The Knowledge Project
Shane Parrish
Geef deze podcast je waardering
Uncovering the timeless principles that drive success.
Hosted by Shane Parrish (entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and author), the goal of each episode is simply to master the best of what other people have already figured out.
Learn More:
Timeless insights into business and life in 5 minutes a week: https://fs.blog/newsletter
Shane's Books: https://fs.blog/books
Hosted by Shane Parrish (entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and author), the goal of each episode is simply to master the best of what other people have already figured out.
Learn More:
Timeless insights into business and life in 5 minutes a week: https://fs.blog/newsletter
Shane's Books: https://fs.blog/books
Tobi Lütke: The Skills AI Makes More Valuable
15 sep · 1 u 6 min
Shopify founder and CEO Tobi Lütke joins Shane Parrish to discuss AI agents, better decision-making, and the future of work. He explains how he uses an AI council to examine his hardest decisions and why taste, judgment, and responsibility become more valuable as AI becomes more capable.
They go inside Shopify’s work with River, an AI colleague with memory, personality, and permission to challenge the CEO. They explore how to choose between several good options, why the best long-term decisions often lack immediate feedback, and why building something that lasts requires pruning and rebuilding.
Tobi also shares how he cultivates intuition, the affirmations he uses to change his own behavior, and why his kids must add “yet” when they say they can’t do something.
Enjoy!
-----
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(3:46) The Case for Skeuomorphism
(5:16) How Bing's Chatbot "Sydney" Inspired Shopify's AI
(7:18) River: Shopify's Internal AI
(8:55) How to Encourage Osmosis Learning
(10:52) AI Dreaming and Self-Reflection
(11:53) How to Use AI for Strategic Decision Making
(14:11) The One Thing AI Cannot Do
(16:04) What AI is Making Worse at Shopify
(19:46) Predictions: Where AI is Headed Next
(21:55) The Future of AI-Powered Software
(24:40) Will CEOs Be Replaced with AI?
(27:54) Can Superintelligence Be Controlled?
(31:13) Critical Skills in AI Age
(34:22) Why Complex Solutions are Usually Wrong
(36:33) Conditions Needed for True Intuition
(38:02) The Optimal Path Doesn't Have Instant Feedback
(44:51) How Affirmations Can Shift Your Behavior
(50:44) The Inobvious Thing Hurting Companies
(52:37) Relationship Between Beauty and Creation
(56:23) How SpaceX Moves Forward By Subtraction
(1:00:24) Why Companies Need Refounding Events
(1:01:50) Use Books as Cheat Codes
(1:02:39) Three Books That Change Your Thinking
-----
Follow Tobi:
X: https://x.com/tobi
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
-----
+ Members get the longer, extended version of this conversation, with additional content not included in the public release.Learn more: https://fs.blog/membership/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here: https://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
------
*Note:* Shane and guests may hold positions in assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
They go inside Shopify’s work with River, an AI colleague with memory, personality, and permission to challenge the CEO. They explore how to choose between several good options, why the best long-term decisions often lack immediate feedback, and why building something that lasts requires pruning and rebuilding.
Tobi also shares how he cultivates intuition, the affirmations he uses to change his own behavior, and why his kids must add “yet” when they say they can’t do something.
Enjoy!
-----
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(3:46) The Case for Skeuomorphism
(5:16) How Bing's Chatbot "Sydney" Inspired Shopify's AI
(7:18) River: Shopify's Internal AI
(8:55) How to Encourage Osmosis Learning
(10:52) AI Dreaming and Self-Reflection
(11:53) How to Use AI for Strategic Decision Making
(14:11) The One Thing AI Cannot Do
(16:04) What AI is Making Worse at Shopify
(19:46) Predictions: Where AI is Headed Next
(21:55) The Future of AI-Powered Software
(24:40) Will CEOs Be Replaced with AI?
(27:54) Can Superintelligence Be Controlled?
(31:13) Critical Skills in AI Age
(34:22) Why Complex Solutions are Usually Wrong
(36:33) Conditions Needed for True Intuition
(38:02) The Optimal Path Doesn't Have Instant Feedback
(44:51) How Affirmations Can Shift Your Behavior
(50:44) The Inobvious Thing Hurting Companies
(52:37) Relationship Between Beauty and Creation
(56:23) How SpaceX Moves Forward By Subtraction
(1:00:24) Why Companies Need Refounding Events
(1:01:50) Use Books as Cheat Codes
(1:02:39) Three Books That Change Your Thinking
-----
Follow Tobi:
X: https://x.com/tobi
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
-----
+ Members get the longer, extended version of this conversation, with additional content not included in the public release.Learn more: https://fs.blog/membership/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here: https://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
------
*Note:* Shane and guests may hold positions in assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The 12 Years that Changed Steve Jobs
01 sep · 1 u 4 min
We all know the Steve Jobs who came back in the late 1990s and saved Apple from becoming a footnote. And we've all heard the story of how, in 1985, he was pushed out of the company he'd created.
What we don't know is what happened in between.
Geoffrey Cain spent years reconstructing the decade Jobs spent outside Apple. NeXT spent years losing money. His co-founders left. His investors lost faith. His fortune nearly disappeared. At one point, he was a weekend away from shutting the company down.
Somewhere in those failures, Jobs learned how to become the leader Apple would eventually need.
This is Steve Jobs before he became Steve Jobs.
------
Chapters:
(0:51) Why Steve Jobs Was Pushed Out of Apple
(3:04) Steve Jobs' Failed Coup Attempt to Oust CEO
(4:33) The Failure of Macintosh II
(8:27) Starting NeXT Computers
(9:34) The Story Behind NeXT's Iconic Logo
(11:38) A Perfect Cube: The Impossible Design of NeXTcube
(13:50) What Movies Get Wrong About Steve Jobs
(14:02) The Ultimate Trait Steve Jobs Looked For in Hiring
(14:59) Decision Making By Intellectual Combat
(16:40) Steve Jobs' Reality Distortion Field
(17:25) The Flaw that Almost Destroyed Steve Jobs
(21:25) How NeXT Software Changed Computing Forever
(24:44) Steve Jobs' Self-Sabotages at NeXT
(25:02) Ross Perot and Steve Jobs
(28:48) How Pixar Saved Steve Jobs from Bankruptcy
(29:19) The Realization Steve Jobs Had at Rock Bottom
(31:49) The Last Ditch Effort to Save NeXT Computers
(38:55) Steve Jobs Gets His Revenge
(43:09) Larry Ellison's Friendship with Steve Jobs
(45:05) How Steve Jobs Brought Out the Best in His Employees
(48:08) The Lessons Steve Jobs Learned From Failure
(50:08) Bill Gates and Steve Jobs Rivalry
(51:44) The Funniest Steve Jobs/Bill Gates Moment
(53:43) Steve Jobs Takes Over As Apple CEO
(57:08) How Meeting Laurene Changed Everything
(59:01) Rapid Fire Questions
(59:21) How Steve Jobs Inspired His Team
(1:00:31) Steve Jobs Medical Treatment
(1:01:42) What We Can Learn from Steve Jobs
------
Follow Geoffrey Cain:
X: https://x.com/geoffrey_cain
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
-----
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here. http://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What we don't know is what happened in between.
Geoffrey Cain spent years reconstructing the decade Jobs spent outside Apple. NeXT spent years losing money. His co-founders left. His investors lost faith. His fortune nearly disappeared. At one point, he was a weekend away from shutting the company down.
Somewhere in those failures, Jobs learned how to become the leader Apple would eventually need.
This is Steve Jobs before he became Steve Jobs.
------
Chapters:
(0:51) Why Steve Jobs Was Pushed Out of Apple
(3:04) Steve Jobs' Failed Coup Attempt to Oust CEO
(4:33) The Failure of Macintosh II
(8:27) Starting NeXT Computers
(9:34) The Story Behind NeXT's Iconic Logo
(11:38) A Perfect Cube: The Impossible Design of NeXTcube
(13:50) What Movies Get Wrong About Steve Jobs
(14:02) The Ultimate Trait Steve Jobs Looked For in Hiring
(14:59) Decision Making By Intellectual Combat
(16:40) Steve Jobs' Reality Distortion Field
(17:25) The Flaw that Almost Destroyed Steve Jobs
(21:25) How NeXT Software Changed Computing Forever
(24:44) Steve Jobs' Self-Sabotages at NeXT
(25:02) Ross Perot and Steve Jobs
(28:48) How Pixar Saved Steve Jobs from Bankruptcy
(29:19) The Realization Steve Jobs Had at Rock Bottom
(31:49) The Last Ditch Effort to Save NeXT Computers
(38:55) Steve Jobs Gets His Revenge
(43:09) Larry Ellison's Friendship with Steve Jobs
(45:05) How Steve Jobs Brought Out the Best in His Employees
(48:08) The Lessons Steve Jobs Learned From Failure
(50:08) Bill Gates and Steve Jobs Rivalry
(51:44) The Funniest Steve Jobs/Bill Gates Moment
(53:43) Steve Jobs Takes Over As Apple CEO
(57:08) How Meeting Laurene Changed Everything
(59:01) Rapid Fire Questions
(59:21) How Steve Jobs Inspired His Team
(1:00:31) Steve Jobs Medical Treatment
(1:01:42) What We Can Learn from Steve Jobs
------
Follow Geoffrey Cain:
X: https://x.com/geoffrey_cain
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
-----
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here. http://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Make Better Decisions by Fixing Yourself First
18 aug · 47 min
David Baszucki is the co-founder and CEO of Roblox, a platform built around a simple idea: give people the tools and incentives to create together.
In this short conversation we discuss how a health decision saved his son's life and how it changed how he eats, why bureaucracy compounds unless you actively destroy it, monitoring your mind before making decisions, and why the best products often improve by removing complexity.
It's time to listen and learn.
------
Chapters:
(0:00) How Keto Can Help Treat Bipolar Symptoms
(2:38) Connection Between Physical and Mental Health
(3:58) Current Metabolic Routine
(4:40) How Your Metabolic State Affects Decision Making
(5:48) The Signs of a Great Product
(6:32) Bureaucracy is the Enemy of Progress (ALT: Why You Need to Destroy Bureaucracy)
(7:20) Giving Feedback that Actually Motivates
(7:50) The Key to Feedback is Tone
(8:44) The Email You Should Never Send
(9:53) Patterns in Bad Decision Making
(10:38) Principles of Good Decision Making
(11:19) Mental Models for Problem Solving
(11:56) The Gaming World Said the Avatar Was a Disaster. He Didn't Listen. (ALT: Why the Gaming World Hated the First Avatar)
(12:58) When Instinct and Data Disagree
(14:12) Roblox's Magic Decision Making Quadrant
(14:38) Inner Monologue of the Best CEOs
(15:36) Manufacturing Threats to Achieve Alpha
(16:08) Mistakes in Roblox History
(18:30) Biggest Generated Universe in World
(19:33) Roblox Community's Pushback on New Avatars
(20:20) Capital Allocation Strategy
(22:28) Building Incentives on Early Roblox
(24:31) Early Disagreements on API
(26:18) How Erik Cassel Supercharged Roblox
(27:05) The Economic Model that Almost Ruined Roblox
(31:43) How Robux Works
(32:22) Robux as Future Digital Currency
(33:34) What True Focus Looks Like
(35:14) How Roblox Uses AI
(36:11) Age Ban and Verification Policy
(38:29) Is Age Verification Slowing Growth at Roblox?
(38:56) Positioning and Optionality for Long Term Growth
(39:43) The Future of Immersive Gaming
(42:51) Reaction to Ready Player One
(43:48) Advice For To a 16-Year-Old Wanting to Start a Company
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Follow David:
X: https://x.com/DavidBaszucki
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here. http://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
NOTE: This episode discusses health and medical topics for informational purposes only. Shane and his guest are not medical professionals, and nothing in this conversation should be considered medical advice. Please do your own research and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.
NOTE: Shane and guests may hold positions in assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this short conversation we discuss how a health decision saved his son's life and how it changed how he eats, why bureaucracy compounds unless you actively destroy it, monitoring your mind before making decisions, and why the best products often improve by removing complexity.
It's time to listen and learn.
