Somewhat Frank

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   The After-Work Happy Hour Is Dying Apple News – The Cut - Remote work, shifting priorities, and social fatigue are changing workplace culture.   CNBC 2025 Disruptor 50 List - CNBC Article    OpenAI Expands Into Meetings, Docs, and Cloud Storage - TechCrunch article   AI-Designed Drug Shows Promise - Bloomberg article   Small Funds, Big Wins - James Heath VC – Substack World's Tallest 3D-Printed Building - Tom's Hardware First Mushroom Casket Burial in the U.S. Happens in Maine - Portland Press Herald   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber) and (Simon Kahan IG: @SimonKahan) discuss the following topics:   Sesame Street Heads to Netflix - the iconic PBS show is heading to Netflix under a new licensing deal.   OpenAI x Jony Ive's Mysterious AI Device - OpenAI is teaming up with Jony Ive — the design genius behind Apple's most iconic products — to build a totally new kind of AI-first device.   Rock-it Cargo's $1B Live Events Logistics Deal - the company that handles logistics for massive global tours and sporting events — just got acquired in a $1 billion deal.   Should the Penny Be Retired? - It costs almost 3 cents to make a 1-cent coin — and the U.S. Mint is finally rethinking whether the penny still makes sense.   Napster Reboots as a $1.5B AI Music Startup - Napster is back — but this time, it's a $1.5 billion AI-powered music company.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) discuss the following topics:   OpenAI Changes Course Will Remain A Nonprofit - OpenAI will remain under the control of its nonprofit despite previous plans to convert fully to a for-profit model; its business division will instead become a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) overseen by the nonprofit.   Inside Starbase: Elon Musk's Town - Starbase was officially incorporated as a city after a 212–6 vote, with most voters being SpaceX employees or their relatives; no traditional campaigning occurred.   Why Chobani's Founder Hamdi Ulukaya Is Investing $1.2B in A State of the Art Dairy Farm in Upstate New York - Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya is investing $1.7 billion in two major U.S. manufacturing expansions: $1.2 billion for a new facility in Rome, New York, and $500 million to expand the company's Idaho plant.   ChatGPT Users Are Developing Bizarre Delusions - AI chatbots like ChatGPT are fueling delusional beliefs in some users, who claim to receive sacred missions or mystical revelations, often worsening preexisting mental health issues.   Elizabeth Holmes's Partner Has a New Blood-Testing Startup - Billy Evans, partner of convicted Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, is raising funds for a new diagnostics startup named Haemanthus, which aims to revolutionize health testing starting with pets and eventually humans.   Do you sit on the floor? - Sitting and moving from the floor regularly strengthens lower-body muscles and balance, which can help prevent falls—a major health risk for older adults, according to longevity expert Dan Buettner.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (X: @simonkahan) explore the following topics:   Founders, investors, startup teams, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs), and innovators, we invite you to join the Established Network, our digital hub where creativity, capital, and collaboration collide. https://established.network. As part of the Established Network, we also host the Monthly Innovation Circle, with some great featured speakers and we'll continue hosting these events on the third Thursday of every month. Sign up today at: est.us/TheMIC2025   Astronomers Detect Possible Signal of Life on a Distant Planet - Astronomers have detected a potential biosignature on exoplanet K2-18b, located approximately 120 light-years away in the constellation Leo   King's College Scientists' Lab-Grown Teeth Breakthrough - Researchers at King's College London have successfully grown fully functional teeth in laboratory settings, marking a significant advancement in regenerative dentistry.   Midwest Emerges as a Hub for AI Data Centers - The Midwest is experiencing a surge in data center construction, driven by the growing demand for AI and cloud computing services.   Fun With AI Generated Images - We have been testing ChatGPT's new viral image manipulation capabilities.    We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) discuss the following topics:   TechCrunch sold again - TechCrunch has been sold again – Yahoo has sold the tech news site to private equity firm Regent for an undisclosed amount.   23andMe Files For Bankruptcy, what does that mean for the security of your genetic data? - 23andMe is filing for bankruptcy – The genetic testing company has struggled financially due to its one-time purchase model and declining sales. It is now seeking a buyer, and co-founder Anne Wojcicki has stepped down as CEO but hopes to repurchase the company.   Banning Lab Grown Meats - Mississippi bans lab-grown meat – The state unanimously passed a bill prohibiting the cultivation and sale of cell-derived meat, with penalties including fines and jail time. Similar bans have been enacted in Florida and Alabama, with other states considering restrictions.   Bill Gates on AI and jobs - In a recent interview, Bill Gates discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce, including AI's role in medicine and education, potential job disruptions, etc.    Your AI lover will change you - The normalization of AI lovers is imminent, with AI-powered chatbots and virtual companions becoming more interactive, personalized, and emotionally engaging. This could fundamentally reshape human relationships.   YouTube Shorts - YouTube Shorts is a short-form video experience for creators. Frank started to upload some videos this past week to test it out with a couple of videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@FrankGruber/shorts    Sunnier Days For Sesame Street? - Sesame Workshop is facing financial struggles – The nonprofit behind Sesame Street is losing its lucrative HBO contract, worth $30–$35 million per year, and dealing with lost government grants, creating a projected $40 million deficit.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   The Established Network's Monthly Innovation Circle kicked off on March 20th with some great featured speakers and we'll be hosting a new one on the third Thursday of every month. The next one is set for April 17th at 3pm ET. Sign up at: est.us/TheMIC2025    Frank got a chance to talk with Jenny Fielding, an investor from Everywhere Ventures, about her new book Venture Everywhere. Check out the interview here: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/0135-jenny-fielding-on-venture-everywhere-and-investing-in-global-startups    PepsiCo buys prebiotic soda brand Poppi for nearly $2 billion – will this make the M&A market pop right open for other startups? - PepsiCo's $1.95 Billion Deal: PepsiCo acquired prebiotic soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion, which includes $300 million in anticipated cash tax benefits, resulting in a net purchase price of $1.65 billion. Google to Acquire Cybersecurity Company Wiz for $32 billion - Alphabet, Google's parent company, has agreed to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for $32 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date.   Celtics Sold To Private Equity-Led Group For $6.1 Billion - Biggest Sports Sale In U.S. History - The Boston Celtics have been sold for $6.1 billion, setting a new record for the highest price paid for a U.S. sports team, surpassing the $6.05 billion sale of the NFL's Washington Commanders in 2023.    NASA astronauts who were supposed to be in space for nine days returning to Earth after nine months on ISS - NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams are returning to Earth after an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).    We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   We are hosting the Established House in Austin on Friday, March 7th, with a couple of featured conversations, a barista spinning our delightful lattes and teas and lots of opportunities to connect with one another. If you'll be in Austin, please join us! RSVP at: est.us/house25    AI Is Changing How Silicon Valley Builds Startups - The traditional Silicon Valley model of heavy fundraising and large headcounts is being replaced by AI-driven efficiency, with companies like Anysphere and ElevenLabs reaching $100M revenue with under 50 workers. Also, here is Frank's take on it: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7299885251869196288/    Mice have been genetically engineered to look like mammoths - Colossal Biosciences genetically engineered mice with mammoth-like fur by altering up to five genes, though only one matches the mammoth genome exactly. Here are some more thoughts on the animal/human hybrid topic: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/japan-approves-first-human-animal-embryo-experiments/   Digg is coming back, thanks to its founder Kevin Rose — and Reddit's success - Digg is relaunching with Kevin Rose as chair, Alexis Ohanian as an adviser, and Justin Mezzell as CEO, aiming to revive its “homepage of the internet” legacy.   A Private Space Mission Just Successfully Landed on the Moon for the First Time - Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar module became the first private company's lander to successfully touch down on the moon, landing on March 2, 2025.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) discuss the following topics:   Egg Prices Are Sky High - Avian flu is back and hitting close to home, impacting poultry farms and sending egg prices soaring.   DeepSeek Shakes Up the AI Landscape - Chinese AI company DeepSeek dethroned ChatGPT as the #1 free app on the App Store. Markets reacted sharply, despite no independent verification of DeepSeek's claims.   What to know about 'Stargate,' the $500 billion AI infrastructure project - A $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative led by OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and MGX to expand U.S. data centers.   The First Solar Data Center on the Moon - A Florida startup, Lonestar, is setting up the first-ever lunar data center.   Boom Supersonic - Boom Supersonic successfully tested its prototype jet, reaching supersonic speeds over the Mojave Desert.   Apple & SpaceX Team Up for Starlink on iPhones - Apple & SpaceX partnering to bring satellite connectivity to iPhones, which eliminates dead zones, providing coverage in remote areas.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube  As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   CES 2025 Recap - The annual Consumer Electronics Show brings together the latest in technology product announcements. Earlier this month Las Vegas was once again full of robotics and AI-based systems. At CES 2025, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang also unveiled several significant advancements   Two Private Space Launches In One Day - On Thursday, January 16, 2025, both Blue Origin and SpaceX conducted significant rocket launches with mixed outcomes.   TikTok Prepared for US Shutdown - TikTok was preparing to shut down its app for U.S. users on Sunday, January 19, 2025. However, the ban was short lived and TikTok is now back up and running…for now. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   Here are some tips for the winter and how to beat seasonal depression - Bright light boxes can mimic natural light, which is especially helpful on dark winter days.   Paul vs. Tyson Fight/Debacle That Brings Down Netflix - The boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson on November 15, 2024, drew significant global attention.   Bitcoin Surges Above $94,000 to All-Time High. What's Behind the Surge - Bitcoin has reached an unprecedented high of nearly $95,000, marking a 35% increase since the November 5th election.    Have you seen the Banana Art? - Maurizio Cattelan's artwork “Comedian”, featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall, is going to auction at Sotheby's in New York.     Speaking of Fruit — Have you ever had a PawPaw? - Pawpaws, a fruit native to North America, are seeing renewed interest as climate change allows them to grow in areas previously unsuited to their tropical flavor and requirements.   A Writer for The NY Times Let AI Make All decisions for a Week, Here's What Happened   AI being used to understand what Pigs are saying - Researchers in Europe have developed an AI algorithm to decode emotional expressions in pig sounds, aimed at improving animal welfare.   Whoopi Goldberg Is Looking To Change The Way We View Women's Sports With A Newly Launched Channel That Will Focus On Ladies, And Ladies Only - Whoopi Goldberg announced she's launching the All Women's Sports Network (AWSN), the first global channel exclusively dedicated to live women's sports.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   OpenAI unveils experimental ‘Swarm' framework, igniting debate on AI-driven automation - OpenAI introduced Swarm, an experimental framework for multi-agent AI networks that can collaborate on tasks autonomously.   