1. I woke up at 4am to tinker and build. I can’t remember the last time that’s happened. Not to be productive and get a head start on the head, but because I was genuinely excited. I haven’t felt this way about technology since Bitcoin. I’m hooked on Openclaw, a free, open-source autonomous AI agent. I was about to hire a virtual assistant but then this came out. I setup a few workflows, named my agent Igor (he’s my Chief of Staff), and now I can operate as a true one-person team. No interviewing. No managing. Just GSD. I want to see how far I can take this across all my projects.

2. I had an idea to build a simple productivity coach that checks in each morning and helps me set weekly priorities. The wild part? It took Igor about 5 seconds to build the entire workflow. He even takes tasks off my plate and completes them himself. He improves over time by learning from context and feedback. This is a small example, but others are already using agents to build apps, book trips, and run full business operations. 🤯

3. Chrys Bader (from Rosebud) argues that apps aren’t dying, but their interfaces are. AI agents don’t care about beautiful design or slick onboarding. They care about speed, cost, and pulling context across every system. That changes everything. Software companies can either go headless, build a truly irreplaceable UI, or move towards agent-to-agent systems. APIs are the product now.

4. This really got me thinking: how does this change how we define work? What are the first- and second-order effects? Citrini Research published an essay written as if from the year 2028. It was grim, went viral, and even coincided with a market sell-off. They immediately followed it up with a more optimistic take. What’s wild is how much of it already feels real. Block just laid off 4,000 employees, while reporting the best quarter in its history.

5. If 2026 is the year of the AI agent, 2027 2026 H2 will be the year of AI memory. Agents are impressive, but intelligence is quickly becoming a commodity. The real unlock happens when memory becomes persistent, portable, and structured. Not just chat history. A durable layer where your preferences, decisions, relationships, and context live over time. Think “memory lockers” that any trusted agent can access with permission. The platforms that win will remember you better, and let that memory compound across everything you do.

6. Been listening to More or Less. Great podcast for hot takes. Where I first heard about OpenClaw, Dead Internet Theory and Narrative Capitalism. In the latest episode they debated what % of engineers in SF will still have a job in a few years. My answer: less than 50%.

7. Child’s Play is a dark (and funny) look at SF’s tech culture right now. It follows Cluely, a startup built on hype and a product that barely works. The argument: “agency,” not intelligence or skill, is now the most valuable trait in the AI era. The product is almost beside the point. The piece ends on a troubling idea: Silicon Valley is optimizing for motion and attention, not judgment or purpose, and it’s moving very fast without knowing where it’s going.

8. Betting on prediction markets is a FT job now. This “tax nerd” bet his life savings against DOGE… and won.

9. “The new American dream is to not live there.” Americans are leaving in record numbers. Not just retirees but families, freelancers, and people in their prime looking for a higher quality of life.

10. Scott Galloway is making the opposite case: move back to America. Why? Because it’s the responsible thing to do.

11. Homeschooling is becoming a real business opportunity. In the U.S. alone, the number of homeschooled students has nearly doubled since 2019, with more than 5 million kids now learning at home. Here’s a free business idea if you want to ride this trend.

12. Forge Prep is designing school for 2040, not 1940. Students learn by doing meaningful work: building real businesses, designing products, and getting 1:1 coaching from working professionals. Rather than traditional tests, progress is measured through real projects and outcomes that connect learning to the real world.

13. We’ve been playing Sea, Salt and Paper as our go-to quick game. Easy to pack, beautiful artwork, and more fun than Uno.

14. Scotty Ramon aka Kid Cudi is now an artist. Here’s a private tour of his art studio. I love watching people try something completely new.

15. My latest lipoprotein(a) update, including progress on drugs in the pipeline.

16. Colorectal cancer is now the top cause of cancer death in younger people. Get screened. Don’t wait.

17. Dying for Sex is a powerful show, and it’s not what you expect. It’s about cancer, but it’s about being alive, connection, and what really matters when time is limited. By the end, I was crying like a baby.

18. In Famous Last Words, Eric Dane leaves a final message to his daughters about facing the end with dignity and courage.

19. Real ones cry.

20. Ending on a funny note, these memes are too good about Marco Rubio running Anthropic.

(I don’t have anything to sell you, so please enjoy this intentionally empty space.)

1. Welcome to 2026. Following a friend’s recommendation for annual planning, I listened to a podcast that led me to the Sparketype quiz. It turns out I’m a Scientist (driven to solve problems) and a Sage (driven to share wisdom). My biggest takeaway: I derive energy from thinking, not necessarily doing.

2. Secrets are the new moat. We’ve long been told that “ideas are worthless and execution is everything,” or that we should “build in public.” But in the age of AI, execution can be reverse-engineered and copied in minutes. Going stealth is becoming the real judo move. Execution is becoming a commodity. Ideas are priceless again.

3. A trend I’m noticing: more of our friends have stopped posting on social media, and going offline is becoming a status symbol. The real flex now is living a life that feels full without needing to be documented or spent doomscrolling.

4. I like the idea of a friend newsletter, inspired by Nick Gray. You send a short update to close friends with life updates, lessons learned, current interests, and an open door to reconnect.

5. A great quote from Naval: “If you aren’t getting happier as you get older, you’re doing it wrong.”

6. I’m experimenting with a monthly habit + memories tracker. One page per month: habits I care about and moments worth remembering. I’m going fully analog with pen and paper. (I’m currently using a Leuchtturm1917 notebook and pen).

7. I’ve also started using MyMind to quickly capture ideas, links, and notes across the projects I’m working on.

8. I spent a lot of time flying over the holidays. A few movies I watched and recommend are Warfare, Weapons, F1, and Sean Combs: The Reckoning.

9. The most popular course at Penn is called “Existential Despair.” It is a weekly, seven hour marathon from 5 p.m. to midnight. Students surrender their phones, sit in silence, read an entire book in one sitting, and end the night with a deep discussion in a pitch black classroom.

10. Quick newsletter update: I’ve set a goal to send 12 issues this year, one per month. In the past, I waited until I had 20 bullet points before hitting send. This year, I’m shipping monthly regardless of the count. Hold me accountable!

(I don’t have anything to sell you, so please enjoy this intentionally empty space.)

1. Someone on a podcast said, ‘I want to disappear off the web at 40,’ and that stuck with me. There’s something oddly appealing about it. I’m not ready to vanish completely, but after 18 months off X, the appeal of having no social presence keeps growing, especially since being tied to online popularity is the last thing I want as I get older.

2. I like how Andrew Wilkinson builds rituals around connecting with people. He hosts monthly entrepreneur forums, pickleball games, lunch clubs, “interesting people” gatherings, Camp Dad, and one-on-one father-son trips. These rituals create a social structure where he just needs to follow his calendar to stay deeply connected. Stealing this idea.

3. Speaking of lifestyle design, I’ve been thinking about a simple framework that maps to my own path. I’m in Stage 2 right now, but the arc looks like this: Stage 1 is escape → Stage 2 is purpose → Stage 3 is legacy. Stage 1 is all about creating freedom and getting out of whatever box you feel stuck in. Stage 2 is slower, more inward work: figuring out what you actually enjoy without chasing external validation. Here’s an example of Stage 1, and here’s one of Stage 2. Stage 3… I haven’t figured out yet 😆

4. My favorite author Morgan Housel just released a new book called The Art of Spending Money. It’s all about how to use money in ways that actually improve your life: reducing stress, buying back time, increasing freedom, and aligning spending with what you genuinely value. He was recently on Derek Thompson’s podcast, and one quote really stuck with me: “Happiness equals independence plus purpose and fun.”

5. It’s hard to not think that we are living in an AI bubble right now. I read Ed Zitron’s breakdown of OpenAI’s finances and the numbers don’t add up. OpenAI is burning around ~$4B a month. At this pace, it might be one of the most capital-intensive startups ever. You have to start asking yourself if this is sustainable.

6. Building on this, Kyla Scanlon argues that AI investment, memecoins, tariffs, healthcare, and debt-roulette apps have turned the US economy into a casino. “The AI boom has become one of the largest speculative waves in market history. AI companies represent roughly 75% of recent S&P 500 earnings growth, 80% of profits, and 90% of capital expenditure.” This is shaping up to be one of the biggest technology bets of all time. I’m optimistic it will be a net positive for society long-term, but pessimistic about the short term.

7. Yishan’s AI investment thesis is that “every AI application startup is likely to be crushed by rapid expansion of the foundational model providers.” Almost every AI app will be crushed not by incumbents copying them, but by the speed of foundational model breakthroughs that make them obsolete before they can scale.

8. A simple 25/25/25/25 split across stocks, bonds, commodities, and cash has quietly outperformed most carefully engineered portfolios. I realized my own portfolio has quietly drifted into that split between stocks, bonds, cash, and alternatives.

