Future Squared is a podcast all about helping people think in a multi-disciplinary way, make better decisions and better navigate what is fast becoming a Huxleyian Brave New World.
Steve Hughes is an internationally renowned stand up comedian who tells it like it is, refusing to shy away from the confonting and what is often interpreted as controversial.
Steve is incredibly observant, bringing with him worldly insights into the bleeding obvious and comes armed with what he says is more issues than an Occupy movement.
Steve spent the first half of his career as a heavy metal drummer for bands such as Mortal Sin before burning up the international comedy circuit, which he has been doing for more than 12 years now, having toured throughout Europe, Australia, USA, Canada & New Zealand to rave reviews and mutinous laughter.
However, don’t be fooled, this conversation goes way beyond the realm of just comedy and heavy metal and we spend the majority of the two hours exploring topics such as political correctness and identity politics, Steve’s battle with depression, free will, the suppression of freedom of speech, preference falsification, feminism, disidentification with ego, leaning into adversity and bombing onstage, the state of the music industry, drugs, technology addiction, participation trophies and much much more.
A word of warning, this podcast is not safe for work, and is not for the faint at heart.
With that, let’s kick off my two hour deep dive with the inimitable Steve Hughes.
Note: This podcast episode is NSFW.
Topics Discussed:
Show Notes:
Steve’s website: www.SteveHughes.net.au
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My guest today is Preston Troutt, the founder of the innovative crowdfunding platform, Crowdsurf.
Preston is a dynamic entrepreneur aiming to transform how we invest in creators, turning the conventional investor model on its head.
In this episode, we'll explore how Crowdsurf allows fans and followers to invest directly in their favorite creators, the origin of this groundbreaking idea, and how the model works.
We'll dive into the platform's progress, the types of creators raising funds, and share some success stories.
Preston will also discuss transparency for investors, including income tracking and investor protections.
We'll tackle some challenges creators face in monetizing their content, and discuss how Crowdsurf addresses these issues. Plus, we'll cover who can invest, the minimum investment required, and the criteria used to select creators.
Furthermore, Preston will shed light on navigating the regulatory landscape with SEC and FINRA compliance, managing investment risks, and supporting creators to ensure long-term growth.
We'll also explore the distribution of revenue to investors and Preston's vision for the future of Crowdsurf and the creator economy's impact on traditional industries.
Show Notes
Crowdsurf: https://crowdsurf.xyz
Connect with Steve
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveglaveski
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram/thesteveglaveski
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyz
Future Squared YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@futuresquaredpod
Listen to Future Squared on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
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Today, we’re diving into the fascinating and complex world of modern weight loss with Lucas Aoun, an expert in health and performance.
In 1980, 15% of Americans were obese; today, it's 42%, with over 70% either overweight or obese. England has seen similar trends.
We’ll explore why this epidemic has escalated, focusing on the role of the modern food supply, historical influences like the sugar industry’s impact, and groundbreaking treatments such as Ozempic.
What is Ozempic, and how does it work?
We'll delve into its benefits, risks, and the societal implications of widespread use.
Join us as we discuss the future of weight management, balancing pharmaceutical solutions with lifestyle changes, and learning from cultures with low obesity rates. We also look at the body positivity movement, and ask whether it's doing more harm than good.
Timestamps
(0:02) - Lucas' return to the show, comparison with Tim Harford.
(0:07) - Introduction to obesity statistics and the rise in obesity rates.
(0:12) - Causes of obesity: sedentary behaviors, poor diet, social media, and rise of obesity medications.
(0:17) - Discussion on the impact of big food and misleading health ratings.
(0:22) - Specific examples of food ratings and misconceptions.
(0:27) - Transition to discussion on Ozempic and its effects.
(0:32) - Overview of Ozempic, its mechanism, and its impact on appetite.
(0:37) - Benefits and risks of Ozempic, including muscle loss.
(0:42) - Psychological and societal implications of weight loss drugs.
(0:47) - Dependency on weight loss drugs and long-term effects.
(0:52) - Alternative methods to mimic Ozempic’s effects naturally.
(0:57) - Lessons from Japanese diet and lifestyle for managing weight.
(1:02) - Importance of eating habits and mindful eating.
(1:07) - Closing remarks, Lucas' additional resources, and future conversations.
