After more than a decade of stories, insights, and interviews from the world of tech, this is the final episode of Rocketship.FM… at least for now.In part one, host Mike Belsito opens up about the decision to hit pause on the show. Following the acquisition of Product Collective and diving deep into new responsibilities at Pendo and Mind the Product, time has become a rare commodity. And the little free time that is available? That’s now reserved for what matters most — family. Plus, let’s face it — Rocketship.FM was always more fun when co-hosting with Michael Sacca.But before signing off, part two of the episode revisits three of the most memorable episodes from over the years — moments that made Rocketship.FM what it is and remind us why storytelling in tech still matters.The show may be going on the shelf, but don’t unsubscribe just yet… you never know when a surprise episode might drop.Thanks for listening. It’s been an incredible ride.

You know the name. You’ve probably heard the iconic 16-bit theme. But what you might not know is that legendary football coach and broadcaster John Madden was more than just the face of a video game — he was its soul.In this special re-telling of one of our favorite Rocketship.FM stories, we revisit the incredible product journey of Madden NFL Football. From a fateful Amtrak ride in 1984 to a billion-dollar franchise played across generations, Madden’s insistence on realism and deep understanding of the "why" made him a true product visionary — even if he never carried the title.Whether you’re a football fan, a gamer, or a product leader, this episode will leave you inspired by the legacy of a man who proved that getting the details right can build something that lasts decades.

In early 2022, the hype around NFTs was at its peak, and Mike Belsito found himself caught up in the frenzy—so much so that he and a lifelong friend decided to go all-in on a historic digital collectible: a 1-of-1 NFT of the legendary 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. With a max bid of $60,000, they were ready to make a play, but the auction didn’t quite go as planned.In this re-released episode, Mike recounts the excitement, the nostalgia, and the financial risks of the NFT gold rush. From the conversations with his friend and fellow collector to the surprising aftermath of the auction, this episode captures the highs, the lows, and the lasting lessons of an investment that never materialized. Plus, we explore what happened to that elusive Mickey Mantle NFT—and whether it was really worth it after all.

In this insightful discussion, Jerry Colonna, a former CEO coach renowned for mentoring startup leaders, explores the profound impact of failure on personal and professional growth. He shares powerful perspectives on embracing failure as a learning opportunity, steering clear of self-worth issues often tied to setbacks. The conversation includes Mike Belsito’s journey through his own failures and highlights the importance of resilience and redefining success based on personal values. Expect relatable anecdotes and advice, including wisdom inspired by Will Smith and Michelle Obama.

Meta recently laid off 3,600 employees, branding many as 'low performers.' However, some ex-employees pushed back, showcasing positive reviews that contradict their dismissals. The discussion unpacks the controversial return of stack ranking, echoing older corporate tactics and raising questions about its relevance today. The podcast also explores whether such purges foster innovation or ignite fear among staff. With other tech giants following suit, the debate continues: is this strategy a viable path or a risk to workplace morale?

Elon Musk and Sam Altman—once allies in the quest for AI advancement—are now at the center of one of the biggest tech rivalries of our time. From co-founding OpenAI together in 2015 to Musk’s eventual departure and criticism of OpenAI’s shift toward a for-profit model, the tension between these two Silicon Valley titans has only escalated. In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we explore the origins of their partnership, the philosophical divide that drove them apart, and the latest in their ongoing battle—including Musk’s nearly $100 billion unsolicited bid to take over OpenAI.What does this feud mean for the future of AI? Is it about principle, power, or something more? We break down the history, the court battles, and the latest moves that have kept this tech showdown in the headlines. Buckle up—this is one tech rivalry you don’t want to miss.

January 25, 2025, may go down as a pivotal moment in the AI race. Chinese AI company DeepSeek launched its latest model—one that rivals OpenAI and Anthropic but at a fraction of the cost. Investors panicked, Nvidia lost nearly $600 billion in value overnight, and industry leaders like Marc Andreessen called it "AI’s Sputnik moment." But is it really? In this episode, we explore DeepSeek’s rise, its impact on the AI landscape, and whether the U.S. is truly at risk of falling behind in the AI arms race. Featuring insights from Shelly Palmer, Reid Hoffman, and Sam Altman—this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Kevin Weil, the Chief Product Officer of OpenAI, delves into the company’s ambitious roadmap for 2025 and the game-changing O1 model. He discusses how this new AI is excelling in coding, math, and reasoning. The conversation highlights OpenAI's plans for AI-powered agents that aim to simplify daily tasks. Intriguingly, Weil hints at a return to humanoid robotics and shares insights on the future of Artificial General Intelligence. The podcast raises thought-provoking questions about the balance of innovation versus the potential risks of superintelligent AI.

Explore the ambitious $500 billion Project Stargate, designed to revolutionize AI infrastructure in the U.S. Backed by tech titans, this initiative promises national security and job creation but sparks fierce debate. Delve into the power dynamics between visionary leaders and critics like Elon Musk. With implications for the economy and healthcare, the podcast examines whether this bold venture will lead to groundbreaking innovations or become mired in controversy.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, host Mike Belsito dives into the story that’s shaking up the tech world: the TikTok ban in the United States. With a new year, a new administration, and growing geopolitical tensions, TikTok finds itself at the center of a national security debate. From bipartisan concerns over data privacy and Chinese ownership to the Supreme Court’s decisive ruling and President Trump’s potential role in TikTok’s future, this story has it all—politics, culture, and the fate of a billion-dollar platform hanging in the balance.We’ll unpack the key events that led to this moment, the ripple effects for creators and businesses, and the potential lifelines, like Kevin O’Leary’s surprising bid to acquire TikTok’s U.S. assets. What does this ban mean for the future of global platforms, and how does it redefine the intersection of technology and geopolitics? Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of this pivotal moment in tech history.