Across the Organization (14:25) - Short Feedback Loops and Learning Quickly (15:34) - Value of Processes in Marketing (18:27) - Direct Response Marketing vs. Brand Marketing (21:19) - Providing Value to Build Goodwill (24:12) - Benefits of Providing Clarity to Customers (29:23) - Identifying and Targeting Your Niche Market (34:30) - Importance of Focusing on Premium Customers (41:21) - Leveraging Tools and AI for Market Advantage (43:08) - Importance of Marketing Assets (48:00) - Marketing Processes and Daily Operations (50:38) - What Are You Really Selling? (53:14) - Deepfakes and Authenticity in Marketing (56:02) - Conclusion and Resources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was thrilled to welcome back Scott H. Young, a renowned writer, programmer, and avid learner. Scott is here to discuss his latest book, "Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery." This book dives deep into the principles of mastering new skills and achieving continuous improvement in any field. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction to "Get Better at Anything"Maxim 1 - Learn from the BestMaxim 2 - Practice DeliberatelyMaxim 3 - Embrace Feedback Show Notes: Website: www.scotthyoung.com Timestamps (2:02) - Interview Start: Catching Up with Scott H. Young (3:00) - Difference Between 'Ultra Learning' and 'Get Better at Anything' (4:54) - Importance of Learning from Others (6:13) - Motivation from Seeing Others Succeed (8:00) - Why Success is a Better Teacher than Failure (10:18) - Problem Solving as Search in Entrepreneurship (12:30) - Variability in Practice for Skill Improvement (15:23) - Creativity Begins with Copying (18:49) - Deliberate Practice and the Role of Coaches (21:04) - Managing Cognitive Load in Learning (24:25) - Benefits and Limits of Variability in Practice (27:01) - Online Poker Players and Data-Driven Learning (30:17) - Data-Driven Marketing vs. Traditional Marketing (33:10) - Learning Plateaus and Breaking Through Them (36:11) - Difficulty Sweet Spot and Flow State (39:19) - Anxiety and Performance in High-Stress Situations (42:22) - Exposure Therapy and Overcoming Fears (45:12) - Importance of Regular Exposure for Reducing Fear (47:03) - Experts as Teachers: Challenges and Solutions (50:00) - Asking for Stories Instead of Advice (52:19) - Applying Storytelling in Hiring Processes (54:51) - Unlearning Bad Habits and Making Progress (1:00:00) - Balancing Seeing, Doing, and Feedback in Learning (1:01:30) - Closing Remarks and Scott H. Young's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of social media influence, authentic leadership, and the pursuit of happiness in entrepreneurship. Today's guest is the remarkable Taryn Williams, a veteran entrepreneur who founded Wink Models, The Right Fit (exited), The Influencer Agency (exited), and the innovative gifting service, #Gifted. In a candid discussion, Taryn talks about the challenges and successes she faced building businesses in her 20s and stepping back into a leadership role, and emphasizes the vital roles of self-care, mentorship, and maintaining genuine team connections. Taryn shares invaluable insights on navigating the influencer economy, the shift towards micro and nano influencers, and the importance of organic growth and audience engagement. She also reflects on the impact of social media on young people, stressing the need for authenticity over appearance. We weigh in on the dangers of "struggle porn" and the reality behind the pursuit of universal success through social media platforms, shedding light on the psychological effects of these digital tools on our values and aspirations. Show Notes: Instagram: instagram.com/tarynwilliams #Gifted: www.hashgifted.com Get your free content audit and strategy: www.sonicboom.vc Timestamps: 00:00 Founded multiple successful businesses, including Wink Models. 05:00 Supportive network, fair pay, collaborative approach, success. 08:44 Early on, I struggled with delegation. 12:15 Scaling a business requires talented team. 15:18 Founder values cultural fit, technical understanding, learning. 18:33 Consistent follow-up for building and maintaining relationships. 20:00 Act on feedback to gain mentor's support. 24:26 Find market fit, build, test, adapt. 25:53 Planned sabbatical interrupted by successful business venture. 29:32 Regret over past decisions, focus on relationships. 32:40 Self-reflection on motivations for success and happiness. 37:46 Chasing external markers of success leads to unhappiness. 41:29 Navigating societal pressures to pursue personal ambitions. 44:04 Navigating sensitive topics while maintaining authenticity online. 48:38 TikTok sale may change US algorithm. Instagram adapts. 49:41 Brands prefer Instagram over TikTok for control. 54:03 Clarify goals to shape effective marketing strategy. 