My First Million

Discover the astonishing rise of a blueberry billionaire who transformed a childhood passion into a billion-dollar empire. Dive into the intense mental challenges of competitive running with insights on resilience in the 'pain cave.' Enjoy the surprising connections between Broadway and business, as well as unique investment strategies like strategic overpayment. Explore the evolving world of storytelling, marketing, and how the journey toward success often involves navigating emotional ups and downs. Perfect listening for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Diving into fast-food innovation, the discussion highlights the mastermind behind the McFlurry and stuffed crust pizza. Unique food inventions, like mess-free syrup, showcase how creativity drives success. The conversation also reveals that launching a business can be done with minimal funds. Insights into unconventional marketing strategies and investing in AI-driven companies add depth, as hosts analyze stock picks and emerging trends. Tips on charisma and persuasion round out this entertaining exploration of culinary and entrepreneurial flair.

Billy Parks, a partner at Slow Ventures and former member of the Churning Group, delves into the fascinating world of creators earning $5M to $10M from niche markets. He discusses the rise of the 'creator middle class' and highlights unique individuals, like a restaurateur turned ranch owner and a woodworking entrepreneur. The conversation explores how minimal investment can lead to significant success, the importance of community in niche markets, and showcases quirky consumer products that have unexpectedly become profitable. Tune in for intriguing insights on creativity and entrepreneurship!

Dive into the entrepreneurial mistakes that founders often face and how to avoid them. Discover the nostalgic revival of old school businesses, like Oberweiss's dairy delivery, and The Onion's return to print. Explore innovative education models, including Alpha School and the unique Grind Academy for athlete education. Learn practical strategies for refining decision-making and evaluating marketing pitfalls. Uncover the importance of branding in traditional businesses and how minimal investment can spark successful startups.

Robert Greene, renowned author of bestselling works on strategy and human behavior, shares insightful wisdom about mastery and power. He highlights the importance of deep work and reading extensively to foster creativity. Greene discusses the art of maintaining mystery and silence, and why boldness attracts opportunity. He also reflects on rediscovering personal purpose and the pitfalls of seeking authenticity. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique paths while turning past struggles into powerful narratives.

The hosts delve into innovative business ideas that thrive without technology. From exclusive social clubs to specialized pet housing developments, they explore the importance of community and human connection. A standout discussion highlights a $300 million company that promotes phone-free experiences at events, emphasizing the need for deeper social interactions. The conversation also touches on the evolution of coworking spaces designed for creatives, and the balance between patience and urgency in personal and professional growth.

Howard Marks, co-founder of Oaktree Capital and renowned for his insightful memos, shares his investment wisdom. He delves into the importance of risk management and emotional detachment when investing, stressing that you can't raise money in a crisis. Marks emphasizes contrarian thinking and highlights lessons from historical market cycles, like the dot-com bubble. He also discusses the cyclical nature of financial behavior, urging investors to recognize patterns and learn from past mistakes for better decision-making.

In this conversation, Eric Glyman, co-founder of Ramp and former Paribus CEO, discusses how he built a billion-dollar company in just 18 months. He shares insights on navigating rapid growth amidst the pandemic and the complexities of credit card processing. The talk also touches on the evolution of banking and the cultural differences in American credit practices. Eric candidly reflects on the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, including managing imposter syndrome and the importance of integrity in business.

Explore the inspiring journey of Amadeo Giannini, whose dedication to the underserved revolutionized banking after the San Francisco earthquake. Discover the tale of a banking pioneer who valued service over wealth, merging his bank into Bank of America without personal gain. Dive into the resilience of a self-taught software engineer who turned his life around after incarceration and learn about the comical plight of a man unable to access $400 million in Bitcoin due to a forgotten password. It's a wild ride through finance, redemption, and the unpredictable world of cryptocurrency!

Dan Porter, an entrepreneur known for founding Teach for America, Draw Something, and Overtime, dives into his latest venture: a viral water brand. He discusses how he achieved this remarkable feat in just eight weeks. Topics include innovative marketing strategies, the impact of social media on brand growth, and the significance of authentic engagement with consumers. Porter also shares insights on navigating the complexities of college athletics and NIL laws, and the importance of adaptability and creativity in today’s business landscape.