Nvidia released an open-source LLM to rival GPT-4 - Nvidia, which builds some of the most highly sought-after GPUs in the AI industry, has announced that it has released an open-source large language model that reportedly performs on par with leading proprietary models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Google.   Why WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg has gone ‘nuclear' against tech investing giant Silver Lake - Matt Mullenweg, founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, is in a public dispute with WP Engine, backed by private equity firm Silver Lake, over alleged trademark violations and misuse of WordPress branding. This has resulted in lawsuits and legal threats from both sides. WordPress powers roughly 40% of all websites.    NFL Helmet Caps - NFL players are wearing Guardian Caps during practice and games to reduce head impact. These caps provide added protection by absorbing shock during collisions.   Two people communicate in dreams: Inception movie-styled sci-fi turned into reality - The most intriguing aspect is the creation of the “Remmyo” language, which allows the decoding of sounds produced in dreams. This opens the door for future advancements, including the possibility of real-time, interactive conversations during lucid dreams.   Superhuman - an email client designed to improve productivity and efficiency for users. It is primarily known for its speed, sleek interface, and powerful features that enhance the email experience beyond what traditional email clients like Gmail offer.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   Frank was in Baltimore for the EcoMap Technologies' inaugural event, the SuperConnect conference, which aims to bring ecosystem builders from all over the country together.  Click here to read Frank's recap.    Running five days a week reduces cellular aging  Chronic stress accelerates cellular aging by shortening telomeres, potentially aging the body by 9 years, but physical exercise and stress management techniques can help mitigate these effects, as shown in a study of 63 women.   A tiny town just got slammed by Helene. It could massively disrupt the tech industry Hurricane Helene's flooding of quartz mines in Spruce Pine, North Carolina threatens to disrupt tech manufacturing, particularly microchips and renewable energy technologies, with potential shortages and price increases for sectors like automotive and electronics, and a lengthy recovery process ahead.   Open AI Raises largest VC round in history $6.6B OpenAI is raising $6.6B, the largest VC round in history, valuing the company at $157B, as it considers spinning off parts of its business to improve efficiency, support long-term AI research, and address the pressure to increase profitability while balancing ethical AI considerations in a competitive market.   CBInsights Venture Capital Q3 report is out Venture capital deal activity has slowed for the third consecutive quarter, with global market uncertainty causing a significant drop in exit value below $40 billion, cautious fundraising from limited partners, and downward trends in both U.S. and global markets as investors await interest rate cuts.   NFL Helmet Caps  NFL players are wearing Guardian Caps during practice to reduce head impact as part of the league's initiative to prevent concussions, though players have mixed reactions to the caps' comfort, and studies are ongoing to assess their effectiveness in preventing head trauma.   AI Replacing Teachers In The Classroom At UK-Based Dave Game College David Game College has introduced the UK's first AI-powered classroom, using AI to enhance student engagement and personalize learning in STEM subjects through a hybrid model where AI facilitates lessons, adapts to individual learning styles, and assists teachers by handling routine tasks and analyzing student progress.   XHab 3D — 3D printing concrete construction buildings  XHAB 3D is revolutionizing industries like automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods with next-generation 3D printing technology that enhances manufacturing speed and flexibility while prioritizing environmental sustainability, collaborating with industry leaders to offer scalable solutions and investing in continuous innovation through research and development.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   Apple 'Glowtime' event sees iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch unveilings Apple just wrapped up an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, where it unveiled new versions of the iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch.   Founder Mode vs Manager Mode  Paul Graham distinguishes between "Founder Mode" and "Manager Mode" in running companies. In founder mode, leaders remain deeply involved in day-to-day operations, while manager mode focuses more on delegating tasks and relying on middle management.   The Silent Venture Capital & Startup Recession  The data is clear: startups and venture capital are in a recession that is as bad as the recession of 2008.   Andreessen Horowitz Is Closing Miami Office After Two Years Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) closed its Miami Beach satellite office just two years into a five-year lease due to disuse.   Mosquito Virus Dangers  As climate change progresses, there has been an uptick in diseases spread by mosquitoes, such as West Nile virus, dengue fever, and Zika, posing more significant health threats globally.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us  

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   The Automated Lawn Care Robot from OtO - OtO has released  an automated lawn care robot that is smart, easy to set up, and eco friendly. Say goodbye to watering your own lawn the old fashioned way.    Is Yard Work Considered Exercise - Activities like mowing, raking, and digging engage multiple different muscle groups. But does it count as “Exercise”?    VCs Continue to Invest in AI - With a Concentration in Fewer Ventures - Investments in generative AI startups remain strong even as generative AI startups are not yet profitable, with investors taking long-term strategic bets despite potential market bubble risks.   TechStars Annual Innovation Survey Reveals Entrepreneurial Optimism - TechStars Second Annual Survey reveals optimism among entrepreneurs even in the midst of challenging market conditions    An Unprecedented July in the US Presidential Race - Following a disastrous debate performance, Joe Biden is out of the 2024 Presidential Race and Kamala Harris is in. In the midst of this, former President Donald Trump survives an assassination attempt.    What happened with CrowdStrike?  - A faulty update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike led to massive disruptions, affecting approximately 8.5 million devices globally, including those used by airlines, hospitals, and more.   Open AI is Launching SearchGPT - ChatGPT creators Open AI will be releasing SearchGPT, a search engine built from the ground up to utilize the power of Artificial Intelligence. The search engine market  could get a lot more competitive.     We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   This Smiling Robot Face Made Of Living Skin is an Absolute Nightmare Fuel - Researchers have been exploring the attachment of actual living skin to robots, moving beyond traditional artificial surfaces.   A Seaweed Crop Finds a Spot in Maine Waters - Atlantic Sea Farms CEO Briana Warner talks about the new moves to cultivate seaweed in the U.S., from ocean to plate.   Waymo Robotaxis Now Open To All In SF - Waymo has removed the waitlist for its San Francisco robotaxi service, allowing anyone to download the app and immediately hail a ride.   GPS Threats - Researchers report that more than 60,000 commercial flights have experienced bogus GPS signals this year, posing significant risks to navigation and safety.   Utah Governor Declares Phone-Free Fridays - The initiative aims to foster real-life connections by reducing screen time and increasing face-to-face interactions among Utahns.   Harvard Scientists Claim Aliens Are Living Among Us - Harvard scientists claim aliens could be 'walking among us' and it's freaking people out (Good)   The Conor Cawley Comedy Special - https://youtu.be/GdkXyEBfcE8?si=ewPg-ZvmyF__igSA    The Rubik Cube turns 50 - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/science/rubiks-cube-puzzles.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   12th Annual Startup Ecosystem Report - The GSER, powered by the world's most quality-controlled dataset on startup ecosystems, analyzes data from over 4.5 million companies across 300+ entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems.    Swiss Startup Connects 16 Human Brains To Create Low Energy Biocomputer - FinalSpark's bio-computer, which integrates living brain cells (organoids) into its design, consumes significantly less energy than traditional digital processors, using about a million times less power.   Fisker Files for Bankruptcy - Fisker Group Inc., founded by designer Henrik Fisker, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware District Court, following numerous issues with its Ocean SUV, including recalls and lemon law lawsuits.   Rivian just got a $1B Convertible Note from Volkswagen in a deal related to developing their software - Volkswagen Group will invest $1 billion in Rivian as part of a broad software development deal, which could expand to $5 billion. This includes creating a joint venture with a 50-50 partnership to develop and grow technology.   Astronauts stranded in space due to multiple issues with Boeing's Starliner — and the window for a return flight is closing - NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, originally scheduled to return on June 13, are now stranded on the ISS indefinitely due to issues with Boeing's Starliner, with the earliest return date pushed to June 26.   Introducing a new section called Pebbling - https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/star-psychologist-adam-grant-pebbling-secret-stronger-relationships.html    ESports Coming To the Olympic Games - https://sports.yahoo.com/olympic-video-games-know-olympic-142926997.html    4 Signs Your Body Is Telling You It's Time to Take a Break - https://time.com/6977883/what-does-stress-feel-like/?linkId=466794915    George Strait Concert Breaks US Attendance Record Held Since 1977 - https://www.fox44news.com/news/local-news/george-strait-concert-breaks-us-attendance-record-held-by-rock-band-since-1977/    Olympic Swimming Trials Pool Assembly Was Impressive - https://stories.purdue.edu/purdue-innovation-takes-the-lead-at-olympic-swimming-pool-projiect-in-lucas-oil-stadium/    A Comprehensive Guide To ALL 63 National Parks in the United States - Detailing unique features, historical significance, and activities available in each park. One other thing to watch out for is quicksand…   How to Survive Quicksand by How To Survive - Check out the video on YouTube!   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) and joined special guest Jesse Middleton from FlyBridge, who is focused on investing in early-stage AI companies.   The group discussed all things AI and FlyBridge's new AI Index: https://www.flybridge.com/ai-index which monitors the largest AI players in the space. Jesse also talked about what he looks for when investing in AI companies and mentioned some of the AI companies he has been working with, including Splice (https://splice.com/innovation), Talktastic (https://talktastic.com), MelodyArc (https://melodyarc.com), Arcee AI (https://www.arcee.ai), and more.    The guys also talked about Apple's huge jump into the AI game. Read the article here: It's Official Apple Is Jumping AI at its WWDC event this week.   Lastly, Frank leaves listeners with a final thought related to Roger Feder's “Tennis Lessons” at his commencement address at Dartmouth College. His lessons were as follows:  Effortless is a myth; It's only a point, let me explain; and  Life is bigger than the court.    We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   A Billionaire-Backed Texas Stock Exchange Is In The Works—Here's What To Know - The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), founded in 2023 and owned by TXSE Group Inc., aims to be a fully electronic national securities exchange.   IKEA Is Hiring Roblox In-Game Workers - Ikea is launching "The Co-Worker Game," a virtual store on Roblox, on June 24 and hiring ten paid workers to operate it.    Apple Is Fixing Parental Controls - According to a report in the WSJ, Apple is fixing one of the software's worst bugs—an apparently obscure one that would let kids see the worst parts of the internet despite settings to prevent that.   Elon's Supercomputing in Memphis - Elon Musk is opening a major facility for his AI company, xAI, in Memphis, representing the largest private sector investment in the city's history.   Boeing's Starliner spacecraft lifts off for first crewed flight - NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched on Boeing's Starliner capsule for its first crewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS), seven years past the original target date.    