Future Squared with Steve Glaveski

Steve Hughes is an internationally renowned stand up comedian who tells it like it is, refusing to shy away from the confonting and what is often interpreted as controversial. Steve is incredibly observant, bringing with him worldly insights into the bleeding obvious and comes armed with what he says is more issues than an Occupy movement.Steve spent the first half of his career as a heavy metal drummer for bands such as Mortal Sin before burning up the international comedy circuit, which he has been doing for more than 12 years now, having toured throughout Europe, Australia, USA, Canada & New Zealand to rave reviews and mutinous laughter.However, don’t be fooled, this conversation goes way beyond the realm of just comedy and heavy metal and we spend the majority of the two hours exploring topics such as political correctness and identity politics, Steve’s battle with depression, free will, the suppression of freedom of speech, preference falsification, feminism, disidentification with ego, leaning into adversity and bombing onstage, the state of the music industry, drugs, technology addiction, participation trophies and much much more.A word of warning, this podcast is not safe for work, and is not for the faint at heart.With that, let’s kick off my two hour deep dive with the inimitable Steve Hughes.Note: This podcast episode is NSFW.Topics Discussed:Political correctnessIdentity politicsSteve’s battle with depressionFree willThe suppression of freedom of speechPreference falsificationDisidentification with egoLeaning into adversityBombing on stageThe state of the music industryAustralia’s tall poppy syndromeBeware of people bearing absolutesLegislating feelingsWhy the crowd is your barometerLeading with your heartBuddhism and non-dualismDrugsTaking ownership and victim mentalitiesWhy being offended is a choiceLiving with Jim JefferiesTechnology addictionParticipation trophiesColonial regulations and Conservatism in AustraliaSteve’s views on general practitionersSteve’s early days on the metal sceneSteve’s early days on the comedy circuitShow Notes:Steve’s website: www.SteveHughes.net.au 

My guest today is Preston Troutt, the founder of the innovative crowdfunding platform, Crowdsurf.Preston is a dynamic entrepreneur aiming to transform how we invest in creators, turning the conventional investor model on its head.In this episode, we'll explore how Crowdsurf allows fans and followers to invest directly in their favorite creators, the origin of this groundbreaking idea, and how the model works.We'll dive into the platform's progress, the types of creators raising funds, and share some success stories.Preston will also discuss transparency for investors, including income tracking and investor protections.We'll tackle some challenges creators face in monetizing their content, and discuss how Crowdsurf addresses these issues. Plus, we'll cover who can invest, the minimum investment required, and the criteria used to select creators.Furthermore, Preston will shed light on navigating the regulatory landscape with SEC and FINRA compliance, managing investment risks, and supporting creators to ensure long-term growth.We'll also explore the distribution of revenue to investors and Preston's vision for the future of Crowdsurf and the creator economy's impact on traditional industries.Show NotesCrowdsurf: https://crowdsurf.xyzConnect with SteveFollow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveglaveski Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyzFuture Squared YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@futuresquaredpodListen to Future Squared on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating and complex world of modern weight loss with Lucas Aoun, an expert in health and performance.In 1980, 15% of Americans were obese; today, it's 42%, with over 70% either overweight or obese. England has seen similar trends.We’ll explore why this epidemic has escalated, focusing on the role of the modern food supply, historical influences like the sugar industry’s impact, and groundbreaking treatments such as Ozempic.What is Ozempic, and how does it work?We'll delve into its benefits, risks, and the societal implications of widespread use.Join us as we discuss the future of weight management, balancing pharmaceutical solutions with lifestyle changes, and learning from cultures with low obesity rates. We also look at the body positivity movement, and ask whether it's doing more harm than good.Timestamps(0:02) - Lucas' return to the show, comparison with Tim Harford.(0:07) - Introduction to obesity statistics and the rise in obesity rates.(0:12) - Causes of obesity: sedentary behaviors, poor diet, social media, and rise of obesity medications.(0:17) - Discussion on the impact of big food and misleading health ratings.(0:22) - Specific examples of food ratings and misconceptions.(0:27) - Transition to discussion on Ozempic and its effects.(0:32) - Overview of Ozempic, its mechanism, and its impact on appetite.(0:37) - Benefits and risks of Ozempic, including muscle loss.(0:42) - Psychological and societal implications of weight loss drugs.(0:47) - Dependency on weight loss drugs and long-term effects.(0:52) - Alternative methods to mimic Ozempic’s effects naturally.(0:57) - Lessons from Japanese diet and lifestyle for managing weight.(1:02) - Importance of eating habits and mindful eating.(1:07) - Closing remarks, Lucas' additional resources, and future conversations.Show Notes:Website: www.boostyourbiology.com Testosterone course: www.trtfree.com BYB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BoostYourBiology Connect with SteveFollow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveglaveski Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyzFuture Squared YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@futuresquaredpodListen to Future Squared on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

My guest today is Alex Roslaniec, hes a co-founder of fast-growing skincare company, Hey Bud.Hey Bud was founded just 4.5 years ago, and is today available in 130 countries, boasts 200,000 customers, and is stocked in 400 Priceline stores across Australia.We discussed:How Hey Bud differentiated itself in a saturated cosmetics and skincare marketThe power of online reviewsThe role of influencer marketingHow being beholden to algorithms and pay-per-click ads can be the undoing of a businessHow Hey Bud got a distribution deal with Priceline, marking its move from online into physical retailThe perils of manufacturingThe regulatory landscape for hemp-based productsHow to hire great talentAnd so much more.There are so many actionable tips in this one for anyone building a business so strap yourself in for my conversation with the one and only, Alex Roslaniec.Resources and LinksHey Bud Skincare: https://heybudskincare.com (get 15% off with FUTURESQUARED15)The Great CEO Within book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Great-CEO-Within-Tactical-Building-ebook/dp/B07ZLGQZYC Connect with UsFollow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/steveglaveskiFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyzTimestamps(00:02) - Intro(05:02) - Hey Bud's unique positioning in the skincare market and initial growth strategies.(10:02) - Key milestones and growth metrics, including expanding to 130 countries and gaining 200,000 customers.(15:02) - Origin story and personal journey of Alex and his co-founders, including challenges faced as first-time founders.(20:02) - Strategies for differentiating Hey Bud in a saturated market, focusing on online reviews and customer feedback.(25:02) - Importance of influencer marketing and the role it played in Hey Bud's early success.(30:02) - Manufacturing challenges and the complexities of scaling production.(35:02) - Regulatory landscape for hemp-based products and navigating legal requirements.(40:02) - Team dynamics, hiring strategies, and maintaining a lean but effective team.(45:02) - Long-term vision for Hey Bud, including expansion plans and future opportunities.(50:02) - Wrap-up and final thoughts from Alex on the future of Hey Bud and personal reflections.

Jason Fried thinks deeply about collaboration, productivity and the nature of work. He's the co-founder of project management platform Basecamp. Founded in 1999, Basecamp has been recognised by Forbes as one of America’s best small businesses. His 2010 TED talk on ‘Why Work Doesn’t Happen At Work’ has been viewed over 5 million times.He’s also the co-author of Rework, which is about new ways to conceptualize working and creating, as well as the brand new ‘It Doesn’t Have To Be Crazy At Work’, in which he rejects the prevailing notion that long hours, aggressive hustle, and "whatever it takes" are required to run a successful business today. The Economist called the book funny, well-written and iconoclastic and by far the best thing on management published this year.As somebody who shares many of Jason’s philosophies on work, I really enjoyed this conversation. Organisations are projected to invest US$2T into digital transformation by 2022 to make them more efficient, but they could reap what I would argue are vastly greater rewards, not only in terms of productivity but in terms of employee wellness, if they just changed the way they work today.Jason and I unpacked many lessons on productivity from his book, including:Why is everybody ‘so, so busy’?Why more people doesn’t mean faster or better outcomes; andA handful of simple changes that you can make today to radically increase your productivity and enjoyment of work and lifeTopics Discussed:Why being busy has become a badge of honourThe dangers of not getting enough sleepThe peril of managers and meetingsBrook’s LawWhy 80 hour work weeks aren’t spent actually workingFacilitating outcomes with a remotely distributed teamJason’s notion of a ‘calm company’Why Basecamp has rejected hundreds of offers from venture capitalists and investorsWhy raising capital shouldn’t be conflated with success for startupsSetting realistic deadlinesSo-called perks that are designed to keep people in the officeHow to defend your timeCommitment, not consensusUsing work as an excuse not to liveOvercollaboration in the workplaceOutsourcing accountability and blameHow to say noJason’s rituals and routinesShow Notes:Basecamp.com (project and team communications software)Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Doesnt-Have-Be-Crazy-Work/dp/0062874780Twitter: @jasonfriedMedium: @jasonfriedJason’s TED Talk:  https://www.ted.com/talks/jason_fried_why_work_doesn_t_happen_at_work?language=en---Employee to Entrepreneur podcast on Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/employeetoentrepreneurpodcast Listen to Future Squared on Apple Podcasts @ goo.gl/sMnEa0 Also available on: Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher and Soundcloud Twitter: www.twitter.com/steveglaveski Instagram: www.instagram.com/@thesteveglaveski Future Squared: www.futuresquared.xyz Steve Glaveski: www.steveglaveski.com Medium: www.medium.com/@steveglaveski 

Julia Krieger is the managing partner of Pari Passu Venture Partners, a network of founders supporting founders. She has been both an operator and a venture investor and so has unique perspectives on all things startups and VCs.In this conversation, we explore:Julia’s time investing over $100M for Insight PartnersHer experience building sharing economy marketplace, VillageLuxeHow Pari Passu invests on an SPV model instead of a fund model, and the benefits of thisOperator-led VC firms v non-operator led VC firms and their respective meritsWhere the venture landscape and valuations are at todayThe impact of AI on capital efficiencyWarm v cold outreachTips for founders looking to raiseHow going through difficult times breeds empathyWe also touched on Scale AI’s meritocratic-based hiring process and how Julia thinks about backing diverse foundersTimestamps(00:02) - Discussion about balancing work and family, and the start of the podcast conversation.(00:07) - Reflection on investing over $100 million in Marketplace and SAS companies, and insights into the Russian tech ecosystem in the early 2010s.(00:12) - Detailed discussion about the operational model and cultural philosophy at Insight Partners.(00:17) - Transition from Insight Partners to founding Village Lux, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.(00:22) - Discussion on the lessons learned from running Village Lux and transitioning to founding Pari Passu Ventures.(00:27) - Details on the setup of Paripasu Ventures and its unique investment approach through an SPV model.(00:32) - Discussion about the current venture capital environment, the importance of resilience in founders, and the impact of economic cycles on startup funding.(00:37) - Insights into how founders are adapting to the current economic environment and strategies for longer runway and fundraising.(00:42) - The philosophical and operational approach of Pari Passu Ventures, and the significance of supporting diverse founders.(00:47) - Concluding remarks and final thoughts on the future of startups, AI influence on business, and the importance of diverse and merit-based funding approaches.Resources and LinksPari Passu Venture Partners: https://ppvp.com Julia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuliyagudish/ Pari Passu community app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/paripassu-invest-with-top-vcs/id6451420779 Connect with UsFollow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/steveglaveskiFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesteveglaveski Subscribe to my newsletter: https://futuresquared.xyzOur SponsorGet your free content strategy: https://sonicboom.vcLeave us a review!Timestamps