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The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
Could your biggest strength also be sabotaging your success? This week Itamar Marani, ex-Special Ops turned mindset coach, reveals how he turned resilience into revenue, scaled from $2K clients to 6-figure programs, and used battlefield lessons to transform founder performance. LINKS Itamar's Book: Elite Performance: The Israeli Special Ops Mindset System to Win the War Within and Achieve Audacious Goals (https://itamarmarani.com/book/) Share your thoughts about the podcast (takes 2 mins) (https://getperspective.ai/interview/tmba-feedback) This week's sponsor: SPP.co “Your billing, onboarding & projects in one client portal” (https://spp.co/) This week's sponsor: Smash Digital “Scale your organic traffic with future-proof strategies” (https://smashdigital.com/) Connect with 6-, 7- & 8-figure founders in person and online (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Hang out exclusively with 7+ figure founders and join us in NYC this December (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS (00:00:43) This Week's Guest: Itamar Marani (00:01:09) Turning Your Niche Expertise into a Business Engine (00:04:43) How a Failed Agency Sparked a Coaching Business (00:09:30) Learning the Coaching Game from the Ground Up (00:11:41) The Truth About Feeling Out of Your Depth (00:13:54) The Evolution from $2K Clients to Six-Figure Engagements (00:19:03) From One-on-One to Scalable Group Coaching (00:27:19) Positioning Yourself When You Feel Unqualified (00:33:27) Building Long-Term Value Beyond the First Program (00:43:03) The ‘Drunk Founder' Question That Reveals Hidden Truths (00:49:12) How to Sell Coaching Without the Sleaze (00:53:44) The Three Success Killers Holding You Back (00:57:55) Understanding the Performance Traps That Limit Growth CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: TMBA 524: Who Do You Think You Are? ft. Itamar Marani (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/pseudonyms) “Scaling on Steroids” with AI Automation ft. Juan Montero (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/scaling-on-steroids-ai-automation) Numbers Gone Wild: The Hidden Cost of Being Data-Driven (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/numbers-gone-wild-hidden-cost)
If you've been hearing buzz about Cal Newport's new book "Slow Productivity" and wondering if it's worth your time, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down the three core principles of slow productivity and sharing my honest take on how they apply to real life, especially for those of us juggling work and caregiving responsibilities.Cal's framework offers a different approach to the "hustle harder" culture we're all drowning in. Whether you're a consultant, writer, researcher, or anyone whose job involves deep thinking and creating, understanding slow productivity could shift how you approach your workday. Let's dig into what slow productivity really means and how to think about it in the context of your actual life.In This Episode, I'll Cover:The three core principles of slow productivity and how they workWhy conventional time management fails knowledge workers (and everyone else)How to do fewer things without your boss thinking you're slackingThe reality of working at a natural pace when life is unpredictableWhat to consider if you're a primary caregiver reading this bookMy take on obsessing over quality without falling into perfectionism________________________________
I learned so much speaking with Kelsey Green about digital minimalism! I've heard about more and more people removing themselves from social media, and the thought seems overwhelming at times, but at the same time knowing there's some addiction (where's my phone? I need my phone handy! What if someone can't reach me? Have you had any of those thoughts?), and we've probably all heard the phrase "loneliness epidemic," right? I've been very cureious about it--In comes Kelsey L Green - she works at the intersection of community, strategy, and accountability, helping people stop stalling and start building lives that truly light them up. She offers a free 24 hour technology free challenge twice a month - which is a great test of our focus - both of how much we're focused on technology, and how much focus on life we can have without it. When we talked, I hadn't done the challenge yet, but I've since done it - I admit I did probably 98% (I talked to my sister on the phone), but otherwise, I made it!Here's more info on the 24 hour screen free challenge here: https://www.kelseylgreen.com/screen-free-sunday-challengesShe talks a lot about Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism book - she has been studying this to grow her own practice - look for that wherever you buy/find books.Kelsey hosts an accountability mastermind called Summit in Six - here's a link to info on that - Summit in Six is a high-accountability mastermind for women creators and entrepreneurs who are done circling their ideas and are ready to make their move.Find all things Kelsey here: https://www.kelseylgreen.com/Send me a message!Support the showPlease follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel link is here You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!) Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects. Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361 You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/
Cal Newport wrote the book titled "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World." I have been talking about this idea of shallow thinking and how damaging it is to humanity. In 2016, Cal Newport discussed the idea of shallow work. The concepts go hand-in-hand. Join me this week for a deeper dive into what deep work is and why it is more important than ever. Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted WorldFlow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
Most founders are saving time with AI, but few are actually making money with it. In this episode, Juan Montero of Flowgrama reveals how bootstrappers can build practical AI agents and automations that actually drive revenue. LINKS Juan's AI Automation Business: Flowgrama (http://flowgrama.com/) Contact Juan (mailto:juanra@flowgrama.com) Share your thoughts about the podcast (takes 2 mins) (https://getperspective.ai/interview/tmba-feedback) This week's sponsor: SPP.co “Your billing, onboarding & projects in one client portal” (https://spp.co/) This week's sponsor: Smash Digital “Scale your organic traffic with future-proof strategies” (https://smashdigital.com/) Connect with 6-, 7- & 8-figure founders in person and online (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Hang out exclusively with 7+ figure founders and join us in NYC this December (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS (00:00:51) This Week's Guest: Juan Montero of Flowgrama (00:03:07) Discovering the Power of Automation (00:06:32) How LLMs Changed the Game (00:09:35) The Truth About AI and Job Security (00:14:31) Understanding AI Agents vs. LLMs (00:17:42) APIs: The Backbone of Automation (00:19:29) The Founder's AI Toolkit (00:24:33) Making Money with Social Automation (00:27:00) How to Avoid Getting Banned on LinkedIn (00:35:38) Using AI Agents for Business Intelligence (00:38:28) Building an HR Agent for Your Team (00:45:44) The Future of CRM Is Custom-Built (00:49:42) Founders Who Are Actually Making Money with AI CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: $400K in Points & 100% Vibe Coded Shopify Forecasting App with “SpyGuy” Allen Walton (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/400k-in-points-vibe-coded-app) Why Founders Shouldn't Delegate AI (Barcelona Recap) (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/why-founders-should-not-delegate-ai) How to Get Rich on X With a Fake Persona (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/get-rich-fake-persona)
Ep. 208 brings the third installment of our “Best of…” series. Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop joined Sarah for the Best of Narrative Nonfiction, sharing her ALL-TIME TOP books in this genre. Plus, she brings a few popular nonfiction reads that didn't work for her. This episode is chock-full of fantastic book recommendations to get you ready for Nonfiction November or just your next nonfiction pick. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights How Elizabeth got started with narrative nonfiction. How the pull of “real stories” has her returning to this category again and again. Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn't work for her. Elizabeth picks a book from her list that would be a good starter book for those new to the genre. All books mentioned in this episode are linked through Fabled Bookshop or Libro.FM. If you decide to purchase, we'd love for you to use our Fabled links in the show notes — if your budget allows. As a bonus, use promo code SARAH at checkout on Fabled's website for 10% off your order! Prefer audio? You can find the titles on Libro.fm and select Fabled as the store you'd like to support. You can also find a list of Elizabeth's books from this episode on both Fabled's website. Elizabeth's Favorite Narrative Nonfiction Sub-Genres [9:53] NATURAL DISASTER STORIES In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides (2014) | Fabled | Libro.FM [10:42] The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin (2004) | Fabled | Libro.FM [11:13] The Vortex by Scott Carney and Jason Miklian (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM [11:29] The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown (2009) | Fabled | Libro.FM [12:18] What Stands in a Storm by Kim Cross (2015) | Fabled | Libro.FM [13:11] Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson (1999) | Fabled | Libro.FM [13:33] LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS One Summer by Bill Bryson (2013) | Fabled | Libro.FM [14:24] Pappyland by Wright Thompson (2020) | Fabled | Libro.FM [15:05] The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharris (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM [15:43] POP SCIENCE Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (2019) | Fabled | Libro.FM [16:54] The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM [17:50] Replaceable You by Mary Roach (2025) | Fabled | Libro.FM [18:35] HISTORY TOLD IN INTERESTING WAYS Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) | Fabled | Libro.FM [19:03] The Great Halifax Explosion by John U. Bacon (2017) | Fabled | Libro.FM [20:21] The Big Rich by Bryan Burrough (2009) | Fabled | Libro.FM [21:17] In Harm's Way by Doug Stanton (2001) | Fabled [21:43] Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (2010) | Fabled | Libro.FM [22:11] ORDINARY PEOPLE MEMOIRS Red Notice by Bill Browder (2015) | Fabled | Libro.FM [22:32] Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin (1988) | Fabled | Libro.FM [23:06] GOTCHA / PEOPLE BEHAVING BADLY Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018) | Fabled | Libro.FM [24:22] Bad City by Paul Pringle (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM [24:24] Bully Market by Jamie Fiore Higgins (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM [24:31] Elizabeth's All-Time Top Narrative Nonfiction [26:07] Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr. (2013) | Fabled | Libro.FM [26:56] The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (2006) | Fabled | Libro.FM [28:07] The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (2016) | Fabled | Libro.FM [29:13] Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard (2011) | Fabled | Libro.FM [30:57] The Deepest South of All by Richard Grant (2020) | Fabled | Libro.FM [33:03] Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall (2019) | Fabled | Libro.FM [35:01] All Over but the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg (1991) | Fabled | Libro.FM [37:41] Sudden Sea by R. A. Scotti (2003) | Fabled | Libro.FM [39:52] The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede (2002) | Fabled | Libro.FM [43:09] High-Profile Narrative Nonfiction That She Didn't Love [47:37] In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (1965) | Fabled | Libro.FM [47:52] When the Sea Came Alive by Garrett M. Graff (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM [49:19] Challenger by Adam Higginbotham (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM [50:48] Other Books Mentioned Finding Flora by Elinor Florence (2025) [4:51] Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose (1996) [5:21] The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (2013) [12:22] Patty Reed's Doll by Rachel K. Laurgaard (1956) [12:59] In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross (2023) [13:15] The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (2024) [17:45] Grunt by Mary Roach (2016) [18:27] Family Happiness by Laurie Colwin (1984) [23:48] Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis (2018) [25:10] I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara (2018) [25:39] A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan (2023) [28:57] The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan (2016) [29:02] Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (1994) [33:48] Natchez Burning (Natchez Burning, 1 and Penn Cage, 4) by Greg Iles (2014) [34:49] Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (2009) [35:21] My Southern Journey by Rick Bragg (2015) [39:03] Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce (2023) [41:45] A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams (2013) [42:33] The Only Place in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2019) [45:44] The Devil Reached Toward the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2025) [50:41] Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham (2019) [42:33]
Do you ever end the day feeling like you were busy nonstop… but somehow didn't really get anything done? Between the texts, the quick favors, the emails, the “just a minute” tasks—it's no wonder our focus feels shredded. Research from UC Irvine shows that after each interruption, it takes an average of 23 minutes to fully return to your original task. Multiply that by a few dozen interruptions, and there goes your deep work. In this solo episode, Kate shares the simple system she uses to protect her focus without letting the rest of life fall apart. It's a daily practice that corrals distractions, clears mental clutter, and helps you end the day feeling both productive and peaceful. You'll learn: Why “just a quick reply” can secretly cost you half an hour of focus What context switching does to your brain (and how to stop it) How to separate what's urgent from what's important The hidden power of batching micro-tasks How to close the workday with clarity and calm This small mindset shift can change the way you work, lead, and live—no assistant required. Mentioned: Gloria Mark's research on interruptions (UC Irvine) American Psychological Association on multitasking Cal Newport's Deep Work David Allen's Getting Things Done The Eisenhower Matrix Keep going:
Distractions in the workplace are almost endless, from Slack group notifications to questions from colleagues to the dozen or more tabs you've got open in your browser. By the time your next meeting comes along, you realise two hours have passed and you've barely done any productive work at all. Sound familiar? Thankfully there's a method to improve your efficiency and concentration which may help. It's called deep work. We owe it to Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown University in the US. Newport is a renowned figure in personal development and in 2016 he released a self-help book entitled: Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, which would go on to be a bestseller. Where does the concept come from? What's the best way to concentrate on deep work? What if my boss and colleagues think I'm being rude? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How much do surrogate mothers get paid? What is the Barnum effect? How to spot, prevent and treat heatstroke ? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First broadcast: 26/12/2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today's wisdom comes from How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport. If you're loving Heroic Wisdom Daily, be sure to subscribe to the emails at heroic.us/wisdom-daily. And… Imagine unlocking access to the distilled wisdom form 700+ of the greatest books ever written. That's what Heroic Premium offers: Unlimited access to every Philosopher's Note. Daily inspiration and actionable tools to optimize your energy, work, and love. Personalized coaching features to help you stay consistent and focused Upgrade to Heroic Premium → Know someone who'd love this? Share Heroic Wisdom Daily with them, and let's grow together in 2025! Share Heroic Wisdom Daily →
In this episode, Scott Becker reflects on Cal Newport's concept of deep work.
The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
Chasing numbers can actually destroy what made your business great. In this episode, Dan and Ian unpack Goodhart's Law — the idea that once a measure becomes a target, it stops being useful — and how founders accidentally turn smart goals into bad incentives. Plus, you'll hear six ways to build healthier systems, lead better, and stop metrics from running your company off the rails. LINKS Share your thoughts about the podcast (takes 2 mins) (https://getperspective.ai/interview/tmba-feedback) This week's sponsor: SPP.co “Your billing, onboarding & projects in one client portal” (https://spp.co/) This week's sponsor: Smash Digital “Scale your organic traffic with future-proof strategies” (https://smashdigital.com/) Connect with 6-, 7- & 8-figure founders in person and online (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Hang out exclusively with 7+ figure founders and join us in NYC this December (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS (00:01:16) The Hair-Dye Economy & Durable Businesses (00:03:38) The Problem with Metrics (00:07:44) Fix #1: Revisit Your Brand Promise (00:09:12) Fix #2: Determine a Countervailing Metric (00:12:17) Fix #3: Combine Input and Output Metrics (00:13:12) Fix #4: Refresh Metrics Every 90 Days (00:14:39) Fix #5: Pulse Discipline (00:16:05) Fix #6: The Leadership Lens (00:20:00) The Alt Business School (00:25:42) When a Job Post Becomes a Marketing Hack CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: Wealth Without a 7-Figure Exit: 5 Steps (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/wealth-without-7-figure-exit) How to Instantly Improve Your Lead Pipeline by 20-50% (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/improve-your-lead-pipeline) Growth vs. Optimization — 90% of Growth Comes from 10% of Activities? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/growth-vs-optimization)
In this episode, Scott Becker reflects on Cal Newport's concept of deep work.
