Felienne Hermans is a professor of computer science education at VU Amsterdam, and founder of 500k users textual programming platform Hedy. We spoke about her mission to transform children from passive digital consumers into active creators. Felienne shares her journey from being an unsatisfied professor to founding Hedy, an innovative platform designed to make programming accessible to kids. She highlights the gap in existing educational tools for children aged 12 and up, explaining how they are either too childish or too complex.In our conversation, Felienne reveals how Hedy bridges this gap by combining lessons from natural language learning with programming, creating an environment where practice and context are key. "We need to have more practice, more deliberate practice," she explains, drawing parallels between learning programming and learning a new language.We also discussed the impact of AI on education, where Felienne argues that understanding the digital world as something "created by people" is now more crucial than ever. Despite the rise of AI, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining creativity and the value of deep thinking, warning against the "laziness" that automation can encourage.Some key takeaways from our discussion include:The need for age-appropriate programming tools: Felienne identified a gap in educational resources that either infantilized or overwhelmed young learners, prompting her to develop Hedy.Importance of practice in learning: Drawing from language acquisition techniques, Felienne implemented repetitive practice in Hedy to help all children—not just the self-driven ones—grasp programming concepts.The role of AI in education: Felienne stresses that AI should not replace the foundational understanding and creativity that come from learning to code.If you're a parent or educator looking to inspire the next generation of digital creators, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice on how to get started.

Dan Kachtik is a veteran in the health and fitness field with over 20 years of experience, including 12 years of gym ownership. We spoke about his journey from working in large gyms to founding King William District CrossFit, and the profound insights he has on living a fit and healthy life at any age.Dan emphasizes that achieving lifelong fitness involves more than just hitting the gym—it's about building a body with broad work capacity and fueling it with the right nutrients. He explains, "You need to train your body so that it is athletic, coordinated, strong, and has a large metabolic capacity." According to Dan, the foundation of these skills is strength and power, which are critical no matter your age.A key point he makes is the interplay between exercise and nutrition. “Our body is a machine, and if you feed it garbage... no amount of working out can overcome a bad diet.” Dan argues that while many diets are one-size-fits-all, the best approach involves whole foods with a focus on protein, healthy fats, and carbs from vegetables and fruits.Dan also shares his entrepreneurial journey—how he and his wife took a risk to start their own gym, faced challenges, and ultimately built a thriving community-centered business. He says, “I had to believe in myself more than even the people that were rooting for me believed in me.” His story of overcoming setbacks and continuing to push forward is both inspiring and practical.The episode is filled with valuable lessons on maintaining fitness through functional training and sustainable eating habits. Dan advocates for a pragmatic approach to diet: “We use a very simple system... take pictures of all the food you eat.” This method allows for personalized adjustments and helps integrate healthy eating into everyday life.Key takeaways from this episode include the importance of balancing strength training with proper nutrition, the idea that fitness can—and should—be maintained at any age, and the power of a supportive community in achieving long-term health goals. Dan’s insights reveal that with dedication and the right mindset, anyone can achieve their desired fitness level and maintain it throughout their life.

Nimrod Vromen is a former corporate lawyer turned AI entrepreneur, and our conversation delved into the transformative effects of artificial intelligence on professional services and personal development. As Vromen shared, his journey from legal expert to AI pioneer was driven by a midlife crisis intersecting with the dawn of AI: “For the last three years, I've been grappling with the idea that the age of AI is coming and I need to deal with it.”Vromen discussed his book, "Prompting Happiness," which explores the pursuit of happiness in the age of AI. He illustrates the potential of AI not just as a tool for productivity but as a partner in philosophical inquiry, describing his first encounter with AI technology: “When I saw GPT for the first time, I knew that it was almost like the earthquake had already happened in the middle of the ocean and that tsunami was on its way.” This metaphor captures his anticipation of AI's profound impact on both professional fields and personal lives.He also reflects on how AI has helped him reformulate theories of happiness from his youth, stating, “It continues to explore our purpose as individuals and as a collective on this planet.” Vromen emphasizes AI’s role in enhancing human creativity and introspection, notably through collaborative writing: “A set of essays reflecting ideas of friends who read the first three parts of the book.”Further, Vromen challenges listeners to consider the similarities between human and AI cognition, particularly in how we make decisions: “After having prompted GPT for over 20,000 times, we don't really know how conscious we are.” This statement encourages a deeper reflection on consciousness and the potential for AI to broaden our understanding of self and agency.Listeners will find Vromen’s narrative of transformation a compelling discussion on the interplay between technology and foundational human pursuits, suggesting that AI and human ingenuity are converging paths toward redefining personal and professional landscapes.

