00:00

Okay. These are the five most interesting

Okay. These are the five most interesting

00:03

businessmen alive. These are gonna be eccentric billionaires, people who not only have a crazy business

businessmen alive. These are gonna be eccentric billionaires, people who not only have a crazy business

00:08

life, and have just done a variety of wild shit. These are people that they should be making movies about. So we got a list.

life, and have just done a variety of wild shit. These are people that they should be making movies about. So we got a list.

00:24

Can I start it off with number five? We're gonna go five to one, one being who we crown as the, the most interesting man alive. The criteria for this, by the way, is they gotta be interesting.

Can I start it off with number five? We're gonna go five to one, one being who we crown as the, the most interesting man alive. The criteria for this, by the way, is they gotta be interesting.

00:35

So not just rich, not just successful, but fascinating, interesting.

So not just rich, not just successful, but fascinating, interesting.

00:40

That can be good and bad.

That can be good and bad.

00:42

They have to be men. We have a a separate list coming for women, and they have to be alive. So nobody who is, you know, some dead historical figure. Fair enough? Yeah. You gonna kick it off? Yeah. I'll kick it off. Okay. So number five is a guy who won the game,

They have to be men. We have a a separate list coming for women, and they have to be alive. So nobody who is, you know, some dead historical figure. Fair enough? Yeah. You gonna kick it off? Yeah. I'll kick it off. Okay. So number five is a guy who won the game,

00:58

twice.

twice.

00:59

And on his way out the second time, is just flipping the bird to everybody. And this is a guy named Pavel Durov.

And on his way out the second time, is just flipping the bird to everybody. And this is a guy named Pavel Durov.

01:05

I call this guy James Bond with Wi Fi. If you see this guy's Instagram, you'll know why I said it. He looks like James Bond, he travels around the world. He's international man of mystery,

I call this guy James Bond with Wi Fi. If you see this guy's Instagram, you'll know why I said it. He looks like James Bond, he travels around the world. He's international man of mystery,

01:14

but he he built his his claim to fame as, you know, using his laptop, using WiFi. So this guy's basically the Russian Mark Zuckerberg.

but he he built his his claim to fame as, you know, using his laptop, using WiFi. So this guy's basically the Russian Mark Zuckerberg.

01:22

He it's even more impressive than Zuck. So when he was young,

He it's even more impressive than Zuck. So when he was young,

01:26

he built,

he built,

01:28

the Facebook of Russia. And it was called VK. And what's cool about this is is two things. Number one,

the Facebook of Russia. And it was called VK. And what's cool about this is is two things. Number one,

01:34

he actually beat Facebook.

he actually beat Facebook.

01:36

So there were many countries in the world where somebody built Facebook of Brazil, the Facebook of Africa, the Facebook of Europe.

So there were many countries in the world where somebody built Facebook of Brazil, the Facebook of Africa, the Facebook of Europe.

01:42

We there has been tons of these. And in every single one of them, the end game was no no no.

We there has been tons of these. And in every single one of them, the end game was no no no.

01:48

Facebook is the Facebook of Brazil. Facebook is the Facebook of India, and Facebook dominated everywhere. The one place they couldn't dominate was Russia. And in the interview,

Facebook is the Facebook of Brazil. Facebook is the Facebook of India, and Facebook dominated everywhere. The one place they couldn't dominate was Russia. And in the interview,

01:56

Zuck was talking to Sam Altman, and he even said, he's like, god. The only ones we could never beat were the Russians. He was like, it was insane. He's like, we would make a change. And literally, like, twelve minutes later, they would have that update on their, on their side. Like, if we moved a pixel, they moved that pixel. And he's like, these guys were just the most prolific

Zuck was talking to Sam Altman, and he even said, he's like, god. The only ones we could never beat were the Russians. He was like, it was insane. He's like, we would make a change. And literally, like, twelve minutes later, they would have that update on their, on their side. Like, if we moved a pixel, they moved that pixel. And he's like, these guys were just the most prolific

02:13

copiers we've ever seen. And we just could not figure out how are we ever gonna overtake them if they're the world's smartest mathematicians and programmers who have dedicated who are dedicated twenty four seven to beating us or cloning us and doing exactly what we do if if they can't get come up with a better idea. And he and so he gave them, you know, a hat tip. So

copiers we've ever seen. And we just could not figure out how are we ever gonna overtake them if they're the world's smartest mathematicians and programmers who have dedicated who are dedicated twenty four seven to beating us or cloning us and doing exactly what we do if if they can't get come up with a better idea. And he and so he gave them, you know, a hat tip. So

02:33

he creates v k. It becomes the Facebook of Russia.

he creates v k. It becomes the Facebook of Russia.

02:37

He won.

He won.

02:38

But

But

02:39

he had to sell it because one day, the Russian government approaches him and says, Pavel,

he had to sell it because one day, the Russian government approaches him and says, Pavel,

02:44

we need some information. He's like, cool. What do you need to know? Like, we need some information about all your users and what they're saying. He's like, what? Why? And they're like, well, they've been, you know, there's been some users who were saying some anti government things.

we need some information. He's like, cool. What do you need to know? Like, we need some information about all your users and what they're saying. He's like, what? Why? And they're like, well, they've been, you know, there's been some users who were saying some anti government things.

02:57

As you know, that's not how we do shit around here. So give us some names, and,

As you know, that's not how we do shit around here. So give us some names, and,

03:02

we'll make sure that they get quiet. And while you're at it, drop your pants in bend over and cough.

we'll make sure that they get quiet. And while you're at it, drop your pants in bend over and cough.

03:08

So he doesn't wanna do it. And so what Bobble does

So he doesn't wanna do it. And so what Bobble does

03:12

and by the way, this is not like,

and by the way, this is not like,

03:15

You know,

You know,

03:16

this is not just a business move. This is not a lawyer sending you a cease and desist. When the referent motion government comes knocking, there's a pretty serious there's serious consequences for what you decide to do after that. You comply.

this is not just a business move. This is not a lawyer sending you a cease and desist. When the referent motion government comes knocking, there's a pretty serious there's serious consequences for what you decide to do after that. You comply.

03:27

Right?

Right?

03:29

If you don't comply, there's not only consequences for those people they were after. Now there's sequences for you. And so what he does is

If you don't comply, there's not only consequences for those people they were after. Now there's sequences for you. And so what he does is

03:35

he not only doesn't comply. He flips the bird. So he goes and he posts on v k the government request, the memo that they the secret, like, kind of letter that they sent him telling him what they needed,

he not only doesn't comply. He flips the bird. So he goes and he posts on v k the government request, the memo that they the secret, like, kind of letter that they sent him telling him what they needed,

03:47

he said they're asking for your data,

he said they're asking for your data,

03:49

I'll never do it.

I'll never do it.

03:51

And here's my official they asked, you know, here's my official response, and he posted a picture of a dog wearing a hoodie.

And here's my official they asked, you know, here's my official response, and he posted a picture of a dog wearing a hoodie.

03:56

And that was this famous picture of a dog in a hoodie that he posted. He's like, here's what I have to say about this. And he just posted a dog in the hoodie. And so

And that was this famous picture of a dog in a hoodie that he posted. He's like, here's what I have to say about this. And he just posted a dog in the hoodie. And so

04:04

Immediately,

Immediately,

04:05

he's now in trouble.

he's now in trouble.

04:07

You know, the they they raid his apartment.

You know, the they they raid his apartment.

04:10

He ends up losing this company has to flee the country, never allowed back in Russia,

He ends up losing this company has to flee the country, never allowed back in Russia,

04:15

you know, costs him basically everything. His entire life gets completely uprooted

you know, costs him basically everything. His entire life gets completely uprooted

04:19

And his it's not like he was just like, you know, a guy. He had something to lose here. And so at the end of all this, he says, And I would do it all again without hesitation.

And his it's not like he was just like, you know, a guy. He had something to lose here. And so at the end of all this, he says, And I would do it all again without hesitation.

04:29

And I love that. I love this guy. And so what he does, he now gets kicked out of Russia. He loses his company. He does get three hundred million dollars because sells it on the way out to some other guy

And I love that. I love this guy. And so what he does, he now gets kicked out of Russia. He loses his company. He does get three hundred million dollars because sells it on the way out to some other guy

04:39

who is gonna comply. So I don't know fully if I if I, you know, happened to your principles. I'm not sure I'm not sure what happened after that. But whatever, he gets three hundred million dollars. And he

who is gonna comply. So I don't know fully if I if I, you know, happened to your principles. I'm not sure I'm not sure what happened after that. But whatever, he gets three hundred million dollars. And he

04:49

he's he hasn't fully left Russia yet.

he's he hasn't fully left Russia yet.

04:52

But he's, like, kind of, like, figuring out his way out. But he's, like, dude, I can't even message my brother

But he's, like, kind of, like, figuring out his way out. But he's, like, dude, I can't even message my brother

04:57

who to tell him, like, what, you know, what we're gonna do because

who to tell him, like, what, you know, what we're gonna do because

05:01

they'll just see these messages. Like, they wanna see our message. They're gonna see all these messages. So his brother, who is a double PhD in math, It's like, you know what? Let's make a encrypted protocol encrypted messaging protocol so that we can communicate. Like, this is bullshit that they can just read all our goddamn messages.

they'll just see these messages. Like, they wanna see our message. They're gonna see all these messages. So his brother, who is a double PhD in math, It's like, you know what? Let's make a encrypted protocol encrypted messaging protocol so that we can communicate. Like, this is bullshit that they can just read all our goddamn messages.

05:18

And this becomes the the precursor to telegram, which is now

And this becomes the the precursor to telegram, which is now

05:22

one of the biggest messaging apps in the world. So this guy not only invented Facebook. He then got kicked. It's like if the Winkle bosses had beat up Mark in the locker room, took Facebook from him, kicked him off Harvard campus, and then he goes and creates WhatsApp. That's basically what he did. How how big is is telegram? I I know it's huge, but I don't use it. Do you use it? I use it. I love it. It's probably my favorite messaging app of all messaging apps. It's an incredible product got a billion users. What's so good about it other than the encryption thing, which is huge? I mean, the encryption thing is huge.

one of the biggest messaging apps in the world. So this guy not only invented Facebook. He then got kicked. It's like if the Winkle bosses had beat up Mark in the locker room, took Facebook from him, kicked him off Harvard campus, and then he goes and creates WhatsApp. That's basically what he did. How how big is is telegram? I I know it's huge, but I don't use it. Do you use it? I use it. I love it. It's probably my favorite messaging app of all messaging apps. It's an incredible product got a billion users. What's so good about it other than the encryption thing, which is huge? I mean, the encryption thing is huge.

05:51

It's just, like, really well made. Like, the app is really fast. Works really well. It's got a ton of features. Like, you know, you could do a broadcast channel where it's like Twitter and you're broadcasting to a bunch of followers. You could just message each other. You could do huge groups. You can have admins. You could send, like, stickers and memes, and, like, you could send a ton of different types of messages.

It's just, like, really well made. Like, the app is really fast. Works really well. It's got a ton of features. Like, you know, you could do a broadcast channel where it's like Twitter and you're broadcasting to a bunch of followers. You could just message each other. You could do huge groups. You can have admins. You could send, like, stickers and memes, and, like, you could send a ton of different types of messages.

06:07

It's a it's a really well made app. And has a billion people using it? Yeah. About a billion users now. Last I think I heard was, like, eight hundred million, but, like, I think recently he said something like we have about a billion users. Never runs ads.

It's a it's a really well made app. And has a billion people using it? Yeah. About a billion users now. Last I think I heard was, like, eight hundred million, but, like, I think recently he said something like we have about a billion users. Never runs ads.

06:19

He's refused to sell any equity in the company. He took about a billion dollars of debt, but he never sells any equity. It's just him and his brother own the whole thing. He's got thirty full time employees. So he's got thirty employees running a service that a billion people use all around the world, and every government attacks them and tries to, like,

He's refused to sell any equity in the company. He took about a billion dollars of debt, but he never sells any equity. It's just him and his brother own the whole thing. He's got thirty full time employees. So he's got thirty employees running a service that a billion people use all around the world, and every government attacks them and tries to, like,

06:35

break their encryption or ban them because no government wants this. Nobody government wants the citizens to be able to speak freely. He is the sole director, equity holder, and he's product manager. He works directly with every engineer and designer himself.

break their encryption or ban them because no government wants this. Nobody government wants the citizens to be able to speak freely. He is the sole director, equity holder, and he's product manager. He works directly with every engineer and designer himself.

06:47

He has no HR. He only recruits people through something called contest dot com. Which is a contest platform where he puts up engineering challenges and the people who are the best at cracking his engineering challenges get hired and they get an offer to come work at telegram. Is it a Russian company? No. He's like, it's crazy. Ever calls us a Russian company. We have no

He has no HR. He only recruits people through something called contest dot com. Which is a contest platform where he puts up engineering challenges and the people who are the best at cracking his engineering challenges get hired and they get an offer to come work at telegram. Is it a Russian company? No. He's like, it's crazy. Ever calls us a Russian company. We have no

07:06

office in Russia. We have no employees in Russia. We have no servers in Russia, but the media be like, oh, Russian founder blah blah blah. He's like, dude, I've he basically, for a while, he just moved around the world every three months, living in different Airbnb and B's.

office in Russia. We have no employees in Russia. We have no servers in Russia, but the media be like, oh, Russian founder blah blah blah. He's like, dude, I've he basically, for a while, he just moved around the world every three months, living in different Airbnb and B's.

07:20

And then finally, he now settled in Dubai. This guy's worth about fifteen billion dollars. So he's the richest expat in Dubai. He's one of the, you know, top hundred fifty richest men in the world. And then you go look at his Instagram.

And then finally, he now settled in Dubai. This guy's worth about fifteen billion dollars. So he's the richest expat in Dubai. He's one of the, you know, top hundred fifty richest men in the world. And then you go look at his Instagram.

