Podcast appearances and mentions of Will Guidara

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Best podcasts about Will Guidara

Latest podcast episodes about Will Guidara

Relationships & Revenue with John Hulen
Episode 298 Driving Change with Howard Pearl (Part 2)

Relationships & Revenue with John Hulen

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 34:11


John continues his conversation with Howard Pearl. They discuss how hard times are not our enemies, but opportunities to grow stronger and more compassionate and why mistakes are some of our best teachers. In Part 1, they talked about the importance of the right workplace culture, and how trust, respect, and integrity are the backbone of any successful organization. Listen to this episode to learn more: [00:00] - How true gratitude changes everything [01:05] - Turning problems into teachers [04:37] - Howard's plans on writing a book [07:01] - Why failure is actually good [10:25] - Howard's definition of success [13:37] - Top daily habits [19:04] - Buying multiple copies of books to give away [22:07] - Traits of a great leader [25:07] - Best way to connect with Howard [31:58] - How Howard invests in himself [34:43] - Closing remarks NOTABLE QUOTES: "I have no enemies. I have only friends I have yet to meet." "You can't have elation without a little depression. You can't have success without failure." "This thing (pain, problems) that I thought was my enemy turned out to make me work much harder. And the next time I saw a problem like that, I just walked over it because I understood how to deal with it." "The tough things aren't my enemies. Those are the things where I have to do extra lifting." "The school system does not set kids up for success at all. It sets them up to be mindless drones that are just worker bees. This whole grading system, where somehow getting an F is bad and an A is great, I'm like, well, all that tells them is how to take a test. I'd much rather have a kid who struggles with grades but gets it, so that s/he can actually do something down the road with it." "What is life? Life is the experience of experience. It's the doers doing the doing. You can sit on the sideline and watch and say, 'Oh, that's interesting.'" "One of the great experiences of being human is that emotions manifest in the physical. It's why we have this corporeal body." "I have never failed at making a light bulb. I have successfully learned how not to make one 1,000 times." – Thomas Edison "Leaders read and readers lead." – Jeff Brown BOOKS MENTIONED: Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara (https://a.co/d/bES9CQh) The Trust Edge: How Top Leaders Gain Faster Results, Deeper Relationships, and a Stronger Bottom Line by David Horsager (https://a.co/d/blPni2p) Nonprofit AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good by Nathan Chappell and Scott Rosenkrans (https://a.co/d/6EKwiSc) Moral Ambition: An Antidote to Apathy: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference by Rutger Bregman (https://a.co/d/1pFqkom) The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip and Dan Heath (https://a.co/d/2eWO4ca) USEFUL RESOURCES: howardpearl@gmail.com  https://www.careasy.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardpearl/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/charitable-auto-resources/ https://www.instagram.com/cars_charitableadultrides/ https://www.facebook.com/howard.pearl https://www.facebook.com/carsorg/ https://x.com/charitableauto CONNECT WITH JOHN Website - https://iamjohnhulen.com    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhulen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnhulen    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/johnhulen    X - https://x.com/johnhulen    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLX_NchE8lisC4NL2GciIWA    EPISODE CREDITS Intro and Outro music provided by Jeff Scheetz - https://jeffscheetz.com/ 

The Robin Zander Show
The Human Side of Selling with Jeff Jaworski

The Robin Zander Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2026 59:14


Welcome back to Snafu with Robin Zander. In this episode, I'm joined by Jeff Jaworsky, who shares his journey from a global role at Google to running his own business while prioritizing time with his children. We talk about the pivotal life and career decisions that shaped this transition, focusing on the importance of setting boundaries—both personally and professionally. Jeff shares insights on leaving a structured corporate world for entrepreneurship and the lessons learned along the way. We also explore the evolving landscape of sales and entrepreneurship, highlighting how integrating human connection and coaching skills is more important than ever in a tech-driven world. The conversation touches on the role of AI and technology, emphasizing how they can support—but not replace—essential human relationships. Jeff offers practical advice for coaches and salespeople on leveraging their natural skills and hints at a potential future book exploring the intersection of leadership, coaching, and sales. If you're curious about what's next for thoughtful leadership, entrepreneurship, and balancing work with life, this episode is for you. And for more conversations like this, get your tickets for Snafu Conference 2026 on March 5th here, where we'll continue exploring human connection, business, and the evolving role of AI. Start (0:00) Early life and first real boundary Jeff grew up up in a structured, linear environment Decisions largely made for you Clear expectations, predictable paths Post–high school as the first inflection point College chosen because it's "what you're supposed to do" Dream: ESPN sports anchor (explicit role model: Stuart Scott) Reality check through research Job placement rate: ~3% First moment of asking: Is this the best use of my time? Is this fair to the people investing in me (parents)? Boundary lesson #1 Letting go of a dream doesn't mean failure Boundaries can be about honesty, not limitation Choosing logic over fantasy can unlock unexpected paths Dropping out of college → accidental entry into sales Working frontline sales at Best Buy while in school Selling computers, service plans, handling customers daily Decision to leave college opens capacity Manager notices and offers leadership opportunity Takes on home office department Largest sales category in the store Youngest supervisor in the company (globally) at 19 Early leadership challenges Managing people much older Navigating credibility, age bias, exclusion Learning influence without authority Boundary insight Temporary decisions can become formative Saying "yes" doesn't mean you're locked in forever Second boundary: success without sustainability Rapid growth at Best Buy Promotions Increasing responsibility Observing manager life up close 60-hour weeks No real breaks Lunch from vending machines Internal checkpoint Is this the life I want long-term? Distinguishing: Liking the work Disliking the cost Boundary lesson #2 You can love a craft and still reject the lifestyle around it Boundaries protect the future version of you Returning to school with intention Decision to go back to college This time with clarity Sales and marketing degree by design, not default Accelerated path Graduates in three years Clear goal: catch up, not start over Internship at J. Walter Thompson Entry into agency world Launch of long-term sales and marketing career Pattern recognition: how boundaries actually work Ongoing self-check at every stage Have I learned what I came here to learn? Am I still growing? Is this experience still stretching me? Boundaries as timing, not rejection Experiences "run their course" Leaving doesn't invalidate what came before Non-linear growth Sometimes stepping down is strategic Demotion → education Senior role → frontline role (later at Google) Downward moves that enable a bigger climb later Shared reflection with Robin Sales as a foundational skill Comparable to: Surfing (handling forces bigger than you) Early exposure to asking, pitching, rejection Best Buy reframed Customer service under pressure Handling frustrated, misinformed, emotional people Humility + persuasion + resilience Parallel experiences Robin selling a restaurant after learning everything she could Knowing the next step (expansion) and choosing not to take it Walking away without knowing what's next Core philosophy: learning vs. maintaining "If I'm not learning, I'm dying" Builder mindset, not maintainer Growth as a non-negotiable Career decisions guided by curiosity, not status Titles are temporary Skills compound Ladders vs. experience stacks Rejecting the myth of linear progression Valuing breadth, depth, and contrast The bridge metaphor Advice for people stuck between "not this" and "not sure what next" Don't leap blindly Build a bridge Bridge components Low-risk experiments Skill development Small tests in parallel with current work Benefits Reduces panic Increases clarity Turns uncertainty into movement Framing the modern career question Referencing the "jungle gym, not a ladder" idea Careers as lateral, diagonal, looping — not linear Growth through range, not just depth Connecting to Range and creative longevity Diverse experiences as a competitive advantage Late bloomers as evidence that exploration compounds Naming the real fear beneath the metaphor What if exploration turns into repeated failure? What if the next five moves don't work? Risk of confusing experimentation with instability Adding today's pressure cooker Economic uncertainty AI and automation reshaping work faster than previous generations experienced The tension between adaptability and survival The core dilemma How do you pursue a non-linear path without tumbling back to zero? How do you "build the bridge" instead of jumping blindly? How do you keep earning while evolving? The two-year rule Treating commitments like a contract with yourself Two years as a meaningful unit of time Long enough to: Learn deeply Be challenged Experience failure and recovery Short enough to avoid stagnation Boundaries around optional exits Emergency ripcord exists But default posture is commitment, not escape Psychological benefit Reduces panic during hard moments Prevents constant second-guessing Encourages depth over novelty chasing The 18-month check-in Using the final stretch strategically Asking: Am I still learning? Am I still challenged? Does this align with my principles? Shifting from execution to reflection Early exploration of "what's next" Identifying gaps: Skills to acquire Experiences to test Regaining control External forces aren't always controllable Internal planning always is Why most people get stuck Planning too late Waiting until: Layoffs Burnout Forced transitions Trying to design the future in crisis Limited creativity Fear-based decisions Contrast with proactive planning Calm thinking Optionality Leverage Extending the contract Recognizing unfinished business Loving the work Still growing Still contributing meaningfully One-year extensions as intentional choices Not inertia Not fear Conscious recommitment A long career, one organization at a time Example: nearly 13 years at Google Six different roles Multiple reinventions inside one company Pattern over prestige Frontline sales Sales leadership Enablement Roles as chapters, not identities Staying while growing Leaving only when growth plateaus Experience stacking over ladder climbing Rejecting linear advancement Titles matter less than skills Accumulating perspective Execution Leadership Systems Transferable insight What works with customers What works internally What scales Sales enablement as an example of bridge-building Transition motivated by impact Desire to help at scale Supporting many sellers, not just personal results A natural evolution, not a pivot Built on prior sales experience Expanded influence Bridge logic in action Skills reused Scope widened Risk managed Zooming out: sales, stigma, and parenting Introducing the next lens: children Three boys: 13, 10, 7 Confronting sales stereotypes Slimy Manipulative Self-serving Tension between reputation and reality Loving sales Building a career around it Teaching it without replicating the worst versions Redefining sales as a helping profession Sales as service Primary orientation: benefit to the other person Compensation as a byproduct, not the driver Ethical center Believe in what you're recommending Stand behind its value Sleep well regardless of outcome Losses reframed Most deals don't close Failure as feedback Integrity as the constant Selling to kids (and being sold by them) Acknowledging reality Everyone sells, constantly Titles don't matter Teaching ethos, not tactics How you persuade matters more than whether you win Kindness Thoughtfulness Awareness of the other side Everyday negotiations Bedtime extensions Appeals to age, fairness, peer behavior Sales wins without good reasoning Learning opportunity Success ≠ good process Boundaries still matter Why sales gets a bad reputation Root cause: selfishness Focus on "what I get" Language centered on personal gain Misaligned value exchange Overselling Underdelivering The alternative Lead with value for the other side Hold mutual benefit in the background Make the exchange explicit and fair Boundaries as protection for both sides Clear scope What's included What's not Saying no as a service Preventing resentment Preserving trust Entrepreneurial lens Boundaries become essential Scope creep erodes value Clarity sustains long-term relationships Value exchange, scope, and boundaries Every request starts with discernment, not enthusiasm What value am I actually providing? What problem am I solving? How much time, energy, and attention will this really take? The goal isn't just a "yes" Both sides need to feel good about: What's being given What's being received What's being expected What's realistically deliverable Sales as a two-sided coin Mutual benefit matters Overselling creates future resentment Promising "the moon and the stars" is how trust breaks later Boundaries as self-respect Clear limits protect delivery quality Good boundaries prevent repeating bad sales dynamics Saying less upfront often enables better outcomes long-term Transitioning into coaching and the SNAFU Conference Context for the work today Speaking at the inaugural SNAFU Conference Focused on reluctant salespeople and non-sales roles Why coaching became the next chapter Sales is everywhere, regardless of title Coaching emerged as a natural extension of sales leadership The origin story at Google Transition from sales leadership to enablement Core question: how do we help sellers have better conversations? Result: building Google's global sales coaching program Grounded in practice and feedback Designed to prepare for high-stakes conversations The hidden overlap between sales and coaching Coaching as an underutilized advantage Especially powerful for sales leaders Shared core skills Deep curiosity Active listening Presence in conversation Reflecting back what's heard, not what you assume The co-creation mindset Not leading someone to your solution Guiding toward their desired outcome Why this changes everything Coaching improves leadership effectiveness Coaching improves sales outcomes Coaching reshapes how decisions get made A personal inflection point: learning to listen Feedback that lingered "Jeff is often the first and last to speak in meetings" The realization Seniority amplified his voice Being directive wasn't the same as being effective The shift Stop being the first to speak Invite more voices Lead with curiosity, not certainty The result More evolved perspectives Better decisions Sometimes realizing he was simply wrong The parallel to sales Talking at customers limits discovery Pre-built pitch decks obscure real needs The "right widget" only emerges through listening What the work looks like today A synthesis of experiences Buyer Seller Sales leader Enablement leader Executive coach How that shows up in practice Executive coaching for sales and revenue leaders Supporting decision-making Developing more coach-like leadership styles Workshops and trainings Helping managers coach more effectively Building durable sales skills Advisory work Supporting sales and enablement organizations at scale The motivation behind the shift Returning to the core questions: Am I learning? Am I growing? Am I challenged? A pull toward broader impact A desire to test whether this work could scale beyond one company Why some practices thrive and others stall Observing the difference Similar credentials Similar training Radically different outcomes The uncomfortable truth The difference is sales Entrepreneurship without romance Businesses don't "arrive" on their own Clients don't magically appear Visibility, rejection, iteration are unavoidable Core requirements Clear brand Defined ICP Articulated value Credibility to support the claim Debunking "overnight success" Success is cumulative Built on years of unseen experience Agency life + Google made entrepreneurship possible Sales as a universal survival skill Especially now Crowded markets Economic uncertainty Increased competition Sales isn't manipulation It's how value moves through the world Avoiding the unpersuadable Find people who already want what you offer Make it easier for them to say yes For those who "don't want to sell" Either learn it Or intentionally outsource it But you can't pretend it doesn't exist The vision board and the decision to leap December 18, 2023 45th birthday Chosen as a forcing function Purpose of the date Accountability, not destiny A moment to decide: stay or go Milestones on the back Coaching certification Experience thresholds Personal readiness Listening to the inner signal The repeated message: "It's time" The bridge was already built Skills stacked Experience earned Risk understood Stepping forward without full certainty You never know what's on the other side You only learn once you cross and look around Decision-making and vision boards Avoid forcing yourself to meet arbitrary deadlines Even if a date is set for accountability (e.g., a 45th birthday milestone), the real question is: When am I ready to act? Sometimes waiting isn't necessary; acting sooner can make sense Boundaries tie directly into these decisions They help you align personal priorities with professional moves Recognizing what matters most guides the "when" and "how" of major transitions Boundaries in the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship Biggest boundary: family and presence with children Managing a global team meant constant connectivity and messages across time zones Transitioning to your own business allowed more control over work hours, clients, and priorities The pro/con framework reinforced the choice Written lists can clarify trade-offs For this example, the deciding factor was: "They get their dad back" Boundaries in entrepreneurship are intertwined with opportunity More freedom comes with more responsibility You can choose your hours, clients, and areas of focus—but still must deliver results Preparing children for a rapidly changing world Skill priorities extend beyond AI and automation Technology literacy is essential, but kids will likely adapt faster than adults Focus on human skills Building networks Establishing credibility Navigating relationships and complex decisions Sales-related skills apply Curiosity, empathy, observation, and problem-solving help them adapt to change These skills are timeless, even as roles and tools evolve Human skills in an AI-driven world AI is additive, not replacement Leverage AI to complement work, not fear it Understand what AI does well and where human judgment is irreplaceable Coaching and other human-centered skills remain critical Lived experience, storytelling, and nuanced judgment cannot be fully replaced by AI Technology enables scale but doesn't replace complex human insight The SNAFU Conference embodies this principle Brings humans together to share experiences and learn Demonstrates that face-to-face interaction, stories, and mutual learning remain valuable Advice for coaches learning to sell Coaches already possess critical sales skills Curiosity, active listening, presence, problem identification, co-creating solutions These skills, when applied to sales, still fall within a helping profession Key approach Use your coaching skills to generate business ethically Reframe sales as an extension of support, not self-interest For salespeople Learn coaching skills to improve customer conversations Coaching strengthens empathy, listening, and problem-solving abilities, all core to effective selling Book and resource recommendations Non-classical sales books Setting the Table by Danny Meyer → emphasizes culture and service as a form of sales Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara → creating value through care for people Coaching-focused books Self as Coach, Self as Leader by Pam McLean Resources from the Hudson Institute of Coaching Gap in sales literature Few resources fully integrate coaching with sales Potential upcoming book: The Power of Coaching and Sales  

