
Smart Friends
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.”
Latest episodes

Jan 31, 2023 • 1h 9min
#056 New York Times’ Radical Distortions and Fabrications with Ashley Rindsberg, Author of “The Gray Lady Winked”
Links:The Gray Lady Winked by Ashley RindsbergAshley on TwitterAshley on SubstackAshley’s writingSponsor:MadeByBread.comGiveWell.orgTopics:(5:02) - The impact of Balaji’s love for your book(6:54) - When did you realize this book needed to be written?(10:35) - Rejected by publishers(11:44) - What changed? How did this get published?(13:51) - The research and writing process(18:01) - Examples: Holocaust, Fidel Castro, Vietnam, Atomic Bomb… (30:45) - Who is responsible for the failures?(34:45) - Is misreporting happening in other legacy media companies?(39:15) - Like a real-life ‘Succession’(43:15) - Do people know about these lies?(46:04) - Ashley’s broad personal perspective(52:10) - How Ashley reads the news(54:27) - The future of legacy media(57:07) - Building Alitheum to solve these problems(1:04:58) - Final thoughtsTo support the costs of producing this podcast: >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanak: www.navalmanack.com/ >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun>> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter>> Text the podcast to a friend>> Or at least give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners!

Jan 10, 2023 • 1h 19min
#055 Crypto Business Banking and Long-Term Blockchain Applications with Grace Guo of Domo and Mitchell Baldridge
Links: Domo.soGrace on TwitterMitchell on TwitterDomo on TwitterJorgenson’s Soundbox #38 with AthenaJorgenson’s Soundbox #52 with Zach Pettet Sponsor: Athenago.comGivewell.org Topics: (5:21) - Introducing Grace and Mitchell(5:58) - Who are your heroes?(8:27) - How did you discover there was a need for Domo?(17:22) - How are you thinking about incorporating fiat-based companies with Domo?(21:18) - Who are the customers for this and how would you get accounting done for this?(25:41) - What kind of real world applications do you envision for Domo?(31:49) - Is invoicing one of the bigger features?(32:22) - How did you start the company?(36:44) - DAO Tooling(37:43) - Domo’s ability to build horizontally or vertically(40:53) - The decades outlook for crypto & blockchain(54:03) - How differently do these chains behave?(58:32) - Has anything gotten measurably harder at the end of 2022 vs. the beginning?(1:00:35) - Are you getting inbound interest from accountants?(1:03:57) - What is the next step to getting crypto bookkeeping to the ideal person?(1:08:20) - Grace’s experience hiring with Athena(1:13:10) - Manifesting the crypto future(1:15:18) - How can people reach you? To support the costs of producing this podcast: >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanak: www.navalmanack.com/ >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun>> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter>> Text the podcast to a friend>> Give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners

Dec 27, 2022 • 1h 20min
#054 Engineering an Acquisition, Grant Funding, and Nanotech Pharma with Maria Flynn
Links:
Ambiologix
Rolling Fun
SBIR requirements
Participating governmental agencies
State funds for SBIR
Topics: (6:00) - Maria’s origin story & the founding of Orbis(12:03) - What is this technology?(13:46) - What was Corey’s breakthrough?(16:06) - How many months of burn did you have from the seed round?(17:42) - What was the process of running down your first 4 contracts?(18:49) - When did grant funding come into the picture and how do people go about getting this type of funding?(27:51) - What happens to your options when you secure a phase 1 grant?(30:10) - What was your experience pursuing these sources of funding?(34:00) - What are some of the technologies you see coming into contact with grant funding?(35:44) - How and where are you submitting requests for grants?(37:03) - How are proposals filtered through the acceptance process?(37:55) - How often is the motivation for funding so that agencies can become customers?(39:38) - How much of your funding came from equity investors and then from grants?(44:47) - How long does it take from start to finish in order to secure grant funding?(48:15) - How many times the funding in a deck come down to minute details within a proposal?(49:58) - What process do you walk entrepreneurs through when they want to work with you about securing grant funding?(55:56) - How do you think about acquisition coaching?(1:01:35) - What was your experience being acquired?(1:05:27) - How can other founders position themselves for a sale?(1:07:07) - How do you think about managing a team through an acquisition?(1:08:59) - How did the licensing inflection point tie into the acquisition?(1:11:58) - What are some facts from your industry that would blow people’s minds?(1:13:55) - How far can this technology go?(1:14:47) - What happens to an IP of a technology like Orbis? To support the costs of producing this podcast: >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanak: www.navalmanack.com/ >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun>> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter>> Text the podcast to a friend>> Give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners

Dec 13, 2022 • 1h 40min
#053 Rolling Fun #4: Q4 Portfolio Recap, Crypto Long-view, Uncapped Notes, and Fund Growth
Links:Rolling Fun #1Rolling Fun #2Rolling Fun #3PortfolioAl on TwitterBo on TwitterPositive Food Co.OmellaTonic AudioStell EngineeringNSIONGently.comGlyphTerran RoboticsTopics:(5:34) - Crypto has imploded, thanks FTX! What’s the long-term play?(21:00) - Life and news updates(23:20) - Q4 Investment updates(1:01:00) - Elon and Twitter(1:06:22) - Discussing the pros and cons of an uncapped Convertible Note and investment philosophies(1:31:27) - Fund Growth Updates>> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun>> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter>> Text the podcast to a friend>> Give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners

Nov 29, 2022 • 1h 50min
#052 Money 20/20, Fintech Innovations, and Interviewing Legends with Zach Anderson Pettet
Links:Zach on Twitter & LinkedInMoney 20/20For Fintech’s Sake PodcastTripleBlindRule 1033PropelTrafficked with Mariana Van ZellerTopics:(4:25) - Recap the last episode with Zach and Eric(5:34) - Fintech Industry Overview(15:21) - Money 20/20 – the Biggest Fintech Conference in the world(24:02) - Regulation looms over Fintech, always(27:12) - The “Off The Record” Stage at Money 20/20(29:28) - The CFPB and Rule 1033(43:15) - Stripe, Adyen, Warren Buffett, and The Media(49:01) - Behind the scenes at Money 20/20(59:20) - How do you get Serena Williams on stage?(1:01:58) - Holding the keys to so much potential ROI(1:04:33) - Defining the relationship between a fintech org and a bank(1:11:21) - Entrepreneurs buying their own community banks(1:16:58) - The intersection of Crypto and Fintech(1:27:11) - Is OnlyFans only a bad thing?(1:35:34) - What is the overarching story that Money 20/20 tells?(1:41:50) - Wrapping up>> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun>> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter>> Text the podcast to a friend>> Give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners

Nov 15, 2022 • 1h 36min
#051 AI Evolution: ComputerVision, Olfactory Computation, and Neural Nets with Max Olson
Topics:(5:29) - Max’s background and career(14:15) - Is it reasonable to use Neural Net, Deep Learning and Machine learning interchangeably?(26:37) - The Future of AI(39:18) - Google & AI Writing(49:42) - Hiring AI for help in our personal lives(55:02) - How Improvements in Robotics will massively push things forward(57:12) - Computers being able to smell and taste(1:04:56) - Scarier futures of AI(1:08:13) - Is there a new field of opportunities you’re paying attention to now in Computer Vision?(1:16:03) - Prompt Engineering(1:24:54) - Final recap Links:Max on TwitterMaxOlson.comMax’s Newsletter, Blog & Podcast - FutureBlindBerkshire Hathaway Letters to Shareholders from Max OlsonMashginLEX AIGPT-3Juggernaut AILife 3.0 by Max TegmarkTuring TestMidjourney community showcaseJasper AICopy AI >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun>> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter>> Text the podcast to a friend>> Give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners >> Name-your-price subscription monthly, annual, or one-time: https://app.omella.com/o/9Bufa >> Follow me on Twitter: @ericjorgenson>> Get in touch about sponsoring this podcast by replying to an email or DMing me on Twitter.