------
Chapters:
(0:00) How Keto Can Help Treat Bipolar Symptoms
(2:38) Connection Between Physical and Mental Health
(3:58) Current Metabolic Routine
(4:40) How Your Metabolic State Affects Decision Making
(5:48) The Signs of a Great Product
(6:32) Bureaucracy is the Enemy of Progress (ALT: Why You Need to Destroy Bureaucracy)
(7:20) Giving Feedback that Actually Motivates
(7:50) The Key to Feedback is Tone
(8:44) The Email You Should Never Send
(9:53) Patterns in Bad Decision Making
(10:38) Principles of Good Decision Making
(11:19) Mental Models for Problem Solving
(11:56) The Gaming World Said the Avatar Was a Disaster. He Didn't Listen. (ALT: Why the Gaming World Hated the First Avatar)
(12:58) When Instinct and Data Disagree
(14:12) Roblox's Magic Decision Making Quadrant
(14:38) Inner Monologue of the Best CEOs
(15:36) Manufacturing Threats to Achieve Alpha
(16:08) Mistakes in Roblox History
(18:30) Biggest Generated Universe in World
(19:33) Roblox Community's Pushback on New Avatars
(20:20) Capital Allocation Strategy
(22:28) Building Incentives on Early Roblox
(24:31) Early Disagreements on API
(26:18) How Erik Cassel Supercharged Roblox
(27:05) The Economic Model that Almost Ruined Roblox
(31:43) How Robux Works
(32:22) Robux as Future Digital Currency
(33:34) What True Focus Looks Like
(35:14) How Roblox Uses AI
(36:11) Age Ban and Verification Policy
(38:29) Is Age Verification Slowing Growth at Roblox?
(38:56) Positioning and Optionality for Long Term Growth
(39:43) The Future of Immersive Gaming
(42:51) Reaction to Ready Player One
(43:48) Advice For To a 16-Year-Old Wanting to Start a Company
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Follow David:
X: https://x.com/DavidBaszucki
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here. http://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
NOTE: This episode discusses health and medical topics for informational purposes only. Shane and his guest are not medical professionals, and nothing in this conversation should be considered medical advice. Please do your own research and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.
NOTE: Shane and guests may hold positions in assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Mindset Behind Building a Great Little Business | Brad Jacobs
04 aug · 1 u 40 min
This summer, I’m revisiting one of my favorite episodes. If you haven’t heard it, now is the time. If you have, it’s a classic and worth listening to again.
Brad Jacobs has built eight billion-dollar companies, completed more than 500 acquisitions, and created extraordinary returns for shareholders over four decades. Few people understand how great businesses are built better than he does.
This conversation is about the principles behind that success. Brad explains how he spots trends before they become obvious, why psychology matters as much as strategy, and how he thinks about acquisitions, hiring, capital allocation, decision-making, and building organizations that consistently outperform.
He also shares lessons from therapy, meditation, and decades of leadership that changed how he manages people and makes decisions.
-----
Chapters:
00:00 - Finding Every Opportunity to Make Money
02:03 - The Singularity & The Future of AI
04:14 - How to Think Rationally
05:40 - The Meta-Trend Driving the Future
07:50 - His Research Process
10:21 - How to Ask Better Questions
16:26 - Rearranging Your Brain for Success 20:55 - What Music & Math Teach Us About Business
30:59 - The Asymmetry of Leverage, Debt & Optionality
35:07 - The Psychology of Contrarian Bets
40:41 - Where True Confidence Comes From
50:19 - The Hidden Cost of Negative Feedback
56:12 - Core Lessons on Money & Wealth
58:11 - The M&A Playbook: How to Build an Empire
01:07:50 - The Exact Questions to Read Anyone Instantly
01:11:10 - The Reality of Board Meetings
01:16:55 - Frameworks for High-Stakes Decision-Making
01:23:35 - The Brutal Truth About Capital Markets
01:25:40 - Avoid Hiring This Type of Person
01:31:16 - Traits of the World’s Best Capital Allocators
01:33:53 - The Biggest Lesson of the Past Year
01:37:20 - Redefining Personal Success
-----
*Note:* Shane and guests may hold positions in assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. -----
Follow Brad Jacobs:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjacobsqxo/
QXO: https://www.qxo.com/
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
-----
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here. http://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brad Jacobs has built eight billion-dollar companies, completed more than 500 acquisitions, and created extraordinary returns for shareholders over four decades. Few people understand how great businesses are built better than he does.
This conversation is about the principles behind that success. Brad explains how he spots trends before they become obvious, why psychology matters as much as strategy, and how he thinks about acquisitions, hiring, capital allocation, decision-making, and building organizations that consistently outperform.
He also shares lessons from therapy, meditation, and decades of leadership that changed how he manages people and makes decisions.
-----
Chapters:
00:00 - Finding Every Opportunity to Make Money
02:03 - The Singularity & The Future of AI
04:14 - How to Think Rationally
05:40 - The Meta-Trend Driving the Future
07:50 - His Research Process
10:21 - How to Ask Better Questions
16:26 - Rearranging Your Brain for Success 20:55 - What Music & Math Teach Us About Business
30:59 - The Asymmetry of Leverage, Debt & Optionality
35:07 - The Psychology of Contrarian Bets
40:41 - Where True Confidence Comes From
50:19 - The Hidden Cost of Negative Feedback
56:12 - Core Lessons on Money & Wealth
58:11 - The M&A Playbook: How to Build an Empire
01:07:50 - The Exact Questions to Read Anyone Instantly
01:11:10 - The Reality of Board Meetings
01:16:55 - Frameworks for High-Stakes Decision-Making
01:23:35 - The Brutal Truth About Capital Markets
01:25:40 - Avoid Hiring This Type of Person
01:31:16 - Traits of the World’s Best Capital Allocators
01:33:53 - The Biggest Lesson of the Past Year
01:37:20 - Redefining Personal Success
-----
*Note:* Shane and guests may hold positions in assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. -----
Follow Brad Jacobs:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradjacobsqxo/
QXO: https://www.qxo.com/
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
-----
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here. http://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John D. Rockefeller: The Principles Behind The Greatest Fortune in History
28 jul · 2 u 56 min
John D. Rockefeller became the richest man the world had ever known by thinking differently about business, competition, and family.
This episode isn’t just the story of Standard Oil. It’s about the principles that built one of history’s greatest business empires and what they can teach us today.
Along the way, you’ll see the rise of Standard Oil, the public backlash that made Rockefeller America’s most hated businessman, the breakup of his company, and the philanthropic legacy that continues to shape the world today.
Enjoy!
------
Chapters:
(00:00) The Making of John D. Rockefeller
(04:56) The Search for Belonging
(07:33) Business Lessons From his Mother
(10:54) The Unlikely Lessons he Learned from His Father
(15:09) When Rockefeller Decided to Get Rich
(17:50) The Relentless Job Search
(21:21) Learning How to Run a Business
(29:49) The Power of a Good Reputation
(34:57) The American Oil Boom
(36:34) Rockefeller's Biggest Early Bet
(43:28) Rockefeller and Henry Flagler
(46:21) The One-Drop Difference
(49:22) Building Standard Oil’s Partnership
(53:06) How Rockefeller Used Leverage
(56:43) From Competition to Cooperation
(01:00:43) Why America Turned on Rockefeller
(01:08:54) The Cleveland Massacre
(01:17:41) Rockefeller’s Private Family Life
(01:25:45) Rockefeller and the Panic of 1873
(01:29:39) A Private Life, A Public Empire
(01:32:50) Standard Oil’s Pipeline War
(01:38:40) Creating the Standard Oil Trust
(01:42:37) The Fortress on Broadway
(01:48:07) The Backlash Against Standard Oil
(01:54:33) Ida Tarbell Takes On Rockefeller
(02:02:00) Rockefeller’s Failed Media Strategy
(02:14:31) How Standard Oil Stayed One Step Ahead
(02:16:06) Breaking Up Standard Oil Made Him Richer
(02:19:40) Why Rockefeller Gave It All Away
(02:26:28) The Weight of the Rockefeller Name
(02:28:52) Rockefeller's Hardest Goodbye
(02:34:22) Why Rockefeller Gave Away Dimes
(02:38:46) The Richest Man Couldn't Buy Time
(02:41:41) John D. Rockefeller’s Legacy
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode isn’t just the story of Standard Oil. It’s about the principles that built one of history’s greatest business empires and what they can teach us today.
Along the way, you’ll see the rise of Standard Oil, the public backlash that made Rockefeller America’s most hated businessman, the breakup of his company, and the philanthropic legacy that continues to shape the world today.
Enjoy!
------
Chapters:
(00:00) The Making of John D. Rockefeller
(04:56) The Search for Belonging
(07:33) Business Lessons From his Mother
(10:54) The Unlikely Lessons he Learned from His Father
(15:09) When Rockefeller Decided to Get Rich
(17:50) The Relentless Job Search
(21:21) Learning How to Run a Business
(29:49) The Power of a Good Reputation
(34:57) The American Oil Boom
(36:34) Rockefeller's Biggest Early Bet
(43:28) Rockefeller and Henry Flagler
(46:21) The One-Drop Difference
(49:22) Building Standard Oil’s Partnership
(53:06) How Rockefeller Used Leverage
(56:43) From Competition to Cooperation
(01:00:43) Why America Turned on Rockefeller
(01:08:54) The Cleveland Massacre
(01:17:41) Rockefeller’s Private Family Life
(01:25:45) Rockefeller and the Panic of 1873
(01:29:39) A Private Life, A Public Empire
(01:32:50) Standard Oil’s Pipeline War
(01:38:40) Creating the Standard Oil Trust
(01:42:37) The Fortress on Broadway
(01:48:07) The Backlash Against Standard Oil
(01:54:33) Ida Tarbell Takes On Rockefeller
(02:02:00) Rockefeller’s Failed Media Strategy
(02:14:31) How Standard Oil Stayed One Step Ahead
(02:16:06) Breaking Up Standard Oil Made Him Richer
(02:19:40) Why Rockefeller Gave It All Away
(02:26:28) The Weight of the Rockefeller Name
(02:28:52) Rockefeller's Hardest Goodbye
(02:34:22) Why Rockefeller Gave Away Dimes
(02:38:46) The Richest Man Couldn't Buy Time
(02:41:41) John D. Rockefeller’s Legacy
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Price of Excellence Most People Won’t Pay | Kaz Nejatian
21 jul · 55 min
No company decides to fail. It drifts there one comfortable lie at a time.
Kaz Nejatian took over Opendoor when it was just months away from bankruptcy and set out to rebuild it from the ground up. What happened next shocked everyone.
Most turnaround stories are told years later, by the winner, after the ending is already known. That’s why they always sound clean and polished. This one doesn’t have an ending yet, and it’s anything but clean and polished. Kaz takes us inside while it’s still happening.
We discuss why great companies drift away from reality, why truth has to matter more than feelings, and how competent people who don’t believe in the mission quietly destroy an organization.
He shares the principles behind rebuilding culture, eliminating bureaucracy, making faster decisions, using AI to flatten management, and creating teams that move with speed and ownership.
One of the key things I learned in this conversation is that the comfortable lies that sink a company are the same ones that sink a career.
------
Chapters:
(0:00) How Opendoor Came Back from the Dead
(1:32) How Mismanagement Causes Atrophy
(4:28) The Blueprint that Changed Opendoor
(5:33) Rewriting the Book on Company Turnarounds
(5:57) The People You Hire Is the Company You Build
(6:31) Be a Nuclear Bomb of Truth
(7:52) How to Change a Losing Company Culture
(8:07) Commit to Truth Over Feelings
(8:33) The Most Dangerous Kind of Employee
(9:13) Key Principles to Turning Around a Company
(11:59) Meetings Are a Bug in the System
(12:30) Why It's Rude to Not Disagree
(13:05) Say the Thing Culture
(15:04) How AI Is Supercharging Opendoor
(18:16) Most Powerful Mental Models
(22:50) Why Remote Workplaces Don't Succeed
(24:56) How Opendoor Killed Distractions
(26:09) The Key to Being a Market Maker
(35:20) How Companies Fall Off Course Over Time
(37:24) The Power of Speaking Simply
(43:27) Turnaround Lessons for Life
(51:10) Excellence Is Capacity to Take Pain
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Follow Kaz Nejatian:
X: https://x.com/nejatian
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here. http://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
------
Note: Shane and guests may hold positions in assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kaz Nejatian took over Opendoor when it was just months away from bankruptcy and set out to rebuild it from the ground up. What happened next shocked everyone.
Most turnaround stories are told years later, by the winner, after the ending is already known. That’s why they always sound clean and polished. This one doesn’t have an ending yet, and it’s anything but clean and polished. Kaz takes us inside while it’s still happening.
We discuss why great companies drift away from reality, why truth has to matter more than feelings, and how competent people who don’t believe in the mission quietly destroy an organization.
He shares the principles behind rebuilding culture, eliminating bureaucracy, making faster decisions, using AI to flatten management, and creating teams that move with speed and ownership.
One of the key things I learned in this conversation is that the comfortable lies that sink a company are the same ones that sink a career.