If your days feel like swimming against a current you didn't choose, you're not imagining it. Researcher and communication coach Dr. Craig Mattson joins us to map the hidden “rip tides” of digital life—why tools that promised efficiency now burn our attention, how inboxes became group chats in disguise, and what it actually takes to protect focus without disconnecting from your team or your values.We trace Craig's path from small-town roots and radio work into scholarship on modern work culture, then dig into practical fixes that are humane and realistic. We look at email through Cal Newport's “hyperactive hive mind,” share ritual-level tactics to reduce chaos, and talk about Oliver Burkeman's reminder that constraints aren't flaws—they're the shape of a life. Craig brings a surprising companion to the conversation: the wisdom books of Job and Ecclesiastes. Awe, finitude, and the acceptance that most work won't be immortalized can lighten the pressure to make every task meaningful—and still point us toward daily joy, craft, and integrity.We also explore two slippery topics many teams miss: using AI as scaffolding (not a substitute for voice and judgment) and the power of indirect communication—those signals around the words that matter most for people with less organizational sway. If you've wondered whether to quit a job that feels hollow, we offer a grounded way to test redesign vs. exit, name harm clearly, and move with patience instead of panic. By the end, you'll have a clearer map for navigating overwhelm: fewer threads, cleaner decisions, kinder culture, and a practice of waiting that makes room for better choices. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—what's one change you'll try this week?Let me know what you think of this episode? Support the showSupport the Podcast. https://buymeacoffee.com/dorseyrossSocial Media Links, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsey.ross/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DROCKROSS/ My Book Amazon Book Overcomer https://bit.ly/4h7NGIP
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1830: Cal Newport highlights how adopting workflow systems and full-horizon planning can unlock clarity, reduce stress, and free up mental energy for deep work. He also examines why not all emails carry the same weight, urging us to distinguish between casual communication and tasks that demand structured processes to avoid overload. Together, these insights show how intentional systems safeguard focus and productivity in a noisy digital world. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2015/10/06/on-full-horizon-planning-and-the-under-appreciated-power-of-workflow-systems/ AND https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2019/10/07/not-all-emails-are-created-equal/ Quotes to ponder: "Full-horizon planning provides a sense of control and reduces the stress of constantly feeling behind." "Workflow systems allow you to reduce the cognitive load required to keep track of what needs to be done." "Not all emails are created equal. Some represent trivial communication, while others are surrogates for complex workflows." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1830: Cal Newport highlights how adopting workflow systems and full-horizon planning can unlock clarity, reduce stress, and free up mental energy for deep work. He also examines why not all emails carry the same weight, urging us to distinguish between casual communication and tasks that demand structured processes to avoid overload. Together, these insights show how intentional systems safeguard focus and productivity in a noisy digital world. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2015/10/06/on-full-horizon-planning-and-the-under-appreciated-power-of-workflow-systems/ AND https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2019/10/07/not-all-emails-are-created-equal/ Quotes to ponder: "Full-horizon planning provides a sense of control and reduces the stress of constantly feeling behind." "Workflow systems allow you to reduce the cognitive load required to keep track of what needs to be done." "Not all emails are created equal. Some represent trivial communication, while others are surrogates for complex workflows." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
Dan and Ian share 5 money tips for bootstrappers—from prioritizing personal finance and investing to getting in the company of other entrepreneurs. Follow this playbook and you could build wealth without a 7-figure exit (spoiler: only about 5% of businesses achieve this.) Free resource below! LINKS Share your thoughts on the podcast (takes 2 mins) (https://getperspective.ai/interview/tmba-feedback) This week's sponsor: SPP.co “Your billing, onboarding & projects in one client portal” (https://spp.co/) This week's sponsor: Smash Digital “Scale your organic traffic with future-proof strategies” (https://smashdigital.com/) FREE RESOURCE: Personal Financial Dashboard for Bootstrappers (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Li7LuETq2k8tfXSC9WrB-xTwtm_YOkxZOFBOT-bk8CM/edit?gid=1717697031#gid=1717697031) Olly Meaking's musings on entrepreneurship and crossing 7 figures ARR: (https://x.com/helloitsolly/status/1971549899188580447) Hang out with us at DCBKK this month (https://dynamitecircle.com/dcbkk) Connect with 7+ figure founders and join us in NYC this December (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS Audio: (00:00:50) How Dan Got Fired For Having Too Many Ideas (00:02:07) 5 Money Tips for Bootstrappers (00:03:00) Tip #1: Focus on Your Knowledge, Skillset, and Business Model (00:04:14) Case Study: Olly Meakings, Founder of Senja.io (00:07:13) Tip #2: Be Realistic About Your Liquidity Potential (00:11:42) Tip #3: Keep Your Second Bottom Line Sacred (00:16:47) Sponsor Shout-out: Smash Digital (00:17:43) Sponsor Shout-out: SPP.co (00:18:44) Tip #4: Be a Bull About 1 Non-Business Thing (00:23:47) Tip #5: Surround Yourself With Other Entrepreneurs CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: How to Get Rich on X With a Fake Persona (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/get-rich-fake-persona) How to Instantly Improve Your Lead Pipeline by 20-50% (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/improve-your-lead-pipeline) Why $120K From Your Biz Beats $150K at a Job (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/balancing-wealth-freedom-mindset)
A Bia leu o livro novo do Cal Newport, e o Marcus está empolgado com o Opera Neon.
In this episode, I talk with Steven Puri, co-founder of the focus app Sukha and former Hollywood executive, about focus and flow — what it feels like, why it matters, and how to increase it. We cover a range of tools and techniques, including: sound, physical space, to-do lists, community, solitude, time of day, and simple items like a pencil, paper, and a timer, along with lessons from Hollywood on creating great work and fulfilling your dreams.Connect and Learn More: Website: thesukha.coEmail: Shared in the episodeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steven-puriResources Mentioned:Apps: Brain.fm, Endel, Forest, TodoistBooks: Deep Work by Cal Newport, Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Indistractable by Nir Eyal, The Net and the Butterfly by Olivia Fox Cabane & Judah PollackCompanies: Alaska Airlines, Amazon, Disney, Dreamworks Animation, Fox Corporation, Hilton, LucasFilm, Marvel, Meta, M. Fredric, News Corp, Nike, Oura Health, Pixar, Spiegel, TikTok, Twitter, Universal Studios, Vine, YouTubeMovies: A Good Day to Die Hard, Alien vs. Predator, Ant-Man, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Independence Day: Resurgence, Live Free or Die Hard, Mission: Impossible III, My Best Friend's Wedding, Rain Man, Stargate, Star Trek, The Island, The Mask of Zorro, The Wolverine, Transformers, Transformers: Revenge of the FallenPeople: Alex Kurtzman, Bob Iger, Bob Orci, Chase Carey, Dean Devlin, Elon Musk, Evan Spiegel, Francesco Cirillo, George Lucas, Hephaestus (character), Jake Paul, James Clear, James Dean, John Diemer, Judah Pollack, Logan Paul, Mark Zuckerberg, Marie Curie, Michael Jordan, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Nir Eyal, Olivia Fox Cabane, Pablo Picasso, Prometheus (character), Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Ronald Bass, Ronald Emmerich, Rupert Murdoch, Spike Jonze, Steve Jobs, Tony MauroPlaces: Austin, Bali, Chiang Mai, Cyprus, Kathmandu, Puerta Vallarta, San Francisco, ViennaPodcasts: Deep Questions with Cal Newport
Like a lot of my guests, I got to know Charles Alexander through the Membership Freedom mastermind that I'm a member of. It's like a braintrust of talent. Charles specializes in helping busy people get back their time so they don't miss life's most important moments. I guarantee if you listen to this episode you'll find several ways to rescue hours of your day. Here's one key word to listen for…batching. Find Charles at https://www.yourcharlesalexander.com/ Things mentioned in the show: Time Freedom Community- https://www.yourcharlesalexander.com/ Deep Work by Cal Newport- https://amzn.to/3Ijts3e Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman- https://amzn.to/4pkT93X --- Click here to change your life- http://eepurl.com/gy5T3T Hit me up for a one-on-one brainstorming session- https://militaryimagesproject.com/products/brainstorming-session-1-hour Check out my Linktree for different ways to rock your world! https://linktr.ee/ruggeddad Check out the sweet Hyper X mic I'm using. https://amzn.to/41AF4px Check out my best-selling books: Rapid Skill Development 101- https://amzn.to/3J0oDJ0 Streams of Income with Ryan Reger- https://amzn.to/3SDhDHg Strangest Secret Challenge- https://amzn.to/3xiJmVO This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn't affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible. #passiveincome #sidehustle #cryptocurrency #richlife
Hear the importance of deep work for women and moms balancing business and family. The concept of deep work was popularized by Cal Newport, and it contrasts with shallow work. Inside this episode will be practical strategies for scheduling deep work, including creating micro windows of time, digital decluttering, and focusing on one task at a time. The episode emphasizes the value of deep work in achieving business growth and maintaining sanity amidst distractions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ambitious Time Management 00:27 Understanding Deep Work 03:13 Strategies for Scheduling Deep Work 06:23 Digital Decluttering 10:09 The Power of Focus: One Task at a Time Links and Resources: ✨ Let's connect on IG —> instagram.com/kris10edwards_ ✨ Subscribe to the weekly newsletter—> www.amplifyambition.com/links ENJOYING THE PODCAST? Follow/Subscribe, rate this show, and share it on social media too!