fear learning success ai power google technology coach growth personal college advice stand speaking coaching building deep navigating career sleep teaching failure walking planning sales leader managing focus loving preparing leaving risk entrepreneurship staying developing table language transition selling presence clients connecting executives boundaries built launch experiences humility decision reflecting decisions human skills accountability clear desire clarity bridge businesses integrity shifting calm coaches identifying emergency transitioning senior active agency economic root stepping curiosity chosen redefining careers internal skill limited shared lunch dropping establishing treating conscious tension primary designed invite ethical similar pattern preventing debunking confronting psychological rapid diverse grounded increased largest losses entrepreneurial workshops lived ongoing result range external visibility titles builder naming preserving frontline guiding temporary milestones surfing parallel compensation appeals increases credibility scope mutual contrast promising reframe takes rejecting framing best buy valuing expanded advisory bedtime observing graduates boundary youngest internship crowded encourages ladders regaining accelerated zooming reduces prevents human side ai technology enablement referencing demonstrates snafu hudson institute accumulating comparable leverage ai danny meyer misaligned demotion unreasonable hospitality jaworski will guidara seniority disliking robin zander overselling
Navigating the Customer Experience
266: Leading From the Inside Out: Voice, Peace, and the Power of People with Jeremie Kubicek

Navigating the Customer Experience

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 22:52


Send us a textIn this episode of Navigating the Customer Experience, we sit down with Jeremie Kubicek, a powerful communicator, serial entrepreneur, and co-founder of GiANT, a global leadership development company. Jeremie is the author of several influential leadership books, including 5 Voices, 5 Gears, The 100X Leader, The Peace Index, and his newest release, The Voice-Driven Leader.Jeremie shares his entrepreneurial journey and explains how years of building businesses taught him a critical lesson: while business plans and financial plans matter, it is the people plan that most often determines success or failure. Early in his career, he realized that people were often treated as liabilities rather than assets. This insight led him to dedicate his work to helping leaders understand, develop, and empower people so they can truly thrive.At the heart of the conversation is Jeremie's new book, The Voice-Driven Leader. He explains that the most important role in any organization is the team leader—the person who leads people day-to-day. Using the metaphor of a “Sherpa,” Jeremie emphasizes that when a leader is healthy and self-aware, the team they lead is far more likely to be healthy as well. The book helps leaders understand their own voice, personality, and wiring, as well as the voices of those they lead, so they can communicate more effectively and create meaningful development plans.Jeremie outlines several core leadership principles, especially for those transitioning from peer to leader. These include learning to “speak the language” of others rather than forcing them to adapt to your style, clearly defining expectations and development paths, and guiding people through the discomfort of learning—what he calls the “pit of despair.” By understanding how people are wired and how they respond under stress, leaders can better support growth and avoid unnecessary breakdowns.The conversation also explores how communication has evolved, particularly across generations, and how small misunderstandings—tone, emojis, or short messages—can unintentionally damage relationships if leaders are not intentional and aware.Jeremie shares what excites him most right now: his focus on the idea that peace is power. He explains that leaders cannot give what they do not possess. If a leader is not at peace internally, their leadership and customer experience efforts will feel transactional rather than authentic. He introduces The Peace Index, a practical framework that helps individuals assess peace across five areas of life, reinforcing the idea that personal well-being directly impacts professional effectiveness.Listeners also hear about the tool Jeremie uses daily—the 5 Voices App, an AI-powered resource designed to help people navigate communication, relationships, and leadership based on personality dynamics. He recommends Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara as a book that deeply influenced his thinking on journeys, employee experience, and customer experience.Jeremie closes by sharing simple yet powerful phrases he uses during challenging times, including “Choose joy” and “Call up, not out,” reminding us that leadership begins within. This episode is a compelling reminder that great customer experiences start with healthy, self-aware leaders who are alive, at peace, and intentional about how they show up every day.Connect with Jeremie Kubicekwww.jeremiekubicek.com

Printavo PrintHustlers Podcast
Unreasonable Hospitality for Print Shops: Transform Customer Experience (Will Guidara's Strategy)

Printavo PrintHustlers Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 17:52


n this episode, we explore how print shop owners can apply "Unreasonable Hospitality" principles from Will Guidara's acclaimed book to transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary customer experiences. Learn why emotional connection matters as much as perfect execution, and discover practical ways to stand out in a competitive industry.

Pretty Over Perfect
Unreasonable Hospitality at Home with Tammy McGreevy

Pretty Over Perfect

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 65:17


Unreasonable Hospitality is a term and memoir by Will Guidara, an elite restaurateur whose practices helped his team make Eleven Madison Park the number one restraunt in the world in 2017. I invited my mom, who has been my greatest teacher in unreasonable hospitality, to discuss the book and how we can adopt the principles for our homes - and create extraordinary moments of connection and love for our families and friends. Read the book - I think you'll love it! Or hear the big ideas for small business in this podcast. Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! @prettyoverperfect

Palace Intrigue: A daily Royal Family podcast
Critics Call Meghan's Special ‘Insane,' ‘Unfathomable,' and ‘A Bit Sad' — Merry Christmas, er, Holiday!

Palace Intrigue: A daily Royal Family podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 9:04 Transcription Available


From “predictably insipid” to “zero stars,” the reviews for With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration are in — and they're harsher than Harry's anti-salad rant. Today we sift through the critics calling the special “unfathomable,” “quite mad,” and even “a little bit sad.” We've got The Independent questioning Will Guidara's will to live, The Standard accusing Netflix of trolling its own star, and The Telegraph wondering how you explain family estrangement through Christmas ornaments. Grab some Reindeer Chow — you're going to need it.Hear our new show "Crown and Controversy: Prince Andrew" here.Check out "Palace Intrigue Presents: King WIlliam" here.

Sales Talk for CEOs
Ep186 From Cafe Marketplace to Commercial Art Powerhouse, Gavi Wolf's Sales Journey

Sales Talk for CEOs

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 36:51


In this episode of Sales Talk for CEOs, Alice Heiman talks with Gavi Wolf, CEO and Founder of IndieWalls, about how he scaled a creative business, turning an art marketplace into a commercial art consultancy serving major brands. Gavi discusses founder‑led sales, when and how he realized it was time to build a sales leadership function, and the hard lesson about motivating and compensating a high‑performing sales team.Rapid‑fire picksBook: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.Podcast: Freakonomics with Stephen Dubner.CEO Advice: If you want top sales talent, they need to see a clear path to earning real money. Show them others are winning, give them a comp plan they can believe in and the right people will come and perform. Connect WithGavi Wolf: LinkedIn | WebsiteAlice Heiman: LinkedIn | Website

This Week in Startups
Jason predicts a “major M&A moment” in the next six months! | E2213

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2025 55:35


Register here to join Founder University Japan's kickoff: https://luma.com/cm0x90mkToday's show:Google and Meta had their cases dismissed (or received a slap on the wrist)… Despite all the backlash and cynicism, AI companies continue making bank and releasing hot new products… What does it all mean?For Jason Calacanis, the signs are pointing to a “major M&A moment,” with huge opportunities for increased efficiency and consolidation among America's favorite brands and largest companies?Who will it be? Join Jason and Alex for a round of hot speculation.PLUS why Jason thinks Michael Burry is both right and wrong about GPU depreciation, why NOTHING is certain about these OpenAI mega-deals, Google's Nano Banana Pro can make infographics and they're VERY impressive… and much more.Timestamps:(1:54) Jason's calling in from Vegas… He's doing a hot lap at F1!(3:18) How restaurants are becoming the new Hot IP(6:50) Founder University is heading to TOKYO!(9:27) Why Jason thinks the future of startups is truly global(10:06) Pipedrive - Bring your entire sales process into one elegant space. Get started with a 30 day free trial at pipedrive.com/twist(11:39) Nvidia killed it on the numbers… but what are the vibes around AI? Jason sounds off.(13:05) Why nothing is certain when it comes to the Nvidia/OpenAI deal(19:40) Is Google now WINNING consumer adoption of AI? How did it get this close?(19:57) Crusoe Cloud: Crusoe is the AI factory company. Reliable infrastructure and expert support. Visit https://crusoe.ai/build to reserve your capacity for the latest GPUs today.(26:07) Meanwhile, AI apps are still dominating the iOS Store(27:09) Why Jason and Alex think Michael Burry's both right and wrong about GPU depreciation(30:13) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!(37:46) We're testing out Nano Banana Pro on a BBQ infographic challenge(43:42) What a week for AI models! It doesn't seem like things are slowing down…(46:12) Kalshi is growing fast, but can it catch Polymarket?(47:50) Is a rate cut coming? Jason and Alex read the tea leaves.(50:13) Why Jason predicts a “major M&A moment” in the next six months(52:09) VIEWER QUESTION: What should a software engineer be working on RIGHT NOW.(54:02) Founder Friday is now… STARTUP SUPPER CLUBSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(10:06) Pipedrive - Bring your entire sales process into one elegant space. Get started with a 30 day free trial at pipedrive.com/twist(19:57) Crusoe Cloud: Crusoe is the AI factory company. Reliable infrastructure and expert support. Visit https://crusoe.ai/build to reserve your capacity for the latest GPUs today.(30:13) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.com

FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution
Restaurateur Will Guidara on Delivering Unreasonable Hospitality

FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 37:38


World-famous restaurateur Will Guidara is back with his latest project — and it's not a restaurant, it's a book. Will was made famous by the over the top service he provided at Eleven Madison Park and, as it turns out, there was a method to the madness.In this episode, Will and I sit down to discuss the formulaic way that he set expectations for his guests' experience and the process he created to exceed those expectations.Be sure to pick up a copy of Will's book, “Unreasonable Hospitality”, when it releases on October 25th._________________________________________________________Free 5-Day Restaurant Marketing Masterclass – This is a live training where you'll learn the exact campaigns Josh has built and tested in real restaurants to attract new guests, increase visit frequency, and generate sales on demand. Save your spot at restaurantbusinessschool.comFull Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:Yelp for Restaurants PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinars

Hot Young Designers Club
159: The Beef and the Bear — are you incorporating luxury hospitality practices into your design business?