9. I’ve been enjoying the Dialectic podcast by Jackson Dahl, especially the episode with MSCHF. My favorite line from that conversation was, “the only point of being a human is being able to eat, sleep, f*ck, and flex on your neighbor,” which made me laugh because it’s kind of true. I picked up the Made by MSCHF book recently and loved hearing the stories behind the Big Red Boot, Jesus Shoes, and Severed Spots.

10. George Mack has a great list of tactics for being creative without taking drugs. My favorite: avoid content made after 2016. “Something happened in 2016. The internet became less weird, less creative. Whatever the cause, pre-2016 content has a distinct flavor of strangeness that has vanished.”

11. Lately I’ve been drawn to the idea of craftsmanship: slowing down and making something truly great. It’s a very different mindset from the “move fast and break things” Silicon Valley culture. Todd Masonis talked about this on a podcast, sharing how he went from building a startup with Sean Parker (Justin Timberlaked played him in The Social Network) to a chocolate company built to last 100 years.

12. Bending Spoons has been making headlines lately for acquiring AOL, Evernote, Vimeo, and Meetup, basically some of my favorite internet brands. The Invest Like the Best podcast has a great conversation on how they built this strategy over the past decade, and this breakdown walks through the numbers behind it. They started with only $40,000 and scaled to billion-dollar deals like Vimeo at $1.38 billion and AOL at $1.5 billion. One of the best examples of compounding I’ve seen.

13. AI coding tools have made building software so cheap and fast that a new trend is emerging: “disposable apps.” It’s now quicker to build something with AI than to search for it. These are tiny, single-purpose apps people spin up in minutes, use briefly, and throw away. One example: Vercel’s chief product officer built a custom Europe trip-planning app with day-by-day agendas simply because it was easier to generate it than find an existing tool.

14. Essay clubs are a brilliant idea. Book clubs often feel like too much work, but discussing thought-provoking essays? That’s lighter and way more fun.

15. A final goodbye from the legend, the GOAT, Warren Buffett, in his last annual letter. He leaves us with this line: “Decide what you would like your obituary to say and live the life to deserve it.”

16. A few things I’ve enjoyed recently: The Diplomat, Pluribis, and Crooks. And Crooks was one of those books I couldn’t put down.

17. Does anyone have a good hair loss protocol? Asking for a friend. (Me.)

18. For all the dads out there with daughters. A reminder that she sees everything — how you treat your partner, how you show love, how you carry yourself. She’s learning what to expect, and what to accept.

19. Dark but creative: someone cloned Gmail and built a fictional Epstein inbox using the public email dump.

20. Just updated my Vibes playlist on Spotify. Enjoy!

(I don’t have anything to sell you, so please enjoy this intentionally empty space.)

1. What’s new? I’ve been splitting my time between investing and advising. Put incubation on the back-burner to focus on helping early-stage founders with strategy, fundraising, and growth. Mostly helping them get from 0 to 1. Made two angel investments and have been diving into research on public and private investing firms. Right now, I’m volunteering my time to others, and it’s been surprisingly fulfilling.

2. I agree with this barbell approach: “Either go very early or very late. Cheap or super premium. Very small or very big. - investing (very early stage or public markets) - careers (deep specialist or broad generalist) - education (self taught or top-tier). And finally, in life strategy: either optimize for freedom (time, simplicity) or for scale (impact, wealth). Comfortable middles rarely compound.”

3. I’ve been thinking about my own barbell approach to life. On one end, I’m investing. On the other, I’m chasing personally interesting side quests, like trying to become a pro Magic: The Gathering player. I’ve realized the key is committing to something long enough for it to compound, instead of constantly exploring new things.

4. Speaking of side quests, I’ve been following UFC fighter Payton Talbott (recently featured in the New York Times). He breaks the usual hypermasculine fighter stereotype. He’s rumored to be dating Frank Ocean (one of my favorite artists) and is a legit fighter, but what really caught my attention was his idea of side quests like working on a new album, skateboarding, and other creative hobbies. He balances the intensity of fighting in the cage with ways to express himself outside the cage.

5. I’ve been listening to the updated Navalmanack interviews on Smart Friends. One thing that stuck with me was Naval rethinking his old definition of wealth. He used to say wealth was “assets that earn while you sleep,” which came from wanting to escape the nine-to-five and do the least amount of work. It was a practical definition, optimized for making money and gaining freedom. But now he points to David Deutsch’s definition as “the set of physical transformations you can bring into existence.” In other words: how many things can you build, create, or improve?

6. I’m on a 24-day streak using Rosebud, an AI journal that “helps users identify and alter unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors.” What makes it powerful for me is its memory — it saves every entry, tracks patterns, and offers personalized suggestions. It’s helped me break bad habits, reframe negative thoughts into positive ones, and keep my mental state in a much better place. Highly recommend.

7. Just as you diversify your investments, people are starting to diversify their passports.

8. This is an extremely bearish and pessimistic take on the market. It argues that the U.S. is already in the early stages of a real recession masked by inflated markets and delayed effects of high interest rates. The predicted chain: rising defaults → overvalued assets → Fed intervention through money printing → temporary market lift → lasting inflation → widening inequality. Whatever side you’re on, it’s worth straw-manning the other side to understand it, but be careful taking advice from anon accounts on X 😆

9. Just finished reading The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson — solid 4/5. It’s about his experience as a trader navigating the financial system and how it shaped his views on inequality and markets. I didn’t realize until the end that the author is the same Gary’s Economics guy on YouTube, the one who breaks down complex finance and econ topics in simple, relatable terms.

10. Leopold Aschenbrenner is a former OpenAI researcher who launched a hedge fund inspired by his essay Situational Awareness. His fund posted +47% in the first half of 2025 by focusing on the broader AI picks and shovel plays including semiconductors, data centers, and the power grid. Here’s the latest holdings.

11. “Cursor’s Problem,” argues that while startups focus on product/market fit, AI companies need business model/product/market fit even more. The key insight: anytime “unlimited” appears in a variable-cost business, product/market fit becomes a permanently open question.

12. Hawaii has been showing up in my life a lot lately. I watched a great documentary called Shark Whisperer. It follows marine conservationist/activist Ocean Ramsey who swims with great white sharks as a way to protect them from being hunted and endangered.

13. One of the best shows I’ve seen in a while is Chief of War, produced by Jason Momoa. It’s like Game of Thrones but set in early Hawaii. My favorite scene is when the two chiefs talk shit to each other on the battlefield before going to battle. I looked into it and it’s a ceremonial pre-battle tradition in Hawaiian culture meant as psychological warfare.

14. A new UFO video shows what appears to be a missile deflecting off a spherical object. The footage, shown at a Congressional hearing, captures a US Reaper drone firing a Hellfire missile at the unidentified object off the coast of Yemen in October 2024. Defense experts noted that Hellfires usually cause major destruction on impact, yet this one seemed to bounce off. Add this to the “more proof” bucket.

15. “This video has been making the rounds, and what this teacher is saying I’ve heard from many, many teachers in the US.“ TLDR: How phones have replaced developmentally necessary aspects of childhood.

16. Just got the new Coinbase One card which offers 4% cashback in Bitcoin. I like this as a replacement for my Chase Sapphire Reserve as my points continue to get devalued. My goal for this next year is to use all of our points for travel. You get like 1.5x on Chase but 4x on Coinbase (with potential upside) seems like a much better deal.

17. I still use Todoist for task management, but I haven’t found a reliable notes system. I went back to a simple list setup and signed up for Workflowy again. They’ve made so many updates: Quick Add, Daily Journal, and new AI features. Excited to give it another try.

18. Some of the companies I advise are looking for a PT Growth Marketer (digital app) and PT CFO (D2C brand). DM me if you’re interested or have a great rec.

19. “How does he keep his cat safe outdoors? With a $125,000 catio.”

20. Loved this line from thiccy’s latest essay: “reading fed the desire for knowledge and understanding, writing fed the desire truth seeking and creation, and together they serve the search for beauty and form.”

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1. I’m currently in Europe. A few things stand out so far: no A/C and lots of bottled water. But in exchange you get lots of culture, history, and delicious food.

2. If I could give new parents one tip: take more videos, especially in the first 3 years. Videos are what make you feel like you’re back in that moment.

3. FAFO Parenting Style. I’m just going to copy and paste the excerpt from the WSJ article: “She threw him in the pond, clothes and all. Some of the best lessons in life are the hard ones. The internet calls it “FAFO,” short for “F—Around and Find Out.” It’s a child-rearing style that elevates consequences over the “gentle parenting” methods that have helped shape Gen Z.”

4. I can relate to this: “You’re not depressed. You just need a quest.” Researchers found we spend almost half our time thinking about something other than what we’re doing, and we’re usually less happy when we do. Mind-wandering is one of the strongest predictors of unhappiness, no matter what’s going on in our lives.

5. Two big waves are crashing at the same time right now. If I were in my 20s and trying to build wealth, I’d pick one of two plays: build an AI app if I wanted to be an operator, or invest in crypto if I was more of an investor. I oscillate between both, but lately I’ve been leaning toward building ideas I’d like to see in the world, using fun as my compass.

