My First Million

Steph Smith, a trend analyst who previously worked at A16Z and The Hustle, joins to share insightful business trends. They explore the growing market for hearing aids as society shifts its perception of hearing loss. The discussion highlights the decriminalization of psychedelics for mental health and the evolving job market driven by technology and AI. Smith also emphasizes the innovative intersection of nature and tech, revealing how nature-inspired designs can ignite new business ideas.

Elan Lee, creator of the wildly successful card game Exploding Kittens, shares insights on his journey from a $10K Kickstarter to a $100M business. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on consumer engagement rather than just funding. The conversation dives into innovative marketing strategies, the necessity of humor in game design, and how constraints can spark creativity. Elan also discusses the significance of player interaction and shares amusing anecdotes from promoting his game at conventions.

David Senra, host of the Founders Podcast, dives into the traits of anti-business billionaires like Steve Jobs and James Dyson. They discuss how high disagreeableness can influence personal relationships and the unyielding commitment to quality that defines these innovators. Senra highlights the emotional toll of relentless innovation and the importance of long-term vision in entrepreneurship. The conversation also addresses diverse leadership styles and the balance between financially sustainable practices and the pursuit of personal passion.

James Currier, co-founder of NFX, shares his journey from selling worms as a kid to driving a venture capital firm worth over $110M. He dives into the power of network effects, explaining how they shape companies and even personal choices. Currier emphasizes emotional agility in business and the importance of unlearning outdated principles. He discusses the impact of language in branding, the transformative potential of AI, and reflects on networking’s integral role in success. Currier's insights reveal the blend of mindset and strategy needed for thriving in today's tech landscape.

The discussion kicks off with a humorous exchange about market turbulence and the unexpected impact of tariffs on vacations. They dive into how rising tariffs complicate e-commerce, especially for entrepreneurs relying on Chinese manufacturing. The hosts also explore creative solutions and the absurdities of business life, sharing tales from Medieval Times and the trials of striking a balance between innovation and practicality. Plus, they highlight the importance of community and first principles thinking for fostering creativity in teams.

A wealthy prince from Atlantis embarks on a quest for true happiness, seeking wisdom from a humble former king. Along the way, he learns that genuine contentment is not dictated by wealth or external circumstances. Through profound dialogues, he discovers the importance of focus and emotional well-being. The prince realizes that the narratives we create for ourselves play a crucial role in our happiness. Ultimately, he understands that true joy must be cultivated within, guiding him toward a transformational journey.

Will O’Brien, founder of Ulysses and a passionate advocate for ocean technology, shares his vision of the ocean as the next great frontier. He discusses the untapped potential of the ocean economy, the innovative use of autonomous robots for seagrass restoration, and the development of underwater data networks for national security. O’Brien also dives into sustainable seafood alternatives and the economic prospects of marine treasure hunting, emphasizing the need for curiosity and creativity in driving this new wave of ocean exploration.

Alex Lieberman and Austin Rief, co-founders of Morning Brew, share their journey in building a $100M+ newsletter business. They discuss strategies for growing from 0 to 100K subscribers, emphasizing the importance of quality content and strategic hires. The duo reveals insights on navigating financial challenges, aggressive ad spending, and maintaining core values during growth. They also explore the complexities of acquisitions in the newsletter landscape, highlighting unique market opportunities and the significance of collaboration in a competitive environment.

In this engaging conversation, Justin Mares, the $100M founder of Kettle & Fire, dives into the future of health and wellness trends. He discusses the booming market for longevity products, not just for humans but also for pets, highlighting the alarming nutritional negligence in pet diets. The talk meanders through home health innovations, emphasizing personal health management and the potential of function health services. Justin also offers a refreshing critique on the skincare industry and shares his controversial thoughts on vaccinations and food culture.

In a fascinating discussion, Immad Akhund, the founder of Mercury and a unicorn entrepreneur, reveals seven innovative business ideas that challenge conventional thinking. He proposes a lunar nuclear power plant and defense tech enhancements, emphasizing the need for autonomous solutions in modern warfare. Immad also discusses spotting great ideas in unexpected places, the rise of AI startups, and the critical role of trust in banking solutions for entrepreneurs. His insights on fully committing to visionary ventures inspire a fresh perspective on success.