Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin

Why is pizza often mediocre despite its popularity? Seth explores how childhood preferences shape our food choices and how convenience has led to widespread mediocrity. He highlights the art of careful, time-intensive food preparation, contrasting it with industrial methods that prioritize speed over quality. From the secrets of overnight dough to the curious case of sushi at Narita Airport, the discussion emphasizes the importance of care in cooking. The podcast challenges listeners to value quality over convenience in their culinary experiences.

Seth dives into the surprising world of probability with the Monty Hall problem, challenging traditional math perceptions. He explains why switching choices significantly increases winning odds and the psychological barriers we face in understanding probability. The episode highlights the distinction between freelancers and entrepreneurs, addressing effective remote meeting strategies. Seth also discusses the impact of sunk costs on decision-making and emphasizes the importance of community and showing up consistently in our endeavors.

Money is a story and money flowsAkimbo is a weekly podcast created by Seth Godin. He's the bestselling author of 19 books and a long-time entrepreneur, freelancer and teacher.You can find out more about Seth by reading his daily blog at seths.blog and about the workshops at akimbo.com.To submit a question and to see the show notes, please visit akimbo.link and press the appropriate button.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the fascinating distinction between laws and theories as Seth discusses the evolution of Moore's Law and its profound impact on technology. Discover how early pioneers envisioned computing, and understand the forces driving continuous advancements beyond CPUs. Unpack lessons from the success of Google over Yahoo, and consider what the future holds for technology and business. Plus, hear insights on maintaining intimacy in exclusivity and the importance of showing up in your endeavors.

Explore the fascinating topic of merit and how it shapes our choices in life. Seth Godin dives into the flaws of traditional selection methods, questioning how institutions define and use merit to their advantage. He also highlights the impact of college choices on career outcomes and examines the biases in admissions processes. Discover how metrics can be manipulated and the importance of personal contributions over standardized measures. Finally, Seth emphasizes the value of community and accountability in creating genuine impact.

Topics discussed include the invention of the telephone, barriers to entry and limiting competition, book recommendations for an aspiring aerospace engineer, marketing and connecting with potential clients, and the influence of capitalism on politics and the need for separation.

Discover the intriguing story behind the five monkeys and how it's a myth that shapes cultural understanding. Dive into the clash between cultural memetics and DNA as Seth explores why industries like Blockbuster struggle to adapt. He discusses the cultural inertia preventing organizations from evolution, using Netflix's transformation as a prime example. Through guiding questions, Seth inspires rethinking organizational identity, emphasizing knowledge as the pivotal asset in an ever-shifting landscape. Community, not just information, fuels action and creativity.

Dive into the fascinating world of self-publishing! Discover how the history of shelf space influences pricing and page counts for ebooks. Explore the valuable roles gatekeepers play in curation and amplification, and learn how to build your audience directly. Unpack the tension between free and paid content and its impact on commitment. Also, get insights on choosing the right editor to capture your voice and the importance of generosity in the digital space. Seth encourages you to speak up and make your mark!

Explore why everyone should consider writing a book to clarify their ideas and influence others. Discover how digital distribution reshapes publishing, allowing for self-publishing without the risks of traditional routes. Seth shares his experiences with rejections and highlights the shifting landscape of physical books. He emphasizes the importance of targeting niche audiences and the role of design and editing in making a lasting impact. Plus, learn about the significance of building a community and promoting your work well in advance.

Uncover the fascinating science behind voting! Delve into the historical evolution of voting systems and how polling shapes elections today. Explore the role of secret ballots and the possibility of trading votes across states. Discover innovative alternatives like Likert-style approval voting and how our preferences impact political stability. Reflect on the internet's function as a massive voting machine and its influence on our priorities. This thought-provoking discussion challenges conventional notions of representation and voting efficiency.