Hot Young Designers Club

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 67:54


Shaun and Rebecca explore how interior designers can borrow luxury‑hospitality practices (think boutique hotels, high‑end resorts) and apply them to their own design businesses. They dig into the idea that service isn't just about furniture or finishes–it's about how you make your clients feel, and how you structure your process, your purchasing, your hiring, and your client‑experience to reflect that elevated standard. Along the way they share candid business talk about shifting models, hiring help, market tiers, and positioning.In this conversation they discuss:The recent Facebook designer‑group debate about trade discounts vs deep pricing and what that means for profitability.How going up‑market and leveraging stocking dealer accounts can open room for margin (and why that old‑school model still has relevance).The concept of hospitality—drawn from the book Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara—and how it applies to interior‑design business beyond restaurants. (Unreasonable Hospitality)Practical low‑starts for elevating client experience (handwritten notes, snack trays at presentations, anticipating needs) and the hard part: sustaining it over a full project.Shaun's and Rebecca's personal experiences: one signing a new project at a ‘lowest point,' website copy finally working for leads, and the bravery of hiring operations/ procurement help.The shift from being “just a furniture order‑taker” to being a concierge, experience architect, and partner—and how that reframes your value proposition.The emotional and operational reality of hiring: knowing when you're doing too much, needing to delegate, whether you're ready to manage people (or handlers), and the fear of burning out or falling behind.Mentioned:Design Biz Survival Guide RetreatHouse of Savoy Instagram post exampleUnreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will GuidaraOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca's InstagramShaun's InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

This Week in Startups
AI Model Showdown: Grok 4.1 vs. Gemini 3 | E2211

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 46:45


AI Model Showdown: Grok 4.1 vs. Gemini 3 | E2211Register for Founder University Japan's Kickoff! https://luma.com/cm0x90mkToday's show:*Will the arrival of two hotly-anticipated, intensely powerful AI models snap the Doomer cycle?On a new TWiST, Jason and Alex consider the current AI landscape, one where cynicism about insider mega-deals, fear of job displacement, and concerns about bubble bursts seem to rule the day. Will the arrival of two powerful new models — xAI's Grok 4.1 and Google's Gemini 3 — help the industry to course-correct? And how do we decide how much these models have improved anyway?PLUS we're investigating Cloudflare's recent downtime and their acquisition of Replicate. Are we heading toward a future in which everyone runs their own models, locally? And how worried should founders get if their products or sites go down for a few hours?Finally, if you're an investor, and want to come to Jason's Dim Sum Demo Day in San Francisco, here's the link: http://launch.co/dimsumTimestamps:(2:01) Why the internet got broadly degraded when Cloudflare went down(5:00) How worried should founders become when their sites go offline?(6:44) Downtime aside, what did Cloudflare want with Replicate?(8:12) Why Jason predicts one day we'll run our own local language models(9:39) Goldbelly - Goldbelly ****ships America's most delicious, iconic foods nationwide! Get 20% off your first order by going to Goldbelly.com and using the promo code TWiST at checkout.(15:25) How to turn off “Learn From This App” on your iPhone(17:29) Will the arrival of hotly-anticipated new models stop the spread of Doomerism and AI cynicism(20:00) Every.io - For all of your incorporation, banking, payroll, benefits, accounting, taxes or other back-office administration needs, visit every.io.(23:53) Checking back in with the “Best AI Model” Polymarket… why has ChatGPT dropped so low?(29:43) Zite - Zite is the fastest way to build business software with AI. Build apps, forms, websites and portals that connect to the tools you already use. Go to zite.com/twist to get started.(31:14) ANOTHER AI mega-deal? Nvidia and Microsoft are investing in… ANTHROPIC(33:06) Why so many AI deals now include “up to…” language around investments(35:04) What Jason thinks of Dario Amodei's warning about white collar job displacement(39:39) If we all agree AI job displacement is coming… what can be done?(45:16) All about Jason's Dim Sum Investor Demo Day in San Francisco!Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(9:39) Goldbelly - Goldbelly ****ships America's most delicious, iconic foods nationwide! Get 20% off your first order by going to Goldbelly.com and using the promo code TWiST at checkout.(20:00) Every.io - For all of your incorporation, banking, payroll, benefits, accounting, taxes or other back-office administration needs, visit every.io.(29:43) Zite - Zite is the fastest way to build business software with AI. Build apps, forms, websites and portals that connect to the tools you already use. Go to zite.com/twist to get started.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Missions to Movements
Improve Direct Mail Performance Using Behavioral Science & Personality Traits with Kevin Schulman

Missions to Movements

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 47:30 Transcription Available


Fewer than five of charity: water's donors wrote a check during a 75,000-piece direct mail test, yet direct mail STILL lifted revenue by 1.5-2%!Behavioral science expert and DonorVoice founder Kevin Schulman is here to talk about why traditional direct mail metrics fall short, why your “non-check-writers” may be your biggest missed opportunity, and how personality-based messaging can transform donor engagement.You'll hear the inside story of a charity: water experiment that tested postcards vs. full letters, QR codes on the outer envelope, and personality trait targeting based on the Big Five framework. Kevin and I also dig into measuring donor commitment, what predicts retention, and how some nonprofits are increasing their first-year monthly donor retention by 6-9 percentage points simply by adjusting their communication volume. If you're rethinking how direct mail fits into your world, this episode will reshape how you design, segment, and evaluate your campaigns.Resources & LinksConnect with Kevin on LinkedIn and learn more about DonorVoice on their website.Check out the book I'm currently reading, Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect, by Will Guidara.This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit's campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

En la misma página
Recomendaciones | Libros que te hacen pensar mejor, decidir mejor y liderar mejor

En la misma página

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 30:11


En este episodio platicamos de esos libros que nos han hecho detenernos, pensar distinto y tomar mejores decisiones.Hablamos de lectura que inspira, que reta y que te ayuda a ver el mundo —y a tu equipo— con más claridad y empatía.Comentamos El jardín del mar de Sophie Goldberg, Unreasonable Hospitality de Will Guidara, Piénsalo otra vez de Adam Grant y Never Split the Difference de Christopher Voss y Tahl Raz.Historias y herramientas que van desde la hospitalidad radical hasta la negociación empática y el arte de cuestionar lo que creías cierto.Un episodio para quienes aman aprender, crecer y dejarse sorprender por lo que un buen libro puede mover.

Mi Mejor Versión
#206: Deja de ser tan racional [Parte 1]

Mi Mejor Versión

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 26:02


Hoy inauguramos esta serie analizando mi libro de negocios favorito: Hospitalidad Irracional por Will Guidara. La historia y los principios detrás de como un restaurante modesto se convirtió en el número uno del mundo. El principio #1 es: Tienes que ser una persona irracional para ver un mundo que aún no existe.Te cuento por qué este libro encendió algo en mí, cómo terminé viajando a Nueva York para vivir la experiencia completa de Eleven Madison Park, y por qué su historia no es sobre comida, es sobre visión, estándares de excelencia y coronar las cimas más altas del mundo. Hablamos de ambición, entusiasmo, excelencia, identidad, expectativas culturales, auto-sabotaje, liderazgo y porque ser irracionales nos hace memorables. Este episodio es para prenderte el fuego. Deja de tener un pie dentro y un pie afuera. Deja de ser agua tibia y mejor seamos IRRACIONALES. Para así moldear el mundo.APLICACIONES ABIERTAS: Planificación Estratégica 2026: https://www.isagarcia.online/planificacion2026

Design Matters with Debbie Millman
20th Anniversary celebration with culinary creatives Julia Turshen, Christina Tosi, Gabrielle Hamilton, Fanny Singer, and Will Guidara

Design Matters with Debbie Millman

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 52:15


To mark 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments with Julia Turshen, Christina Tosi, Gabrielle Hamilton, Fanny Singer, and Will Guidara—voices who reimagined how we cook, write, and welcome. From recipe testing as poetry to tinkering with desserts, from building a neighborhood bistro to building a culture of “unreasonable hospitality,” these excerpts show how design shapes flavor, service, and the shared joy of a good meal.Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uncensored CMO
Unreasonable Marketing - lessons from the creator of the world's #1 restaurant - Will Guidara

Uncensored CMO

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 72:36


Will Guidara is the author of Unreasonable Hospitality and co-founder of the world's #1 restaurant, Eleven Madison Park. He joins us to share how lessons from hospitality can be a huge competitive advantage for your brand. We discuss the power of small but impactful gestures, intelligent naivety, the 95/5 rule and investing in the things that can't be measured but make all the difference.Will also reflects on the mindset that took Eleven Madison Park to the top, what businesses can learn from restaurants, and how applying unreasonable hospitality can turn any customer experience into something truly extraordinary.Timestamps00:00:00 - Start00:00:57 - Will's experience writing his book00:02:11 - Getting 4 stars from The New York Times00:04:43 - What marketers can learn from Unreasonable Hospitality00:08:08 - Where did the term “unreasonable hospitality” come from?00:14:13 - Why Will is fine being “The Dining Room Guy”00:16:40 - Why Will added a beer sommelier - reverse benchmarking00:20:29 - Intelligent naivety and the advantages of youth00:23:30 - The power of small thoughtful gestures that make a lasting impact00:27:22 - The 95/5 rule - how to succeed with things that cannot be measured00:31:47 - Restaurant smart vs corporate smart00:36:50 - Why you sometimes need conflicting goals00:41:34 - Is the customer always right?00:45:55 - Turning pain points into highlights00:48:06 - How Will Guidara makes getting the bill a memorable experience00:51:38 - Why nothing in the world can replace persistence00:53:40 - Never waste a good crisis00:56:52 - What Will would do at Cannes with no budget00:59:56 - How Shake Shack kept 11 Madison Park going01:00:48 - Which fast food chains does Will admire01:03:51 - Hiring exceptional talent01:06:17 - Getting siloed teams to work together in harmony01:09:07 - What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail

YAP - Young and Profiting
Sam Parr: How I Built One Business to Sell and Another to Keep Forever | Entrepreneurship | E373