Show Notes:
Website: www.boostyourbiology.com
Testosterone course: www.trtfree.com
BYB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BoostYourBiology
Connect with Steve
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveglaveski
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram/thesteveglaveski
Subscribe to my newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyz
Future Squared YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@futuresquaredpod
Listen to Future Squared on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
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My guest today is Alex Roslaniec, hes a co-founder of fast-growing skincare company, Hey Bud.
Hey Bud was founded just 4.5 years ago, and is today available in 130 countries, boasts 200,000 customers, and is stocked in 400 Priceline stores across Australia.
We discussed:
And so much more.
There are so many actionable tips in this one for anyone building a business so strap yourself in for my conversation with the one and only, Alex Roslaniec.
Timestamps
(00:02) - Intro
(05:02) - Hey Bud's unique positioning in the skincare market and initial growth strategies.
(10:02) - Key milestones and growth metrics, including expanding to 130 countries and gaining 200,000 customers.
(15:02) - Origin story and personal journey of Alex and his co-founders, including challenges faced as first-time founders.
(20:02) - Strategies for differentiating Hey Bud in a saturated market, focusing on online reviews and customer feedback.
(25:02) - Importance of influencer marketing and the role it played in Hey Bud's early success.
(30:02) - Manufacturing challenges and the complexities of scaling production.
(35:02) - Regulatory landscape for hemp-based products and navigating legal requirements.
(40:02) - Team dynamics, hiring strategies, and maintaining a lean but effective team.
(45:02) - Long-term vision for Hey Bud, including expansion plans and future opportunities.
(50:02) - Wrap-up and final thoughts from Alex on the future of Hey Bud and personal reflections.
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Jason Fried thinks deeply about collaboration, productivity and the nature of work. He's the co-founder of project management platform Basecamp. Founded in 1999, Basecamp has been recognised by Forbes as one of America’s best small businesses. His 2010 TED talk on ‘Why Work Doesn’t Happen At Work’ has been viewed over 5 million times.
He’s also the co-author of Rework, which is about new ways to conceptualize working and creating, as well as the brand new ‘It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work’, in which he rejects the prevailing notion that long hours, aggressive hustle, and "whatever it takes" are required to run a successful business today. The Economist called the book funny, well-written and iconoclastic and by far the best thing on management published this year.
As somebody who shares many of Jason’s philosophies on work, I really enjoyed this conversation. Organisations are projected to invest US$2T into digital transformation by 2022 to make them more efficient, but they could reap what I would argue are vastly greater rewards, not only in terms of productivity but in terms of employee wellness, if they just changed the way they work today.
Jason and I unpacked many lessons on productivity from his book, including:
Topics Discussed:
Show Notes:
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Employee to Entrepreneur podcast on Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/employeetoentrepreneurpodcast
Listen to Future Squared on Apple Podcasts @ goo.gl/sMnEa0
Also available on: Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher and Soundcloud
Twitter: www.twitter.com/steveglaveski
Instagram: www.instagram.com/@thesteveglaveski
Future Squared: www.futuresquared.xyz
Steve Glaveski: www.steveglaveski.com
Medium: www.medium.com/@steveglaveski
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Julia Krieger is the managing partner of Pari Passu Venture Partners, a network of founders supporting founders. She has been both an operator and a venture investor and so has unique perspectives on all things startups and VCs.
In this conversation, we explore:
Timestamps
(00:02) - Discussion about balancing work and family, and the start of the podcast conversation.
(00:07) - Reflection on investing over $100 million in Marketplace and SAS companies, and insights into the Russian tech ecosystem in the early 2010s.
(00:12) - Detailed discussion about the operational model and cultural philosophy at Insight Partners.
(00:17) - Transition from Insight Partners to founding Village Lux, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(00:22) - Discussion on the lessons learned from running Village Lux and transitioning to founding Pari Passu Ventures.
(00:27) - Details on the setup of Paripasu Ventures and its unique investment approach through an SPV model.
(00:32) - Discussion about the current venture capital environment, the importance of resilience in founders, and the impact of economic cycles on startup funding.
(00:37) - Insights into how founders are adapting to the current economic environment and strategies for longer runway and fundraising.
(00:42) - The philosophical and operational approach of Pari Passu Ventures, and the significance of supporting diverse founders.
(00:47) - Concluding remarks and final thoughts on the future of startups, AI influence on business, and the importance of diverse and merit-based funding approaches.