------
Chapters:
(0:00) How Opendoor Came Back from the Dead
(1:32) How Mismanagement Causes Atrophy
(4:28) The Blueprint that Changed Opendoor
(5:33) Rewriting the Book on Company Turnarounds
(5:57) The People You Hire Is the Company You Build
(6:31) Be a Nuclear Bomb of Truth
(7:52) How to Change a Losing Company Culture
(8:07) Commit to Truth Over Feelings
(8:33) The Most Dangerous Kind of Employee
(9:13) Key Principles to Turning Around a Company
(11:59) Meetings Are a Bug in the System
(12:30) Why It's Rude to Not Disagree
(13:05) Say the Thing Culture
(15:04) How AI Is Supercharging Opendoor
(18:16) Most Powerful Mental Models
(22:50) Why Remote Workplaces Don't Succeed
(24:56) How Opendoor Killed Distractions
(26:09) The Key to Being a Market Maker
(35:20) How Companies Fall Off Course Over Time
(37:24) The Power of Speaking Simply
(43:27) Turnaround Lessons for Life
(51:10) Excellence Is Capacity to Take Pain
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Follow Kaz Nejatian:
X: https://x.com/nejatian
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here. http://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
------
Note: Shane and guests may hold positions in assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Mindset That Unlocks Your Full Potential | Dr. Gio Valiante
07 jul · 1 u 9 min
Steve Cohen and Jack Nicklaus shared the same performance coach. For the next hour, he’s yours too.
Dr. Gio Valiante is the world’s leading performance psychologist.
We discuss why most people never reach their potential, how confidence and fear shape performance, and what separates those who consistently excel from those who stay stuck.
He shares practical strategies for building better habits, overcoming self-imposed limits, staying focused under pressure, and creating the conditions for long-term success.
If you’ve ever felt capable of more, this episode will help you understand what’s holding you back and what to do about it.
------
Chapters:
(0:00) Why most people underperform and the central governor hypothesis.
(4:46) Why lasting change starts with behavior rather than thinking.
(7:52) The difference between mastery motivation and ego-driven motivation.
(11:24) Flow states, presence, and learning to enjoy the everyday work of excellence.
(14:28) Practical techniques for developing presence and reducing distraction.
(18:16) Why environment and systems have a greater impact on performance than goals alone.
(26:33) What interview questions reveal about confidence, motivation, and character.
(31:47) Why overcoming adversity often reveals a person's greatest strengths.
(32:46) Rebuilding confidence by focusing on small wins instead of chasing big recoveries.
(38:55) The psychology of confidence and the four sources of self-efficacy.
(47:14) How self-talk shapes beliefs, behavior, and long-term performance.
(50:04) Why fear of rejection and the need to belong influence our decisions.
(53:35) Identity, self-discovery, and the importance of moving beyond childhood conditioning.
(1:03:20) Definition of success and the experiences that bring lasting fulfillment.
------
Follow Dr. Gio Valiante
X: https://x.com/GioValiante
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here. http://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Gio Valiante is the world’s leading performance psychologist.
We discuss why most people never reach their potential, how confidence and fear shape performance, and what separates those who consistently excel from those who stay stuck.
He shares practical strategies for building better habits, overcoming self-imposed limits, staying focused under pressure, and creating the conditions for long-term success.
If you’ve ever felt capable of more, this episode will help you understand what’s holding you back and what to do about it.
------
Chapters:
(0:00) Why most people underperform and the central governor hypothesis.
(4:46) Why lasting change starts with behavior rather than thinking.
(7:52) The difference between mastery motivation and ego-driven motivation.
(11:24) Flow states, presence, and learning to enjoy the everyday work of excellence.
(14:28) Practical techniques for developing presence and reducing distraction.
(18:16) Why environment and systems have a greater impact on performance than goals alone.
(26:33) What interview questions reveal about confidence, motivation, and character.
(31:47) Why overcoming adversity often reveals a person's greatest strengths.
(32:46) Rebuilding confidence by focusing on small wins instead of chasing big recoveries.
(38:55) The psychology of confidence and the four sources of self-efficacy.
(47:14) How self-talk shapes beliefs, behavior, and long-term performance.
(50:04) Why fear of rejection and the need to belong influence our decisions.
(53:35) Identity, self-discovery, and the importance of moving beyond childhood conditioning.
(1:03:20) Definition of success and the experiences that bring lasting fulfillment.
------
Follow Dr. Gio Valiante
X: https://x.com/GioValiante
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Applovin: Launch your first AppLovin campaign and grow your business: https://applovin.com/shane
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+Matic: the robot vacuum that does it all—grab yourself a year of free bags here. http://maticrobots.com/shaneparrish
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to Repair and Nourish Your Gut | Dr. Giulia Enders
23 jun · 56 min
Dr. Giulia Enders has changed the way millions of people think about the human body.
As a physician, microbiome researcher, and bestselling author, she has spent years studying the surprising role the gut plays in everything from digestion and immunity to mood, sleep, metabolism, and long-term health.
In this conversation, Giulia explains how your gut shapes your health, how stress quietly damages it, what ultra-processed foods are doing to you, and what your body’s been trying to tell you all along.
This episode is packed with practical advice you can use right away. You’ll understand your body better and leave with a simple framework for improving your health, without complicated diets, expensive supplements, or extreme interventions.
If you’ve ever wondered why you feel the way you do, this conversation is a great place to start.
------
Timestamps:
(00:00) How A Thriving Gut Can Unlock Your Health
(02:23) Foods to Eat to Improve Gut Health
(07:57) The Link Between Your Gut and Immune System
(09:28) How to Get Prebiotics in Your Food
(10:22) Why Fiber is Key to a Healthy Gut
(10:47) How Cooling Starches Can Help You Lose Weight
(12:48) Why Fiber Reduces Your Risk of Cancer
(14:13) How Sugar Causes Inflammation
(15:40) Are Some Sugars Better than Others?
(16:25) What Your Poop Is Telling You
(17:53) Healthy vs Unhealthy Poop
(20:01) How to Rebuild the Gut After Antibiotics
(22:08) Warning Signs You Should See a Doctor
(23:11) The Best Position for Pooping
(26:26) Constipation: Causes & Solutions
(28:06) Importance of Chewing
(31:07) How Long Does it Take to Heal Your Gut?
(34:25) Why Dopamine is Driving Your Bad Cravings
(36:40) Three Things to Watch Out for on Ingredients List
(36:56) Effect of Alcohol on Gut
(37:55) Is Caffeine Bad for Your Gut?
(39:56) Impact of Snacking on Gut and Metabolism
(41:28) Do Gut Cleanses Work?
(43:07) Are Supplements Worth It?
(44:59) The Benefits of Walking After a Meal
(49:29) The Number One Thing to Change for Better Gut Health
(49:51) Why Sanitizer Isn't the Best Approach to Hygiene
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Follow Dr. Giulia Enders
X: https://x.com/giulia_enders
Check out Dr. Giulia’s Books:
Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ: https://a.co/d/0hqm72mN
Organ Speak: What It Really Means to Listen to Our Bodies: https://a.co/d/07ClmNVu
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As a physician, microbiome researcher, and bestselling author, she has spent years studying the surprising role the gut plays in everything from digestion and immunity to mood, sleep, metabolism, and long-term health.
In this conversation, Giulia explains how your gut shapes your health, how stress quietly damages it, what ultra-processed foods are doing to you, and what your body’s been trying to tell you all along.
This episode is packed with practical advice you can use right away. You’ll understand your body better and leave with a simple framework for improving your health, without complicated diets, expensive supplements, or extreme interventions.
If you’ve ever wondered why you feel the way you do, this conversation is a great place to start.
------
Timestamps:
(00:00) How A Thriving Gut Can Unlock Your Health
(02:23) Foods to Eat to Improve Gut Health
(07:57) The Link Between Your Gut and Immune System
(09:28) How to Get Prebiotics in Your Food
(10:22) Why Fiber is Key to a Healthy Gut
(10:47) How Cooling Starches Can Help You Lose Weight
(12:48) Why Fiber Reduces Your Risk of Cancer
(14:13) How Sugar Causes Inflammation
(15:40) Are Some Sugars Better than Others?
(16:25) What Your Poop Is Telling You
(17:53) Healthy vs Unhealthy Poop
(20:01) How to Rebuild the Gut After Antibiotics
(22:08) Warning Signs You Should See a Doctor
(23:11) The Best Position for Pooping
(26:26) Constipation: Causes & Solutions
(28:06) Importance of Chewing
(31:07) How Long Does it Take to Heal Your Gut?
(34:25) Why Dopamine is Driving Your Bad Cravings
(36:40) Three Things to Watch Out for on Ingredients List
(36:56) Effect of Alcohol on Gut
(37:55) Is Caffeine Bad for Your Gut?
(39:56) Impact of Snacking on Gut and Metabolism
(41:28) Do Gut Cleanses Work?
(43:07) Are Supplements Worth It?
(44:59) The Benefits of Walking After a Meal
(49:29) The Number One Thing to Change for Better Gut Health
(49:51) Why Sanitizer Isn't the Best Approach to Hygiene
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Follow Dr. Giulia Enders
X: https://x.com/giulia_enders
Check out Dr. Giulia’s Books:
Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ: https://a.co/d/0hqm72mN
Organ Speak: What It Really Means to Listen to Our Bodies: https://a.co/d/07ClmNVu
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mental Models That Change How You Think | Bill Gurley
09 jun · 1 u 2 min
Bill Gurley spent years on Wall Street, built his career as a partner at Benchmark, worked through Uber’s hypergrowth era, and now serves on the board of the Santa Fe Institute, where he studies complexity and systems thinking.
In this episode, Bill shares the mental models he returns to most, including systems thinking, second- and third-order effects, and the importance of understanding both the bedrock of your field and the bleeding edge.
He explains what separates great founders, why storytelling and product instincts matter, how he uses AI across different models, and what he sees coming in open source, China, stablecoins, tokenization, payments, and venture capital.
------
Timestamps:
(00:00) Key Mental Models
(02:02) Investing Journey and Key Players
(05:21) Knowing the Bedrock of the Industry
(08:50) Obsessive Learning in Founders
(10:04) The Silent Edge
(11:44) Surprising AI Use
(13:13) The Future of AI Models
(14:17) Global AI Regulation
(18:12) Impacts of AI on Investing
(19:53) Are There Limitations on Training AI Models?
(23:04) Would You Sit in the Back Seat While Your Tesla Drives?
(24:15) Non-Consensus Opinions
(24:53) Are We Overfunding this Buildout?
(29:40) The Role of Retail Investors and Tokenization
(34:26) What is a Stablecoin?
(37:58) Competitive Mode: Visa and Mastercard
(39:55) AI and Debt Analysis
(45:05) The Craft of Storytelling and Writing
(48:07) Founder Advantage: Product Instinct
(50:12) Real World Lessons from Working With Uber
(52:10) Inside Benchmark’s Success
(59:42) What is Success for You?
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Bill Gurley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billgurley/
X: https://x.com/bgurley?lang=en
Check out Runnin’ Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Bill shares the mental models he returns to most, including systems thinking, second- and third-order effects, and the importance of understanding both the bedrock of your field and the bleeding edge.
He explains what separates great founders, why storytelling and product instincts matter, how he uses AI across different models, and what he sees coming in open source, China, stablecoins, tokenization, payments, and venture capital.
------
Timestamps:
(00:00) Key Mental Models
(02:02) Investing Journey and Key Players
(05:21) Knowing the Bedrock of the Industry
(08:50) Obsessive Learning in Founders
(10:04) The Silent Edge
(11:44) Surprising AI Use
(13:13) The Future of AI Models
(14:17) Global AI Regulation
(18:12) Impacts of AI on Investing
(19:53) Are There Limitations on Training AI Models?
(23:04) Would You Sit in the Back Seat While Your Tesla Drives?
(24:15) Non-Consensus Opinions
(24:53) Are We Overfunding this Buildout?
(29:40) The Role of Retail Investors and Tokenization
(34:26) What is a Stablecoin?
(37:58) Competitive Mode: Visa and Mastercard
(39:55) AI and Debt Analysis
(45:05) The Craft of Storytelling and Writing
(48:07) Founder Advantage: Product Instinct
(50:12) Real World Lessons from Working With Uber
(52:10) Inside Benchmark’s Success
(59:42) What is Success for You?
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Bill Gurley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billgurley/
X: https://x.com/bgurley?lang=en
Check out Runnin’ Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You Don’t Need To Innovate To Be Successful | FarmVille Creator
02 jun · 1 u 10 min
Mark Pincus is the creator behind Farmville and Words with Friends. He built Zynga into one of the biggest gaming companies in the world and helped shape the early era of social products on the internet.
In this conversation, he breaks down how great founders spot winning ideas early, why most startups build the wrong thing, and how products become part of people’s daily lives.
He shares lessons from building Zynga, missing the opportunity behind social networking before Facebook took off, navigating platform risk during Zynga’s explosive growth, and rebuilding his confidence after major failures.