YAP - Young and Profiting

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 54:32


After struggling with drug abuse, multiple arrests, and the loss of his dream job at Airbnb following a DUI, Sam Parr hit rock bottom. That moment became his wake-up call. Choosing sobriety, he rebuilt his life and founded The Hustle, scaling it into a multi-million-dollar media company acquired by HubSpot. Today, he leads Hampton, a private founder community helping entrepreneurs grow and connect. In this episode, Sam shares lessons on entrepreneurship, newsletter growth, and building legacy businesses that stand the test of time. In this episode, Hala and Sam will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:32) His Early Entrepreneurial Journey (06:19) Sobriety, Self-Discovery, and the Birth of Hustle Con (12:42) Launching and Scaling The Hustle Newsletter (19:25) Newsletter Growth and Monetization Strategies (26:14) Scale to $100 Million: Business Growth Ideas (33:18) Building Hampton vs. The Hustle (43:45) Success Habits and Life Lessons for Entrepreneurs Sam Parr is an internet entrepreneur, investor, and co-host of the top-ranked podcast My First Million. He is the founder of The Hustle, a media company acquired by HubSpot for a multi-eight-figure sum, and Hampton, a private community for high-growth founders. Sam is celebrated for his insights on entrepreneurship, copywriting, and scaling profitable online businesses through newsletters and community-driven growth. Sponsored By: Merit Beauty - Go to meritbeauty.com to get your free signature makeup bag with your first order. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING Airbnb - Find yourself a cohost at airbnb.com/host Deleteme - Get 20% off DeleteMe consumer plans when you go to joindeleteme.com/PROFITING and use promo code PROFITING at checkout. Quo - Get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/PROFITING Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Revolve - Head to REVOLVE.com/PROFITING and take 15% off your first order with code PROFITING Spectrum Business - Visit Spectrum.com/FreeForLife to learn how you can get Business Internet Free Forever. Resources Mentioned: Sam's Podcast, My First Million: bit.ly/MFM-apple  Sam's Community, Hampton: joinhampton.com/about-us  Influence by Robert Cialdini: bit.ly/in_fluence  Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara: bit.ly/Un-Hospitality  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter  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, Passive Income, Solopreneur, Networking

This Week in Startups
Grammarly is now Superhuman! CEO Shishir Mehrotra explains the rebrand | E2201

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 98:52


Today's show:*Why rebrand an app with 40 million daily active users?On TWiST, Grammarly CEO Shishir Mehrotra swings by to explain why he's renaming his company after the mail app he just purchased, Superhuman.Plus he's giving us a first look at the startup's new AI assistant, Superhuman Go, digging into their new agent-centered strategy, looking ahead at the potential for AI job displacement, and more.Jason and Alex also talk about our new nuclear deal with Westinghouse and Japan, OpenAI's conversion and what it means for Microsoft, 1x's tele-operated Neo-bot for chores, and much more!Timestamps:(00:07:56) Jason is headed to Tokyo, and NOT just for skiing this time!(10:00) Uber AI Solutions**:** Your trusted partner to get AI to work in the real world. Book a demo with them TODAY at Uber.com/twist(00:12:21) Untangling this US government-Japan-Westinghouse deal for nuclear power… and why nuclear power is SO important(20:00)DevStats translates complex engineering metrics into a shared language everyone at your company can understand. Get 20% off by going to https://www.DevStats.com/twist(00:20:04) Why Jason says sabbaticals and 4 day work weeks are for established brands, not startups(30:00) Perspective AI: Real insights, straight from your customers, and your first two months are on us. Just go to getperspective.ai/twist.(00:33:01) Will income inequality become a concern, even for the wealthy? Jason says YES.(00:37:29) Shishir Mehrotra from Gram— NO WAIT, Superhuman! joins us to talk name changes(00:38:16) Using Grammarly as a model for the new AI assistant, Superhuman Go.(01:08:39) Nvidia shot past $5 TRILLION in value… How is no one freaked out about this?!(01:14:52) OpenAI executed their conversion… but Jason says “public benefit corporation” status is pretty meaningless(01:25:02) Checking out the Neo robot from 1x… he wants to help you with chores and he's for sale!(01:32:09) Uber's speeding up its self-driving plansSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Perspective AI - Real insights, straight from your customers, and your first two months are on us. Just go to getperspective.ai/twist.DevStats translates complex engineering metrics into a shared language everyone at your company can understand. Get 20% off by going to https://www.DevStats.com/twistUber AI Solutions: Your trusted partner to get AI to work in the real world. Book a demo with them TODAY at Uber.com/twistGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
iPhone Air is “inspiring,” and a first step toward Apple Glasses (w/ Zach Handshoe of SpatialGen) | E2200

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 78:59


Today's show:Jason's been skeptical on Apple lately, but he's BLOWN AWAY by his new iPhone Air.Hear why JCal thinks Cupertino's latest release is “completely inspiring,” and why he's sure it's the next step on the road to Apple Glasses.We're chatting with LAUNCH founder Zach Handshoe of spacial video startup SpatialGen about designing products for Cupertino AND the intense pressure of performing a Steve Jobs-level keynote.PLUS Raiza Martin of Huxe stops by to tell us why they're using audio to make AI assistants more personalized AND proactive, and how they're already getting noticed in an increasingly crowded App Store.AND we've got another Gamma Pitch Competition entrant! Chess Grandmaster Vasif Durarbayli presents his expert-focused app, ChessEver.Timestamps:(2:05) Friend of the pod @ZacharyHandshoe stops by to talk about supporting Apple Immersive Video (and staying up during the AWS outage)(9:37) Enterpret - Turn feedback noise into Customer Intelligence, so your team knows exactly what to fix and build next. Head to Enterpret.com/twist to book a demo and see it in action.(15:55) The iPhone Air can already shoot spatial video! Just part of why Jason calls it a “completely inspiring” product.(21:25) Crusoe Cloud - Crusoe is the AI factory company. Reliable infrastructure and expert support. Visit crusoe.ai/startup to reserve your capacity for the latest GPUs today.(24:30) Jason offers viewers a peek inside LAUNCH's Whisper Network(32:09) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist(33:10) Huxe co-founder (and NotebookLM vet) Raiza Martin wants to make your AI assistant more personalized and proactive.(37:14) Why Raiza and her team went with an audio-forward interface instead of a chatbot.(43:25) How Huxe is getting noticed in the App Store as a brand new arrival.(50:25) The big LLMs still aren't great at writing engaging content for humans, so Huxe is doing it themselves.(52:41) Chess Grandmaster Vasif Durarbayli from ChessEver joins us for his Gamma pitch!(54:26) Why Vasif is focusing on very serious players FIRST before appealing to more casual chess fans(1:05:28) Jason thinks ChessEver is at the moment of “triangulation” in their journey to finding Product Market Fit… what do Grandmasters really want?Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Enterpret - Turn feedback noise into Customer Intelligence, so your team knows exactly what to fix and build next. Head to Enterpret.com/twist to book a demo and see it in action.Crusoe Cloud - Crusoe is the AI factory company. Reliable infrastructure and expert support. Visit crusoe.ai/startup to reserve your capacity for the latest GPUs today.Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twistGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Jason Unpacks Sequoia's New Funds | E2199

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 81:45


Today's show:Australia has accused Microsoft of employing a dark pattern… Hear why Jason says these kinds of sneaky tactics aren't usually worth it.It's a brand-new Monday TWiST and it's PACKED with news. In addition to Australia's allegations against MSFT, we're looking at Chinese drone fails and wondering how live experiences will change in the age of AI.PLUS has Tesla finally “solved” FSD after years of promises? Does it matter that so much of Mercor's revenue goes back out to contractors? Do Chinese LLMs have a major advantage when it comes to the stock market over Western counterparts? Why Jason avoids overseas deals when he doesn't speak the language or know the culture. And much more!Timestamps:(00:03:44) Fall is here! And Jason is already looking ahead to “BFCM” and the holiday season.(00:07:13) We're bringing back the TWiSTies and a Prediction 2026 show(00:07:33) People are using AI to create fake receipts for fraudulent invoices!(10:00) Pipedrive - Bring clarity and control to your sales process with Pipedrive, the #1 CRM for small and medium sized businesses. Supercharge your sales today. Start with a 30-day free trial at pipedrive.com/twist.(00:14:23) It's earnings week for Meta AND Alphabet AND Microsoft AND AMAZON!(00:19:55) What happened with the disastrous Chinese drone and fireworks show?(20:00) Monarch - Thanks to our partner, Monarch! Try the app and get 50% off your first year by visiting monarchmoney.com/twist.(00:27:37) Why Jason thinks live experiences are going to get much bigger and more impressive in the age of AI(00:29:34) Why Tesla is training FSD on synthetic data now… Has FSD finally been “solved”?(30:00) AWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/credits(00:45:10) What's going on with these new Sequoia funds? Jason unpacks the strategy…(00:50:50) Jason doesn't like to invest overseas unless he speaks the language and knows the culture(00:51:11) Jason's thoughts on the controversy surrounding Sequoia partner Shaun Maguire's comments(00:58:34) Mercor pays out 60-70% of its toppling revenue to contractors… does this MATTER?(01:06:14) Do Chinese LLMs have a major advantage when it comes to investing? (Humans are now betting on all this on PolyMarket)(01:09:45) Australia alleges that Microsoft is employing a dark pattern… why Jason says that's a problem.Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:AWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/creditsMonarch Money - Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com/TWISTPipedrive - Bring clarity and control to your sales process with Pipedrive, the #1 CRM for small and medium sized businesses. Supercharge your sales today. Start with a 30-day free trial at pipedrive.com/twist.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
If you're not working 9-9-6, are you working hard enough? | E2198

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2025 61:16


Today's show:*Working from 9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week, might seem like TOO INTENSE a commitment for some, but Jason argues that elite performance — and the mega-compensation that goes along with it — sometimes requires personal sacrifice. While 72-hour weeks might lead to burnout for some, it really comes down to individual choice.PLUS Jason and Alex deep dive the NBA gambling scandal and the sketchy reality behind high-stakes home games of poker. PLUS Presh Kumar takes us behind the scenes, to see how AI apps helped him develop and workshop the video for his new wellness startup, Tempo, and what's with Anthropic buying chips from their AI rivals, Google? It's a can't miss This Week in Startups.Timestamps:(00:06:49) Jason and Alex are poker fans… what do they think about this insane NBA gambling scandal?(10:00) LinkedIn Ads - Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. Launch your first campaign and get $250 FREE when you spend at least $250. Go to http://LinkedIn.com/ThisWeekinStartups to claim your credit.(20:00) Nexos.ai - Stop Shadow AI in its tracks with the unified platform for secure AI adoption and productivity. Try it with a free 14-day trial at https://nexos.ai/twist.(00:25:09) Is working “9-9-6” a reasonable goal? A guarantee of success? Why Jason compares it to being an Olympian.(30:00) Every.io - Running a startup is hard enough. Every takes care of incorporation, banking, payroll, benefits, accounting, taxes and more so that you focus on building, not back-office admin. Visit every.io.(00:38:00) Our old buddy Presh walks us through the process of making his Tempo launch video(00:42:28) Jason and Alex check out some of Ridley Scott's famous storyboards(00:48:03) Anthropic is buying TPUs from Google… Are these companies in LIKE with each other?Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:LinkedIn Ads - Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. Launch your first campaign and get $250 FREE when you spend at least $250. Go to http://LinkedIn.com/ThisWeekinStartups to claim your credit.Nexos.ai - Stop Shadow AI in its tracks with the unified platform for secure AI adoption and productivity. Try it with a free 14-day trial at https://nexos.ai/twist.**Every.io -** Running a startup is hard enough. Every takes care of incorporation, banking, payroll, benefits, accounting, taxes and more so that you focus on building, not back-office admin. Visit every.io.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Amazon's “Age of Efficiency,” LLM distribution, AI wearable worries, and more with Elad Gil | E2197

