My First Million

This week features wild tales of a couple stealing billions in Bitcoin and the bizarre lives of those caught in a money laundering scheme. Discover the rise of innovative 'paper cut companies' that tackle everyday problems for big returns. Insights into the evolution of business goals reveal how aspirations shift from modest to billion-dollar ambitions. Plus, an exploration of balancing hobbies with competition adds a personal touch, emphasizing the joy of leisure over the pressure to excel.

The discussion dives into whether dedicating years to the Olympics is worth it when personal sacrifices are so high. Listeners hear about innovative companies that solve everyday annoyances and the fascinating concept of a 'money therapist' for those who struggle with wealth. They also reflect on the emotional manipulation behind the Tinder Swindler's scams and the psychology of wealth. Additionally, the podcast touches on enhancing customer experiences in hospitality and the importance of thoughtful design in charitable endeavors.

Max Lytvyn, co-founder and head of revenue at Grammarly, shares insights from building the $13 billion company. He discusses Grammarly's surprising origins from plagiarism detection and the pivotal moments that fueled its growth. Max explains the strategic shift to hire an outside CEO and how effective communication transforms productivity. The conversation touches on the competitive landscape of writing assistance and the importance of mastering writing skills for success. His journey highlights the challenges and strategies that shaped Grammarly into a market leader.

Discover the bizarre tale of a couple who stole billions in Bitcoin, with their odd personalities adding a humorous twist. Explore Sam's innovative Ideation Bootcamp and how it inspires quick business idea generation. Learn about Stonks.com, a groundbreaking platform transforming startup investments. Dive into the evolving landscape of transportation solutions, self-driving vehicles, and cutting-edge tools like Cal.com for enhanced scheduling. Uncover the surprising benefits of hiring military spouses and the significance of emotional branding in today's marketplace.

Join Alex Hormozi, an entrepreneur who transformed his life from sleeping on gym floors to building a $100 million business. He shares powerful sales techniques that can help you earn $100k monthly and discusses the pivotal moments in his journey, including a transformative mastermind experience. Hormozi also reveals how he got ripped and maintains discipline with his strict schedule. With insights into marketing strategies and entrepreneurial growth, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons for aspiring business owners.

Ben Levy, a mobile app developer turned entrepreneur, shares his rollercoaster journey from creating a Wordle copycat that soared to app store glory to losing it all. He discusses the ethical dilemmas of app cloning and the challenges of public perception in tech. Levy also dives into his new venture, Milk Road, a crypto-focused newsletter, highlighting the excitement of choosing projects that align with personal passions and learning from past missteps. The conversation explores the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

This week dives into the intriguing world of startup battles, featuring Ryan Breslow's bold criticisms of Stripe. Nathan Barry shares his secrets to becoming a billion-dollar creator, emphasizing audience ownership over sponsorship. Ryan Holiday discusses the vital role traditional publishing plays in maintaining a bestselling career. The nuances of the publishing landscape are explored, revealing the trade-offs between traditional and self-publishing. Plus, reflections on the impact of Stoicism and effective financial tech weave a tapestry of entrepreneurial insight.

Ryan Holiday, an author and media entrepreneur known for his works on Stoicism, discusses his unique approach to book writing and business. He reveals the surprising decision to sell Memento Mori coins instead of typical merchandise, emphasizing their profitability. Ryan also shares insights about the publishing industry, including why traditional publishing can be beneficial. Additionally, he reflects on his split with Tucker Max, his daily routines, and the creative ways he navigates the media landscape.

Nathan Barry, founder of ConvertKit, shares his journey building a successful email marketing platform valued over $200M. He discusses the evolving creator economy and strategies to monetize effectively, touching on the importance of transparency in business. Nathan humorously declines a discount request from Shaan, while exploring wealth-building strategies and real estate investments. He also reflects on learning from failures and the nuances of branding, especially after a controversial name change that sparked community backlash.

Ryan Breslow, founder of Bolt and a bold advocate against Silicon Valley norms, dives into his controversial Twitter thread aimed at dismantling what he labels the tech mafia. He discusses his journey in creating a billion-dollar payment company and shares insights on navigating competition in the tech landscape. The chat also touches on the balance of accountability and personal freedom in leadership, plus the challenges of being seen as a 'loose cannon' in a structured industry. Breslow's perspective sparks intriguing thoughts on innovation and the future of tech.