6. It’s a great time to build. We’re in the bootstrapped solo founder era, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this chart crosses 50% soon.

7. The reason it’s such a good time to build is because of leveraged beta. When I was building, you had to make something 10x better than what was already out there. But in the AI era, where the models keep improving on their own, you just need to build something good enough. “The smart money isn't on building the best product - it's on being the default option when the underlying tech finally works.”

8. There’s a new trend around seed-strapping: raise one seed round, sprint to profitability, and never raise again. Falling compute costs and open-source models make it possible to hit meaningful revenue fast. And in today’s Silicon Valley, revenue is the new status symbol, not fundraising.

9. Here’s how to create wealth in the new economy from an OpenAI Researcher. Hyung Won Chung calls AI the ultimate form of leverage. “Humans underestimate gradual changes; AI amplifies output via learning acceleration, agents (scalable labor/code hybrid), and scientific synthesis.” It lowers the barrier to learning anything but raises the cost of not learning.

10. I’m pretty excited about crypto right now. The GENIUS Act was just signed into law, which establishes unified standards for stablecoin issuance and reserves. The CLARITY Act passed by the House allows for a migration path from the SEC to CFTC jurisdiction (a big deal because it pulls crypto out of legal limbo). And soon, U.S. retirement accounts will be able to invest in crypto. It’s the kind of regulatory progress that could finally make crypto feel legit in the U.S.

11. Arthur Hayes predicts we’re entering “QE for the average person” — a wartime-fueled credit boom that’s insanely bullish for crypto. Unlike traditional quantitative easing, which funnels money into banks and asset markets, his thesis is that governments will guarantee loans to critical industries like energy, defense, and semiconductors. This credit then flows into the real economy (to the average person) before eventually chasing scarce assets like Bitcoin. Add in retirement accounts being able to invest in crypto and stablecoins purchasing T-bills (funding US deficits), it makes for a strong bull case for crypto.

12. Thiccy’s latest essay, “The Jackpot Age,” argues we’ve shifted from measured risk-taking to worshiping jackpots — chasing rare, life-changing wins even when the math guarantees most people go to zero. This “Jackpot Paradox” explains why SBF, 3AC, and millions of meme-stock gamblers blew up: they were all flipping a negative-compounding coin flip. Social media is supercharging this mindset, making upward mobility feel like a lottery. His advice: stop chasing jackpots, play the long game, and maximize your median outcome instead of pursuing extreme results.

13. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. But I do love me a fridge cigarette.

14. An obsessive parent moved his family to Austin to test Alpha School and came away convinced. The school is not really “AI-powered” (more like spaced-repetition apps), isn’t teacher-free (guides are highly paid and essential), and isn’t really “2 hours” of learning (closer to 3.5 hours including breaks). But the results speak for themselves: students are improving MAP test scores (a national benchmark for math and reading) about 2.6x faster than peers, with gifted kids hitting 5x. The secret lies in the incentives and culture. Kids earn “Alpha Bucks” to spend on stuff, get immediate feedback, and advance through levels only by mastering skills, rather than simply aging up. If this works, it changes everything we think we know about school.

15. Matt Bateman is piloting a Montessori-tech hybrid in Austin, based on Alpha School's 2 Hour Learning (2HL) platform. A kid might learn multiplication with bead cabinets then practice to fluency on 2HL (where students are testing 2-3 grade levels ahead).

16. Careless People is a fascinating read on the inner workings of Facebook. It reveals how the story you see from the outside differs dramatically from what's actually happening behind the scenes. A must-read for anyone working in tech who wants to know what it's really like to work closely with Mark and Sheryl.

17. So glad the Clipse are back together! They recently performed a Tiny Desk Concert, opening with “Virginia” about their hometown (mine too) and closing with my all-time favorite, “Grindinggggggggg!”

18. Building the Band is an excellent Netflix show that combines Love is Blind with Making the Band (Who are the five best rappers of all time?). If you enjoy this format, Pop Star Academy is also worth watching.

19. This isn’t up for debate. Korean fried chicken is the best fried chicken.

20. A US company, Pattern, has built an AI that can translate cat meows into human language with 95% accuracy. It listens, analyzes sound patterns, and tells you if your cat is hungry, wants attention, or something else. Imagine a world where you can have real conversations with your cat 🐈

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1. So what’s new? I got a tooth extracted (note to self: don’t eat peanut M&Ms from your kid’s halloween candy). I’m also overhauling my YouTube and Podcast (more on that soon) and wrote a blog post on Advice. I’m hiring for a few PT different roles. Right now, I’m looking for my “Ben.”

2. Been thinking about cycles. Some seasons are for building, others for investing (crypto 2017) or buying businesses. Right now, it’s building time. A solo founder vibe coded his company and sold it for $80M in six months. AI companies are hitting $10M and $100M revenue in lightning speed.

3. Greg Isenberg’s tweets are giving me massive FOMO. It’s time to build! If you’re looking for business ideas, check out Idea Browser.

4. Totally agree with this take: work on fun projects that make money.

5. Education’s back on my radar. Alpha School is doing some cool stuff with AI tutors. Synthesis built an AI math tutor that adapts in real-time to how your kid thinks, gamifies the whole experience, and is outperforming 99.99% of their peers. Micro-schools are popping up everywhere. And AI just enabled the fastest growing education company ever?

6. I like listening to Scott Galloway’s takes. His latest? The U.S. is heading for a 15-year recession, so he’s moving 75% of his money out U.S. markets and into European markets. He thinks valuations are too high in the U.S., Europe’s about to spend big on infrastructure and defense, and now’s the time for a major global capital rotation. TLDR: Sell America. Buy Europe.

7. Andrej Karpathy just gave the clearest vision of where software is headed in the age of AI. We’ve gone from writing code by hand to talking to computers in plain English. LLMs are the new operating system and everyone who speaks English is now a developer.

8. Some ex-Skillshare folks just launched Mixy, which is already going viral. A few Otis alums are also building Chord in the AI group chat space. Fun to see the old crew shipping cool stuff.

9. Multiplier is a new company that applies AI to professional services. Think law firms, accounting, etc. They’re acquiring high-quality firms, building internal tools, and scaling from there. I like how they’ve structured the teams. Definitely borrowing a few ideas for my HoldCo.

10. Perplexity for Notetaking? Imagine a tool that turns your notes (and links) into an AI-usable second brain. You paste a YouTube link, it auto-summarizes, connects to related ideas, and get stored in a dynamic, queryable knowledge base. Basically, a modern day Memex.

11. Moats in the age of AI: speed and distribution. Brian Balfour just dropped a must-read on how every platform shift follows the same cycle: open the gates, grow with third-party help, close it (and screw over the developers who helped grow it), and monetize. ChatGPT is showing signs of becoming that platform. The moat won’t be content or users. It’ll be context and memory. The new winners will be the ones who figure out how to distribute in this new paradigm before the platform walls go up.

12. Yancey Strickler (Kickstarter co-founder) gave a TED Talk on a new model for creatives to work together: the Artist Corporation (A Corp). Artists own their work, pool resources, and split profits. He and 10 writers self-published a book, split $70K, and built something bigger as a result. As he puts it: what if the next Disney wasn’t a corporation, but an artist-owned collective?

13. Notes on Managing ADHD. I feel seen! I’ll often forget I even started a project, which means it never gets finished. This is a solid guide on staying productive with an ADHD brain.

14. A single-dose gene therapy and the ancient enzyme nattokinase have the potential to transform heart health.

15. I’ve been down a 90s rock / nu metal YouTube rabbit hole lately — RATM, Korn (this riff still goes hard AF!), Deftones, Nirvana, 311, Sublime. Random thought: Is Nirvana our generation’s version of the Beatles? I’m not saying it’s a perfect comparison but feels kinda true?

16. I know I’m late to this but I’ve been getting into random coffee shop DJ mixes lately. Perfect morning GSD background vibes.

17. Finished 100 Foot Wave and went looking for another surf show. Stumbled across Apple’s Make or Break and got hooked.

18. Just tried Laurel A2 lattes for the first time. Delicious. Milk-based. Highly recommended.

19. Some good fiction I just finished: Dead Money (4/5) and The Oligarch’s Daughter (4.5/5). Just started The Ministry of Time and King of Ashes. Both solid so far.

20. What if cats were olympic divers? And what if your father was a swimming coach?

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1. Just wrapped my MTG Pro run at the Hartford Regional Championship (RC). I went 5-4 and missed the day two cut-off by one win. Not bad for someone who started playing six months ago with almost no experience. The biggest takeaway? Setting ambitious goals in my personal life is just as rewarding as professional ones. And when it’s rooted in fun, it’s even better!

2. I sat down with my MTG coach, Stanley Hartman (Stanley2099), to swap perspectives on career paths. We flipped the script and I offered advice on landing a job at a startup, going full time as a content creator, and riffed on software ideas we could vibe code. Listen here.

3. I’m launching Choop, my personal holding company for weird ideas. It's part creative studio, part investor, and a sandbox for me to experiment.