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 83:34


Today's show:*Amazon's dropping a LOT of employees for AI and robots… are Jason's darkest predictions coming true?Legendary investor Elad Gil joins Jason and Alex for the full show today! Together, they're digging into the Amazon news, looking back at Jason's predictions from just last month, and theorizing about just how many people will lose their jobs to computers, and what we're going to do about it. (Is it possible the US hasn't been massively hit by job displacement so far because those gigs already moved overseas?)PLUS… Anthropic's Dario Amodei responds to criticisms from JCal's bestie David Sacks, Sesame emerges from stealth to work on AI wearables, and where will people in the future interact with their favorite apps? A headset? Phones? Somewhere else? The great debate continues.Timestamps:(00:04:04) Our guest is iconic angel investor Elad Gil! What's he working on…(00:04:54) Alexandria AI translates public domain books into all commonly spoken languages… Do people actually prefer AI translations?(00:09:16) Why compute tends to centralize over time… (It's because of economies of scale!)(00:09:29) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(00:12:49) So are we building TOO MANY datacenters? Will AI apps eventually run on your phone anyway?(00:16:39) Jason says “The Age of Efficiency is upon us.”(00:19:24) When companies trade inference for market share(00:19:27) Sentry - New users get 3 months free of the Business plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWIST(00:21:57) Why one of the main challenges of adopting AI is buy-in and convincing teams to use it.(00:25:47) Elad's robotics questions: (1) What % of winners will be incumbents?(00:27:50) Jason called the Amazon news last month and we have the receipts!(00:29:36) Pilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first yea(00:45:33) Jason says Adobe and Figma should abandon the UK entirely.(00:45:55) Time for a Polymarket: The sharps say 80% chance Tesla beats their quarterly earnings(00:51:02) What is Sesame? They just emerged from stealth, they raised $250M, and they're working on AI wearables.(00:53:21) Jason has concerns about AI wearables that are always recording… Does Elad share these concerns?(01:03:17) The crypto industry is now one of the largest purchasers of US government debt… what does that mean? Who owns who?(01:08:53) Anthropic responded to JCal's Bestie David Sacks… Is Dario Amodei a doomer? Fearmongering?(01:19:12) Why Jason thinks AI companies need to self-regulateSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWISTSentry - New users get 3 months free of the Business plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWISTPilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first yeaGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Magic School uses AI to help kids learn, not cheat | E2196

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 57:51


Are AI tools in the classroom just time-savers, or can they have genuine educational value?In a must-watch TWiST 500 interview, Alex chats with Magic School founder (and former principal) Adeel Khan about how AI tools can make teachers more effective, and keep students inspired, without just doing all the work for them. He talks about turning an AI chatbot into a true assistant teacher, that keeps the lessons balanced yet challenging, and particularly empowers classroom novices and non-professionals.THEN… is 6 years too long for employees to wait to vest? Is this just another founder trying to reinvent EVERYTHING, just because they can't resist? Ramp CEO Eric Glyman joins Jason and Alex to answer pressing founder questions from viewersPLUS there's a new entrant in our Gamma Pitch Deck competition, and it's so compelling, Jason can't wait to invest! Kris Canete of On the Fly Energy tells us about America's fragile power grid and his elegant solution: flywheel energy storage!Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome to TWiST!02:59 - Former principal Adeel Khan of TWiST 500's Magic School AI tells us why “teachers are magic”09:41 - Goldbelly ships America's most delicious, iconic foods nationwide! Get 20% off your first order by going to Goldbelly.com and using the promo code TWiST at checkout.10:50 - How AI tools can particularly help out classroom novices and non-pros who are just getting started20:57 - Check out the online payroll and benefits experts with software built specifically for small business and startups. Try Gusto today and get three months FREE at Gusto.com/twist.26:58 - How Magic School stays ahead of shifting standards across different states and regions32:57 - Zite is the fastest way to build *business software* with AI. Build apps, forms, websites and portals that connect to the tools you already use. Go to *zite.com/twist* to get started.33:30 - Why the best feedback Adeel ever got came from a teenager36:30 - Making AI a true assistant teacher, that keeps lessons balanced yet challenging38:38 - Is a 6-year vesting schedule too aggressive? Eric Glyman responds.41:00 - When even ambitious founders should sometimes just accept a standard deal.57:33 - What IS flywheel energy storage?01:00:00 - Why Jason loves the Fly Energy Gamma pitch and wants to invest right now.01:34:13 - Gamma Outro*Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: [https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com](https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com/)Check out the TWIST500: [https://www.twist500.com](https://twist500.com)Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp*Follow Lon:X: https://x.com/lons*Follow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: [⁠  / alexwilhelm  ](  / alexwilhelm  )*Follow Jason:X:   / jason  LinkedIn: [  / jasoncalacanis  ](  / jasoncalacanis  )Great TWIST interviews: [Will Guidara,](   • Lessons in Unreasonable Hospitality with W...  ) [Eoghan McCabe](   • Great Builders & Success First with Interc...  ), [Steve Huffman](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..., [Brian Chesky](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast..., [Bob Moesta,](   • Decoding Customer Insights, Trust, and the...  ) [Aaron Levie](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast..., [Sophia Amoruso](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast..., [Reid Hoffman](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast..., [Frank Slootman](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast..., [Billy McFarland](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...)*Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis*Follow TWiST:Twitter:   / twistartups  YouTube:    / thisweekin  Instagram: [  / thisweekinstartups  ](  / thisweekinstartups  )TikTok:   / thisweekinstartups  Substack: [https://twistartups.substack.com](

Get a

Happy Woo Wednesdays! Carissa Woo Here!In this episode of Get a Heck Yes, I sit down with Jake Wysocki, founder of IntentionCraft, to talk about how to deliver a world-class client experience that turns happy clients into raving superfans.Jake shares practical ways to infuse intention into every touchpoint—from first inquiry to final delivery—and why going the extra mile isn't just about service, it's about strategy. We dig into: How to build trust and wow clients without burning out The mindset shift from “serving clients” to “crafting experiences” Why your workflow is part of your marketing Real-life examples from creative businesses doing it rightIf you've ever wondered how to make your clients feel something deeper and keep coming back for more, this episode will light you up.

Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten
283. Why Your Shop Matters More Than Ever - and How to Keep It Thriving in a Disconnected World

Creative Shop Talk with Wendy Batten

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 24:39


  With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   In This Episode: Ever stop mid-holiday hustle in your retail shop and think, “Why am I even doing this? Does this even matter?” This episode dives straight into that question. I'm sharing how meaningful connection - not just transactions - creates the kind of community and joy that keep both you and your customers coming back. You'll learn how to balance a strong back of house (all the CEO work I talk about!) and a remarkable front of house that keeps your customers coming back again and again. Some Highlights from this session: Why human connection is your shop's secret superpower How to blend “back of house” structure with “front of house” heart Ways to intentionally design remarkable in-store experiences and make your customers feel like they belong in your store Providing small, unexpected moments to your customers makes them feel seen and valued, building a truly memorable brand Your Next Steps: Grab your journal and put some thought into these questions: “Why does your shop exist? How does your business make people feel? Is it worthwhile and fulfilling to you?” Listen in to the Holiday Podcast Playlist to get yourself on the fast track to success in every aspect of your retail business this holiday season. Check out these book recommendations: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker and Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. Get an application in for my Level Up Mastermind. On top of high touch coaching with me, you'll meet retailers from all over the world doing really awesome things. Plus, we are planning a meet-up again this year in my tiny fishing village. :)  Related podcasts we think you'll like:  CST Holiday Podcast Playlist About your host, Wendy Batten   In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy Batten, retail business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle. With over 30 years of experience running successful businesses, I now help independent shop owners grow profitably and sustainably—with more confidence and joy. I've had my own business columns in featured magazines, such as What Women Create and other top publications, worked with some of the top industry brands as retail care manager, and I've supported hundreds of retailers through coaching, speaking, my programs, and this podcast.  For more support from Wendy   Join Wendy's CEO Planning Session for Retailers Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners   Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG    All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!  Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

This Week in Startups
Deel's growth overshadows SpyGate, Claude learned new skills, and the great “momentum is moat” debate | E2194

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2025 78:28


Deel's growth overshadows SpyGate, Claude learned new skills, and the great “momentum is moat” debate | EXXXToday's show:*Deel's growing fast enough that investors are overlooking the espionage allegations and jumping on board anyway. (LAUNCH now owns a lil taste of Deel, so Jason is on board!)PLUS is the Mag 7 about to become the Mag 70… Why legendary investor Roelof Botha thinks VC is not an asset class… How startups can use capital as a weapon… AND Anthropic gave Claude more skills, which they hope will help pay their bills.Timestamps:(00:01:34) Jason's excited for ski season and checking his favorite powder app, OpenSnow(00:04:02) Why Jason's done with meetings; he's pulling a Doug Leone!(00:06:27) Jason can tell the market's heating up because people are starting to lose their minds.(00:09:31) How much will global AI tools one day be worth? Alex is crunching the numbers.(10:00) Miro - Help your teams get great done with Miro. Check out miro.com to find out how!(00:15:22) PREDICTION: The Mag7 is about to become the Mag70(20:00) Alphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at https://www.alpha-sense.com/twist(00:25:36) Deel's big raise… Why major growth overshadows spying allegations(30:00) LinkedIn Ads: Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. Launch your first campaign and get $250 FREE when you spend at least $250. Go to http://LinkedIn.com/ThisWeekinStartups to claim your credit.(00:33:31) Why Roelof Botha says VC is a “return-free risk,” and not an “asset class.”(00:40:49) The two reasons why VC firms end(00:44:18) How startups can use capital as a weapon(00:57:52) Anthropic gave Claude Skills to pay the bills(01:00:51) Jason's vision for what Grammarly could becomeSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Miro - Help your teams get great done with Miro. Check out miro.com to find out how!Alphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at LinkedIn Ads: Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. Launch your first campaign and get $250 FREE when you spend at least $250. Go to http://LinkedIn.com/ThisWeekinStartups to claim your credit.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Legendary VC Steve Jurvetson looks ahead at neutral networks, Tesla, nuclear power, and more | E2193

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 89:32


Today's show:*On a very special TWiST, Jason's joined by “one of the greatest investors in in the history of VC,” Steve Jurvetson of Future Ventures.Together, they look back at some of Steve's earliest investments and learnings, the promise and ultimate failure of nanotech, breaking down the AI hype cycle, the primacy of neural networks, the return of nuclear power, why “AI safety” might be illusory, and much more.It's a packed show full of deep insights from one of the greatest minds in technology today. Do not miss this ep!Timestamps:(00:00)Jason's 1-on-1 today with “one of the greatest investors in the history of VC,” Steve Jurvetson(00:03:04) The early origins of Steve's fascination with “deep tech”(00:08:03) Jason and Steve recall playing around with the TRS-80 (“The Trash-80”)(10:00) Perspective AI: Real insights, straight from your customers, and your first two months are on us. Just go to getperspective.ai/twist.(00:15:13) Keeping your portfolio diverse when so many companies look the same(20:00) .TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.(00:20:49) The promise of nanotech and why it fell apart(00:25:46) Breaking down the “hype” cycle and how trends get co-opted(00:26:27) Why Moore's Law and the Power Law are so important for investors(30:00) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!(00:33:36) Understanding the rise of GPUs and how they resemble tiny brains(00:51:32) Revisiting a classic clip of Steve talking about robots(00:54:04) How Jason and Steve got their hands on some of the earliest Tesla Roadsters(01:00:09) Flashback Clip: Elon predicts 2025 in 2015… how'd he do?(01:02:46) Why did the world turn SO strongly against nuclear energy?(01:16:06) Can we make AI “safe” in the age of GPT Psychosis? Is it too inscrutable?(01:21:54) Why Steve thinks technology will ultimately doom autocratic regimes.Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!Perspective AI: Real insights, straight from your customers, and your first two months are on us. Just go to getperspective.ai/twist.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
What Ramp's data tells us about AI, unemployment and more with CEO Eric Glyman | E2192

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 76:06


Today's show:*Eric Glyman of Ramp joins us to share the fintech unicorn's growth secrets AND their Lab full of research data.On TWiST, Jason and Alex chat with Eric about Ramp's counter-intuitive mission — helping startups spend LESS money — PLUS they take a deep dive into the company's treasure trove of startup trend data. Why is there a huge spike in unemployed recent college trends? Is “static team size” as a big a story as Jason and Alex think? What does it actually take to get companies to adopt AI Agents? The answers all might be in these Ramp numbers.PLUS Eric joins us for some hot Founder Q's, and what's going on with all this Y Combinator drama? We're sifting through the angriest tweets for the inside scoop.FINALLY, Jason recommends some of his favorite startup accelerators of the moment (aside from his own) including…PearXArc from SequoiaAntlerSpeedrun from a16zTimestamps:(00:02:18) The 72-hour rule strikes again: Trump's China's tariff reversal(00:03:10) Why crypto got hit even HARDER than the stock market post-Trump announcement(00:07:32) Market manipulation “at a scale we've never seen before…”; what does this mean for everyday investors?(10:05) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(00:12:55) Ramp CEO Eric Glyman swings by to update us on his fintech unicorn's growth and their “Lab” for research data(20:09) Netsuite - Download the ebook CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist(00:21:40) Is “static team size” a real trend? What the Ramp data shows…(00:26:25) Ramp's “counter-intuitive” mission: to help companies spend LESS money, not more.(30:24) Paper OS offers the largest library of AI-driven Workflows for both founders & fund managers. Claim your $10K credit at paperos.com/twist(00:38:07) WHY the huge spike in unemployed recent college grads? Especially among the guys?(00:49:16) What it actually takes to get companies to adopt AI agents into their processes(00:52:25) Why Jason thinks Eric is a top-tier TWiST guest. We're going through the metrics…(00:54:05) There's YC drama on social media now… we're spilling the tea.Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWISTNetsuite - Download the ebook CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twistPAPER OS - Building an empire? PaperOS offers the largest library of AI-driven Workflows for both founders & fund managers. Whether you're raising capital, launching a fund, or wading through diligence, PaperOS unlocks simplicity and scale for your ever-growing empire. Claim your $10K credit at paperos.com/twistGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Battery Power for Texans with Zach Dell, plus Tim Apple is LEAVING?, Polymarket to the US, and a Tesla fan update | E2190

