Michael Acton Smith

Michael Acton Smith, co-founder of Calm and creator of Moshi Monsters, and Alex Tew, known for the Million Dollar Homepage, share their journey transforming meditation into a thriving app. They discuss overcoming skepticism from investors and the road to securing calm.com. The duo reflects on the rise of community-driven ventures, emphasizing creative marketing and the importance of innovative content. Their lighthearted camaraderie shines through as they highlight the joy and passion behind building a platform that promotes mental well-being.

Michael Acton Smith, co-founder of the $2 billion Calm app, shares his entrepreneurial journey that spans multiple successful ventures, including Moshi Monsters. He discusses the importance of resilience, creativity, and storytelling in business, while reflecting on the mental challenges of entrepreneurship. Michael also highlights the transformative power of meditation and the evolving attitudes toward mental wellness. Additionally, he delves into personal challenges faced during the pandemic and the promising role of psychedelics in mental health.

Founder of Calm, Michael Acton Smith, discusses the importance of Calm's domain name, the role of AI in mental health support, and the potential for psychedelics to reduce suffering. The podcast explores the intersection of technology and mindfulness for mental health, the use of AI in therapy accessibility, and the acceptance of psychedelics in mental health treatment.

Dr Chatterjee speaks to Michael Acton Smith, co-Founder of Calm, about the benefits of meditation in a busy world. They discuss misconceptions and starting slowly. The success and impact of the Calm app, including its sleep benefits, are explored. Creating a conducive environment for healthy habits and incorporating meditation into daily life is emphasized. Sleep stories, gratitude, and positive thinking are highlighted. The importance of not using your phone at the start of the day and recommendations for the Calm app are given.

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.