4. First idea I’m exploring: investing into dividend startups. Sounds contradictory but hear me out. The goal is to support early-stage companies with less pressure for a massive exit, then share dividends with the team and investors once the business has grown and sustainable. If you’re already at $1M+ ARR and want growth without the exit pressure, here’s my pitch.

5. YC’s latest Request for Startups is out. My picks: AI personal tutors and full-stack AI companies. Someone please build a speech-first language app, and an AI-powered law firm while you’re at it.

6. Colossus Review dropped a deep dive on Matt Huang, co-founder of Paradigm. “Sometimes I feel like I’m running the X-Men Academy,” says Matt Huang, describing his $12 billion crypto investment firm Paradigm as a place for brilliant mutants who possess unusual powers.”

7. We’re entering the long-tail era of custom software. People with no coding background are now building tools using natural language. Here’s a doctor who built something for his clinic with no coding experience.

8. AaaS = Agents as a Service. I don’t want to build AI Agents from scratch. I want to use the best ones someone else created. Make it one click and easy to use. Sounds like a big opportunity for a startup…

9. I agree with Greg Isenberg: “the optimal startup team in 2025 is 5 people: 1 engineer, 1 designer, 1 product lead, 1 growth lead, 1 ops person with AI as the co-founder to everyone on the team.”

10. Some teams are taking it further: only allowing AI agents to apply for jobs, and hiring GTM engineers to build automated systems instead of hiring people to do manual sales.

11. Want brutally honest feedback? Try this ChatGPT prompt. It’s like therapy but instant and free.

12. But be careful! Rolling Stone warns that some users now treat ChatGPT as an oracle, claiming it has “awakened,” revealed cosmic secrets, and declared them prophets. Psychologists say the model’s built-in flattery contributes to this problem: by echoing and validating whatever you feed it, ChatGPT tells people exactly what they want to hear, reinforcing fantasies and pulling them further from reality.

13. Scientists say they have resurrected the dire wolf?! It’s definitely giving me Jurassic Park vibes. But now the company's chief scientist now admits that the animals are merely modified grey wolves.

14. Is there anything more comforting than bottomless salad and breadsticks at Olive Garden? This NYT piece on the disappearing middle-class restaurant hit me with nostalgia.

15. This Atlantic piece digs into why everything in American pop culture feels so mid and why we’ve entered a cultural dark age.

16. I enjoyed this interview with Megan Lightcap, who talks about the Slow Ventures Creator Fund. She breaks down how they invest directly in creators, proving you can back people, not just companies.

17. As someone with a high lp(a) score (aka high heart disease risk), this seems promising. My friend started Toku, a supplement packed with nattokinase from natto, Japan’s longevity superfood, which supports healthy circulation and blood flow.

18. I don’t use Whoop but considering Whoop 5.0 which has a heart screener and blood pressure insights. I just don’t understand why I have to pay a monthly subscription instead of just buying the device.

19. 100 Foot Wave is back with season 3. If you haven't watched this yet, it's one of the best sports docu-series out there. Also worth a watch: Shooting Guards with Gilbert Arenas.

20. High school graduates answer questions from their sixth-grade selves. This is wholesome in the best way.

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1. A few personal updates: Ran my first half marathon in years and bonked hard. That’s never happened before, so now I’m figuring out proper race fueling—before, during, and after the race. Ordered the Maurten Drink Mix 160 based on a friend’s recommendation.

2. After diving deep into Magic: The Gathering, I won a local RCQ and qualified for the Regional Championship. One step closer to making the pro tour. Didn’t expect to level up this fast, but here we are!

3. Wrote a few blog posts on how to get hired at a startup, energy, playing to win, and rate of learning.

4. My last podcast episode was with Danya Shults, who I worked with at Skillshare. We talked about career transitions and her “Shultsbbatical,” where her family moved to Spain for five months after years in the startup world.

5. Brian Armstrong’s YCombinator for Politics idea is interesting. The biggest barrier to great candidates isn’t just money—it’s making politics an appealing career path for high-agency, talented people. Right now, public service often means sacrificing a massive income, slower career progression, and constant public scrutiny. YC for Politics could help by providing funding and creating a clearer on-ramp, but how do we make politics as rewarding as other high-impact careers?

6. Many politicians treat funding as a major accomplishment, but the real measure of success is whether that initiative was actually built—and even more importantly, if it worked. It’s like startups celebrating a big fundraise instead of focusing on the harder part: investing that money to grow the company faster.

7. Speaking of YC, Paul Graham is dropping some thoughts on the government that will make you think: one on the outlook of the economy and another on the separation of powers.

8. Kyla Scanlon has been publishing some great essays, including ones on Gen Z and the end of predictable process, the parallel economy and how social media has distorted our sense of time, and an orchestrated recession.

9. Tiny teams are the future—and it's already here. Companies are scaling to tens of millions in revenue with fewer than 50 people. The old model of raising big round, hiring aggressively, and bloating headcount is dead. The best companies now stay lean, leverage AI and automation, and grow revenue-first without unnecessary overhead.

10. Remember the boring businesses trend? Looks like everyone has come back to work in big tech. “…who knew that cash flowing a laundromat in Sacramento would be harder than earning $236,000 and a 20% annual bonus for checking 17 slack messages per day?”

11. Chris Bakke (from the previous tweet) went on Moneywise to talk about how fatherhood redefined his life after selling his company for $50M.

12. Andrew Chen explores the rise of vibe coding, a new way of building software where developers interact with AI tools using natural language instead of writing code. Building software could become as easy as making a TikTok or YouTube video, leading to an explosion of niche, ephemeral apps from non-traditional developers.

13. Is Jack Dorsey the inventor of Bitcoin?

14. Finished The Seventh Floor by David McCloskey, a solid page-turner and relevant given the current landscape. Most think espionage is about spying but it’s really about ideological subversion—undermining institutions, shaping public perception, and influencing key decision-makers from within. This 1984 interview with a former KGB agent breaks down Cold War tactics that are still in play today.

15. Mark Manson’s podcast with Arthur Brooks on building a meaningful life was great. Brooks’ point about setting ambitious personal goals really resonated—most people focus on career goals, but having big goals in hobbies, health, and relationships matters just as much.

16. Yancey Strickler’s Substack is worth checking out. The Kickstarter co-founder now runs Metalabel and shares interesting ideas, like using a giant roll of butcher paper as your working material when you start a new project.

17. AI tutors will be a game-changer. One-on-one tutoring has been shown to produce a two-sigma improvement in learning outcomes. Alpha School in Texas implemented AI tutors, and student test scores skyrocketed to the top 2% nationally.

18. The Rorra water filtration system looks promising. Haven’t tried it yet—still using Sans—but I’d get this if I didn’t already have a filter.

19. White Lotus is back, and my favorite character this season is Gaitok, played by Tayme Thapthimthong. Before acting, he served int the Thai Armed Forces Security Centre, Thailand’s counterpart to M16 or the CIA. Turns out, he’s also a solid singer—here’s him performing No Diggity.

20. This was my favorite Super Bowl commercial. If you’re a parent, this one will hit hard. Time flies!

Until the next one…

-Michael

1. I haven't done one of these in a while, but I finally wrote my 2024 Review, which you can read here or listen here. The theme of my year was fun, and I centered every decision around day-to-day joy. I added things that brought me joy like playing Magic: The Gathering and removed things that didn’t, which led to me adopting financial minimalism.

2. Here are some key lessons from the year: dropping the mask, redefining success, health is wealth, simplifying to focus, and accepting that transitions take time. Letting go of the personas we built to meet society's expectations, combined with redefining success, creates a powerful recipe for growth.

3. I had a great conversation with returning guest Safwaan Kay on the podcast. We discussed AI Agents, Open Source Software, and the intersection between legacy and ambition.

4. We also discussed this essay from the founder of Loom: I am rich and have no idea what to do with my life. After selling his company for $975M , he wrote about the existential crisis that followed. It’s a good reminder that no matter how successful you are, you still have to figure out your own shit.

5. From Kevin Dahlstrom (my most-listened-to podcast) about "How to Build a Kickass Life." He shares 10 different lessons and advice for designing an amazing life. My favorite tip is focusing on your Camera Roll rather than your Bank Roll.

6. I've added two new podcasts to my rotation: Technology Bros, which feels like All-In meets Silicon Valley (the show)—it's hilarious and keeps me updated on tech and Collaborative Fund Conversations, where Morgan Housel interviews top investors.

7. Marc Andreessen's original posts on productivity remain some of my favorites. Here's an updated guide. I like his approach of scheduling everything—including free time—on his calendar.

8. Speaking of productivity, I downloaded Speechify—an app that converts any document into spoken audio. It can read any text aloud, and I like using the Snoop Dogg voice option.

9. Todoist's app continues to improve impressively. As mentioned in my 2024 review, I've adopted the "Quick Capture" one-inbox method throughout the year with great success. Their new calendar integration works flawlessly. Highly recommended.

