00:00

This is such a good idea, by the way. This is a

This is such a good idea, by the way. This is a

00:03

phenomenal idea. This is a ten out of ten opportunity.

phenomenal idea. This is a ten out of ten opportunity.

00:06

And,

And,

00:08

He pitched me to invest. Why have I not invested in this, please?

He pitched me to invest. Why have I not invested in this, please?

00:19

Alright. What's up? We got a banger. We got a doozy. We got a we got a two man trio here. And, it's just me and Sam, no guest today.

Alright. What's up? We got a banger. We got a doozy. We got a we got a two man trio here. And, it's just me and Sam, no guest today.

00:28

Sam, what's up?

Sam, what's up?

00:30

Nothing. I've liked having guests actually. Normally, I hate it. Lately, I've enjoyed it. What's the difference? So we should do more.

Nothing. I've liked having guests actually. Normally, I hate it. Lately, I've enjoyed it. What's the difference? So we should do more.

00:36

I like the people we've chatted with. It's been better. Yeah. Not like those other crusty guests in the past.

I like the people we've chatted with. It's been better. Yeah. Not like those other crusty guests in the past.

00:44

I have got a meaty topic. It looks like I don't know if you have meaty ones, but you have four good ones, but they're smaller. Is that right? I'm gonna tell you about a business that I think is kinda interesting. Ben, Ben put this on my radar.

I have got a meaty topic. It looks like I don't know if you have meaty ones, but you have four good ones, but they're smaller. Is that right? I'm gonna tell you about a business that I think is kinda interesting. Ben, Ben put this on my radar.

00:56

Yesterday, he goes he goes, dude, your sister should open a Play Street a play street. I was like, what the hell is a play street? So I'm looking up. Have you ever heard of this thing, play street museum, part probably not. You're not. You don't have little kids, but

Yesterday, he goes he goes, dude, your sister should open a Play Street a play street. I was like, what the hell is a play street? So I'm looking up. Have you ever heard of this thing, play street museum, part probably not. You're not. You don't have little kids, but

01:08

basically

basically

01:09

imagine,

imagine,

01:10

like,

like,

01:12

a

a

01:13

good for you version of chuck e cheese.

good for you version of chuck e cheese.

01:15

Let's start with that as the as the analogy. So, like, Chucky Jeez is, you know,

Let's start with that as the as the analogy. So, like, Chucky Jeez is, you know,

01:22

it's like because I heard in the studio, like,

it's like because I heard in the studio, like,

01:26

come eat wrap pizza at my child casino.

come eat wrap pizza at my child casino.

01:30

So

So

01:33

Dude, my parents used to say the there I I always thought the chuck of cheese near my house had burnt down, but they just say, no, it burnt down. We can't go anymore. It it it it drove by there when I got a license, and it wasn't burned down. I just thought it had burned down.

Dude, my parents used to say the there I I always thought the chuck of cheese near my house had burnt down, but they just say, no, it burnt down. We can't go anymore. It it it it drove by there when I got a license, and it wasn't burned down. I just thought it had burned down.

01:48

That was their excuse.

That was their excuse.

01:50

They said it burnt down.

They said it burnt down.

01:52

Sixteen years old are just slamming the drive the driving the steering wheel. Just like, goddamn it. It's bigger than the whole car. It's like,

Sixteen years old are just slamming the drive the driving the steering wheel. Just like, goddamn it. It's bigger than the whole car. It's like,

02:00

like one of those facts, your parents tell you when you're five and you just believe it to be true. Like -- Totally. -- you know, I think I told my I told you my my father one time said, real men don't drink with straws, but he was referring to, like, a jack and So, like, for years, I was, like, oh, we don't we're not a lot of Jacob Shaw's.

like one of those facts, your parents tell you when you're five and you just believe it to be true. Like -- Totally. -- you know, I think I told my I told you my my father one time said, real men don't drink with straws, but he was referring to, like, a jack and So, like, for years, I was, like, oh, we don't we're not a lot of Jacob Shaw's.

02:14

It's, like, the chuck and cheese. It's the chuck and cheese on chippewa are burke down. You know, it says not there anymore. I took you cheese on what?

It's, like, the chuck and cheese. It's the chuck and cheese on chippewa are burke down. You know, it says not there anymore. I took you cheese on what?

02:22

That was the street. Chipoa.

That was the street. Chipoa.

02:26

Too good. Alright. So so this thing play street is basically you go there. It's a nice clean play. It's like the, like, a dream playroom your kids. So it's like they got a giant train set. They have some learning games. They got, like, you know, the floors all it's like child safe. And you basically pay fifth Beautifully done. Fifteen bucks. Beautifully done. And you get to play for an hour and a half or something like that. And so Ben goes, yeah, I've been going to this place, and I that, basically, the one near me at least, he goes, I think they're doing fifty grand a month. I go fifty grand a month. That's kind of a lot. And he goes, yeah. He goes, they basically they have, and I forgot the exact numbers, but it's, like, seven sessions a day. It's fifteen dollars each.

Too good. Alright. So so this thing play street is basically you go there. It's a nice clean play. It's like the, like, a dream playroom your kids. So it's like they got a giant train set. They have some learning games. They got, like, you know, the floors all it's like child safe. And you basically pay fifth Beautifully done. Fifteen bucks. Beautifully done. And you get to play for an hour and a half or something like that. And so Ben goes, yeah, I've been going to this place, and I that, basically, the one near me at least, he goes, I think they're doing fifty grand a month. I go fifty grand a month. That's kind of a lot. And he goes, yeah. He goes, they basically they have, and I forgot the exact numbers, but it's, like, seven sessions a day. It's fifteen dollars each.

03:03

Are,

Are,

03:04

and you have twenty five kids, I think, in the in the thing at once.

and you have twenty five kids, I think, in the in the thing at once.

03:09

And he goes, they're basically seventy five percent full in these session. You kinda do the math. Like, alright. That gets you kinda like the forty k. Plus, you can host your kid's birthday parties there in the nights and weekends. And so some people do that. He's like, I think they're probably, you know, an extra eight to ten k of of of sort of event revenue,

And he goes, they're basically seventy five percent full in these session. You kinda do the math. Like, alright. That gets you kinda like the forty k. Plus, you can host your kid's birthday parties there in the nights and weekends. And so some people do that. He's like, I think they're probably, you know, an extra eight to ten k of of of sort of event revenue,

03:24

per month.

per month.

03:25

And then if you look at the cost, you know, you got your rent. It's probably, like, you know, five k, and you have, you, you know, you have your staff, your teach you know, you're sort of, like, your your supervisors or whatever that are, like, overseeing the the play space and, like, resetting it, re cleaning it in between sessions.

And then if you look at the cost, you know, you got your rent. It's probably, like, you know, five k, and you have, you, you know, you have your staff, your teach you know, you're sort of, like, your your supervisors or whatever that are, like, overseeing the the play space and, like, resetting it, re cleaning it in between sessions.

03:39

I think I'm pretty sure this thing is, like, netting,

I think I'm pretty sure this thing is, like, netting,

03:42

something like thirty k a month,

something like thirty k a month,

03:44

in profit, maybe twenty five k a month in profit. And And they have tons of these locations. Yeah. So so it turns out they're franchising or something like that. I don't know if these numbers are true, by the way. This is, like, complete guess work on my side. But I wouldn't be surprised. My sister owns,

in profit, maybe twenty five k a month in profit. And And they have tons of these locations. Yeah. So so it turns out they're franchising or something like that. I don't know if these numbers are true, by the way. This is, like, complete guess work on my side. But I wouldn't be surprised. My sister owns,

03:58

some preschools

some preschools

03:59

in San Francisco, and the numbers are somewhat similar. Now that's different. That's, you know, they pay, you know, a lot more, but for for, you know, regular schooling.

in San Francisco, and the numbers are somewhat similar. Now that's different. That's, you know, they pay, you know, a lot more, but for for, you know, regular schooling.

04:07

But it's interesting to me that these play spaces can,

But it's interesting to me that these play spaces can,

04:11

can do so well. And it's, like, it's weather proof. It's, like, you know, you did, like, I know with me. Like, we go to Target three times a week. You might ask yourself, Sean. What do you what do you need from Target so much? Don't you know, you can order online? And what I tell you is, this is,

can do so well. And it's, like, it's weather proof. It's, like, you know, you did, like, I know with me. Like, we go to Target three times a week. You might ask yourself, Sean. What do you what do you need from Target so much? Don't you know, you can order online? And what I tell you is, this is,

04:25

this is daycare for me. Like, I I I Sean goes to Target so much that in his home,

this is daycare for me. Like, I I I Sean goes to Target so much that in his home,

04:31

you have this, like, Target,

you have this, like, Target,

04:33

like, a a Target checkout playset and

like, a a Target checkout playset and

04:36

a Target, like, grocery cart that you said you had to, like, find because it was, like, a collector's edition or, like, it was all sold out everywhere. Right? Did you go crazy for this. You had to, like, buy it on eBay and do a big markup. Yeah. Exactly. These target mini grocery carts,

a Target, like, grocery cart that you said you had to, like, find because it was, like, a collector's edition or, like, it was all sold out everywhere. Right? Did you go crazy for this. You had to, like, buy it on eBay and do a big markup. Yeah. Exactly. These target mini grocery carts,

04:51

kids love them because they're they're used to seeing the kids like to do anything they've seen their parents doing. So the whole mini grocery checkout plus plus target cart is, is is, like, in high demand. So

kids love them because they're they're used to seeing the kids like to do anything they've seen their parents doing. So the whole mini grocery checkout plus plus target cart is, is is, like, in high demand. So

05:02

go there often, and I do it because you gotta kill time. It's like, how do I kill ninety minutes?

go there often, and I do it because you gotta kill time. It's like, how do I kill ninety minutes?

05:06

You know, ideally, and I would do something that's, like, enriching to them, you know, worst case scenario, we just go to Starbucks or Target or whatever. And, this would be better. I would gladly pay fifteen bucks for my kids to be able to go play in a place that's not a park, which is, like, weather, weather dependent. So I think these are really cool ideas.

You know, ideally, and I would do something that's, like, enriching to them, you know, worst case scenario, we just go to Starbucks or Target or whatever. And, this would be better. I would gladly pay fifteen bucks for my kids to be able to go play in a place that's not a park, which is, like, weather, weather dependent. So I think these are really cool ideas.

05:22

I think I think this play street thing is a is a cool idea. And I could see this,

I think I think this play street thing is a is a cool idea. And I could see this,

05:27

you know, this franchise doing, like, you know, decently well. Probably not the best franchise in the world, but I think it could do decently well.

you know, this franchise doing, like, you know, decently well. Probably not the best franchise in the world, but I think it could do decently well.

05:33

Where are the locations?

Where are the locations?

05:35

They're, like, Texas.

They're, like, Texas.

05:36

There's, like, not in California, not in New York. It's, like, bunch of, like But what are they? It's, like, it's, like, what kind of, like, aerospace.

There's, like, not in California, not in New York. It's, like, bunch of, like But what are they? It's, like, it's, like, what kind of, like, aerospace.

05:44

So, like, you don't need any food stuff. So you just, you know, it's like a just a blank, like, retail space.

So, like, you don't need any food stuff. So you just, you know, it's like a just a blank, like, retail space.

05:50

Yeah. I mean, their branding's pretty pretty good. It's like Kinda like how escape rooms work. Escape rooms work because -- Right. -- they require no specific real estate that can operate in a very small footprint.

Yeah. I mean, their branding's pretty pretty good. It's like Kinda like how escape rooms work. Escape rooms work because -- Right. -- they require no specific real estate that can operate in a very small footprint.

06:01

And they take, like, two staff to run at any at all day. And so escape rooms actually are, like, you know, fairly fairly good, you know, franchise businesses or they were for a period of time. Now unlike a escape room, which is kinda, like, you don't know if if escape rooms are a fad or if they're gonna be, like, popular three years from now.

And they take, like, two staff to run at any at all day. And so escape rooms actually are, like, you know, fairly fairly good, you know, franchise businesses or they were for a period of time. Now unlike a escape room, which is kinda, like, you don't know if if escape rooms are a fad or if they're gonna be, like, popular three years from now.

06:17

These you kinda know are gonna be popular because this is, like, you know, every parent's got this problem. Alright. Let me tell you about another another thing like this. Another problem you haven't really thought about. This business called two sixty sample sale. You ever heard of this? No.

These you kinda know are gonna be popular because this is, like, you know, every parent's got this problem. Alright. Let me tell you about another another thing like this. Another problem you haven't really thought about. This business called two sixty sample sale. You ever heard of this? No.