You’ll learn how to test ideas faster, what separates products people try from products people love, how to avoid “death by compromise” as a founder, and why the best builders stay obsessed with what users actually want.
+ Members get the longer, extended version of this conversation, with additional content not included in the public release. Join Now.
+ +Pre-order Life at the Speed of Play: Launch Products People Love!
------
Timestamps:
(00:00) The Principles of Great Products
(01:34) How to Test if Your Idea Has "Heat"
(04:02) Falling Out with His Father
(06:14) Early Career Fails
(09:27) The Presentation that Kicked him out of Bain
(12:04) The Book of Life System for Making Strategic Decisions
(17:56) Why Your Instincts are Good and Your Ideas are Bad
(22:29) Copying is the Key to Great Product Design
(23:22) System for Building Great Products
(24:05) How to Use "Proven Better New" to Build Ideas
(27:39) Why Deconstruction Leads to Better Products
(29:33) All Founders Go Through This
(35:14) How Zynga Changed Social Gaming
(37:25) Pitching Zynga to Steve Jobs
(40:36) The Fatal Mistake Founders Make
(41:24) The Fight Between Peter Thiel and Sequoia
(43:03) The Explosion of Farmville
(45:45) Zynga's Near-Death Experience on Facebook
(48:36) Why Failure Machines Reveal Your Best Ideas
(49:28) The Thing that Almost Killed Words with Friends
(53:05) Why the Minimum Viable Product Approach is Hurting You
(54:03) Building Fast is More Important than Building Right
(56:19) How Zynga Missed Their Instagram Moment
(58:50) Your Company Should Be a Democratic Dictatorship
(1:02:25) How to Build a Meritocracy in Your Company
(1:03:44) Jeff Bezos' Invaluable Management Trick
(1:05:25) Bezos Hack: Scaling Leadership with Tech Assistants
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Mark Pincus
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpincus/
X: https://x.com/markpinc
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this conversation, he breaks down how great founders spot winning ideas early, why most startups build the wrong thing, and how products become part of people’s daily lives.
He shares lessons from building Zynga, missing the opportunity behind social networking before Facebook took off, navigating platform risk during Zynga’s explosive growth, and rebuilding his confidence after major failures.
You’ll learn how to test ideas faster, what separates products people try from products people love, how to avoid “death by compromise” as a founder, and why the best builders stay obsessed with what users actually want.
+ Members get the longer, extended version of this conversation, with additional content not included in the public release. Join Now.
+ +Pre-order Life at the Speed of Play: Launch Products People Love!
------
Timestamps:
(00:00) The Principles of Great Products
(01:34) How to Test if Your Idea Has "Heat"
(04:02) Falling Out with His Father
(06:14) Early Career Fails
(09:27) The Presentation that Kicked him out of Bain
(12:04) The Book of Life System for Making Strategic Decisions
(17:56) Why Your Instincts are Good and Your Ideas are Bad
(22:29) Copying is the Key to Great Product Design
(23:22) System for Building Great Products
(24:05) How to Use "Proven Better New" to Build Ideas
(27:39) Why Deconstruction Leads to Better Products
(29:33) All Founders Go Through This
(35:14) How Zynga Changed Social Gaming
(37:25) Pitching Zynga to Steve Jobs
(40:36) The Fatal Mistake Founders Make
(41:24) The Fight Between Peter Thiel and Sequoia
(43:03) The Explosion of Farmville
(45:45) Zynga's Near-Death Experience on Facebook
(48:36) Why Failure Machines Reveal Your Best Ideas
(49:28) The Thing that Almost Killed Words with Friends
(53:05) Why the Minimum Viable Product Approach is Hurting You
(54:03) Building Fast is More Important than Building Right
(56:19) How Zynga Missed Their Instagram Moment
(58:50) Your Company Should Be a Democratic Dictatorship
(1:02:25) How to Build a Meritocracy in Your Company
(1:03:44) Jeff Bezos' Invaluable Management Trick
(1:05:25) Bezos Hack: Scaling Leadership with Tech Assistants
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Mark Pincus
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpincus/
X: https://x.com/markpinc
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Hyundai Founder Who Put a Country on His Back
19 mei · 2 u 20 min
Chung Ju-yung built Hyundai because he refused to be stopped.
He is known for turning Hyundai into an industrial force that helped transform South Korea. The company built highways, ships, cars, and entire industries. At its peak, Hyundai accounted for 16% of South Korea’s economic output.
This episode explores how Chung built Hyundai, how he helped power South Korea’s rise, and how hunger, guilt, discipline, and relentless persistence shaped a man who refused to stop when the path disappeared.
------
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:40) Running Away from Home
(12:15) A Lesson from Bedbugs
(17:36) His First Auto Repair Shop
(21:22) The Beginning of Hyundai
(26:09) The Impact of the Korean War
(30:12) The Goryeong Bridge
(37:20) Trust and the Korean Government
(49:31) Competence Over Connections
(55:13) Building a Nation
(01:03:00) Building During the Vietnam War
(01:10:00) Soyang River Dam
(01:14:55) Building an Expressway
(01:23:14) Time to Start Making Cars…
(01:34:24) …And Ships
(01:47:04) The Secret Bid for Jubail
(01:57:35) The 1988 Olympics
(02:01:33) The Chung Family Dynamic
(02:05:00) The Government Crackdown
(02:10:00) Crossing the DMZ
(02:12:06) Diligence Will Overcome all Difficulties
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
He is known for turning Hyundai into an industrial force that helped transform South Korea. The company built highways, ships, cars, and entire industries. At its peak, Hyundai accounted for 16% of South Korea’s economic output.
This episode explores how Chung built Hyundai, how he helped power South Korea’s rise, and how hunger, guilt, discipline, and relentless persistence shaped a man who refused to stop when the path disappeared.
------
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:40) Running Away from Home
(12:15) A Lesson from Bedbugs
(17:36) His First Auto Repair Shop
(21:22) The Beginning of Hyundai
(26:09) The Impact of the Korean War
(30:12) The Goryeong Bridge
(37:20) Trust and the Korean Government
(49:31) Competence Over Connections
(55:13) Building a Nation
(01:03:00) Building During the Vietnam War
(01:10:00) Soyang River Dam
(01:14:55) Building an Expressway
(01:23:14) Time to Start Making Cars…
(01:34:24) …And Ships
(01:47:04) The Secret Bid for Jubail
(01:57:35) The 1988 Olympics
(02:01:33) The Chung Family Dynamic
(02:05:00) The Government Crackdown
(02:10:00) Crossing the DMZ
(02:12:06) Diligence Will Overcome all Difficulties
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Speed, Stress, and Better Decisions | Winston Weinberg
12 mei · 1 u 4 min
Winston Weinberg is the CEO and co-founder of Harvey, the AI platform built for the legal industry.
In this episode, Winston explains how AI is reshaping legal work, why judgment becomes more valuable as routine work gets automated, and how to build the prioritization muscle required to move faster, stay focused, and make better decisions when everything is changing.
He also shares the operating principles behind Harvey’s growth: make decisions faster, treat most choices as two-way doors, use stress to build resilience, prioritize the one thing that matters most and the Google Doc that drives it all.
Harvey began with a simple test: take real legal questions, run them through GPT-3, and ask experienced lawyers whether they would send the answers with zero edits. On 86 out of 100 questions, three out of three attorneys said yes.
This is a conversation about AI, law, speed, resilience, and building in a world where the bar keeps getting higher.
------
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) “The List” that Powers Winston’s $11B Business
(00:02:20) How to Say “No” Like a CEO
(00:07:26) The 3 Principles for Strong Decision-Making
(00:08:18) How Harvey is Changing the Legal World
(00:11:36) One Cold Email to Sam Altman that Changed Everything
(00:12:56) The Demo Strategy that Shocked Investors
(00:17:55) Advice Winston Didn't Take
(00:19:34) The Deal that Almost Killed Harvey
(00:21:56) How to Build Resilience to Failure
(00:24:00) How Winston Hacks His Stress
(00:29:36) The Key to Creating a Sense of Urgency on Your Team
(00:31:29) The Kinds of People Not to Hire at Startups
(00:35:09) How to Screen for Resiliency in Interviews
(00:41:49) Winston's Advice for Law Students
(00:45:28) Would AI Make a Better Lawyer than a Human?
(00:48:54) The Future of Agent-Powered Law Firms
(00:49:14) Will AI Cause Law Firms to Shrink?
(00:52:45) Can AI-Only Law Firms Exist?
(00:54:52) Why Legal Costs Aren't Going Down
(00:56:48) Three Principles All Entrepreneurs Need to Follow
(01:00:54) How Winston Defines Success
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Winston Weinberg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winston-weinberg/
Harvey: https://www.harvey.ai/blog/author/winston-weinberg
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes.
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Winston explains how AI is reshaping legal work, why judgment becomes more valuable as routine work gets automated, and how to build the prioritization muscle required to move faster, stay focused, and make better decisions when everything is changing.
He also shares the operating principles behind Harvey’s growth: make decisions faster, treat most choices as two-way doors, use stress to build resilience, prioritize the one thing that matters most and the Google Doc that drives it all.
Harvey began with a simple test: take real legal questions, run them through GPT-3, and ask experienced lawyers whether they would send the answers with zero edits. On 86 out of 100 questions, three out of three attorneys said yes.
This is a conversation about AI, law, speed, resilience, and building in a world where the bar keeps getting higher.
------
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) “The List” that Powers Winston’s $11B Business
(00:02:20) How to Say “No” Like a CEO
(00:07:26) The 3 Principles for Strong Decision-Making
(00:08:18) How Harvey is Changing the Legal World
(00:11:36) One Cold Email to Sam Altman that Changed Everything
(00:12:56) The Demo Strategy that Shocked Investors
(00:17:55) Advice Winston Didn't Take
(00:19:34) The Deal that Almost Killed Harvey
(00:21:56) How to Build Resilience to Failure
(00:24:00) How Winston Hacks His Stress
(00:29:36) The Key to Creating a Sense of Urgency on Your Team
(00:31:29) The Kinds of People Not to Hire at Startups
(00:35:09) How to Screen for Resiliency in Interviews
(00:41:49) Winston's Advice for Law Students
(00:45:28) Would AI Make a Better Lawyer than a Human?
(00:48:54) The Future of Agent-Powered Law Firms
(00:49:14) Will AI Cause Law Firms to Shrink?
(00:52:45) Can AI-Only Law Firms Exist?
(00:54:52) Why Legal Costs Aren't Going Down
(00:56:48) Three Principles All Entrepreneurs Need to Follow
(01:00:54) How Winston Defines Success
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Winston Weinberg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winston-weinberg/
Harvey: https://www.harvey.ai/blog/author/winston-weinberg
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes.
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Brockman: How to Stay Valuable as AI Gets Smarter
22 apr · 1 u 13 min
In 2023, OpenAI’s board fired Sam Altman and told Greg Brockman he would remain at the company. He quit that day.
In this conversation with Shane Parrish, OpenAI’s co-founder recounts the crisis: the board call, the plan to start another company, and the outpouring of employee support. He also reflects on his relationship with Ilya Sutskever and what the experience taught him about leadership, loyalty, and difficult decisions.
Greg takes us back to OpenAI’s beginnings, including the Napa gathering that helped shape its technical direction. He explains why the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI) demanded more computing power—and why he believed nonprofit fundraising alone couldn’t support that ambition.
Looking ahead, we explore the global AI race, how AI is changing software development, and why access to computing power could shape who benefits. Greg shares his vision for AI agents, what they could mean for your job, and why he believes initiative, ideas, and the ability to direct AI will become increasingly valuable.
-----
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:49 Meeting Sam Altman and Starting OpenAI
00:02:40 Building the Founding Team
00:04:25 DeepMind's Lead Over OpenAI
00:04:54 The Change from a Pure Non-Profit
00:06:05 Breakthrough Moments at OpenAI
00:08:22 What Dota 2 Meant for OpenAI
00:10:04 Reasoning Versus Prediction
00:11:59 Tensions Grow at OpenAI
00:15:44 Sam Altman's Firing
00:17:49 Greg Quits OpenAI
00:19:56 Sam Explores Deal with Microsoft's Satya
00:20:28 OpenAI Employees Sign Petition for Altman's Return
00:23:43 Ilya Sutskever Leaves OpenAI
00:24:59 Lessons Learned in Leadership after Sam Ousting
00:28:22 The Thing Ilya Said that Greg Can't Forget
00:32:22 Is AI Going Parabolic?
00:33:24 How Much of OpenAI's Code is Written by AI?
00:36:21 Are AI Chatbots Just Telling Us What We Want to Hear?
00:38:06 The Global AI Race to Reach AGI
00:38:40 What Happens if US Doesn't Reach AGI First?
00:39:49 Are Competing Countries Stealing AI Advancements from U.S?
00:40:38 Why ChatGPT No Longer Shows Reasoning
00:41:47 The Finite Constraints of Compute
00:43:38 On Investing Early in Data Centers
00:46:31 The Future of Data Center Specialization
00:47:52 How OpenAI Will Decide Whose Queries to Serve
00:49:08 OpenAI on Consumer vs Enterprise Models
00:53:05 Data Centers in Space?
01:00:56 What Should AI Regulation Look Like?
01:04:33 The Future of AI-Powered Entrepreneurship
01:04:44 AI and Job Loss
01:07:15 The Skills Young People Should Invest In
01:11:30 What Does Success Look Like For You?
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Greg Brockman:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegdb/
Blog: https://blog.gregbrockman.com/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes.
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this conversation with Shane Parrish, OpenAI’s co-founder recounts the crisis: the board call, the plan to start another company, and the outpouring of employee support. He also reflects on his relationship with Ilya Sutskever and what the experience taught him about leadership, loyalty, and difficult decisions.
Greg takes us back to OpenAI’s beginnings, including the Napa gathering that helped shape its technical direction. He explains why the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI) demanded more computing power—and why he believed nonprofit fundraising alone couldn’t support that ambition.
Looking ahead, we explore the global AI race, how AI is changing software development, and why access to computing power could shape who benefits. Greg shares his vision for AI agents, what they could mean for your job, and why he believes initiative, ideas, and the ability to direct AI will become increasingly valuable.
-----
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:49 Meeting Sam Altman and Starting OpenAI
00:02:40 Building the Founding Team
00:04:25 DeepMind's Lead Over OpenAI
00:04:54 The Change from a Pure Non-Profit
00:06:05 Breakthrough Moments at OpenAI
00:08:22 What Dota 2 Meant for OpenAI
00:10:04 Reasoning Versus Prediction
00:11:59 Tensions Grow at OpenAI
00:15:44 Sam Altman's Firing
00:17:49 Greg Quits OpenAI
00:19:56 Sam Explores Deal with Microsoft's Satya
00:20:28 OpenAI Employees Sign Petition for Altman's Return
00:23:43 Ilya Sutskever Leaves OpenAI
00:24:59 Lessons Learned in Leadership after Sam Ousting
00:28:22 The Thing Ilya Said that Greg Can't Forget
00:32:22 Is AI Going Parabolic?
00:33:24 How Much of OpenAI's Code is Written by AI?
00:36:21 Are AI Chatbots Just Telling Us What We Want to Hear?
00:38:06 The Global AI Race to Reach AGI
00:38:40 What Happens if US Doesn't Reach AGI First?
00:39:49 Are Competing Countries Stealing AI Advancements from U.S?
00:40:38 Why ChatGPT No Longer Shows Reasoning
00:41:47 The Finite Constraints of Compute
00:43:38 On Investing Early in Data Centers
00:46:31 The Future of Data Center Specialization
00:47:52 How OpenAI Will Decide Whose Queries to Serve
00:49:08 OpenAI on Consumer vs Enterprise Models
00:53:05 Data Centers in Space?
01:00:56 What Should AI Regulation Look Like?
01:04:33 The Future of AI-Powered Entrepreneurship
01:04:44 AI and Job Loss
01:07:15 The Skills Young People Should Invest In
01:11:30 What Does Success Look Like For You?
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Greg Brockman:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegdb/
Blog: https://blog.gregbrockman.com/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes.
+HeyGen is a message-first AI video platform that helps people and AI agents turn ideas into professional video in minutes. Try for free at https://www.heygen.com/tkp
+LMNT: My go-to zero sugar electrolytes — get a free LMNT Sample Pack here: DrinkLMNT.com/TKP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Magic of Thinking Big | XPO CEO Mario Harik
14 apr · 1 u 39 min
Mario Harik is the CEO of XPO, one of the largest trucking companies in the world, and leads a team of 40,000 people across a multi‑billion‑dollar operation.
He started as employee #3, trained under Brad Jacobs (who’s built eight multibillion‑dollar companies from scratch), and has spent the last two decades turning engineering discipline, frontline feedback, and a deep belief in human potential into a repeatable leadership system.
In this conversation, Mario breaks down how he makes decisions in real time using data and “second‑derivative” thinking, how he hires and develops A players (and the gut test that quietly tells you who isn’t one), how he runs meetings so the most junior person in the room often delivers the best idea, and why ego, complacency, and small goals are the silent cap on most leaders and most companies.
You’ll learn: how an engineer thinks about strategy and execution, what Mario learned from Brad Jacobs about thinking big and moving fast, the A/B/C player framework he uses to assess talent, how he turned the Yellow bankruptcy into a capital‑allocation win, and the three core levers—people, capital, and time—he believes drive every great business result.
Enjoy.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) Why Ego and Complacency Quietly Cap Great Leaders
(00:00:19) How an Engineer’s Mind Changes the Way You Lead
(00:01:58) Using Engineering Frameworks to Run a Multi‑Billion‑Dollar Business
(00:03:38) Letting Go of Perfection: How People Actually Operate
(00:05:14) Lessons from Brad Jacobs: Thinking Bigger
(00:07:13) Building Strong Teams and the Feedback Loops That Keep Them Going
(00:08:18) Evaluating Talent: Skill, Work Ethic, and the Collegiality Test
(00:10:51) Disagree, Then Commit: Making Better Decisions as a Team
(00:12:50) The Service‑First Strategy Behind XPO’s Customer Edge
(00:16:21) Running a Giant Business in Real Time with KPIs and Data
(00:19:41) Why the Best Ideas Come from Frontline Employees
(00:22:35) Using AI and Tech to Track Performance and Cut Errors
(00:28:35) Coaching People with Data Instead of Opinions
(00:29:30) How to Run Effective Meetings
(00:32:36) Pre‑Meeting Prep: Getting the Most Out of Your Team
(00:34:29) Spotting and Developing Future Leaders Inside Your Company
(00:39:48) Mario’s Hiring Framework: How He Really Assesses Candidates
(00:47:30) Early Life Lessons That Still Shape How He Leads Today
(00:49:27) Thinking Analytically About Risk and Big Decisions
(00:50:56) Inside the Yellow Bankruptcy Acquisition: A Case Study
(00:55:31) Turning Strategy Into Execution Through Financial Tracking
(00:59:23) The A/B/C Player Framework for Evaluating Talent
(01:02:12) Creating a High‑Performance Culture Through Belief and Feedback
(01:04:18) How Mario’s Leadership Style (and Feedback) Has Evolved
(01:07:33) People, Capital, and Time: The Three Levers of Value Creation
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Mario Harik:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marioharik/
XPO: https://investors.xpo.com/board-member/mario-harik/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes.
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
He started as employee #3, trained under Brad Jacobs (who’s built eight multibillion‑dollar companies from scratch), and has spent the last two decades turning engineering discipline, frontline feedback, and a deep belief in human potential into a repeatable leadership system.
In this conversation, Mario breaks down how he makes decisions in real time using data and “second‑derivative” thinking, how he hires and develops A players (and the gut test that quietly tells you who isn’t one), how he runs meetings so the most junior person in the room often delivers the best idea, and why ego, complacency, and small goals are the silent cap on most leaders and most companies.
You’ll learn: how an engineer thinks about strategy and execution, what Mario learned from Brad Jacobs about thinking big and moving fast, the A/B/C player framework he uses to assess talent, how he turned the Yellow bankruptcy into a capital‑allocation win, and the three core levers—people, capital, and time—he believes drive every great business result.
Enjoy.
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) Why Ego and Complacency Quietly Cap Great Leaders
(00:00:19) How an Engineer’s Mind Changes the Way You Lead
(00:01:58) Using Engineering Frameworks to Run a Multi‑Billion‑Dollar Business
(00:03:38) Letting Go of Perfection: How People Actually Operate
(00:05:14) Lessons from Brad Jacobs: Thinking Bigger
(00:07:13) Building Strong Teams and the Feedback Loops That Keep Them Going
(00:08:18) Evaluating Talent: Skill, Work Ethic, and the Collegiality Test
(00:10:51) Disagree, Then Commit: Making Better Decisions as a Team
(00:12:50) The Service‑First Strategy Behind XPO’s Customer Edge
(00:16:21) Running a Giant Business in Real Time with KPIs and Data
(00:19:41) Why the Best Ideas Come from Frontline Employees
(00:22:35) Using AI and Tech to Track Performance and Cut Errors
(00:28:35) Coaching People with Data Instead of Opinions
(00:29:30) How to Run Effective Meetings
(00:32:36) Pre‑Meeting Prep: Getting the Most Out of Your Team
(00:34:29) Spotting and Developing Future Leaders Inside Your Company
(00:39:48) Mario’s Hiring Framework: How He Really Assesses Candidates
(00:47:30) Early Life Lessons That Still Shape How He Leads Today
(00:49:27) Thinking Analytically About Risk and Big Decisions
(00:50:56) Inside the Yellow Bankruptcy Acquisition: A Case Study
(00:55:31) Turning Strategy Into Execution Through Financial Tracking
(00:59:23) The A/B/C Player Framework for Evaluating Talent
(01:02:12) Creating a High‑Performance Culture Through Belief and Feedback
(01:04:18) How Mario’s Leadership Style (and Feedback) Has Evolved
(01:07:33) People, Capital, and Time: The Three Levers of Value Creation
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Mario Harik:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marioharik/
XPO: https://investors.xpo.com/board-member/mario-harik/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes.
+CoinShares: Delivering Reason to Digital Asset Investing. https://coinshares.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alpha School: AI and The Future of Education | Joe Liemandt
31 mrt · 2 u 14 min
Joe Liemandt quietly built one of the most successful software empires you’ve never heard of—then reappeared with a $1 billion bet that AI can make kids learn ten times faster and love school more than vacation.
At Alpha School, students spend just two hours a day on AI‑driven academics, consistently score in the top 1% on standardized tests, and use the rest of their time to build real‑world life skills: leadership, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and projects they actually care about. There are no lectures, no moving on without mastery, and a very different role for “teachers”—now called guides.
Liemandt is the principal of Alpha School and the founder of Trilogy Software and ESW Capital. He dropped out of Stanford to build Trilogy, made the cover of Forbes twice before turning thirty, became the youngest member of the Forbes 400, then vanished from public life for twenty‑five years while quietly becoming one of the most prolific acquirers of software businesses in the world.
Now he’s using everything he learned about systems, incentives, and scale to rebuild K–12 from first principles around mastery, motivation, and AI.
In this conversation, we cover Joe’s full arc, from sleeping on the floor at Trilogy and being mentored by Jack Welch to deciding that “kids must love school more than vacation” would be a non‑negotiable design principle for Alpha. He explains how the Timeback platform works under the hood, why he’s comfortable streaming student screens to AI in real time, and how he plans to scale this model to a billion kids.
You’ll learn: why he thinks the traditional classroom was designed for a narrow slice of students and wastes everyone else’s time, what changes when kids master a year of material in roughly 20–22 hours, how guides coach motivation instead of delivering lectures, and the simple rules he uses to make high‑stakes decisions about people, product, and strategy.
------
Timestamps:
(00:00) What’s Broken in Today’s Education System
(07:01) What Makes Alpha School Different
(11:01) Real Results: 2 Hours of AI, Top 1% Scores
(16:55) Who Gets In
(23:20) The Everyday Classroom Problems Alpha Is Fixing
(26:40) Redefining Mastery: No Moving On Until You “Get It”
(35:37) Can You Actually Change a System This Big?
(39:19) Teaching Through AI
(44:27) Solving the Motivation Problem: Why Kids Love Alpha
(57:01) What Makes a Great Guide Instead of a Traditional Teacher
(01:01:04) Coaching Kids to Own Their Work (and Their Time)
(01:05:17) Teaching Life Skills: Leadership, Teams, and Real Projects
(01:08:18) “You Can Do Hard Things”: Building Grit in the Classroom
(01:13:25) Streaming Student Screens to AI: How Monitoring Works
(01:21:08) Effort vs. IQ: What Actually Predicts Success at Alpha
(01:23:36) Rethinking Physics for High Schoolers with AI
(01:24:40) After Alpha: What Happens to Graduates?
(01:37:08) Why You Should Invest in Yourself
(01:38:21) Lessons from Jack Welch: Mentorship and Management
(01:45:49) Why Trilogy Didn’t Go Public
(01:51:40) Physical vs Virtual School: What Kids Actually Need More
(02:03:18) Paying Kids to Learn: Incentives, Rewards, and Risks
(02:11:01) What Is Success For You?
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Joe Liemandt:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liemandt/
Tools to help your kids:
Math up to grade 7: https://www.synthesis.com/tutor
High School Physics: https://physicsgraph.com
Math Grade 8-12: https://www.mathacademy.com
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes.
+Shopify: https://shopify.com/knowledgeproject
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At Alpha School, students spend just two hours a day on AI‑driven academics, consistently score in the top 1% on standardized tests, and use the rest of their time to build real‑world life skills: leadership, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and projects they actually care about. There are no lectures, no moving on without mastery, and a very different role for “teachers”—now called guides.
Liemandt is the principal of Alpha School and the founder of Trilogy Software and ESW Capital. He dropped out of Stanford to build Trilogy, made the cover of Forbes twice before turning thirty, became the youngest member of the Forbes 400, then vanished from public life for twenty‑five years while quietly becoming one of the most prolific acquirers of software businesses in the world.
Now he’s using everything he learned about systems, incentives, and scale to rebuild K–12 from first principles around mastery, motivation, and AI.
In this conversation, we cover Joe’s full arc, from sleeping on the floor at Trilogy and being mentored by Jack Welch to deciding that “kids must love school more than vacation” would be a non‑negotiable design principle for Alpha. He explains how the Timeback platform works under the hood, why he’s comfortable streaming student screens to AI in real time, and how he plans to scale this model to a billion kids.
You’ll learn: why he thinks the traditional classroom was designed for a narrow slice of students and wastes everyone else’s time, what changes when kids master a year of material in roughly 20–22 hours, how guides coach motivation instead of delivering lectures, and the simple rules he uses to make high‑stakes decisions about people, product, and strategy.
------
Timestamps:
(00:00) What’s Broken in Today’s Education System
(07:01) What Makes Alpha School Different
(11:01) Real Results: 2 Hours of AI, Top 1% Scores
(16:55) Who Gets In
(23:20) The Everyday Classroom Problems Alpha Is Fixing
(26:40) Redefining Mastery: No Moving On Until You “Get It”
(35:37) Can You Actually Change a System This Big?
(39:19) Teaching Through AI
(44:27) Solving the Motivation Problem: Why Kids Love Alpha
(57:01) What Makes a Great Guide Instead of a Traditional Teacher
(01:01:04) Coaching Kids to Own Their Work (and Their Time)
(01:05:17) Teaching Life Skills: Leadership, Teams, and Real Projects
(01:08:18) “You Can Do Hard Things”: Building Grit in the Classroom
(01:13:25) Streaming Student Screens to AI: How Monitoring Works
(01:21:08) Effort vs. IQ: What Actually Predicts Success at Alpha
(01:23:36) Rethinking Physics for High Schoolers with AI
(01:24:40) After Alpha: What Happens to Graduates?
(01:37:08) Why You Should Invest in Yourself
(01:38:21) Lessons from Jack Welch: Mentorship and Management
(01:45:49) Why Trilogy Didn’t Go Public
(01:51:40) Physical vs Virtual School: What Kids Actually Need More
(02:03:18) Paying Kids to Learn: Incentives, Rewards, and Risks
(02:11:01) What Is Success For You?
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Joe Liemandt:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liemandt/
Tools to help your kids:
Math up to grade 7: https://www.synthesis.com/tutor
High School Physics: https://physicsgraph.com
Math Grade 8-12: https://www.mathacademy.com
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes.
+Shopify: https://shopify.com/knowledgeproject
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Harrison McCain: The Potato Farmer who Went Big
24 mrt · 39 min
Harrison McCain learned salesmanship by talking his way into a pharmaceutical job at 22, then spent five formative years under K.C. Irving, absorbing lessons in vertical integration, relentless deal-capture, and "management by suggestion."
He quit with no plan, two newborn kids, and no income. His brother Bob noticed that New Brunswick potato farmers were shipping raw potatoes to Maine for processing into frozen fries, then buying the finished product back. The McCains pooled $100,000 in family money, assembled capital from five different sources without giving up equity, and built a plant on a cow pasture in Florenceville.
The company's core strategy was to avoid competition entirely: enter markets where frozen fries didn't exist, prove the market by exporting first, hire locals, and only build a factory after the numbers justified it.
The U.S. was the one market that scared Harrison, and he patiently waited 16 years before a $500 million acquisition of Ore-Ida's foodservice division finally cracked it. Along the way, Harrison nearly destroyed his most important customer relationship with McDonald's by telling their buyer he didn't need to tour his plant, a mistake that took years to repair.
By the time he died in 2004, McCain Foods operated 57 factories across six continents, sold in 160 countries, and processed a million pounds of potato products every hour.
-----
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:03) The Offer
(04:35) Learning From the Best
(12:30) Time to Build
(19:45) Going Global
(27:57) The McDonald’s Mistake
(31:17) The Operating Principles
(33:24) Florenceville: I Like it Here
(36:10) Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
He quit with no plan, two newborn kids, and no income. His brother Bob noticed that New Brunswick potato farmers were shipping raw potatoes to Maine for processing into frozen fries, then buying the finished product back. The McCains pooled $100,000 in family money, assembled capital from five different sources without giving up equity, and built a plant on a cow pasture in Florenceville.
The company's core strategy was to avoid competition entirely: enter markets where frozen fries didn't exist, prove the market by exporting first, hire locals, and only build a factory after the numbers justified it.
The U.S. was the one market that scared Harrison, and he patiently waited 16 years before a $500 million acquisition of Ore-Ida's foodservice division finally cracked it. Along the way, Harrison nearly destroyed his most important customer relationship with McDonald's by telling their buyer he didn't need to tour his plant, a mistake that took years to repair.
By the time he died in 2004, McCain Foods operated 57 factories across six continents, sold in 160 countries, and processed a million pounds of potato products every hour.
-----
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:03) The Offer
(04:35) Learning From the Best
(12:30) Time to Build
(19:45) Going Global
(27:57) The McDonald’s Mistake
(31:17) The Operating Principles
(33:24) Florenceville: I Like it Here
(36:10) Characteristics of an Entrepreneur
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Beating the Market: Connor Teskey, CEO Brookfield Asset Management
17 mrt · 1 u 25 min
Connor Teskey is the CEO of Brookfield Asset Management, one of the world’s largest investors, managing about a trillion dollars across infrastructure, power, real estate, private equity, and credit.
In this exclusive interview, his first as CEO, we explore his approach to capital allocation, isolating variables, and building a business designed for long-term growth.
Discover why effective investing begins with minimizing losses, how waiting for perfect information can result in missed opportunities, the strategies Brookfield uses to manage market risk while maintaining upside potential, and the key insights he gained working alongside Bruce Flatt.
This discussion goes beyond investment strategies, offering a glimpse into Connor's perspective on decision-making in an uncertain environment, mentorship, culture, positioning, and talent.
It's a rare inside look at the operations of one of the world's most tight-lipped firms.
Enjoy!
-----
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:05) State of the Union for Brookfield
(04:14) Nature of Investing
(07:24) The Rise to Brookfield
(12:06) Your Work Ethic is in Your Control
(17:30) Ad Break
(19:00) Data Center Deep Dive
(22:22) How Does a Deal Come to Be?
(29:34) Taking Bets Against Consensus
(32:00) What Happens Post Business Acquisition?
(40:44) Ad Break
(41:55) Lived Experience Through Crashes
(43:44) Where Does Talent Matter the Most at Brookfield?
(47:10) Identifying Talent
(58:18) Using AI to Increase Value Not Cut People
(01:01:58) When Was Brookfield the Underdog?
(01:03:38) Personal Ambition Over the Next 20 Years
(01:10:34) Behind The Scenes of Oaktree
(01:15:17) Work and Life Harmony
(01:17:54) Time Allocation
(01:19:58) The Most Fun Deal to Work On
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Connor Teskey:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-teskey-67931326b/?originalSubdomain=uk
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes: https://notes.granola.ai/t/b0c2c94e-a330-4f0f-a62d-beb3c946a539-009c2hma
+Download The League App today and find your perfect match! https://click.theleague.com/qmhm/0vdzsmj5
+Shopify: https://shopify.com/knowledgeproject
-----
* Note: Shane and guests may hold positions in assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this exclusive interview, his first as CEO, we explore his approach to capital allocation, isolating variables, and building a business designed for long-term growth.
Discover why effective investing begins with minimizing losses, how waiting for perfect information can result in missed opportunities, the strategies Brookfield uses to manage market risk while maintaining upside potential, and the key insights he gained working alongside Bruce Flatt.
This discussion goes beyond investment strategies, offering a glimpse into Connor's perspective on decision-making in an uncertain environment, mentorship, culture, positioning, and talent.
It's a rare inside look at the operations of one of the world's most tight-lipped firms.
Enjoy!
-----
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:05) State of the Union for Brookfield
(04:14) Nature of Investing
(07:24) The Rise to Brookfield
(12:06) Your Work Ethic is in Your Control
(17:30) Ad Break
(19:00) Data Center Deep Dive
(22:22) How Does a Deal Come to Be?
(29:34) Taking Bets Against Consensus
(32:00) What Happens Post Business Acquisition?
(40:44) Ad Break
(41:55) Lived Experience Through Crashes
(43:44) Where Does Talent Matter the Most at Brookfield?
(47:10) Identifying Talent
(58:18) Using AI to Increase Value Not Cut People
(01:01:58) When Was Brookfield the Underdog?
(01:03:38) Personal Ambition Over the Next 20 Years
(01:10:34) Behind The Scenes of Oaktree
(01:15:17) Work and Life Harmony
(01:17:54) Time Allocation
(01:19:58) The Most Fun Deal to Work On
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Connor Teskey:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-teskey-67931326b/?originalSubdomain=uk
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes: https://notes.granola.ai/t/b0c2c94e-a330-4f0f-a62d-beb3c946a539-009c2hma
+Download The League App today and find your perfect match! https://click.theleague.com/qmhm/0vdzsmj5
+Shopify: https://shopify.com/knowledgeproject
-----
* Note: Shane and guests may hold positions in assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An Unlikely Empire | J.W. Marriott
10 mrt · 39 min
The world's largest hotel company spent its first 30 years without a hotel. It started as a root beer stand in 1927. The first room didn't open until 1957.
The man behind it was J. Willard Marriott.
In this episode of Outliers, we explore how Marriott turned one root beer stand into a hotel empire, without a master plan. Oh, and along the way, he invented the airline catering business.
This is the story of J.W. Marriott
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:58) Ice Cold Root Beer
(10:35) The Hot Shoppe Expansion
(12:07) Building the Machine
(20:07) The Airport Expansion
(24:20) The Marriott Lessons
(26:22) The Hotel Empire
(30:53) Handing Over the Presidency
(35:01) The End of an Era
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The man behind it was J. Willard Marriott.
In this episode of Outliers, we explore how Marriott turned one root beer stand into a hotel empire, without a master plan. Oh, and along the way, he invented the airline catering business.
This is the story of J.W. Marriott
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:58) Ice Cold Root Beer
(10:35) The Hot Shoppe Expansion
(12:07) Building the Machine
(20:07) The Airport Expansion
(24:20) The Marriott Lessons
(26:22) The Hotel Empire
(30:53) Handing Over the Presidency
(35:01) The End of an Era
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Near Death Experience of RobinHood | Vlad Tenev, Co-Founder
03 mrt · 1 u 51 min
In January 2021, Vlad Tenev made a decision that nearly destroyed Robinhood. Wall Street called it betrayal. Customers called it cowardice. He has never fully explained what happened — until now.
Vlad Tenev built Robinhood into a financial titan, navigated the unprecedented GameStop crisis, and completely re-engineered the company to thrive after losing the vast majority of its market value.
He breaks down the brutal transition from bloated hyper-growth to a lean machine, why a "juicy falsehood is more powerful than a boring truth", and the 3 distinct phases of AI integration separating the winners from the dead.
Believe it or not, GameStop was not his hardest moment.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) The Unprecedented Crisis
(00:33) The Truth About GameStop
(09:30) Why False Narratives Win
(10:39) Surviving an 80% Market Crash
(16:02) Firing the Nice Founder & Going Founder Mode
(24:25) Rules for High Performance
(28:50) The Young Talent Advantage
(35:13) First Principles Storytelling
(39:07) 3 Phases of AI Integration
(50:03) Building AI That Reasons
(01:02:59) Fixing Private Market Access
(01:20:04) Deciding What to Build Next
(01:22:05) Surviving 1800% Inflation
(01:31:22) How Robinhood Makes Money
(01:39:51) Redesigning the Modern Bank
(01:47:47) The Definition of Success
-----
Check out Vlad:
https://investors.robinhood.com/management/vlad-tenev
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlad-tenev-7037591b/
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
+Download The League App today and find your perfect match! https://click.theleague.com/qmhm/0vdzsmj5
+Shopify: https://shopify.com/knowledgeproject
+.tech domains: Nothing says tech like being on .tech https://get.tech/
And a Big shout out to Wouter Teunissen who prepared a book on Robinhood that helped me prepare!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Vlad Tenev built Robinhood into a financial titan, navigated the unprecedented GameStop crisis, and completely re-engineered the company to thrive after losing the vast majority of its market value.
He breaks down the brutal transition from bloated hyper-growth to a lean machine, why a "juicy falsehood is more powerful than a boring truth", and the 3 distinct phases of AI integration separating the winners from the dead.
Believe it or not, GameStop was not his hardest moment.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) The Unprecedented Crisis
(00:33) The Truth About GameStop
(09:30) Why False Narratives Win
(10:39) Surviving an 80% Market Crash
(16:02) Firing the Nice Founder & Going Founder Mode
(24:25) Rules for High Performance
(28:50) The Young Talent Advantage
(35:13) First Principles Storytelling
(39:07) 3 Phases of AI Integration
(50:03) Building AI That Reasons
(01:02:59) Fixing Private Market Access
(01:20:04) Deciding What to Build Next
(01:22:05) Surviving 1800% Inflation
(01:31:22) How Robinhood Makes Money
(01:39:51) Redesigning the Modern Bank
(01:47:47) The Definition of Success
-----
Check out Vlad:
https://investors.robinhood.com/management/vlad-tenev
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlad-tenev-7037591b/
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
+Download The League App today and find your perfect match! https://click.theleague.com/qmhm/0vdzsmj5
+Shopify: https://shopify.com/knowledgeproject
+.tech domains: Nothing says tech like being on .tech https://get.tech/
And a Big shout out to Wouter Teunissen who prepared a book on Robinhood that helped me prepare!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Obsession That Built Nike | Phil Knight
24 feb · 38 min
Phil Knight is the founder of Nike, the brand that reshaped sports and became one of the most powerful companies in the world.
What would you do if your bank, your supplier, and your government all turned against you at the same time? Phil Knight didn’t have to imagine it. He lived on the edge of insolvency for nearly two decades.
This Outliers episode explores belief, trust, fear, and the price of growth through the story of Nike’s founding.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:07) Lessons From Phil Knight
(11:25) How It All Began
(15:56) The Waiting Game
(22:26) The Darker Times
(32:56) The End of the Customs War
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What would you do if your bank, your supplier, and your government all turned against you at the same time? Phil Knight didn’t have to imagine it. He lived on the edge of insolvency for nearly two decades.
This Outliers episode explores belief, trust, fear, and the price of growth through the story of Nike’s founding.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:07) Lessons From Phil Knight
(11:25) How It All Began
(15:56) The Waiting Game
(22:26) The Darker Times
(32:56) The End of the Customs War
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The $2 Trillion Mind | Nicolai Tangen
17 feb · 1 u 3 min
Nicolai Tangen is the CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund. He is responsible for managing $2.1 trillion. That's roughly 1.7% of every listed company on earth.
In this episode, we explore the intersection of massive wealth, high-speed decision-making, and the psychological traits required to survive the AI revolution.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:09) What Are You Leaning Against?
(03:17) Tech Sector Evolution
(04:15) The AI Bubble
(05:44) Will AI Replace Humans in Investing?
(06:24) Lessons on Listening
(09:15) American vs. European Mindset
(12:09) Prime Minster For a Day
(14:27) Most Important Data
(16:00) Speed and Agility
(17:05) Ad Break
(18:35) Using Urgency as a Tool
(20:12) Can You Teach People to Change Their Minds?
(22:14) Positive and Negative Comments
(22:56) Testing Assumptions Before a Big Investment
(25:07) Attitude Towards Risk
(28:33) What’s Gotten Harder in Investing?
(29:07) The Rise of Passive Investing
(33:42) Why Did You Take This Job?
(35:04) Ad Break
(36:14) Sovereign Wealth Funds
(38:24) Voting Against Elon Musk’s Pay Package
(39:08) Building Long-Term Thinking
(43:17) Slowing Down Decisions
(45:13) Seeking Out Disagreement
(48:08) Hiring Checklist
(49:15) 140 Conversations To Prepare For A Huge Role
(53:33) CEO Evaluation
(01:01:25) What is Success For You?
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Nicolai Tangen:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolai-tangen/?originalSubdomain=no
Learn More: https://www.nbim.no/en/about-us/leader-group/leadergroup-persons/nicolai-tangen/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
+Download The League App today and find your perfect match! https://click.theleague.com/qmhm/0vdzsmj5
+Shopify: https://shopify.com/knowledgeproject
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we explore the intersection of massive wealth, high-speed decision-making, and the psychological traits required to survive the AI revolution.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:09) What Are You Leaning Against?
(03:17) Tech Sector Evolution
(04:15) The AI Bubble
(05:44) Will AI Replace Humans in Investing?
(06:24) Lessons on Listening
(09:15) American vs. European Mindset
(12:09) Prime Minster For a Day
(14:27) Most Important Data
(16:00) Speed and Agility
(17:05) Ad Break
(18:35) Using Urgency as a Tool
(20:12) Can You Teach People to Change Their Minds?
(22:14) Positive and Negative Comments
(22:56) Testing Assumptions Before a Big Investment
(25:07) Attitude Towards Risk
(28:33) What’s Gotten Harder in Investing?
(29:07) The Rise of Passive Investing
(33:42) Why Did You Take This Job?
(35:04) Ad Break
(36:14) Sovereign Wealth Funds
(38:24) Voting Against Elon Musk’s Pay Package
(39:08) Building Long-Term Thinking
(43:17) Slowing Down Decisions
(45:13) Seeking Out Disagreement
(48:08) Hiring Checklist
(49:15) 140 Conversations To Prepare For A Huge Role
(53:33) CEO Evaluation
(01:01:25) What is Success For You?
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Nicolai Tangen:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolai-tangen/?originalSubdomain=no
Learn More: https://www.nbim.no/en/about-us/leader-group/leadergroup-persons/nicolai-tangen/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
+Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
+Download The League App today and find your perfect match! https://click.theleague.com/qmhm/0vdzsmj5
+Shopify: https://shopify.com/knowledgeproject
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Michael Ovitz: The Psychology of Power
03 feb · 1 u 36 min
Michael Ovitz co-founded CAA and helped reshape Hollywood, then took the same playbook into tech investing and advising founders.
In this conversation, he breaks down the operating rules that kept CAA from losing clients, and the personal disciplines that kept him grounded when the stakes got massive.
You’ll learn how to build momentum, tell the truth without hesitation, read for context instead of noise, hire people who raise the standard, and package ideas into outcomes.
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand-edited transcript and an ad-free experience, along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:58) Learning Machine
(03:41) You Don't Know Everything
(08:17) How People Go Wrong
(16:42) Don’t Fight Your Job
(18:28) Managing Relationships
(20:46) Hiring Top Performers
(26:47) Never Get High on Your Own Supply
(30:27) Identifying Greatness
(33:28) Meeting Marc Andreessen
(43:42) On Failure
(47:48) The Smartest Person I Ever Met
(52:49) The Genius of Patrick Collison
(57:51) A Good Idea Taken Too Far
(01:01:30) Information Consumption
(01:14:13) Business Education Curriculum
(01:16:28) Momentum
(01:18:16) Packaging
(01:24:43) What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?
(01:26:30) The Importance of Trust
(01:29:15) What is Success For You?
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Michael Ovitz:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeovitz/
Book: https://amzn.to/4kn9jb9
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
Download The League App today and find your perfect match!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this conversation, he breaks down the operating rules that kept CAA from losing clients, and the personal disciplines that kept him grounded when the stakes got massive.
You’ll learn how to build momentum, tell the truth without hesitation, read for context instead of noise, hire people who raise the standard, and package ideas into outcomes.
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand-edited transcript and an ad-free experience, along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:58) Learning Machine
(03:41) You Don't Know Everything
(08:17) How People Go Wrong
(16:42) Don’t Fight Your Job
(18:28) Managing Relationships
(20:46) Hiring Top Performers
(26:47) Never Get High on Your Own Supply
(30:27) Identifying Greatness
(33:28) Meeting Marc Andreessen
(43:42) On Failure
(47:48) The Smartest Person I Ever Met
(52:49) The Genius of Patrick Collison
(57:51) A Good Idea Taken Too Far
(01:01:30) Information Consumption
(01:14:13) Business Education Curriculum
(01:16:28) Momentum
(01:18:16) Packaging
(01:24:43) What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?
(01:26:30) The Importance of Trust
(01:29:15) What is Success For You?
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Follow Michael Ovitz:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeovitz/
Book: https://amzn.to/4kn9jb9
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes
Download The League App today and find your perfect match!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ray Kroc : How McDonald’s Took Over America
27 jan · 50 min
Ray Kroc turned McDonald’s from a single roadside restaurant into a system built to scale.
At 52, after decades selling paper cups and milkshake machines, he opened the first McDonald’s in 1955 and helped grow it to nearly 8,000 restaurants worldwide.
This Outliers episode breaks down how standards, execution, franchising, and real estate created a business machine built to last.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:46) Turning Dreams Into Action
(10:05) The Multimixer
(15:51) America's Roadside Revolution
(22:58) Building the Machine
(32:14) What Ray Kroc Really Built
(43:12) Epilogue: Grinding it Out
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At 52, after decades selling paper cups and milkshake machines, he opened the first McDonald’s in 1955 and helped grow it to nearly 8,000 restaurants worldwide.
This Outliers episode breaks down how standards, execution, franchising, and real estate created a business machine built to last.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:46) Turning Dreams Into Action
(10:05) The Multimixer
(15:51) America's Roadside Revolution
(22:58) Building the Machine
(32:14) What Ray Kroc Really Built
(43:12) Epilogue: Grinding it Out
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Morgan Housel: Wealth is What You Have Minus What You Want
20 jan · 1 u 58 min
Morgan Housel breaks down the exact framework he uses to build wealth, minimize financial stress, and buy freedom.
While most financial advice focuses on how to get rich, Morgan explains why the skills needed to stay rich are completely different.
You will learn why "boring" investing beats complex strategies, how to avoid the social traps that destroy wealth, and the specific equation for finding contentment.
Morgan Housel is a partner at Collaborative Fund and the bestselling author of The Psychology of Money.
Enjoy!
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Trailer/Introduction
(00:58) What Drives You?
(04:50) What Can Money Do For Us?
(07:22) Happiness vs. Satisfaction
(11:45) Becoming Financially Independent
(14:40) Survival and Contrast
(20:16) Ad Break
(21:05) Investing: Can You Beat the Market?
(22:32) When Is The Right Time To Buy a House?
(26:45) Housing Affordability and Equity
(28:39) Step by Step Investing
(35:08) Eras of Life and Spending In Those Eras
(43:50) Raising Kids With Money
(48:46) Social Media: Expectations and Comparison
(55:46) Lessons From the Vanderbilts
(01:01:21) Learning From Others Spending Habits
(01:07:51) Lessons From History: Depressions, Panics, Downturns
(01:11:40) Net Worth in Cash
(01:14:20) Passive Income and Financial Independence
(01:25:58) Massive Success: Doing It All Again
(01:32:27) What Should You Optimize For?
(01:38:24) What Do You Splurge On?
(01:40:38) What Can History Teach Us About Inflation?
(01:47:46) Index Funds Allocation
(01:53:36) What Is Success For You?
-----
This episode of the Knowledge Project is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by Shane Parrish or our guests are solely their own. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. It's time to listen and learn.
-----
Psychology of Money: https://geni.us/my3K
Morgan Housel
X: https://x.com/morganhousel
Website: https://www.morganhousel.com/
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While most financial advice focuses on how to get rich, Morgan explains why the skills needed to stay rich are completely different.
You will learn why "boring" investing beats complex strategies, how to avoid the social traps that destroy wealth, and the specific equation for finding contentment.
Morgan Housel is a partner at Collaborative Fund and the bestselling author of The Psychology of Money.
Enjoy!
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Trailer/Introduction
(00:58) What Drives You?
(04:50) What Can Money Do For Us?
(07:22) Happiness vs. Satisfaction
(11:45) Becoming Financially Independent
(14:40) Survival and Contrast
(20:16) Ad Break
(21:05) Investing: Can You Beat the Market?
(22:32) When Is The Right Time To Buy a House?
(26:45) Housing Affordability and Equity
(28:39) Step by Step Investing
(35:08) Eras of Life and Spending In Those Eras
(43:50) Raising Kids With Money
(48:46) Social Media: Expectations and Comparison
(55:46) Lessons From the Vanderbilts
(01:01:21) Learning From Others Spending Habits
(01:07:51) Lessons From History: Depressions, Panics, Downturns
(01:11:40) Net Worth in Cash
(01:14:20) Passive Income and Financial Independence
(01:25:58) Massive Success: Doing It All Again
(01:32:27) What Should You Optimize For?