10. Only AI agents can apply for this job.

11. I read a single line buried in an article: Google’s quantum chips could be linked to the multiverse. Their latest quantum processor, Willow, completed a calculation in five minutes that would take a supercomputer 10 septillion years. The head of Google’s Quantum AI suggested that this performance “lends credence to the idea that quantum computation happens in many parallel universes.” Wait, what?!

12. Then I stumbled upon a wild theory that quantum computing could be enabling rapid calculations for navigation that mimic the gravity-defying maneuvers reported in UFO sightings. And just when I thought the rabbit hole couldn’t go deeper, I came across the latest claims from a UAP whistleblower, who says a UFO retrieval program exists. 🤯

13. I can’t decide what’s more annoying in public spaces: someone talking on speakerphone, or someone blasting Youtube at full volume. PSA: Please use headphones!

14. "100 Foot Wave" is a two-season documentary on HBO Max (with season three coming soon), and it's excellent. It follows big wave surfers in Portugal attempting to break the world record for the largest wave ever surfed. While they haven't reached the 100-foot mark yet, they're getting remarkably close.

15. Strongly agree with Will Manidis: “Work dinners should be illegal. rob you from your family, pretend to enjoy drinking with strangers, get home late and feel horrible the next day. work breakfasts are aristocratic, separate lazy boys from early to rise men, feel great when you get to work, easily expensible”

16. An inspiring story about taking a bet on your entrepreneurial dreams and following the winding road to success. What began as a simple Airbnb evolved into a luxury cave that now rents for $1,400 per night. It’s now one of the world’s most profitable Airbnb’s.

17. I've enjoyed following signull on X. He writes about "the rapid changes in culture at the intersection of hyper-capitalism and proliferation of tech at scale." Here’s his 2024 credit card recommendations: AMEX Platinum for travel and lounges, and US Bank's 4% cash back card for everything else. He also shared his thoughts on a new "learn anything" app—I'm still looking to invest in a company doing something like this!

18. Here's some quick health stuff: tips for fixing "nerd neck" and different ways to increase your VO2 max.

19. What’s the best place to find a PT Virtual Assistant or Podcast Video Editor?

20. This will make you smile!

1. I’m starting to feel the itch to build again. Not necessarily a venture-backed startup, but more around creating and experimenting—more like a side hustle to learn how to use all of the new AI tools, while having fun and tinkering with new ideas.

2. I interviewed Rick Foerster about finding meaning in life and work, and Andrew Connor (co-founder of Levels Health) about cultivating independent thinking. Both conversations got me thinking about how we engage with the world and its impact on personal growth.

3. On the health front, I’ve received so many emails about my essay on heart disease and Lipoprotein(a). It’s been humbling to hear how much it’s resonated with others dealing with similar challenges. My recent updates show progress, and I’m optimistic about treatment. If you’re curious, here’s a good summary from Dr. Paddy Barrett.

4. These new AI tools are incredible! You can now build apps where AI writes 80-90% (or more) of the code. Josh Mohrer built a $5M business as a first-time coder, and Tyler Tringas shipped a new app in a day, mostly using Cursor to write the code. Tools worth checking out include Replit, Cursor, Bolt, and Relume.

5. I tried Granola AI for a meeting, and the experience felt magical. It records meetings and compiles a summary with AI. As Sam Lessin puts it, “At this point, if you are on Zoom, you just have to assume you’re being recorded”. (Related: here’s a good essay from the founder on building useful AI products.)

6. For anyone looking for new business ideas, here’s some inspiration (though public lists like these tend to lead to hyper-competitive markets): Greg Isenberg’s biggest startup opportunities, YC’s request for startups, and a16z’s crypto and big ideas for tech. Personally, I like social apps designed for friend-to-friend communication, personalized learning, and stablecoins.

7. Kevin Dahlstron wrote about the “New American Dream” — sabbaticals, passion-driven identities, prioritizing family, natural highs, and FIRE (financial independence, retire early).

8. With the holidays are coming up, here’s a gift guide for kids: Kodak Pixpro Camera, Loog Guitar, Pokemon and Lorcana Starter Sets, Casio CT-S1 Keyboard, and Puro Headphones. And…. how cool is this?

9. For myself, here are a few of my best purchases this year: Sony FX30 camera, Sonos Sub Mini, Brooks Glycerin Max, Blundstone #585 Boots, Caraway non-stick ceramic baking sheet, Logitech MX Master 3S mouse, Anker 3-1 portable charger, Uppababy Alta V2 booster seat, Modkat cat scratcher, and Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe weekender bag (60D recycled poly is machine washable!)

10. And here are some charities worth supporting: World Central Kitchen (interview with the founder) and BeLoved Asheville for Hurricane Helene in Western NC. Other great ideas include your local animal shelter, children’s hospital, or something like the Bagel Fund and Inflection Grants.

11. I did some winter decluttering and sold my electronics through Backmarket, including my PS5, headphones, and old iPhones. The process was seamless — they gave me an instant offer, I shipped the items, and they paid me directly.

12. I’ve come across some good life advice recently: how to ruin your life as fast as you can, taking six shots on goal, and Sam Altman’s tips for life.

13. After seeing a viral video about a car insurance scam involving brake checks and reverse slams, I decided to buy a Garmin Mini 3 Dashcam.

14. I’ve been binging Patrick O’Shaughnessy’s interviews on Invest Like the Best. Favorites include The Art of Living Well (a must-listen), Building KITH, and Building MSCHF.

15. Another podcast worth checking out (and one of the most listened-to podcast interviews of 2024): How America’s Good and Healthcare Systems Were Compromised.

16. Ray Dalio warns of a modern civil war—“though it might not involve muskets”—marked by fractured states and widespread defiance of federal law. In June, he raised the odds to “uncomfortably more than 50 percent.” That statistic got me thinking: how would I prepare if things did fall apart? Here’s an interesting read: The Americans Prepping for a Second Civil War.

17. PSA: Avoid services that intentionally make it hard to cancel, like Carta and Range Finance. It took nearly two months to cancel my Range subscription (I wrote about my experience on X). (Tip: You can use Mercury Personal to cancel subscriptions.)

18. If you’re into 90s rock, here’s Sublime’s son performing live on the Howard Stern show. Speaking of 90s rock, can you believe it’s been 30 years since Glycerine came out?

19. Jamie Foxx's new comedy special, What Happened Was, is a must-watch. I've never laughed and cried so much in one special. He powerfully shares his story of bouncing back from a near-death experience.

20. When my coworkers ask why I don’t want to hang out after work.

I chat with Rick Foerster, who shares his journey from a fast-paced tech career to one focused on family, creativity, and fulfillment. After twelve years at Privia Health, Rick took a sabbatical when the company went public. He used that time to reassess his priorities and shift from a work-centric identity to a multi-dimensional one.

We discuss diversifying your identity and finding fulfillment beyond career success. We also explore the concept of ‘total addressable meaning,’ how finding meaning is the ultimate form of wealth, navigating midlife crises and avoiding burnout.

This episode is perfect for anyone going through a transition, curious about taking a sabbatical, or seeking a more meaningful life beyond work.

Takeaways

1. Sabbaticals as a Reset: Rick's sabbatical gave him the space to step back from the relentless pace of career life and focus on self-discovery. This period acted as a zero-based identity budgeting, helping him dismantle the accumulated ‘crud’ and realign his identity with life goals beyond the career ladder.

2. Scaling Down for Meaning: After years of scaling up in the startup world, Rick discovered the value of scaling down. He realized that while helping millions through his job was impactful, the deeper meaning came from mentoring and making a direct difference in one person’s life.

3. Identity Portfolio: Just as one diversifies financial investments, an identity portfolio should be diversified. Instead of over-allocating identity with work, he suggests spreading one's identity across various areas of life—family, health, creative pursuits—to minimize discontent from any single area.

4. Redefining Ambition: Moving from career-focused goals to a broader ambition, including being a better father and community member. The shift from "I want to be Steve Jobs" to "I want to be a great father and citizen" highlights the evolution of ambition that aligns more closely with personal values and fulfillment.

5. Experiment with Small Changes: Even if a long sabbatical isn't possible, Rick encourages experimenting with smaller shifts—whether it’s taking up a new hobby, reducing work hours slightly, or getting involved in community projects to create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Rick’s story shows that while stepping back from a high-achieving career can be challenging, it’s also a powerful opportunity to redefine both success and yourself.

Enjoy the episode!

-Michael

1. I’m still running non-stop, with avoiding injuries as my top priority. While running marathons is the big goal for many, I’m sticking to half-marathons or shorter. Can we make half-marathons cool? I just discovered SuperHalfs in Europe, where you earn a supermedal by completing six races. I might go for it. In the meantime, my next big target is to hit a V02 max of 50+ within the next 12 months.

2. I'm thinking of introducing a new segment on my podcast called "Unsolicited Advice" — either solo or with a guest. Sharing advice, seeking advice, or answering listener questions. Got a question about business, longevity, or just general advice? Reply to this email, and I’ll try to answer it in an upcoming episode.