For those of you interested, here is a video of everything that happened on the most recent SpaceX launch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-L-WZrnpBA   Dengue Fever is in the USA - Historically, it occurred every three to four years, now seen annually.   Frank is testing Sensate, a device created to enhance one's ability to handle stress. It uses vibrations and sounds to reduce stress in just ten minutes, lowering depression. They are currently raising funding via crowdfunding here: https://wefunder.com/sensate    Frank also adds a shout-out to his barber/recording artist, J Spin, who is based in Wells, Maine - https://www.youtube.com/@BenchParty    Today marks the last episode of Wheel of Fortune with host Pat Sajak as he is retiring from the show - Sajak began his career as a DJ on Radio while serving in Vietnam before transitioning to broadcasting. You can view his first episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHeadCEOYDs   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan), and Jamilah Corbitt (X: @JamilahCorbitt) chat about the following topics:   OpenAI & Apple - Apple is close to finalizing a partnership with OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT into iOS 18, aiming to introduce advanced AI capabilities to the iPhone.   OpenAI vs Her - Scarlett Johansson has accused OpenAI of using a voice resembling hers for its AI assistant, Sky, without her consent. Johansson's claim has led to legal threats and significant public backlash.   Elon Musk plans xAI Supercomputer - Elon Musk's AI startup xAI, plans to build a supercomputer to power the next version of its AI chatbot, Grok.   Elon Musk raised $6B in funding for xAI by Valor, a16z, and Sequoia - Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, raised $6 billion in a Series B funding round.   Big changes for college athletes - In a historic shift, the NCAA has agreed to a new revenue-sharing model, allocating over $15 billion to athletes over a 10-year period.   Singapore Airline Flight Experiences Terrible Turbulence - A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore hit severe turbulence, resulting in one death and 30 injuries.   Woman Married an AI Hologram - Unique Ceremony: Spanish-Dutch artist Alicia Framis plans to marry an AI hologram, AILex, this summer in a groundbreaking union, highlighting the evolving nature of human-robot relationships.   The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens by Anne Kuo (https://amzn.to/3KtJSDD) - From constructing coops to rearing chicks, you'll learn everything you need to know to make sure your chickens stay happy and healthy all year round.   Continuing our research on chicken coops, we are focusing on finding the best and most technologically advanced movable chicken coop and run for the 11 chickens that Frank is currently raising in his garage. He provided information about the Omlet Eglu Cube Coop & Run (https://www.omlet.us) and the Smart Coop (https://smart.coop.farm).   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Caonsalv (X: @noreaster) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) chat about the following topics:   The 6th birthday of our company, Established! Read our post about it: https://www.startupofyear.com/blog/estturnssix    What actually happens when you mow your lawn? - Mowing grass too short can cut the tops off of flowering plants, which can make it hard for pollinators to feed and rest and nest   OpenAI's ChatGPT has launched 4o or “omni” - launched the first of its kind - OpenAI introduced a major upgrade to ChatGPT with the new GPT-4o model, also known as Omni.   Google's Project Astra - Project Astra, showcased at Google I/O, is a real-time, multimodal AI assistant that identifies objects, locates items, reviews code, and more.   Apple is going to enter the generative AI market - Apple's top software executives decided to overhaul Siri after testing OpenAI's ChatGPT.   Google is going to start putting AI results first in Search thus causing a stir by those that rely on those search engine rankings to get found - Google announced the introduction of A.I.-generated answers, called "A.I. overviews," at its annual developer conference.   Ray Kurzweil's SXSW Speech: Can You Live 500 - At SXSW 2024, Ray Kurzweil, renowned futurist and Director of Engineering at Google AI, delivered a captivating speech titled "The Singularity is Nearer: Five Years to Radical Life Extension." He presented a compelling argument that significant advancements in medical technology within the next five years could potentially extend human lifespans to 2035 and beyond.   Daniel Ek's Next Act: Full-Body Scans For The People - The company says its full-body scans can detect the onset of a host of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as skin conditions. It calls its scans, which cost 2,500 Swedish krona (about $230), “a health check for your future self.”    Scientists About to Test Medicine to Grow New Teeth - Japanese scientists are starting the world's first clinical trials of "tooth regrowth medicine."    The first portrait of King Charles - I see lots of things in it. What do you see?    Life update - Frank and Jen have bought six little chicks that are about three weeks old, and they are currently raising them on the Kennebunkport ranch. So now they need a coop and run. If you know or work at one of the following companies, Nestera (https://nestera.us), Omlet (www.omlet.us), or Smart Coop (https://smart.coop.farm), please do get in touch with us.    On Sunday, May 12, Jerry Seinfeld accepted his honorary degree at Duke University but faced an unexpected turn of events. He said, “I totally admire the ambitions of your generation to create a more just and inclusive society. I think it is also wonderful that you care so much about not hurting other people's feelings in the million and one ways we all do that every second of every day.”  The comedian continued, “It's lovely to want to fix those things, but — all caps, but — what I need to tell you as a comedian, do not lose your sense of humor. You can have no idea at this point in your life how much you're going to need it to get through.” See it here: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/jerry-seinfeld-duke-university-speech-154355065.html    We have also started dropping our episodes onto YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) chat about the following topics:   We talk a lot about ChatGPT, but what about Anthropic - Anthropic was founded in 2021 by seven former employees of OpenAI, including siblings Daniela Amodei and Dario Amodei, the latter of whom served as OpenAI's Vice President of Research.   Musician Randy Travis is using AI in a good way - Randy Travis, who suffered a stroke in 2013, used AI to clone his voice for his new song, "Where That Came From."   SNL's skit about Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCfNpjeAFaA    Speaking of Mushrooms - Magic Mushrooms, while typically made with the federally illegal substance ‘psilocybin', are being produced legally now with ‘Amanita Muscaria' by a company called PolkaDot. Their products can be found in over 5,000 gas stations and smoke shops around the US.    First time scientists have restored brain cells - Scientists develop a method to restore brain cells affected by Timothy syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The method, using a “Antisense Nucleotide”  allows clusters of human neurons carrying the Timothy syndrome mutation to develop normally.    Bioengineered Houseplant Helps Remove Harmful Air Pollutants - Engineers at “Neoplants” designed a houseplant that is supercharged with billions of pollution-eating bacteria.   Give $7K to 'every baby that's born in America' - Bill Ackman proposed giving every child born in America a $7,000 investment account. The account would be created at birth, funded by the U.S. government, and restricted from withdrawals, remaining tax exempt.   Frank also tested the Atlantic Coast Tide Clock, which is the essential item to stay connected to the ocean, no matter where you are. This white and navy blue Atlantic tide clock is what you need for a perfect coastal living decor.    We have also started dropping our episodes onto YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo X: @noreaster) explore the following topics:   Life Below The Sea in the MIT Reader by James Powell - Our understanding of the resiliency of life has made leaps in bounds in a short amount of time. One can even extrapolate this resiliency to think about life on other worlds beyond our own and how methods to survive might be even stranger and more unknown than we can realize.    NASA picks three companies to help Drive around the Moon - The startup companies are Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab, which are set to design a next-generation lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) fit for moon travel and autonomous robotic exploration.   Generative A.I. Arrives in the Gene Editing World of CRISPR - As much as ChatGPT generates poetry, a new A.I. system creates blueprints for microscopic mechanisms that can edit your DNA.    Musicians Take A Stand Against AI - A coalition of over 200 musicians, including high-profile names like Nicki Minaj, Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, and Noah Kahan, have signed an open letter cautioning against the irresponsible use of AI in music.    Rich Americans Acquiring Second Passports - The rich are getting multiple passports and citizenships to hedge instability. Increasingly, wealthy Americans are seeking second passports, citing concerns over political and economic instability in the United States.    Tricks to Living a Long Life - The average life expectancy in the US is 76.4 years, with over 70,000 Americans reaching 100 in 2023. Blue Zones, regions with exceptional longevity, have ten times more centenarians than average.   We have also started dropping our episodes onto YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) dive deep into the innovations and controversies shaping our world.    We kicked off with a look at the Startup of the Year fast pitch competition that happened at SXSW, when 10 great early-stage companies pitched. The startup pitches were all really solid and the company that came out on top of that competition was Applied BioPlastics from Austin, Texas. Applied Bioplastics manufactures bioplastics from plant-based materials for retail, packaging, and medical industries to improve plastic recycling. See more: https://appliedbioplastics.com    We also chat about Magic Mind, the groundbreaking "mental performance shot" that's redefining daily routines everywhere. Unlike the traditional coffee fix, Magic Mind offers a sustainable boost to focus, motivation, and productivity without the dreaded caffeine crash. Don't forget to use the promo that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code SOMEWHATFRANK20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/SomewhatFrank    But the tech world doesn't stop turning, and neither do we. The potential TikTok ban has everyone talking. With its Chinese ownership under scrutiny, we explore what the future holds for the app that supports around 200k American jobs. Read more HERE.    The episode doesn't shy away from the big hitters, discussing the DOJ's recent move to sue Apple over its smartphone monopoly. We'll share personal insights and the broader implications of this legal battle. Read more HERE.   In a lighter vein, we celebrate Reddit's triumphant IPO, marking the first social media company to go public in five years. What does Reddit's success signal for the market and future IPOs? Read more HERE.   However, it's not all rosy. We delve into the concerning rise in mental health issues among adolescents, correlating with the smartphone era. With insights from Jonathan Haidt's latest book, "The Anxious Generation," we ponder the societal impacts of our digital age. Read more HERE.   The real estate world is also facing a shakeup, with the National Association of Realtors' recent settlement potentially transforming commission structures and housing market dynamics. We break down what this means for buyers, sellers, and the industry at large. Read more HERE.   Lastly, we shine a spotlight on Colton Rybus's debut jazz album, "Sketches from the Heart of My Cosmos." A personal connection brings this musical journey to life, showcasing the talent and passion behind the notes. Read more HERE.   And for those seeking the fountain of youth, we share Dave Asprey's simple yet effective tips for turning back the clock. Read more HERE.   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this very special episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) talk with Garrett Graff about his book “UFO: The Inside Story of the US Government's Search for Alien Life Here – and Out There.”    For those unfamiliar, Garrett has spent nearly two decades covering politics, technology, and national security. He is also the former editor of Politico and contributor to Wired and CNN, he's written for publications from Esquire to Rolling Stone to The New York Times and today serves as the director of the cyber initiative at the Aspen Institute.    