46 snips
Nov 1, 2022 • 2h 39min
#050 Growing Podcasts, Bookkeeping Biz, and Creator-Led Companies with David Senra and Mitchell Baldridge
Topics:(4:12) - David on how to grow a podcast & Mitchell as a connector(13:32) - David on changing the structure of his podcast(15:58) - Creator-Led Business, Kobe Bryant, Arnold Schwarzenegger & Balaji(36:49) - The genius of Berkshire Hathaway & The power of Twitter(51:24) - Creator Economics & Story time with David Senra(1:06:38) - Eric’s impact on David(1:09:48) - Mitchell’s career model & Building a bookkeeping business(1:28:11) - Focusing career growth(2:04:32) - Thoughts on TikTok(2:16:43)- How the guys spend their time (Finding operational leverage)(2:21:29) - Trying to convince Mitchell to start a podcast(2:24:34) - David’s thoughts on his new business model (2:33:38) - Wrap Up Links:- The Founder’s Podcast w/ David Senra- Connect with Mitchell Baldridge- Mitchell Baldridge on Twitter- David Senra on Twitter- BetterBookkeping.com- David’s appearance on Jorgenson’s Soundbox- Mitchell’s appearance on Jorgenson’s Soundbox- Trung Phan on Twitter- Sam Hinkie- WorkWeek- Coked Up Options on Twitter- Ed Thorpe on The Tim Ferriss Show- Business Breakdowns - Berkshire Hathaway- Money20/20- George Mack on Twitter- Frank Niu on TikTok To support the costs of producing this podcast: >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanak: www.navalmanack.com/ >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun>> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter>> Text the podcast to a friend>> Give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners >> Name-your-price subscription monthly, annual, or one-time: https://app.omella.com/o/9Bufa >> Follow me on Twitter: @ericjorgenson>> Get in touch about sponsoring this podcast by replying to an email or DMing me on Twitter.

Oct 18, 2022 • 58min
#049 Rolling Fun #3: Q3 Portfolio Recap and Life Updates: Crafting, Smart Kitchens, the API for the Auto Industry
Topics:(1:05) - Life updates and catching up from Al’s Quilting Capital: Hamilton, MO(20:08) - Fund updates for end of Q2(25:15) - Fund updates for Q3: Omello, Ohm, Driv.ly & Glyph(49:35) - Closing out Q3(50:28) - Updates on old portfolio companies: StableCoin, Terran, Gently (55:23) - How to get involved with Rolling Fun! Links:Rolling Fun #1Rolling Fun #2PortfolioAl on TwitterBo on TwitterWongo PuzzlesPositive Food Co.OmellaSmart OhmDriv.lyGlyph To support the costs of producing this podcast: >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanak: www.navalmanack.com/ >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun>> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter>> Text the podcast to a friend>> Give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners >> Name-your-price subscription monthly, annual, or one-time: https://app.omella.com/o/9Bufa >> Follow me on Twitter: @ericjorgenson>> Get in touch about sponsoring this podcast by replying to an email or DMing me on Twitter.