3. After a year in the making, I finally shared my journey with heart health. During my sabbatical, I found out that I have a genetic predisposition to high Lipoprotein(a), a heart disease risk factor that affects 20-30% of the population. I cover what I’ve learned, my treatment plans, and test results. Read the essay, listen to the podcast, or watch the video.

4. I also went on the Greg Campion Podcast to discuss optimizing key health metrics in our 40s. We covered tests, metrics, and routines we've tried, along with what's working and what’s not.

5. I'm optimizing my sleep, and the one thing that has worked better than anything else has been sticking to a consistent bedtime. I've also been experimenting with sleep supplements—high doses of melatonin leave me feeling drowsy the next day, while magnesium and theanine help me sleep deeper but lead to more restless sleep.

6. If I were to start a software company, I’d want it to be like Good Enough. They build software products like Pika (where my blog is hosted), Jelly, and Letterbird. They’re a small team that “likes to make things that are fun. Or good. Or good enough.”

7. I recently wrote about minimalist finances, sharing the tools I use to simplify money management, and thoughts on designing an ideal work life.

8. Beyond financial diversification, people are diversifying their passports too. Political instability is driving many people to consider a plan B. Here’s a video essay on the popularity of the ‘golden visa.’

9. Paul Millerd published Good Work: Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition. It's a great book for anyone questioning traditional career paths and looking to create a more meaningful approach to work.

10. I'm noticing a trend of social clubs that focus on niche interests like table tennis, running, and chess. There is a shift away from nightlife toward hobby-focused gatherings. And they’re doing it with style.

11. Do we live in a simulation? I think it’s possible, with chances around 50-50. The universe operates on precise mathematical laws, like a computer program. The idea that future civilizations could create countless realistic simulations makes it more likely that we’re currently in one.

12. I’m exploring unconventional approaches to mental well-being. I recently tried Kanna, which is described as nature’s MDMA, but it wasn’t for me. Now researching ketamine therapy and curious about services like Mindbloom. Has anyone tried it?

13. Mike Posner's song ‘Beautiful Day’ captures his journey from battling depression to finding joy again. It’s about gratitude and living in the moment. If you're going through a tough time and need inspiration, check out the video here.

14. Some fun things to do with kids: create custom songs on Suno, make custom coloring pages with ChatGPT, or watch Wild Robot in the theaters (the best kids’ movie I’ve ever seen).

15. I recently discovered Anylist, and it's a game-changer. It lets you download recipes and automatically creates a shopping list, making meal planning so much easier.

16. No one sings hooks like Kid Cudi. He’s back with new songs that bring happy, positive vibes. “SUPERBOY” makes me want to go to Seoul, and “DONT WORRY” makes me want to go to downtown NYC.

17. Diplo DJing on the NYC subway is just peak Brooklyn vibes—playing on the L train from Brooklyn to Manhattan.

18. It’s no secret that I’m a big Israel Adesanya fan. He recently released the Stylebender documentary and did an interview on the JRE podcast. Both give a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his life.

19. The Netflix documentary Inside the Mind of the Dog explores how dogs connect with humans and develop cognitive skills for service work.

20. This golden retriever picks up children and brings them home after school.

And that’s a wrap for this month’s newsletter. Until the next one!

During my sabbatical, I discovered that my genetics put me at high risk for heart disease. Over the past year, I’ve immersed myself in learning everything I can about a less commonly tested but significant risk factor called Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). This genetic condition affects 20-30% of the population and can increase the risk of heart disease. Unlike cholesterol, Lp(a) levels are determined mainly by genetics, and not lifestyle (like diet or exercise).

As someone with a family history of heart disease, this discovery was both alarming and eye-opening. It pushed me to better understand Lp(a) and create a plan to lower my heart disease risk.

In this essay, I'll share:

• What I learned about heart disease and lipoprotein(a)

• The steps I'm taking to manage my heart health

• My biomarker data, including the before and after, and what it means

• The different treatment paths I explored

• Protocol for heart disease prevention

My goal is to encourage others to take early action and get screened for heart disease. While this essay benefits those with high Lp(a) scores, it will also provide valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding heart health risks.

Read the Full Essay

This is the first of many essays I plan to write on my website and YouTube. I hope you enjoy it!

Best,

Michael

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Feel free to reply to this email or leave a comment on Substack.

1. Ali Abdaal featured my interview with Kevin Dahlstrom on his YouTube channel. His video, "How to Design Your Dream Life (in 7 minutes)," was shared with his audience of 5.8M subscribers and highlighted Kevin's end-state lifestyle exercise.

2. After a six-month injury hiatus, I'm back into running and focusing on Zone 2 running following the Maffetone method. I'm keeping my heart rate at 138 bpm or lower. By running slow, I plan to run faster and longer without getting injured.

3. Paul Graham's essay "Founder Mode" resonates deeply. He challenges the conventional advice to "hire good people and give them room to do their jobs," arguing this often undermines rather than strengthens a company. In my experience, safeguarding the founder's vision requires a delicate balance. As a company scales, the risk of that vision being diluted by conventional wisdom increases. Founders must remain vigilant, ensuring their vision is maintained and actively driven forward as the company grows.

4. "The Overton Window Has Shifted" by Jack Raines offers an interesting perspective on political beliefs. A key takeaway: "If someone can correctly guess all of your political beliefs from one of your political beliefs, you've outsourced your independent thinking."

5. As I dive back into my fitness routine, I discovered a vegan protein called Happy Viking, created by Venus Williams. It's a gut-friendly plant protein with 60 superfoods and 20 grams of protein — and it tastes good!

6. Protein intake is a topic of debate, but is there such a thing as too much protein? Some research suggests that excessive protein might impair kidney function. I'm now aiming for 100 grams daily—down from the 150–200 grams I previously targeted.

7. Improving my sleep scores is another focus area. Along with following general sleep advice, I'm using a light, breathable blanket, sticking to a 9:30 p.m. bedtime, and sleeping next to an air purifier. I'm also trying a new sleep supplement. My current scores are around 80-85, and I'm aiming for 95+.

8. There’s a growing trend of people flying across the country for executive physicals — intensive three-day medical check-ups catered to the ultra-wealthy. This seems like a great business opportunity: creating an accessible version focused on longevity and fitness.

9. A recent study suggests that humans may experience significant aging at specific points in life, particularly around age 44 and 60. Am I going to age a decade at 44?!

10. I'm currently reading Dr. Becky’s book, Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want To Be, and enjoying her podcast. She also recently released a 24/7 parenting coach app.

11. "The Happiness Trinity" — marriage, social connections, and income. It suggests that these factors are deeply interconnected and often influenced by income, which raises concerns that well-being may increasingly become a luxury.

12. Some families are opting for "mini-retirements" or mid-career breaks to spend time with their children, challenging traditional retirement concepts.

13. My friend Marshall Haas wrote about his decision to move to Raleigh, NC, providing a thorough analysis of the process. It got me thinking: where are the best places in the world to raise a family?

14. Here’s a fascinating read: “What It’s Like Being a Billionaire’s Personal Assistant.” Arguably one of the most challenging jobs out there.

15. I like the idea of a "Y Combinator for Politics" to recruit 1,000+ new altruists into the political arena. Similar to how Y Combinator has nurtured startup founders, one could create something similar for young politicians.

16. Pairing this with Universal Basic Income (UBI) could enable younger politicians to make running for office a full-time job. For example, the full-time salary for the Mayor of Charlotte is $41,000, and city council members earn $34,000—well below the national average salary of $63,795.

17. I have a few podcast recommendations: “How to Not Ruin Your Kids with Your Wealth,” "Midlife is Chrysalis, Not a Crisis,” and "Fixing San Francisco's Broken Local Politics.”

18. Summer means plenty of reading time. Some recent books I’ve enjoyed include Yellowface, Real Americans, Abandon, The Glass Hotel, Finding Ultra, and What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.

19. A$AP Rocky’s new music video, Tailor Swif, is random. See if you can spot the dolphin. My favorite comment sums it up perfectly: “I’m perplexed, confused, baffled, flabbergasted, bewildered.”

20. I keep a couple of these Dechockers around the house — you never know when you need one!

Until the next one…

Michael

Matt Espinoza (@MattEspoz) is building a startup studio with two exits at 22.

As I consider my next steps, I was curious about building a startup studio for niche software ideas, so I chatted with Matt to learn how he does it.

We dive into his unique approach to building Halation, a studio-model holding company focused on creating one-of-a-kind software. Matt explains how he selects the 'game' he wants to play, why he collaborates with friends, and the crucial role of a ‘cash cow’ to fund other ventures. We also discuss validating new ideas, finding the right operating partners, and his "whale-and-barnacle" strategy. To wrap up, we share thoughts on balancing work and life.

Takeaways

1. Choosing the Right Game — Matt opts out of the traditional VC-backed venture route. Instead of focusing on a single company, he’s building a holding company that incubates multiple businesses.