07:32

You're gonna love this dude. The guy's ripped. He's absolutely ripped. And Every photo, there's never another human being in any photo with him. Every photo is him alone

You're gonna love this dude. The guy's ripped. He's absolutely ripped. And Every photo, there's never another human being in any photo with him. Every photo is him alone

07:43

with his shirt off, doing something manly as hell. And it's hilarious. All the photos look AI generated. It's like if I said, hey, generate a

with his shirt off, doing something manly as hell. And it's hilarious. All the photos look AI generated. It's like if I said, hey, generate a

07:53

rich billionaire living in Dubai

rich billionaire living in Dubai

07:56

who, is on the Brian Johnson protocol

who, is on the Brian Johnson protocol

07:59

and wants to become Instagram famous. This is what Dali would give me. He's literally on a pirate ship on some of these photos. Yeah. I have a bunch.

and wants to become Instagram famous. This is what Dali would give me. He's literally on a pirate ship on some of these photos. Yeah. I have a bunch.

08:07

Another quote I love from him. So

Another quote I love from him. So

08:10

Yeah. He says, they're like, you know, you're a billionaire billionaire billionaire. He's like, dude, this billionaire thing's like a little overplayed. He's like

Yeah. He says, they're like, you know, you're a billionaire billionaire billionaire. He's like, dude, this billionaire thing's like a little overplayed. He's like

08:16

he's like, yes, it's true.

he's like, yes, it's true.

08:18

I've had a few hundred million dollars of both, dollars and Bitcoin in a bank account for ten years, and I've never touched it. He goes, yeah, that's true. But he's like, but I don't own any jets or yachts. Or mega mansions. Like, I don't do any of that shit. I would rather make decisions that would influence how a billion people are gonna communicate rather than sitting there choosing the color of seats in my house that only me and my relatives are ever gonna see.

I've had a few hundred million dollars of both, dollars and Bitcoin in a bank account for ten years, and I've never touched it. He goes, yeah, that's true. But he's like, but I don't own any jets or yachts. Or mega mansions. Like, I don't do any of that shit. I would rather make decisions that would influence how a billion people are gonna communicate rather than sitting there choosing the color of seats in my house that only me and my relatives are ever gonna see.

08:41

That's amazing. I read I read another interview with where he goes, I went to San Francisco to see if I wanted to open an office there. And I met with Jack Dorothy, and it was great. And I went to the Twitter office, which the Twitter office is in the epicenter of kind of bad stuff or, crime is happening in San Francisco. He still lived down the block from it. And he said after the meeting, I was walking around, and three guys tried to mug me And the interviewer was like, well, how did it go? He goes, blood was spilled. But he doesn't that that he doesn't say, like, who's blood? He just said there there was blood.

That's amazing. I read I read another interview with where he goes, I went to San Francisco to see if I wanted to open an office there. And I met with Jack Dorothy, and it was great. And I went to the Twitter office, which the Twitter office is in the epicenter of kind of bad stuff or, crime is happening in San Francisco. He still lived down the block from it. And he said after the meeting, I was walking around, and three guys tried to mug me And the interviewer was like, well, how did it go? He goes, blood was spilled. But he doesn't that that he doesn't say, like, who's blood? He just said there there was blood.

09:11

Well, he he he was like, yeah. Three three guys tried to steal my phone. I fought off the robbers, and then he posted it on Twitter. He's like, I he's like, my goal was I was trying to tweet out.

Well, he he he was like, yeah. Three three guys tried to steal my phone. I fought off the robbers, and then he posted it on Twitter. He's like, I he's like, my goal was I was trying to tweet out.

09:19

Just hung out with Jack Dorsey because Jack Dorsey made Twitter. He's like, that's what I was trying to do on my phone when they did this. So he posted a pic a picture of his bloody knuckles

Just hung out with Jack Dorsey because Jack Dorsey made Twitter. He's like, that's what I was trying to do on my phone when they did this. So he posted a pic a picture of his bloody knuckles

09:27

Reaching for a book, which is just a hilarious thing. He goes, and this is the tweet. He goes,

Reaching for a book, which is just a hilarious thing. He goes, and this is the tweet. He goes,

09:32

just got to a fight with guys who tried to grab my phone near Mission nine eighty. Scary neighborhood question mark,

just got to a fight with guys who tried to grab my phone near Mission nine eighty. Scary neighborhood question mark,

09:38

not for a Russian.

not for a Russian.

09:43

Yeah. This guy's pretty bad ass, a I like the idea that San Francisco is, like, the nice quaint neighborhood in Russia.

Yeah. This guy's pretty bad ass, a I like the idea that San Francisco is, like, the nice quaint neighborhood in Russia.

09:51

It's the nice clean

It's the nice clean

09:52

family family area of Russia. Yeah. I read that and and it was so funny. Yeah. He he's clearly,

family family area of Russia. Yeah. I read that and and it was so funny. Yeah. He he's clearly,

09:59

manicuring his social presence, but I think I believe it. Yeah. The guy's amazing. And he just flexes on everybody. His Instagram is just a pure flex. Yeah. I mean, he's awesome. This guy's a good one. Hey. Real quick, you know, one of the cool parts about what we're doing is that people have reached out and told me that they've built actual million dollar businesses, made their first million off an idea they heard on the show. That is crazy. That's wild. That's why we wanna do the show. And we wanna see more of that. One of the questions we get asked over and over again is is there some kind of idea database or spreadsheet

manicuring his social presence, but I think I believe it. Yeah. The guy's amazing. And he just flexes on everybody. His Instagram is just a pure flex. Yeah. I mean, he's awesome. This guy's a good one. Hey. Real quick, you know, one of the cool parts about what we're doing is that people have reached out and told me that they've built actual million dollar businesses, made their first million off an idea they heard on the show. That is crazy. That's wild. That's why we wanna do the show. And we wanna see more of that. One of the questions we get asked over and over again is is there some kind of idea database or spreadsheet

10:27

where we list out all the different business ideas that we've talked about. Well, the answer is finally, yes. The fine folks at HubSpot have dug through the archive and pulled out fifty plus business ideas and put them into a business idea database. It's totally free. You can click the link in the description below and get the database for you. Alright. Now back to the show. How does, Telegram make money? Or do they?

where we list out all the different business ideas that we've talked about. Well, the answer is finally, yes. The fine folks at HubSpot have dug through the archive and pulled out fifty plus business ideas and put them into a business idea database. It's totally free. You can click the link in the description below and get the database for you. Alright. Now back to the show. How does, Telegram make money? Or do they?

10:47

They basically don't make money. They've made I read somewhere. I don't know if this is a hundred percent sure. I'm trying to find it, but, like,

They basically don't make money. They've made I read somewhere. I don't know if this is a hundred percent sure. I'm trying to find it, but, like,

10:53

two things. One, they take donations. And so I've read something that they've had over a billion dollars in donations from users, and that's been part of what keeps it going. And like, you know, it's thirty people, and then it's the the the server call. Right? So it's like, you know, there's there's burn, but it's not like

two things. One, they take donations. And so I've read something that they've had over a billion dollars in donations from users, and that's been part of what keeps it going. And like, you know, it's thirty people, and then it's the the the server call. Right? So it's like, you know, there's there's burn, but it's not like

11:07

he's running a three thousand person or thirty thousand person company.

he's running a three thousand person or thirty thousand person company.

11:11

In addition to that, he raised a billion dollar a debt bond, which is basically like a pre IPO coupon. So he was basically like, we're gonna make money someday.

In addition to that, he raised a billion dollar a debt bond, which is basically like a pre IPO coupon. So he was basically like, we're gonna make money someday.

11:21

And we need money now to get there. He had offers to sell ten percent

And we need money now to get there. He had offers to sell ten percent

11:26

at a thirty billion dollar valuation. He turned it down. So he turned down three billion, then they came back and said, we'll buy ten percent out of forty billion dollar valuations of four billion dollars. He turned it down.

at a thirty billion dollar valuation. He turned it down. So he turned down three billion, then they came back and said, we'll buy ten percent out of forty billion dollar valuations of four billion dollars. He turned it down.

11:36

And he said, I don't wanna sell any equity. I'm scared of what an investor will do for this. He did a, crypto token back when crypto was really hot. He raised over a billion dollars for,

And he said, I don't wanna sell any equity. I'm scared of what an investor will do for this. He did a, crypto token back when crypto was really hot. He raised over a billion dollars for,

11:46

their crypto coin, but then the SEC came after him and was like, this was basically, like, you were selling equity. Like, you called it a token and as a utility, but, like, this is equity. So he had to return a bunch of money and that that that token project never got off the ground because he had raised. And I think the minimum at the time, because I was looking into investing in it is you had to buy in chunks of minimum twenty million.

their crypto coin, but then the SEC came after him and was like, this was basically, like, you were selling equity. Like, you called it a token and as a utility, but, like, this is equity. So he had to return a bunch of money and that that that token project never got off the ground because he had raised. And I think the minimum at the time, because I was looking into investing in it is you had to buy in chunks of minimum twenty million.

12:07

Oh my god. So, basically, people were forming syndicates. It was like, oh, you wanna come hundred k. Alright. Cool. We're trying to get to twenty million so we could buy some some of the telegram token because you had an app that actually had a ton of usage.

Oh my god. So, basically, people were forming syndicates. It was like, oh, you wanna come hundred k. Alright. Cool. We're trying to get to twenty million so we could buy some some of the telegram token because you had an app that actually had a ton of usage.

12:18

The most brilliant, you know, like engineering team, probably that exists on earth or, you know, one of the top twenty engineering teams on earth.

The most brilliant, you know, like engineering team, probably that exists on earth or, you know, one of the top twenty engineering teams on earth.

12:25

And,

And,

12:26

and now they were gonna do a token to try to make money and, you know, figure out, like, basically, you'd be able to to use the token to to do things inside the app. So anyways,

and now they were gonna do a token to try to make money and, you know, figure out, like, basically, you'd be able to to use the token to to do things inside the app. So anyways,

12:35

That's kind of some of the things they've tried, but, you know, he has, you know, quote unquote, some plan of how they're gonna make money that doesn't involve you selling user data. This guy's really cool. Alright. That's a good one. Yeah. Who's number four? Who do you got? Alright. So my goal with this was to pick people who you have no idea who they are and hopefully most of our audience has no idea who they are either. And so

That's kind of some of the things they've tried, but, you know, he has, you know, quote unquote, some plan of how they're gonna make money that doesn't involve you selling user data. This guy's really cool. Alright. That's a good one. Yeah. Who's number four? Who do you got? Alright. So my goal with this was to pick people who you have no idea who they are and hopefully most of our audience has no idea who they are either. And so

12:56

we did not talk before this.

we did not talk before this.

12:58

So it's just a coincidence

So it's just a coincidence

13:00

that my guy is also Russia.

that my guy is also Russia.

13:02

I call him the Russian Richard Branson. His name is Oleg Kinkoff.

I call him the Russian Richard Branson. His name is Oleg Kinkoff.

13:07

So he grew up as a in a mining family. So very, like, humble beginnings But he goes to the city because he wants to experience freedom, and he gets into cycling.

So he grew up as a in a mining family. So very, like, humble beginnings But he goes to the city because he wants to experience freedom, and he gets into cycling.

13:16

For some reason, he's into cycling, and he goes abroad for a a bike race, and he sees someone wearing blue jeans. And this is in the eighties in the Soviet Union, the Soviet Union's about to, crumble and become Russia. And he starts bringing home

For some reason, he's into cycling, and he goes abroad for a a bike race, and he sees someone wearing blue jeans. And this is in the eighties in the Soviet Union, the Soviet Union's about to, crumble and become Russia. And he starts bringing home

13:30

these BlueJeans and selling them. And he's like, alright. It looks like people in Russia really want this, like, western fashion. And so he opens up a chain of stores where you start selling BlueJeans, but then everything else, perfume,

these BlueJeans and selling them. And he's like, alright. It looks like people in Russia really want this, like, western fashion. And so he opens up a chain of stores where you start selling BlueJeans, but then everything else, perfume,

13:42

VCRs, electronics. This is right in eighty nine ninety where the the Soviet Union's crashing, and these people actually wanna be able to buy stuff from from western countries. And he kills it. And so in his early twenties, he sells that business and he makes something like seven million dollars. And then he does something that you'd expect him to do. He starts a ravioli business.

VCRs, electronics. This is right in eighty nine ninety where the the Soviet Union's crashing, and these people actually wanna be able to buy stuff from from western countries. And he kills it. And so in his early twenties, he sells that business and he makes something like seven million dollars. And then he does something that you'd expect him to do. He starts a ravioli business.

14:03

Is this guy just watching commercials in the States? He's like, Levi's. Got it. Okay. Next one, ravioli. Cool. We'll we'll do that too. Well, what he does is he goes to America every once in a while and he, like, he, like, he says he goes every five years to learn what's popular in America, like different advertising, whatever. And he, like, basically brings that to Russia. Have you ever heard of the phrase, a it's a it's a word Baba

Is this guy just watching commercials in the States? He's like, Levi's. Got it. Okay. Next one, ravioli. Cool. We'll we'll do that too. Well, what he does is he goes to America every once in a while and he, like, he, like, he says he goes every five years to learn what's popular in America, like different advertising, whatever. And he, like, basically brings that to Russia. Have you ever heard of the phrase, a it's a it's a word Baba

14:24

Baba Babakusthka?

Baba Babakusthka?

14:26

I can't even say it right. It means Russia. It's like a Russian grandmother. It's like when you think of, like, Fiddler on the roof, it's like a a Bushka. Yeah. Babushka. It's like a Russian grandmother with, like, a scarf over her head. So typically raviolis, they have a different word for him in Russia, but the raviolis were made by that type of person. And it was like a comfort food. And so he gets the idea where he's like, we're gonna do something sexy. We're gonna make this, like, really stand out. And so he buys this huge ad And it's just a woman's bare ass, and it says something like, ravioli's not made by your grandmother. It's like a woman's bare ass with flour on it.

