

Calm.com - Michael Acton Smith tells the story behind Calm, Moshi Monsters and Mind Candy,
May 12, 2017
Michael Acton Smith, the 'tech version of Willy Wonka', discusses his journey as an entrepreneur, from e-commerce websites to extravagant online games. He shares the challenges of reproducing success and his focus on raising awareness in the mental health space. The podcast also explores his childhood, the difficulty of selling products in the era of Amazon, and his new venture, Calm, a meditation app. Other topics include the role of a CEO, the importance of taking time off, and the power of meditation in overcoming struggles.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Introduction
00:00 • 2min
Building Businesses and Raising Awareness in the Mental Health Space
01:41 • 12min
Pet peeves, bad internet, sponsors, and an e-commerce success story
13:33 • 4min
Exiting the E-commerce Business and Starting Purplex City
17:07 • 17min
Building an Entertainment Company and Introducing Petlandia
34:05 • 3min
Role of CEO and Creative Director, Decision-Making Process, and Challenges of Being an Entertainment Company
36:35 • 2min
Finding Calm and Success
38:48 • 8min
The Importance of People and a Transition to Calm
46:47 • 2min
The Power of Meditation and Overcoming Struggles
48:37 • 14min