2. Power of a Cash Cow — allows you to fund your projects internally without relying on external funding: “You’re fully bootstrapped. You have one company that’s your cash-flowing asset, which allows you to build other ventures. If you can start when you are younger, it compounds.”

3. Leveraging Marketplaces — The "whale-and-barnacle" strategy involves building on top of established platforms with large user bases (e.g., Shopify, Stripe, Webflow). This strategy provides built-in distribution channels.

4. Quality over Quantity — It’s not about creating endless companies, but about doing a few very well: “The ideal studio is having really good companies, one company a year, that we’re either incubating or buying.”

5. Motivation: He optimizes for three things: “Build one-of-a-kind software, work with incredible people, and have incentives so that when I win, my friends also win.”

Enjoy the episode!

-Michael

1. We just got back from Spain! They truly know how to live: siestas, late dinners, and delicious pan con tomato with garlic aioli.

2. The price difference between food in Europe and the US was surprising. Why are food prices so high in the US? A $22 burrito went viral for highlighting inflation. Is it greedflation, shrinkflation, upflation, or something else?

3. I read some good books on vacation: Tomorrow Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Crypto Confidential, Midnight Library, and Yellowface. If you’re looking for new reads, check out theNYT Readers’ Picks for the 100 best books of the 21st century.

4. My most popular podcast episode is with Kevin Dahlstrom, where we discuss how work comprises only 10% of his identity and how to design a life you don't need to escape.

5. I recently watched a viral video by an MIT-educated neurosurgeon who quit his job at 38 and moved to the woods due to ethical concerns about the effectiveness of his work. He discovered that lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress management were more effective for recovery than surgeries.

6. I was recently interviewed on the Next Play Podcast, discussing my transitions, lifestyle design, and the repeat founder cycle.

7. Jonathan Haidt’s interview is worth listening to. He wrote The Coddling of the American Mind and The Anxious Generation. He offered some good guidelines for social media usage with kids: 1) no smartphones before high school, 2) no social media before age 16, 3) phone-free schools, and 4) more free play and responsibility in the real world.

8. I believe phone addiction is the world’s biggest addiction. A good guideline is less than 150 pickups and less than 2 hours of screen time daily. And whatever you do, don’t check your phone first thing in the morning.

9. What's the amount to retire early, live comfortably, and never have to "work" again? This question went viral on Twitter, with everyone discussing their retirement number. I expanded on it here.

10. For some insightful investigative journalism, check out Benjamin Sandofsky’s piece on Fast Crimes at Lambda School, which covers the rise and fall of Income Share Agreements (ISAs) and the deceptive marketing that led to its rebranding.

11. The Holy Grail in education is personalized learning. Read more about how AI will change education. If you’re building an AI Tutor, please get in touch!

12. If you like my newsletter, you’ll also like Ryan Hoover’s, which has a similar format. Looking to make new friends as an adult? Pick up a social sport.

13. A summer tip from Julien’s newsletter: get rid of mosquitos by filling buckets with water and adding mosquito dunks. I’ve been doing this monthly, and it has mostly eliminated mosquitos.

14. Here’s good advice on choosing the right life path.​

15. And more unsolicited advice on how to live an asymmetric life.

16. I just discovered Cities: Skylines — it’s like Sim City. If you enjoyed city-building games as a kid, you'll love playing this game.

17. Want: Pebble Flow, an electric RV that can also power your home! Its battery capacity is 3.5x that of a Tesla Powerwall.

18. I’ve switched to carrying a man bag/travel sling/fanny pack. It’s far better than cramming everything in your pockets. Why was I not on this trend much sooner? I bought one from Snow Peak but was also considering one from Cotopaxi and Lo & Sons.

19. If you’re excited about the Olympics, check out Sprint. It follows the fastest sprinters in the world as they prepare for the World Championships.

20. If you follow UFC, you will find this hilarious about Israel Adesanya. WE HEARD IT THE FIRST TIME 🤣❄️

If you liked this issue, please share or forward the email to someone who might enjoy it. You can also “like” this newsletter by clicking the ❤️ below, which helps me get visibility on Substack.

Until the next one,

Michael Karnjanaprakorn

Kevin Dahlstrom might be the most balanced person I’ve ever met. He’s a 4x Founder, 3x CMO, and investor in over 55 companies. He also pursues rock climbing at an elite level — all while prioritizing his family.

He says it’s only possible because of his “ideal end state” exercise. It aligns his actions with his true desires, allowing him to design a life he never needs to escape. As a result, he’s reduced work to just 10% of his identity.

As I navigated my 40s, I wanted his advice on making the most out of this decade. I chatted with Kevin to get his perspective on work, identity, health, lifestyle design, etc.

Topics

• How to use the "ideal end state" exercise to design your perfect life

• Why minimalism is about maximizing joy, not sacrifice

• The power of finding a hobby you can pursue mastery in

• Why he considers rock climbing his "church"

• The importance of curating your inner circle as you age

• His approach to hormone optimization and longevity

• Why he believes retirement is an outdated concept

Takeaways

1. Identity — Work should become a smaller part of your identity as you age:
   "When you're young, work may constitute 80% of your identity, as you need to pay the bills and get ahead. But that should gradually change over time. For me, work is now only 10% of my identity. The biggest part of my identity is being a rock climber.”
   

2. Hobbies — Find a passion outside of work for true fulfillment:
   "You can't have a happy, fulfilling life if you don't have that outlet, if you don't have your version of climbing - something that you do purely for the love of it.”
   

3. End State Lifestyle — Design a life that doesn’t need to be escaped from by writing a detailed list of what your perfect life looks like:
   "Most people find that many items on their lists do not require much money, which is eye-opening as it highlights how societal expectations can lead us astray.”
   

4. Minimalism — Remove things that don't bring joy to make room for what does: “Minimalism is about removing things from your life that don't bring you true joy to make room so that you can gorge on the things that do.”
   

5. Health — As you get older, you have two choices: be okay with a slow decline in performance, or do something about it:
   “Nobody cares about it as much as you do. And there's this whole world of things you can do to improve your health.”

This is a must-watch for anyone looking to reboot their life. I walked away with many of my big open questions about identity, health, and lifestyle design answered. If you take away even one lesson or perspective shift from this deep-dive interview, I'd consider that a huge success.

-Michael

Subscribe now

1. I recently completed 100 days of blogging. I discovered my love for writing and the importance of quality over quantity. Moving forward, I'll focus on creating calm content, which will be one well-developed piece of content each month: one long-form essay, one in-depth podcast interview, and this newsletter. Less is more when it comes to quality.

2. This meme highlights how social media algorithms often promote shallow, polarizing “junk food” content designed for quick views and engagement. The most liked and shared content is often the lowest common denominator, appealing to our worst instincts and biases. It brings out the ugly side of human nature at scale.

3. New wealth and status symbols: long attention spans, meeting-free calendar, having enough, and your biological age younger than your real age.

4. I went down the rabbit hole of Seed Stage Philanthropy—grants ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 given to young people, usually under 25, with no strings attached. Some of my favorites include the 1517 Medici Project and their Flux Capacitor (for revolutionary science).

5. I also looked into GrowSF and was impressed by their work in local politics. Their strategy is simple: build a trusted brand by publishing unbiased and well-researched voter guides and getting their community to push for reform, like recalling the school board.

6. I interviewed Dan Reich for the TKS Podcast. He is a 4x exited founder who has sold companies to Salesforce, Buddy Media and P&G. We discussed his playbook for building a venture studio. He also gave me advice on how to navigate what I want to do next.

7. I went on the Idea Maze Podcast to speak with Rob Go (the lead investor in my last company). We discussed founder motivations, ego, and the traps that can befall repeat entrepreneurs.

8. This "secret" took me a decade to realize, but Eric Paley summarizes it well as the two laws of startup physics: capital compound both positive and negative formulas, and all positive systems compound at diminishing rates of return.

9. Chris Paik's "The End of Software" essay has been making the rounds. He argues that AI will drive the cost of creating software to zero, leading to an explosion of software, similar to how user-generated content changed media.

10. AI applications are becoming as ubiquitous as bottled water, raising the question: what will be the new AI moats? I believe it will combine proven moats like data, network effects, and brand, coupled with new moats like deeptech integrations, interoperability, and proprietary algorithms. Companies that create reinforcing flywheels will be the winners.

11. I’m excited about the rise of Software Creators. As Anu predicts, “The future will see a blend of professional and non-professional creators, with software made by everyone, for everyone, serving a wide range of needs and preferences.” This will be the digital “small business.”

12. I wrote about the misalignment of incentives in large VC funds. These big funds will earn more from their 2% management fees than from actual performance. For example, managing $10B will bring in around $200M in annual fees, with most of the money going to a few partners. This creates an incentive to stack fees and achieve just enough performance to raise the next fund. Dave McClure offers a reasonable solution.

13. Unsolicited Advice: How to Win In Your 20s from Greg Isenberg, Dan Go, and me. My favorite: “When you turn 40, you'll see a divide between those who took care of their bodies & those who didn't.”