In this episode, Steph discusses the pervasive issue of burnout in the modern workforce. She emphasizing its causes, symptoms, and the critical need for boundaries to prevent it. Drawing from insights in Cal Newport's book 'Slow Productivity', she highlights the disconnect between visible activity and true productivity, and how technology exacerbates feelings of burnout. Saffer offers practical advice on self-care and the importance of setting boundaries to reclaim personal and professional well-being.Chapters00:00 Understanding Burnout: A Modern Dilemma09:08 The Importance of Boundaries in Preventing BurnoutStay in touch by signing up for "The Impact Effect" newsletter at stephsaffer.com
The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
This week, Dan and Ian continue the “Get Rich on X” saga with fresh updates, and a reality check. From hiring $4K ghostwriters to creating a new online persona, is X really worth the hype for growing fast—and getting rich—in 2025? LINKS Hang out with us at DCBKK this October (https://dynamitecircle.com/dcbkk) Connect with 7+ figure founders and join us in NYC this December (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) This week's sponsor: https://spp.co “Your billing, onboarding & projects in one client portal” (https://spp.co/) Remote First Recruiting: Hire Your Next Remote Team Member in 21 Days or Less (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) X's Head of Product's projections for the algorithm (https://x.com/nikitabier/status/1969057240578748723) LindyMan: an example of using a character or persona online (https://x.com/PaulSkallas) Moving From A Solopreneur Mindset To An Operator Mindset with Leila Hormozi (https://podcasts.apple.com/il/podcast/moving-from-a-solopreneur-mindset-to-an/id1663834553?i=1000681647344) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS Audio: (00:00:34) Business Lessons from the Lemonade Stand (00:02:41) How to Get Rich on X: New Thoughts (00:10:16) Be Yourself… Or Create an Online Character? (00:13:49) The Realistic Cost of Hiring a Ghostwriter for X (00:16:46) Sponsor Shout-out: SPP.co (00:17:47) Leila Hormozi's Simple System for Delegation (00:26:12) Location as Leverage: What if the USA Were More Affordable? CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: X's Head of Product: How to Get Rich in 6 Months (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/outsourcing-shake-up) How to Instantly Improve Your Lead Pipeline by 20-50% (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/improve-your-lead-pipeline) Location Is Leverage: How Advanced Digital Nomads Build Faster (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/location-is-leverage)
Brandon is a seasoned Amazon entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Innovate, and he is the driving force behind a successful Kitchenware Brand with years of experience building and scaling e-commerce businesses. Brandon brings a unique perspective, shaped by both his entrepreneurial journey and his background as an attorney. Today we're going to be diving into his business. What is he doing with the challenges we're all faced with tariffs and Amazon fees and increasing competition? He's going to be sharing his journey and his tips and strategies he's implementing in his business today.Highlight Bullets> Here's a glimpse of what you would learn…. Journey and experiences of an Amazon entrepreneur in e-commerce.Challenges faced in 2025, including tariffs, Amazon fees, and competition.Importance of pricing strategies and ad spend management for profitability.Insights on product listing optimization and inventory management.Growth and significance of the Innovate conference for e-commerce sellers.Strategies for navigating sourcing challenges and diversifying manufacturing locations.The role of customer feedback and product testing in successful launches.Legal considerations in e-commerce, including trademark and patent issues.Importance of continuous product innovation and optimization for sustained success.Recommendations for leveraging tools and resources to enhance e-commerce performance.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Brandon Fuhrmann, Amazon entrepreneur and co-founder of Innovate. Brandon shares advanced strategies for scaling e-commerce brands, including optimizing pricing, ad spend, and product listings amid rising tariffs and fierce competition. He discusses leveraging international markets, building a lean team, and the importance of continuous product innovation. Brandon also offers actionable insights on legal protections, customer feedback, and multichannel expansion. Listeners gain practical, high-level tactics to drive profitability and resilience, plus an exclusive invitation to the Innovate conference for elite sellers aiming to reach 8 figures and beyond.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Play the Price–Ad Spend Game: Adjust pricing & PPC together. Drop prices to rank faster, then raise and boost ads to keep momentum.Keep Listings Fresh: Constantly update images & copy based on split tests and customer feedback. Have backups ready to pivot fast.Diversify or Die: Sell in multiple marketplaces (EU, CA, Walmart, Shopify) so you can shift inventory when tariffs or demand change.Resources mentioned in this episode:Insiders Agency: 00:16:10Helium 10: 00:27:14Jungle Scout: 00:27:14Shopify: 00:23:55Walmart: 00:22:26Faire: 00:24:41SellaMetrics: 00:33:58Amazon: 00:03:33FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon): 00:03:45PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Advertising: 00:18:42E-myth by Michael E. Gerber: 00:00:37Grit by Angela Duckworth: 00:44:49Deep Work by Cal Newport: 00:50:13Jabran Niaz on LinkedIn: 00:51:30Innovate Conference: 00:52:16Special Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist's Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King's Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you've hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that's Ecomm with two M's) to learn more.Transcript AreaBrandon 00:00:00 When you look at profitability, there's the two biggest levers are really pricing and ad spend. Right. So you can you can price your product cheap and have lower ad spend and make the same amount as having a price that's expensive. But you've got to pump the ad spend, right. So it's kind of a fine balance between the two and kind of seeing, you know, can I lower ad spend here but keep pricing the same? Can I lower pricing and then lower AD spend to make up for that.Host 00:00:24 Right. Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business to the next level.Josh 00:00:37 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast...
The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
Most founders are leaving money on the table without realizing it. Are you one of them? This week, Dan and Ian break down how a tiny shift in how you handle leads can completely change your pipeline. Plus, a counterintuitive approach to networking and why big brands are paying founders to create content. LINKS Hang out with us at DCBKK this October (https://dynamitecircle.com/dcbkk) Connect with 7+ figure founders and join us in NYC this December (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) This week's sponsor: https://spp.co “Your billing, onboarding & projects in one client portal” (https://spp.co/) “Amp It Up” by Frank Slootman (https://www.amazon.com/Amp-Unlocking-Hypergrowth-Expectations-Intensity/dp/1119836115) Harvard Business Review: “The Short Life of Online Sales Leads” (https://hbr.org/2011/03/the-short-life-of-online-sales-leads) MIT Lead Response Management Study (https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/25649/file-13535879-pdf/docs/mit_study.pdf) “The 4-Hour Work Week” by Tim Ferriss (https://fourhourworkweek.com/) Remote First Recruiting: Hire Your Next Remote Team Member in 21 Days or Less (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) My First Million Podcast (https://www.mfmpod.com/) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:01) Business Idea: “Lifestyle” Services for 7-Figure Businesses (00:08:30) How to Improve Your Lead Pipeline 20-50% Overnight (00:11:50) How Responding Faster to Leads Impacts Your Business (00:16:46) Sponsor Shout-out: SPP.co (00:17:47) Conference A or Conference B? (00:19:38) Business Idea: Partner Podcast with Big Bucks Brand CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: The Outsourcing Shake-Up: LATAM vs. Philippines (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/outsourcing-shake-up) Financial Traps, Profit Truths, and What's Next at TMBA (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/financial-traps-profit-truths) “Build It Like You're Gonna Sell It” (Dan's “Amp It Up” Review) (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/build-it-sell-it)
Anybody out there like to do big things? Anybody out there feel like your life is so full sometimes you can barely think? Anybody out there wonder if there's a better way? Yeah … me too. In this much belated episode, I'm asking big questions about how much work is enough and how to make that happen in an ambitious life … because, right now, I'm right I've got no way around those questions. The story of the picnic table comes from Draft No. 4. It was retold in Cal Newport's Slow Productivity where some of the stories in this episode also originated. Research on the relationship between work quantity and quality is summarized in Scott Young's book, Get Better at Anything. ReferencesMcphee, J. (2018a). Draft No. 4 : On the Writing Process. Farrar, Straus And Giroux.Mcphee, J. (2018b). Pine Barrens. Daunt Books.Newport, C. (2023, April 28). Danielle Steel and the Tragic Appeal of Overwork - Cal Newport. Study Hacks. https://calnewport.com/danielle-steel-and-the-tragic-appeal-of-overwork/Newport, C. (2024). Slow Productivity. Penguin.Pema Chödrön. (2018). The wisdom of no escape : and the path of loving-kindness. Shambhala Publications, Inc.quoteresearch. (2013, September 16). Quote Origin: “To Be Is To Do” “To Do Is To Be” “Do Be Do Be Do” – Quote Investigator®. Quoteinvestigator.com. https://quoteinvestigator.com/2013/09/16/do-be-do/Young, S. H. (2024). Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery. HarperCollins UK.