Graff is also the author of multiple books, including the FBI history The Threat Matrix, Raven Rock (about the government's Cold War Doomsday plans), When the Sea Came Alive (an oral history of D-Day), and the New York Times bestsellers The Only Plane in the Sky, and Watergate, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. Learn more about Garrett the the following link: www.garrettgraff.com    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this special episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) were live with special guest Sam Jordan from the Established House at SXSW in Austin, Texas. Sam is the Head of Computing and Technology at the Future Today Institute (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samcjordan/).    The crew discussed all of the trends that they encountered during the week and SXSW, including the groundbreaking work of Colossal Biosciences and their audacious project to bring the woolly mammoth back from extinction. CEO Ben Lamm, alongside actor Seth Green, shared their vision to combat extinction and reshape our future. Discover how this Dallas-based startup is turning elephant cells into mammoth-like embryos, marking a pivotal step in de-extinction technology. Read more about their efforts on NPR.   Frank, Jen, John, and Sam also spotted a shift in travel patterns at SXSW, reflecting broader societal changes. With more weekend travelers and a split in attendance, they explored what this means against the backdrop of Americans socializing less, driven by pessimism, technology, and a surge in loneliness.   They also shined a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women, including a powerful SXSW panel featuring Megan Markle, Katie Couric, and others discussing the challenges women face in media.   The gang also discussed the legal battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI's Sam Altman, which raises critical questions about the future of AI and its impact on humanity.   Lastly, they concluded with a fascinating discussion on a simple test that could predict your longevity. Can standing on one leg for 10 seconds reveal the secrets to a longer, healthier life?    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) dive headfirst into the future of technology and societal trends, starting with our hands-on experience with the newly launched Apple Vision Pro. This cutting-edge headset, resembling a MacBook Pro for your face, promises an immersive experience unlike any other. We discuss its coolest features, from the ability to project multiple screens to its clear view of the surrounding environment, and weigh these against its less appealing aspects, such as its public perception and hefty price tag.   We also chat again about the Established House, which is scheduled to take place on March 10, 2024 in Austin, TX. It will be a networking and collaboration space for startups, investors, and entrepreneur support organizations. For more details, you can visit the official website: https://house.established.us    But that's not all – we also bring you the latest from the GRAMMY Awards. Our reading list is just as intriguing, featuring discussions on the Enhanced Games concept, where performance-enhancing drugs are not just allowed but celebrated, and the pivotal role Toby Keith played in launching Taylor Swift's career. Plus, we explore the rise of the Introvert Economy in post-pandemic America, a shift that's reshaping our social landscape and economic activities.   And for our tech enthusiasts, we delve into Disney's VR Treadmill Holotile, a project by Lanny Smoot, Disney's most prolific inventor. This innovation could revolutionize virtual reality, offering a level of immersion previously unattainable.   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) dive into an exciting mix of celebrations, upcoming events, and groundbreaking discoveries that are shaping our world.   We kick things off with a cheerful update: Groundhog Day brought us delightful news as the groundhog didn't see its shadow, heralding an early spring! Sunshine, flowers, and celebrations are just around the corner. Catch the full excitement of this cherished holiday on our live stream recap here.   As we bask in the post-Groundhog Day glow, the anticipation builds for the Grammy Awards happening this Sunday night at 8 pm EST. We're thrilled to see performances by Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman, and we're especially rooting for Noah Kahan, nominated for Best New Artist with his hit, "Stick Season." The Established team is all buzzed up about this one, and we've got our eyes peeled on the predictions here.   But that's not all on the horizon. We're also gearing up for the America's Seed Fund Road Tours starting soon in Orlando and San Juan, Puerto Rico (https://www.americasseedfund.us/road-tour), and the excitement around SXSW. Join us as we host a day of events for innovators and startups at the Established House on March 10th, 2024. More details here.   Switching gears to a mystery that's potentially solved – the lost aircraft of Amelia Earhart might have been found in a $11 million effort by a private individual. Earhart, a fellow Purdue Boilermaker, planned much of her journey from the campus airport, and this discovery could be a historic find. Dive into the story here and here.   In the realm of technology and health, the first human has received a Neuralink brain implant, potentially revolutionizing the way we interact with technology and treat neurological conditions. The future of AI is also making waves in the smartphone industry, with Google, Samsung, and soon Apple, introducing generative AI capabilities that promise to transform our digital experiences.   Meanwhile, the digital world grapples with the ethics of AI, as explicit AI-generated images of Taylor Swift raise concerns about non-consensual content, spotlighting the urgent need for regulation.   Elon Musk's new AI venture is another hot topic, with reports suggesting he's aiming to raise as much as $6B for his startup, reflecting the immense potential and costs associated with developing generative AI.   Looking ahead to the Super Bowl, we preview what's expected to be the most expensive tickets ever for the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas. Plus, we discuss Taylor Swift's logistical race against time to perform after her Tokyo concert, and we give you a sneak peek at this year's Super Bowl commercials. Check out the story here.   We wrap up with some personal updates, including the sleek Ridge Wallet and an intriguing way to explore global radio stations with Radio Garden. Plus, a shout out to "Suits," the most streamed show of 2023.   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) talk about Jen's fantastic birthday celebration, and we're thrilled to share it with you. Special guest, Kara Comparetto, played live piano at the party, and you won't want to miss her incredible talent. Check out her live piano shows on her YouTube channel and her albums on platforms like Apple Music: https://www.youtube.com/@KaraComparetto   We dive into a crucial topic—sleep! Did you know that the average American gets less than 7 hours of sleep per night? We discuss why sleep is essential for your brain's well-being and share some basic sleep hygiene tips. Read more here: https://www.axios.com/2024/01/18/sleep-tips-expert-hours#    The Key to Relationship Success - https://fortune.com/well/article/predict-divorce-communication-style-gottman-institute/  Researchers have discovered a communication error that can predict divorce with a staggering 94% accuracy. We explore how couples can turn towards each other and improve their relationships.   FDA Approves DermaSensor - https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-fda-clears-dermasensors-ai-powered-skin-cancer-detecting-device-2024-01-17/  Host: In tech news, the FDA has approved the DermaSensor, an AI-powered skin cancer detection device. Learn how this innovative device can assist primary care physicians in identifying skin cancer with impressive accuracy.   The Future of Supersonic Travel - https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/12/x-59-quiet-supersonic-jet-from-nasa-and-lockheed-finally-rolls-out/  We delve into the world of supersonic travel, discussing NASA and Lockheed Martin's experimental X-59 aircraft, aiming to reduce sonic booms. We also touch on Boom, a company working on passenger supersonic jets.   US Tech Investment Landscape - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-07/san-francisco-bay-area-nyc-boston-dominate-vc-investment-in-us?srnd=undefined&sref=OUxLpfXr  Discover where tech investment is booming in the US, with surprising statistics on venture capital growth across different regions.   Humanoid Robots at BMW - https://www.axios.com/2024/01/23/humanoid-robots-bmw-automotive-manufacturing-figure Humanoid robots are making their way into BMW's manufacturing plants. We discuss Figure, the California company behind these robots, and their role in the automotive industry.   Stanley Cups Craze - https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/23/how-a-40-ounce-cup-turned-stanley-into-a-750-million-a-year-business.html  Stanley Cups are more popular than ever! We explore how a simple 40-ounce cup has turned into a $750 million per year business.   Apple Vision Pro - https://youtu.be/Vb0dG-2huJE?si=2nP6KYQBOpuh48UV   We round off with a glimpse into the future of tech with the Apple Vision Pro headset and its potential for spatial computing.   What We're Watching and Texting Woes - hulu.com/series/death-and-other-details-1493a676-9e14-4e6a-ace8-914b39269f56 And before we go, our hosts share what they're currently watching, including Hulu's  "Death and Other Details." Plus, we discuss the evolution of texting into an email-like form of communication and the idea of adding a "send later" feature to iMessage.   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) talk about winter being in full swing across most of the country, with frigid temperatures causing chaos. We dive into the Midwest's cold snap and the challenges faced by Tesla and electric vehicle owners in this bitter weather (https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/tesla-owners-run-into-trouble-amid-bitter-cold/).   In New England, unprecedented storms and coastal flooding left a mark. But amidst the destruction, a shipwreck resurfaced in Bar Harbor, offering a glimmer of intrigue (https://www.cnn.com/travel/shipwreck-schooner-tay-acadia-maine?cid=ios_app). Meanwhile, we share our experiences from Las Vegas, where even the desert wasn't spared from the cold.   Join us as we take you through our CES 2024 adventure, where we rubbed shoulders with 150,000 tech enthusiasts. From AI-powered everything to flying cars, self-docking boats to inflatable gardens, we explore the remarkable trends that stole the show (https://www.ces.tech/innovation-awards/honorees/2024/best-of/a/airfarm.aspx). Discover the breakthrough in wearable tech with "Healing Pants," and the game-changers like autonomous mowers, electric cars, and more that are shaping the future.   We also highlight the CTA Foundation Pitch Competition winners, Augmental and Proxie, who showcased inclusive tech and caregiving support. Plus, take a break with a fun personality test (https://www.16personalities.com) and celebrate the Michigan Wolverines' national championship victory, which was also a win for us in Vegas!   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/   

Welcome back to the Somewhat Frank Podcast! In this episode, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) talk about the following topics:   Gaming Triumphs and Historical Trivia Dive into the fascinating world of Tetris. Hear about Willis Gibson, a 13-year-old from Oklahoma, who made history by defeating this iconic game. Discover the intriguing Soviet origins of Tetris and a must-watch film on Apple TV (Tetris Film).   Intellectual Property and Its Creative Freedoms Mickey Mouse enters the public domain after 95 years. We discuss what this means for creators and the fine line between copyright and trademark. Don't miss the discussion on the new "Steamboat Willie" horror movie and the Winnie The Pooh-themed "Blood and Honey."   Future of Transportation: Electrifying Roads Detroit's Corktown neighborhood introduces roads that charge vehicles wirelessly, a glimpse into the future of automotive technology.   AI and Copyright: A Legal Battleground The New York Times' lawsuit against AI creators like OpenAI sets a precedent in the world of automated content and copyright law.   Technology and the Human Mind: DeepSouth Supercomputer Learn about DeepSouth, the supercomputer that simulates the human brain, marking a breakthrough in neuroscience and computing.   Innovations in Energy: The Sodium-Based Battery JAC Motors is set to release an electric vehicle with a sodium-ion battery, heralding a new era in eco-friendly and efficient energy storage.   Health and Harmony: The Power of Sound Resonance Therapy Explore how music and sound frequencies can significantly improve mental and physical health, with insights from Psychology Today.   Sports QuickHits: Snoop Dogg's unique reporting style at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the climax of the NFL season, College Football Playoffs, and Shohei Ohtani's record-breaking move to the Dodgers.   Friendly Shoutouts: Reminiscing on holiday classics and celebrating Willie Nelson's 90th Birthday with a special vinyl edition (https://amzn.to/3TKXyA9).   Testing 1, 2, 3: Gadget Reviews A look at Wildgame Innovation's Terra Cell Trail Camera (Product link), RYOBI's Snow Blower for the winter, and the Chef iQ Smart Thermometer (Find it here).   Join us for this riveting journey through technological advancements, legal landscapes, and the ever-evolving world of entertainment. Tune in, and let's start the year with curiosity and enthusiasm!   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