DJ the Money Coach is a financial expert who has navigated the treacherous waters of debt himself, once grappling with $60,000 in consumable and credit card debt. In our discussion, DJ revealed the practical steps and disciplines that led him from a low credit score of 525 to a robust 800, achieving financial freedom and a $1 million net worth within six years.DJ the Money Coach's journey began with a transformative chapter from Susie Orman's book, "The Road to Wealth." He emphasized, "I read one chapter in Susie Orman's book... and it taught you about how credit works on personal finance." Implementing these lessons, he not only escaped debt but also built a substantial financial planning practice managing over $60 million in assets.Key takeaways from DJ include his "four by four" strategy: discipline, accountability, a proven system of success, and hard work over two to five years. He illustrates simple but effective financial evaluations anyone can perform, such as choosing more affordable alternatives without sacrificing needs, "If you just change from the Fiji to the store bottle, you would actually get the same type of water, but you would save $4 per bottle of water."DJ also demystified buying insurance and shared insider tips on how to optimize insurance and retirement investments by understanding the true costs per unit, not just the upfront fees. "When you buy insurance and everything's equal... The qualifier to actually get you the best deal is cost per thousand."Beyond personal finance, DJ the Money Coach's commitment to giving back is palpable. He described his international philanthropy efforts, including building healthcare centers and schools in Africa, "And you know what we do? We give back to the community."Listeners will find DJ's advice grounded in realism and bolstered by his own experiences, making this episode not just an instructional guide to managing finances, but a motivational call to action for personal responsibility and proactive financial planning. Whether it’s boosting your credit score, buying insurance, or setting up an emergency fund, DJ offers a blueprint for anyone looking to take control of their financial future.Tune in for a session packed with actionable advice and the encouragement to start making smarter financial decisions today.

Amanda Baron Frank, Managing Partner of The Frank Law Firm P.C., which she operates with her husband, brought her extensive experience in both law and entrepreneurship to our discussion. We spoke about the critical role of legal counsel in establishing and nurturing a business, the pitfalls of rapid expansion, and the importance of adopting a gradual development approach in entrepreneurship. Amanda shared valuable insights and personal stories from her journey, detailing how their firm evolved from its modest beginnings.A focal point of our conversation was the indispensable role of legal protection for startups: "Litigation problems in business are unavoidable... They are far less if you are advised of the law and you have that legal protection from the outset." Amanda emphasized that beginning a business with robust legal backing not only mitigates potential disputes but also fortifies the business’s foundation, making it an essential investment for enduring success.She also advocated for a sustainable growth model, reflecting on her business strategy that favors slow and consistent growth: "We did it incrementally until we saw that it works." According to Amanda, this approach helps avert the common pitfalls associated with too rapid an expansion, which can lead to business failures.Moreover, Amanda discussed the personal aspects of entrepreneurship, particularly the dynamics and challenges of collaborating closely with a spouse in a professional setting. She revealed that working with her husband "has strengthened our marriage, our love, our friendship, everything," highlighting the deep interconnection between personal and professional life in entrepreneurial endeavors.Alongside business and legal guidance, Amanda touched upon the significance of maintaining a work-life balance, sharing her routines like acupuncture and dedicated family time to stay balanced and grounded.This episode is packed with actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing that having a lawyer is not just about navigating legal challenges but also about strategic business planning and securing one’s venture from the start. It’s an essential listen for anyone looking to understand the legal and personal foundations crucial for successful entrepreneurship.

Henry Woodman is a seasoned entrepreneur whose career spans from a fascination with video games to becoming an influential tech business owner, and now, circling back to his passion for storytelling and filmmaking. In our conversation, we discussed his eclectic journey, marked by both strategic decisions and serendipitous opportunities.Henry starts with an engaging anecdote about his early experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. "When I was in college, I was doing video game machines and laundromats because I was addicted to Pac-Man," he recounts, illustrating his knack for recognizing and seizing opportunities. This early venture led to significant advancements in virtual tour technologies and a dominant presence in the travel industry's online landscape, showcasing his ability to leverage personal interests into viable business solutions.Highlighting the theme of personal challenges morphing into professional opportunities, Henry advises, "Don't just sit there and say, wow, somebody really needs to do something. Maybe that somebody is you." This advice encapsulates his journey and serves as a guiding principle for aspiring entrepreneurs.Throughout our discussion, Henry addresses the learning curves and adaptations required in his career, including tackling imposter syndrome and embracing lifelong learning. "I went back to school in my fifties to get my MBA in entrepreneurship," he shares, underscoring the importance of adaptability and continuous education in today’s fast-paced business environment.The conversation also explores Henry’s return to his first love—filmmaking. After years of technological entrepreneurship, he is now focusing on producing a series based on a novel, a project he describes as the closing chapter of his professional life. "I'm going full circle," he reveals, as he plans to adapt the book into a series that delves into themes of reincarnation and soulmates, blending historical and contemporary narratives.Key takeaways from our talk include:The importance of aligning personal passions with business endeavors.The need to recognize and capitalize on emerging trends and technological shifts.Building resilience and learning from failures as critical components of long-term success.Henry's journey is a compelling narrative of transformation, resilience, and the full-circle return to creative roots, offering profound insights for anyone navigating their own path in entrepreneurship or creative endeavors. As he aptly puts it, "Mindset is hugely important. Your thoughts create your life," a mantra that resonates through all stages of his career and life ambitions.

Jason Greenwood, founder of Greenwood Consulting, is an established voice in the ecommerce and digital nomad sectors, and we spoke about the profound impacts of starting early with personal branding and the unforeseen benefits it can bring to professional and personal life. He passionately shares, "your vibe attracts your tribe," highlighting the importance of authenticity in attracting like-minded individuals and opportunities.Jason credits much of his philosophy to early influences, including Gary Vee, who famously challenged, "if you think you're a thought leader, put your thoughts out into the world and let the market decide." This advice propelled him from being an employee to an entrepreneur, fostering a belief that sharing knowledge helps elevate an entire industry. He reflects on his career trajectory, saying, "if you do good work and you meet a genuine need and you treat people right, money is the byproduct of doing all those things, you will be successful."The podcast wasn't just a tool for brand building but a gateway to meaningful dialogues with industry experts, emphasizing the value of genuine conversations over transactional interactions. Jason illustrates this by sharing his approach to inviting guests: "I say, hey, look, you're obviously interested in similar things. To me, it seems like you've got some really deep expertise on this topic. I would love to host you on my podcast."Jason also discusses the broadening of his consulting business to serve not just merchants but also agencies and investors, revealing the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship. "You may not need to pivot to be successful, but what you may need to do is you may need to expand your services to immediate adjacencies," he advises, highlighting his strategic adjustments to remain relevant and thriving.His insights extend beyond business, delving into the philosophy of personal wellbeing and social responsibility. He shares a powerful personal mantra: "You have to put your own mask on first," advocating for self-care as essential to offering help and empathy to others.From leveraging a podcast for networking to expanding business services, and emphasizing personal growth and empathy, this episode with Jason Greenwood offers a wealth of strategies for entrepreneurs and digital nomads looking to make a meaningful impact in their fields and lives.

Dan Thomson, founder and CEO of Sensay, is the imaginative mind behind technologies that challenge our perceptions of identity and immortality, and we spoke about the profound implications of creating digital replicas of ourselves. Dan opens up about his journey from philosophy student to tech innovator, discussing how ancient questions about the meaning of life and identity have merged with modern technology to offer new possibilities for human legacy."Our identity is very subjective... We also present ourselves in a different way on social media, which may be very different to how we present ourselves over email," Dan explains, delving into the complexities of personal identity in the digital age. This conversation explores the philosophical underpinnings and the technical execution of digital replicas that can act, think, and interact as we do, potentially continuing our legacy long after we're gone.Dan shares insights into the development of a technology that not only promises to immortalize personal histories but also serves practical contemporary needs. "We all have data, we all have photos... everything about us is captured in a way that's never been possible before," he notes, illustrating the unprecedented scale of personal data collection today. This data, combined with artificial intelligence, could lead to forms of digital immortality, where "your great, great, great grandkids... can get to know me, they can talk to me."The discussion also covers the multifaceted applications of this technology, from aiding dementia patients to creating more interactive and personalized digital experiences in gaming and marketing. Dan's passion for his work is evident as he describes how digital replicas could transform various industries by preserving and utilizing personal knowledge.Moreover, Dan reflects on remote work and the management of global teams, highlighting how the right culture and management approaches can significantly enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. "We find people work just as hard, if not harder... because it's exciting what we're doing," he asserts, championing the merits of a motivated, remote workforce.Listeners will leave this episode with a deeper understanding of how our digital footprints might shape the future of human interaction, legacy, and identity, making it a compelling exploration of technology's role in extending the human experience.

Chris Papin is a multifaceted professional—attorney, CPA, licensed insurance agent, and part-time therapist by virtue of his mother's influence. In our conversation, we unpacked the often-overlooked emotional drivers behind small business decision-making. Chris emphasized, “We don't talk about emotion...all of that is driven by your people, which is driven by emotion.”Chris argued that understanding the emotional context of financial statements and business decisions can vastly improve how small business owners manage and lead. By interweaving personal and business goals, he believes owners can more effectively drive their company's success. He highlighted the importance of aligning personal ambitions with business strategies, stating, "Their personal goals need to drive your revenue."Throughout the episode, Chris shared insights into the fears and uncertainties that plague new and established business owners alike. He delved into the necessity of resilience, pointing out, “Yesterday matters very much, but sometimes it's just a trophy on the wall. You've got to repeat the process.” This resilience, according to Chris, is crucial for navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.Key takeaways from our discussion include the importance of defining the 'why' behind your business pursuits, the impact of emotions on financial decisions, and the role of trusted advisors in navigating business challenges. Chris's approach to business consultancy—considering the emotional and psychological aspects alongside the financial—provides a holistic strategy for business success.Chris’s perspective extends beyond business, touching on community engagement and personal growth. He shared, “There’s lots of ways we do that. And we recognize most of our clients have something beyond themselves in their community, too.” This reflects his broader philosophy that successful business practices should enrich not only the business owner but also the community at large.Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to harness their emotions for better decision-making, the significance of community involvement, and practical strategies for enduring the rigors of business ownership. Chris’s narratives and advice underscore the necessity of emotional intelligence in the entrepreneurial journey, making this episode a vital listen for current and aspiring small business owners.

Adam Rosen is the Email Outreach Company co-founder, Founder of Acquired Startup, an entrepreneur with extensive experience in cold email strategies. We spoke about the evolving landscape of cold emailing, its challenges, and techniques for success. Adam brings a wealth of knowledge from founding and running businesses that leverage cold email to secure high-profile clients and significant business deals.During the conversation, Adam debunked the myth that cold email is a relic of the past. He provided insights into how cold email has transformed, stating, "Cold email is a whole new ballgame than it was in the old days." His approach shifts away from mass emailing to a more refined, targeted strategy to navigate the tightened regulations and filters of modern email platforms.A significant portion of our discussion centered on best practices for crafting effective cold emails. Adam emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, like setting up multiple domains and managing email volume to avoid spam filters. He shared a compelling tip about email personalization: "The best subject line that we've seen is just 'Hi' and then the first name of the recipient."Adam also touched on the broader implications of cold emailing for business development, revealing that about "50% of them have come from cold email," referring to his current customer base. This statistic underlines the effectiveness of cold emailing when executed correctly.Furthermore, Adam shared his personal journey and philosophy as an entrepreneur. He highlighted the importance of perseverance and a positive mindset, recalling a quote that drives him: "Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages." His narrative extended beyond business strategies to include his experiences as a traveling entrepreneur, underscoring his belief in living an inspiring life while running a successful business.Listeners will come away with a deep understanding of:The nuanced strategies required for successful cold emailing today.Practical tips for setting up an email outreach infrastructure.The importance of personalization and how to craft emails that get responses.Adam's holistic view on entrepreneurship and lifestyle.This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to refine their outreach strategies or seeking inspiration on integrating life and work into a coherent and fulfilling vision.