PLAN GOAL PLAN | Schedule, Mindful, Holistic Goal Setting, Focus, Working Moms
Have you ever stopped to think about the five core qualities that truly define you? In this episode, I'm taking you on a fun, reflective journey to discover the traits that make you, well… YOU! I'll walk you through an activity that changed the way I see myself and my goals. I'll share my own process and the results that surprised even me! We'll chat about the thought leaders who inspire me and how their unique qualities helped me shape my own “Defining Five.” Grab your favorite notebook and let's get introspective together. By the end of this episode, you'll have a fresh perspective on what makes you shine and a toolkit to help you live with more clarity, integrity, and joy. Book mentioned in this episode: I Thought It Was Just Me by Brene Brown: https://amzn.to/3JPOA1A Give and Take by Adam Grant: https://amzn.to/4m8ya1q Grit by Angela Duckworth: https://amzn.to/3VbsjO8 The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday: https://amzn.to/4mgcKQj Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman: https://amzn.to/4goQIcU Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman: https://amzn.to/47EQkog Slow Productivity by Cal Newport https://amzn.to/41OzCiq Links & resources: Plan Goal Plan Planners! Join Here Website: PlanGoalPlan.com LinkedIn: (I post most here!) www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! The bar prep period is a time when you need to have clear thinking, mental focus, and be able to learn quickly and efficiently -- however, more and more our daily life is interfering with all of that. Today we're talking about focus, deep work, and how to make sure your brain is primed to work hard and get stuff done. In this episode, we discuss: The cost of social media distraction Task-switching and multitasking: how good are we at it? What is "Flow" and why is it important? Optimizing your bar exam study time Avoiding anxiety-inducing activities Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Pomodoro Technique (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique) Need to Get More Done in Law School? Try The Circles. (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/) How Napoleon Would Have Approached Law School. Or, Why It's Good to Be Lazy. (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/12/how-napoleon-would-have-approched-law-school-or-why-its-good-to-be-lazy/) Tricks for Staying on Track and Avoiding Distractions When Studying for the Bar (https://barexamtoolbox.com/tricks-for-staying-on-track-and-avoiding-distractions-when-studying-for-the-bar/) That Crumpled Paper Was Due Last Week, by Ana Homayoun (https://www.amazon.com/That-Crumpled-Paper-Last-Week/dp/0399535594) Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport (https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Minimalism/dp/0241453577/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-325-is-distracted-bar-exam-prep-productive/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee
In Episode 320: Best Productivity Books for ADHD Brains, You Will Discover: The top 5 productivity books for ADHD brains Why these books have been especially impactful How to identify which book will give you the biggest wins right now Work With Me:
The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
It's another mixed bag of business topics on this week's episode of the pod: X's Head of Product shares the suspiciously simple playbook to getting rich on the platform, Google's “Photoshop Killer” is officially on the loose, emerging thoughts on pivoting away from the Philippines for outsourcing remote talent, luxury lifestyle for a fraction of the cost in Thailand, and more. Quick reminder that we'll be in Bangkok next month with Dynamite Circle for a week of sheer business nerdery. Details in the links below! LINKS Hang out with us at DCBKK in Bangkok this October (https://dynamitecircle.com/dcbkk) Connect with 7+ figure founders and join us in NYC this December (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) X's Head of Product shares how to get rich on X in 6 months (https://x.com/nikitabier/status/1963498520805007470) Google's “Photoshop killer” Nano Banana (https://gemini.google/overview/image-generation/) Nick Huber's thoughts on outsourcing to the Philippines in 2025 (https://x.com/sweatystartup/status/1963588036102348943) Dan's next read (https://www.amazon.com/100M-Money-Models-Make-Acquisition-com-ebook/dp/B0FMXTZ4MH) This week's sponsor: https://spp.co “Your billing, onboarding & projects in one client portal” (https://spp.co/) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS Audio: (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:29) How to Get Rich on X in 6 Months (00:04:51) How to Stay Consistent with Content (00:10:14) Google's “Photoshop Killer”: Nano Banana (00:13:58) PH No Longer a Hotspot for Remote Recruiting? (00:18:29) Sponsor Shout-out: SPP.co (00:19:47) Luxury Location-Independent Lifestyle in Thailand (00:27:22) Hits of the Week: Hormozi, Feldman, DCBKK CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: Why $120K From Your Biz Beats $150K at a Job (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/balancing-wealth-freedom-mindset) The Content Flywheel Behind a 7-Figure Education Business ft. Timothy Moser (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/content-flywheel-behind-7-figure-business) Health Advice That Goes Against Everything You Know ft. Jay Feldman (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/health-advice-against-everything-you-know) The Freedom Line, 7+ Figure Founders, and Extended DCBKK Recap (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/dcbkk-recap-2023)
Ravi sits down with bestselling author Cal Newport to unpack the hype and reality of artificial intelligence. They explore how AI may actually be hurting productivity by diminishing our ability to focus, and why that matters more than ever. Cal lays out a compelling “bear case” for AI, arguing that the revolution we've been promised may not materialize anytime soon. Ravi and Cal discuss why most jobs aren't going away, why the future is likely to involve a thousand bespoke tools, instead of one all-powerful model, and how we should be thinking about AI like the early internet: revolutionary, but slow-moving and full of bubbles. Finally, Ravi and Cal share what kinds of careers are most future-proof, and why mastering focus might be the most valuable skill of all. -- Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 201-305-0084 Follow Ravi at @RaviMGupta Notes from this episode are also available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Read more from Ravi on Substack: https://realravigupta.substack.com Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Listen to more episodes of Lost Debate on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 Listen to more episodes of Lost Debate on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F Listen to Where the Schools Went: https://thebranchmedia.org/show/where-the-schools-went/
In this episode, Cal Newport explains slow productivity and how to do less, focus more, and not burn out. Cal argues, our obsession with busyness is pseudo-productivity and while it may look like progress, it isn't. In his new book, Slow Productivity, he shows how we can accomplish more by doing less with focus and intentWe need your help! We all know ads are part of the podcast world, and we want to improve this experience for you. Please take 2 minutes and complete this survey, it's a quick and easy way to support this podcast. Thank You! Key Takeaways:The impact of technology on productivity and focus.The struggle between distraction and meaningful work in the digital age.The moral implications of smartphone use, particularly among children.The distinction between deep work and shallow busyness.The concept of “slow productivity” as an alternative to traditional productivity metrics.The challenges of measuring productivity in knowledge work.The importance of quality over quantity in work output.Strategies for managing workload and reducing distractions.The psychological and evolutionary roots of digital distraction.Balancing ambition with practicality in creative work to avoid perfectionism.If you enjoyed this conversation with Cal Newport, check out these other episodes:How to Find Focus and Master Attention with Dr. Amishi JhaDigital Minimalism with Cal NewportFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramGrow Therapy - Whatever challenges you're facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Sessions average about $21 with insurance, and some pay as little as $0, depending on their plan. (Availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plans. Visit growtherapy.com/feed today!Persona Nutrition delivers science-backed, personalized vitamin packs that make daily wellness simple and convenient. In just minutes, you get a plan tailored to your health goals. No clutter, no guesswork. Just grab-and-go packs designed by experts. Go to PersonaNutrition.com/FEED today to take the free assessment and get your personalized daily vitamin packs for an exclusive offer — get 40% off your first order.BAU, Artist at War opens September 26. Visit BAUmovie.com to watch the trailer and learn more—or sign up your organization for a group screening.LinkedIn: Post your job for free at linkedin.com/1youfeed. Terms and conditions apply.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In today's episode, you'll learn how to gain control of your time, improve productivity, and get motivated (even when you don't feel like it). By the time you finish listening, you'll understand how to get things done, the surprising science of focus, and simple tricks to never procrastinate again. Joining Mel today is the #1 productivity expert and Georgetown professor Dr. Cal Newport. He is here to tell you: If you're feeling unmotivated, burnt out, and tired of wasting time, there's another way to live. Today he shares simple tricks, tactics, and strategies that help you get things done despite all the noise. He is bringing the simple daily shifts you need to make life feel easier and to make you more focused and productive. In this episode, you will learn: -The surprising reason you can't get anything done -The simple daily ritual that creates instant focus -How to organize your calendar (and your day) to be more productive -Why you feel unmotivated and how to instantly flip the switch -How to get your brain to focus, whenever you want to There's an entirely different way to take control of your time. This episode will teach it to you. For more resources, click here for the podcast episode page. If you liked the episode, check out this one next: How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over. Connect with Mel: Get Mel's #1 bestselling book, The Let Them TheoryWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Mel on Instagram The Mel Robbins Podcast InstagramMel's TikTok Sign up for Mel's personal letter Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-freeDisclaimer
The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
Why are so many chasing $10M exits when $3-4M plus a paid-off house might be the real freedom number? Should you be betting big on Bitcoin in 2025, and did we miss out on a massive opportunity 9 years ago? And if you're “unemployable,” is that a badge of honor... or a red flag? This week, Dan and Ian crack open the reality behind location-independent entrepreneurship: from sipping wine in Europe (and still gaining weight) to navigating whether your side hustle cash flow can really replace that W-2 paycheck. LINKS Join Dynamite Circle and hang out with us in Bangkok in October (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Connect with 7+ figure founders and join us in NYC this December (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) The episode that could have made us $1.6 million (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/bitcoin) @levels.io's investment portfolio (outperforming the S&P 500) (https://levels.vc) BowTied Bull's article “Think Twice After You Make It” (https://bowtiedbull.io/p/think-twice-after-you-make-it) This week's sponsor: spp.co “Your billing, onboarding & projects in one client portal” (http://spp.co) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:44) What percentage of W-2 Income is Small Biz income worth? (00:13:48) This Week's Sponsor: SPP.co (00:15:12) Are Entrepreneurs Truly Unemployable? (00:18:34) “Financially Cozy” Level of Wealth (00:26:18) Europe for the summer: overrated, underrated, or properly rated? (00:27:26) Company news CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: The Changing Landscape of SEO and the Influence Equation (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/changing-landscape-seo) What is the Michael Jordan of Business Models? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/michael-jordan-business-model) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough)
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1799: Cal Newport explores how our sense of productivity isn't tied to the sheer number of hours we work, but to how effectively we align effort with meaningful progress. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on metrics that truly matter rather than vanity measures, offering a framework for achieving a deeper, more satisfying sense of accomplishment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2008/08/21/how-many-hours-do-you-have-to-work-to-feel-productive/ & https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2015/06/16/pursue-metrics-that-matter/ Quotes to ponder: "Feeling productive is not about how many hours you work but about whether those hours create results you value." "Metrics that matter are those that align with the core of what you're trying to achieve." "When you measure the wrong things, you risk dedicating your energy to efforts that look impressive but accomplish little." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1799: Cal Newport explores how our sense of productivity isn't tied to the sheer number of hours we work, but to how effectively we align effort with meaningful progress. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on metrics that truly matter rather than vanity measures, offering a framework for achieving a deeper, more satisfying sense of accomplishment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2008/08/21/how-many-hours-do-you-have-to-work-to-feel-productive/ & https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2015/06/16/pursue-metrics-that-matter/ Quotes to ponder: "Feeling productive is not about how many hours you work but about whether those hours create results you value." "Metrics that matter are those that align with the core of what you're trying to achieve." "When you measure the wrong things, you risk dedicating your energy to efforts that look impressive but accomplish little." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
ChessDojo's GM Jesse Kraai is always one of my favorite people to talk chess with, yet somehow it had been five years since his last visit to the pod. Jesse returned at a great time, having been both studying and competing actively, and recently achieving his goal of qualifying for the 2026 U.S. Senior Closed Championship. His recent over-the-board activity provided a springboard for us to discuss a wide range of topics, including: How he has learned to confront his fears in tough, “meat-grinder” weekend tournaments Why he believes weight training—and even certain health supplements—are important for older players, and may be the next frontier for professionals as well How the ChessDojo curriculum and philosophy have evolved in recent years I am also a big fan of Jesse's book reviews on the ChessDojo YouTube channel, so I couldn't let him go without sharing a few recommendations. We even closed the conversation by discussing Intermezzo, a recent novel by award-winning Irish writer Sally Rooney. I always admire Jesse's dedication to improvement, and it's a pleasure to hear his thoughtful perspectives on chess and beyond. Approximate timestamps of topics discussed are below. 0:02- Does Jesse ever find it hard to stay motivated to keep studying and reading chess books? 0:03- Reflections on Jesse's recent tournaments 0:05- What are the keys to GM Alex Fishbein's recent success? 0:09- What does Jesse do to work on his own chess? Mentioned: Jesse's review of the book TurboCharge Your Tactics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLBMmqk8an0 Also Mentioned: Perfect Your Chess https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Your-Chess-Ukrainian-Authors/dp/1915328063/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KXGHHH199SMQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XJTzNVQ4N6jtqAJlUh5KzvNBpaX4Cs6DkIe2E-15eIhEw6YsZYPA5HdNzRFsEzgzHHBYkJjSSdBddTS1PPcTP6iRXtOUrqULwf5Sc2JQUMHafGmhNIGcuYGQ8MyXxIkQhoxaHmbKuO0u94ls6vl8vhiehM-UnVvrZ17ce4FPjsd3ho3b08KJh-vPw89-SF0ccgo36HEXf7zwi__wKMmX8iO1_7DXOTHH5Pk9OgLrBUA.kPo0CC2fg8nMzpfrIKoCIvkTyNUwFvqAT7-k0iXzEmI&dib_tag=se&keywords=perfect+your+chess&qid=1756510333&sprefix=Perfect+Your+Chess%2Caps%2C267&sr=8-1 12:00- ChessDojo and Jesse's fitness regimen Jesse's IG post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMqT1jOuxcK/ Check out Dr. Nick Vasquez's blog here: https://nickvasquezmd.substack.com/p/clearing-the-fog 17:00- Are elite chess players likely taking cognitive supplements or other drugs to help their performances? 20:00- What have been the biggest lessons from co-founding the ChessDojo? 25:00- What has Jesse learned from reading the works of IM Willy Hendriks? 28:00- Patreon mailbag question: What non-chess books influenced Jesse's philosophy of chess improvement? Mentioned: Mindset by Carol Dweck Deep Work by Cal Newport 30:00- Patreon mailbag question: Are books as effective as modern digital tools for chess improvement? 32:00- Does Jesse have set hours for studying chess? 36:00- The strengths and weaknesses of Jesse's competitors in next year's US Senior Closed Championship. Mentioned: GM Larry Christiansen, GM Gregory Kaidanov, FM Doug Eckert 38:00- New developments in the dojo 42:00- Jesse's rest of 2026 tournaments 44:00- We share our thoughts on the chess-adjacent novel Intermezzo by popular author Sally Rooney https://www.amazon.com/Intermezzo-Novel-Sally-Rooney/dp/0374602638 54:00- Parting book recs Mentioned: Polgar Chess Logical Chess Move by Move 58:00- Thanks to Jesse, for rejoining me! You can find him at the ChessDojo. (use code "ben" at checkout to save 10% https://www.chessdojo.club/signup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
If you've been living under a rock, you might have missed Alex Hormozi's record-breaking launch of his latest book $100M Money Models (yep, reps from Guinness World Records were there to verify.) One of the most prominent internet business gurus of our time, Alex's marketing and launch strategies paint a vivid picture of the power of “the influence equation.” Love him or hate him, his journey is inspiring for all entrepreneurs. Here are 5 takeaways from the launch, specifically for bootstrappers in the trenches. LINKS This week's sponsor: spp.co “Your billing, onboarding & projects in one client portal” (http://spp.co/) Alex Hormozi's $100M book series (https://www.acquisition.com/books) Dan's book “Before the Exit” (https://www.amazon.com/Before-Exit-Thought-Experiments-Entrepreneurs-ebook/dp/B07BN2KD1J) “The Wealth Ladder: Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Financial Life” by Nick Maggiulli (https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Ladder-Proven-Strategies-Financial/dp/0593854039) Nick Maggiulli's interview on the Afford Anything Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/nick-maggiulli-the-wealth-ladder-has-six-rungs-and/id1079598542?i=1000719716621) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) Meet the world's most generous global entrepreneurs inside Dynamite Circle (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Connect with 7+ figure founders like Allen inside DC BLACK (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:07) $87M in 8 Hours: Hormozi's Record-Breaking Launch (00:06:05) Takeaway #1: The Power of the Influence Equation (00:11:53) Takeaway #2: Three Types of Media Strategy (00:14:35) This Week's Sponsor: SPP.co (00:15:53) Takeaway #3: Choose Your Extreme (00:18:40) Takeaway #4: Aggressively Do the Hardest Thing (00:20:06) Takeaway #5: Risk - The Secret to Stratospheric Wealth (00:25:08) Final Thoughts: The Corner Office Test CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: The Changing Landscape of SEO and the Influence Equation (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/changing-landscape-seo) What is the Michael Jordan of Business Models? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/michael-jordan-business-model) “When is my LTV good enough?” + Founder Mode for Bootstrappers (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/ltv-good-enough)
It's that time of year for back-to-school! What does that mean for grown-ups and space explorers like us? For me,it means diving into the stack of books that keep me learning, curious, and inspired. As the host of Casual Space Podcast, I'm fortunate enough to receive books from our incredible guests, so sometimes I choose what to read, and other times the stories find their way to me. Right now, I'm re-reading two standouts so rich with insight that I've taken notes, underlined passages, and even brought some of their wisdom into my work. I believe a book becomes truly powerful when its ideas are shared, and that's where the magic of storytelling begins. In this episode, I'm sharing my fall reading wish list—from space history to slow productivity—and a few titles that are changing how I think and work. We'll talk Walt Disney, Cal Newport, and the joy of reading as a lifelong companion. So, what's on your fall reading list? Let's trade recommendations and keep turning the page—together.
Sometimes the happiest and most successful people are the ones who know when to stop.Matt O'Neill built Good Mood Revolution into a top 1.5% global podcast with 230,000 downloads, but he's walking away at the peak. Why? Because he learned the ultimate happiness lesson: all the expert advice in the world means nothing if you're too busy to live it.In this deeply personal final episode, Matt shares the most life-changing insights from his journey: from Marianne Williamson's revelation that happiness is love, to Lou Holtz's three principles for winning each day, to Dr. David Burns' discovery that depression often stems from beautiful values we hold too tightly.You'll hear the strategies that transformed Matt's life—from Trish Blackwell's negative thought reframing technique to Sonja Lyubomirsky's research showing that 15-minute conversations are scientifically the happiest thing you can do. Most importantly, you'll understand why Matt realized that all the productivity hacks and goal-setting in the world can't replace the simple joy of being fully present with the people who matter most.This isn't goodbye forever—it's Matt choosing to live the happiness principles he's spent years teaching. Sometimes the most revolutionary act is slowing down to savor what you already have.0:00 Intro2:05 Marianne Williamson: Happiness is love4:02 Lou Holtz's three principles for winning the day6:22 Dr. David Burns: Why depression reveals beautiful values8:48 Dr. Jeffrey Rediger: Happiness is the best medicine10:45 Joe Wechsler: The comfort crisis and why adventure makes us happy12:43 Why Matt's "dream job" was right in front of him15:11 Trish Blackwell's life-changing negative thought technique18:28 Arian Mateo: How core beliefs create your reality21:51 Matt King: If you want a better present, get a bigger future23:20 Sonja Lyubomirsky: The scientifically happiest thing you can do27:55 Eric Weiner: There's no such thing as personal happiness29:01 Phil Moeller's Purpose Matrix: Ordering your life priorities31:26 A final thank you and signing offResources Mentioned:
OpenAI founder Sam Altman floated the idea of an AI bubble, an MIT report found that 95% of generative AI pilots at companies are failing and tech stocks took a dip.With the AI sector is expected to become a trillion dollar industry within the next decade, what impact might slowing progress have on the economy? NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with Cal Newport, a contributing writer for the New Yorker, and a computer science professor at Georgetown, about the limitations of the AI revolution. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or atplus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Elena Burnett. It was edited by John Ketchum and Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
In this week's episode, Allen Walton (SpyGuy) shares how he's using AI to build custom tools with almost zero coding experience, and how founders can turn everyday business spending into first-class flights. From AI-powered inventory forecasting to unlocking elite travel perks, this episode is packed with practical tips for bootstrapped entrepreneurs ready to work smarter and travel better. LINKS This week's sponsor: spp.co “Your billing, onboarding & projects in one client portal” (http://spp.co/) Connect with Allen on X (https://x.com/allenthird) Allen's ecomm company (https://www.spyguy.com/) “The 4-Hour Work Week” by Tim Ferriss (https://fourhourworkweek.com/) “StoryBrand” by Donald Miller (https://storybrand.com/) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) Meet the world's most generous global entrepreneurs inside Dynamite Circle (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Connect with 7+ figure founders like Allen inside DC BLACK (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 Today's Guest: Allen Walton 00:07:35 How Allen is Using AI for Business & Personal Life 00:09:45 LLM Deep Research for Competitor Analysis & ICP Creation 00:12:58 Vibe Coding Apps with Zero Technical Experience 00:22:32 This Week's Sponsor: SPP.co 00:23:50 How Airlines Actually Make Their Money 00:26:34 The Competition of Points and Rewards in 2025 00:30:40 The Worst Way to Redeem Points 00:33:13 How to Maximize Points Accumulation 00:35:48 Why Business Owners Should Pay More Attention to Points 00:38:44 ‘Mozi Madness: Alex Hormozi's Record-Breaking Launch CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: Top 5 SEO Tactics That Still Work in 2025 with Sean Markey (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/top-5-seo-tactics) TMBA 256: Making Sense of Awards Points and Business Class Upgrades w/ Erik Paquet (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/mileage) TMBA 540: Are You Generating Income or Wealth? w/ Nat Eliason (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/income-wealth-running-agency)
Are you one of those real estate agents who lies awake at night with your mind racing through tomorrow's to-do list, wondering if you forgot to follow up with that client or send that important email?In this essential episode of Life at 10/10ths, hosts Matt Bonelli and Garrett Fry tackle one of the biggest challenges facing modern entrepreneurs: the inability to truly "shut down" at the end of the workday. They reveal why most morning routines fail and introduce the game-changing concept of proper day-end closure.In This Episode, You'll Discover:Why your brain keeps mental "tabs" open all night and how to close them systematicallyThe 4 C's framework for perfect day shutdown: Collect, Categorize, Calendar, CloseHow to stop the cycle of checking emails "one last time" before bedWhy successful agents review their next day's calendar during shutdownThe difference between being "always on" and being strategically availablePractical techniques for communicating day-end status with team membersHow to create symbolic rituals that signal work completion to your brainKey Topics Covered:End-of-day routines, work-life boundaries, mental overwhelm, productivity systems, calendar management, team communication, stress reduction, sleep quality improvement, business organization, and sustainable work practices.Matt and Garrett share insights from their recent 11 Circle group coaching session, including real questions from agents struggling with work-life balance. They provide actionable frameworks drawn from Cal Newport's "Deep Work" principles and share personal examples of effective shutdown routines.Perfect for: Real estate agents feeling constantly overwhelmed, entrepreneurs who struggle to disconnect from work, business owners dealing with mental clutter, team leaders seeking better communication systems, and anyone whose work thoughts interfere with personal time and sleep quality.Featured Strategies:The "punch card" mentality for business owners, TV channel switching technique for mental transitions, Simon Sarver's assistant communication protocol, cardboard project tracking system, AI-powered brain dump methods, and symbolic closure rituals.About Life at 10/10ths:Life at 10/10ths inspires real estate professionals and entrepreneurs to live at the pinnacle of their ability and purpose. Hosts Matt Bonelli and Garrett Fry provide practical, tested strategies for building successful businesses while maintaining fulfilling personal lives and strong family relationships.Connect with Life at 10/10ths:Download the Life at 10/10ths app for exclusive community access and resourcesVisit lifeattentenths.com for comprehensive training programs and coaching optionsJoin the 11 Circle group coaching community for weekly sessions and peer supportAccess Inside Track for daily productivity content and business growth strategiesSubscribe and Review: If this episode helped you create better work-life boundaries, please subscribe and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more entrepreneurs who need these essential business systems.Tags: end of day routine, work life balance, real estate productivity, business systems, overwhelm, time management, entrepreneurship, stress management, sleep quality, mental clarity, business organization
The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
Organic traffic is getting weird… and kinda looks like an alligator's mouth (you'll have to listen to the episode to see what we mean). SEO expert Sean Markey joins Dan to break down 5 strategies still working in 2025: from parasite SEO to aged domains and Reddit "hacks." If you're trying to cut through the LLM noise, this episode is the ultimate SEO rabbit hole. LINKS Sean's SEO newsletter for CEOs and founders that hate SEO newsletters (https://ranks.com/newsletter/) Sean's SEO community (https://advise.so/) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) Meet the world's most generous global entrepreneurs inside Dynamite Circle (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Connect with 7+ figure founders inside DC BLACK (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Remote First Recruiting: Find your next best remote hire in 21 days (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Today's Guest: Sean Markey (00:02:53) The State of SEO in 2025 (00:03:49) What SEO Leaders Are Doing (Instead of Panicking) (00:04:44) How to Own Page 1 Without Ranking (00:07:25) Buy Your Way Into the SERPs (00:09:23) The Reddit Mod Hack No One Talks About (00:12:58) How Small Channels Are Printing 60K MRR (00:14:46) Ranking in LLMs Without a Prompt Engineer (00:17:26) The Aged Domain Shortcut That Still Works (00:20:54) What Is Parasite SEO (And Why It Works) (00:22:50) The AI Prompt Stack SEO Founders Are Gatekeeping (00:25:25) Why Local SEO Still Wins in 2025 (00:26:45) Is SEO Even SEO Anymore? (00:29:36) Why Community > Courses in 2025 (00:33:03) The 1-1-1 Model: Simple, Scalable, Profitable CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: TMBA 588: Embracing Growth Through Setbacks w/ Sean Markey (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/sean-markey-growth-through-setbacks?rq=sean%20markey) From Struggling Plumber to $57K MRR w/ Tom Richards (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/from-struggling-numbers-to-57k-mrr?rq=tom) Why Founders Shouldn't Delegate AI (Barcelona Recap) (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/why-founders-should-not-delegate-ai)
The Tropical MBA Podcast - Entrepreneurship, Travel, and Lifestyle
How are legit 7- and 8-figure founders leveraging AI in their businesses? Spoiler alert: they're not just handing it off to their teams. From cutting high level consultants to redefining metrics and leadership, Dan shares 7 takeaways from our recent DC BLACK event in Barcelona for million-dollar founders. LINKS: The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss (https://fourhourworkweek.com/) Growth Levers and How to Find Them by Matt Lerner (https://www.amazon.com/Growth-Levers-How-Find-Them/dp/1738426203) 22 FREE business resources for location-independent entrepreneurs (https://tropicalmba.com/resources) Meet the world's most generous global entrepreneurs inside Dynamite Circle (https://dynamitecircle.com/) Connect with 7+ figure founders inside DC BLACK (https://dynamitecircle.com/dc-black) Remote First Recruiting: Find your next best remote hire in 21 days (https://remotefirstrecruiting.com/) CHAPTERS: Audio: (00:00:46) AI Is a Founder-Level Problem (00:01:16) Real AI Use Cases From 7-Figure Founders (00:05:15) Financial Freedom Starts Earlier Than You Think (00:07:45) Million-Dollar Nomads Are Rare (And That's Powerful) (00:10:38) How to Hire For Less in Latin America (Quick Plug) (00:11:38) The Rise of the Lifestyle Business CEO (00:14:39) Why Fringe Curiosity Is a Superpower (00:16:21) What's Your North Star Metric? (00:22:22) The Meta Takeaway: Define Your Constraint CONNECT: Dan@tropicalmba.com Ian@tropicalmba.com Past guests on TMBA include Cal Newport, David Heinemeier Hannson, Seth Godin, Ricardo Semler, Noah Kagan, Rob Walling, Jay Clouse, Einar Vollset, Sam Dogan, Gino Wickam, James Clear, Jodie Cook, Mark Webster, Steph Smith, Taylor Pearson, Justin Tan, Matt Gartland, Ayman Al-Abdullah, Lucy Bella. PLAYLIST: The Brutal Truth About Business Exits with Rob Walling (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/brutal-truth-about-exits) The Content Flywheel Behind a 7-Figure Education Business ft. Timothy Moser (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/content-flywheel-behind-7-figure-business) Health Advice That Goes Against Everything You Know ft. Jay Feldman (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/health-advice-against-everything-you-know)
Last week, the Bureau of Economic Analysis published the latest GDP report. It contained a startling detail. Spending on artificial intelligence added more to the U.S. economy than consumer spending last quarter. This is very quickly becoming an AI economy. I'm interested in how AI will change our jobs. But I'm just as curious about how it will change our minds. We're already seeing that students in high school and college are using AI to write most of their essays. What do we lose in a world where students sacrifice the ability to do deep writing? Today's guest is Cal Newport, the author of several bestsellers on the way we work, including 'Deep Work.' He is also a professor of computer science at Georgetown. One of the questions I get the most by email, in talks, in conversations with people about the news is: If these tools can read faster than us, synthesize better than us, remember better than us, and write faster than us, what's our place in the loop? What skills should we value in the age of AI? Or, more pointedly: What should we teach our children in the age of AI? How do we ride this train without getting run over by it? If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. Host: Derek Thompson Guest: Calvin Newport Producer: Devon Baroldi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Social media platforms are designed to hijack our brain's reward system, keeping us hooked through endless dopamine hits. This constant stimulation fragments our attention, reshapes our behavior, and can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even addiction—especially in developing brains. The more we scroll, the more we crave quick hits of novelty, making it harder to tolerate boredom or engage in deeper, more meaningful tasks. And while adults may struggle, kids are even more vulnerable, facing emotional dysregulation and long-term brain changes. The good news? Awareness is the first step toward reclaiming agency and creating healthier boundaries in a world built for distraction. Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist, bestselling author, and professor at NYU's Stern School of Business. His research focuses on the moral foundations of culture and politics, exploring why good people are divided by religion, ideology, and values. He is the author of The Happiness Hypothesis, The Righteous Mind, and The Coddling of the American Mind (co-authored with Greg Lukianoff), and has given four widely viewed TED talks. Haidt is also a co-founder of Heterodox Academy, the Constructive Dialogue Institute, and Ethical Systems—organizations that promote viewpoint diversity, constructive disagreement, and ethical leadership. Since 2018, he has turned his attention to the mental health crisis among teens and the role of social media in political polarization. His latest book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, was published in 2024. In 2019, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Cal Newport is an associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University. In addition to researching cutting-edge technology, he also writes about the impact of these innovations on our culture. Newport is the author of six books, including Slow Productivity, Digital Minimalism, and Deep Work. His work has been featured in many publications, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Economist, and he has been writing essays for his personal website (CalNewport.com) for over a decade. He has never had a social media account. Tobias Rose-Stockwell is a writer, designer, and media researcher whose work has been featured in major outlets such as The Atlantic, WIRED, NPR, the BBC, CNN, and many others. His research has been cited in the adoption of key interventions to reduce toxicity and polarization within leading tech platforms. He previously led humanitarian projects in Southeast Asia focused on civil war reconstruction efforts, work for which he was honored with an award from the 14th Dalai Lama. He lives in New York with his cat Waffles. This episode is brought to you by BIOptimizers. Head to bioptimizers.com/hyman and use code HYMAN10 to save 10%. Full-length episodes can be found here: How to Protect Your Child's Mental Health from the Dangers of Social Media How Social Media May Be Ruining Your Life How Social Media And AI Impacts Our Mental Health: Reclaiming Our Minds And Hearts And Healing A Divided World
Best-selling author Cal Newport literally wrote the book on how to “Get so good they can't ignore you.” Instead of looking inwards and trying to find your one true passion, he advises lowering the bar and finding a few decent interests. Then, raise the bar for skill acquisition and mastery. Anyone feeling “stuck” in life will find his approach challenging and refreshing. So tune into this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu, and listen to Cal Newport discuss why you should not necessarily follow your passion, why you should disconnect from social media, and why sacrifice promotes the good life. ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 6-11-19 SHOW NOTES: [2:42] Cal explains why you should not follow your passion. [9:39] Cal and Tom discuss apprenticeship and the importance of knowledge and connections. [19:35] Cal describes sustained thinking by showing how unnatural reading is. [25:32] Cal advises doing something without your phone on a regular basis. [32:46] Cal describes productive meditation. [48:10] Cal shares the impact he wants to have on the world. FOLLOW: CalNewport.com CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code IMPACT at check out SKIMS: Shop SKIMS Mens at https://www.skims.com/impact #skimspartner Allio Capital: Macro investing for people who want to understand the big picture. Download their app in the App Store or at Google Play, or text my name “TOM” to 511511. SleepMe: Visit https://sleep.me/impact to get your Chilipad and save 20% with code IMPACT. Try it risk-free with their 30-night sleep trial and free shipping. Jerry: Stop needlessly overpaying for car insurance - download the Jerry app or head to https://jerry.ai/impact Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact CashApp: Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/v6nymgjl #CashAppPod iRestore: For a limited time only, our listeners are getting a HUGE discount on the iRestore Elite when you use code IMPACT at https://irestore.com/impact What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER SCALING a business: see if you qualify here. Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here. ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu's Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** LISTEN TO IMPACT THEORY AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3679: Cal Newport explores a minimalist yet effective approach to personal productivity by combining structured systems with intuitive freedom. Drawing on insights from top performers, he outlines how to balance organization without over-planning, helping you maintain momentum and avoid burnout. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://calnewport.com/blog/2009/10/02/freestyle-productivity-balancing-systems-and-simplicity-when-organizing-your-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Most people exist somewhere in between: they crave the structure of a system, but become frustrated if it grows too complicated." "Freestyle productivity is about finding the right level of organization to enable your work, not get in its way." "You want your systems to be like a fine-tuned guitar: always there to help you produce something beautiful, but never stealing the spotlight." Episode references: Getting Things Done: https://gettingthingsdone.com The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/ Scott Young's Study Hacks: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/ Zen To Done: https://zenhabits.net/zen-to-done-ztd-the-ultimate-simple-productivity-system/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is everything we know about productivity wrong? Cal Newport thinks so. After years of watching busyness, distraction, and burnout dominate the workplace, he realized the real issue isn't our workload, but how we've been taught to work. In this episode, Cal shares his game-changing philosophy of slow productivity, revealing how entrepreneurs can build deep focus, avoid burnout, and pursue their goals more sustainably. He also explores how AI is shaping the future of work and what it means for productivity. In this episode, Hala and Cal will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:38) His Path to Productivity Thought Leadership (08:42) Deep Work vs. Shallow Work for Life Balance (13:38) The Brain Science Behind Achieving Maximum Focus (25:38) The Evolution from Deep Work to Slow Productivity (33:18) The Three Principles of Slow Productivity (37:16) Push vs. Pull: Smarter Systems for Managing Workload (45:14) Realistic Goal-Setting for Sustainable Productivity (53:37) Multi-Scale Planning: The Key to Time Management (59:35) Building a Mindset of Obsessing Over Quality (01:07:53) How AI Is Shaping the Future of Work and Productivity Cal Newport is an MIT-trained computer science professor at Georgetown University and a New York Times bestselling author who writes about how productivity and technology work together. His books, including Deep Work, Digital Minimalism, A World Without Email, and his latest, Slow Productivity, have sold millions of copies and been translated into over forty languages. Cal also writes for The New Yorker and hosts the Deep Questions podcast. Sponsored By: Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first 6 months at OpenPhone.com/profiting. Airbnb - Find a co-host at airbnb.com/host Boulevard - Get 10% off your first year at joinblvd.com/profiting when you book a demo Resources Mentioned: Cal's Book, Slow Productivity: bit.ly/Slow_Productivity Cal's Book, Deep Work: bit.ly/_Deep_Work Cal's Book, Digital Minimalism: bit.ly/Digital_Minimalism Cal's Book, A World Without Email: bit.ly/AWorldWithoutEmail Super Intelligence by Nick Bostrom: bit.ly/_Superintelligence Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Work-Life Balance, Work Life Balance, Team Building, Motivation, Manifestation, Resolutions