Timestamps
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My guest today is Chris Saad, he’s a seasoned product and startup builder, co-host of The Startup Podcast, and former Head of Product at Uber's Developer Platform.
He’s been at the forefront of building companies since graduating high school the turn of the millennium, and has spent considerable time in both Australia’s and the United State’s tech and startup ecosystems, giving him a unique perspective on the differences between the two.
We discussed:
Timestamps
(03:00) - Contrast between California's wealth and homelessness
(05:00) - Adjusting audio settings and reconnecting with Chris Saad
(07:00) - Viral LinkedIn post about Australia's startup ecosystem
(09:00) - Reactions to the LinkedIn post
(12:00) - Comparing entrepreneurial ecosystems of Australia and US
(15:00) - Impact of social safety nets on entrepreneurial spirit
(17:00) - Differences in urgency and hustle culture
(19:00) - Historical and cultural factors in Australian attitudes
(20:00) - Statistics on unicorns per capita
(23:00) - Characteristics of US vs. Australian entrepreneurs
(25:00) - Scarcity vs. abundance mindset
(27:00) - Challenges in the Australian startup ecosystem
(29:00) - Importance of talent density
(31:00) - Changes in Australian startup ecosystem
(33:00) - Networking in Silicon Valley vs. Melbourne
(35:00) - Value of Silicon Valley-based clients
(37:00) - Impact of regulation on startups
(39:00) - Tax and regulation differences between US and Australia
(41:00) - Regulatory capture and its impact on startups
(43:00) - Differences in divorce law between US and Australia
(45:00) - Challenges in promoting fintech startups in Australia
(47:00) - Sophistication of Australian investors
(49:00) - Investor mindset and startup economics
(51:00) - Rational exuberance in US investments
(53:00) - Importance of early-stage startup enthusiasm
(55:00) - Misunderstanding of startup risk in Australia
(57:00) - Universal truths in startup success
(59:00) - Social justice and its impact on startups
(1:01:00) - Finding balance in social justice efforts
(1:03:00) - Conclusion and where to find more of Chris Saad
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This man needs no introduction but I’m going to give him one anyway.
Robert Greene is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law and Mastery.
His highly anticipated sixth book, The Laws of Human Nature, explores people's drives and motivations, even when they are unconscious of them themselves. Knowing why people do what they do is the most important tool we can possess, without which our other talents can only take us so far.
Having read hundreds of business books myself, perhaps the books that have had the most profound positive impact on how I show up each day and how I conduct myself are books on psychology, behavioural economics, neuroscience and biological evolution. Books that ultimately helped me to understand myself and understand others. As such, I was really excited to read the Laws of Nature and speak with Greene about what is such a fundamental topic.
In addition to having a strong following within the business world and a deep following in Washington, DC, Greene's books are hailed by everyone from war historians to the biggest musicians in the industry (including Jay-Z and 50 Cent).
Expect to learn a ton from this conversation, but in particular, three key take-aways:
1) How having an estimated 80 jobs before becoming an author shaped Greene’s world view and made him a better and more creative writer
2) Why it is our moments of frustration where we often seek out life-changing answers
3) How Greene seeks the path of what is ‘most right’ by looking at questions from multiple angles and contemplating many alternatives
This just scratches the surface of the many enlightening things we discussed - just peek at the topics discussed in the show notes to get a feel for everything discussed - so with that, it gives me much pleasure to present you with one of the most pre-eminent authors of our time, the one and only, Robert Greene.
Show Notes:
1. The Blog of Robert Greene: www.powerseductionandwar.com
2. Twitter: @RobertGreene
3. Greene’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Greene/e/B001IGV3IS
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your friends.
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In this episode, I sit down with international touring comedian Joe Avati, known for his hilarious takes on Italian-Australian life and its cultural quirks.
Joe is currently in the midst of his When I Was Your Age world tour, and I had the pleasure of catching him perform in front of a sold out crowd of 450 people in Melbourne.
Joe shares insights on early life, pursuing the arts, how he has dealt with the adversity of bombing, the grit needed to make it in any profession, why comedians shouldn’t get married, raising kids to be resilient in today’s climate, and the impact of political correctness on not just comedy, but on emerging generations of young people.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your friends.
Transcript
(10:01) - Joe's take on comedians getting married and having kids late.