(01:38:24) What Do You Splurge On?
(01:40:38) What Can History Teach Us About Inflation?
(01:47:46) Index Funds Allocation
(01:53:36) What Is Success For You?
-----
This episode of the Knowledge Project is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by Shane Parrish or our guests are solely their own. Nothing in this conversation should be considered investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Always do your own due diligence or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. It's time to listen and learn.
-----
Psychology of Money: https://geni.us/my3K
Morgan Housel
X: https://x.com/morganhousel
Website: https://www.morganhousel.com/
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
Granola AI, The AI notepad for people in back-to-back meetings: https://www.granola.ai/shane
Check out the Granola Notes here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Peter D. Kaufman is the Chairman and CEO of GlenAir, the editor of Poor Charlie’s Almanack, and was a decades-long friend of Charlie Munger.
In a talk that was never meant to be made public, one of the world's greatest business minds reveals the secrets to multidisciplinary thinking.
Peter allowed the complete talk to be transcribed and posted on FS.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:49) Why is Multidisciplinary Thinking Important?
(07:27) How The World Works
(18:39) The Biggest Blind Spots in Business
(22:05) You Only Get One Life
-----
Dive into Mental Models: https://fs.blog/tgmm/
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a talk that was never meant to be made public, one of the world's greatest business minds reveals the secrets to multidisciplinary thinking.
Peter allowed the complete talk to be transcribed and posted on FS.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:49) Why is Multidisciplinary Thinking Important?
(07:27) How The World Works
(18:39) The Biggest Blind Spots in Business
(22:05) You Only Get One Life
-----
Dive into Mental Models: https://fs.blog/tgmm/
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:
X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones | James Clear
01 jan · 2 u 17 min
James Clear is the author of Atomic Habits, a global bestseller that has shaped how millions of people think about habits, consistency, and long-term change.
In this conversation, James explains how habits shape identity, why progress often stays invisible before it compounds, and how to design your environment so good behavior becomes the default.
You will learn how to stay consistent when motivation fades, stop quitting too early, and build habits that work across different seasons of life.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:56) The Role of Identity in Habit Formation
(03:38) Lack of Patience Changes the Outcome
(07:20) Seeing Invisible Progress
(09:58) Why Do We Change What's Working?
(13:46) Creating Conditions for Success
(17:44) Finding the Confidence to Start
(23:55) Playing to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose
(26:29) Internal Sayings to Live By
(30:36) Reputation
(34:32) Positioning in Business and Life
(44:36) Investment Philosophy
(47:18) Turning Reading Habits into Action
(50:31) Taking Notes While Reading...
(52:36) ...And Then What?
(56:06) Maintaining Focus on What You Want
(58:01) Lessons on Filtering Opportunities
(01:06:06) Longevity of Content
(01:07:21) Sequencing Through the Eras of Your Life
(01:11:22) What is a Habit?
(01:13:03) Is a Habit Working For You or Against You?
(01:15:20) Evaluation Framework for Habits
(01:18:32) Building or Replacing a Habit
(01:22:19) Social Media Detox
(01:25:34) The Most Important Upstream Habits to Create
(01:29:58) Relationship Check-In
(01:30:57) Thoughts on Popular Habits
(01:37:31) Become Stronger Than Your Feelings
(01:42:59) When Should You Deep Dive into an Idea
(01:48:12) Complexity vs. Simplicity
(01:54:40) Consistency vs. Intensity
(02:01:11) Learning New Subjects as an Adult
(02:06:40) Prioritization
(02:11:53) What is Success For You?
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this conversation, James explains how habits shape identity, why progress often stays invisible before it compounds, and how to design your environment so good behavior becomes the default.
You will learn how to stay consistent when motivation fades, stop quitting too early, and build habits that work across different seasons of life.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:56) The Role of Identity in Habit Formation
(03:38) Lack of Patience Changes the Outcome
(07:20) Seeing Invisible Progress
(09:58) Why Do We Change What's Working?
(13:46) Creating Conditions for Success
(17:44) Finding the Confidence to Start
(23:55) Playing to Win vs. Playing Not to Lose
(26:29) Internal Sayings to Live By
(30:36) Reputation
(34:32) Positioning in Business and Life
(44:36) Investment Philosophy
(47:18) Turning Reading Habits into Action
(50:31) Taking Notes While Reading...
(52:36) ...And Then What?
(56:06) Maintaining Focus on What You Want
(58:01) Lessons on Filtering Opportunities
(01:06:06) Longevity of Content
(01:07:21) Sequencing Through the Eras of Your Life
(01:11:22) What is a Habit?
(01:13:03) Is a Habit Working For You or Against You?
(01:15:20) Evaluation Framework for Habits
(01:18:32) Building or Replacing a Habit
(01:22:19) Social Media Detox
(01:25:34) The Most Important Upstream Habits to Create
(01:29:58) Relationship Check-In
(01:30:57) Thoughts on Popular Habits
(01:37:31) Become Stronger Than Your Feelings
(01:42:59) When Should You Deep Dive into an Idea
(01:48:12) Complexity vs. Simplicity
(01:54:40) Consistency vs. Intensity
(02:01:11) Learning New Subjects as an Adult
(02:06:40) Prioritization
(02:11:53) What is Success For You?
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Outlier Playbook: The Patterns Behind Enduring Success
30 dec 2025 · 41 min
What do some of the greatest outliers in business history have in common?
For the past year, I’ve been sharing the stories of history's greatest outliers like James Dyson, Estée Lauder, Sol Price, Henry Singleton, Les Schwab, Rose Blumkin, Jim Clayton, and Andrew Mellon. These are names that deserve to be studied, but rarely are.
This episode explores the mindsets, systems and patterns history’s most notable outliers used to turn adversity into long-term advantage.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:51) - Part 1: A Taste for Saltwater
(09:20) - Part 2: Do it now
(17:40) Ad Break
(19:37) - Part 3: Systems to Scale
(30:51) - Part 4: Understand What Really Matters
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
.tech domains: Nothing says tech like being on .tech https://get.tech/
reMarkable: Get your paper tablet at https://www.reMarkable.com today
-----
This episode is for informational purposes only.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the past year, I’ve been sharing the stories of history's greatest outliers like James Dyson, Estée Lauder, Sol Price, Henry Singleton, Les Schwab, Rose Blumkin, Jim Clayton, and Andrew Mellon. These are names that deserve to be studied, but rarely are.
This episode explores the mindsets, systems and patterns history’s most notable outliers used to turn adversity into long-term advantage.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:51) - Part 1: A Taste for Saltwater
(09:20) - Part 2: Do it now
(17:40) Ad Break
(19:37) - Part 3: Systems to Scale
(30:51) - Part 4: Understand What Really Matters
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
------
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
------
Follow Shane Parrish:X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
.tech domains: Nothing says tech like being on .tech https://get.tech/
reMarkable: Get your paper tablet at https://www.reMarkable.com today
-----
This episode is for informational purposes only.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pierre Poilievre on the Role of Government, Freedom, and Affordability
27 dec 2025 · 57 min
This week, we're releasing a special episode of TKP with Pierre Poilievre.
While we don't often tackle politics on the show, we are trying to improve political discourse by offering a platform for both sides to speak with depth and nuance.
This episode covers the economy, media, free speech, immigration, corporate subsidies, and more. (And before you ask, the same invite was extended to both Pierre and Prime Minister Mark Carney).
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:31) What is the Role of Government?
(03:31) Canadian National Identity
(05:52) Canada's Global Role
(07:33) Immigration: Problems & Solutions
(09:37) What's Going Right?
(14:50) Second & Third Order Consequences
(17:52) Government Spending & Economic Prospects
(20:05) Positioning: Canada & the United States
(24:36) Canada & Foreign Companies
(26:57) Fighting for Canada Long Term
(30:05) Weaponized Complexity
(31:52) What Role Does the Media Play?
(37:49) Rapid Fire: Get to Know Pierre
(47:44) Maintaining Hope in Politics
(49:06) The Drug Crisis
(54:00) Bringing Hope into 2026
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
-----
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
-----
Follow Shane Parrish:X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While we don't often tackle politics on the show, we are trying to improve political discourse by offering a platform for both sides to speak with depth and nuance.
This episode covers the economy, media, free speech, immigration, corporate subsidies, and more. (And before you ask, the same invite was extended to both Pierre and Prime Minister Mark Carney).
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:31) What is the Role of Government?
(03:31) Canadian National Identity
(05:52) Canada's Global Role
(07:33) Immigration: Problems & Solutions
(09:37) What's Going Right?
(14:50) Second & Third Order Consequences
(17:52) Government Spending & Economic Prospects
(20:05) Positioning: Canada & the United States
(24:36) Canada & Foreign Companies
(26:57) Fighting for Canada Long Term
(30:05) Weaponized Complexity
(31:52) What Role Does the Media Play?
(37:49) Rapid Fire: Get to Know Pierre
(47:44) Maintaining Hope in Politics
(49:06) The Drug Crisis
(54:00) Bringing Hope into 2026
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
-----
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
-----
Follow Shane Parrish:X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Be Your Best in 2026: The Most Important Lessons from The Knowledge Project (2025)
23 dec 2025 · 1 u 11 min
The Knowledge Project closes 2025 with a look back at the most meaningful conversations of the year.
Featuring insights from some of our most impactful episodes, this collection brings together practical insights on decision-making, leadership, preparation, relationships, trust, and performance.
This episode features insights from world-class investor Alfred Lin, tech founder and operator Bret Taylor, behavioral scientist Logan Ury, legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, disciplined value investor Anthony Scilipoti, trust and communication expert Lulu Cheng Meservey, Shopify President Harley Finkelstein, and performance coach Jim Murphy.
These are the insights that help you prepare better, make clearer decisions, and build momentum for the year ahead.
Thank you for listening and we can't wait to see you next year.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:32) Alfred Lin: Inputs vs Outputs - Daily Routines and Priorities
(08:05) Bret Taylor: Founder Mode (Accountability vs. Caricature)
(19:43) Ad Break
(21:58) Logan Ury: Navigating Relationships and Attachments
(29:04) Bill Belichick: Preparation and Success In Life And The NFL
(38:33) Indra Nooyi: Delivering a Message That Gets Heard
(43:36) Anthony Scilipoti: Don’t Rely on AI, You Still Have to Put the Work In
(52:11) Lulu Cheng Meservey: Engineering Trust and Building Confidence That Others Can Believe In
(57:53) Harley Finkelstein: Overcoming Failure + The Hard Work Behind the Life You Want
(1:05:15) Jim Murphy: Performance Habits of Successful People
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership------Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter------
Follow Shane Parrish:X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
Basecamp: Stop struggling, start making progress. Get somewhere with Basecamp. Sign up free at http://basecamp.com/knowledgeproject
reMarkable: Get your paper tablet at https://www.reMarkable.com today
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Featuring insights from some of our most impactful episodes, this collection brings together practical insights on decision-making, leadership, preparation, relationships, trust, and performance.
This episode features insights from world-class investor Alfred Lin, tech founder and operator Bret Taylor, behavioral scientist Logan Ury, legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, disciplined value investor Anthony Scilipoti, trust and communication expert Lulu Cheng Meservey, Shopify President Harley Finkelstein, and performance coach Jim Murphy.
These are the insights that help you prepare better, make clearer decisions, and build momentum for the year ahead.
Thank you for listening and we can't wait to see you next year.
-----
Approximate Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:32) Alfred Lin: Inputs vs Outputs - Daily Routines and Priorities
(08:05) Bret Taylor: Founder Mode (Accountability vs. Caricature)
(19:43) Ad Break
(21:58) Logan Ury: Navigating Relationships and Attachments
(29:04) Bill Belichick: Preparation and Success In Life And The NFL
(38:33) Indra Nooyi: Delivering a Message That Gets Heard
(43:36) Anthony Scilipoti: Don’t Rely on AI, You Still Have to Put the Work In
(52:11) Lulu Cheng Meservey: Engineering Trust and Building Confidence That Others Can Believe In
(57:53) Harley Finkelstein: Overcoming Failure + The Hard Work Behind the Life You Want
(1:05:15) Jim Murphy: Performance Habits of Successful People
-----
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership------Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter------
Follow Shane Parrish:X: https://x.com/shaneparrish
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/farnamstreet/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-parrish-050a2183/
------
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
Basecamp: Stop struggling, start making progress. Get somewhere with Basecamp. Sign up free at http://basecamp.com/knowledgeproject
reMarkable: Get your paper tablet at https://www.reMarkable.com today
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices