In this engaging discussion, Mike Maples, Jr., co-founding partner of Floodgate and veteran investor behind major startups like Twitter and Twitch, delves into the essence of pattern-breaking entrepreneurship. He shares insights on embracing 'disagreeableness' as a vital trait for innovation, emphasizing the need for bold perspectives in pitching ideas. The conversation also touches on transforming limitations into opportunities, and the importance of aligning visions between founders and investors. Mike's groundbreaking ideas from his book, 'Pattern Breakers,' provide a fresh lens on the startup landscape.

In this conversation, Ben Orlin, a math educator and the mind behind 'Math With Bad Drawing', shares his mission to make math enjoyable. He redefines math as a universal language, complete with its own grammar. They dive into the quirks of statistics, navigating through fantasy scenarios that illustrate bias and sampling challenges. Orlin also discusses the influence of language on numeracy, along with the playful side of math through games, and reflects on how logic and creativity intertwine, making math accessible and intriguing for everyone.

Gurwinder Bhogal, an independent thinker on modern survival, dives into reclaiming mental sovereignty in an era of information overload. He critiques how evolutionarily unadapted we are to today’s constant influx of concerns from screens. Discussing agency and gamification, he suggests ways to enhance personal agency and sift through societal complexities. Bhogal also explores the effects of social media, education's changing priorities, and the need for critical thinking in navigating fragmented realities. It’s a thought-provoking conversation on playing better games in life.

Join Professor Julia Sonnevend, an expert on the political role of charm, as she unpacks its growing influence in modern politics. She argues charm is reshaping democracy worldwide, weaponized by leaders like Jacinda Ardern and Kim Jong Un. Discover the five components of charming interactions and how visual media amplifies this phenomenon. Julia explores the risks of charm offensives, the importance of critical thinking, and the fine line between authenticity and deception in today's political landscape.

Bilawal Sidhu, a former Google product manager turned one-man creative powerhouse, shares his journey of merging technology with art. He discusses his viral project featuring 'shadow aliens' and the role of AI in shaping reality. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of content creation, the impact of deep fakes, and the psychological effects of losing control in a tech-driven world. Bilawal emphasizes the importance of community collaboration and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in creativity.

Luca Dellanna, an accomplished author, shares his expertise on achieving long-term success through actionable strategies from his latest book. The conversation dives into how identifying and playing long-term games is key to success. Luca offers insights on using hypotheticals to align short-term actions with long-term goals. He also emphasizes the importance of effective communication and the balance between intuition and data in decision-making. With intriguing examples, he shows how expanding one’s network can enhance opportunities for success.

Ateet Ahluwalia, a seasoned venture capitalist and founder of Island Green Capital Management, shares profound insights into emotional control in investing. He discusses how fear and greed can cloud judgment, emphasizing the need for resilience in volatile markets. Ateet highlights the importance of communication and trust with clients, especially during downturns. He also delves into navigating macroeconomic trends, assessing investment risks, and the virtues of humility in leadership, making for a captivating exploration of the venture capital landscape.

Audrey Wisch, an education expert, discusses how she founded Curious Cardinals to match kids with university mentors, emphasizing personalized education and utilizing technology. They explore the flaws of traditional education, the impact of the pandemic on schooling, and the importance of nurturing curiosity in children. The conversation also delves into historical resistance to innovation, embracing AI for learning, redefining education practices, and fostering curiosity in kids through mentorship and AI in education.

Guest Matthew Ball, a leading thinker on the future of media & the Internet, discusses topics like AI in the Metaverse, human brain engineering, screens in education, hardware conflicts, & the evolution of media & the Metaverse competition.

Nat Eliason, writer of 'Crypto Confidential', shares insights on crypto market highs and lows, psychological effects of bubbles, cutting-edge developments in crypto, ethereum's innovations, stablecoins emergence, USD reserve currency, anonymity in crypto projects, getting into crypto, money pile imagination, next career as a novelist, and more fascinating topics!