(20:02) - Transition from food science to comedy.
(25:01) - Joe's family reaction to his comedy career.
(30:01) - Joe's perspective on being seen as Australian versus Italian.
(35:18) - Joe's experiences with reverse jealousy and people changing.
(40:02) - Joe's efforts to remain humble despite fame.
(55:32) - Joe's thoughts on navigating today's political landscape as a comedian.
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In this episode of Future Squared, we're joined by Allan Dib, bestselling author of The 1-Page Marketing Plan, to discuss his latest book, Lean Marketing.
Allan shares his insights on common marketing mistakes, the power of three force multipliers, and how businesses can leverage tools and tactics to achieve success. We also delve into the world of AI marketing, the seven core commodities of business, and key objections every marketer needs to overcome.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation packed with actionable advice and expert perspectives.
Topics Discussed:
About Allan Dib: Allan Dib is a serial entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple businesses. A pickleball fan, Allan's previous book, The 1-Page Marketing Plan, has garnered over 9,000 reviews and widespread acclaim. His new book, Lean Marketing, builds upon the concepts from his previous work, offering fresh insights and strategies for today's dynamic market.
Episode Links:
Lean Marketing Website: https://leanmarketing.com
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyz
Get your free content strategy: https://sonicboom.xyz
Timestamps:
(2:00) - Introduction and Podcast Background
(3:01) - Pickleball and Paddle Sports Discussion
(4:18) - Introduction to Lean Marketing Book
(5:08) - Differences Between Lean Marketing and The 1-Page Marketing Plan
(6:45) - Importance of Planning in Marketing
(8:24) - Marketing Challenges for Startups
(9:00) - Random Acts of Marketing and Their Pitfalls
(10:06) - Importance of Understanding Your Target Market
(12:09) - Integrating Marketing Across the Organization
(14:25) - Short Feedback Loops and Learning Quickly
(15:34) - Value of Processes in Marketing
(18:27) - Direct Response Marketing vs. Brand Marketing
(21:19) - Providing Value to Build Goodwill
(24:12) - Benefits of Providing Clarity to Customers
(29:23) - Identifying and Targeting Your Niche Market
(34:30) - Importance of Focusing on Premium Customers
(41:21) - Leveraging Tools and AI for Market Advantage
(43:08) - Importance of Marketing Assets
(48:00) - Marketing Processes and Daily Operations
(50:38) - What Are You Really Selling?
(53:14) - Deepfakes and Authenticity in Marketing
(56:02) - Conclusion and Resources
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I was thrilled to welcome back Scott H. Young, a renowned writer, programmer, and avid learner. Scott is here to discuss his latest book, "Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery."
This book dives deep into the principles of mastering new skills and achieving continuous improvement in any field.
Key Topics Discussed:
Show Notes:
Website: www.scotthyoung.com
Timestamps
(2:02) - Interview Start: Catching Up with Scott H. Young
(3:00) - Difference Between 'Ultra Learning' and 'Get Better at Anything'
(4:54) - Importance of Learning from Others
(6:13) - Motivation from Seeing Others Succeed
(8:00) - Why Success is a Better Teacher than Failure
(10:18) - Problem Solving as Search in Entrepreneurship
(12:30) - Variability in Practice for Skill Improvement
(15:23) - Creativity Begins with Copying
(18:49) - Deliberate Practice and the Role of Coaches
(21:04) - Managing Cognitive Load in Learning
(24:25) - Benefits and Limits of Variability in Practice
(27:01) - Online Poker Players and Data-Driven Learning
(30:17) - Data-Driven Marketing vs. Traditional Marketing
(33:10) - Learning Plateaus and Breaking Through Them
(36:11) - Difficulty Sweet Spot and Flow State
(39:19) - Anxiety and Performance in High-Stress Situations
(42:22) - Exposure Therapy and Overcoming Fears
(45:12) - Importance of Regular Exposure for Reducing Fear
(47:03) - Experts as Teachers: Challenges and Solutions
(50:00) - Asking for Stories Instead of Advice
(52:19) - Applying Storytelling in Hiring Processes
(54:51) - Unlearning Bad Habits and Making Progress
(1:00:00) - Balancing Seeing, Doing, and Feedback in Learning
(1:01:30) - Closing Remarks and Scott H. Young's Website
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