

Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin
Seth Godin
Akimbo is an ancient word, from the bend in the river or the bend in an archer's bow. It's become a symbol for strength, a posture of possibility, the idea that when we stand tall, arms bent, looking right at it, we can make a difference.Akimbo's a podcast about our culture and about how we can change it. About seeing what's happening and choosing to do something.The culture is real, but it can be changed. You can bend it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

14 snips
Aug 28, 2024 • 21min
Sportsmanship (E)
What does it really mean to 'win at all costs'? A college student’s donut venture stirs ethical debates, while redefining sportsmanship takes center stage—highlighting fairness and community spirit over mere victory. High school sports are reexamined, focusing on personal growth instead of aspiring for professional accolades. The importance of cooperation and diverse perspectives in teams is underscored, along with insights into corporate responsibility. Lastly, the podcast emphasizes nurturing creativity in children through playful learning and innovation.

11 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 29min
Surprise and privacy (E)
The podcast delves into the fascinating intersection of privacy and public interest, illustrated through historical anecdotes. It reveals how companies profit from personal data without clear consent and discusses societal reactions to privacy violations. Listeners explore the evolution of digital advertising and the growing tension between personalization and privacy. Additionally, there's a call to embrace creative freedom in children's play, emphasizing the value of imagination over structured kits. The conversation sparks essential reflections on our digital lives.

22 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 21min
Operating systems (E)
Explore the evolution of operating systems, both in technology and urban design. Discover how city planning influences functionality, comparing the strategies of Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs. Delve into the profound effects of software design choices and their broader implications. Examine the contrasts between open and closed systems, especially in the context of art and voting. Finally, unravel the art of marketing, balancing transparency with intrigue for a captivating audience experience.

15 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 33min
Live at the United Nations (E)
Personal experiences at the United Nations set the stage for a deep dive into women's rights and dignity. Transformative storytelling showcases social entrepreneurship's power in Ethiopia and India. A local school funding struggle reveals the impact of socioeconomic disparities, sparking community support movements. The tension in community identities enhances collaboration and marketing strategies, while content creators confront the challenges of information overload, seeking authenticity in a world of abundance.

21 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 18min
QA Special (E)
Explore the shifting landscape of journalism in the digital world and how community engagement can sustain it. Discover the impact of advertising on user experience and the struggles startups face when seeking ad-free options. Learn about the rise of sponsorships as a better alternative to traditional advertising, focusing on trust and meaningful connections. Delve into the importance of resilience in workplaces and the need for customer-centric leadership that empowers employees to take initiative.

49 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 22min
Publishing is hard (E)
Bestselling author Seth Godin discusses the challenges of publishing, emphasizing the importance of establishing a loyal readership. He explores the significance of persistence and authenticity in creative pursuits and encourages individuals to choose themselves and prioritize the greater good when spreading ideas. He also shares a story about empowering children in theater and creativity.

25 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 27min
Selfish ideas (E)
Exploring how ideas spread like viruses, the podcast touches on memetics and cultural influence. It discusses the power of individual actions in shaping trends and culture. The episode also covers mindset, design thinking, and the importance of regulations in a competitive market.

11 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 25min
Cohesion and commerce (E)
Exploring the history and evolution of Thanksgiving traditions, the impact of commercialization on holidays, the art of asking questions respectfully, and the importance of data portability in creating a free market for data.

11 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 25min
The free market has an enemy (E)
This podcast discusses the vulnerabilities of the free market within capitalism, focusing on monopolies like Facebook. It explores how monopolies limit consumer choices and the dominance of tech companies in the industry. The discussion also addresses the challenges of short-term thinking, corruption, and the importance of embracing change and innovation for growth.

22 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 24min
Why is software so bad? (E)
Bestselling author Seth Godin discusses the shortcomings in software development, including lack of user-centric focus and craftsmanship. He also explores the shift from gatekeepers to open systems and the challenges of creating shareable ideas. Additionally, Seth delves into the difficulties of self-editing and the value of seeking external feedback for improvement.