I can't even say it right. It means Russia. It's like a Russian grandmother. It's like when you think of, like, Fiddler on the roof, it's like a a Bushka. Yeah. Babushka. It's like a Russian grandmother with, like, a scarf over her head. So typically raviolis, they have a different word for him in Russia, but the raviolis were made by that type of person. And it was like a comfort food. And so he gets the idea where he's like, we're gonna do something sexy. We're gonna make this, like, really stand out. And so he buys this huge ad And it's just a woman's bare ass, and it says something like, ravioli's not made by your grandmother. It's like a woman's bare ass with flour on it.

15:00

As if, I guess,

As if, I guess,

15:02

this woman's ass is pounding out the flower. I don't know. Which is kinda weird when you think about it. I don't want ravioli like that. But I don't understand, but I'm hungry. Yeah.

this woman's ass is pounding out the flower. I don't know. Which is kinda weird when you think about it. I don't want ravioli like that. But I don't understand, but I'm hungry. Yeah.

15:11

But it takes off. It works. This business works. He eventually sells it for twenty one million dollars. So his next thing is that he's in, California, and he actually meets with Dan Gordon from Gordon beers. That's interesting to you and I because Gordon Bierge was a microbrewery,

But it takes off. It works. This business works. He eventually sells it for twenty one million dollars. So his next thing is that he's in, California, and he actually meets with Dan Gordon from Gordon beers. That's interesting to you and I because Gordon Bierge was a microbrewery,

15:26

outside of San Francisco.

outside of San Francisco.

15:27

One of the co founders or at the time CEOs was actually,

One of the co founders or at the time CEOs was actually,

15:31

Lorenzo Furtida from UFC.

Lorenzo Furtida from UFC.

15:33

And he starts seeing this trend in the nineties where these micro breweries are quite popular. And so he opens up a microbrewery in Russia.

And he starts seeing this trend in the nineties where these micro breweries are quite popular. And so he opens up a microbrewery in Russia.

15:42

And he calls it tink off breweries. And it's kinda like Sam Adams's beer where at the time beer in Russia was, like, not that good tasting. And he goes, we're gonna actually gonna charge four or five times the price of normal beer. And we're gonna make this thing,

And he calls it tink off breweries. And it's kinda like Sam Adams's beer where at the time beer in Russia was, like, not that good tasting. And he goes, we're gonna actually gonna charge four or five times the price of normal beer. And we're gonna make this thing,

15:54

very Americanized. And he says, like, he's got this famous phrase where he says, beer and freedom go great together. And he's all into, like, freedom and, like, not in line with what Russia wants him to do. And so he starts this brewery it takes off. So they started in nineteen ninety seven, but by two thousand three, it's doing thirty five million in sales. Two years later, two thousand five, it's doing two hundred million dollars in sales, And that year, he sells it for two hundred million dollars, which is a huge sum. He owns most of the company.

very Americanized. And he says, like, he's got this famous phrase where he says, beer and freedom go great together. And he's all into, like, freedom and, like, not in line with what Russia wants him to do. And so he starts this brewery it takes off. So they started in nineteen ninety seven, but by two thousand three, it's doing thirty five million in sales. Two years later, two thousand five, it's doing two hundred million dollars in sales, And that year, he sells it for two hundred million dollars, which is a huge sum. He owns most of the company.

16:22

So he's just sold sells company. He's immediately in necker necker Island with Richard Branson.

So he's just sold sells company. He's immediately in necker necker Island with Richard Branson.

16:29

And Oleg is talking to Richard. He goes, Richard, I was in America recently. I moved there for just like a few months, and I was able to get a credit card. It was so amazing how easy I got a credit card. We need this in Russia, and Richard's like, you should start it. And so that's exactly what he does, like, six months after selling his beer company. He starts this credit card company. It's called,

And Oleg is talking to Richard. He goes, Richard, I was in America recently. I moved there for just like a few months, and I was able to get a credit card. It was so amazing how easy I got a credit card. We need this in Russia, and Richard's like, you should start it. And so that's exactly what he does, like, six months after selling his beer company. He starts this credit card company. It's called,

16:48

tinkoff Bank, I guess, is how translate, but it's or Bank of Tinkoff. And he, for some reason, names everything after himself because he's great at marketing, and his name is popular.

tinkoff Bank, I guess, is how translate, but it's or Bank of Tinkoff. And he, for some reason, names everything after himself because he's great at marketing, and his name is popular.

16:57

And so he starts this bank with seventy million dollars of his own money, and he actually buys a bank. And the reason why this guy is interesting is because or this bank is interesting is we know what mercury is. We know what a bunch of these neo banks are.

And so he starts this bank with seventy million dollars of his own money, and he actually buys a bank. And the reason why this guy is interesting is because or this bank is interesting is we know what mercury is. We know what a bunch of these neo banks are.

17:10

He beat all of them. He started this in two thousand and five. And it gets huge to the point where Goldman invested into it. He invests seventy million dollars of his own money, a bunch of people invest in it, and becomes massive. And so the Business takes off. It's up until recently two thousand twenty one, it was the second largest issuer of credit cards in Russia. It was the largest digital bank in the war And the idea being, like, we don't need branches. We don't need any of that. It's just all gonna be online, and we'll send you your card. And so it goes public, and his stake in it is worth ten billion dollars.

He beat all of them. He started this in two thousand and five. And it gets huge to the point where Goldman invested into it. He invests seventy million dollars of his own money, a bunch of people invest in it, and becomes massive. And so the Business takes off. It's up until recently two thousand twenty one, it was the second largest issuer of credit cards in Russia. It was the largest digital bank in the war And the idea being, like, we don't need branches. We don't need any of that. It's just all gonna be online, and we'll send you your card. And so it goes public, and his stake in it is worth ten billion dollars.

17:42

And here's where the story gets kind of crazy.

And here's where the story gets kind of crazy.

17:45

Just like Powell, Prussia does not like Oleg. He talks a ton of shit.

Just like Powell, Prussia does not like Oleg. He talks a ton of shit.

17:51

Basically, at one point, when they,

Basically, at one point, when they,

17:53

invade the Ukraine, he's very anti the war. He says he just says Putin. You're full of shit. All these oligarchs in Russia, you're all full of shit. He tweets us out. He goes, the generals, they wake up with a hangover and realize they have a shitty army. How can the army be any good? When our when the rest of our country is also shit. Like, he says these things on

invade the Ukraine, he's very anti the war. He says he just says Putin. You're full of shit. All these oligarchs in Russia, you're all full of shit. He tweets us out. He goes, the generals, they wake up with a hangover and realize they have a shitty army. How can the army be any good? When our when the rest of our country is also shit. Like, he says these things on

18:12

he tweets us out. He says all this crazy stuff.

he tweets us out. He says all this crazy stuff.

18:15

And, eventually,

And, eventually,

18:17

they delist

they delist

18:18

Tinker Bank So it's no longer public, and he loses most all of his money. And so at this point, he's worth, I think he's he was able to, like, foresell some of his shares, and he walked away with, like, two hundred million dollars. And

Tinker Bank So it's no longer public, and he loses most all of his money. And so at this point, he's worth, I think he's he was able to, like, foresell some of his shares, and he walked away with, like, two hundred million dollars. And

18:31

he's now he has leukemia, and he's dying. He's gonna die soon. And he basically is still talking mad shit. He says, like, they wanted to punish me for this. And to that, I say fuck off. I wanna die with good karma and for people to remember me for being strong and fair.

he's now he has leukemia, and he's dying. He's gonna die soon. And he basically is still talking mad shit. He says, like, they wanted to punish me for this. And to that, I say fuck off. I wanna die with good karma and for people to remember me for being strong and fair.

18:45

And so he's paid the price for being outspoken and he's still being outspoken.

And so he's paid the price for being outspoken and he's still being outspoken.

18:51

And he's been completely screwed but he's doing a good job of kinda still sticking it to the man. The other thing that he's done, he's always done he's done really well at challenging the status quo. The reason I have found this guy is he owned a very successful cycling team. Cycleing is not a very popular sport. I'm one of the few guys that watches it, but he did a great job of, like, getting into the cycling game and he, like, criticized the Toyota of France for tons of stuff. They eventually changed tons of rules. And finally, he's a shithead in the best possible way. So there's this famous story

And he's been completely screwed but he's doing a good job of kinda still sticking it to the man. The other thing that he's done, he's always done he's done really well at challenging the status quo. The reason I have found this guy is he owned a very successful cycling team. Cycleing is not a very popular sport. I'm one of the few guys that watches it, but he did a great job of, like, getting into the cycling game and he, like, criticized the Toyota of France for tons of stuff. They eventually changed tons of rules. And finally, he's a shithead in the best possible way. So there's this famous story

19:20

where for his microbreweries,

where for his microbreweries,

19:22

he wanted to name the street that the brewery was on tinkoff. He wanted it to to have the same name of his restaurant.

he wanted to name the street that the brewery was on tinkoff. He wanted it to to have the same name of his restaurant.

19:28

And so what he did was he got a, basically, a version of an encyclopedia,

And so what he did was he got a, basically, a version of an encyclopedia,

19:32

and he made a fake encyclopedia

and he made a fake encyclopedia

19:35

that said years ago in the seventeen hundreds, there was a brewery on the street named Tinker. And so we need to do it justice

that said years ago in the seventeen hundreds, there was a brewery on the street named Tinker. And so we need to do it justice

19:43

by naming the street out of it after it because this is a historical thing. And so they named the street after it. Years later, he admits he made the pay he made one page in an encyclopedia. It just put it in there. And they totally went for it. And so he's done tons of things like this. And he's gonna die soon. They he says that he's he basically has said he's gonna die soon, and he's donated what's left of his big fortune, it's now a small fortune to leukemia.

by naming the street out of it after it because this is a historical thing. And so they named the street after it. Years later, he admits he made the pay he made one page in an encyclopedia. It just put it in there. And they totally went for it. And so he's done tons of things like this. And he's gonna die soon. They he says that he's he basically has said he's gonna die soon, and he's donated what's left of his big fortune, it's now a small fortune to leukemia.

20:10

And so

And so

20:11

he's young. And if you look him up He, he's famous for dying his hair. He kinda he looks like Richard Branson, actually. And so he's very rich Richard Branson s. He dyed his hair purple because that's the color for his cycling team. He's pretty eccentric, very unique guy.

he's young. And if you look him up He, he's famous for dying his hair. He kinda he looks like Richard Branson, actually. And so he's very rich Richard Branson s. He dyed his hair purple because that's the color for his cycling team. He's pretty eccentric, very unique guy.

20:26

He also

He also

20:27

wrote a book, but the book's hard to read. Because it's, it was translated, but he's a columnist,

wrote a book, but the book's hard to read. Because it's, it was translated, but he's a columnist,

20:33

and he and he writes lots. You can read a lot of his work. Speaking of which, this is my cue for you.

and he and he writes lots. You can read a lot of his work. Speaking of which, this is my cue for you.

20:40

You know, books are cool, but books are a little little heavy for me. If any of these people wanted to to put their thoughts out there, they would have great newsletters. And if they wanted a great newsletter, they would use a great newsletter platform like Beyhive. And that is our thrill of the show this week. The most interesting men in the world, if they were ever gonna write a newsletter, they would write it on Beechive.

You know, books are cool, but books are a little little heavy for me. If any of these people wanted to to put their thoughts out there, they would have great newsletters. And if they wanted a great newsletter, they would use a great newsletter platform like Beyhive. And that is our thrill of the show this week. The most interesting men in the world, if they were ever gonna write a newsletter, they would write it on Beechive.

21:00

Back to the show.

Back to the show.

21:01

Anyway, so what do you think of Oleg? He's interesting guy. You've never heard of him. I think. Fascinating. Never heard of him. Well done. You you got me with that one. I like that.

Anyway, so what do you think of Oleg? He's interesting guy. You've never heard of him. I think. Fascinating. Never heard of him. Well done. You you got me with that one. I like that.

21:09

Yeah, this is this is super cool. I I also like just the idea the the move of I'm just gonna export Western culture. I feel like this is a common blueprint

Yeah, this is this is super cool. I I also like just the idea the the move of I'm just gonna export Western culture. I feel like this is a common blueprint

21:19

for coming up with, you know, really

for coming up with, you know, really

21:21

really big businesses, which is you go to Japan,

really big businesses, which is you go to Japan,

21:24

you observe Japanese culture, you find the most interesting bits of it, and then you export that culture to a different country that doesn't quite yet have it, but you but, you know, most humans are pretty similar.

you observe Japanese culture, you find the most interesting bits of it, and then you export that culture to a different country that doesn't quite yet have it, but you but, you know, most humans are pretty similar.

21:34

And,

And,

21:35

and you can sort of create the demand, especially when

and you can sort of create the demand, especially when

21:38

Some cultures just tend to be net net exporters. Like, I think the US is a net exporter in, you know, movies and entertainment

Some cultures just tend to be net net exporters. Like, I think the US is a net exporter in, you know, movies and entertainment

21:45

and you know, has certain strong values like freedom and whatever else. So you can, like, use those in bringing that to a place that's sort of, you know, deficient in those areas.

and you know, has certain strong values like freedom and whatever else. So you can, like, use those in bringing that to a place that's sort of, you know, deficient in those areas.

21:54

So I think that's a that's just a cool model. It's exporting culture from one one place to another. And that's what he did. He went and studied business for classes at Berkeley, and he would just see what's going on in San Francisco and the Bay Area, what's interesting, what's neat, and was inspired by that. And he said every five years, I go to America to learn these things, and I don't wanna bring them back. But Right. Huge quiet sentence that we both chose Russian

So I think that's a that's just a cool model. It's exporting culture from one one place to another. And that's what he did. He went and studied business for classes at Berkeley, and he would just see what's going on in San Francisco and the Bay Area, what's interesting, what's neat, and was inspired by that. And he said every five years, I go to America to learn these things, and I don't wanna bring them back. But Right. Huge quiet sentence that we both chose Russian

22:18

Russian guys, Russian expats sorta.

Russian guys, Russian expats sorta.

22:20

I guess that kinda tells our stance on sticking it to the man sticking it to Putin. Alright.

I guess that kinda tells our stance on sticking it to the man sticking it to Putin. Alright.

22:26

My next, I think I'm gonna do a back to back here because I have, one extra one that I do. So number three for me, I call him the walking middle finger.

My next, I think I'm gonna do a back to back here because I have, one extra one that I do. So number three for me, I call him the walking middle finger.

22:33

Number three is Sean Parker.

Number three is Sean Parker.

22:35

And Sean Parker is,

And Sean Parker is,

22:38

a fascinating guy. So a lot of people know him because

a fascinating guy. So a lot of people know him because

22:41

in the social network movie Justin Timberlake is supposed to be Sean Parker, and he's this, like,

in the social network movie Justin Timberlake is supposed to be Sean Parker, and he's this, like,

22:46

super charismatic,

super charismatic,

22:47

kinda know it all guy that

kinda know it all guy that

22:50

you know, tells them to drop drop the the in the Facebook. Just make it just Facebook. It's cleaner. Right? Do you think that's real? Yeah. So that is real.

you know, tells them to drop drop the the in the Facebook. Just make it just Facebook. It's cleaner. Right? Do you think that's real? Yeah. So that is real.

22:58

But a lot of that role is not how Sean Parker actually is. Like, he he's like, I'm a were like, what do you think the movie got right? He's like, well, they got some some of the stuff. Right? But

But a lot of that role is not how Sean Parker actually is. Like, he he's like, I'm a were like, what do you think the movie got right? He's like, well, they got some some of the stuff. Right? But

23:08

the most of the character, he's like, I'm not, like, Justin Timber. Like, he's like, I'm not, cool and smooth. He's like, I'm weird and insecure. I'm he's like, I'm a lot more eccentric. Like, they made him seem like cool and normal. I'm not cool and normal.

the most of the character, he's like, I'm not, like, Justin Timber. Like, he's like, I'm not, cool and smooth. He's like, I'm weird and insecure. I'm he's like, I'm a lot more eccentric. Like, they made him seem like cool and normal. I'm not cool and normal.

23:20

He's like, I might be cool, but I'm dive it on normal.

He's like, I might be cool, but I'm dive it on normal.

23:23

And I wanna just tell you a little bit about this guy. So one of the commonalities I had when I was searching for for people like this,

And I wanna just tell you a little bit about this guy. So one of the commonalities I had when I was searching for for people like this,

23:30

And you'll see the next guy I have has the same story

And you'll see the next guy I have has the same story

23:33

is that when he was in his teens,

is that when he was in his teens,

23:35

hacked was a hacker hacked into something and got arrested. So I don't know if you know this, but, basically, When he was a kid, he was sixteen years old, and he basically got tracked down by the FBI because he hacked into, like, a Fortune five hundred company's network. And

hacked was a hacker hacked into something and got arrested. So I don't know if you know this, but, basically, When he was a kid, he was sixteen years old, and he basically got tracked down by the FBI because he hacked into, like, a Fortune five hundred company's network. And

23:48

they were like, hey. He he got offered. He eventually got offered a job with, like, I think, CIA. He turned it down. He was like, no. No. No. I'm, like, you know, I'm on the rebel side. You guys are the are the authority. I'm I'm rebel. And so he

they were like, hey. He he got offered. He eventually got offered a job with, like, I think, CIA. He turned it down. He was like, no. No. No. I'm, like, you know, I'm on the rebel side. You guys are the are the authority. I'm I'm rebel. And so he

24:00

creates, of course, Napster.

creates, of course, Napster.

24:01

And Napster is just like one of the

And Napster is just like one of the

24:04

coolest slash, like, biggest middle finger companies that I I think has ever existed.

coolest slash, like, biggest middle finger companies that I I think has ever existed.

24:09

You know, obviously, if people today there's probably some generation people today who don't even know what Napster is. But Napster was, like, the first place before Spotify, the first place where you could just go, and you could just, like, get access to all of the world's music.

You know, obviously, if people today there's probably some generation people today who don't even know what Napster is. But Napster was, like, the first place before Spotify, the first place where you could just go, and you could just, like, get access to all of the world's music.

24:22

And then movies and other things too. But, like, really music was the main thing.

And then movies and other things too. But, like, really music was the main thing.

24:26

And it was illegal.

And it was illegal.

24:28

You could upload the songs you had. Other people could download those songs,

You could upload the songs you had. Other people could download those songs,

24:31

and it was music file sharing. And it got mega, mega popular, and then it got sued out of existence. And to, like, let the young people know, this was game changing. I think you and I must have been in grade school, like twelve and eleven and fourteen when this came out. This was such a big deal. It got to the point where artists would even release fake music that were auto remember that when they were scrambled after ten seconds, they get scrambled because they want the fake song to go viral. Yep. Yep. Exactly. Or like, comedians. I remember I forgot who it was. It was, like, Dane Cook. Yeah. Dan Cook. Basically, be like, Chris Rock comedy special.

and it was music file sharing. And it got mega, mega popular, and then it got sued out of existence. And to, like, let the young people know, this was game changing. I think you and I must have been in grade school, like twelve and eleven and fourteen when this came out. This was such a big deal. It got to the point where artists would even release fake music that were auto remember that when they were scrambled after ten seconds, they get scrambled because they want the fake song to go viral. Yep. Yep. Exactly. Or like, comedians. I remember I forgot who it was. It was, like, Dane Cook. Yeah. Dan Cook. Basically, be like, Chris Rock comedy special.

25:07

Featuring Dane Cook. And, like, people just read Chris Rock comedy special and the first three minutes were Chris Rock doing comedy. And I was like, and now, Dane Cook. And then cook up mega, make it popular. But you basically, it's a growth hack, a a genius growth hack, which is to say, oh, how do I basically, like, hijack the SEO, the search intent

Featuring Dane Cook. And, like, people just read Chris Rock comedy special and the first three minutes were Chris Rock doing comedy. And I was like, and now, Dane Cook. And then cook up mega, make it popular. But you basically, it's a growth hack, a a genius growth hack, which is to say, oh, how do I basically, like, hijack the SEO, the search intent

25:23

of Chris Rock in order to distribute my own, you know, comedy virus to to everybody else. So Napster was super cool. It gets you out of existence. But the thing I like about Sean Barker is that,

of Chris Rock in order to distribute my own, you know, comedy virus to to everybody else. So Napster was super cool. It gets you out of existence. But the thing I like about Sean Barker is that,

25:35

there's this phrase that, Kevin Van Trump said once, and we're gonna have him on the pod. He's he's the guy who,

there's this phrase that, Kevin Van Trump said once, and we're gonna have him on the pod. He's he's the guy who,

25:41

What's his newsletter called? The farming newsletter, but I forgot it's called, but he basically writes the biggest newsletter for farmers in the in the country, and he has farm con and a bunch of different things. He said something to us once he goes, you know,

What's his newsletter called? The farming newsletter, but I forgot it's called, but he basically writes the biggest newsletter for farmers in the in the country, and he has farm con and a bunch of different things. He said something to us once he goes, you know,

25:52

the the train always comes back a second time. And we're like, what do you mean? He's like, for all of the best possible deals, investments, trends, opportunities.

the the train always comes back a second time. And we're like, what do you mean? He's like, for all of the best possible deals, investments, trends, opportunities.

26:02

You

You

26:03

overlook it the first time very common.

overlook it the first time very common.

26:06

And you think you totally missed it. I missed the boat. He's like, but I he's like, I just see it over and over again. The train comes back around. You know, maybe,

And you think you totally missed it. I missed the boat. He's like, but I he's like, I just see it over and over again. The train comes back around. You know, maybe,

26:15

you know, you you didn't invest in Facebook, but then the stock tanks for a couple months.

you know, you you didn't invest in Facebook, but then the stock tanks for a couple months.

26:19

That's your time to get back on. He's like, it's not always gonna be the same price as it was the first time. But for the truly great things,

That's your time to get back on. He's like, it's not always gonna be the same price as it was the first time. But for the truly great things,

26:25

the train has such a long runway. It's a so much upside that even if you just get on the second time, you still get filthy He's like the same thing happened with Bitcoin.

the train has such a long runway. It's a so much upside that even if you just get on the second time, you still get filthy He's like the same thing happened with Bitcoin.

26:34

The people who just kicked themselves for not buying Bitcoin the first time they heard it at a hundred and fifty dollars, Instead of just buying it at five hundred, they just kept telling the story about how they missed it at one fifty. And then they missed it at six hundred, seven hundred, eight hundred, a thousand, and now it's at sixty thousand. They're still missing it. He's like, but the smart people are like, well, the train came back around. Let me hop let me hop on. I do I now recognize the value in this thing. And I feel like Sean Parker did that with his career.

The people who just kicked themselves for not buying Bitcoin the first time they heard it at a hundred and fifty dollars, Instead of just buying it at five hundred, they just kept telling the story about how they missed it at one fifty. And then they missed it at six hundred, seven hundred, eight hundred, a thousand, and now it's at sixty thousand. They're still missing it. He's like, but the smart people are like, well, the train came back around. Let me hop let me hop on. I do I now recognize the value in this thing. And I feel like Sean Parker did that with his career.

26:59

So

So

27:00

for a period of time, Sean Parker was seen as this kinda like bad boy, but, like, kind of on touch Like, you couldn't invest in Sean Parker. He's too rebellious. He's getting sued out of existence. The big companies hate him. The government's after him. He was, like, an untouchable.

for a period of time, Sean Parker was seen as this kinda like bad boy, but, like, kind of on touch Like, you couldn't invest in Sean Parker. He's too rebellious. He's getting sued out of existence. The big companies hate him. The government's after him. He was, like, an untouchable.

27:14

And then later, it was like, oh, Sean Parker, this guy was the, you know, he he led the round into Facebook. And he,

And then later, it was like, oh, Sean Parker, this guy was the, you know, he he led the round into Facebook. And he,

27:20

was a early huge investor in Spotify. He was did did this and that. And he became the guy who could do no wrong, but those weren't his companies. But he recognized

was a early huge investor in Spotify. He was did did this and that. And he became the guy who could do no wrong, but those weren't his companies. But he recognized

27:29

that those companies were winners and actually made his fortune not on the thing he did, Napster,

that those companies were winners and actually made his fortune not on the thing he did, Napster,

27:34

but in recognizing the brilliance of the next Sean Parker,

but in recognizing the brilliance of the next Sean Parker,

27:38

and that was, you know, DanielK for Spotify. Or a Yeah. When he was, like, he he did this when he was, like, he was the elder at twenty five. Yeah. Yeah. And every hacker looked up to him because this guy's an icon. He used the reputation,

and that was, you know, DanielK for Spotify. Or a Yeah. When he was, like, he he did this when he was, like, he was the elder at twenty five. Yeah. Yeah. And every hacker looked up to him because this guy's an icon. He used the reputation,

27:51

but not necessarily the money to make all his money. Usually, you use your money to make money. He used his reputation to make money. So couple of things that this guy did that was that's pretty fascinating. So first, I'm gonna give you some lifestyle things, and then I'm gonna give you the career story. So crazy lifestyle things. So I met somebody who went to wedding. Have you ever heard about his wedding? Yeah, man. He got a ton of shit for it in, like, the heyday of Sam Silicon Valley. So this guy basically spent

but not necessarily the money to make all his money. Usually, you use your money to make money. He used his reputation to make money. So couple of things that this guy did that was that's pretty fascinating. So first, I'm gonna give you some lifestyle things, and then I'm gonna give you the career story. So crazy lifestyle things. So I met somebody who went to wedding. Have you ever heard about his wedding? Yeah, man. He got a ton of shit for it in, like, the heyday of Sam Silicon Valley. So this guy basically spent

28:14

Some are between five and ten million dollars on his wedding.

Some are between five and ten million dollars on his wedding.

28:17

And he was, like, and so the interesting thing here is just, like, Weird people are not just like they're not just like crazy in their business and super chill in their normal life. Most of them.

And he was, like, and so the interesting thing here is just, like, Weird people are not just like they're not just like crazy in their business and super chill in their normal life. Most of them.

28:28

I'll if you're if you're wired a certain way, you just apply that to everything that comes your way. So for example, when it came to Tomby at Mary, he's like, alright. The budget

I'll if you're if you're wired a certain way, you just apply that to everything that comes your way. So for example, when it came to Tomby at Mary, he's like, alright. The budget

28:36

No budget. Let's just do the sickest thing we can imagine. So they're like, we're gonna go to a forest in the big sur, and it's not just gonna be a wedding. It's gonna be, like, like, an immersive theater experience. Like, I had people who were there and they're like, it was crazy. You walk in and, like, you could see the stars above you, but it was daytime. I was like, how the hell are their stars? And, like, There was rabbits running around, like, wild rabbits that were just, like, you know, there because we were in the forest. And they're, like, but it was all planned. They had the the costume designer from Lord of the Rings made everybody's outfits.

No budget. Let's just do the sickest thing we can imagine. So they're like, we're gonna go to a forest in the big sur, and it's not just gonna be a wedding. It's gonna be, like, like, an immersive theater experience. Like, I had people who were there and they're like, it was crazy. You walk in and, like, you could see the stars above you, but it was daytime. I was like, how the hell are their stars? And, like, There was rabbits running around, like, wild rabbits that were just, like, you know, there because we were in the forest. And they're, like, but it was all planned. They had the the costume designer from Lord of the Rings made everybody's outfits.

29:02

You know, he ended up paying, like, two or three million dollars in fines because you're just you're not allowed to just use, like, the most beautiful public, like, forest for your own wedding, but he was like, fuck it. Doing it.

You know, he ended up paying, like, two or three million dollars in fines because you're just you're not allowed to just use, like, the most beautiful public, like, forest for your own wedding, but he was like, fuck it. Doing it.

29:12

To propose

To propose

29:13

Sean, are you sure?

Sean, are you sure?

29:16

Is there, like, is there a permit? And he's, like,

Is there, like, is there a permit? And he's, like,

29:19

put on your put on your costume and get in here.

put on your put on your costume and get in here.

29:22

To propose he baked his wedding ring into an onion,

To propose he baked his wedding ring into an onion,

29:26

gave it to his wife. It's like, what? I don't even know what this is. Did it, like, be it's, like, being mad at a UFC fighter for getting, like, drunk in a fight in the streets. Like, yeah, he's an animal. What do you expect?

gave it to his wife. It's like, what? I don't even know what this is. Did it, like, be it's, like, being mad at a UFC fighter for getting, like, drunk in a fight in the streets. Like, yeah, he's an animal. What do you expect?

29:37

Right. The guy who gets caged up in his underwear and fights another man to the death. Like, he he wasn't super chill outside their octagon. That's

Right. The guy who gets caged up in his underwear and fights another man to the death. Like, he he wasn't super chill outside their octagon. That's

29:45

weird.

weird.

29:47

He bought this fifty five million dollar house in LA from Ellen DeGeneris, and then, like, tricked it out. He's just got, like, his houses are crazy. Like, it's worth a thirty minute dive just to go look at his houses. But even in his other stuff, like, you know, rich people do philanthropy, but, like, how you do it is also interesting. So for him, he's like, I wanna bet on he's like, I'm gonna take a venture capital approach to philanthropy. So he's like, I'm not just gonna donate to the Red Cross or whatever. He's like, I'm gonna find the people that are trying to cure cancer in the most interesting ways, and then nobody will fund them because it's too crazy. It's too unproven. They have to, like, have to convince the whole world that their crazy approach is gonna work. He's like, but that's what that's like in the startup world, but that's exactly what happens. Some crazy kid has a crazy approach that like, you know, most likely will not work, but if it does, it's gonna change the game. And that's what VCs do. They bet on that. He's like, I'm gonna do that and,

He bought this fifty five million dollar house in LA from Ellen DeGeneris, and then, like, tricked it out. He's just got, like, his houses are crazy. Like, it's worth a thirty minute dive just to go look at his houses. But even in his other stuff, like, you know, rich people do philanthropy, but, like, how you do it is also interesting. So for him, he's like, I wanna bet on he's like, I'm gonna take a venture capital approach to philanthropy. So he's like, I'm not just gonna donate to the Red Cross or whatever. He's like, I'm gonna find the people that are trying to cure cancer in the most interesting ways, and then nobody will fund them because it's too crazy. It's too unproven. They have to, like, have to convince the whole world that their crazy approach is gonna work. He's like, but that's what that's like in the startup world, but that's exactly what happens. Some crazy kid has a crazy approach that like, you know, most likely will not work, but if it does, it's gonna change the game. And that's what VCs do. They bet on that. He's like, I'm gonna do that and,

30:35

you know, for curing cancer. And so he's poured in Tons and tons of money into unorthodox

you know, for curing cancer. And so he's poured in Tons and tons of money into unorthodox

30:40

cancer treatments. How wealthy is he? He's very wealthy. So when he identified Facebook,

cancer treatments. How wealthy is he? He's very wealthy. So when he identified Facebook,

30:47

as, like, a thing. And he was, like,

as, like, a thing. And he was, like,

30:50

you know what? I wanna, you know, invest in this to be a part of this. Mark really liked him. He's the one who connected Mark to Peter Till. To make to get the investment, the first five hundred k investment. He's the one who convinced them, I think, to move to Palo Alto and leave Boston, which then let them, you know, recruit the best talent, which will let them, you know, succeed when other social networks like friendster and MySpace were failing.

you know what? I wanna, you know, invest in this to be a part of this. Mark really liked him. He's the one who connected Mark to Peter Till. To make to get the investment, the first five hundred k investment. He's the one who convinced them, I think, to move to Palo Alto and leave Boston, which then let them, you know, recruit the best talent, which will let them, you know, succeed when other social networks like friendster and MySpace were failing.

31:13

So Sean ended up owning four percent of Facebook. Which is just, like, became worth, like, I don't know, four or five billion dollars,

So Sean ended up owning four percent of Facebook. Which is just, like, became worth, like, I don't know, four or five billion dollars,

31:19

just on his Facebook stock. Then there's an interesting story of

just on his Facebook stock. Then there's an interesting story of

31:23

how he invested in Spotify. Have you ever read this email that Sean Parker sent to the Spotify founder? Wasn't it something like this is nap sir, but done legally.

how he invested in Spotify. Have you ever read this email that Sean Parker sent to the Spotify founder? Wasn't it something like this is nap sir, but done legally.

31:34

Exactly. So he just cold emails them in two thousand and nine. Spotify launched in

Exactly. So he just cold emails them in two thousand and nine. Spotify launched in

31:40

I kinda like o six zero seven range. Spotify

I kinda like o six zero seven range. Spotify

31:43

launched in Europe.

launched in Europe.

31:44

So Daniel, I think lived in Sweden. And then on top of that, you know, they've only launched Europe because the rules allowed them to do it in Europe, but he he knew he had to build up enough critical mass before entering the United States market. It's like one of The weird reasons that Spotify worked and all the other music sharing services

So Daniel, I think lived in Sweden. And then on top of that, you know, they've only launched Europe because the rules allowed them to do it in Europe, but he he knew he had to build up enough critical mass before entering the United States market. It's like one of The weird reasons that Spotify worked and all the other music sharing services

32:00

never worked because they all tried to start in the United States, and all of the music labels were so ready to just sue shit out of everybody from Napster that, like, you couldn't have done that. That was not it would they would come after you when you were just a a baby, an infant. So he writes them this email, and it's just subject line thoughts.

never worked because they all tried to start in the United States, and all of the music labels were so ready to just sue shit out of everybody from Napster that, like, you couldn't have done that. That was not it would they would come after you when you were just a a baby, an infant. So he writes them this email, and it's just subject line thoughts.

32:16

He's like, Daniel and Shaq, he goes, I've been playing around the Spotify. You've built an amazing experience.

He's like, Daniel and Shaq, he goes, I've been playing around the Spotify. You've built an amazing experience.

32:21

As you saw, Zach really likes it too, I've been trying to get him to understand your model, and I think he just needed try it to see it for himself. I think he talks a little bit about Facebook, and he's like, you know, we should partner because

As you saw, Zach really likes it too, I've been trying to get him to understand your model, and I think he just needed try it to see it for himself. I think he talks a little bit about Facebook, and he's like, you know, we should partner because

32:30

we can integrate, like, you know, Spotify's music stuff, which Facebook, social graph, all that. But then he's he just compliments. We say, your your design is clean, elegant, tight, and fast. It's clearly lacking some important features like the social

we can integrate, like, you know, Spotify's music stuff, which Facebook, social graph, all that. But then he's he just compliments. We say, your your design is clean, elegant, tight, and fast. It's clearly lacking some important features like the social

32:41

stuff. I think you've done a great job sequence. You've nailed the core experience blah, blah, blah. Ever since Napster, I've dreamt of building a product similar to Spotify.

stuff. I think you've done a great job sequence. You've nailed the core experience blah, blah, blah. Ever since Napster, I've dreamt of building a product similar to Spotify.

32:48

I might have tried had I not been quote, sidetracked with Facebook, founders fund, and, like, you know, like, this dope shit that I've been doing. And he's like, to be fair, I also was, like, you know, pretty scarred from the record labels.

I might have tried had I not been quote, sidetracked with Facebook, founders fund, and, like, you know, like, this dope shit that I've been doing. And he's like, to be fair, I also was, like, you know, pretty scarred from the record labels.

33:01

He's like and he's like, you know, so I've adopted a watch watch and wait thing to try to see a when the labels have come to their senses and realized that they need something to distribute music. And two, until a product that would come in, that would fix all the things we got wrong with Napster.

He's like and he's like, you know, so I've adopted a watch watch and wait thing to try to see a when the labels have come to their senses and realized that they need something to distribute music. And two, until a product that would come in, that would fix all the things we got wrong with Napster.

33:16

ASAP, you have done And then he just goes on, he articulates from a product point of view what they have done right and what they need to change. And he's like, I can help you do this shit. And he ends up leading a fifteen million dollar investment into Spotify,

ASAP, you have done And then he just goes on, he articulates from a product point of view what they have done right and what they need to change. And he's like, I can help you do this shit. And he ends up leading a fifteen million dollar investment into Spotify,

33:29

which is, like, you know, an amazing investment. I wanna read you one other Sean Parker story. So

which is, like, you know, an amazing investment. I wanna read you one other Sean Parker story. So

33:34

The guy's pretty magnetic. And, actually, this story comes from you. A long time ago, you posted on the hustle, a blog post about

The guy's pretty magnetic. And, actually, this story comes from you. A long time ago, you posted on the hustle, a blog post about

33:42

the the this famous story of the painter

the the this famous story of the painter

33:45

who took stock in Facebook. Yeah. I guess he was, like, supposed to get paid sixty grand, and instead of taking the sixty grand painting he did on Facebook's office wall, he took stock, and the stock ended up becoming worth two hundred million dollars. I almost, chose him for this segment. Because he David Chow, I think. He's a crazy man. He's a crazy man. And he did this interview on Howard Stern, and what that's cool about it. So I knew the story. I think I've already kinda noticed the story of the painter. What I didn't know is why he took the stock. And the answer to why he took the stock is

who took stock in Facebook. Yeah. I guess he was, like, supposed to get paid sixty grand, and instead of taking the sixty grand painting he did on Facebook's office wall, he took stock, and the stock ended up becoming worth two hundred million dollars. I almost, chose him for this segment. Because he David Chow, I think. He's a crazy man. He's a crazy man. And he did this interview on Howard Stern, and what that's cool about it. So I knew the story. I think I've already kinda noticed the story of the painter. What I didn't know is why he took the stock. And the answer to why he took the stock is

34:13

that motherfucker, Sean Parker. He's like, that guy he and so he's like, dude,

that motherfucker, Sean Parker. He's like, that guy he and so he's like, dude,

34:18

and so how are you doing? It's like, why did you pick the stock? Like, you know, were they offering not a lot of money? And he's like, no. They were I told him the price is sixty thousand. They said yes. He's like, that's a lot of money. So, yeah, I just I decided that's what it was gonna be worth. And I think he was, like, coming out of jail or something at the time. And Sean Parker loved this artist. Was like, no, no, no. This artist has to be the guy. And he had tried to get him to do something for Plax. So his other company, but they didn't have any money. He's like, finally, he hit him up. He's like, yo, we finally have money. I'm at this new thing called the Facebook. We've I think we have enough money. Come on. I want only you can do this painting. So he comes over. He's like, cool. It'll be sixty grand. You wanna pay this whole building. It'll be sixty grand. By the way, if you if you I've been to the Facebook office and they've reved on it, but, like, parts of the ceiling, they use the same drywall. So you could actually still see the painting. Right.

and so how are you doing? It's like, why did you pick the stock? Like, you know, were they offering not a lot of money? And he's like, no. They were I told him the price is sixty thousand. They said yes. He's like, that's a lot of money. So, yeah, I just I decided that's what it was gonna be worth. And I think he was, like, coming out of jail or something at the time. And Sean Parker loved this artist. Was like, no, no, no. This artist has to be the guy. And he had tried to get him to do something for Plax. So his other company, but they didn't have any money. He's like, finally, he hit him up. He's like, yo, we finally have money. I'm at this new thing called the Facebook. We've I think we have enough money. Come on. I want only you can do this painting. So he comes over. He's like, cool. It'll be sixty grand. You wanna pay this whole building. It'll be sixty grand. By the way, if you if you I've been to the Facebook office and they've reved on it, but, like, parts of the ceiling, they use the same drywall. So you could actually still see the painting. Right.

35:02

And so Howard shows, like, what happened? Like, they they didn't have the cash? He's like, no. No. They had the cash. He's like, so why'd you take the stock? Did you did you believe in this you're, you're, like, an investor? Did you believe in this? He's, like, I do. I never invested anything in my life. He's, like, they've he's, like, I asked Sean. I was, like, what's this company? He starts describing, you know, what Facebook is a social network for college kids. And I was like, dude, that's lame as shit. And he's he's like, I wasn't on friendster. I wasn't on myspace.

And so Howard shows, like, what happened? Like, they they didn't have the cash? He's like, no. No. They had the cash. He's like, so why'd you take the stock? Did you did you believe in this you're, you're, like, an investor? Did you believe in this? He's, like, I do. I never invested anything in my life. He's, like, they've he's, like, I asked Sean. I was, like, what's this company? He starts describing, you know, what Facebook is a social network for college kids. And I was like, dude, that's lame as shit. And he's he's like, I wasn't on friendster. I wasn't on myspace.

35:26

I hate that shit. He goes, and this is for college students. Oh, even worse. I hate education. I hate college. I never went. I don't even like college students. And he's like, so you hate no social networking. You hate college. He's like, yeah. I dropped out of school. I hate everything about school. And he's like and it's only starting on harvard and Stanford campus. Oh, man. Like, I hate Harvard. I hate Stanford. I'm like a anti

I hate that shit. He goes, and this is for college students. Oh, even worse. I hate education. I hate college. I never went. I don't even like college students. And he's like, so you hate no social networking. You hate college. He's like, yeah. I dropped out of school. I hate everything about school. And he's like and it's only starting on harvard and Stanford campus. Oh, man. Like, I hate Harvard. I hate Stanford. I'm like a anti

35:47

anti all all those things that they stand for. He's like, so why did you do it? He's like, because every time I'd hang out with Sean Parker, he would just tell me, like, yo, I'm gonna make some shit happen. He's like, before he went and met with Peter Teel,

anti all all those things that they stand for. He's like, so why did you do it? He's like, because every time I'd hang out with Sean Parker, he would just tell me, like, yo, I'm gonna make some shit happen. He's like, before he went and met with Peter Teel,

35:58

he says, oh, I gotta go. I gotta raise money for Facebook. And he goes, I'm a bend these fuckers minds. He's like, and he came back. And he's like, He's like, yeah. The rich he's like, those fuckers ended up being, like, the richest man in America. Like, you know, like, you're a Reed Hoffman and Peter Till.

he says, oh, I gotta go. I gotta raise money for Facebook. And he goes, I'm a bend these fuckers minds. He's like, and he came back. And he's like, He's like, yeah. The rich he's like, those fuckers ended up being, like, the richest man in America. Like, you know, like, you're a Reed Hoffman and Peter Till.

36:12

And he's like, dude, this little nerd, this granny nerd. He's got a lot of swag and confidence. And he's like, he's just and he came back. He had raised the money from them. And he's like, okay. Interesting. And he's like, so

And he's like, dude, this little nerd, this granny nerd. He's got a lot of swag and confidence. And he's like, he's just and he came back. He had raised the money from them. And he's like, okay. Interesting. And he's like, so

36:23

He's like, you want those cash? She wants stock. He's like, you're you're in this? He's like, yeah.

He's like, you want those cash? She wants stock. He's like, you're you're in this? He's like, yeah.

36:28

He's like, alright. He's like, I sized him up, and I'm like, this guy's going somewhere. He's like, so that that's why I took the stock. That's awesome. That is so awesome. And it ended up being worth hundreds of millions of dollars. I don't know what he sold and what he sold it, but that's insane.

He's like, alright. He's like, I sized him up, and I'm like, this guy's going somewhere. He's like, so that that's why I took the stock. That's awesome. That is so awesome. And it ended up being worth hundreds of millions of dollars. I don't know what he sold and what he sold it, but that's insane.

36:42

And that's what, you know, these people are they have a sort of magnetic,

And that's what, you know, these people are they have a sort of magnetic,

36:46

a magnetic trait to them, that I think is is pretty common.

a magnetic trait to them, that I think is is pretty common.

36:50

And that's a good example of it. Were you gonna talk about his career, or is that the career part? Let's go to the career part. Right? Well, you know that he's done a few other things there. Yeah. A bunch of things that he had Plaxo. He had air airtime. He had, you know, bunch of things like that. Then he was a managing partner, our founder's fund. That's all I know. What else is there? Have you heard of opportunity zones for real estate? Mhmm. You know, I believe he invented that. So, basically,

And that's a good example of it. Were you gonna talk about his career, or is that the career part? Let's go to the career part. Right? Well, you know that he's done a few other things there. Yeah. A bunch of things that he had Plaxo. He had air airtime. He had, you know, bunch of things like that. Then he was a managing partner, our founder's fund. That's all I know. What else is there? Have you heard of opportunity zones for real estate? Mhmm. You know, I believe he invented that. So, basically,

37:13

I'm I I I read this a long time ago. I'm going off the cuff, but basically opportunity zones, if I remember correctly, there zones designated by the government show these places are impoverished or they're like warehouse spaces, and we wanna incentivize investors to open up, I believe, residential,

I'm I I I read this a long time ago. I'm going off the cuff, but basically opportunity zones, if I remember correctly, there zones designated by the government show these places are impoverished or they're like warehouse spaces, and we wanna incentivize investors to open up, I believe, residential,

37:30

build build stuff there.

build build stuff there.

37:31

And I think it was his idea, and he l and he lobbied the he lobbied the government, and he turned it into a reality. Opportunities, those are the brainchild of Sean Parker. He,

And I think it was his idea, and he l and he lobbied the he lobbied the government, and he turned it into a reality. Opportunities, those are the brainchild of Sean Parker. He,

37:42

in a in the early two thousands, he was Facebook's first president, and he wanted to minimize his capital gains on his tech fortunate. So he lobbied the government to create this idea of opportunity zones so that investors would be incentivized to invest in areas that you know, we're we're not receiving enough investment.

in a in the early two thousands, he was Facebook's first president, and he wanted to minimize his capital gains on his tech fortunate. So he lobbied the government to create this idea of opportunity zones so that investors would be incentivized to invest in areas that you know, we're we're not receiving enough investment.

37:58

And, and he did it. That's pretty that's pretty fascinating. Yeah. He convinced that the Obama administration, I think it to make this a reality. And now it's a thing where

And, and he did it. That's pretty that's pretty fascinating. Yeah. He convinced that the Obama administration, I think it to make this a reality. And now it's a thing where

38:07

billions and billions and billions of dollars go to this. And it was his idea. And he didn't just come up with the idea. He he lobbied the government. He changed the law,

billions and billions and billions of dollars go to this. And it was his idea. And he didn't just come up with the idea. He he lobbied the government. He changed the law,

38:16

which is really fascinating that he did that. So he's done a bunch of interesting stuff. And I think in fact, I think he also played a hand in Obama getting elected a little bit or something like that. I mean, he's a political guy.

which is really fascinating that he did that. So he's done a bunch of interesting stuff. And I think in fact, I think he also played a hand in Obama getting elected a little bit or something like that. I mean, he's a political guy.

38:26

So he's he's done a bunch of interesting stuff. Alright. Let me do number two, then you do number one. Alright. So,

So he's he's done a bunch of interesting stuff. Alright. Let me do number two, then you do number one. Alright. So,

38:32

number two is

number two is

38:33

Tom Anderson, aka

Tom Anderson, aka

38:35

Tom from MySpace.

Tom from MySpace.

38:37

And I call him the guy who won the game and simply stopped playing, which is really critical. Almost all these guys Like, you talked about Oleg. It's like, he did this. And then he went bigger. And then he went bigger. And I think that's a common thing.

And I call him the guy who won the game and simply stopped playing, which is really critical. Almost all these guys Like, you talked about Oleg. It's like, he did this. And then he went bigger. And then he went bigger. And I think that's a common thing.

38:51

But Tom had one thing those guys will never have.

But Tom had one thing those guys will never have.

38:55

He had enough.

He had enough.

38:56

And he was able to walk away. And so Tom's story's pretty wild. I didn't I didn't know the backstory. So it's also age fourteen. Hacks Chase bank. Get through access into Chase bank, all of the names, the bank accounts, the the, the the the amounts in them, he could have wired as much money as he wanted out of it. He did not. He knew their mortgages. He knew everything.

And he was able to walk away. And so Tom's story's pretty wild. I didn't I didn't know the backstory. So it's also age fourteen. Hacks Chase bank. Get through access into Chase bank, all of the names, the bank accounts, the the, the the the amounts in them, he could have wired as much money as he wanted out of it. He did not. He knew their mortgages. He knew everything.

39:17

And he was basically the leader of a hacking crew.

And he was basically the leader of a hacking crew.

39:20

And his nickname was Lord Flathead.

And his nickname was Lord Flathead.

39:22

And so Lord Flathead gets root access, and he leaves a message in in Chase Bank. And he says,

And so Lord Flathead gets root access, and he leaves a message in in Chase Bank. And he says,

39:28

basically, you need to let me keep my access.

basically, you need to let me keep my access.

39:32

Or

Or

39:33

I will, you know, expose all this information. I will leak all this blah blah blah. Like, you need to give me give me full even even, you know, just

I will, you know, expose all this information. I will leak all this blah blah blah. Like, you need to give me give me full even even, you know, just

39:41

acknowledge that I won and give me access to this thing. And he starts bragging about He tells forty of his friends, he shows them exactly how he did it, how he hacked Chase Bank at age fourteen.

acknowledge that I won and give me access to this thing. And he starts bragging about He tells forty of his friends, he shows them exactly how he did it, how he hacked Chase Bank at age fourteen.

39:52

And this is why the FBI conducted one of the biggest raids they've ever done. A simultaneous rate of forty different people, all happening at seven PM, all in one area, because they didn't know who was the the kind of the the mastermind behind it. But they knew who all had, you know, had seen it or had access to whoever was talking about it. And so they raid everybody at seven PM. They steal his computer. They take all stuff, but they leave them alone because they're like, guys fourteen, what are we gonna do? We can't charge him. And so he gets off. He agrees, okay. I'm not gonna hack stuff anymore.

And this is why the FBI conducted one of the biggest raids they've ever done. A simultaneous rate of forty different people, all happening at seven PM, all in one area, because they didn't know who was the the kind of the the mastermind behind it. But they knew who all had, you know, had seen it or had access to whoever was talking about it. And so they raid everybody at seven PM. They steal his computer. They take all stuff, but they leave them alone because they're like, guys fourteen, what are we gonna do? We can't charge him. And so he gets off. He agrees, okay. I'm not gonna hack stuff anymore.

40:20

That's his origin story.

That's his origin story.

40:22

So now he ends up creating MySpace. MySpace, obviously, was one of the biggest social networks in the world.

So now he ends up creating MySpace. MySpace, obviously, was one of the biggest social networks in the world.

40:27

And,

And,

40:28

MySpace was dope for a bunch of reasons don't even exist anymore. So, you know,

MySpace was dope for a bunch of reasons don't even exist anymore. So, you know,

40:33

if the there's he's on our top five, but he was in everybody's topic on my space, which was, like, you know, my top eight friends. And he was the first friend to everybody on my space. He has the iconic picture of him turning away from a whiteboard wearing his white shirt. Everybody knows that photo. Everybody who's our age, at least, they grew up on MySpace. And MySpace, like, was kind of a culture shifter.

if the there's he's on our top five, but he was in everybody's topic on my space, which was, like, you know, my top eight friends. And he was the first friend to everybody on my space. He has the iconic picture of him turning away from a whiteboard wearing his white shirt. Everybody knows that photo. Everybody who's our age, at least, they grew up on MySpace. And MySpace, like, was kind of a culture shifter.

40:53

Like, something that Facebook never really actually captured. Was that MySpace actually was cool for bands and getting, you know, discovery for music and talent and art. And, and MySpace was kind of amazing. And he sells MySpace for five hundred eighty million dollars.

Like, something that Facebook never really actually captured. Was that MySpace actually was cool for bands and getting, you know, discovery for music and talent and art. And, and MySpace was kind of amazing. And he sells MySpace for five hundred eighty million dollars.

41:07

And

And

41:08

he pieces out. He bounces. He he he has a quote where he's like, yeah. Before the acquisition, I could do wherever I wanted. It was pretty fun. He's like, now I have it takes all his time to get anybody to agree on things because they sold to Newscorp, I think. And he says,

he pieces out. He bounces. He he he has a quote where he's like, yeah. Before the acquisition, I could do wherever I wanted. It was pretty fun. He's like, now I have it takes all his time to get anybody to agree on things because they sold to Newscorp, I think. And he says,

41:22

you know, there's like a budget review and a process for everything. It's a pain. So I'm out. So he he pieces out and he's I think thirty eight years old or something when this happens. He's pretty young.

you know, there's like a budget review and a process for everything. It's a pain. So I'm out. So he he pieces out and he's I think thirty eight years old or something when this happens. He's pretty young.

41:32

And instead of doing what almost every other business guy does, which is, like, cool. And now

And instead of doing what almost every other business guy does, which is, like, cool. And now

41:37

I shall,

I shall,

41:39

you know, change

you know, change

41:41

Cancer, free speech. I'll take rockets to Mars.

Cancer, free speech. I'll take rockets to Mars.

41:44

Tom's like, now I'm a travel the world and, and just take a bunch of pictures. He's like, I'm just gonna go have fun. So I'm gonna read you what I admire about this guy. Hey, his Twitter bio

Tom's like, now I'm a travel the world and, and just take a bunch of pictures. He's like, I'm just gonna go have fun. So I'm gonna read you what I admire about this guy. Hey, his Twitter bio

41:54

is not it doesn't say I'm Tom. I invented my space. I exited to new score for five hundred eighty million dollars. Currently a VC and, you know, professional dad.

is not it doesn't say I'm Tom. I invented my space. I exited to new score for five hundred eighty million dollars. Currently a VC and, you know, professional dad.

42:03

You know, husband of two.

You know, husband of two.

42:05

Yeah, husband of one, father of two, know, it doesn't do all that shit, the the virtual signal. He just says, enjoying the good life. My new hobbies are surfing, architecture, photography, and golf.

Yeah, husband of one, father of two, know, it doesn't do all that shit, the the virtual signal. He just says, enjoying the good life. My new hobbies are surfing, architecture, photography, and golf.

42:15

And what he does is, you know, basically, he's like, I'm not gonna waste my time just debating politics or, like, trying to be the next big, you know, venture capitalist or whatever. He's like, oh, I'm too busy busy. Like, you know, my eyes are too busy blinded by the by the reflection from the Mald Eve Sea. I can't I We bothered with all that bullshit. I'm just gonna go travel the world,

And what he does is, you know, basically, he's like, I'm not gonna waste my time just debating politics or, like, trying to be the next big, you know, venture capitalist or whatever. He's like, oh, I'm too busy busy. Like, you know, my eyes are too busy blinded by the by the reflection from the Mald Eve Sea. I can't I We bothered with all that bullshit. I'm just gonna go travel the world,

42:34

do awesome things and take awesome pictures. And so he becomes if you go to his Instagram, he becomes

do awesome things and take awesome pictures. And so he becomes if you go to his Instagram, he becomes

42:40

Like a world famous photographer.

Like a world famous photographer.

42:41

Did he have set almost seven hundred thousand followers?

Did he have set almost seven hundred thousand followers?

42:44

And he takes beautiful pictures. Like, his his Instagram is amazing. And it's just pictures from his life traveling the world.

And he takes beautiful pictures. Like, his his Instagram is amazing. And it's just pictures from his life traveling the world.

42:50

And he even he's surprised. He's like, oh, I I didn't have a big background of this. He's like, but I took a few photos while traveling, and he's like, I couldn't believe was coming out of the camera. He's like, I couldn't believe that this was coming out of my camera. So he's like, no, I decided I I'm a post of stuff. And so, you know, he starts posting. It gets popular.

And he even he's surprised. He's like, oh, I I didn't have a big background of this. He's like, but I took a few photos while traveling, and he's like, I couldn't believe was coming out of the camera. He's like, I couldn't believe that this was coming out of my camera. So he's like, no, I decided I I'm a post of stuff. And so, you know, he starts posting. It gets popular.

43:05

So his second act was was was as this. The reason I put him on this list is because I was on Air chat the other night, and somebody shared a story about him. They go, you know, they go, Tom is a hero of mine. Of all the tech heroes, he's one of the biggest because he was able to win the game and then bounce. And they go, not only did he win the tech game, but he won the photography game and then he bounced from that too. So if you go to his Instagram,

So his second act was was was as this. The reason I put him on this list is because I was on Air chat the other night, and somebody shared a story about him. They go, you know, they go, Tom is a hero of mine. Of all the tech heroes, he's one of the biggest because he was able to win the game and then bounce. And they go, not only did he win the tech game, but he won the photography game and then he bounced from that too. So if you go to his Instagram,

43:27

his last photo that he posted was like three hundred weeks ago.

his last photo that he posted was like three hundred weeks ago.

43:31

So you're like, what happened? Where'd he go? Why did he stop?

So you're like, what happened? Where'd he go? Why did he stop?

43:34

And why did he stop? It was because Tom has the ability to have enough. And what happened was this guy goes, I I ran into Tom, I was like, Tom, why aren't you posting pictures anymore?

And why did he stop? It was because Tom has the ability to have enough. And what happened was this guy goes, I I ran into Tom, I was like, Tom, why aren't you posting pictures anymore?

43:42

He goes, oh, dude. I was traveling one time. I was in, whatever, Thailand, and I was, he's like, I have I keep all my camera stuff in my locker. And my locker got jacked, and he's like, somebody stole all my cameras.

He goes, oh, dude. I was traveling one time. I was in, whatever, Thailand, and I was, he's like, I have I keep all my camera stuff in my locker. And my locker got jacked, and he's like, somebody stole all my cameras.

43:51

So I was like, alright.

So I was like, alright.

43:53

The hubby's done. Moving on.

The hubby's done. Moving on.

43:58

Can you imagine, like, not only winning the business game, then you win the social media game and you're super popular and every everything you post, you get the dopamine rush of hundreds of thousands of likes and comments saying how beautiful it is, how they're so jealous of your life. And then someone steals your camera. And, of course, you could afford another one, but you're like, maybe it's a sign. Time for the next adventure, and he just moved on to the next adventure. So what's he doing now?

Can you imagine, like, not only winning the business game, then you win the social media game and you're super popular and every everything you post, you get the dopamine rush of hundreds of thousands of likes and comments saying how beautiful it is, how they're so jealous of your life. And then someone steals your camera. And, of course, you could afford another one, but you're like, maybe it's a sign. Time for the next adventure, and he just moved on to the next adventure. So what's he doing now?

44:19

So, the last thing I could find, because I was like, I needed to know this answer. And I went into,

So, the last thing I could find, because I was like, I needed to know this answer. And I went into,

44:24

By the way, he does reply to some tweets. I did I did remember he replied to one of mine. And if you go to his replies, or maybe he didn't, but I somehow he came up my head. Recently, and it was like the last time somebody had heard from him and he just replied, like, with emojis,

By the way, he does reply to some tweets. I did I did remember he replied to one of mine. And if you go to his replies, or maybe he didn't, but I somehow he came up my head. Recently, and it was like the last time somebody had heard from him and he just replied, like, with emojis,

44:37

to somebody and people were like, oh, Tom, he's back. And somebody on Reddit was like, I bumped into him in Hawaii. He's like, and I basically got the sense that this guy is literally just, like, swimming

to somebody and people were like, oh, Tom, he's back. And somebody on Reddit was like, I bumped into him in Hawaii. He's like, and I basically got the sense that this guy is literally just, like, swimming

44:47

taking pictures, do it, like, kind of, like, you know, he's just, like, swimming, hanging out.

taking pictures, do it, like, kind of, like, you know, he's just, like, swimming, hanging out.

44:51

He's, like, I think he's just, like, you know, hooking up with, like, smoking hot women. And I think he's just having a great time, and he's, like, not bothered by anything. They're, like, that's the vibe I got from him, from my, thirty second encounter. And that was the last information I could find about Tom, look at this picture I just posted.

He's, like, I think he's just, like, you know, hooking up with, like, smoking hot women. And I think he's just having a great time, and he's, like, not bothered by anything. They're, like, that's the vibe I got from him, from my, thirty second encounter. And that was the last information I could find about Tom, look at this picture I just posted.

45:07

Tom's on that longevity protocol. This guy's in his fifties now. And, look at him. He is great. He's young. He looks fresh. He looks happy. He but he looks like he's in his thirties. He looks really good. Yeah. Without

Tom's on that longevity protocol. This guy's in his fifties now. And, look at him. He is great. He's young. He looks fresh. He looks happy. He but he looks like he's in his thirties. He looks really good. Yeah. Without

45:19

you know, life hacking every, you know, bio optimizing and taking ninety six pills a day and, like, cold plunging for ten minutes. And every morning, like,

you know, life hacking every, you know, bio optimizing and taking ninety six pills a day and, like, cold plunging for ten minutes. And every morning, like,

45:26

He's just like, cool. I'll just live a stress for you happy life and get a lot of sun and hang out and eat good food and meet cool people. Did when I think of hackers at four seen. I don't think guys who look like Sean Parker or or Tom. So god bless these guys. What do you think they look like?

He's just like, cool. I'll just live a stress for you happy life and get a lot of sun and hang out and eat good food and meet cool people. Did when I think of hackers at four seen. I don't think guys who look like Sean Parker or or Tom. So god bless these guys. What do you think they look like?

45:43

Harrier.

Harrier.

45:44

Rounder,

Rounder,

45:46

like, for sure, harrier, and for sure, rounder, these guys aren't that hairy or round. They look great. So they've won. That's part of why we put them on this list because they're awesome in more ways than just,

like, for sure, harrier, and for sure, rounder, these guys aren't that hairy or round. They look great. So they've won. That's part of why we put them on this list because they're awesome in more ways than just,

45:57

just their, you know, the net worth. Alright. I'll I'll bring it home.

just their, you know, the net worth. Alright. I'll I'll bring it home.

46:01

Like I said, I tried to pick people who you or the listeners would not have any idea who they are.

Like I said, I tried to pick people who you or the listeners would not have any idea who they are.

46:07

There's a five percent chance that you've had a run-in with this guy though.

There's a five percent chance that you've had a run-in with this guy though.

46:10

And

And

46:11

I only put maybe ten percent because I think he would have ran in the circles of Michael Birch. But, basically, his name is

I only put maybe ten percent because I think he would have ran in the circles of Michael Birch. But, basically, his name is

46:18

Vivi Nivo. So v I v I space n e v o. Google this guy for me really quick. Tell me who you think he looks like. Probably don't know pop culture enough, so I'm actually gonna say it. He looks exactly

Vivi Nivo. So v I v I space n e v o. Google this guy for me really quick. Tell me who you think he looks like. Probably don't know pop culture enough, so I'm actually gonna say it. He looks exactly

46:29

like sting.

like sting.

46:33

Definitely looks like a rock and roll icon or, like, you know, what I think the guy who invented Zara should look like. Yes. Exactly. Exactly. That's a great, which by the way, Google the guy who looks like who who started Zara. Don't look like that. Looks like what I think a hacker looks like.

Definitely looks like a rock and roll icon or, like, you know, what I think the guy who invented Zara should look like. Yes. Exactly. Exactly. That's a great, which by the way, Google the guy who looks like who who started Zara. Don't look like that. Looks like what I think a hacker looks like.

46:49

So I call this guy the Israeli Greek Gatsby.

So I call this guy the Israeli Greek Gatsby.

46:53

And so I need to tell you this guy's story because he's incredibly mysterious.

And so I need to tell you this guy's story because he's incredibly mysterious.

46:58

So this guy, he's famous for being an investor. He claims to be, and many people, including New York Times, claimed that he was the largest shareholder in Time Warner, He was a very large shareholder in Goldman Sachs. So he, like, runs in all these amazing circles.

So this guy, he's famous for being an investor. He claims to be, and many people, including New York Times, claimed that he was the largest shareholder in Time Warner, He was a very large shareholder in Goldman Sachs. So he, like, runs in all these amazing circles.

47:12

He's the godparent

He's the godparent

47:14

of some of Robert Murdoch's kids, and he's, like, incredibly well connected.

of some of Robert Murdoch's kids, and he's, like, incredibly well connected.

47:19

The reason I've heard about him was, do you know how, there's that famous, like,

The reason I've heard about him was, do you know how, there's that famous, like,

47:24

Bohimi and Grove, like, who's who of of the world conference called Alan and Co. Like, the Sun Valley, Alan and Co Conference where everyone walks their vest. You know what I'm talking about? And they have those high def photos. Every photo on Google images is him at the Allen and Co conference.

Bohimi and Grove, like, who's who of of the world conference called Alan and Co. Like, the Sun Valley, Alan and Co Conference where everyone walks their vest. You know what I'm talking about? And they have those high def photos. Every photo on Google images is him at the Allen and Co conference.

47:38

He sticks out. He's a really good looking guy, and he does not look he looks like a rock star. And I thought it was sting at first, and I said his name was,

He sticks out. He's a really good looking guy, and he does not look he looks like a rock star. And I thought it was sting at first, and I said his name was,

47:45

Vivi Nivo, and I was like, who the hell is this guy. So I started researching him.

Vivi Nivo, and I was like, who the hell is this guy. So I started researching him.

47:50

So here's his backstory.

So here's his backstory.

47:52

He,

He,

47:53

was born in Romania eventually moves to his Israel, and his parents die when he's in his twenties. And his parents were very successful. They owned a chemical company, and they leave him something like three million dollars. And he was obsessed with Hollywood. And so he moves to LA, and he's like, somehow, I wanna make it into the entertainment business.

was born in Romania eventually moves to his Israel, and his parents die when he's in his twenties. And his parents were very successful. They owned a chemical company, and they leave him something like three million dollars. And he was obsessed with Hollywood. And so he moves to LA, and he's like, somehow, I wanna make it into the entertainment business.

48:13

And so the story is is that he got some type of low paying, like,

And so the story is is that he got some type of low paying, like,

48:18

not low paying, but he got he convinced some guy who he met at a gym to hire him at this man's investment bank, because Vivi was like, look, I like investing. I know a thing or two about it. I've been investing my parents money. Hire

not low paying, but he got he convinced some guy who he met at a gym to hire him at this man's investment bank, because Vivi was like, look, I like investing. I know a thing or two about it. I've been investing my parents money. Hire

48:30

And so this guy eventually goes on record. His last name is Burke. And he goes, somehow, he just this guy just starts showing up at my office, and he was incredibly engaging.

And so this guy eventually goes on record. His last name is Burke. And he goes, somehow, he just this guy just starts showing up at my office, and he was incredibly engaging.

48:39

However, he didn't do anything. And that was his whole point is that he did nothing. He was kind of a gopher, and he didn't really do anything. And all traders and money management guys were like, what the hell does this guy even do? He doesn't keep a schedule. He can't he he's like a hummingbird. He's so ADD. He just jumps around from thing to thing. And I didn't even know what he was doing, but he just showed up at my office until suddenly he quit showing up. And I don't see this guy for years. I went to his apartment see if he's okay. He moved out of his apartment. I couldn't find any records for him. I just I was looking all over the place in yellow pages. I couldn't find this guy. He comes back into my life, like, three years later, and he's totally different. He dresses fancy. He starts hanging out with celebrities And we have no idea what what he did in those two, three, four, five years. And so the rumors about this guy, and there's all these articles what the hell does this guy do for a living? None of us can figure it out because he basically has said that he's one of the largest shareholders of Time Warner, which was eventually sold for tens of billions of dollars. Like I said, he was one of the largest shareholders of Goldman,

However, he didn't do anything. And that was his whole point is that he did nothing. He was kind of a gopher, and he didn't really do anything. And all traders and money management guys were like, what the hell does this guy even do? He doesn't keep a schedule. He can't he he's like a hummingbird. He's so ADD. He just jumps around from thing to thing. And I didn't even know what he was doing, but he just showed up at my office until suddenly he quit showing up. And I don't see this guy for years. I went to his apartment see if he's okay. He moved out of his apartment. I couldn't find any records for him. I just I was looking all over the place in yellow pages. I couldn't find this guy. He comes back into my life, like, three years later, and he's totally different. He dresses fancy. He starts hanging out with celebrities And we have no idea what what he did in those two, three, four, five years. And so the rumors about this guy, and there's all these articles what the hell does this guy do for a living? None of us can figure it out because he basically has said that he's one of the largest shareholders of Time Warner, which was eventually sold for tens of billions of dollars. Like I said, he was one of the largest shareholders of Goldman,

49:40

and he's hanging out with all of these celebrities. And so he's, like I said, he's friends with the rubbert Murdoch.

and he's hanging out with all of these celebrities. And so he's, like I said, he's friends with the rubbert Murdoch.

