My First Million

Nick Bilton, investigative journalist and author of 'American Kingpin' and 'Hatching Twitter', dives into Silicon Valley's hidden narratives. He shares the gripping story behind the Silk Road and its notorious founder. Bilton explores the artistry of storytelling in tech, highlighting figures like Steve Jobs and their charisma. He discusses the erosion of trust in media with the rise of social media, and reflects on the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in a polarized landscape. Expect captivating insights and vivid tales!

Robert Oliver, an entrepreneur and CEO, reveals his groundbreaking $100M TikTok strategy. He discusses the transformative power of TikTok in reshaping consumer behavior, highlighting success stories of brands tapping into niche communities. Oliver emphasizes the importance of authenticity, character design, and mastering trends like lookmaxing for explosive growth. He also shares insights on avoiding common pitfalls in the platform's fast-paced environment. With humor and practical tips, he inspires listeners to actively engage and innovate in digital marketing.

Siqi Chen, founder of Runway.com and former Zynga and Postmates executive, shares wild stories from Zynga's early days, including chaotic meetings and navigating competitive challenges. He dives into the balance of data and creativity in gaming innovation and touches on the controversies of academic publishing and rare diseases. Siqi also discusses valuable lessons from a 'Touchy Feely' Stanford class on emotional connections, and he introduces three unique business ideas inspired by his tech journey, offering listeners a mix of humor and insight.

Dive into the wild journey of Iron Mountain, from mushroom farming to secure storage for sensitive information. Explore the digital asset world, examining how figures like Elon Musk influence finance and media. Uncover the quirky frustrations of outdated software and the economic cycles of government debt. The discussion also touches on the strategic maneuvers in AI’s corporate landscape and the impact of personal relationships on success. Stop by for some insightful laughs and a peek into the human side of corporate challenges.

In this enlightening chat, MrBeast, the youngest billionaire and YouTube sensation known for his philanthropic content, shares insights on his explosive success. He recounts his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the biggest entertainer. Key topics include his 'Rule of 100' for viral content creation, the power of consultants as a business cheat code, and the importance of reinvesting in one’s ventures. Plus, he emphasizes transforming challenges into opportunities and the innovative vision behind his chocolate brand, Feastables.

Discover the remarkable journey of a high school dropout turned entrepreneur, who defied the odds to pitch his supersonic jet vision at Y Combinator. After facing skepticism, he garnered five billion dollars in letters of intent from Richard Branson. Explore themes of 'high agency' and resilience in entrepreneurship, as he navigates challenges in a competitive landscape. The podcast also highlights the quirky stories of innovative toy entrepreneurs and an electric bike pioneer, showcasing the unpredictable nature of ambition-driven ventures.

Haralabos Voulgaris, a legendary figure in sports betting, shares his journey from novice gambler to a multi-million dollar success story. He reveals his unique strategies, blending psychology and statistics, particularly in basketball. Voulgaris discusses his controversial view that 'casinos are for losers' and dives into his ventures with Bitcoin and even owning a soccer team. He highlights the emotional and financial intricacies of rapid wealth accumulation, stress management, and the transformation of individual betting to a collaborative operation.

Nick Mowbray, founder of the billion-dollar toy company Zuru, shares his inspiring rags-to-riches journey. He recounts his early days selling DIY hot air balloons door-to-door and the hilarious McBroke moments while living frugally in China. Mowbray discusses the setbacks faced during the chaotic launch of a David Beckham-themed product and dives into Zuru's innovative projects, including ZuruTech. His story highlights the power of persistence, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of success through all odds.

Matt Mullenweg, founder of WordPress and Automattic, shares his incredible journey, including the bold decision to turn down a $200M offer at just 24. He reflects on WordPress's early struggles and its rise to dominance, as well as the competitive battle between WooCommerce and Shopify. Mullenweg discusses the ethical implications of open-source software and highlights innovative hiring practices that prioritize writing skills over traditional qualifications. His insights offer a fascinating look at the intersection of entrepreneurship and community-driven technology.

Experience a thrilling slumber party with billionaires as insights on entrepreneurship unfold through hilarious anecdotes. Discover how basketball transcends formal networking, fostering genuine connections among elite founders. Dive into unconventional business strategies, from unique investment tales to the power of self-identity shaped by 'I am.' The discussion humorously contrasts different definitions of success, exploring health routines and intimate lifestyles alongside their quirky indulgences. Plus, peek into an eyebrow-raising AI dating strategy that merges tech with romance.