My First Million

Ariel Helwani, renowned MMA journalist and former ESPN star, dives into his journey of independence and success in the podcasting world. He shares the decision to leave ESPN and the benefits of building a niche audience. Ariel reveals his revenue strategies and discusses the importance of engaging controversy in content creation. He emphasizes authentic connections over metrics and the significance of his Substack, showcasing how embracing uniqueness can lead to substantial growth in the digital media landscape.

Sam shares his eye-opening experience educating inmates at a federal prison, revealing the transformative power of education. The hosts dive into the concept of startup cities and explore innovative ideas, like Julian Shapiro’s ranch in isolation. They discuss the importance of testing big purchases before commitment and the benefits of a 'try before you buy' lifestyle. The episode also humorously contrasts the adventurous lives of Teddy Roosevelt and Vladimir Putin, sparking reflections on success and cultural perceptions.

Ramon Van Meer (@RamonVanMeer) joins Shaan Puri (@ShaanVP) to discuss why he prefers to buy businesses rather than build them, his best tools for new business research, how to make sure you’re not buying a lemon, learning to code in a week, and much more._____* Do you love MFM and want to see Sam and Shaan's smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel.* Want more insights like MFM? Check out Shaan's newsletter._____Show Notes:* (00:56) - How to write a viral tweet thread* (06:40) - Why buying businesses can be better than building them* (14:58) - Ramon’s soap opera gossip website* (28:05) - How to make sure you’re not buying a lemon* (38:15) - How Ramon learned to code in a week* (42:50) - Shaan and Ramon play “would you rather?”* (49:30) - Shaan agrees to a boxing match with Sam_____Links:* Centurica.com* Helium10* Alpha Paw

Andrew Wilkinson, Co-Founder of Tiny and a digital innovator, shares his journey through a month-long dopamine fast that reshaped his perception of joy. He discusses the merits of 'cruise ship investing' over riskier startups and how his previous appearances inspired him to launch a D2C maternal health company. The conversation also touches on his surprising acquisition of Aeropress, as well as the ongoing Twitter feud between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, providing a unique perspective on fame and investment strategies.

Brian Halligan, founder and former CEO of HubSpot, shares his riveting near-death snowmobiling experience and its profound impact on his life. He discusses scaling HubSpot to $1 billion in ARR and reveals marketing insights inspired by the Grateful Dead's unique fan engagement. Halligan also dives into the nuances of managing creative teams and advocates for the power of inbound marketing. With a keen eye on climate tech opportunities, he highlights how startups can innovate for a sustainable future.

Discover how Brumate skyrocketed to $20M in sales without a single employee, redefining business models. Learn about energy audits that could save you cash and why carpet cleaning is the ultimate side hustle for teens. Delve into the inspiring tale of Shahid Khan, a self-made billionaire, and explore the innovative concept of F*** You Pay Me, helping influencers recognize their worth. Plus, hear about the future of fitness influencing and the quirky world of water bottle entrepreneurship.

Jack Abraham, the Founder and CEO at Atomic, shares his insights on crafting successful business ideas. He reveals the secret to startup studio success and explains why he’s ditched traditional brainstorming sessions. Jack introduces the Jenga Law of time management, emphasizing impactful hour-long commitments. He discusses innovative problem-solving methods and shares exciting yet deferred business ideas. The conversation also dives into the future of crypto and the value of focusing efforts for maximum success.

Rob Dyrdek, founder and CEO of Dyrdek Machine and former professional skateboarder, shares his journey from the skate park to venture capitalism. He highlights the art of time tracking with custom scripts that aid in optimizing life and business. Rob reveals why he feels lucky to have avoided TikTok in his youth and discusses the invaluable lessons learned from managing finances. He also dives into the cultural impact of his show Ridiculousness and his passion for creating a new 'Drake equation' for business success.

Dive into the scandal surrounding Ozy Media, where executives faced scrutiny for deceptive practices. Discover why industry insiders believe Google may struggle to maintain its dominance in the coming decade. The hosts discuss a unique holiday side hustle involving mall Santas, exploring the potential profits and logistics. They also touch on the evolution of AI-generated royalty-free music and its impact on creators, while unraveling the challenges facing big tech companies and their shifting relevance in today's market.

Peter Diamandis, the visionary behind the XPRIZE Foundation and Singularity University, dives into aging and innovation. He discusses groundbreaking research in longevity and how this could redefine finance and society. Diamandis also makes a strong case for investing in Bitcoin as a strategy for wealth preservation amidst economic challenges. The conversation touches on the ambitious space race between Musk and Bezos, highlighting the critical mindset needed for success in innovation. It's a riveting exploration of the future and the transformative power of technology.