Smart Friends
Eric Jorgenson
Casual conversations with founders, technologists, investors, and artists about building a brighter future, together. Welcome to our digital living room. With science, technology and entrepreneurship we can *continue* to create unfathomable leaps in quality of life. We show you how to find, apply, build, and invest in technologies to change your life and the world. When we have smart friends, we do smart things. When we do smart things, we save the world. No matter who, where, or when you are – now you have smart friends, too. Outside this podcast, I’m the author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant and The Anthology of Balaji. Connect at ejorgenson.com Laugh and learn with people like Balaji Srinivasan, Naval Ravikant, Andrew Wilkinson, Austen Allred, David Senra, Josh Storrs Hall, Ashley Rindsberg, Zach Pettet, Bret Kugelmass, Omar ElNaggar, Grace Guo, Brett Kopf, Max Olson, Chris Williamson, Shane Mac, Tim Hwang, David Perell, Jason Hitchcock, Natalia Karayaneva, Sebastian Marshall, Taylor Pearson, Mitchell Baldridge and more.Join conversations with my partners in early-stage tech investing, Bo Fishback and Al Doan. Our Rolling Fun Episodes cover our investments and escapades as angel investors and startup helpers. We invest in startups creating the *next* industrial revolution. Learn more at rolling.fun“Surround yourself with people who remind you more of your future than of your past.”
Episodes
Mentioned books
19 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 38min
#082 Paul Millerd: Profits in Publishing, Why Self-Publish, How Authors Make Big Money
Paul Millerd, author of *The Pathless Path* and *Good Work*, shares his insights on the publishing industry. He discusses the history of publishing and the transformative shift to self-publishing. Millerd emphasizes the importance of authors retaining their rights to maximize profits and navigate the complexities of ebook pricing. He also highlights the long-term benefits of backlist titles and how independent authors can gain financial success through creative control and innovative marketing strategies.
9 snips
Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 38min
#081 The Next Industrial Revolution w/ J. Storrs Hall [Replay]
In this insightful discussion, guest J. Storrs Hall, an author and thought leader in nanotechnology, explores the transformative potential of future innovations. He delves into the evolution of nanotechnology and its impact across various sectors, including the development of flying cars. Storrs also contrasts historical technological predictions with present realities, revealing the exciting possibilities within nuclear energy. He emphasizes the importance of collective innovation and the role of science fiction in shaping our technological aspirations.
Sep 17, 2024 • 54min
#080 Solocast #3: Nuclear, Nanotech, and the next Industrial Revolution [Replay]
Dive into the fascinating world of emerging technologies like nuclear energy and nanotech. Explore how these innovations could spark a second Industrial Revolution, tackling modern issues like poverty and accessibility. Imagine a utopian future with airship cities and personal nano factories, reshaping our lifestyles. Discover the critical interconnectedness of trust, digital scarcity, and decentralization in the age of blockchain. Embrace the excitement of this technological revolution and consider how to engage with these life-changing advancements.
12 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 1h 7min
#079 Andrew Wilkinson: De-risking Leverage, Investing vs. Operating, and the Best Part About Business [Replay]
Andrew Wilkinson, co-founder of Tiny, shares his journey from a solo entrepreneur to managing a multi-company venture capital firm. He delves into the importance of leveraging people and effective delegation in business, discussing the emotional challenges of stepping back. Wilkinson emphasizes the risks of excessive debt and the significance of building resilient teams. He also explores the dynamics of startup co-founders, likening their experience to sports teams, while highlighting the lessons learned during the pandemic.
80 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 2h 20min
#078 David Senra + Mitchell Baldridge #5: David’s Private Conference, Writing Books, and Building Networks
David Senra, a networking expert and community builder, joins Mitchell Baldridge, a devoted advocate for personal development and work ethic. They share insights from the FoundersOnly Conference, emphasizing the importance of genuine networking and helping others. Both guests discuss the challenges of balancing ambition with authenticity, the power of concise communication, and the significance of tailored life choices for personal fulfillment. Great book recommendations are also shared, igniting a passion for continuous learning and impactful writing.
77 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 21min
#077 Alex Komoroske: Systems Thinking, Builders vs Gardeners, and Working In Large Organizations
Alex Komoroske, a systems thinker from Google, discusses systems thinking, builders vs. gardeners, AI potentials, and book recommendations. He emphasizes the importance of influencing systems, navigating complexity in organizations, and balancing short-term actions with a long-term vision. The podcast touches on topics like the adjacent possible in design thinking, business innovation insights, and the future of technology.
Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 25min
#076 The Alliance of Entrepreneurs and Scientists with Arkady Kulik of RPV
Entrepreneur and Scientist, Arkady Kulik, discusses creating alliances between entrepreneurs, capitalists, and scientists, exploring the role of taste in VC decisions and the importance of effective communication. He shares insights on companies he's excited about and the pursuit of important problems. The podcast also touches on building personal leverage, early-stage investments, and the impact of honest feedback in relationships.
75 snips
Jun 4, 2024 • 1h 31min
#075 Flywheel Masterclass, Flying Planes, and Building For Creators with Nathan Barry of Convertkit
Join Nathan Barry, Founder of ConvertKit, as he shares insights on living in Idaho, his flying hobby, building flywheels, incentive compensation, and inflection points in building ConvertKit. He discusses rules of thumb in life and emphasizes the value of writing. The podcast covers effective communication, flywheels in business, compensation strategies, networking, narrowing focus for growth, and teases future deep dives and investment opportunities.
May 21, 2024 • 56min
#74 Rolling Fun #8: New LPs, Mark-ups, Giant Guns for Space Cargo, How to Find a Lead Investor, Software for Manufacturing, AI for Ecomm.
Al Doan and Bo Fishback discuss new LPs, lead investors for founders, software for manufacturing, and giant guns for space cargo. Topics include entrepreneurial growth, investments in innovative startups, leveraging technology in business, and the value of mobile apps in e-commerce.
4 snips
May 1, 2024 • 50min
#073 Rolling Fun #7: Q4 Updates: Nuclear Fusion, AI for Kids, AI Manufacturing — and how founders can find lead investors
Entrepreneurs Al Doan and Bo Fishback discuss Q4 updates on nuclear fusion, AI for kids, and AI manufacturing. They touch on finding lead investors, success stories in tech startups, and the dynamics of the founder-investor relationship. The hosts explore futuristic technologies, investing in singular geniuses, and the importance of early-stage funding for groundbreaking projects.
