The Rubin Report

When Elon Went Broke, the Dark Side of Podcasting & Tales from the Tech Trenches | Jason Calacanis

May 31, 2025
Jason Calacanis, an angel investor and seasoned podcaster, shares his journey in the evolving podcast landscape. He dives into the emotional intimacy of daily podcasting and his obsession with media production. Calacanis reflects on how childhood poverty fueled his entrepreneurial spirit, and his knack for spotting startup winners. He also touches on the critical challenges tech faces post-Facebook and recalls how Elon Musk nearly lost everything in 2008. Their conversation reveals the delicate balance of fame and the risks of entrepreneurship.
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ANECDOTE

Jason's Mutant Ability to Spot Winners

  • Jason Calacanis has an uncanny ability to spot winners before anyone else sees their potential.
  • He identified Elon Musk's Model S as a world-changing car when it was still clay models on a phone screen.
ANECDOTE

Podcasting's Origin Story

  • Podcasting evolved from blogs by adding audio attachments, pioneered by Dave Weiner and Adam Curry.
  • Jason was among the fourth or fifth podcasters, recognizing the power of no gatekeeper media early on.
INSIGHT

Podcasting's Unique Intimacy

  • Daily podcasting creates unique asymmetrical intimacy, where audiences know personal details without physical interaction.
  • This generates a micro-fame dynamic and emotional bonds similar to long-lost friendships or reunions.
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