49:46

Vivi, he owns homes in New York City. He owns home in Beverly Hills. He owns these mansions in Malibu.

Vivi, he owns homes in New York City. He owns home in Beverly Hills. He owns these mansions in Malibu.

49:53

And Lenny Cravitz eventually lives in one of his guest homes. That's how fancy it is. And a reporter goes to, like, check out his house because it's, like, this amazing piece of architecture

And Lenny Cravitz eventually lives in one of his guest homes. That's how fancy it is. And a reporter goes to, like, check out his house because it's, like, this amazing piece of architecture

50:02

And they're like, what do you do for a living? And he won't tell anyone what he has done for a living. It even comes out that he is engaged

And they're like, what do you do for a living? And he won't tell anyone what he has done for a living. It even comes out that he is engaged

50:10

to the actors from crouching Tiger hidden dragon. This woman is, like, one of the top five most famous women in China, and he's engaged to her. And Everyone's like, dude, what the hell has this guy done? Like, we have no idea what he's done for a living. And it turns out he's also one of the larger investors of Twitter, one of the larger investors

to the actors from crouching Tiger hidden dragon. This woman is, like, one of the top five most famous women in China, and he's engaged to her. And Everyone's like, dude, what the hell has this guy done? Like, we have no idea what he's done for a living. And it turns out he's also one of the larger investors of Twitter, one of the larger investors

50:29

in Square. And if you Google him, you'll see there's all types of photos of him with Leonardo Decaprio, with all these, like, young, amazing, attractive women, even though he's, like, sixty five now. He hangs out with all these celebrities, the who's who of everyone. And these reporters are, like, I have no idea how this guy is everywhere. He was always at the biggest events. I don't know what he does for work. I can't figure anything out about this guy. And he's a prolific investor now in startups. He's, that's how I thought you would have known him.

in Square. And if you Google him, you'll see there's all types of photos of him with Leonardo Decaprio, with all these, like, young, amazing, attractive women, even though he's, like, sixty five now. He hangs out with all these celebrities, the who's who of everyone. And these reporters are, like, I have no idea how this guy is everywhere. He was always at the biggest events. I don't know what he does for work. I can't figure anything out about this guy. And he's a prolific investor now in startups. He's, that's how I thought you would have known him.

50:57

And he owns homes that are worth tens of millions of dollars. Many of them, you know, he's got one in, I think, Beverly Hills that he tried selling recently for, like, fifty or sorry, that he bought recently for forty eight million dollars. The homes are filled with the most amazing art. You know, these things by Boschia, Keith Herring, like, tens of millions of dollars worth of artwork.

And he owns homes that are worth tens of millions of dollars. Many of them, you know, he's got one in, I think, Beverly Hills that he tried selling recently for, like, fifty or sorry, that he bought recently for forty eight million dollars. The homes are filled with the most amazing art. You know, these things by Boschia, Keith Herring, like, tens of millions of dollars worth of artwork.

51:17

And he claims to be a startup investor. He claims to be a public equities investor.

And he claims to be a startup investor. He claims to be a public equities investor.

51:23

Have you ever heard of this guy?

Have you ever heard of this guy?

51:25

I've never heard of this guy.

I've never heard of this guy.

51:27

And

And

51:28

also, I'm still unclear. Are you saying you don't

also, I'm still unclear. Are you saying you don't

51:32

think he is those things? Because you're kinda, like, he claims to be this. He claims to be that. But, like, the story doesn't fully add up. So what's the what what's your take here? The story doesn't fully add up because if you own more than five percent of a publicly traded company, you have to be listed as that. And, and

think he is those things? Because you're kinda, like, he claims to be this. He claims to be that. But, like, the story doesn't fully add up. So what's the what what's your take here? The story doesn't fully add up because if you own more than five percent of a publicly traded company, you have to be listed as that. And, and

51:48

New York Times have asked Time Warner and a bunch of his people,

New York Times have asked Time Warner and a bunch of his people,

51:52

they go, he is a shareholder. That's just all they'll say. They'll say. He is in fact a shareholder. And he's in the ears of the CEOs. And the CEOs of Time Warner will be like, hey, VIVi is really important to our operation. He's been a big deal. Now a lot of people think there's rumors that he's part of the facade, which is basically, like, the Israeli, like, secret service, because no one actually understands what he does, and you'll see him with all these interest celebrities. He looks super fit and they all say the same thing about the guy. They go, he's the most charismatic person we have ever met. And, like, story after story after story. It's billionaire after billionaire after billionaire saying, oh, Vivi. He's one of my best friends. And they'll say, well, do you know what he does for a living? You know, we don't really talk about that. But he's the most engaging guy we will ever you'll ever talk to. He's the least boring person, and they go, we're best friends because just like this person, this person, and this person who will say the same thing, He came up one day, and he sat next to me, and I couldn't stop listening to what he had to say because he was so interesting to talk to. And so my theory is that he is, in fact, very wealthy. And he's wealthy because he made connections to a bunch of different people, and he connected them and would get little bits of equity into a variety of businesses.

they go, he is a shareholder. That's just all they'll say. They'll say. He is in fact a shareholder. And he's in the ears of the CEOs. And the CEOs of Time Warner will be like, hey, VIVi is really important to our operation. He's been a big deal. Now a lot of people think there's rumors that he's part of the facade, which is basically, like, the Israeli, like, secret service, because no one actually understands what he does, and you'll see him with all these interest celebrities. He looks super fit and they all say the same thing about the guy. They go, he's the most charismatic person we have ever met. And, like, story after story after story. It's billionaire after billionaire after billionaire saying, oh, Vivi. He's one of my best friends. And they'll say, well, do you know what he does for a living? You know, we don't really talk about that. But he's the most engaging guy we will ever you'll ever talk to. He's the least boring person, and they go, we're best friends because just like this person, this person, and this person who will say the same thing, He came up one day, and he sat next to me, and I couldn't stop listening to what he had to say because he was so interesting to talk to. And so my theory is that he is, in fact, very wealthy. And he's wealthy because he made connections to a bunch of different people, and he connected them and would get little bits of equity into a variety of businesses.

53:00

And he's fascinating to me is because he's completely kind of made up this fake persona that has become a reality.

And he's fascinating to me is because he's completely kind of made up this fake persona that has become a reality.

53:07

And, you know, if you read that book, forty eight walls of power, One of the rules is to change your image constantly. And he basically disappeared in his thirties, and he came back with a new persona, and he became that person.

And, you know, if you read that book, forty eight walls of power, One of the rules is to change your image constantly. And he basically disappeared in his thirties, and he came back with a new persona, and he became that person.

53:19

And many, like, Hollywood people have been like, this guy needs a movie. If you guys would go had the greatest New Year's resolution of all time.

And many, like, Hollywood people have been like, this guy needs a movie. If you guys would go had the greatest New Year's resolution of all time.

53:27

He's like, alright. New you're new me.

He's like, alright. New you're new me.

53:29

Literally literally. Literally. Now I'm the most charismatic, interesting, well connected, romantic, and richest person in the world. Fantastic.

Literally literally. Literally. Now I'm the most charismatic, interesting, well connected, romantic, and richest person in the world. Fantastic.

53:37

You've never had run ins with them? No. I've never I've never bumped into this guy. Have you,

You've never had run ins with them? No. I've never I've never bumped into this guy. Have you,

53:42

and I'm glad too because it sounds like, you know, have you ever seen Eric Weinstein talk about Jeffrey Epstein, like, this first time you met him? What did he say that he was charismatic?

and I'm glad too because it sounds like, you know, have you ever seen Eric Weinstein talk about Jeffrey Epstein, like, this first time you met him? What did he say that he was charismatic?

53:51

Well, no. He's like the hair on my neck stood up immediately. He's like Got it. It didn't add up. Like, you know, where did this guy, you know, how have I never heard of this guy? Where did he get his wealth? How did he create this hedge fund? How is he splashing cash around like this? How does it why does nobody know him from, like, before a certain time? And he's, like, he's, like, Jeffrey I've seen was a government construct. Like, he was basically a a government, you know,

Well, no. He's like the hair on my neck stood up immediately. He's like Got it. It didn't add up. Like, you know, where did this guy, you know, how have I never heard of this guy? Where did he get his wealth? How did he create this hedge fund? How is he splashing cash around like this? How does it why does nobody know him from, like, before a certain time? And he's, like, he's, like, Jeffrey I've seen was a government construct. Like, he was basically a a government, you know,

54:13

created,

created,

54:14

entity that was meant to, you know, ultimately, like, get, you know, compromise, like, you know, blackmail on a whole bunch of rich successful people And that's what he goes around talking about on podcast.

entity that was meant to, you know, ultimately, like, get, you know, compromise, like, you know, blackmail on a whole bunch of rich successful people And that's what he goes around talking about on podcast.

54:26

I don't know this guy at all, but it just reminded me of, of of that, like, the the mystery of, like, who is this person?

I don't know this guy at all, but it just reminded me of, of of that, like, the the mystery of, like, who is this person?

54:33

How how does this all add up? Like, we're okay. You your mom left you ten million bucks, but then how did you become such a big shareholder and all these things? Like, that's not a a big starting amount of capital to be able to,

How how does this all add up? Like, we're okay. You your mom left you ten million bucks, but then how did you become such a big shareholder and all these things? Like, that's not a a big starting amount of capital to be able to,

54:44

to accumulate big stakes and things. It's also interesting that, like, you know, he he was one way that he came back

to accumulate big stakes and things. It's also interesting that, like, you know, he he was one way that he came back

54:50

years later as, like, a totally different guy with a totally different personality in a in a different persona. Dude, the New York Times said he's the single largest shareholder of Time Warner, which,

years later as, like, a totally different guy with a totally different personality in a in a different persona. Dude, the New York Times said he's the single largest shareholder of Time Warner, which,

54:59

is a big deal. That's that's

is a big deal. That's that's

55:01

billions of dollars.

billions of dollars.

55:03

And it's amazing that in today's age that you can't find out this guy's background.

And it's amazing that in today's age that you can't find out this guy's background.

55:08

No one really knows. No one talks about it. Look at this picture I put into,

No one really knows. No one talks about it. Look at this picture I put into,

55:12

at the doc. It's him at the Alan and co conference.

at the doc. It's him at the Alan and co conference.

55:17

Riding a bike

Riding a bike

55:18

while the two people he's talking to are walking?

while the two people he's talking to are walking?

55:21

Yeah. And he's, like, dick That's not even possible, dude. You gonna ride a bike and then how are people gonna walk and talk next to you? You can't even

Yeah. And he's, like, dick That's not even possible, dude. You gonna ride a bike and then how are people gonna walk and talk next to you? You can't even

55:28

I've tried that. You can't ride slow enough where they could do that, and they can't walk fast enough for you to do this. This just added to the allure to me in a way that nobody else will really understand.

I've tried that. You can't ride slow enough where they could do that, and they can't walk fast enough for you to do this. This just added to the allure to me in a way that nobody else will really understand.

55:38

This is impossible.

This is impossible.

55:39

He is defying physics to be able to socialize. Like, that's And you see him with literally the most powerful people on earth, and he is always talking with his hands flailing. Yeah. He's gesturing, like, crazy and all these pictures. And and the people who are the most powerful people on earth are are leaning in, listening. There's a fit photo of Tim Cook stroking his chin, leaning in, like, Oh, what's your opinion on this? And he's just engaged them wildly.

He is defying physics to be able to socialize. Like, that's And you see him with literally the most powerful people on earth, and he is always talking with his hands flailing. Yeah. He's gesturing, like, crazy and all these pictures. And and the people who are the most powerful people on earth are are leaning in, listening. There's a fit photo of Tim Cook stroking his chin, leaning in, like, Oh, what's your opinion on this? And he's just engaged them wildly.

56:05

And so this guy, like, he is, like, somehow in the ear of the most powerful people on earth But no one knows who he is. I think it's hilarious that we ended this list with a guy that we basically know nothing about. No one knows anything about. May not actually be an interested guy. And we're also massively reading into these signals of, like, from these, like, random photos where we're, like, look at the way that lean is happening. Oh, he must be charismatic or, like, I'm, like, look at this bike look at how he's biking while other people are walking. How can he even do that? Wow. This guy is is fantastic.

And so this guy, like, he is, like, somehow in the ear of the most powerful people on earth But no one knows who he is. I think it's hilarious that we ended this list with a guy that we basically know nothing about. No one knows anything about. May not actually be an interested guy. And we're also massively reading into these signals of, like, from these, like, random photos where we're, like, look at the way that lean is happening. Oh, he must be charismatic or, like, I'm, like, look at this bike look at how he's biking while other people are walking. How can he even do that? Wow. This guy is is fantastic.

56:36

I mean, we have so little to go on. We are grasping for straws on this week, but grass big. He's I'm grass big. You're grass big too. There's something here about there's something here person. I need someone to message me information about him. Surely people in our audience know who this person is.

I mean, we have so little to go on. We are grasping for straws on this week, but grass big. He's I'm grass big. You're grass big too. There's something here about there's something here person. I need someone to message me information about him. Surely people in our audience know who this person is.

56:52

I did that on a t shirt, by the way. I'm not grasping. You're grasping.

I did that on a t shirt, by the way. I'm not grasping. You're grasping.

56:57

That's our version of, like, you can't triple stamp a double stamp.

That's our version of, like, you can't triple stamp a double stamp.

57:02

Alright. Well, that's that's the list. I think the real list, here is basically that these are the

Alright. Well, that's that's the list. I think the real list, here is basically that these are the

57:08

most interesting billionaires you've never heard of.

most interesting billionaires you've never heard of.

57:11

That's right. That's where we've I agree. I agree with that. Alright. That's the pod.

That's right. That's where we've I agree. I agree with that. Alright. That's the pod.

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