Welcome back to the Somewhat Frank Podcast! In this episode, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) explore a range of fascinating topics and events, from innovation summits to the changing landscape of social media, and even some exciting product recommendations. Join us on this journey of discovery as we navigate through these diverse subjects.   We kick off the episode by discussing the Innovation Ecosystem Summit, set to take place on December 13-14. Link to event. We also chat about the upcoming AFWERX virtual event titled “Wargaming & AI'' which is set to take place on December 12th (link to event) and the CTA Foundation Pitch Competition that will take place at the Consumer Technology Association Foundation on January 10th. Link to event.   The Future of Truth in the Age of AI and Social Media In an era where truth can sometimes feel elusive we share our thoughts on the importance of reliable information sources and their concerns about the evolving landscape of truth.   Is social media a brainwashing machine?  We delve into this question in light of recent events on TikTok, where a surprising connection to Osama Bin Laden emerged. Links to articles. We explore how viral moments can be based on historical events and their impact on public perception.   We also consider the changing social media landscape and the declining usage of platforms by millennials, as outlined in this Wired article.   Reading:    Surge in Homeschooling Post-Pandemic Homeschooling rates in the U.S. have seen a significant surge post-pandemic, with certain states experiencing remarkable increases. We discuss the implications for public school enrollment and the demographic shifts, especially the increase in homeschooling among Black families. (Read more)   Sports QuickHits: MLB News and NBA Mid-Season Tourney Sports enthusiasts won't want to miss our quick hits on the latest MLB developments, including the introduction of the Vegas Athletics. (Read more) We also touch upon the possibility of the Chicago White Sox relocating to Nashville and the upcoming NBA Midseason Tournament Finals.   Friendly Shoutouts:  Kiki World Marketplace - We give a warm shoutout to Alex Abelin, co-founder of Kiki Milk, on the launch of the Kiki World Marketplace. This marketplace aligns with Kiki Milk's mission to help individuals navigate illness, allergies, and overall health. (Link to Kiki World Marketplace)   Entertainment Recommendations:  Jen introduces the captivating "Humans Decoded Podcast," which delves into the realms of fairies, elves, hobbits, gnomes, dwarfs, and humans. (Listen here)   Meanwhile, we chat about two engaging entertainment options: the series "Suits" on Netflix and the new Season 5 of "Fargo" on FX and Hulu.   Testing 1, 2, 3 - Product Reviews: We put some products to the test, starting with BioLift, a beverage containing ingredients like Guarana, Ginkgo Biloba, Elderberry, and Carob, aimed at boosting energy and well-being. (Learn more)   John shares his excitement about the Ninja® CREAMi® Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker, an innovative kitchen appliance perfect for creating a wide variety of frozen treats. (Check it out)   Final Thought: Tesla's CyberTruck Takes Center Stage We conclude the episode with a fascinating insight into Tesla's CyberTruck, which is finally hitting the streets. We reminisce about the anticipation that began in 2019 and share some incredible videos showcasing the vehicle's durability and strength.   As we wrap up, we wish you all a fantastic Holiday season and encourage you to check out our podcast for more exciting updates and discussions. Thanks for tuning in!   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/   

Welcome back to the Somewhat Frank Podcast! It's the season of the sticks and of thanks, and amidst all the craziness and turmoil in the world, there's much to be grateful for.    In this episode, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) delve into what we're looking forward to this Thanksgiving season while sharing some exciting stories and developments in the world of technology and entertainment.   First, we chat about the Colombian government finding treasure off its coast. Read more here: https://news.yahoo.com/colombian-president-orders-recovery-20-013019478.html    Second, we explore a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional batteries that involves shellfish. Yes, you heard it right! Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered a way to repurpose shellfish waste to create biodegradable batteries that are highly efficient. Read more here: https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/shellfish-batteries-crab-lobster-science-biodegradable    Next, we dive into the fascinating world of memory manipulation and how scientists are working on editing and even deleting memories. While it may sound like science fiction, recent research has made significant strides in understanding memory formation and manipulation. Read more here: https://www.thedailybeast.com/meet-the-scientists-who-want-to-edit-and-delete-your-memories   Then, we introduce you to Mika, the world's first AI-powered human-like robot CEO. This unique collaboration between Hanson Robotics and Dictador, a rum company, has resulted in an AI CEO capable of making data-driven decisions, although with a notable processing delay. Read more here: https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/mika-worlds-first-ai-human-like-robot-ceo   We also take a look at the Humane AI Pin, a potential smartphone replacement. This innovative device attaches to your lapel and projects information onto your hand, allowing you to make calls, send texts, and access information through voice control and gestures. Read more here: https://hu.ma.ne/aipin   In our friendly shoutouts, we highlight an AI fact-checking tool by Chris Saad (https://www.getwingman.ai/) and celebrate Atlantic Sea Farms' recognition in the food industry (https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/trends/the-next-big-things-our-top-10-food-trends-for-2024). Plus, we share exciting news about the launch of Orange Bike Brewery, the first gluten-free brewery in Portland, Maine, founded by our friends Tom and Meg Ruff (http://orangebikebrewing.com).    In our tech and gadgets segment, we discuss SpotMyPhotos, a software that grants photographers and photo booths control over event photo sharing (https://www.spotmyphotos.com). We also introduce the DJI Mini 3 drone with extended battery life and intelligent features (https://store.dji.com/product/dji-mini-3?vid=128001). Plus, we chatted about the Clevr Blends Starter Kit with frother (https://amzn.to/3Gh49KJ).    Finally, in the entertainment section, we explore The Beatles' final song "Now And Then" (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/beatles-new-song-now-and-then-1234868643) and share our experience of watching Steve Martin and Martin Short live, offering a hilarious and memorable performance.   As we wrap up, we wish you all a fantastic Thanksgiving season and encourage you to check out our podcast for more exciting updates and discussions. Thanks for tuning in!   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber) and John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) discuss “Friday the 13th,” because many believe that the combination of Friday and the number “13” cancels out bad luck. According to a 2008 study by the Dutch Centre for Insurance Statistics, reported by National Geographic, "there were fewer accidents on Friday the 13th than on any other Friday." Read more about the history of Friday the 13th - www.history.com/topics/folklore/friday-the-13th   The guys also discuss the following topics and articles… California Bans Four Additives — it's about damn time! Let's go to America…we can demand better. https://www.npr.org/2023/10/10/1204839281/california-ban-food-additives-red-dye-3-propylparaben-candy  Americans eat long list of food banned in other countries - https://www.wthr.com/amp/article/money/consumer/american-europe-banned-foods-safety-fda-purdue-lab-experts/531-119bf785-1e68-49d7-bd60-720ce2b4c0ff ‘We'll be living and working to 120 - and it will start within a decade' says doctor. https://nypost.com/2023/09/23/doctor-stem-cells-will-extend-life-to-120-from-this-decade/  How to get rid of “brain fog”? https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/10/06/what-is-brain-fog/70466894007/   They guys are testing these gadgets: Shiftwave chair — Shiftwave is a breakthrough Nervous System Training Technology delivering mental and physical restoration and optimization at the touch of a button. Benefits include improved sleep, recovery, immunity, etc. Pricing $10,500 online - https://shop.shiftwave.co/products/shift Adobe Photoshop (Beta) - Generative AI capabilities - https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html  Adobe Scan - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adobe-scan-pdf-ocr-scanner/id1199564834    Lastly, Frank and John are watching/listening to these shows/movies: Icon (https://www.iconbuild.com) - 3-D printing homes on earth and maybe the moon (60 Minutes) - https://youtu.be/dXUX6dv2_Yo?si=mHXpLzBRkhnEZlAj Radio Rental Podcast - https://radiorentalusa.com/  “Totally Killer” slasher flick on Prime - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11426232/     ………..   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber) and John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) discuss their trip to Purdue homecoming and the Atlantic Sea Farm investment (www.atlanticseafarms.com).    Frank also chats about his trip to Orange Bike Brewing's open house (www.orangebikebrewing.com), while John went to the Saxsquatch concert in Indy (www.instagram.com/saxsquatch). They also discuss the following topics and articles…   Apple Electric Car - Is The Apple Car A Computer On Wheels? - https://www.forbes.com/sites/timbajarin/2023/08/15/is-the-apple-car-a-computer-on-wheels/?sh=16667b9363e4  Asteroid Bennu - https://www.ndtv.com/science/nasa-predicts-asteroid-with-force-of-22-atomic-bombs-might-hit-earth-in-4449174  Nearly 2,000 reports of UFO sightings surface ranging from orbs, disks and fireballs - https://news.yahoo.com/nearly-2-000-reports-ufo-012353032.html?utm_campaign=later-linkinbio-yahoonews&utm_content=later-38292106&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkin.bio  Tom Hanks AI Concerns - https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2023/10/02/tom-hanks-ai-advertisement-without-permission/71030195007/  Meta News of new AI Glasses https://about.fb.com/news/2023/09/new-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses/    They guys are testing these gadgets: RayBans Smart Glasses - the news ones are coming soon and are currently for sale as a preorder ​​https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses  Starlink - https://www.starlink.com/    Lastly, Frank and John are watching/listening to these shows/movies: No One Will Save you - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14509110/  Only Murders in the Building Season 3 - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11691774/  Yeti on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@yeticoolers  Haileywood podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/haileywood/id1582007311  Mo News Podcast - https://mo.news/  The Kurty D Show - https://the-kurty-d-show.simplecast.com/episodes/051-somewhat-frank-with-frank-gruber   ………..   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/   

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber) and John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) discuss the following topics and articles…   Speaking of octopus  - https://bgr.com/science/octopus-brains-are-more-alien-than-we-previously-thought/ Eggs — why are they so hot right now? https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/03/03/egg-prices-increased-70percent-over-the-last-yearheres-why-.html  Spy Balloons or Something Else? https://time.com/6255436/balloons-ufos-what-is-in-the-sky/ Trends in Startup Names https://news.crunchbase.com/venture/startup-names-trends-cool/ Scientist creates a device that cures hiccups https://futurism.com/neoscope/scientist-hiccup-cure Some tips on scaling a startup from $5M to $100M ARR from Tracy Young cofounder of PlanGrid https://tracy.posthaven.com/part-ii-the-failure-points-from-$5m-to-$100m-in-arr How leaders can open up to their teams without oversharing https://hbr.org/2019/02/how-leaders-can-open-up-to-their-teams-without-oversharing This bullet train could change the game for Las Vegas. https://abc7chicago.com/bullet-train-los-angeles-socal-to-las-vegas-brightline-west-high-speed-rail/12907290/ Speaking of living… here are the healthiest states to live in. https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-live-in-the-us-healthy-lifestyle-7152170   We also hear about our upcoming trip to Austin for SXSW 2023! We're headed down to SXSW on March 12th for a day filled with startup, ESO, and VC focused events and activities. Learn more about the event and register at: https://bit.ly/sxsw23est    Lastly, we're hosting another startup pitch event in April too. Find more here: https://soty.link/April25    ………..   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/   