06:30

Let me Google it. It's like kind of a cool New York thing. So what what they do is Any e commerce or fashion brand

Let me Google it. It's like kind of a cool New York thing. So what what they do is Any e commerce or fashion brand

06:37

has a ton of, you know, photo samples or product samples that they get from their manufacturer

has a ton of, you know, photo samples or product samples that they get from their manufacturer

06:43

They use them in their photoshoots,

They use them in their photoshoots,

06:45

to create the the, you know, pictures on the website or for advertisements or marketing or whatever. And then those don't live in the warehouse. Like, they live, like, where the photographer is or where their office is.

to create the the, you know, pictures on the website or for advertisements or marketing or whatever. And then those don't live in the warehouse. Like, they live, like, where the photographer is or where their office is.

06:56

And

And

06:58

you just end up piling up boxes and boxes and boxes of photo samples,

you just end up piling up boxes and boxes and boxes of photo samples,

07:03

you know, over time. Because let's say you you you know, most fast brands or apparel brands have, you know, thousands of SKUs.

you know, over time. Because let's say you you you know, most fast brands or apparel brands have, you know, thousands of SKUs.

07:10

For each SKU, you had a sample made before you had the production one made. You didn't just have one sample made. You have each of the sizes made, and because you needed it for the photo shoot,

For each SKU, you had a sample made before you had the production one made. You didn't just have one sample made. You have each of the sizes made, and because you needed it for the photo shoot,

07:19

to be able to show the range or be able to cast different types of of models.

to be able to show the range or be able to cast different types of of models.

07:23

And so what ends up happening is you get a ton of these samples over over the years that you can't really it's like not worth your time to get rid of. And so this business popped up again, like,

And so what ends up happening is you get a ton of these samples over over the years that you can't really it's like not worth your time to get rid of. And so this business popped up again, like,

07:33

you know, the markets are like, you know, water. Water's gonna just float everywhere. There's an empty crevice. There's an empty crevice in this market here for getting rid of these samples. So what they do is two sixty samples notice. Send us your shit brand,

you know, the markets are like, you know, water. Water's gonna just float everywhere. There's an empty crevice. There's an empty crevice in this market here for getting rid of these samples. So what they do is two sixty samples notice. Send us your shit brand,

07:45

and we will host a pop up where we're gonna sell you along with a bunch of other brands.

and we will host a pop up where we're gonna sell you along with a bunch of other brands.

07:51

All at a great markdown. So we have high quality brands at a markdown because these are samples. So you're not, like, training your customer that, like, you know, hey, this is, like, TJ Mac discount or something like that. It's a good story. These are these are samples that you're gonna get,

All at a great markdown. So we have high quality brands at a markdown because these are samples. So you're not, like, training your customer that, like, you know, hey, this is, like, TJ Mac discount or something like that. It's a good story. These are these are samples that you're gonna get,

08:05

for for less. And they'll, like, they'll just give the brand a commission back. They'll say, you know, every time we sell something of yours, you get a small commission. It's better than nothing. It takes it out of your space. How'd you

for for less. And they'll, like, they'll just give the brand a commission back. They'll say, you know, every time we sell something of yours, you get a small commission. It's better than nothing. It takes it out of your space. How'd you

08:15

how'd you find this?

how'd you find this?

08:17

Is totally out of your out of your dude. They're only based in LA, Miami,

Is totally out of your out of your dude. They're only based in LA, Miami,

08:22

New York. And the pictures are like smoking hot women. Right. And then, like,

New York. And the pictures are like smoking hot women. Right. And then, like,

08:27

it looks like, a picture

it looks like, a picture

08:29

of, like, a huge line out of a warehouse in soho. So Hot women and waiting. Those things don't do it. You know, your boy doesn't do it. So,

of, like, a huge line out of a warehouse in soho. So Hot women and waiting. Those things don't do it. You know, your boy doesn't do it. So,

08:38

yeah. None of this checks your box. Yeah. Your boy is so married and so in the house that this is I did not go to this. You're But I'm in the e commerce world. I got my own e commerce brand plus I know and talked to a lot of other e commerce people, and I know about this problem. And so I heard about this solution.

yeah. None of this checks your box. Yeah. Your boy is so married and so in the house that this is I did not go to this. You're But I'm in the e commerce world. I got my own e commerce brand plus I know and talked to a lot of other e commerce people, and I know about this problem. And so I heard about this solution.

08:53

And I think it's very clever. I think it is a smart thing to do. I also think these guys are not that well known, and they're only doing it in certain,

And I think it's very clever. I think it is a smart thing to do. I also think these guys are not that well known, and they're only doing it in certain,

09:03

certain areas, certain locations, and and whatever. I think this could be done many times over. I think I think, like, a a aspiring hustler could do this by vertical. So you could go get a bunch of health and wellness and fitness brands or beauty brands and be like, hey, beauty brands send us your products, and we're gonna we'll have a a a stations where you can demo them and and sample them and then buy them. So I think you could do this for other verticals. I think you can just do this in other places like, hey, if these guys are doing New York in LA, I think that lived their locations are like Beverly Hills in Brooklyn or something.

certain areas, certain locations, and and whatever. I think this could be done many times over. I think I think, like, a a aspiring hustler could do this by vertical. So you could go get a bunch of health and wellness and fitness brands or beauty brands and be like, hey, beauty brands send us your products, and we're gonna we'll have a a a stations where you can demo them and and sample them and then buy them. So I think you could do this for other verticals. I think you can just do this in other places like, hey, if these guys are doing New York in LA, I think that lived their locations are like Beverly Hills in Brooklyn or something.

09:32

Do this in Texas. Do this in, do this in different different parts of the the country. I think you could have,

Do this in Texas. Do this in, do this in different different parts of the the country. I think you could have,

09:39

you know, it's like your own little farmer's market. It's your own flea market that you you get to to stock and run. But you don't have to do it as a full time job. So you could do it with every quarter or twice a year or something like that and still have it be successful. So I thought this is a cool Have you

you know, it's like your own little farmer's market. It's your own flea market that you you get to to stock and run. But you don't have to do it as a full time job. So you could do it with every quarter or twice a year or something like that and still have it be successful. So I thought this is a cool Have you

09:55

Do you know Kingsford charcoal? You you've you've seen it. It's like the most popular charcoal. Like, the blue do do you know how that was created think it's a byproduct of something else. Right? What what was it? A byproduct of? Wood?

Do you know Kingsford charcoal? You you've you've seen it. It's like the most popular charcoal. Like, the blue do do you know how that was created think it's a byproduct of something else. Right? What what was it? A byproduct of? Wood?

10:07

Ford. So Ford,

Ford. So Ford,

10:09

when when when Ford was in cars. They had to, like, you know, have all these furnaces, making metal. And they took, like, the leftover char, and they're like, what should we do this? And so they pushed it together and compact it really tight. And that's how charcoal came to be. And that's, like, a byproduct business. And I love byproduct stuff. You know, it's kind of, like, it's tangentially, it's kissing cousins with, like, the sharing economy.

when when when Ford was in cars. They had to, like, you know, have all these furnaces, making metal. And they took, like, the leftover char, and they're like, what should we do this? And so they pushed it together and compact it really tight. And that's how charcoal came to be. And that's, like, a byproduct business. And I love byproduct stuff. You know, it's kind of, like, it's tangentially, it's kissing cousins with, like, the sharing economy.

10:30

I love that stuff. I love byproduct stuff, and this is one of those that's awesome. This is actually quite cool. Their website is really challenging to use. Which is, I think, actually, a good sign. Because I can't tell, like, apparently, they do sell stuff online.

I love that stuff. I love byproduct stuff, and this is one of those that's awesome. This is actually quite cool. Their website is really challenging to use. Which is, I think, actually, a good sign. Because I can't tell, like, apparently, they do sell stuff online.

10:44

But it's mostly but one thing I do hate whenever I go to New York,

But it's mostly but one thing I do hate whenever I go to New York,

10:48

Dude, seeing people wait in line to buy, like, supreme clothing.

Dude, seeing people wait in line to buy, like, supreme clothing.

10:53

Like, just press yourself. Put the gun in my mouth, man. Like, I've never doing that. I'm not doing that. I'm not gonna wait in line and spend my valuable time to purchase a thousand dollar, like, thing that should Only thing worse than that is bottle service at a club. It's, like,

Like, just press yourself. Put the gun in my mouth, man. Like, I've never doing that. I'm not doing that. I'm not gonna wait in line and spend my valuable time to purchase a thousand dollar, like, thing that should Only thing worse than that is bottle service at a club. It's, like,

11:08

the guys who were paying, you know, seven thousand dollars for a table to and paying a thousand dollars per bottle that they could literally walk across the street by for forty dollars. It's,

the guys who were paying, you know, seven thousand dollars for a table to and paying a thousand dollars per bottle that they could literally walk across the street by for forty dollars. It's,

11:19

It's literally the spike tax. It's like, oh, you're a chump. Come to this line. Please. Please. Please. Please. Yeah. Here. Come right ahead. You come right ahead. You you through the chump line? I'm not a man of god, but when Jesus made, like, the list of seven deadly sins, the example of debauchery and gluttony was people waiting in line five hours to go to a supreme store. I mean, like, whatever, like, I see that stuff, I'm, like, this is the worst form of consumers, and I cannot stand this. I so I they have these pictures here, and it turns me off. But I

It's literally the spike tax. It's like, oh, you're a chump. Come to this line. Please. Please. Please. Please. Yeah. Here. Come right ahead. You come right ahead. You you through the chump line? I'm not a man of god, but when Jesus made, like, the list of seven deadly sins, the example of debauchery and gluttony was people waiting in line five hours to go to a supreme store. I mean, like, whatever, like, I see that stuff, I'm, like, this is the worst form of consumers, and I cannot stand this. I so I they have these pictures here, and it turns me off. But I

11:54

would maybe buy this online, but I ain't standing in line. I'm not standing in line with a bunch of these people to buy this stuff. I can't stand that. Whenever I see that, it makes me wanna, like, throw away everything and go live now. Alright. Here's an idea you're gonna like more.

would maybe buy this online, but I ain't standing in line. I'm not standing in line with a bunch of these people to buy this stuff. I can't stand that. Whenever I see that, it makes me wanna, like, throw away everything and go live now. Alright. Here's an idea you're gonna like more.

12:07

Host chair.

Host chair.

12:08

So got a DM from a guy named Michael Fish, And he shows me this thing called host share dot co.

So got a DM from a guy named Michael Fish, And he shows me this thing called host share dot co.

12:15

And he goes, here's the here's here's here's the situation.

And he goes, here's the here's here's here's the situation.

12:18

You have a short term rental.

You have a short term rental.

12:19

A property.

A property.

12:21

Yeah, shout it out so people can go stay at marathon ranch dot com. Marathon Ranch. Marathon Ranch Is it dot com? Yeah. Or dot co. I don't know. Yeah. Dot com. Marathon Ranch Sam comes by, has dinner with you. It gives you massage. It's fantastic. So,

Yeah, shout it out so people can go stay at marathon ranch dot com. Marathon Ranch. Marathon Ranch Is it dot com? Yeah. Or dot co. I don't know. Yeah. Dot com. Marathon Ranch Sam comes by, has dinner with you. It gives you massage. It's fantastic. So,

12:34

you

you

12:35

don't have a hundred percent occupancy. Right? You have some nights that are unused. Is that correct?

don't have a hundred percent occupancy. Right? You have some nights that are unused. Is that correct?

12:41

A sixty percent occupancy rate is is a profitable month. So you got let's say forty percent That's unused nights. What you doing with those nights? This is the sharing economy, bro. What you doing with those nights? Sitting there. Michael Fisk has an answer for you. His answer is trade your unused nights with other hosts who have unused nights. You stay for free there. They stay for free in your place.

A sixty percent occupancy rate is is a profitable month. So you got let's say forty percent That's unused nights. What you doing with those nights? This is the sharing economy, bro. What you doing with those nights? Sitting there. Michael Fisk has an answer for you. His answer is trade your unused nights with other hosts who have unused nights. You stay for free there. They stay for free in your place.