57:34 Steve invites weekly email subscribers for updates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Thomsen is a freelancer writer, author, and UFC tragic from New York. He is the author of Cage Kings: How an Unlikely Group of Moguls, Champions & Hustlers Transformed the UFC into a $10 Billion Industry, which unpacks the rapid rise of the UFC an mixed martial arts, the UFC’s business model and economics, the one man tour de force that is longtime UFC president Dana White, the role of the UFC’s owners over time - SEG, Zuffa and Ari Emanuel, and the organization’s anti-competitive behaviors and adversarial relationship with its fighters, which aren’t employees, but independent contractors - most of whom would earn more working a run of the mill admin job in the public sector. Thomsen’s work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Slate, Vanity Fair, The Daily Beast, Aeon, Forbes, Al Jazeera America, Adult, Talking Points Memo, Los Angeles Review of Books, Complex, The Paris Review n+1, Bookforum, The Believer, The New Republic, Kill Screen, The New Inquiry, and The Millions. With that, here’s my conversation with the one and only, Michael Thomsen. Show Notes: 1. Twitter: https://twitter.com/mike_thomsen?lang=en 2. Get Cage Kings: https://www.amazon.com/Cage-Kings-Unlikely-Champions-Transformed-ebook/dp/B0BHTM6YRY 3. Email Mike: mikthom@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Originally published: 2017 Jason Calacanis is a tech entrepreneur, wildly successful angel investor, and the host of the popular weekly podcast This Week in Startups. He's the founder of a series of conferences that bring entrepreneurs together with potential investors. As a “scout” for top-tier Silicon Valley venture capital firm Sequoia Capital and later as an angel investor, Jason has invested in 150 early-stage startups including four that have achieved billion-dollar valuations (so far) such as Uber, Evernote and Tumblr. Jason's newly released book "Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups: Timeless Advice from an Angel Investor Who Turned $100,000 into $100,000,000" puts readers inside the minds of successful angel investors, helping to understand how they prioritize and make the decisions that have resulted in phenomenal profits. Jason provides a step by step roadmap, revealing how leading investors evaluate new ventures, calculating the risks and rewards, and explains how the best startups leverage relationships with angel investors for the best results. In this episode we go back to Jason’s rough upbringing in Brooklyn, NY in the early 80s and cover a lot of ground leading up to the present day so you can expect to learn a lot of things, including: All topics discussed: Show notes: https://amzn.to/2QpLqkX Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oliver Burkeman is a British author and journalist who has written for The Guardian and other publications. He was born in 1975 and has authored several books on topics such as time management, productivity, happiness, and self-help culture. His works include "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals," "The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking,", "Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done", and his most recent book, "Four Thousand Weeks," is a philosophical and practical exploration of time management and how to make the most of our finite lives. Show Notes: Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliverburkeman Web: https://oliverburkeman.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Niki Scevak is co-founder of Startmate, and founder and partner at Blackbird VC, Australia’s largest venture capital fund, with its 5th fund having raised AUD$1B (US$640M). Blackbird was an early investor in Canva, SafetyCulture, CultureAmp, BugCrowd, RedBubble, and many more, and has to date generated a net internal rate of return of 56%. Niki joined me today to discuss: His life before Blackbird Successfully raising his first fund back in 2012, without having a network or any startup successes of his own Getting beyond the trough of disillusionment How Australian superannuation funds are opening their wallets to VC Scaling culture Generating deal flow Advice for founders and budding VCs on raising capital in a down market The AI investment landscape The battle between AI-powered indie hackers and venture-backed startups Whether sophisticated investor rules preventing retail investors from getting direct exposure to venture capital is just increasing the wealth gap Diversity, quotas, and Startmate’s merit-based selection criteria And more. Show Notes: Email Niki: niki@blackbird.vc Web: www.blackbird.vc Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikiscevak?lang=en Contact Steve on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/steveglaveski Email Steve: hello@steveglaveski.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mick Wall has spent over four decades interviewing rockstars and chronicling their amazing stories, and today, we're turning the tables on Mick Wall and unpacking his story in this marathon 3-hour and 40-minute, Joe Rogan-esque interview. Our conversation focuses on the early years, taking in Mick’s childhood all the way through to Sounds magazine, Heavy Publicity, and the inception of the world-famous magazine Kerrang! magazine. We touch on ghostwriting, his feud with Axl Rose, and revelations about the rock 'n roll lifestyle. As you might expect, there’s plenty of sex, drugs n rock n roll, and some valuable life lessons. So strap yourself in for my chat with Mick Wall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.