14. As I approach my 42nd birthday, I found Kevin Dahlstrom's advice for turning 50 insightful: “The goal is not to retire and do nothing; it’s to build a great day-to-day life that you don’t want to escape. A life of leisure is a slow death. Happiness isn’t possible without a little struggle, uncertainty, and skin in the game.”

15. This is Marc Randolph’s (co-founder of Netflix) definition of success: “The thing I’m most proud of in my life is not the companies I started; it’s the fact that I was able to start them while staying married to the same woman; having my kids grow up knowing me and (best as I can tell) liking me, and being able to spend time pursuing the other passions in my life. That’s my definition of success.”

16. This took me 41 years to learn (and I’m still learning it). From Justin Welsh: “You can get a lot of free time back simply by not having an opinion on everything.”

17. Diplo’s house in Jamaica is mad decent! It’s a jungle paradise on 50 acres of land that took 10 years to bring to life. Would love to work out of his music studio.

18. Speaking of homes, this article chronicles the entire story of how Kanye West bought an architectural treasure and then…. “Ye revealed to Saxon—although not all at once—that he wanted no kitchen, bathrooms, A.C., windows, light fixtures, or heating.”

19. Dustin Poirier is one of my favorite UFC fighters, and his hot sauce is A+. Like any good Cajun sauce, the “recipe starts with the best aged Cayenne peppers and vinegar.” Laissez les bons temps rouler.

20. Happy Father’s Day from U-N-C-L-E S-N-O-O-P.

That’s a wrap!

If you have any ideas, suggestions, or feedback, hit the reply button.

Until the next one…

Michael

Substack has released a new feature that allows me to create multiple newsletters, and I'm excited to introduce one dedicated to my podcast, The Karnjanaprakorn Show.

As a reminder, I’m Michael Karnjanaprakorn, the former founder and CEO of Skillshare and Otis. I’m figuring out my next thing and sharing what I learn along the way.

On TKS, I chat with founders who take unique approaches to life and business as I explore my next steps. Currently, I average 1-2 interviews per month, and this newsletter will feature each episode, along with key takeaways and relevant links.

If you're interested, there's nothing you need to do—stay subscribed. If not, feel free to unsubscribe from the podcast updates using the link below.

Episode

In this episode, I chatted with Geoff Roberts about how they designed the company at Outseta, where they do things differently. Everyone makes $210,000 and can choose to work one to five days a week. They operate without budgets, targets, or OKRs, maintaining a flat hierarchy with no bosses. The company prioritizes life profitability for both the team and customers. Geoff discusses the motivation behind these decisions and how a high-trust, fully transparent work environment facilitates this unique culture.

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple

Takeaways

1. Life Profitability — Prioritizing the well-being of both employees and customers is key. If you want to attend your kid's soccer game in the middle of the workday, go for it. Once you focus on life profitability, it will inevitably change how the entire company is run.

2. Pillars — To achieve something this radical, you can’t just try one thing. All the pieces tie together and serve as a check-and-balance. The pillars of this unique culture revolve around high trust and full transparency.

3. Standardized Compensation — Everyone at the company earns the same salary of $210K, with the flexibility to work anywhere from one to five days a week. This promotes fairness and attracts and retains top talent. They have thousands of applicants for a handful of roles!

4. Flat Hierarchy — The company operates without budgets, targets, or OKRs. There are no bosses or managers, emphasizing autonomy, ownership, and high trust among employees.

5. Democratic Decision-Making — Major decisions, such as a potential acquisition, are voted on by all employees. Each employee’s vote carries equal weight, regardless of equity stake.

Guest

Geoff is the co-founder of Outseta, an all-in-one membership software that makes it easier to build SaaS products, membership sites, and online communities.

• Learn more about their unique culture: https://www.outseta.com/what-were-about

• Follow Geoff on Twitter: @geoffroberts

Chapters

• 00:00 Intro

• 03:57 Bootstrapping

• 05:21 Ambition & Lifestyle

• 06:45 Life Profitability

• 13:52 $210,000 Salary

• 19:37 Flat Hierarchy

• 23:42 Resolving Conflicts

• 27:42 Attracting Talent

• 29:36 Lessons

• 32:18 Living Abroad

• 38:38 Advice

Wrapping Up

The main lesson from this whole conversation is that you can design your company in any way you choose. If you value freedom and flexibility, financial independence, and having fun… why not integrate these values into work?

Until next time,

Michael

1. Since my last newsletter, I took a solo getaway to NYC. I gained five pounds, but it was well worth it. Culinary highlights included Hamburger America, Taku Sando, and Taqueria Ramirez. I also got a cancer screening through Ezra, now part of my longevity protocol, and bought my first Dadcore shoe.

2. I, along with some friends, have launched a new project called “People Watching.” It’s a newsletter that highlights great people who are under the radar. Often, these people are just one connection away from accelerating their success. Our hope is to make those connections. Sign up for free here.

3. I’m drawn to the idea of building a “Calm” Company: sustainable growth, few meetings, no fixed work hours, purpose-driven, profit-sharing among the team, and a calm environment. I value freedom and flexibility, financial independence, quality craftsmanship, and fun. Why not integrate these values into work?

4. One great example is Outseta, which has one of the most innovative cultures I’ve ever seen: everyone makes $210,000, and you can choose to work 1 day to 5 days per week. They operate without budgets, targets, or OKRs and prioritize “life profitability” among the team. I interviewed one of the co-founders for my podcast, which will be released this Tuesday. Subscribe to get notified here.

5. My most popular blog post last month was Lifestyle Design, which is how you spend your time, energy, and money. The core idea is to proactively design a life optimized for your values rather than following the “default” life path. I dive deeper on my YouTube channel here.

6. Most repeat founders go through the same cycle. The lucky ones opt out, like Brian Lam. After selling Wirecutter for $30M, he retired to Hawaii to pursue artisanal carpentry.

7. I enjoy reading about what people do after making a big career shift, selling a company, or exiting the tech world. Brandon Chu shares reflections on reinvigorating himself, Shreyas Doshi talks about what he’s been up to after leaving Stripe, Dave Kang discusses his first year on sabbatical, and Andre 3000 has found peace.

8. I have been struggling with dopamine addiction. This article highlights the state of our culture — particularly dopamine culture. I plan to delete some social media apps from my phone and possibly delete my email app too.

9. Sequel is your personal AI longevity assistant. You can upload everything from “blood labs to MRI and DEXA scans, supplements, and pharmaceuticals.” Sequel then uses that data to answer any question you might have about your health.

10. “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world,” and there’s no better way to teach it than at an early age. Inspired by what Val Kayayev has done with his kids, I created a plan for how I will approach it with mine.

11. Kevin Kelley is back with 101 additional pieces of life advice. My favorite: “Interview your parents while they are still alive. Keep asking questions while you record. You’ll learn amazing things. Or hire someone to make their story into an oral history, documentary, or book. This will be a tremendous gift to them and to your family.”

12. Cobie is back (after a two-year hiatus) with his hot take on new token launches within the crypto market. I love his disclaimer: “And as always, please remember: I am not a financial advisor, I am a biased and flawed human being, I am washed up, I am an idiot, I am mentally beyond my peak and declining into my twilight years, I am stumbling through the world trying to make sense of everything and very rarely succeeding at that. I am literally a participant in the crypto industry which means it is unlikely my IQ is even close to double digits” 😆

13. I've been exploring Startup Studios, which is a company that creates startups. I like what Boulton & Watt is doing, taking a slow approach. If you’re interested in startup studios, this is great research on the topic.

14. We’re entering an era where AI agents execute workflows for you. (Check out what Loom just released with AI SOPs). There are three types of AI Agents: a) personal agents for consumers (e.g., scheduling meetings), b) role-based agents for employees (e.g., reviewing contracts), and c) company agents for businesses (e.g., customer service). In the future, we will be communicating with AI as much, if not more, than with humans.

15. There’s a new trend around Business-in-a-Box, also known as franchises, tailored for the digital age. Forerunner discusses it here, too. This concept can be applied to everything from Moxie (for medical spas) to Moega (for pet groomers), allowing anyone to launch their own small business.

16. Sahil introduces a new equity model from Gumroad that pays freelancers in equity and dividends. Once they build stock buybacks through Flexile, that’ll be an absolute game-changer.

17. Who is building the “if I die, here’s all my important info (banking, bills, last will and testament, etc) software?

18. Why are members-only clubs everywhere right now? “All the responses taught me that these clubs fill voids, most commonly an almost juvenile yearning for friends under the guise of the word community.” But nothing is as hilarious as Signet Sunday’s Country Club (which is obviously fake).

19. If you want to understand the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, Chet Hanks sums it up nicely for his dad, Tom.

20. If you love dogs and want to feel good or cry today, watch this video.

If you have any ideas, suggestions, or feedback, hit the reply button.

Follow me on Twitter, listen to my podcast, watch my YouTube, or subscribe to my newsletter.

Until the next one.

Michael