53 snips
Oct 4, 2022 • 3h 57min
#048 Balaji’s Most Epic, Personal, In-Depth Interview Ever (Transhumanism, Investing, and more)
Topics: (5:53) - Start of Balaji Interview(6:24) - How would you introduce yourself to a stranger?(8:19) - Do you think of your work as “whatever it takes” to advance your ideology?(10:05) - What would you like to see most achieved?(13:14) - What are the things you believe you are the best at?(20:52) - What are the ideas you are most confident telling others that you know for certain?(30:22) - Balaji’s upbringing & growing up in an age before the internet(1:03:35) - Have you always been like this? Was there an inflection point that made you who you are today?(1:11:41) - Are there any formative media, movie or books that really had an impact on you growing up?(1:19:15) - Doing math as a hobby & philosophical frameworks(1:29:19) - The Feynman Lectures & Magic the Gathering(1:51:29) - Were there any inspirations you looked to in your transition into entrepreneurship?(1:56:45) - What do you consider your career or body of work?(2:07:20) - Where have you seen some of the bigger obstacles in your career?(2:25:57) - Wealth, Burn Rate, and feeling “free to speak your mind”(2:38:40) - How are you spending time and resources to have an impact according to your mission?(2:50:56) - Are you trying to start your own network state or help people start theirs?(2:55:06) - What’s your process with getting up to speed on new technologies?(3:00:23) - What do you think about the trade-off between focusing on learning vs. when to start doing?(3:03:50) - Countries that impacted Balaji’s philosophy(3:08:33) - Balaji’s predictions on what Eric chose to have in the book(3:13:13) - What are the mental models or heuristics you use most often?(3:19:21) - Eric’s Themes of Balaji’s work(3:28:14) - What is your definition of technology?(3:36:09) - Do you believe a startup is synonymous with a great new technology?(3:37:20) - The co-evolution of technology and humanity & Youth-Extension(3:43:34) - The long-term battle for Network systems(3:45:50) - What do you envision transhumanism looking like?(3:53:05) - Wrap Up Links: Balaji on TwitterThe Network StateFeynman Lectures on PhysicsFrom Third World to First by Lee Kuan YewThe Man Who Knew InfinityInnumeracy by John Allen PaulosHowl's Moving CastleIsaac AzmovElements of Mathematical ModelingPaul Tipler Physics booksVisual Complex Analysis by Tristan NeedhamOne Thousand Exercises in Probabilityfast.aiQuantum.countryClassical Electrodynamics by John JacksonThe PERL CookbookPLEACObey the Testing GoatNobody cares by Ben HorowitzThe Jewish State by Theodore HerzlHow ‘Magic: The Gathering’ Color Wheel Explains HumanityForce and Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence by Kellie JacksonCatching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human by Richard WranghamLimitless To support the costs of producing this podcast: >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanak: www.navalmanack.com/ >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun>> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter>> Text the podcast to a friend>> Give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners >> Name-your-price subscription monthly, annual, or one-time: https://app.omella.com/o/9Bufa >> Follow me on Twitter: @ericjorgenson>> Get in touch about sponsoring this podcast by replying to an email or DMing me on Twitter.

Sep 20, 2022 • 1h 14min
#047 Track Zach Marshall #4: The Services Trap, Firing Customers, Chicken-and-Egg Problems
Topics:(7:05) - Updates from Zach: hiring, firing, building software, and finding PMF(13:41) - What drove the decision to focus more on the marketplace rather than services?(20:18) - How different was it working with a fund rather than angels?(23:03) - Cost cutting measures(24:35) - What was it about services that made them not repeatable or scalable?(37:00) - Fear mongering(38:19) - Regional focused marketplaces(41:07) - Corporate Enterprise focuses(45:15) - Rebuilding community and staffing via website development(50:38) - How does affiliate marketing discounts fit into your strategy?(54:34)- Firing a customer(59:17) - A bias for action, mixed with patience(1:07:06) - What are your hopes for our next meeting?(1:10:38) - Homework for the audienceLinks:Zach on TwitterConterra SecurityListen to Episodes 1-3 of this seriesThe Art of the Start by Guy KawaskiWebflowZapierAirTableNew Illinois crime law going into effectTo support the costs of producing this podcast: >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanak: www.navalmanack.com/ >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun>> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter>> Text the podcast to a friend>> Give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners >> Name-your-price subscription monthly, annual, or one-time: https://app.omella.com/o/9Bufa >> Follow me on Twitter: @ericjorgenson>> Get in touch about sponsoring this podcast by replying to an email or DMing me on Twitter.
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