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber) and John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) discuss the following topics and articles…   AI is taking over everything…get ready! Here's a good guide from a search engine analyst perspective. Google Faces a Serious Threat From ChatGPT - https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-12-07/chatgpt-should-worry-google-and-alphabet-why-search-when-you-can-ask-ai?tpcc=nltermsheet&utm_source=website&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=mobile_web_share   AI taking over the news - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/10/technology/ai-chat-bot-chatgpt.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare   AI taking over portrait art with viral Lensa app - https://news.northeastern.edu/2022/12/09/portrait-ai-app/   Lensa.ai is pretty amazing - https://flip.it/jkdKZr   ChatGPT can detect Alzheimer's disease with 80% accuracy - https://flip.it/sigJB_   Frank talks about his work with TechStars and CICLA - https://cicla3d.cl   Mia Consalvo, PhD, Professor and Canada Research Chair In Game Studies & Design, Communication Studies (https://www.miaconsalvo.com/) also chats about the implications of AI impacting education.    Lastly, we hear about our upcoming trip to Las Vegas for the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show, where we'll be on the floor again at Eureka Park, where we'll be hosting the Consumer Technology Association Foundation Pitch Competition. Come join us at the Startup Stage on Friday, January 6th from 2 - 4 PM PT, for an electrifying pitch competition featuring startups with technologies that help people of all ages and abilities get out into the world, whether for work or play!   While in Las Vegas, we will also be hosting the Startup of the Year Coffee Meetup on Friday, January 6th from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Pacific Time at Off the Strip coffee joint. Please join us by registering at: https://soty.link/CES-Coffee    ………..   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) discuss the Small Business Administration's 2nd Innovation Ecosystem Summit, which is coming up on December 6th and 7th.    The SBA Innovation Ecosystem Summit was curated to connect entrepreneur support organizations from around the country to learn from one another as we work together to build a thriving national ecosystem that promotes equitable access to capital and resources for innovators across the country. Learn more over at: https://est.us/ESOSummit2022    We're also busy getting ready for a startup event that we are hosting in which we will be showcasing five startups from our Startup of the Year community on December 13th. More details over at: http://soty.link/growpitch2022    Lastly, we're working with the CTA Foundation on their 5th Annual Pitch Competition which will take place on January 6th at CES in Las Vegas. Details can be found on the CTA Foundation's website:  https://bit.ly/ctafpitch23    The crew also talks about the following topics and articles…   The first solar electric vehicle is in production - https://lightyear.one      Tesla has robot, and it's real, not just a guy in a white body - https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/30/teslas-robot-is-a-real-robot-now-not-just-a-guy-in-a-suit        The FTX situation - https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/sam-bankman-fried-ftx-bankruptcy-what-happened.html       Kanye West, now known as Ye, has completely lost it - https://www.newser.com/story/328645/kanye-west-to-alex-jones-i-love-nazis.html       Olivia Pichardo, a Brown University freshman, is making history as the first female baseball player to be on an active NCAA Division I roster - https://atmlb.com/3tMNfgz        College football at 49? A North Dakota lineman has the right stuff - https://apnews.com/article/nfl-college-football-sports-north-dakota-795486fcc3892bbc8e250f0ed11eb5fa        What are the hottest gifts this holiday season? - https://shopping.google.com/m/holiday100/      ………..   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) chat about the following topics and articles… Did you know it is National Coffee Day? Health benefits of coffee - https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/14/well/eat/coffee-health-benefits.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare Health benefits of decaf - https://coffeeaffection.com/benefits-of-decaf-coffee/  Queen Elizabeth II passed away. She had a pretty impressive life and reign as monarchy. - https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61585886  Serena Williams retired but went out with a bang with a pretty impressive match. - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/03/sports/tennis/serena-venus-williams-us-open.html  NASA shared video and images of its first ever planetary defense mission. - https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci_hwGVNHGG/?igshid=MmIxOGMzMTU= The genes of a jellyfish show how to live forever. - https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2022/08/31/the-genes-of-a-jellyfish-show-how-to-live-forever Could ‘Ferris Bueller's Day Off' in Chicago really be done? We found out. - https://twitter.com/FrankGruber/status/1570921161768443907  Child Predators Are Using Twitch To Track Kids Livestreams. - https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2022-twitch-problem-with-child-predators/?curator=MediaREDEF AI art generator - www.Craiyon.com  AI creates "New" Nirvana song “Drowned In The Sun” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf6eOSJgN0Y  ……….. As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) chat about the following topics and articles…   Adam Neumann has a new backer - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/15/business/dealbook/adam-neumann-flow-new-company-wework-real-estate.html   U.S. demands more water cuts as Colorado River hits dire lows - https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2022/08/16/colorado-river-bureau-of-reclamation/   Jupiter Images Released By NASA Showcase Auroras, Hazes - https://blogs.nasa.gov/webb/2022/08/22/webbs-jupiter-images-showcase-auroras-hazes/   What alcohol does to your body, brain, and health - https://hubermanlab.com/what-alcohol-does-to-your-body-brain-health/   'Very distinct' dinosaur tracks made 113 million years ago revealed by severe Texas drought - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/08/23/texas-drought-reveals-dinosaur-tracks/7879831001/?fbclid=IwAR0U3XZydjdtc2Azawr9JIzOVqS7Ze4Ombo3KoS9jH7QWIyL6WSYa3a9RTE   The space race for your cell phone - https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-space-b7819bcb-2c9b-4064-b6bd-f02e1ebcd75d.html?chunk=0&utm_term=emshare#story0   Rumors are also swirling that Apple might be set to announce its own direct-to-satellite iPhone partnership with Globalstar next week - https://www.macrumors.com/2022/08/26/apple-globalstar-iphone-14-satellite-rumor/    ………..   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) chat about Frank and Jen's first bout with Covid.The group also chats about the following topics and articles… Can Pickleball Save America? https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/07/25/can-pickleball-save-america HQ is wherever you are, and it's not going back to a specific city anytime soon.  https://twitter.com/FrankGruber/status/1550158895594741760  Costa Rica Just Made It Ridiculously Easy To Live There as a Digital Nomad. https://matadornetwork.com/read/costa-rica-digital-nomad-visa/ Text your Friends. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/11/well/family/check-in-text-friendship.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share 9-8-8 is a new phone number for anyone having harmful thoughts about themselves. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/12/well/988-suicide-prevention-hotline.html Scientists have picked up a radio signal 'heartbeat' billions of light-years away. https://www.npr.org/2022/07/14/1111471532/space-science-stars-radio-waves-signals-galaxy-lightyears-mit Scientists Discover Space Travel Accelerates Aging. https://www.slashgear.com/946243/scientists-discover-space-travel-accelerates-aging/ Earth Is Suddenly Spinning Faster. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2022/07/28/earth-is-suddenly-spinning-faster-why-our-planet-just-recorded-its-shortest-day-since-records-began/amp/ What if the pavement you drive on charged your car? https://www.mywabashvalley.com/news/regional-news/purdue-researchers-are-developing-pavement-that-can-charge-electric-vehicles-as-they-drive/ ……….. As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) chat about America's Seed Fund Week 2022.  America's Seed Fund Week is a free and virtual opportunity for small businesses to learn about non-dilutive funding available through America's Seed Fund that delivers $4 billion annually to small businesses in R&D. Learn more at: www.americasseedfund.us The group also chats about the following topics and articles… Comparing Hubble to James Webb: The Difference in Detail is Astounding - https://petapixel.com/2022/07/11/comparing-hubble-to-james-webb-the-difference-in-detail-is-astounding/ Three Drivers of the Lifeguard Shortage - https://finance.yahoo.com/news/3-drivers-critical-lifeguard-shortage-200905442.html Psychosis, Addiction, Chronic Vomiting: As Weed Becomes More Potent, Teens Are Getting Sick - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/23/well/mind/teens-thc-canabis.html?referringSource=articleShare Scientists Turn Nuclear Waste Into Diamond Batteries Which Last 1,000's of Years - https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/scientists-turn-nuclear-waste-into-diamond-batteries-which-last-1-000-s-of-years New drug increases the human lifespan by 30%, according to Mayo Clinic -  Senolytic drugs boost key protective protein - Mayo Clinic Press It is summer in Maine and this is one that is close to home…Massive Lobster Found in Maine May be 100 Years Old  - https://weather.com/science/nature/video/massive-lobster-found-near-maine-may-be-100-years-old ……….. As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) chat about the following topics and articles… VC Funding for Black-Founded Startups Slows Dramatically As Venture Investors Pull Back - https://twitter.com/frankgruber/status/1537824149195849730?s=21&t=ltk9Nj_FRC9kvuKfv2pStw Trash found on Mars - https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article262582962.html Fashion is going Meta - https://www.inputmag.com/style/meta-balenciaga-prada-thom-browne-avatar-store-facebook Growing skin on robots - https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-have-made-this-creepy-as-heck-living-skin-for-robots Cannes Lions is in full swing for the first time since 2019 and focused on creativity in film and advertising. - https://nypost.com/2022/06/22/cannes-lions-international-festival-of-creativity-moments/ and https://www.businessinsider.com/cannes-lions-festival-of-creativity-2022-live-blog-2022-6 ……….. As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) chat about the following topics and articles… America's gun culture - in seven charts https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41488081 - Gun violence has returned to the US post-pandemic and it's hard to stomach. Something has to be done. It's gotten out of hand. We're basically at war within our country every day. It's scary to walk into Wal-Mart or send your child to school or attend a large festival. We've turned a blind eye for years and lived with it but now is the time to make some change. Could you live on a cruise ship? https://wgme.com/news/nation-world/couple-lives-permanently-on-cruise-ships-because-its-cheaper-than-housing-angelyn-burk-richard-burk-seattle-australia-mortgage-retirement-plans-vacation-travel-escape-retire-living-on-a-boat - A retired couple sold their home so they could permanently live on cruise ships for less than $43 a day. Could you do that? Insider trading on jpegs https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/01/former-opensea-exec-arrested-and-charged-with-insider-trading-of-nfts/  - NFT (non-fungible tokens) are securities regulated by the SEC. So just like stocks you can insider trade on NFTs too. The moon race https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2022-05-17/china-us-are-in-a-space-race-to-make-billions-from-mining-the-moon-s-minerals  - China and the US Are Racing to Make Billions From Mining the Moon's Minerals. Speaking of NASA, have you seen you can send your name to space? NASA Artemis | Send Your Name to Space - https://www.nasa.gov/send-your-name-with-artemis/ Plant Milk Is Coming for Your Kids https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2022-06-03/plant-milk-markets-to-kids-as-big-dairy-pushes-back - We've got a baby formula shortage. Is plant milk here to save the day? Driverless taxis were approved in California for the first time – but the rollout will be gradual https://www.businessinsider.com/driverless-taxis-california-for-the-first-time-2022-6  - Cruise is the first company to have an autonomous vehicle contract in San Francisco. BONUS - The Harlem Globetrotters of Baseball https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2022-05-16/savannah-bananas-baseball-revolution-mlb-rules  - Meet the Savannah Bananas, who've captivated fans and MLB. ‘We exist to make baseball fun' ……….. As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) chat about the following topics and articles… - The 4 Day Work Week - An article by Jennifer Liu of CNBC examines the idea of the 4 Day Work Week and the book by Andrew Barnes of the same name. It explores studies that support the work shift. https://twitter.com/FrankGruber/status/1517207313500749830 - Bill Gates TED Talk - So at this year's TED conference, Bill Gates drew from his new book, How to Prevent the Next Pandemic, and talked about the steps we need to take. Watch the TED Talk here: https://www.gatesnotes.com/Health/Talking-about-the-last-pandemic-at-TED?WT.mc_id=20220421110000_HTPTNP-TED_BG-EM-A_&WT.tsrc=BGEM - Cities Are Shrinking - https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2022/04/metro-areas-shrinking-population-loss/629665/ - Child Car Seats Are Disposable - https://www.sheknows.com/feature/what-to-do-with-an-expired-car-seat-966293/ 12M Child Passenger Safety Car Seats Are Thrown Away In The U.S. Every Year. The vast majority are thrown away at the end of their life cycle because they are hard to recycle. Also, check out https://carseatrecycling.com/ - Snap launched a new product, the Pixy a personal drone for selfies. https://twitter.com/FrankGruber/status/1520049574685122561 - Would you clone your pet? Cloning your pet could be a thing for the future. https://twitter.com/frankgruber/status/1515342252855414785?s=21&t=kJeJZMfbaFcwNq3bq6FH0g - WHOOP wristband - WHOOP monitors your sleep, recovery, and daily effort around the clock to deliver actionable insights on how you can optimize your performance. https://www.whoop.com/ ……….. As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) chat about … 1.) Mushrooms Communicate - Apparently, they use up to 50 words to communicate among themselves. Makes me wonder the same about trees. (https://twitter.com/frankgruber/status/1513690113968070664?s=21&t=gtQR6J3MYyOudT0Hr0eqy) 2.) Microplastics are found in human blood for the first time - Well, this is disrupting. What can we do about it? (https://twitter.com/frankgruber/status/1507007332600848384?s=21&t=i5jozVp7_dN0ldD5ipC6Ug) 3.) Elon Buying Twitter? Elon Musk made big moves a week ago buying a majority share of Twitter and then proposing to buy the whole company for $43B. Since then there has been a movement by the other largest investor Vanguard Group to buy just a little more of the company to take back over as the largest owner of Twitter. Of course, Twitter exploded with conversations about the situation and I polled on what should be done. Looks like most people voted for Elon to take over Twitter. I see it a lot like how media companies like newspapers were run by the wealthy in the past and you have seen that pattern return with Jeff Bezos owning the Washington Post for example. It also reminds me of the wealthy owning sports franchises. But all that aside, will Elon be good for Twitter or would his full ownership have negative impacts? (https://twitter.com/frankgruber/status/1514953746274566150?s=21&t=gtQR6J3MYyOudT0Hr0eqyg) 4.) NFT Discussion & A NFT Predictions - The NFT sales peaked in September 2021 but there are lots of new projects picking up steam and there are new ways people are using NFTs to fund projects.  The big ones that you hear a lot about are Bored Ape Yacht Club, Doodles, and Crypto Punks, but projects like Moonbirds and VeeFriends are picking up steam as they've been rolling out.  For example, there is a company dropping NFTs to mine meteors. (https://twitter.com/frankgruber/status/1508556287071633412?s=21&t=2GvKmsVQZ19r96wcBViDhg) I just heard of a couple of political candidates dropping NFTs to support their efforts which led me to a prediction that every major political campaign will have an NFT. (https://twitter.com/frankgruber/status/1514969414474608648?s=21&t=gtQR6J3MYyOudT0Hr0eqyg) Is there a web3 or NFT project you are working on? I'd love to hear about it.  5.) Work & Culture trend: The Two-Shift Workday - We have adopted the two-shift juggle in 2020 as soon as the pandemic hit. It went on pretty regularly until school was back in session and things got back to normal but it's not going away. We all are connected to our phones 24x7 so if we don't make a conscious effort to unplug then you may see ourselves falling into this routine and it can't be healthy long term. (https://twitter.com/frankgruber/status/1511093005012320269?s=21&t=gtQR6J3MYyOudT0Hr0eq) 6.) Rise of the Rest has a tour, fund & now a book - Steve Case announced a new book, titled Rise of the Rest after the tour and fund that he kicked off in 2015 through three or four dozen cities since. I have been a partner and bus rider on a bunch of the stops on the tour and either interviewed Steve or hosted the startup pitch competition on those various stops along the way so it's in much anticipation I await the launch of the book. You can preorder it here. (https://twitter.com/frankgruber/status/1512145798129143811?s=21&t=i5jozVp7_dN0ldD5ipC6Ug) Also, you might want to check out my interview with Anna Mason of the Rise of the Rest Fund that we dropped recently over on the Startup of the Year Podcast. (https://podcast.startupofyear.com/0081-anna-mason-from-the-rise-of-the-rest-fund-is-passionate-about-investing-between-the-coasts) 7.) New Safe tool for startups by AngelList - For all the startup founders raising funding from VCs or angels, you will need a SAFE term sheet and this new free tool can help you generate it. Y Combinator introduced the safe (simple agreement for future equity) in late 2013, and since then, it has been used by lots of startups as the main instrument for early-stage fundraising. (https://twitter.com/frankgruber/status/1514927687541927937?s=21&t=gtQR6J3MYyOudT0Hr0eqyg) Bonus: Finally, my latest guilty pleasure was binge-watching 1883 on Paramount+. I have to say, I am so thankful that we have modern medicine these days. It was only 139 years ago but life back then was pretty hard compared to today. And the Oregon Trail was brutal. It's a great series, and I loved it. The actors all did an amazing job making me care for them. That said, it's also super sad and violent so it's not for the faint of heart. It took me two days to shake the series finale and I would bet I am not alone. (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13991232/) As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@noreaster), all chat about New Year's greetings, cool new gadgets at CES, new shows, and more… Frank, Jen, and John also invite listeners to participate in the Startup of the Year Summit on Jan 25-27 https://summit.startupofyear.com/ Frank also celebrates Scot Chisholm on the merging of Classy with GoFundMe (https://techcrunch.com/2022/01/13/gofundme-acquires-classy) The group talks about these new books/articles: — Is it too late to say Happy New Year? Ok, either way. Shall we downplay NYE? (https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/cancel-new-years-eve-forever) —Best of CES 2022: 30 top gadgets you need to see (https://thegadgetflow.com/blog/best-of-ces-2022-30-top-gadgets-you-need-to-see/) — Collectibles are back. Fanatics Bets Big On Trading Cards (https://www.axios.com/fanatics-bets-big-trading-cards-topps-d3590fd0-749a-4471-a0df-449c29db8a30.html) — This is a huge deal! On Her Way Up: Yankees Tap Woman as Minor League Manager (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/10/sports/baseball/rachel-balkovec-yankees.amp.html) — Wordle is having a moment, while I'm still doing mini crossword puzzles and playing the spelling game on NYTimes app (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/01/13/wordle-perfect-pandemic-game-together) —Why “We Don't Talk About Bruno” Is the Biggest Disney Hit Since “Let It Go” (https://slate.com/culture/2022/01/encanto-soundtrack-we-dont-talk-about-bruno-tiktok.html) —The bees FTW! New research reveals that honeybee venom can cure breast cancer (https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/new-research-reveals-that-honeybee-venom-can-cure-breast-cancer) — This is groundbreaking research and news! Epstein-Barr Virus a Likely Leading Cause of Multiple Sclerosis (https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/966604) — The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday (https://amzn.to/3KstRN5) — The Bomber Mafia by Malcom Gladwell (https://a.co/5Bi6AOB) We are loving the following shows/movies: — Yellowstone – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4236770/ - it's like a cross between the Sopranos meets Lonesome Dove set in todays time on Peacock and I've been binge watching it while I work the second shift the last few months as we prep for our Startup of the Year Summit. — Emily In Paris – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8962124 - Season Two is out on Netflix and it's fun to escape to Paris through the show. It's light and I'd call it the next generation Sex In The City. — Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11852724/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk) As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this special Holiday Edition of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber) and John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) are joined by Jen Consalvo (@noreaster) and talk about holiday celebrations, being thankful for vaccines, getting back to nature, and more. Frank, Jen, and John also also invite listeners to participate in the Startup of the Year Summit is happening Jan 25-27 https://summit.startupofyear.com/ The Consumer Technology Association Foundation (http://www.ctafoundation.tech/) is bringing our CES Pitch Competition (https://www.cta.tech/Who-We-Are/CTA-Foundation/Pitch-Competition) sponsored by AARP Innovation Labs back live to CES 2022! The group talks about these new books/articles: —Drops replace specs (https://flip.it/9BsG9-) - First FDA-approved eye drops to replace reading glasses go on sale — Touch the sun! (https://flip.it/PIZ9D0) - For The First Time in History, a Spacecraft Has 'Touched' The Sun —Glowing Covid Masks (https://flip.it/AFsgcl) - Scientists invent mask that glows when exposed to COVID-19 virus —Bye Bye Biopsies (https://flip.it/-sOUQA) - Hebrew U. creates blood test that could eliminate painful biopsies —Speed pass(port) (https://flip.it/GpXEGN) - Biden Signs Order That Will Allow Online U.S. Passport Renewal —Drone mailboxes are coming (https://www.axios.com/mailboxes-drone-deliveries-428f2ff4-78ab-44c4-881c-a7da48efdf3a.html ) - The mailbox gets a makeover for drone deliveries — Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof - Key takeaways from it is that a 30 seconds or longer of a cold shower after your warm shower helps We are loving the following shows/movies: —The Harry Potter Series —Fred Claus As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this special episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber) and John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) are joined by Jen Consalvo (@noreaster) and talk about drone tugboats, NFTs, alien origins, and more.” The group also celebrate the following from their networks: This week we had National Entrepreneurship Day on November 16, 2021. Global Entrepreneurship Week was recently celebrated Nov 8, 2021 – Nov 14, 2021 Huge win for the Established team and for the SBIR team at the SBA - we produced the inaugural Innovation Ecosystem Summit from the 15th - 17th. Speakers ranged from Kathryn Finney to Steve Case and Victor Hwang - over a 1K people attended and videos will be posted soon. Andrew Warner has a new book https://www.StopAskingQuestions.co @properties in Chicago goes global with Christie's deal - https://www.chicagobusiness.com/residential-real-estate/christies-international-real-estate-selling-properties Jodie Howard & Lisa Lewis is starting a new business called “Togather” in Southern Maine We are very excited about this next step for Established Ventures portfolio company, SoLo Funds, and their SoLo Causes launch. Helping underserved communities has always been the SoLo mission, now users can also give back through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity International and United Way. See the People Magazine article here: https://people.com/human-interest/habitat-for-humanity-united-way-solo-funds-solo-causes-non-profit-rodney-williams/ Frank, Jen, and John also also invite listeners to participate in the following upcoming events: Startup of the Year then join our community and if you're one of the 100 startups selected you could be in the running. More info at http://soty.link/apply NASA iTech Cycle II Forum startup competition on Dec 8-9 - register at nasaitech.org Announced out Startup of the Year Summit is happening in Tampa on Jan 25-27 https://summit.startupofyear.com/ The Consumer Technology Association Foundation is bringing our CES Pitch Competition (https://www.cta.tech/Who-We-Are/CTA-Foundation/Pitch-Competition) sponsored by AARP Innovation Labs back live to CES 2022! The pitch event will take place Thursday, January 6th at 1:00 PM PT on the Startup Stage in Eureka Park. The group talks about these new books/articles: Agree! There are more than one ways to fry an egg. - Founders, Stop Obsessing Over Venture Funding (https://news.crunchbase.com/news/founders-vc-david-kolodny-wilbur-labs/) A drone tugboat - A tugboat made a 1,000-mile voyage around Denmark. The pilot was in Boston. (https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/inno/stories/news/2021/10/15/seamachines_nelliebly_denmark.html) Were we created by aliens in a Lab? - Our universe was made by aliens in a lab, theorises Harvard scientist (https://www.dazeddigital.com/science-tech/article/54556/1/our-universe-was-made-by-aliens-in-a-lab-says-harvard-scientist) This is kind of bonkers - How Four NFT Novices Created a Billion-Dollar Ecosystem of Cartoon Apes (https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/bayc-bored-ape-yacht-club-nft-interview-1250461/) So you're saying they are priceless? - Science proves it: Most NFTs are worthless (https://www.fastcompany.com/90695605/science-proves-it-most-nfts-are-worthless) So true - Why It Feels Like This Year Is Going By Too Quickly, According to Experts | Apartment Therapy (https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/why-this-year-is-going-by-so-quickly-36947464) New laws forming around working from home in Portugal - The government in Portugal passes a law to help remote workers (https://www.npr.org/2021/11/11/1054615000/the-government-in-portugal-passes-a-law-to-help-remote-workers) Beyond Happiness by Jenn Lim (https://jennlim.com/beyondhappiness) Beyond Diversity by Rohit Bhargava and Jennifer Brown (https://www.nonobviousdiversity.com/book/) We are also still watching the following shows/movies: Succession on HBO Max Working Moms Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 11 The Morning Show We also want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/  

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber) and John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) talk about Captain Kirk going to space, Zoolander's birthday, Beyond Happypalooza, and more. Frank and John also celebrate the following people from their networks: Leslie Jump is joining Assure Analytics - https://differentfunds.com/strategies/different-funds-team-to-join-assure/ Rohit Bhravaga's book Beyond Diversity: 12 Non-Obvious Ways To Build A More Inclusive World is coming out November 9th - https://amzn.to/3FEvmW9 Jenn Lim has a new book out called Beyond Happiness is out this week - https://amzn.to/3ADdFST Frank and John also also invite listeners to apply for the following upcoming events: Startup of the Year Awards Summit - If you're interested in an opportunity to be a part of those awards and for a shot at potential investment and bragging rights, if you're named Startup of the Year then join our community and if you're one of the 100 startups selected you could be in the running. More info at http://soty.link/apply NASA iTech Cycle II Forum startup competition - NASA is searching for non-government funded technologies. Apply here: http://est.us/NIT (the deadline is Friday, October 15th at 11:59 AM PDT) Frank is also hosting the upcoming Beyond Happypalooza festival on October 29th. Find out more about event here: https://est.us/beyondhappinesspalooza The guys talk about these new books/articles: Paint it white. — https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/whitest-paint-in-the-world?utm_source=N2K%20-%20No%20Ad%20Template%20(Duplicate%20to%20use)&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8537 Don't kill Capt Kirk! — https://techcrunch.com/2021/10/04/william-shatner-to-fly-on-blue-origins-next-human-spaceflight-on-october-12/ Space travel is bad for your health — https://newatlas.com/space/brain-damage-biomarkers-cosmonauts-space-travel/ Zoolander is 20! Only made $15M at box office but is a classic — https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a37762711/zoolander-20th-anniversary-ben-stiller-interview/ Wow this is a game changer — https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/06/health/malaria-vaccine-who.html?referringSource=articleShare Are unvaccinated kids as safe from COVID as vaccinated grandparents? — https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/12/briefing/covid-age-risk-infection-vaccine.html There's no stealing first in baseball — MLB Is Testing Ways To Fix Baseball's Boredom Problem — https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-10-11/mlb-rule-changes-atlantic-league-tests-tweaks-meant-to-save-baseball The guys are also still watching the following shows/movies: Ted Lasso - Season 2 (Apple TV) Only Murders In The Building (HULU) MLB Playoff Baseball Lastly, Frank and John chat about testing out the new iOS 15 iPhone update. As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber) and John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) talk about late-summer activities, entrepreneurs tackling civilian space exploration, cloning dinosaurs, and slowing hurricanes, and more. Frank and John also celebrate the following people from their networks: Charlie O'Donnell has raised a third fund for Brooklyn Bridge Ventures - https://www.brooklynbridge.vc/bbv-raises-third-fund Jewel Burks Solomon and Collab Capital has raised its first fund to invest in black innovators - https://medium.com/capital-innovation/collab-capital-closes-50m-first-fund-to-invest-in-black-innovators-22896db11ae8 Michael D Smith nominated for AmeriCorps - https://amp-cnn-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/06/15/politics/biden-michael-smith-americorps/index.html Katie Stanton raised her second fund - https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexkonrad/2021/07/19/moxxie-ventures-85-million-fund-katie-stanton-alex-roetter/ Max Crowley has had his coffee delivery startup Bandit acquired by Gopuff - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bandit-now-part-gopuff-max-crowley Matt Galligan on the launch of his new company XMTP and securing $20M in funding - https://blog.xmtp.com/series-a/ Frank and John also also invite listeners to apply for the following upcoming events: Startup of the Year Awards Summit - If you're interested in an opportunity to be a part of those awards and for a shot at potential investment and bragging rights, if you're named Startup of the Year then join our community before Sept 30th and if you're one of the 100 startups selected you could be in the running. More info at http://soty.link/apply NASA iTech Cycle II Forum startup competition - NASA is searching for non-government funded technologies that are addressing the following focus areas: Enabling Technologies for Commercialization of Low-Earth Orbit Hybrid Electric Aircraft Technologies and Alternative Fuels Physics-Based Machine Learning for Artificial Intelligence Technologies Using NASA Data to Foster Climate Resilience X-Factor Innovations (anything so cool, NASA should know about it). Apply here: http://est.us/NIT (the deadline is Friday, October 15th at 11:59 AM PDT) The guys talk about these new books/articles: Civilians in Space! --https://www.space.com/spacex-inspiration4-returns-to-earth?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email  Real-Life Jurassic Park? - Colossal, this startup just raised $15M with the goal of bringing the woolly mammoth back from extinction by 2027 using CRISPR, a revolutionary gene-editing technology. --https://www.cnet.com/news/woolly-mammoths-could-walk-the-earth-again-by-2027-if-crispr-startup-succeeds/ Hurricane Killing Startup? --https://futurism.com/the-byte/startup-tech-kill-hurricanes Zoom brain is a thing. --https://techcrunch.com/2021/04/21/this-is-your-brain-on-zoom/amp/#click=https://t.co/1q2GPOILzx Chickens for rent -- Rent-a-chicken trend spikes during pandemic -- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/chicken-rentals-spike-during-pandemic Sears is closing last store in home state of Illinois --https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html Let's talk beef, Wagnu beef to be more specific… of the 3D variety… -- https://interestingengineering.com/scientists-reveal-worlds-first-3d-printed-marbled-wagyu-beef The guys are also watching the following shows/movies: Ted Lasso - Season 2 (Apple TV) The Morning Show - Season 2 (Apple TV) Only Murders In The Building (HULU) Lastly, the Frank and John chat about testing out some new gear: ITIWIT Inflatable Kayak - https://www.decathlon.com/collections/kayaks/products/kayak-touring-inflatable-high-pressure-dropstitch-floor-3-seat-x100-177376?variant=39473127751742 DJI Mini 2 Drone - https://www.dji.com/mini-2 As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/  

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber) and John Guidos (@JohnGuidos) discuss whether NFTs are just a fad, or here to stay. Frank also chats about his recent NFT experience when he featured his newly minted NFT and the auction. See it here.    Frank and John also celebrate the following people from their networks: Blake Hall & the team at ID.me on reaching unicorn status with a $1.5B valuation. Elizabeth Yin and Eric Bahn on raising their second fund. Mike Levins on raising $10M in funding for their insurance tech company, Counterpart. Suneel Gupta's book Backable is out and it’s a best seller! Rick Klau on being appointed California's next Chief Technology Innovation Officer. Kevin Willer, Stuart Larkin, and the team at Chicago Ventures for raising a new $63M fund. Jenny Fielding on the launch of The Fund Midwest. Chester Ng and the Atomic team on a new $260M fund. Brian Luerssen on launching a new fund to invest in underrepresented founders in Chicago. Lisa Hellebo has launched a $10M rolling fashion fund. Zach Lipson on raising a Series C for Dutchie bringing the valuation to $1.7B. Brit Morin on being SF Magazine's cover story for her work on female entrepreneurship. Ellery Linder & Danielle Rushton, 2019 Top 5 Startup of the Year® Finalist, relaunch as Wherewithal.   David Spinks on the launch of his book the Business of Belonging. Susan McPherson on the launch of her book, The Lost Art of Connecting. Cyrus Radfar on co-founding SPINE to supercharge existing spreadsheet tools.     Frank and John also talk about the following upcoming events:  The Unvalley Conference is coming back on May 19th and 20th. Short link: https://est.us/UVPK NASA iTech is hosting an event on May 27th showcasing 10 companies with innovations that might help with future NASA missions - RSVP.   We also want to take a moment to invite all of our listeners to get involved with our program by visiting: established.us/programs. This is the best way to get notified of the various startup opportunities that we come across while working with various partner organizations and in a number of ecosystems across the country.   The guys talk about these new books/articles:  Is bringing your old photos of your grandparents to life with AI, creepy or cool? - New AI ‘Deep Nostalgia’ brings old photos, including very old ones, to life Space vacations are coming soon - World's first space hotel scheduled to open in 2027  There are a lot of ways to get your workout in and stay healthy and active - How to Get a Peloton-Style Workout Without Splurging This is an unbelievable feat by an athlete at any level, let alone college, and should be celebrated! - A Softball Pitcher Struck Out Every Batter? She Hadn’t Noticed   This is a Wright Brothers moment for Mars! - NASA’s Mars helicopter takes flight, 1st for another planet   The guys are also watching the following shows/movies: Made for Love (HBOMax) - This comedy, sci-fi series combines traits and trends being used by some of the tech leaders out there today to create a wild tech CEO aimed at leveraging technology to intertwine itself into the human mind for the sake of love, and profit of course.  Seaspiracy (Netflix) - Supported by Leonardo DiCaprio, a filmmaker sets out to document the harm that humans do to marine species - and uncovers alarming global corruption. It may have you rethinking your consumption of seafood.  Sasquatch (Hulu) - Follows investigative journalist David Holthouse as he attempts to solve a bizarre twenty-five year old triple homicide that was said to be the work of a mythical creature.   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us. Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/