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 71:14


Today's show:*Zach Dell of Base Power joins us at the top of today's show to talk about building batteries in Austin, that $1 billion investment, and why an “all of the above” energy strategy is the only way forward.PLUS Jason and Alex's thoughts on that Tesla non-upside down car announcement, growing resentments toward AI datacenters, Chinese robots actually going on sale, Tim Cook's potential Apple exit, xAI's Nvidia agreement and MUCH MORE.Timestamps:(00:02:10) A MAJOR GUEST! Zach Dell of Base Power joins us from the top of the show.(00:03:31) The basics of Base Power's business model: the best electron is the cheapest electron(00:08:38) Zach teases Base's new, time-saving approach to battery installation(00:10:32) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist(00:18:12) How Base's grid can help drive down overall energy prices(00:21:17) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(00:30:12) Sentry - New users get 3 months free of the Business plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWIST(00:36:20) Tesla did not announce an upside fan car… Oh well…(00:44:27) Buy your Chinese robot TODAY on Walmart dot com? Or not!(00:48:12) Is Tim Apple EXITING Apple? Who's next?(00:59:22) ANOTHER mega-deal? Now xAI is circling a Nvidia investment…Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twistSquarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWISTSentry - New users get 3 months free of the Business plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWISTGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
OpenAI's latest “bizarre” mega-deal, datacenters in space, previewing Tesla's big announcement and more | E2189

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 76:26


Today's show:*How many weirdly circular mega-deals is OpenAI going to sign this year?On a new TWiST, Jason and Alex consider OpenAI's latest agreement with AMD, how the biggest American companies keep trading cash and chips back and forth, and whether or not the entire AI economy might be a house of cards.PLUS what kind of fan/leafblower tech is Tesla working on… what can Jevons Paradox tell us about the AI landscape… how easy is it to master games in the YC Arena… and WHY has NASA never built a base on the moon? We're asking the TOUGH QUESTIONS so you don't have to, only on the #1 tech podcast, “This Week in Startups.”Timestamps:(0:00) Jason and Alex open the show discussing hunting and traditional Texas meat exchanges(2:16) ANOTHER weirdly circular OpenAI mega-deal? How many mega-deals can one company MAKE?(3:50) Are all these “bizarre” OpenAI deals creating a house of cards?(10:00) Stripe Startups - Stripe Startups offers early-stage, venture-backed startups access to Stripe fee credits and more. Apply today on stripe.com/startups.(20:00) Oracle - Try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at https://oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠(21:14) Is the Tesla Roadster 2 coming soon? Or maybe a leaf blower?!(22:00) Datacenters in space! Is it getting crowded up there?(26:22) Why no moon base yet? Jason demands a moon base.(27:00) We're playing games in the YC Arena… Can Jason guess which pitches got accepted?(30:00) Coda - Empower your startup with Coda's Team plan for free—get 6 months at https://www.Coda.io/twist(32:00) How Jason picks companies to invest in, based on a few signals and metrics(04500) We found out what Figure's bots are actually doing for BMW(53:00) Sharpies figured out how to make their pens here in the US… who's next?!(57:00) Could ChatGPT really replace Deloitte consultants? Considering the latest controversy…(01:03:29) It's another Gamma Pitch: Welcome Ryan Yannelli of NextVisit AI, which helps therapists take notesSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Stripe Startups - Stripe Startups offers early-stage, venture-backed startups access to Stripe fee credits and more. Apply today on stripe.com/startups.Oracle - Try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at https://oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠Coda - Empower your startup with Coda's Team plan for free—get 6 months at https://www.Coda.io/twistGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Sora app review, Perplexity's Comet is FREE, and which AI tools reign supreme? | E2188

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 63:07


Today's show:Is Sora not just a copyright-killer but a TikTok-killer? Hear our review!The “This Week in Startups” team has been playing around inside OpenAI's viral app, which just hit #1 in the iOS Store. See all of Lon's creations, explore the land beyond the Uncanny Valley, and find out why the hottest new social app could stand to be a bit more social.PLUS Brave surpasses 100M MAUs… why Jason would sell ALL his OpenAI shares right away, Apple pulls the ICEBlock app from the App Store, AND how one founder hacked his local coffee shop to network and even get face time with a few VCs! It's all happening of a fast-paced Friday TWiST.Timestamps:(0:00) Why Jason started an Executive Training program at LAUNCH(05:17) Perplexity's Comet browser is now FREE to use; Jason unpacks their strategy(10:02) Monarch Money - Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com/TWIST(13:42) PLUS browser/search engine Brave passed 100M MAUs!(17:44) How a founder “hacked” his local coffee shop(20:06) Alphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at https://www.alpha-sense.com/twist(21:35) You need to make it EASY for people to give you feedback!(25:41) A look at the leanest startups around and how companies are doing more with less(30:11) LinkedIn Ads: Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. We'll even give you a $100 credit on your next campaign. Go to http://LinkedIn.com/ThisWeekinStartups to claim your credit.(30:38) Why Jason would sell ALL his OpenAI shares right away!(38:56) Lon stops by to review the Sora app; the good, the bad, and the remixes!(48:45) Apple pulled the ICEBlock app… is this a free speech issue?(56:11) A new startup wants to fight gov't corruption… and keep a share of the proceedsSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Monarch Money - Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com/TWISTAlphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at https://www.alpha-sense.com/twistLinkedIn Ads: Thanks to our partner @LinkedInMktg. Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. We'll even give you a $100 credit on your next campaign. Go to http://LinkedIn.com/ThisWeekinStartups to claim your credit.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Sora 2, Tilly Norwood, and the New Slop Era | E2187

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 55:03


Today's show:Sora 2 will generate a video of whatever you like and respects no IP (unless they opt out)On a brand new TWiST, Jason and Alex check out Sora 2, the latest text-to-video app from TWiST 500 mainstays OpenAI, and look at some of the video videos that have already emerged from the TikTok-style scrolling video app. (TikSlop?)THEN we're considering the case of “AI actress” Tilly Norwood, and whether her big debut is a legit shift in the world of entertainment or just a marketing gimmick-slash-sales pitch.PLUS Jason's thoughts on the Wealthfront IPO, how Spotify shifted the entire music economy, Jason's pitch for making bets with stock purchases, why Americans need more financial literacy, AND another check-in with the sharps over at Polymarket.Timestamps:(0:00) What does the government shutdown mean for startups? Not much?(04:21) Jason's an investor in Wealthfront… hear his thoughts on their potential IPO(08:14) Why Jason thinks the death of Boomers will boost crypto(10:21) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!(17:26) Why is everyone so excited for Sora… but not Meta's app?(19:49) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech(28:38) Is Tilly Norwood just a gimmick or Hollywood's next hot ingenue?(29:15) Perspective.ai - Real insights, straight from your customers, and your first two months are on us. Just go to getperspective.ai/twist.(35:58) POLYMARKET: When is OpenAI's browser coming out?!(40:17) How Spotify changed the entire economy of music… and when a Founder/CEO should hang it up.(47:24) Why Jason thinks Americans need better financial education and literacy(49:39) Audience Q: What's the best place to buy secondaries?(52:49) Why you should bet small while you're learningSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/techPerspective.ai - Real insights, straight from your customers, and your first two months are on us. Just go to getperspective.ai/twist.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

My First Million
The Hospitality Principles That Build Billion-Dollar Startups

My First Million

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 62:07


Want to start your own million dollar business with less than $1k? Get the guide: https://clickhubspot.com/bgk Episode 751: Sam Parr ( https://x.com/theSamParr ) talks to Will Guidara ( https://x.com/wguidara ) about how startups can use principles of 5-star restaurants to beat their competitors. — Show Notes: (0:00) Intro (7:42) Delivering praise and criticism (12:26) Unreasonable customer experience (17:39) One Size Fits All (25:14) One Size Fits Most (28:54) One Size Fits One (33:53) How to implement (40:24) Who to study (47:51) The business of restaurants (53:58) Dealing with critics — Links: • Unreasonable Hospitality - https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/ — Check Out Shaan's Stuff: • Shaan's weekly email - https://www.shaanpuri.com • Visit https://www.somewhere.com/mfm to hire worldwide talent like Shaan and get $500 off for being an MFM listener. Hire developers, assistants, marketing pros, sales teams and more for 80% less than US equivalents. • Mercury - Need a bank for your company? Go check out Mercury (mercury.com). Shaan uses it for all of his companies! Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column, N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC — Check Out Sam's Stuff: • Hampton - https://www.joinhampton.com/ • Ideation Bootcamp - https://www.ideationbootcamp.co/ • Copy That - https://copythat.com • Hampton Wealth Survey - https://joinhampton.com/wealth • Sam's List - http://samslist.co/ My First Million is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by HubSpot Media // Production by Arie Desormeaux // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano

This Week in Startups
Breaking the Sound Barrier with Blake Scholl from Boom Supersonic | E2186

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 65:02


Today's show:How do you get investors excited about jets when they're hyper-focused on new AI tools?In a fresh TWiST 500 interview, Alex sits down with Blake Scholl of Boom Supersonic to talk about the Overture, the world's fastest plane that recently broke the sound barrier over the Mojave Desert. (That's a first for a private company, rather than a military or government.)Hear about the secrets to avoiding a noisy and disruptive sonic boom, using satellites to set the most efficient routes, designing the Overture's complex engine, dispelling the common myth that hardware startups are money pits and much much more.PLUS we've got two brand new companies entering our Gamma Pitch Deck Competition. Time to see how they stack up to our first impressive entrant, Where2Wheel.Timestamps:(02:22) Introducing Blake Scholl from Boom Supersonic(04:03) How Boom is improving on the classic Concorde experience(08:29) How hyper-fast Overture flights could change passenger behavior(10:02) Gusto. Check out the online payroll and benefits experts with software built specifically for small business and startups. Try Gusto today and get three months FREE at Gusto.com/twist.(11:10) The long road to breaking the speed barrier(14:34) How satellites could help guide Boom's planes(16:37) The next milestones to check off Blake's list(19:13) Breaking up the jet engine duopoly(20:57) Nexos.ai Stop Shadow AI in its tracks with the unified platform for secure AI adoption and productivity. Try it with a free 14-day trial at nexos.ai/twist.(24:28) How 3D printing speeds up the R&D process(30:26) DevStats translates complex engineering metrics into a shared language everyone at your company can understand. Get 20% off by going to https://www.DevStats.com/twist(34:10) Gamma Pitch Deck Competition: Confy vs. The Drive AISubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Gusto. Check out the online payroll and benefits experts with software built specifically for small business and startups. Try Gusto today and get three months FREE at Gusto.com/twist.Nexos.ai Stop Shadow AI in its tracks with the unified platform for secure AI adoption and productivity. Try it with a free 14-day trial at nexos.ai/twist.DevStats translates complex engineering metrics into a shared language everyone at your company can understand. Get 20% off by going to https://www.DevStats.com/twistGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Why New Yorkers hate AI Friends, Producer Claude gets an update, and the value of human writers in the Age of Slop | E2185

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 60:17


Today's show:Friend's new AI pendant just wants to be your new pal. So why do New Yorkers hate them?On a brand-new TWiST, Jason and Alex consider the Friend AI pendant, which listens to everything you say all day and then sends you snarky texts about it.WIRED says it's unhelpful and will make your friends hate you. New Yorkers are so sick of their aggressive subway ads, they're tagging them with graffiti. But what do Jason and Alex think of the wearable companion?PLUS the value of bringing your last team with you to your new project… why partnerships often lead to purchases… Producer Claude got an upgrade… two fresh TWiST 500 companies… the rise and fall and further fall of Tai Lopez… AND Jason explains the rules of private jets.Timestamps:(0:00) Jason congratulations the Eagles while wondering what's going on with Philly fans(03:23) New Yorkers are not in love with these Friend AI pendants and their subway ads(10:08) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(11:28) Show Continues…(13:49) Are people actually using AI agents? Is it still too early?(17:01) Startup Lesson: The value of bringing your last team with you(19:27) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist(20:43) Anthropic released the new Claude… can they catch back up with Grok?(27:13) Why Circle's community app is blowing up all of the sudden(29:23) AWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/credits(30:48) How startups SHOULD measure growth and profitability. And why you need to show your work.(36:42) Why human writers are about to be MORE valuable in the age of AI Slop.(42:20) TWO new startups are joining the TWiST 500… Jason's thoughts on Phia and Huxe(46:23) Influencer and bookshelf haver Tai Lopez is under investigation by the SEC! A look back at a viral superstar…(54:11) Jason explains the rules of flying in private jetsSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWISTLemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twistAWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/creditsGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Is there an AI coding bubble? Plus Meta's new SlopTok product, Neon's divisive app shuts down, and more | E2184

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2025 87:26


Today's show:Factory, a Sequoia-backed producer of AI agents for programming, raised $50 million at a $300 million valuation. So Jason and Alex are wondering… how much capital is TOO MUCH?We're going deep on a question that often perplexes founders: How would weigh a HUGE potential market against STIFF pre-existing competition.PLUS that Neon app that records your calls deleted itself, why AI ISN'T taking away all the radiology jobs yet, how inherent biases impact everyone's view of the economy, ChatGPT may be getting ads very soon, and MUCH MUCH MORE.Timestamps:(0:00) The Neon app: why would anyone let an app record all of their phone calls?(04:43) Another -slop term… What is THINKSLOP?!(09:46) .TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.(11:25) Why is TikTok US only worth $14 billion?!(17:10) Wait, why ISN'T AI taking jobs away from radiologists?(20:06) Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twist(28:38) How can xAI afford to sell AI to the US gov't for 42 cents?(29:37) Alphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at https://www.alpha-sense.com/twist(33:44) How inherent biases impact everyone's view of the economy.(46:29) Why is everyone dunking on Meta's new SlopTok app?(53:37) It certainly seems like ChatGPT is going to get ads soon…(03:49) The first entry in our Gamma Pitch Deck Competition is II off-roading marketplace Where2WheelSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:.TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twistAlphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at https://www.alpha-sense.com/twistGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
The rise of “workslop,” Alibaba's insane new deepfake model, Tether's MASSIVE valuation, and more | E2183

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 81:51


Today's show:What is “workslop”? And is it already slowing you down at the office?On a new This Week in Startups, we've got full co-host quorum with JCal, Alex, AND Lon tackling a meaty docket of news at the cross-section of tech, startups, and pop culture.For starters: A new Harvard/Stanford study suggests that AI isn't massively improving workplace efficiency because SOME workers aren't using it properly. Are low-quality, lazily-assembled AI outputs costing US enterprises millions in lost productivity? It's certainly possible based on these results.PLUS, why YouTube invited back all those banned creators… a deep-dive into CA's new social media law that's dividing tech and civil rights advocacy groups… what we can learn from Stripe's mega-share buyback… a look at what Polymarket's sharps think will happen with the US TikTok deal… and much more.Timestamps:(0:00) Intro. What will South Park have to say about prediction markets?(06:06) Alibaba's new AI model will turn you into any celebrity… can you still believe what you see?(09:49) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist(11:03) Show Continues…(19:42) AWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/credits(21:02) Is CA's new proposed law a boon for civil rights, or a weapon against free speech?(29:47) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!(32:21) Why YouTube invited banned creators back(41:24) What is Workslop? And is it costing companies MILLIONS?(48:42) PolyMarket asks… when will the US TikTok deal go down?(52:27) Would Jason invest in Tether?(01:01:29) Why Stripe is buying back so many shares… and what the future may hold.(01:12:16) Another Reddit Rapid Response: should startups do pilot programs?Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twistAWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/creditsNorthwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Jason's H-1B pitch, the latest on the TikTok deal, and Howie's first ad | E2182

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 74:44


Today's show:New proposal on H-1B visas… and it's pretty similar to Jason's pitch from last month!On a new TWiST, Jason and Lon wonder if the White House is watching the pod and borrowing some of our best ideas! Specifically, the new $100K H-1B visa proposal sounds a lot like Jason's suggestion from August… with a few significant tweaks.PLUS we're looking at the latest news about the US TikTok entity, why Jason's not concerned about the new algorithm, the explosion of major data centers in Scandinavia, the European Commission's scaling back of anti-cookie regulations, AND the first big marketing push from virtual assistant startup Howie! That's a packed show!Timestamps:(0:00) Alex is out today so Jason and Lon introduce the show.(04:11) Did they borrow their new H-1B visa proposal from JCal?(10:10) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(11:28) Show Continues…(19:21) Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twist(20:28) Show Continues…(26:42) Answering YOUR pressing H-1B questions.(30:13) Stripe Startups - Stripe Startups offers early-stage, venture-backed startups access to Stripe fee credits and more. Apply today on stripe.com/startups.(31:30) Show Continues…(32:51) The Murdochs are likely joining the TikTok deal…(34:38) Why Jason's not concerned about TikTok being in the hands of mostly Trump allies(39:29) A look inside the Nordic data center boom and why it's happening(01:03:32) Checking out Howie's first ad… how much did it cost to make?Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWISTPublic - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twistStripe Startups - Stripe Startups offers early-stage, venture-backed startups access to Stripe fee credits and more. Apply today on stripe.com/startups.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Meta's “creepy” new Ray Bans, Beehiiv teams with Discord, AND a visit from Lovable CEO Anton Osika! | E2181

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 74:56


Today's show:On an action-packed TWiST, Alex and Jason check out Meta's latest wearables, which promise to fix the “constantly staring down at your phone” problem and prevent you from blocking that little light letting others know you're filming them. Think the upgrade is worth $799 of your hard-earned money?PLUS, Lovable CEO Anton Osika stops by to answer YOUR questions, talk about how people are using the iconic vibecoding app, balancing accessibility and user engagement with the need to actually bring in revenue, and why Stockholm has become arguably Europe's leading tech hub.AND Beehiiv joins with Discord, Google bakes Gemini into Chrome, and MORE of the week's biggest tech news. Check out all this and more in a brand-new “This Week in Startups”!Timestamps:(0:00) Why Jason thinks Meta's new $799 Smart Ray Bans, which covertly record people in 3K, are creepy!(04:14) Why, in the technology business, not quitting is how you succeed.(09:47) .TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.(10:54) Show Continues…(17:02) Anton Osika from Lovable calls in from Stockholm: Why he thinks it's Europe's biggest tech hub.(20:37) Sentry - New users get 3 months free of the Business plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWIST(21:44) A look at Lovable's new security features, to make founders feel more confident in their vibe coding(27:31) How Lovable is balancing engagement with the need to make money(29:55) Alphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at https://www.alpha-sense.com/twist(31:03) Show Continues…(42:29) Anton's tactical advice for founders who want to build a community around their product.(49:14) A viewer asks: Is vibe coding CHEATING?(59:01) Google is baking Gemini into Chrome… but how will it work? And what about privacy?(01:05:05) Beehiiv links up with Discord. Why Alex has a few concerns!(01:11:01) Responding to some of YOUR comments. (Leave us reviews and comments on Apple and Spotify!)Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:.TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.Sentry - New users get 3 months free of the Business plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWISTAlphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at https://www.alpha-sense.com/twistGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Tesla and Uber team up! Plus Weave Robotics' Isaac and $OPEN bull Eric Jackson | E2180

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 72:25


Today's show:Hear why Eric Jackson thinks Opendoor is the new Carvana, and how he's planning to bring Drake on board as an investor (plus Jason's Bestie Chamath).On a brand-new TWiST, Jason and Alex are chatting with Jackson of EMJ Capital about his hunt for elusive 100 baggers (stocks that return 100-to-1).PLUS we're chatting with Weave Robotics' Kaan Doğrusöz about designing practical domestic robots RIGHT NOW, rather than prototypes for 2030. Hear about how they got Isaac to fold laundry like a pro.All that and… how Jason would turn around TechCrunch, why board members should always have skin in the game, that Waymo motorcycle accident, AND Uber and Tesla's first team-up to haul freight!Timestamps:(0:00) Jason is worried about the next generation facing the end of apprenticeship; here's his advice for young workers(10:24) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!(11:30) Kaan Doğrusöz of Weave Robotics joins to talk about getting his laundry-folding robot, Isaac, into customer's homes(18:01) Isaac doesn't have hands; here's how Weave makes it work with grippers(20:44) Stripe Startups - Stripe Startups offers early-stage, venture-backed startups access to Stripe fee credits and more. Apply today on stripe.com/startups.(21:48) Show Continues…(24:51) Checking out some of Weave's competitors… how did they settle on Isaac's design?(30:01) Miro - Help your teams get great done with Miro. Check out miro.com to find out how!(31:10) What's going on with TikTok?(36:15) Jason's pitch is “BOYA”: Bring Your Own Algorithm(38:54) Eric Jackson of EMJ Capital stops by to talk up $OPEN and why he wants Drake to invest(40:14) Eric's early YouTube career as an activist Yahoo! Investor(44:42) Lessons Eric learned from Carvana and how that informed his $OPEN bet(01:00:30) Why bringing Keith Rabois back was Eric's ultimate dream for Opendoor(01:03:02) Why board members should always have “skin in the game” and why $OPEN wants Chamath back(01:07:26) Tesla and Uber are finally working together… They said it was impossible!(01:09:31) A look at YouTube's new AI podcasting featuresSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!Stripe Startups - Stripe Startups offers early-stage, venture-backed startups access to Stripe fee credits and more. Apply today on stripe.com/startups.Miro - Help your teams get great done with Miro. Check out miro.com to find out how!Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Why Medium is HIDING from AI | E2179

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 69:58


Today's show:On a special edition of TWiST, Alex presents a trio of TWiST 500 interviews.First up, Medium CEO Tony Stubblebine on the company's new Really Simple Licensing (or RSL) initiative, and how it's helping to compensate writers for their content.THEN, Human Native CEO Dr. James Smith joins for an even deeper dive on AI licensing, why a writer's content isn't just DATA to them, and why the company is pivoting away from its old marketplace model.FINALLY, Jason Marks of TELO Trucks stops by to show off his EV mini-truck, walk us through why people need a powerful but tiny truck, and explain why they're building trucks right here in the US of A.Timestamps:(0:00) Intro: It's a trio of TWiST 500 interviews today!(02:57) Alex chats with Medium CEO Tony Stubblebine(04:54) Why Medium's more worried about HIDING from AI than anything else(10:24) Nexos.ai. Stop Shadow AI in its tracks with the unified platform for secure AI adoption and productivity. Try it with a free 14-day trial at nexos.ai/twist.(11:27) Show Continues…(15:02) What is RSL and why aren't AI companies offering publishers a good value?(19:58) Gusto. Check out the online payroll and benefits experts with software built specifically for small business and startups. Try Gusto today and get three months FREE at Gusto.com/twist.(20:59) Show Continues…(22:03) How Medium calculates its revenue split with writers(26:57) Alex welcomes Human Native CEO/founder Dr. James Smith.(27:34) Writers see their content as their life's work, but tech co's just see DATA(30:01) DevStats translates complex engineering metrics into a shared language everyone at your company can understand. Get 20% off by going to DevStats.com/twist(31:06) Show Continues…(33:01) Why H.N. is pivoting away from licensing and the marketplace model(47:23) TELO Trucks CEO Jason Marks joins the show(48:25) What is a “mini-truck” and why they're TELO's focus(52:28) Why TELO is building their EV trucks right here in the US(54:42) Why towing capacity still matters, even on a mini-truckSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Nexos.ai. Stop Shadow AI in its tracks with the unified platform for secure AI adoption and productivity. Try it with a free 14-day trial at nexos.ai/twist.Gusto. Check out the online payroll and benefits experts with software built specifically for small business and startups. Try Gusto today and get three months FREE at Gusto.com/twist.DevStats translates complex engineering metrics into a shared language everyone at your company can understand. Get 20% off by going to DevStats.com/twistGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Robinhood Venture Fund, Polymarket adds earnings, and LAUNCH Accelerator 35 is here! | E2178