13:03

And,

And,

13:04

I think this is a really smart idea. I don't know how many hosts oh, let's Google this. How many

I think this is a really smart idea. I don't know how many hosts oh, let's Google this. How many

13:09

hosts on Airbnb. I don't know how many properties they have or how many hosts. Four million. Okay. So you have a market of four million hosts

hosts on Airbnb. I don't know how many properties they have or how many hosts. Four million. Okay. So you have a market of four million hosts

13:16

that you could make a inter host,

that you could make a inter host,

13:20

like, network, basically, where you say, hey, if you're a host, you get to travel for free. So you get to I I know I don't know how they make things equal. So, like, if your property is way more dope than somebody else's, I don't know how you make that, that trade,

like, network, basically, where you say, hey, if you're a host, you get to travel for free. So you get to I I know I don't know how they make things equal. So, like, if your property is way more dope than somebody else's, I don't know how you make that, that trade,

13:34

then, okay, how do you normalize the values across properties? We calculate how many shared nights you would be staying in in exchange for twenty one in exchange for the twenty one days of travel per year. The formula established a higher value property share less nights, lower value property share more nights. So for instance, if your average night is five hundred dollars, you'll share approximately fifteen nights of the year. Whereas if you're a hundred dollars, you gotta share forty five nights in a year. Take to the same minimum. That's great. So, like, what's your property per night per night right now?

then, okay, how do you normalize the values across properties? We calculate how many shared nights you would be staying in in exchange for twenty one in exchange for the twenty one days of travel per year. The formula established a higher value property share less nights, lower value property share more nights. So for instance, if your average night is five hundred dollars, you'll share approximately fifteen nights of the year. Whereas if you're a hundred dollars, you gotta share forty five nights in a year. Take to the same minimum. That's great. So, like, what's your property per night per night right now?

14:01

Seven hundred dollars. Seven hundred dollars. You're gonna basically what they'll say is, hey.

Seven hundred dollars. Seven hundred dollars. You're gonna basically what they'll say is, hey.

14:06

Make your thing open for twelve days out of the year.

Make your thing open for twelve days out of the year.

14:10

And then in exchange, you get twenty one days free booking in this network. Would you take that deal? That's

And then in exchange, you get twenty one days free booking in this network. Would you take that deal? That's

14:16

yeah. In fact, I do. So go to live

yeah. In fact, I do. So go to live

14:19

live kindred dot com. So it's kindred, k I n d r e d, and then live.

live kindred dot com. So it's kindred, k I n d r e d, and then live.

14:27

I use this service. So my dream situation is I wanna find, like, another couple that has, like, similar

I use this service. So my dream situation is I wanna find, like, another couple that has, like, similar

14:34

style or, like, once as I do that it lives in New York, and they wanna be in Austin, and we could just swap. And I've not found a good solution for that. But There's this thing called lit live kindred kindred that I do that I have used, where someone will stay at my home when I'm not there, and then I get credits for the marketplace, and then, like, I'm gonna go to Taos, New Mexico. Like, I have, like, eight credits because someone stayed at my house for eight nights. And I know that so I'm gonna go and stay somewhere else for free. And it's actually pretty cool. I wish that it was just like a direct swap. So I could do six months here. We could have swaps for six months for six months But I've been using services like these. I actually think that I don't think I'm not bold enough to say, like, this is the future, but I think that, like, You know, there are a lot of people like me who do split time. Dude finding a place for those split, like, when you split time, it's really challenging. I'm always looking for a good solution.

style or, like, once as I do that it lives in New York, and they wanna be in Austin, and we could just swap. And I've not found a good solution for that. But There's this thing called lit live kindred kindred that I do that I have used, where someone will stay at my home when I'm not there, and then I get credits for the marketplace, and then, like, I'm gonna go to Taos, New Mexico. Like, I have, like, eight credits because someone stayed at my house for eight nights. And I know that so I'm gonna go and stay somewhere else for free. And it's actually pretty cool. I wish that it was just like a direct swap. So I could do six months here. We could have swaps for six months for six months But I've been using services like these. I actually think that I don't think I'm not bold enough to say, like, this is the future, but I think that, like, You know, there are a lot of people like me who do split time. Dude finding a place for those split, like, when you split time, it's really challenging. I'm always looking for a good solution.

15:27

Yeah. That's,

Yeah. That's,

15:29

that's good. I I didn't know that something like this exists. So with this, do you It's hard. And and I think they raised money by from injuries Yeah. You give up your space. Is that right? So you give up you put your space in the network, but you still have to pay or you it's free?

that's good. I I didn't know that something like this exists. So with this, do you It's hard. And and I think they raised money by from injuries Yeah. You give up your space. Is that right? So you give up you put your space in the network, but you still have to pay or you it's free?

15:42

I there's some type of service fee. Frankly, I don't think it's a good business.

I there's some type of service fee. Frankly, I don't think it's a good business.

15:46

I don't understand how they make money. And what because what when I signed when I signed up for it, I was like, I'm getting a lot of value. I'm not spending a lot of value. I don't know how you guys are doing this. So, like, that's like a VC subsidy right now. You're getting that entries in horror ways. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Value change.

I don't understand how they make money. And what because what when I signed when I signed up for it, I was like, I'm getting a lot of value. I'm not spending a lot of value. I don't know how you guys are doing this. So, like, that's like a VC subsidy right now. You're getting that entries in horror ways. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Value change.

16:02

Yeah. So, like, we're trying to use our credits quickly because I think I don't know if they're gonna stay in business or not because I don't I don't understand how it works. But It is awesome. If it's awesome if it does work.

Yeah. So, like, we're trying to use our credits quickly because I think I don't know if they're gonna stay in business or not because I don't I don't understand how it works. But It is awesome. If it's awesome if it does work.

16:13

That's hilarious.

That's hilarious.

16:15

So, yeah, I like these types of businesses. We're we're or that solve this problem. Is Hostshare populist? That's why I think it's brand new. I think the guy just created it. Yeah. If you could pull it off, it's pretty amazing. It's a smart model. I think it's hard to pull off. Cause, like, I don't understand how host share makes money. I think they have to charge a flat membership. So I think they have to basically say it's five hundred dollars or a thousand dollars a year to be in the network. And,

So, yeah, I like these types of businesses. We're we're or that solve this problem. Is Hostshare populist? That's why I think it's brand new. I think the guy just created it. Yeah. If you could pull it off, it's pretty amazing. It's a smart model. I think it's hard to pull off. Cause, like, I don't understand how host share makes money. I think they have to charge a flat membership. So I think they have to basically say it's five hundred dollars or a thousand dollars a year to be in the network. And,

16:39

you know, you only pay if you use more than five nights or something like that. Make it a make it a fair trade. And, you know, I think I I think, basically, then they they're trying to get a subscription. Right? So they're trying to say, can I get

you know, you only pay if you use more than five nights or something like that. Make it a make it a fair trade. And, you know, I think I I think, basically, then they they're trying to get a subscription. Right? So they're trying to say, can I get

16:52

fifty thousand people to pay us a thousand dollars a year?

fifty thousand people to pay us a thousand dollars a year?

16:56

On this subscription.

On this subscription.

16:57

There's a few things like that. I forget what the big one is called, but there's they there's things, like, for luxury rentals where I'm almost certain that they just partnered with hotels where you pay, like, five grand a year. Do you know what I'm talking about? Is it called Avanta? Yeah. I don't know the name of it, but I know what you're talking about. It's like you get access to this, like, your name for boutique hotels.

There's a few things like that. I forget what the big one is called, but there's they there's things, like, for luxury rentals where I'm almost certain that they just partnered with hotels where you pay, like, five grand a year. Do you know what I'm talking about? Is it called Avanta? Yeah. I don't know the name of it, but I know what you're talking about. It's like you get access to this, like, your name for boutique hotels.

17:15

Yeah. And I've looked into them when I originally saw it, I didn't have enough money. Like, I I wasn't in the spot that I could do it. And so I've been looking for things like this. I I actually I really like these businesses. There's one there's this company called, the NerdWallet of England. I forget what it was called. It's called a money market swap. Oh, yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. And I've looked into them when I originally saw it, I didn't have enough money. Like, I I wasn't in the spot that I could do it. And so I've been looking for things like this. I I actually I really like these businesses. There's one there's this company called, the NerdWallet of England. I forget what it was called. It's called a money market swap. Oh, yeah. Yeah.

17:33

There's a guy named Simon who started it. And so, basically, he started like the NerdWallet. He started in a blog that compared, like, mortgage rates and things like that. And if you bought one, got a mortgage through him, you got affiliate fee. It's, I think it's called Super Money Market is what it's called. It's publicly traded in England. Anyway, the guy sold all of his shares after he took a public twenty years later,

There's a guy named Simon who started it. And so, basically, he started like the NerdWallet. He started in a blog that compared, like, mortgage rates and things like that. And if you bought one, got a mortgage through him, you got affiliate fee. It's, I think it's called Super Money Market is what it's called. It's publicly traded in England. Anyway, the guy sold all of his shares after he took a public twenty years later,

17:50

And he now owns this thing called, like, Simon's Resorts. And so it's this rich guy who went and bought, like, fifty resort or fifty, like, really nice how homes around the world. And I actually don't know. They they frame it up, like, this is his personal stuff, and you could just use it when he's not there. But it's actually pretty cool. And so I love these types of things, because I think they're just neat to, like, buy all this shit and share it with everyone. I think it's really cool. Yeah. I like that. Because here's a little random experiment I'm gonna do. So

And he now owns this thing called, like, Simon's Resorts. And so it's this rich guy who went and bought, like, fifty resort or fifty, like, really nice how homes around the world. And I actually don't know. They they frame it up, like, this is his personal stuff, and you could just use it when he's not there. But it's actually pretty cool. And so I love these types of things, because I think they're just neat to, like, buy all this shit and share it with everyone. I think it's really cool. Yeah. I like that. Because here's a little random experiment I'm gonna do. So

18:17

I wanna make for this Christmas season

I wanna make for this Christmas season

18:19

a deep fake Santa.

a deep fake Santa.

18:21

So, basically, you're gonna be able to come on the site and pay

So, basically, you're gonna be able to come on the site and pay

18:25

thirty five dollars and you,

thirty five dollars and you,

18:29

and you type in your message, you could say, hey, wish my daughter, Jessica,

and you type in your message, you could say, hey, wish my daughter, Jessica,

18:33

Merry Christmas, tell her, great job with the soccer

Merry Christmas, tell her, great job with the soccer

18:36

thing and,

thing and,

18:38

be nice to her brother.

be nice to her brother.

18:41

Big sports, Hannah.

Big sports, Hannah.

18:43

Great legs and

Great legs and

18:45

soccer.

soccer.

18:47

And so you you'll be able to type in that message. And then

And so you you'll be able to type in that message. And then

18:50

it'll basically create a video that Santa's saying this to you. So what I'm gonna do is I'm gonna try this thing that replt has. So replt has this new thing where you could basically buy

it'll basically create a video that Santa's saying this to you. So what I'm gonna do is I'm gonna try this thing that replt has. So replt has this new thing where you could basically buy

19:00

developer cycles. Have you seen this?

developer cycles. Have you seen this?

19:04

No. But So you can go so let's say you need something built, you can basically just go and buy

No. But So you can go so let's say you need something built, you can basically just go and buy

19:10

You could put up a bounty. So you're like, alright. I want somebody to build me this deep fake Santa. It's gotta do a, b, and c. And he put up a bounty, he put up some put up the dollars, and then people will just build it for you. And,

You could put up a bounty. So you're like, alright. I want somebody to build me this deep fake Santa. It's gotta do a, b, and c. And he put up a bounty, he put up some put up the dollars, and then people will just build it for you. And,

19:22

you can you basically have an award. So it's kinda like a,

you can you basically have an award. So it's kinda like a,

19:26

like, ninety nine design

like, ninety nine design

19:28

code. Yeah. Exactly.

code. Yeah. Exactly.

19:30

And and you do it in their currency, which is called cycles. And so they kinda help you estimate, like, roughly how many how many cycles should this be for this to to to work out? But I haven't used it yet. I really wanna try this bounty thing. I think it's great because So you're gonna,

And and you do it in their currency, which is called cycles. And so they kinda help you estimate, like, roughly how many how many cycles should this be for this to to to work out? But I haven't used it yet. I really wanna try this bounty thing. I think it's great because So you're gonna,

19:43

you're gonna pull an Emerson. You're gonna,

you're gonna pull an Emerson. You're gonna,

19:45

You're gonna be this smart guy who just doesn't money grab?

You're gonna be this smart guy who just doesn't money grab?

19:49

No. I'm gonna bring I'm gonna pull, Justin Mayer. I'm gonna bring the joy.

No. I'm gonna bring I'm gonna pull, Justin Mayer. I'm gonna bring the joy.

19:53

Of a Christmas of of belief, really, of the belief in magic.

Of a Christmas of of belief, really, of the belief in magic.

19:57

To millions of kids around the world this Christmas. What are what are you doing for the children this year, Sam?

To millions of kids around the world this Christmas. What are what are you doing for the children this year, Sam?

20:03

Is that your is you're gonna do the Justin Mayor's pitch? Like

Is that your is you're gonna do the Justin Mayor's pitch? Like

20:06

so we had a problem. We wanted to break joy to children.

so we had a problem. We wanted to break joy to children.

20:10

But, like,

But, like,

20:11

we thought, what better way to do that? That a fifty dollar character world full of war and divisiveness?

we thought, what better way to do that? That a fifty dollar character world full of war and divisiveness?

20:17

Joy is all we have left. It is what they called the last refuge.

Joy is all we have left. It is what they called the last refuge.

20:21

And

And

20:22

people say that magic is magic, but the magic is getting people to believe the magic. And how do you get people to believe using deep fake technology? And that's what we

people say that magic is magic, but the magic is getting people to believe the magic. And how do you get people to believe using deep fake technology? And that's what we

20:32

How do you get people to to believe in

How do you get people to to believe in

20:36

you lie?

you lie?

20:37

We're gonna we're gonna create a fake cartoon about a fake person. We're gonna charge real money, and it's gonna be a fantastic result.

We're gonna we're gonna create a fake cartoon about a fake person. We're gonna charge real money, and it's gonna be a fantastic result.

20:47

Are you really gonna do this? Yeah. Because I really wanna try this, boundy thing. Oh, I wanna play with this. I think this could be What's the URL gonna be?

Are you really gonna do this? Yeah. Because I really wanna try this, boundy thing. Oh, I wanna play with this. I think this could be What's the URL gonna be?

20:55

I think it's gonna be called Santa's real,

I think it's gonna be called Santa's real,

20:58

you know, dot org.

you know, dot org.

20:59

Give it a dot org.

Give it a dot org.

21:03

Let's make all of our businesses dot org just so we could, like Just so we can be prepared to other people.

Let's make all of our businesses dot org just so we could, like Just so we can be prepared to other people.

21:13

For a long time, I wanted to make my businesses dot net. So people would think that I've been around for a long time. But Now your personal website has to be a dot net. And then your business should be dot org.

For a long time, I wanted to make my businesses dot net. So people would think that I've been around for a long time. But Now your personal website has to be a dot net. And then your business should be dot org.

21:24

Yeah. But dot org is way better. I'm gonna do a dot org. That's way better than that stupid ass x y z crypto bullshit. I wonder dot org.

Yeah. But dot org is way better. I'm gonna do a dot org. That's way better than that stupid ass x y z crypto bullshit. I wonder dot org.

21:32

Is that what they are or like dot a I dot I o. If you have a dot I o, a I'm not into it. I want a dot org.

Is that what they are or like dot a I dot I o. If you have a dot I o, a I'm not into it. I want a dot org.

21:39

We are a for profit dot org. It's fantastic.

We are a for profit dot org. It's fantastic.

21:43

Is that what dot org means? It's a nonprofit. You have to be a nonprofit for to get a dot org.

Is that what dot org means? It's a nonprofit. You have to be a nonprofit for to get a dot org.

21:48

But who makes that decision? Is there, like, a governing body? I think you have to, like, present your EIN for your five zero one three c or something like that. I have no idea. I've never done this to be clear. I've always been firmly in the dot com camp But I'm ready to, I made my nut, and I'm ready to go and get get my dot org on for the rest of my life.

But who makes that decision? Is there, like, a governing body? I think you have to, like, present your EIN for your five zero one three c or something like that. I have no idea. I've never done this to be clear. I've always been firmly in the dot com camp But I'm ready to, I made my nut, and I'm ready to go and get get my dot org on for the rest of my life.

22:09

That's like,

That's like,

22:11

on stage Andrew were or backstage, we were like, so what are you doing? And he used the p word. I know. Felanthropy. Slanted us with the philanthropy.

on stage Andrew were or backstage, we were like, so what are you doing? And he used the p word. I know. Felanthropy. Slanted us with the philanthropy.

22:19

Yeah. It's like, dude.

Yeah. It's like, dude.

22:21

If you don't say that word around me, don't say philanthropy.

If you don't say that word around me, don't say philanthropy.

22:24

Don't flex with me, bro. And,

Don't flex with me, bro. And,

22:26

so now instead of philanthropy, it's dot orgs. If you know what I'm

so now instead of philanthropy, it's dot orgs. If you know what I'm

22:34

a Wilkinson.

a Wilkinson.

22:35

Dot org. Go ahead and email me there.

Dot org. Go ahead and email me there.

22:39

I can't find this client info. Have you heard of HubSpot?

I can't find this client info. Have you heard of HubSpot?

22:43

HubSpot is a CRM platform, so it shares its data across every application. Every team can stay aligned. No out of sync spreadsheets or dueling databases.

HubSpot is a CRM platform, so it shares its data across every application. Every team can stay aligned. No out of sync spreadsheets or dueling databases.

22:51

HubSpot grow better.

HubSpot grow better.

22:55

Today, I wanna talk about vice vice dot com. The reason I'm talking about them is because they are about to declare bankruptcy. Right.

Today, I wanna talk about vice vice dot com. The reason I'm talking about them is because they are about to declare bankruptcy. Right.

23:02

To the Michael Scott clip where he just walks out and declares bankruptcy.

To the Michael Scott clip where he just walks out and declares bankruptcy.

23:08

I was thinking about that. I love that clip. Now Yeah. I I I agree. Most every joke I said on this podcast, I've stolen from that show.

I was thinking about that. I love that clip. Now Yeah. I I I agree. Most every joke I said on this podcast, I've stolen from that show.

23:16

So the reason I wanna talk about them is not because of vice, but because of the story of the founder, Shane Smith.

So the reason I wanna talk about them is not because of vice, but because of the story of the founder, Shane Smith.

23:25

And if you're under the age of twenty six, Vice probably means nothing to you. They've actually, like, very quickly lost relevancy, but to give you some background of what Vice is,

And if you're under the age of twenty six, Vice probably means nothing to you. They've actually, like, very quickly lost relevancy, but to give you some background of what Vice is,

23:36

So vice originally was up like a punk rock magazines based out of Montreal.

So vice originally was up like a punk rock magazines based out of Montreal.

23:42

So it was three Canadian guys one of those guys being Gavin Mckinnis. You know who Gavin Mckinnis is? No. Who's that? Have you have you heard of Proud Boys? Proud Boys like the political thing?

So it was three Canadian guys one of those guys being Gavin Mckinnis. You know who Gavin Mckinnis is? No. Who's that? Have you have you heard of Proud Boys? Proud Boys like the political thing?

23:52

Yeah. He started prodding. Okay.

Yeah. He started prodding. Okay.

23:55

Which a lot of people don't realize. And so it was, like, these three, like, kinda, like, punk rocker guys, and Gavin McKin is being one of them, Shane Smith, who I'm gonna talk about today, was the other one. And, basically, the way it started was they got, like, a grant from the government where they were able to launch this magazine, and that's how it started. It started out as a a skateboarding

Which a lot of people don't realize. And so it was, like, these three, like, kinda, like, punk rocker guys, and Gavin McKin is being one of them, Shane Smith, who I'm gonna talk about today, was the other one. And, basically, the way it started was they got, like, a grant from the government where they were able to launch this magazine, and that's how it started. It started out as a a skateboarding

24:14

punk rock magazine, and they would write, like, these amazing articles where it was, like, Bices guide to drugs. And they would, like, write all these stories about drugs. They would use the n word all the time. They would, like, they would, like Wow. It's kinda, like, you know how, like, some you probably don't know about this, but, like, in the punk rock community, they, like, sometimes they'll, like, talk about Nazis. They talk about, like, use racist language, but they do it as, like, a shock because it's like, I wanna be in your face, that type of thing. That that's what vice is all about. I don't remember. I don't know if you remember, like, the old school covers of these magazines, but it would be like, a tab of LSD on, like, a hot chicks,

punk rock magazine, and they would write, like, these amazing articles where it was, like, Bices guide to drugs. And they would, like, write all these stories about drugs. They would use the n word all the time. They would, like, they would, like Wow. It's kinda, like, you know how, like, some you probably don't know about this, but, like, in the punk rock community, they, like, sometimes they'll, like, talk about Nazis. They talk about, like, use racist language, but they do it as, like, a shock because it's like, I wanna be in your face, that type of thing. That that's what vice is all about. I don't remember. I don't know if you remember, like, the old school covers of these magazines, but it would be like, a tab of LSD on, like, a hot chicks,

24:47

tongue. Do you remember, like, do you remember seeing device magazine? I remember reading something or actually They called it just zines. Is there a difference between a zine and a magazine? Because that's what that that's what I remember. Just the just the just the culture. If it's someone's a zine, it's typically more it's like a rock thing, whereas if it's a magazine, it could be like g q. Okay. Gotcha.

tongue. Do you remember, like, do you remember seeing device magazine? I remember reading something or actually They called it just zines. Is there a difference between a zine and a magazine? Because that's what that that's what I remember. Just the just the just the culture. If it's someone's a zine, it's typically more it's like a rock thing, whereas if it's a magazine, it could be like g q. Okay. Gotcha.

25:07

So you've never seen these, but it started out as like hardcore punk rock where they would write articles about,

So you've never seen these, but it started out as like hardcore punk rock where they would write articles about,

25:13

doing drugs, having sex, like, just rock and roll shit.

doing drugs, having sex, like, just rock and roll shit.

25:17

And that started getting picked up. And so they started this company in ninety four, but in ninety nine, they moved to New York. And that was, like, where things change, and that's right, where, like, the internet just got started. What looks like you're looking

And that started getting picked up. And so they started this company in ninety four, but in ninety nine, they moved to New York. And that was, like, where things change, and that's right, where, like, the internet just got started. What looks like you're looking

25:27

at something funny. I'm looking at the magazine covers, and I'm, and you're saying rock and roll. And I was just thinking about, like,

at something funny. I'm looking at the magazine covers, and I'm, and you're saying rock and roll. And I was just thinking about, like,

25:34

This is what cool like, basically, like, this is what influential people.

This is what cool like, basically, like, this is what influential people.

25:37

It's, like, kinda, like, musicians are influential people, and they did the stuff. It's, like, the the the tongue with the LSD on it. It's like someone just biting a tuft of hair. I don't know why why there's a bunch of hair in someone's mouth. And I was just thinking about pot and roll and how it would be just like someone entering a cold plunge.

It's, like, kinda, like, musicians are influential people, and they did the stuff. It's, like, the the the tongue with the LSD on it. It's like someone just biting a tuft of hair. I don't know why why there's a bunch of hair in someone's mouth. And I was just thinking about pot and roll and how it would be just like someone entering a cold plunge.

25:53

Someone meditating.

Someone meditating.

25:54

So it's like, yeah, we're part of that pot and roll. Things are great. Yeah, with with the famous five casters. You know what I mean? They're all just sauna cold, hot, cold man. It's crazy. The temperature variance is an insane.

So it's like, yeah, we're part of that pot and roll. Things are great. Yeah, with with the famous five casters. You know what I mean? They're all just sauna cold, hot, cold man. It's crazy. The temperature variance is an insane.

26:06

Things have changed. Things have changed. Cool has changed.

Things have changed. Things have changed. Cool has changed.

26:10

Yeah. The definition of cool has changed, which is actually part of the thing I'm gonna discuss. But so the internet starts coming around in the late nineties. They raise a little bit of money, like, two million dollars. They moved down to,

Yeah. The definition of cool has changed, which is actually part of the thing I'm gonna discuss. But so the internet starts coming around in the late nineties. They raise a little bit of money, like, two million dollars. They moved down to,

26:21

they moved down to New York, and that's where they, like, really get going. And so they create the website, vice dot com, originally was a magazine, was a free magazine that they would just hand out and they would make money off ads. And it would be the three of them writing articles, and they would do something that I used to do all the time where they would have, like, fake author So it'd be like someone who wasn't real, just fucking make enough stories is really what it was, which is, you know, it was an entertainment magazine. So that's fine.

they moved down to New York, and that's where they, like, really get going. And so they create the website, vice dot com, originally was a magazine, was a free magazine that they would just hand out and they would make money off ads. And it would be the three of them writing articles, and they would do something that I used to do all the time where they would have, like, fake author So it'd be like someone who wasn't real, just fucking make enough stories is really what it was, which is, you know, it was an entertainment magazine. So that's fine.

26:44

But they start growing, and it takes off after a handful of years. And so

But they start growing, and it takes off after a handful of years. And so

26:48

they've kinda created this thing at the time

they've kinda created this thing at the time

26:52

now we just know it as, like, branded

now we just know it as, like, branded

26:54

content

content

26:55

where it was now, sometimes people call them advertorials, things like that. But, basically, their whole shtick was

where it was now, sometimes people call them advertorials, things like that. But, basically, their whole shtick was

27:01

We're gonna make awesome content, and we're gonna get the eyeballs of millennials, which back then, millennials were like the gen z today. You know, it was, like, the elusive, hard to reach audience.

We're gonna make awesome content, and we're gonna get the eyeballs of millennials, which back then, millennials were like the gen z today. You know, it was, like, the elusive, hard to reach audience.

27:11

And they said, we're gonna reach these millennials,

And they said, we're gonna reach these millennials,

27:14

and we're gonna make the best content we're just gonna plaster your logo on there, and that's gonna be good enough for you. And this is like pre Facebook. So, like, performance advertising wasn't really much of a thing. And so it was, like, the way to advertise And eventually, they blow up. And the important part of the story isn't exactly that they blew up because they did, but the story is like the antics that they went along and and and built this thing with. And so

and we're gonna make the best content we're just gonna plaster your logo on there, and that's gonna be good enough for you. And this is like pre Facebook. So, like, performance advertising wasn't really much of a thing. And so it was, like, the way to advertise And eventually, they blow up. And the important part of the story isn't exactly that they blew up because they did, but the story is like the antics that they went along and and and built this thing with. And so

27:37

they raised money from Rupert Murdoch, who's, you know, the founder of Fox. They raised money from all these amazing people via comp Eventually, they raised money at a six billion dollar valuation.

they raised money from Rupert Murdoch, who's, you know, the founder of Fox. They raised money from all these amazing people via comp Eventually, they raised money at a six billion dollar valuation.

27:47

Today,

Today,

27:48

they're nothing, but they still make six hundred million dollars a year in revenue. And so I wanna talk about some of the crazy stuff that the founder did, as well as how their business model works. And so have you ever heard of the the guy, Shane Smith, who was CEO and kind of the main man? Never. Alright. So he had a whole bunch of interesting things that he did. So if you Google Shane Smith, you'll probably see, like, pictures of him, like, It's a it's a a guy who almost looks like a punk rock Santa Claus where he's kinda like a bigger guy. And he, like, you'll see, like, he's got sleep tattoos, and you'll see him shirtless all the time and smoke it a cigar. Do you see, like, see any pictures like that? He looks like, he looks a little bit like the guy who's the number guy in billions. I forgot what the guy's name is,

they're nothing, but they still make six hundred million dollars a year in revenue. And so I wanna talk about some of the crazy stuff that the founder did, as well as how their business model works. And so have you ever heard of the the guy, Shane Smith, who was CEO and kind of the main man? Never. Alright. So he had a whole bunch of interesting things that he did. So if you Google Shane Smith, you'll probably see, like, pictures of him, like, It's a it's a a guy who almost looks like a punk rock Santa Claus where he's kinda like a bigger guy. And he, like, you'll see, like, he's got sleep tattoos, and you'll see him shirtless all the time and smoke it a cigar. Do you see, like, see any pictures like that? He looks like, he looks a little bit like the guy who's the number guy in billions. I forgot what the guy's name is,

28:28

like, not not ax, but his his right hand man, he looks a lot like that guy. If that guy had just, like, chest tattoos. To send, like, a tattoo around his nipple, that's that'd be this guy.

like, not not ax, but his his right hand man, he looks a lot like that guy. If that guy had just, like, chest tattoos. To send, like, a tattoo around his nipple, that's that'd be this guy.

28:37

Dude, so he's just, like, crazy. And so vice, originally, the way that they be and respected is they would do all this crazy stuff, but it was him doing it Shane, the CEO. And so he would go to Liberia

Dude, so he's just, like, crazy. And so vice, originally, the way that they be and respected is they would do all this crazy stuff, but it was him doing it Shane, the CEO. And so he would go to Liberia

28:48

during

during

28:49

when they're having a civil war. And he would just bring a camera and just get dropped in Liberia and figure it out. In two thousand thirteen, he traveled to North Korea

when they're having a civil war. And he would just bring a camera and just get dropped in Liberia and figure it out. In two thousand thirteen, he traveled to North Korea

28:58

because he organized a basketball game between the Harlem globetrotters

because he organized a basketball game between the Harlem globetrotters

29:02

and the national team of North Korea. And that was, like, the big stick. And then eventually, do you remember hearing about Dennis Rodman going to, North Korea?

and the national team of North Korea. And that was, like, the big stick. And then eventually, do you remember hearing about Dennis Rodman going to, North Korea?

29:11

That was for a vice documentary. And they would make these, like,

That was for a vice documentary. And they would make these, like,

29:14

free documentaries, and they would post them on, it was originally their site, and then they moved to YouTube, and they would get lots of views, and they would, like,

free documentaries, and they would post them on, it was originally their site, and then they moved to YouTube, and they would get lots of views, and they would, like,

29:21

put, like, an Intel logo on there, and that's how they made money. And so they and so he was known for walking around his office of like, vice. And I've been to the office. It's, like, as magnificent as you would think. It's, like, the coolest of the cool, and he would walk around shirtless. And he would just, like,

put, like, an Intel logo on there, and that's how they made money. And so they and so he was known for walking around his office of like, vice. And I've been to the office. It's, like, as magnificent as you would think. It's, like, the coolest of the cool, and he would walk around shirtless. And he would just, like,

29:35

say crazy stuff. He was known for just being, like, this wild guy. And so one time when he hired a CEO,

say crazy stuff. He was known for just being, like, this wild guy. And so one time when he hired a CEO,

29:41

her name was Nancy. This was recently he said, we're the monitored,

her name was Nancy. This was recently he said, we're the monitored,

29:45

we're the modern day, Body, and Clyde, and we're here to take all your money. And he would just say stuff like that all the time. There was another time when they were just getting started

we're the modern day, Body, and Clyde, and we're here to take all your money. And he would just say stuff like that all the time. There was another time when they were just getting started

29:53

And, I believe it was Intuit. They came,

And, I believe it was Intuit. They came,

29:57

was it Intuit or IBM. One of those, they came to the office in order to,

was it Intuit or IBM. One of those, they came to the office in order to,

30:02

pitch or vice was gonna pitch into it. And so what they did was there was a really shitty office at the time. Twenty four hours before the meeting, he built, like, a glass

pitch or vice was gonna pitch into it. And so what they did was there was a really shitty office at the time. Twenty four hours before the meeting, he built, like, a glass

30:11

conference room. So it looks legit, and so you could see your employees. And then he went and hired a bunch of, like, actors and got a tons of friends to come and work in the office to make it look like, they're important because he always, like, said something like,

conference room. So it looks legit, and so you could see your employees. And then he went and hired a bunch of, like, actors and got a tons of friends to come and work in the office to make it look like, they're important because he always, like, said something like,

30:25

we don't want them to think that we're or what do you say? We want them to think that we're Like, they're like, he's like, we're gonna act as it. Right? And he did. And they eventually got a twenty five million dollar deal from this company, and it worked out. And there was another time where

we don't want them to think that we're or what do you say? We want them to think that we're Like, they're like, he's like, we're gonna act as it. Right? And he did. And they eventually got a twenty five million dollar deal from this company, and it worked out. And there was another time where

30:38

there was this, a two thousand three vice made it their documentary on themselves.

there was this, a two thousand three vice made it their documentary on themselves.

30:43

And he tells a story about when they started the company, how he got arrested in Bangkok,

And he tells a story about when they started the company, how he got arrested in Bangkok,

30:48

Bangkok. And he said something, like, a few years later, they were like, yeah. I remember that story. He just talked about being imprisoned in Bangkok, and he was I remember that. And he goes, tell me more about that. He goes, well,

Bangkok. And he said something, like, a few years later, they were like, yeah. I remember that story. He just talked about being imprisoned in Bangkok, and he was I remember that. And he goes, tell me more about that. He goes, well,

30:57

I made it all up. We needed a story on how the we needed a story on how the company started, and I heard story from someone else. So I just took it over, and we needed and I just had to take make it mine. He's like, I watched hangover three and,

I made it all up. We needed a story on how the we needed a story on how the company started, and I heard story from someone else. So I just took it over, and we needed and I just had to take make it mine. He's like, I watched hangover three and,

31:11

decided that was my life.

decided that was my life.

31:13

Dude, he would do crazy stuff like that all the time. There was another time where I was reading this interview with him.

Dude, he would do crazy stuff like that all the time. There was another time where I was reading this interview with him.

31:19

He, there was this headline about how he spent three hundred thousand dollars

He, there was this headline about how he spent three hundred thousand dollars

31:23

at dinner in Vegas. And a reporter goes, did you really spend three hundred thousand dollars for dinner He goes, no.

at dinner in Vegas. And a reporter goes, did you really spend three hundred thousand dollars for dinner He goes, no.

31:31

It was three hundred and eighty thousand dollars plus tip, and it was barely dinner. It was mostly wine.

It was three hundred and eighty thousand dollars plus tip, and it was barely dinner. It was mostly wine.

31:37

And so

And so

31:38

he's just the guy's, like, wild. He even tells, crazier stories where he goes, this was a quote from,

he's just the guy's, like, wild. He even tells, crazier stories where he goes, this was a quote from,

31:45

financial times. See, we go, I would be at the party and would just go get wasted,

financial times. See, we go, I would be at the party and would just go get wasted,

31:49

take coke, have sex with girls in the bathroom, and then get, and then afterwards

take coke, have sex with girls in the bathroom, and then get, and then afterwards

31:54

mail my advertisers

mail my advertisers

31:55

drugs because I knew if I sent them a bunch of drugs in the mail, they would keep buying ads with us. And he admits all the stuff. He's

drugs because I knew if I sent them a bunch of drugs in the mail, they would keep buying ads with us. And he admits all the stuff. He's

32:02

it's crazy, man. This is why.

it's crazy, man. This is why.

32:04

Bankrupt. I just Don't get it.

Bankrupt. I just Don't get it.

32:07

Well, so check this out. Where did we go wrong? Was it when we mailed our customer's drugs?

Well, so check this out. Where did we go wrong? Was it when we mailed our customer's drugs?

32:13

Or when I did drugs

Or when I did drugs

32:14

during the day when I was working with my shirt off, having sex in the bathrooms.

during the day when I was working with my shirt off, having sex in the bathrooms.

32:19

Dude, he tells a story about him and his co founders having threesomes with, like, people who are gonna buy ads with them.

Dude, he tells a story about him and his co founders having threesomes with, like, people who are gonna buy ads with them.

32:27

And he says that they were, like, mobsters

And he says that they were, like, mobsters

32:29

who accidentally

who accidentally

32:30

clank shovels together while they are bearing a body.

clank shovels together while they are bearing a body.

32:34

If that

If that

32:35

if that analogy makes sense, when someone was like, what's it feel like having a having sex with your cofounder and you know, do guys ever, like, touch? He goes, yeah, but it's just like two mafia guys that our shovels accidentally clank while we're preparing the body.

if that analogy makes sense, when someone was like, what's it feel like having a having sex with your cofounder and you know, do guys ever, like, touch? He goes, yeah, but it's just like two mafia guys that our shovels accidentally clank while we're preparing the body.

32:49

Wow. This guy is a showman. He's a total showman.

Wow. This guy is a showman. He's a total showman.

32:54

Of course, it didn't work out well.

Of course, it didn't work out well.

32:58

At all seriousness, didn't, totally blew it.

At all seriousness, didn't, totally blew it.

33:01

It didn't it didn't work out well for the company, but it worked out for him. So Google Shane Smith House. Yeah. I see a fifty million dollar house. I I'm on two steps ahead. You already googled it. So this there's this amazing article that came out in two thousand eight where it's all about Shane Smith, and it says Shane Smith living large. And it documents his new house that he purchased for thirty million dollars, I think. And it's this beautiful mansion

It didn't it didn't work out well for the company, but it worked out for him. So Google Shane Smith House. Yeah. I see a fifty million dollar house. I I'm on two steps ahead. You already googled it. So this there's this amazing article that came out in two thousand eight where it's all about Shane Smith, and it says Shane Smith living large. And it documents his new house that he purchased for thirty million dollars, I think. And it's this beautiful mansion

33:24

up in, LA somewhere.

up in, LA somewhere.

33:26

Well, he recently sold it for fifty million dollars. So, like, this guy has totally come out on top of this. Of this whole thing. And I it's just really fascinating that he basically came in. He spent about fifteen, twenty years doing his thing.

Well, he recently sold it for fifty million dollars. So, like, this guy has totally come out on top of this. Of this whole thing. And I it's just really fascinating that he basically came in. He spent about fifteen, twenty years doing his thing.

33:39

Right before, like,

Right before, like,

33:41

tie the tide change and, like, these guys were the opposite of woke. Now vice is, like, the Wocus of the woke. But right before

tie the tide change and, like, these guys were the opposite of woke. Now vice is, like, the Wocus of the woke. But right before

33:49

That change happened. He got his money. He got out, and he bounced. And he hired a CEO. And, his story is super, super fascinating. And so you've never heard of him? I've never heard of him. I briefly knew that vice started as a as a scene or magazine. What's your main takeaways? Cause this is entertaining because this guy's like Felix Dennis just like reincarnated.

That change happened. He got his money. He got out, and he bounced. And he hired a CEO. And, his story is super, super fascinating. And so you've never heard of him? I've never heard of him. I briefly knew that vice started as a as a scene or magazine. What's your main takeaways? Cause this is entertaining because this guy's like Felix Dennis just like reincarnated.

34:10

So what's your take away? You're a media guy.

So what's your take away? You're a media guy.

34:12

You're you're a bit of a wild man. What what's your take on this? Not that wild. I mean, this this guy makes you look like a like a you know, choir boy or something, but,

You're you're a bit of a wild man. What what's your take on this? Not that wild. I mean, this this guy makes you look like a like a you know, choir boy or something, but,

34:21

what what's your takeaways from this story?

what what's your takeaways from this story?

34:23

I have a bunch of takeaways. And so, but first, let me tell you how their business model works because that's part of my takeaways. So a lot of people don't realize how they make money. They're going bankrupt now, but they still make six hundred million a year in revenue, but it's just like wildly unprofitable.

I have a bunch of takeaways. And so, but first, let me tell you how their business model works because that's part of my takeaways. So a lot of people don't realize how they make money. They're going bankrupt now, but they still make six hundred million a year in revenue, but it's just like wildly unprofitable.

34:36

So they the their company it's basically, like, I consider it, like, a mortgage backed security

So they the their company it's basically, like, I consider it, like, a mortgage backed security

34:41

for media. And so do you remember, like, the mortgage backed securities of two thousand where it was basically, like, banks would buy, like, tens of thousands of mortgages in one tranche. Turns out, like, four thousand of the ten thousand were shit. That's exactly what vice does. And so they they got famous because

for media. And so do you remember, like, the mortgage backed securities of two thousand where it was basically, like, banks would buy, like, tens of thousands of mortgages in one tranche. Turns out, like, four thousand of the ten thousand were shit. That's exactly what vice does. And so they they got famous because

34:59

they only had, like, twenty or thirty million monthly visits to their website. Vice dot com, which isn't a ton. That's not a ton for hundreds of millions in revenue. What they did was they did,

they only had, like, twenty or thirty million monthly visits to their website. Vice dot com, which isn't a ton. That's not a ton for hundreds of millions in revenue. What they did was they did,

35:10

they partnered with o m g fax dot com,

they partnered with o m g fax dot com,

35:14

distractedified

distractedified

35:15

dot com, and all these other clickbait websites and they would roll that up. And so they would call them part of the vice network. And so they would tell people,

dot com, and all these other clickbait websites and they would roll that up. And so they would call them part of the vice network. And so they would tell people,

35:24

you know, like Intel or whoever the big advertisers are,

you know, like Intel or whoever the big advertisers are,

35:27

Look, we we reach all of,

Look, we we reach all of,

35:29

millennials, and we have a hundred million, two hundred million monthly unique to our network. In reality, it was on, like, shit sites, like, you know, all those other things. And that was, like, once that came out, it was kind of frowned upon. And then the other way they made money was they had a agency called virtue, like vice and virtue, which is pretty clever,

millennials, and we have a hundred million, two hundred million monthly unique to our network. In reality, it was on, like, shit sites, like, you know, all those other things. And that was, like, once that came out, it was kind of frowned upon. And then the other way they made money was they had a agency called virtue, like vice and virtue, which is pretty clever,

35:47

but their whole company is basically a creative agency So they would make content for Snapchat,

but their whole company is basically a creative agency So they would make content for Snapchat,

35:54

Facebook, and then eventually HBO and all and they would get paid, like, a service fee, basically, for it. And it was basically one big agency, and that's how they made money,

Facebook, and then eventually HBO and all and they would get paid, like, a service fee, basically, for it. And it was basically one big agency, and that's how they made money,

36:04

which brings me to

which brings me to

36:06

the takeaways. Takeaway one.

the takeaways. Takeaway one.

36:09

If you're gonna be a company that makes money from multiple different streams of revenue, you gotta nail one first. They didn't even nail one, like,

If you're gonna be a company that makes money from multiple different streams of revenue, you gotta nail one first. They didn't even nail one, like,

36:16

stream of revenue. They had, like, five other things that added up to a lot, but not one of them worked wonderfully. At least not enough to be profitable.

stream of revenue. They had, like, five other things that added up to a lot, but not one of them worked wonderfully. At least not enough to be profitable.

36:26

So that's one major takeaway. The second major takeaway is they would always say they're gonna be the next Disney. They go, we're gonna be a mini Disney. Shane once said we're worth ten billion right now, but conservatively, I think we're gonna be worth forty or fifty billion in a couple of years. That couple of years would have been, like, in two thousand

So that's one major takeaway. The second major takeaway is they would always say they're gonna be the next Disney. They go, we're gonna be a mini Disney. Shane once said we're worth ten billion right now, but conservatively, I think we're gonna be worth forty or fifty billion in a couple of years. That couple of years would have been, like, in two thousand

36:42

twenty or something.

twenty or something.

36:43

Never worked out because we're gonna be just like Disney, except with, like, cocaine.

Never worked out because we're gonna be just like Disney, except with, like, cocaine.

36:49

Didn't work out. Why? Because no one likes them. If you're gonna build the next Disney, you gotta be, like, people gotta love you. You know, people love Mickey Mouse They don't really love, like, Shane Smith, you know, and all that stuff. You know, they like them. They don't they don't really love them. So if you're gonna be a media company like that, you have to have

Didn't work out. Why? Because no one likes them. If you're gonna build the next Disney, you gotta be, like, people gotta love you. You know, people love Mickey Mouse They don't really love, like, Shane Smith, you know, and all that stuff. You know, they like them. They don't they don't really love them. So if you're gonna be a media company like that, you have to have

37:05

something that people love.

something that people love.

37:07

The next thing is news if you're gonna be in the news business,

The next thing is news if you're gonna be in the news business,

37:11

that's really, really hard because you have to stay relevant And I actually think that you should be something

that's really, really hard because you have to stay relevant And I actually think that you should be something

37:17

that typically people don't grow out of, but they grow into. Meaning, a Wall Street Journal, a New York Times. If you're gonna be, like, one of these publications, economists, Financial Times, things like that, you wanna grow into it. Meaning, like, as you get older, you want to, like, aspire to be able to read it and like it and understand it and brag about it. Whereas with advice,

that typically people don't grow out of, but they grow into. Meaning, a Wall Street Journal, a New York Times. If you're gonna be, like, one of these publications, economists, Financial Times, things like that, you wanna grow into it. Meaning, like, as you get older, you want to, like, aspire to be able to read it and like it and understand it and brag about it. Whereas with advice,

37:36

it was like, I'm no longer twenty eight years old. Reading about this stuff is not exactly cool. And plus the people working there, you kinda look silly. I've always said about this about bar barschool sports. I'm like, dude, Dave Portnoy is getting older. Like, some of these antics are kinda not gonna be cool anymore.

it was like, I'm no longer twenty eight years old. Reading about this stuff is not exactly cool. And plus the people working there, you kinda look silly. I've always said about this about bar barschool sports. I'm like, dude, Dave Portnoy is getting older. Like, some of these antics are kinda not gonna be cool anymore.

37:53

They're more so, like, pathetic. Do you know what I mean? And that's kinda happen with vice. Yeah. You basically,

They're more so, like, pathetic. Do you know what I mean? And that's kinda happen with vice. Yeah. You basically,

37:59

you either

you either

38:00

stay with the shtick

stay with the shtick

38:02

and you just start to look like a clown as you get older and older,

and you just start to look like a clown as you get older and older,

38:06

or you gotta sell, get out and change your life, you know, change your lifestyle. And, it's pretty interesting because it it's very hard to let go because a If you weren't such a nut, you wouldn't have got the got this level of success in the first place. So it's kind of like a self fulfilling prophecy. And then on the second second, part of it, you know, it's very easy to get addicted to the character, the the the fame, the money that comes with acting a certain way. You're being rewarded, rewarded, rewarded.

or you gotta sell, get out and change your life, you know, change your lifestyle. And, it's pretty interesting because it it's very hard to let go because a If you weren't such a nut, you wouldn't have got the got this level of success in the first place. So it's kind of like a self fulfilling prophecy. And then on the second second, part of it, you know, it's very easy to get addicted to the character, the the the fame, the money that comes with acting a certain way. You're being rewarded, rewarded, rewarded.

38:31

And then you now you're fifty seven.

And then you now you're fifty seven.

38:34

And you're you're oh, you know, you're you're you're Vincent Man now you're who hefner now or you're whoever. Right? Like, it's hard to grieve the character,

And you're you're oh, you know, you're you're you're Vincent Man now you're who hefner now or you're whoever. Right? Like, it's hard to grieve the character,

38:41

even though you might actually maybe you actually should, you know, grow out of it.

even though you might actually maybe you actually should, you know, grow out of it.

38:47

Name is, but I I'm glad that these guys don't grow out of it. It's it's for our entertainment. Thank you. Thank you for your service, Shane Smith. It is.

Name is, but I I'm glad that these guys don't grow out of it. It's it's for our entertainment. Thank you. Thank you for your service, Shane Smith. It is.

38:54

And the last two things,

And the last two things,

38:56

If you're gonna build a media company,

If you're gonna build a media company,

38:58

avoid

avoid

38:59

New York City.

New York City.

39:00

Like,

Like,

39:01

when you're a creative services business, you need it's a it's a talent arbitrage,

when you're a creative services business, you need it's a it's a talent arbitrage,

39:06

and it's really hard to do that when you're in a re really high cost of living city like New York. And also,

and it's really hard to do that when you're in a re really high cost of living city like New York. And also,

39:13

You saw that they, like, became this woke company, which I don't entirely believe, like, go woke, go broke, like, that type of thing. I do think that,

You saw that they, like, became this woke company, which I don't entirely believe, like, go woke, go broke, like, that type of thing. I do think that,

39:21

I think that, like, there's a niche. You can make money in any niche. It no matter if you're woke or not,

I think that, like, there's a niche. You can make money in any niche. It no matter if you're woke or not,

39:26

but they, like, changed that way when that wasn't originally what they did. And I think they changed that way because they moved to, like, Williamsburg and and everything like that, and they totally changed their,

but they, like, changed that way when that wasn't originally what they did. And I think they changed that way because they moved to, like, Williamsburg and and everything like that, and they totally changed their,

39:35

their their stick. But the last thing is actually a compliment. So you texted me the other day right before you're about to go on to you were gonna speak at this conference and you said,

their their stick. But the last thing is actually a compliment. So you texted me the other day right before you're about to go on to you were gonna speak at this conference and you said,

39:45

what did you say about to drop showmanship on these bitches. Is that what you said? Let's show these bitches some showmanship.

what did you say about to drop showmanship on these bitches. Is that what you said? Let's show these bitches some showmanship.

39:52

Yeah.

Yeah.

39:54

And that is totally true and that is what he did. And, frankly, even though he it seems as though he conned a lot of people, he kinda got the last laugh, and he had showmanship

And that is totally true and that is what he did. And, frankly, even though he it seems as though he conned a lot of people, he kinda got the last laugh, and he had showmanship

40:03

throughout the entire thing and had it worked out. It would have been a lot cooler,

throughout the entire thing and had it worked out. It would have been a lot cooler,

40:08

but having showmanship, it totally works. By the way, there's like stories. It will last be like, oh, do you get nervous before public speaking. It's like, I don't know, man.

but having showmanship, it totally works. By the way, there's like stories. It will last be like, oh, do you get nervous before public speaking. It's like, I don't know, man.

40:16

Fast nervous probably wouldn't be thinking. I'm about to drop some showmanship on these bitches.

Fast nervous probably wouldn't be thinking. I'm about to drop some showmanship on these bitches.

40:20

It's a for an attitude. Exactly. Versus, I hope I don't mess out.

It's a for an attitude. Exactly. Versus, I hope I don't mess out.

40:24

Dude, he tell he, like, throughout his career, you can, like, there's so many craziest stories about this guy. It's all about showmanship. He does the wildest stuff where he, like, tells stories, the the way he tells stories, it captures your attention. And some of his employees were like, when I'm with Shane. I feel like I'm going to war, and I'll go to any war with him. Right. Or there's, like, Johnny Knoxville did a interview, and he was talking about Shane. And he goes, He's the greatest, leader you could ever have. Also,

Dude, he tell he, like, throughout his career, you can, like, there's so many craziest stories about this guy. It's all about showmanship. He does the wildest stuff where he, like, tells stories, the the way he tells stories, it captures your attention. And some of his employees were like, when I'm with Shane. I feel like I'm going to war, and I'll go to any war with him. Right. Or there's, like, Johnny Knoxville did a interview, and he was talking about Shane. And he goes, He's the greatest, leader you could ever have. Also,

40:49

the greatest drinking buddy, but,

the greatest drinking buddy, but,

40:52

and and, like, he does this. What of my own? Yeah.

and and, like, he does this. What of my own? Yeah.

40:55

He, like, has all of these, like, amazing

He, like, has all of these, like, amazing

40:58

one liners, even if they are full of shit. But whenever I hear him talk, I'm like, oh my god. I believe everything you said. So for example, have you ever heard me say the best way to circumvent someone's bullshit detector is to not bullshit. I've used that line a couple of times. I stole it from him. So he would, like, he has all these, like, amazing one liners, and that showmanship, it's absolutely captivating. There's, like, a story about him with Robert Murdoch, And Robert Murdoch and Shane are walking and Rupert Murdoch is like a,

one liners, even if they are full of shit. But whenever I hear him talk, I'm like, oh my god. I believe everything you said. So for example, have you ever heard me say the best way to circumvent someone's bullshit detector is to not bullshit. I've used that line a couple of times. I stole it from him. So he would, like, he has all these, like, amazing one liners, and that showmanship, it's absolutely captivating. There's, like, a story about him with Robert Murdoch, And Robert Murdoch and Shane are walking and Rupert Murdoch is like a,

41:24

you know, if you see the movie, the TV show succession, he's like that guy. He's like a mean old man

you know, if you see the movie, the TV show succession, he's like that guy. He's like a mean old man

41:30

And Shane sits down with them and goes,

And Shane sits down with them and goes,

41:32

you don't have millennials, but I do. I have everything you don't have. And, like, he's talking to this billionaire.

you don't have millennials, but I do. I have everything you don't have. And, like, he's talking to this billionaire.

41:42

The value of my youth, what am I doing? What are what are the things I know of? Alright. But he just, like, totally, like, swings above his weight, and I think really fascinating to learn from this guy. So if you're listening to this Google Shane Smith, it's there's like crazy stories about this guy. Good segment by you. Good good job by you. Job. I like that one. I actually have a a spin off of that. You mentioned a company in there that I was like, that sounds familiar. I kind of remember this name. So you said o m g facts. Do you know who started o m g facts?

The value of my youth, what am I doing? What are what are the things I know of? Alright. But he just, like, totally, like, swings above his weight, and I think really fascinating to learn from this guy. So if you're listening to this Google Shane Smith, it's there's like crazy stories about this guy. Good segment by you. Good good job by you. Job. I like that one. I actually have a a spin off of that. You mentioned a company in there that I was like, that sounds familiar. I kind of remember this name. So you said o m g facts. Do you know who started o m g facts?

42:11

I do. I forget his name, but he's an oddball. Right? This guy Emerson Sparts.

I do. I forget his name, but he's an oddball. Right? This guy Emerson Sparts.

42:16

And I met Everson Sparks, maybe ten years ago. And so and when he was building OMGFAX and building, a network called Dos Media. He's like a genius. Right? He's

And I met Everson Sparks, maybe ten years ago. And so and when he was building OMGFAX and building, a network called Dos Media. He's like a genius. Right? He's

42:26

I met him and I was like, wow. This guy is super smart.

I met him and I was like, wow. This guy is super smart.

42:30

I actually think that he is kind of, like, If he had just applied himself to some other areas, he would have, like, totally,

I actually think that he is kind of, like, If he had just applied himself to some other areas, he would have, like, totally,

42:37

done done some of them, like, you know, absolutely amazing things. Everybody would know his name. Versus just kinda me and half of you knowing his name. So I'm gonna tell you a couple things about Emerson Parts. So the guy when he was twelve years old,

done done some of them, like, you know, absolutely amazing things. Everybody would know his name. Versus just kinda me and half of you knowing his name. So I'm gonna tell you a couple things about Emerson Parts. So the guy when he was twelve years old,

42:49

built a website called MuggleNet. And I don't know if you're a Harry Potter guy, but

built a website called MuggleNet. And I don't know if you're a Harry Potter guy, but

42:54

I'm I'm a Harry Potter guy. And I was on Mugglenet all the time. And I used to love this because it was the number one Harry Potter fan site in the world. Tons and tons of traffic. I mean, At that time, Harry Potter was, like, you know, Justin Bieber. It was Harry Potter was was super, super famous.

I'm I'm a Harry Potter guy. And I was on Mugglenet all the time. And I used to love this because it was the number one Harry Potter fan site in the world. Tons and tons of traffic. I mean, At that time, Harry Potter was, like, you know, Justin Bieber. It was Harry Potter was was super, super famous.

43:12

And in between the books, people wanted a place to discuss.

And in between the books, people wanted a place to discuss.

43:15

To post theories, to post fan fiction,

To post theories, to post fan fiction,

43:18

to,

to,

43:19

debates, you know, what should have happened blah blah blah. And so Muggle Net, when he's twelve,

debates, you know, what should have happened blah blah blah. And so Muggle Net, when he's twelve,

43:24

He builds the super popular site getting millions and millions of visitors.

He builds the super popular site getting millions and millions of visitors.

43:29

When he's eighteen,

When he's eighteen,

43:31

he publishes a best selling book. His best selling book is called

he publishes a best selling book. His best selling book is called

43:35

it's called

it's called

43:37

Harry Potter should have died.

Harry Potter should have died.

43:39

Controversial

Controversial

43:40

views from the number one fan site.

views from the number one fan site.

43:42

And, basically, it's, like, Harry survive. What should he have?

And, basically, it's, like, Harry survive. What should he have?

43:46

You know, I run the world's biggest fan site for Harry Potter, and here are some of the controversial

You know, I run the world's biggest fan site for Harry Potter, and here are some of the controversial

43:51

viewpoints.

viewpoints.

43:52

That people have about Harry Potter. You can already see this guy's got the he's got the certain

That people have about Harry Potter. You can already see this guy's got the he's got the certain

43:58

that owes you that comes with the sandwich. You know,

that owes you that comes with the sandwich. You know,

44:02

he's got the sauce. And,

he's got the sauce. And,

44:04

he's got the showmanship. And so he

he's got the showmanship. And so he

44:06

I I met him. Maybe he was I don't I don't know how old he was. Maybe twenty two or something like this at this point. And,

I I met him. Maybe he was I don't I don't know how old he was. Maybe twenty two or something like this at this point. And,

44:12

where'd you meet him? Don't even remember. And I just I remember being on a call with him a video call, and it was him. And I think his girlfriend at the time, and they were creating something called dose media, and I go, So what is it? He goes, well, we're gonna make, like, really viral content. So,

where'd you meet him? Don't even remember. And I just I remember being on a call with him a video call, and it was him. And I think his girlfriend at the time, and they were creating something called dose media, and I go, So what is it? He goes, well, we're gonna make, like, really viral content. So,

44:26

they had o m g facts. That was one of their companies. They had, like, four or five websites like that. One that was, like, science facts. One's that was funny things. One that was, whatever, controversial, or pop culture stuff, like references to TV shows and things that were hot right now. And they had these websites, and I go, okay. So how do you, like, at the time in my mind, I was, like, going viral is

they had o m g facts. That was one of their companies. They had, like, four or five websites like that. One that was, like, science facts. One's that was funny things. One that was, whatever, controversial, or pop culture stuff, like references to TV shows and things that were hot right now. And they had these websites, and I go, okay. So how do you, like, at the time in my mind, I was, like, going viral is

44:49

getting, you know, lightning strikes you. You know, you're it's just not something you try to do. It's just something that happens or it doesn't happen, and it usually doesn't happen.

getting, you know, lightning strikes you. You know, you're it's just not something you try to do. It's just something that happens or it doesn't happen, and it usually doesn't happen.

44:57

He's like, no. No. No. And he had built a four part system. And this is the first guy. He's like, yeah, we're a different type type of technology company.

He's like, no. No. No. And he had built a four part system. And this is the first guy. He's like, yeah, we're a different type type of technology company.

45:04

We have, eighteen engineers, and we have four writers. And we reach millions and millions of people a month. And I was like, no. No. It was actually good. I was like, so what do what do the engineers do? He's like, well, Basically,

We have, eighteen engineers, and we have four writers. And we reach millions and millions of people a month. And I was like, no. No. It was actually good. I was like, so what do what do the engineers do? He's like, well, Basically,

45:15

all the viral content on the in the world starts

all the viral content on the in the world starts

45:18

either in one of three places.

either in one of three places.

45:21

Reddit,

Reddit,

45:22

imager,

imager,

45:23

or four chand. And he's like, basically,

or four chand. And he's like, basically,

45:26

I built a detector

I built a detector

45:28

that would find stuff that's going that's getting hot on those on those three platforms.

that would find stuff that's going that's getting hot on those on those three platforms.

45:33

First, before it hits Instagram, before it hits Facebook, before it hits Twitter, it's gonna get popular there first. And he owes so we built a detector

First, before it hits Instagram, before it hits Facebook, before it hits Twitter, it's gonna get popular there first. And he owes so we built a detector

45:42

Then we built a,

Then we built a,

45:44

like, a then the writer basically

like, a then the writer basically

45:46

would would, build, like, like, write a summary And then we built a a AB tester that would basically create headlines,

would would, build, like, like, write a summary And then we built a a AB tester that would basically create headlines,

45:55

headlines and, and, and, like, different, like, frames of that same story. And it would test them really quickly because we had a tester that would spray that out. We would pay to get that in front of, like, you know, five thousand, ten thousand people. We find what what's the winning angle, and then we would have the post and then distribution. Right? And then we would actually distribute that to our audience. And so we could engineer

headlines and, and, and, like, different, like, frames of that same story. And it would test them really quickly because we had a tester that would spray that out. We would pay to get that in front of, like, you know, five thousand, ten thousand people. We find what what's the winning angle, and then we would have the post and then distribution. Right? And then we would actually distribute that to our audience. And so we could engineer

46:15

higher degree of virality in every piece of content. Why? Because we're finding the best stuff. We're packaging it quickly with our writer. Then we're remixing it with our automated AB tester that's gonna juice up the headlines and then the images,

higher degree of virality in every piece of content. Why? Because we're finding the best stuff. We're packaging it quickly with our writer. Then we're remixing it with our automated AB tester that's gonna juice up the headlines and then the images,

46:28

then we're,

then we're,

46:29

spraying it out getting data feedback telling us which of these fifteen variations is the winner, and then we post the winner. And, I was like, dude, this is amazing. And over the few years, I saw him build this up and he his traffic kept going up and up. Now the problem was

spraying it out getting data feedback telling us which of these fifteen variations is the winner, and then we post the winner. And, I was like, dude, this is amazing. And over the few years, I saw him build this up and he his traffic kept going up and up. Now the problem was

46:43

his traffic wasn't that valuable. It was kinda fly by traffic,

his traffic wasn't that valuable. It was kinda fly by traffic,

46:47

it was kinda like the lowest common denominator of the internet. And from Facebook, I think. It was all very dependent on social networks, and then Facebook changed and for a while, Facebook was, like, rewarding the hell out of anybody that could post viral content. And then it got two

it was kinda like the lowest common denominator of the internet. And from Facebook, I think. It was all very dependent on social networks, and then Facebook changed and for a while, Facebook was, like, rewarding the hell out of anybody that could post viral content. And then it got two

47:01

clickbait y on Facebook, and then Facebook just manually went and unplugged

clickbait y on Facebook, and then Facebook just manually went and unplugged

47:05

the, like, viral engines for for for these companies.

the, like, viral engines for for for these companies.

47:08

And so, like, ten companies died, like, you know, in the in that transition,

And so, like, ten companies died, like, you know, in the in that transition,

47:12

I don't think his totally died, but I think it it definitely slowed down. And I think he also grew up and was sort of like, what else do I wanna do with my life? So now I just went to By the way, really quick before that before you go on to him, did I have I told you about

I don't think his totally died, but I think it it definitely slowed down. And I think he also grew up and was sort of like, what else do I wanna do with my life? So now I just went to By the way, really quick before that before you go on to him, did I have I told you about

47:27

my partner at Hampton Joe? He had a company little things, which was the same thing as that. It was a content, like clickbait website.

my partner at Hampton Joe? He had a company little things, which was the same thing as that. It was a content, like clickbait website.

47:34

He started at New York, and then, like, he had all these he had multiple floors in an office building.

He started at New York, and then, like, he had all these he had multiple floors in an office building.

47:40

And it was killing it. They're at a hundred million in revenue. He had a deal sell. They went through due diligence. The deal was gonna close in two weeks.

And it was killing it. They're at a hundred million in revenue. He had a deal sell. They went through due diligence. The deal was gonna close in two weeks.

47:48

That change that you just referred to, it happened to little things. At the time, little things was the most trafficked website

That change that you just referred to, it happened to little things. At the time, little things was the most trafficked website

47:55

from Facebook in the world. So it was, like, little things, and then it was, like, puff poe and then, like, buzzfeed. Buzzfeed. Yeah. The deal was about to close, I think, for a hundred and something million, he was gonna walk away with fifty million after taxes,

from Facebook in the world. So it was, like, little things, and then it was, like, puff poe and then, like, buzzfeed. Buzzfeed. Yeah. The deal was about to close, I think, for a hundred and something million, he was gonna walk away with fifty million after taxes,

48:08

two weeks before the money was supposed to go through, That change happened. The deal

two weeks before the money was supposed to go through, That change happened. The deal

48:13

he lost the deal in weeks or months, like only a couple months later, they had to shut down the company. And it was all because they built everything on top of Facebook. That's a Mike Tyson gut punch. Right? Like,

he lost the deal in weeks or months, like only a couple months later, they had to shut down the company. And it was all because they built everything on top of Facebook. That's a Mike Tyson gut punch. Right? Like,

48:25

birds fly,

birds fly,

48:26

fish swim, deals fall through. That is the the the the the sad part about deals that that that is too common.

fish swim, deals fall through. That is the the the the the sad part about deals that that that is too common.

48:33

Yes. And that's very common. That's what happened to this guy. Emmit smart. Emmit sparks. So what happened to him? Same words. Emerson sparks.

Yes. And that's very common. That's what happened to this guy. Emmit smart. Emmit sparks. So what happened to him? Same words. Emerson sparks.

48:39

Emerson sparks. I'm a bit smart. Sorry.

Emerson sparks. I'm a bit smart. Sorry.

48:42

Yes. But, here's his bio now.

Yes. But, here's his bio now.

48:46

He's his thing says, like, AI history, complex systems of Bitcoin. And then he goes, goal. I wanna die number one on the leader board of people who change the world.

He's his thing says, like, AI history, complex systems of Bitcoin. And then he goes, goal. I wanna die number one on the leader board of people who change the world.

48:54

And so his what he's doing now is something called nonlinear. And nonlinear, it looks like is basically

And so his what he's doing now is something called nonlinear. And nonlinear, it looks like is basically

49:01

a

a

49:02

is basically a,

is basically a,

49:04

a company that is funding

a company that is funding

49:07

people working on AI to make it make sure that it's safe.

people working on AI to make it make sure that it's safe.

49:11

And so,

And so,

49:12

so they they fund, basically, nonlinear entrepreneurs, people who are trying to work on these, like, exponential technologies.

so they they fund, basically, nonlinear entrepreneurs, people who are trying to work on these, like, exponential technologies.

49:18

And so, yeah, they we incubate x x risk

And so, yeah, they we incubate x x risk

49:22

non profits. I don't even know what x risk non profits means, by connecting founders with ideas funding and mentorship. And so that's what he's working on now. But this guy's always gonna do interesting things. This guy can't this guy can't be uninteresting.

non profits. I don't even know what x risk non profits means, by connecting founders with ideas funding and mentorship. And so that's what he's working on now. But this guy's always gonna do interesting things. This guy can't this guy can't be uninteresting.

49:33

Dude, when I read about him, I I was like,

Dude, when I read about him, I I was like,

49:36

Why are you doing this, dude? Like, you're doing this dose media thing. Like, you seem like a genius, you're just absolutely wasting it. This is a What do you say? It's a,

Why are you doing this, dude? Like, you're doing this dose media thing. Like, you seem like a genius, you're just absolutely wasting it. This is a What do you say? It's a,

49:45

high,

high,

49:46

high effort low, or what do you say? It's like Hormozi had a good one for this. It's like, it's a ten out of ten.

high effort low, or what do you say? It's like Hormozi had a good one for this. It's like, it's a ten out of ten.

49:53

Ten out of ten entrepreneur going at a four out of ten opportunity.

Ten out of ten entrepreneur going at a four out of ten opportunity.

49:57

And, that's how I felt when I met him. I remember literally, like, This is now ten plus years later. I have not spoke to this guy.

And, that's how I felt when I met him. I remember literally, like, This is now ten plus years later. I have not spoke to this guy.

50:04

You mentioned OMG facts, and in my mind, I'm like, that guy smart. Follow-up with that guy. Right? Because he left such an impression on me where I was like, this guy is really, really clever, really smart. Really also, like, wholesome. Like, even at the time, he was, like,

You mentioned OMG facts, and in my mind, I'm like, that guy smart. Follow-up with that guy. Right? Because he left such an impression on me where I was like, this guy is really, really clever, really smart. Really also, like, wholesome. Like, even at the time, he was, like,

50:19

even though he was working on something that's, like, typically, I would say almost everybody I know that's in this kinda, like, viral media. Actually, just, like, lame. They're just kinda shitheads.

even though he was working on something that's, like, typically, I would say almost everybody I know that's in this kinda, like, viral media. Actually, just, like, lame. They're just kinda shitheads.

50:28

And,

And,

50:29

and I mean that, like, in an endearing way. Like, you know,

and I mean that, like, in an endearing way. Like, you know,

50:32

some people are shitheads, and it's alright. You're just like, yeah. I'm trying to I'm I found this arbitrage. I'm making it happen.

some people are shitheads, and it's alright. You're just like, yeah. I'm trying to I'm I found this arbitrage. I'm making it happen.

50:38

And so he was not that. He was really soft spoken really, really nice guy. Ben says, ex-risk is the risk that something can end the world. It's an existential risk. Okay. Yeah. Good. So he's he's gonna save the planet, which is good. Dude, and his website is a is a dot org. Yeah. Noble mission. He's a dot org type of guy. I had a when I was in Austin,

And so he was not that. He was really soft spoken really, really nice guy. Ben says, ex-risk is the risk that something can end the world. It's an existential risk. Okay. Yeah. Good. So he's he's gonna save the planet, which is good. Dude, and his website is a is a dot org. Yeah. Noble mission. He's a dot org type of guy. I had a when I was in Austin,

50:56

a friend of mine was hanging out with Justin Mayer who's been on the pod before. I think I can quote this because I think it's a good quote. But he said, he goes Justin said the best thing. He goes,

a friend of mine was hanging out with Justin Mayer who's been on the pod before. I think I can quote this because I think it's a good quote. But he said, he goes Justin said the best thing. He goes,

51:05

It doesn't matter how you make your first nut. Just gotta make your first nut.

It doesn't matter how you make your first nut. Just gotta make your first nut.

51:09

But after you do that, then you wanna work on a noble mission. And he's like, dude, I he's like, I like that. He's like, you know, do whatever you gotta do to make to make your first nut, which is, you know, get your the first few million dollars where you're financially free and you're in your, you don't have to have a job. You can work on whatever the hell you want. But then after that, don't go chase the second nut. Go go after something that's a noble mission. Go after something that's awesome. And,

But after you do that, then you wanna work on a noble mission. And he's like, dude, I he's like, I like that. He's like, you know, do whatever you gotta do to make to make your first nut, which is, you know, get your the first few million dollars where you're financially free and you're in your, you don't have to have a job. You can work on whatever the hell you want. But then after that, don't go chase the second nut. Go go after something that's a noble mission. Go after something that's awesome. And,

51:34

you know, very few people actually do that. In fact, I don't even think Justin is doing that at the moment, but but I

you know, very few people actually do that. In fact, I don't even think Justin is doing that at the moment, but but I

51:39

I love the quote. Isn't he doing, like, an FSA spending store that's, like, the most, like, opportunistic thing I can hear I think of.

I love the quote. Isn't he doing, like, an FSA spending store that's, like, the most, like, opportunistic thing I can hear I think of.

51:46

The way that he pitched it, it was pretty awesome. He said something like, obesity in America is, like, an epidemic and sixty percent of people are overweight. We wanna make you eat healthier by making it easier to acquire, like, you know, this types of food and this type of health care, and we're doing it via, and then you, like, That's where the pitch comes in. Alright. So let's go look. So his site I think it's called true medicine.

The way that he pitched it, it was pretty awesome. He said something like, obesity in America is, like, an epidemic and sixty percent of people are overweight. We wanna make you eat healthier by making it easier to acquire, like, you know, this types of food and this type of health care, and we're doing it via, and then you, like, That's where the pitch comes in. Alright. So let's go look. So his site I think it's called true medicine.

52:09

True med. So true med

True med. So true med

52:11

It says food is medicine, exercise medicine, sleep is medicine. We don't mean this in a theoretical sense. Food exercise and sleep are all scientifically proven to prevent or alleviate

It says food is medicine, exercise medicine, sleep is medicine. We don't mean this in a theoretical sense. Food exercise and sleep are all scientifically proven to prevent or alleviate

52:19

physical and mental illness. In short, these are all medicine.

physical and mental illness. In short, these are all medicine.

52:23

It's a true met as a payment integration

It's a true met as a payment integration

52:25

that enables qualified customers to use pre tax HSA and FSA funds to purchase health promoting products and services from the favorite merchants.

that enables qualified customers to use pre tax HSA and FSA funds to purchase health promoting products and services from the favorite merchants.

52:33

Soon, it'll be available in the checkout flow for all merchants who are for merchants who sell healthy food, supplements, extra, scrubber, and other health and wellness products. This is such a good idea, by the way. This is a

Soon, it'll be available in the checkout flow for all merchants who are for merchants who sell healthy food, supplements, extra, scrubber, and other health and wellness products. This is such a good idea, by the way. This is a

52:43

phenomenal idea. This is a ten out of ten opportunity.

phenomenal idea. This is a ten out of ten opportunity.

52:47

And,

And,

52:48

he pitched me to invest. Why am I not invested in this? Let me I didn't invest because I was just, like, saying no to everything, and I deeply regret it. I deeply regret it because By the way, this is the best way to pitch a business, which is, like, you, like, paint this, like, dreary picture. Like, the world is obese, you know, did you know that, like, if you add up all the terrorist attacks, all the guns, all the car accidents,

he pitched me to invest. Why am I not invested in this? Let me I didn't invest because I was just, like, saying no to everything, and I deeply regret it. I deeply regret it because By the way, this is the best way to pitch a business, which is, like, you, like, paint this, like, dreary picture. Like, the world is obese, you know, did you know that, like, if you add up all the terrorist attacks, all the guns, all the car accidents,

53:11

it would only be one tenth of the people who die you know, from being obese. Like, you know, that type of fact, and you say, like, if we continue this, this is what the outcome's gonna be, this and that, And and so we need to solve this. The way that we are happen to happen to be trying to solve this is by doing x, y, and z. And I'm like, alright. That's a great pitch. Yeah. This is,

it would only be one tenth of the people who die you know, from being obese. Like, you know, that type of fact, and you say, like, if we continue this, this is what the outcome's gonna be, this and that, And and so we need to solve this. The way that we are happen to happen to be trying to solve this is by doing x, y, and z. And I'm like, alright. That's a great pitch. Yeah. This is,

53:30

wow. I am so jealous that I'm not invested in this. I'm I'm I'm messaging him right now. Alright. Yeah. That's it. That's the pod. We're out of here.

wow. I am so jealous that I'm not invested in this. I'm I'm I'm messaging him right now. Alright. Yeah. That's it. That's the pod. We're out of here.

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