
Idea to Startup
A podcast for people working on startup ideas. We have 15-minute tactical episodes and occasional interviews with people who did the early things exceptionally well. We've helped launch hundreds of startups worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and these are the building blocks.
"This is, without a doubt, the best podcast for people trying to build startups out there."
"If you aren't listening to this podcast and you're considering building a business (or you're already building one), what are you doing?"
"Must listen for first-time entrepreneurs - excellent storyteller."
Latest episodes

28 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 26min
Extreme Quality
Explore the concept of 'extreme quality' as a game-changer for startups, proposing a shift from speed to excellence. Discover how the Car Guy revolutionized the car buying experience by prioritizing customer needs. Uncover six essential components for identifying high-leverage moments with customers and learn about the 'Quality Equation' for assessing product impact. The discussion emphasizes the importance of personalized interactions in business and leveraging customer feedback to drive innovation.

38 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 27min
How I'd Start a Startup in 2025
Explore the four key steps for launching a startup in 2025, beginning with a life audit to reshape priorities. Discover how understanding the irrational nature of both founders and customers can lead to better business decisions. Learn to increase your Luck Surface Area and turn savings into startup success through strategic planning. Focus on building a relationship with just one customer for meaningful growth. Embrace accountability and enthusiasm as vital components in the entrepreneurial journey.

22 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 25min
Testing an Idea Live on the Pod, Part Two: AI for Parenting
Delve into the emotional intricacies of parenting as experts explore the intersection of AI technology and care coordination. Discover innovative solutions to tackle the challenges of managing work and childcare, emphasizing parental mental health. A compelling 'wedge product' emerges, designed to streamline communication between caregivers and parents. Engaging interviews reveal real problems and inspire user-focused designs, while tips like the Pain Text add a creative flair to the discussion. Join the journey towards smarter parenting solutions!

Dec 11, 2024 • 18min
A Live Idea Test: AI for Parenting
Today is day one of testing an idea live on the pod. We talk through how to turn a big, broad idea (AI for Parenting) into something actionable, the three questions every startup must answer, and how to balance curiosity with focus. Also, we talk about both my son and trees swaying to Bruno Mars. Tacklebox Granola 00:30 Intro - Testing a Startup Idea Live03:01 The Three Questions for Any Startup04:40 Where Magic Comes From07:44 Smooth Jazz08:16 Who’s it For + What’ll it Help Them Do?12:32 The Four Potential Problems13:52 Problem Selection

Nov 27, 2024 • 21min
Thanksgiving Mailbag: Are all the good ideas taken? What should I do about AI? What single skill should I focus on?
A special Thanksgiving mailbag episode answering your biggest questions (plus a holiday deal for the dedicated listeners who aren't too busy with pumpkin pie). We tackle the one thing you should actually be doing with AI right now, why competition is often the best thing that could happen to your startup, and the single most important habit every founder needs to build. Plus, Derek Jeter makes a surprise appearance to ask about imposter syndrome, and we break down why choosing the right TV show might make you a better entrepreneur. Come for the smooth jazz transitions, stay for the actionable startup advice. #MuchAdoAboutStuffing Tacklebox - "muchadoaboutstuffing"ClaudeHow to Engineer LuckSlow HorsesTimestamps:00:30 Intro - The Mailbag02:08 Question One: How to Actually Use AI Right Now06:00 Electric Vehicle Problem Language08:52 Question Two: Which Tactic?14:09 Question Four: Are All The Good Ideas Taken?19:24 The End - how to help

6 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 22min
Three Ways to Approach Your Startup Like a Pro (Encore)
Explore three game-changing strategies that distinguish successful entrepreneurs from beginners. Learn how leveraging existing infrastructure can streamline your startup. Discover the concept of anti-marketing to build genuine trust with potential customers. Hear stories ranging from a comedian's Uber ride to Frank Sinatra's legacy, illustrating the orchestration of luck and serendipity in business. Embrace the idea of creating value first in every interaction, and understand the importance of aligning with customer behaviors rather than forcing change.

4 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 20min
How to Engineer Luck
Luck in entrepreneurship can be engineered, rather than left to chance. The discussion highlights five types of luck, including serendipity and preparation, and how these can be strategically leveraged. By identifying 'luck gatekeepers' and building a 'luck budget', founders can enhance their chances of success. Engaging media effectively and maintaining consistent luck routines can also lead to breakthrough moments. This fresh perspective will change how you think about luck in your journey!

Nov 8, 2024 • 21min
How to Productize Your Customer's First Step (Encore)
Dive into the humorous yet insightful world of productizing your customer's first step. Explore a Thanksgiving Startup idea that turns family gatherings into successful enterprises. Discover innovative approaches for enhancing education and relationships through SaaS solutions. Learn how to navigate the essential transition from concept to actionable product, identifying customer pain points for immediate solutions. Get practical strategies that equip entrepreneurs to create revenue-generating products quickly, ensuring runway and flexibility.

10 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 19min
A Thing That Always Works: The 5-Minute List
Discover a game-changing method to boost productivity with the Five-Minute List, turning scattered moments into impactful work. The episode explores how to effectively manage time by rebranding daunting tasks into manageable 'Pebbles.' It discusses the balance between deep work and necessary distractions, and shares personal founder stories to illustrate overcoming challenges. Additionally, it offers insights into combating the loneliness of entrepreneurship, providing tools and techniques for better task management.

7 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 23min
Three Types of Problems Worth Your Time to Solve
Dive into the three intriguing problem types entrepreneurs should prioritize. Explore 'Hole Problems,' where solving urgent customer needs builds trust. Delve into 'Teleporter Problems,' which streamline transitions for users. Finally, uncover 'Status Level Jump Problems,' highlighting how envy and comparison can drive customer motivation. The discussion also touches on the balance between short-term successes and long-term skills, emphasizing the importance of aligning business choices with personal strengths.