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 60:22


Today's show:There are new LAUNCH Accelerator and Founder U cohorts this week, and Jason's running down some of his favorite new startups.PLUS Alphabet is the latest member of the $3T club, why Eric Schmidt was SO RIGHT about remote work, Robinhood is opening up private companies to more investors, Polymarket adds earnings reports, how Jason wagered on The Emmys this year, and MORE!Timestamps:(0:00) It's kickoff day for LAUNCH Accelerator 35 AND Founder University!(02:32) Let's talk about some new companies. Jason runs down the LA35 line-up and why he's excited about these awesome startups.(10:33) OpenPhone - Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.openphone.com/twist(11:57) Show Continues…(19:50) Squarespace - Turn your idea into a beautiful website! Go to http://www.squarespace.com/twist for a free trial. When you're ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.(21:05) Show Continues…(27:43) Lemon.io - Hire pre-vetted remote developers and get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist(28:58) Looking back at Jason's solar energy rematch vs. Energy Sec. Chris Wright.(31:23) Why Jason thinks solar power (+nuclear) is the future.(41:03) Why Alphabet is the latest member of the $3 trillion market cap club.(46:40) Jason says Eric Schmidt was right about work from home culture(48:51) How Robinhood is giving everyday investors access to private companies(51:44) Polymarket introduces prediction markets for corporate earnings.(53:58) Why Jason loves prediction markets… and how he gambled on the Emmys this year.Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:OpenPhone - Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.openphone.com/twistSquarespace - Turn your idea into a beautiful website! Go to http://www.squarespace.com/twist for a free trial. When you're ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.Lemon.io - Hire pre-vetted remote developers and get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twistGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
All-In Summit Highlights, Schools Could Block Social Media, FTC Chatbot Investigation, and Zoox hits Vegas | E2177

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2025 88:39


Today's show:On Friday's TWiST, Jason, Alex, and Lon look back at some highlights from this week's big All-In Summit in Los Angeles, including a fiery, no holds barred presentation from Palantir CEO Alex Karp, Elon Musk delving into the key challenges facing Optimus, and Tucker Carlson debating Mark Cuban on Ukraine. PLUS… why schools may start blocking social media apps, the FTC's new investigation into social chatbots, AND omnidirectional Zoox robotaxis are headed to Las Vegas.Timestamps:Welcome back to TWiST!(1:52) Jason's thoughts on the killing of Charlie Kirk(10:34) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(10:52) Show Continues …(12:15) Reacting to All-In Summit highlights (Elon Musk, Alex Karp, Tucker Carlson, Mark Cuban)(21:23) AWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/credits(22:18) Show Continues …(26:09) Palantir, Alex Karp, and debate dynamics(31:03) Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twist(32:13) Show Continues …(45:03) How the internet used AI tools to make sense of Charlie Kirk's death(56:22) Why Jason thinks it's smart to block social media during school hours(1:03:43) The FTC chatbot investigation leaves out Anthropic's Claude… here's why(1:13:27) Zoox robotaxis make their Vegas debut… Here's how they're different from Waymo(1:19:38) Are Tesla robotaxis headed for CA soon? Polymarket says… maybe(1:27:21) Closing remarks and banterSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWISTAWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/creditsPublic - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twistGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
Republic opens private markets as Positron takes on GPUs: A TWiST500 doubleheader! | E2176

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 57:12


Today's show:In this founder-focused episode of This Week in Startups, we sit down with Republic's Kendrick Nguyen to learn more about the company's efforts to make the private markets accessible to the common investor. Best known for its work in equity crowdfunding, the Valor-backed startup now offers access to secondary shares, tokenized assets, and much more. Following, TWiST spoke with Positron CEO Mitesh Agrawal to learn more about his company's inference-focused AI compute hardware. Related to fellow TWiST500 company Etched, Positron is building custom chips to take on the computing work required to deliver your AI query results faster and with less power draw than what GPUs can offer. With AI inference compute demand rising, the fellow Valor-backed startup has even more powerful systems coming to market in 2026 that have our hopes up that the AI cost curve can continue to point downward.Timestamps:0:00 - A future with more efficient and accessible intelligence0:41, the following sponsors are mentioned: AlphaSense, Vanta, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure1:26 - Introduction to the episode and the two featured companies, Republic and Positron2:43 - The history and purpose of Republic, a financial crowdfunding platform5:39 - Discussion of the current state and growth of equity crowdfunding9:19 - Kendrick Nguyen explains Republic's role as a financial infrastructure company, not a competitor to venture capital firms11:17 - Sponsor: Oracle Cloud Infrastructure12:25 - Republic's different products, Republic Capital and Republic Venture, are explained14:00 - The challenges and progress of secondary trading for non-accredited investors20:14 - Sponsor: Vanta21:21 - The concept of a unified "e-finance" infrastructure is introduced25:45 - Positron CEO Mitesh Agarwal discusses the future of AI chips and the limitations of current GPUs for inference workloads31:12 - Sponsor: AlphaSense32:22 - Discussion on the inefficiency of GPUs for inference and how Positron's Atlas system addresses it38:30 - Positron's strategy of using their Atlas system to prove their technology and generate revenue42:51 - The market shift from AI training to inference and the future of Positron's chips51:14 - The confidence in Positron's capital efficiency and their ability to compete with NVIDIA52:47 - Positron's focus on linear algebra acceleration rather than just transformersSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(09:04) Netsuite - Download the ebook CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist(21:20) Coda - Empower your startup with Coda's Team plan for free—get 6 months at https://www.Coda.io/twist(31:43) .TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups
How Founders Are Building the Next Great Startups | Paid.ai, iTruckr & Tenax AI | E2175

This Week in Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 77:15


Today's show:In this TWiST founder triple-shot, Alex digs into the real-world rollout of AI agents: Paid.ai's Manny Medina explains agent economics and value-based pricing, iTruckr's Camilo Ramirez shows agents booking loads and coordinating drivers, and Tenax's Elise Myrans demos computer vision + drones that score a single home's wildfire/flood risk for smarter underwriting—plus live office-hours on winning enterprise pilots without getting stuck in PoC purgatory.Timestamps:(00:00) Brainstorming hacks for sales cycles in regulated industries — castles, moats & alligators!(03:50) Meet Paid.ai: tracking costs & monetization for AI agents(04:35) Paid.ai's Manny Medina on the “year of agents” & early enterprise traction(09:04) Netsuite - Download the ebook CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist(11:06) The tough economics of AI agents vs SaaS — margins squeezed by tokens(18:20) How Paid.ai gets granular: tracking signals & agent activity with OpenTelemetry(21:20) Coda - Empower your startup with Coda's Team plan for free—get 6 months at https://www.Coda.io/twist(29:16) Enter iTruckr: Camilo Ramirez brings AI dispatch to the freight industry(31:43) .TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.(39:02) Scaling from small fleets to mid-sized trucking companies — lessons from AI Trucker(55:59) Tenax ai helps homeowners & insurers manage wildfire, flood & climate riskSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(09:04) Netsuite - Download the ebook CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist(21:20) Coda - Empower your startup with Coda's Team plan for free—get 6 months at https://www.Coda.io/twist(31:43) .TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

The $100 MBA Show
MBA2674 Must Read: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

The $100 MBA Show

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 15:24


What makes a business unforgettable—not just useful, but rave-worthy? How do some entrepreneurs create moments so memorable, customers can't help but spread the word? If you're aiming to build something that truly stands out, this episode is your starting point.Inspired by Will Guidara's bestselling book Unreasonable Hospitality, Omar shares five standout lessons that go far beyond the restaurant world. You'll explore Guidara's powerful ideas on how small gestures, thoughtful service, and unexpected generosity can transform any business into a memorable experience. Omar unpacks the book's most actionable takeaways and explores how you can apply them to your own brand, no matter your industry or budget.Ready to deliver something unforgettable? Smash that play button at the top of this page and dive into Omar's breakdown of Unreasonable Hospitality—you'll walk away with fresh ways to turn everyday interactions into extraordinary ones.Unreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraWatch the episodes on YouTube: https://lm.fm/GgRPPHiSUBSCRIBEYouTube | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Podcast Feed

The Brian Buffini Show
Quick Cut: S2E327 How to Grow Your Business Through Unreasonable Hospitality with Will Guidara

The Brian Buffini Show

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 10:53


Click here to listen to the full episodeExtraordinary hospitality is a powerful competitive advantage. In this episode, Will Guidara explains how he transformed his New York City restaurant into the best in the world by creating bespoke experiences for customers and shares how any business can succeed by being more intentional and creative to build meaningful relationships with those they serve. YOU WILL LEARN:· The critical difference between hospitality and service. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: “Unreasonable Hospitality,” by Will Guidara www.unreasonablehospitality.com NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Service is effectively fulfilling the base level promise. Hospitality is how you make the people feel when you provide that service.” – Will Guidara “Sometimes you just need to slow down to speed up; we shouldn't always try to multitask and be efficient.” – Will Guidara “It's not the cost of the gesture that matters, it's how it makes people feel.” – Will Guidara “It feels great to make other people feel good.” – Will Guidara “The only advantage that exists in the long term comes from hospitality, from consistently and generously investing in relationships because they take time to build and, if you build them in the right way, they take a long time to erode.” – Will Guidara Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dave Chang Show
Chicago: Hospitality, Hot Dogs, and Pizza With Donnie Madia

The Dave Chang Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 111:22


Dave has an open and vulnerable conversation with a legendary Chicago restaurateur, Donnie Madia of One Off Hospitality, who is passionate about Chicago, hospitality, and his style. To prepare for such a Chicago legend, Dave makes a true Chicago hot dog. After his interview, Dave answers a hot-dog-themed Ask Dave, and he finishes by trying a new recipe for tavern-style pizza ... with unusual results. Learn more about Donnie Madia: https://www.oneoffhospitality.com/donnie  Learn more about One Off Hospitality: https://www.oneoffhospitality.com Check out Dave's Welcome Conference Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4kJY3nAvh0  Listen to our episode on The Bear S1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4hUOyL6WaSIbeKF25rIPWI?si=xzk5EBVPR_ue4EvbDvQLMw  Listen to our episode on The Bear S2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/59pVhs4GLIbrtezVy9wenP?si=sHAD4SWBSjW1oIznGEriCQ  Listen to our episode on The Bear S3: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FFvpo3oooNQ0vSRyz4yxP?si=kz7IRuUPSNuIG_hvKIOhyg  Listen to our episode on The Bear S4 Pt. 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/00Wwi1e4cTH7sAYmXjeN7q?si=gzGPs3N4QhS3np9_hH6coA  Learn more about Mr. Beef: https://www.theoriginalmrbeef.com Learn more about Le Bouchon: https://www.lebouchonofchicago.com Learn more about Chez Panisse: https://www.chezpanisse.com Learn more about Avec: https://www.avecrestaurant.com Learn more about Big Star: https://www.bigstarchicago.com Learn more about Publican: https://www.thepublicanrestaurant.com  Listen to our episode with Will Guidara: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0lvhWaXu8JvWxuJlqCsIli?si=H7OSDWjwTwGUdYbUrXt7vg  Learn more about Mozza: https://www.pizzeriamozza.com  Learn more about Bianco: https://www.pizzeriabianco.com/los-angeles Learn more about Bianco: https://giordanos.com Learn more about Gene and Jude's: https://www.geneandjudes.com  Learn more about Jimmy's Red Hots: https://www.jimmysredhotschicago.com  Learn more about the LA event for Alex's Lemonade Stand: https://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/la-loves-alexs-lemonade  Watch The Bear here: https://www.hulu.com/series/05eb6a8e-90ed-4947-8c0b-e6536cbddd5f  Watch The Great Outdoors here: https://www.netflix.com/title/559621?source=35&fromWatch=true  Learn more about The Fat Duck: thefatduck.co.uk  Send in your Ask Dave questions to bit.ly/AskDaveForm or askdave@majordomomedia.com. Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com @thedavechangshow. Subscribe to Recipe Club on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recipeclubofficial  Submit your favorite food moments in your favorite movies to majorfoodporn.com. Join our community Discord on majordomo.com. Free Grubhub+. It's on Prime. *Additional terms apply* Host: Dave Chang Guest: Donnie Madia Majordomo Media Producer: David Meyer Spotify Producer: Felipe Guilhermino Editor: Stefano Sanchez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices