Not Investment Advice

In this episode of the NIA podcast, Trung dives deep into the world of Calvin and Hobbes, the iconic comic strip created by the brilliant Bill Watterson. Trung explores the artistic journey of Watterson, his creative process, and the enduring legacy of his work.Timestamps:00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:11) - The Legacy of Calvin and Hobbes(00:02:48) -Bill Watterson: The Purist Artist(00:04:52) - The Success of Calvin and Hobbes(00:06:28) - Jed McKenna's Insights on Creativity(00:10:43) - Bill Watterson's Life and Influences(00:21:27) - The Idea Maze of Creativity and the Birth of Calvin and Hobbes(00:26:31) - Character Development in Calvin and Hobbes(00:32:50) - The Syndication Process Explained(00:36:45) - The Fragility of Ideas in the Creative Process(00:41:18) - Bill Watterson’s Creative Process(00:48:48) - The Licensing Process and the struggle between Art vs Commerce(01:05:21) - AwardsWhat Is Not Investment Advice?Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.Subscribe + listen on your fav podcast app:Apple: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.spotifyOthers: https://pod.link/notadvicepodWatch + Subscribe on Youtube:https://youtu.be/i7BCrmeNMOgListen into our group chat on Telegram:https://t.me/notinvestmentadviceLet us know what you think on Twitter:@bzaidi@trungtphan@jackbutcher@niapodcastFollow NIA on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

The NIA boys discuss Money Psychology, Favorite Mental Models & Future AI JobsTimestamps: (00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:04) - Money Psychology(00:21:21) - Favorite Mental Models(00:35:39) - Future AI JobsWhat Is Not Investment Advice?Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.Subscribe + listen on your fav podcast app:Apple: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.spotifyOthers: https://pod.link/notadvicepodWatch + Subscribe on Youtube:https://youtu.be/i7BCrmeNMOgListen into our group chat on Telegram:https://t.me/notinvestmentadviceLet us know what you think on Twitter:@bzaidi@trungtphan@jackbutcher@niapodcastFollow NIA on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

The NIA boys discuss SpaceX Starship, Tesla vs. Waymo & Jensen Huang’s Nvidia Bull CaseTimestamps:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:03:36) - SpaceX successful landing (00:06:23) - Mechazilla Chopsticks (00:11:32) - SpaceX vs. traditional space programs(00:12:06) - Other revenue streams for SpaceX(00:12:56) - Why reusability is important(00:17:02) - Elon the public figure (00:17:50) - Elon’s mission(00:20:19) - The politicization of Elon(00:29:21) - The origin story of SpaceX(00:32:42) - Mars Mission Timeline(00:35:14) - Space tech spinoffs(00:40:50) - Tesla vs. Waymo approach:(00:51:50) - AMA question on Tesla’s We, Robot Event(00:55:26) - NVIDIA Bull CaseWhat Is Not Investment Advice?Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.Subscribe + listen on your fav podcast app:Apple: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.spotifyOthers: https://pod.link/notadvicepodWatch + Subscribe on Youtube:https://youtu.be/i7BCrmeNMOgListen into our group chat on Telegram:https://t.me/notinvestmentadviceLet us know what you think on Twitter:@bzaidi@trungtphan@jackbutcher@niapodcastFollow NIA on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

The NIA boys discuss Doritos, the connection between ultra processed food and the current media landscape, the science behind Doritos and much moreTimestamps:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:55) - Meme of the Week(00:02:56) - The parallels between ultra processed food and the industrial production of media(00:09:26) - The invention of Gas Chromatography(00:12:26) - The history of Vanilla and the importance of spices(00:17:37) - The history of the Dorito(00:26:02) - Food industrial complex(00:28:43) - GLP-1 impact on various addictions(00:32:39) - The science behind DoritosWhat Is Not Investment Advice?Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.Subscribe + listen on your fav podcast app:Apple: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.spotifyOthers: https://pod.link/notadvicepodWatch + Subscribe on Youtube:https://youtu.be/i7BCrmeNMOgListen into our group chat on Telegram:https://t.me/notinvestmentadviceLet us know what you think on Twitter:@bzaidi@trungtphan@jackbutcher@niapodcastFollow NIA on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

The NIA boys discuss Meta Orion Glasses, Google’s NotebookLM, Port Strike & Megalopolis ReviewTimestamps:00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:26) - Meme of the Week(00:04:05) - Meta Orion Glasses(00:26:33) - Google’s NotebookLM(00:48:45) - Port Strike(00:55:46) - Megalopolis ReviewWhat Is Not Investment Advice?Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.Subscribe + listen on your fav podcast app:Apple: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.spotifyOthers: https://pod.link/notadvicepodWatch + Subscribe on Youtube:https://youtu.be/i7BCrmeNMOgListen into our group chat on Telegram:https://t.me/notinvestmentadviceLet us know what you think on Twitter:@bzaidi@trungtphan@jackbutcher@niapodcastFollow NIA on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

The NIA boys discuss Francis Ford Coppola’s Career, The Godfather, $500M Winery & MegalopolisTimestamps:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:09:39) - Francis Ford Coppola’s Career(00:36:28) - The Godfather(00:47:08) - $500M Winery(00:52:17) - Apocalypse now(01:09:09) - MegalopolisWhat Is Not Investment Advice?Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.Subscribe + listen on your fav podcast app:Apple: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.spotifyOthers: https://pod.link/notadvicepodWatch + Subscribe on Youtube:https://youtu.be/i7BCrmeNMOgListen into our group chat on Telegram:https://t.me/notinvestmentadviceLet us know what you think on Twitter:@bzaidi@trungtphan@jackbutcher@niapodcastFollow NIA on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

The NIA boys discuss Mr Beast’s LEAKED Guide To Going Viral, The Power Broker 50th Anniversary & Robert Caro(00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:15) - Initial Thoughts on How to Succeed in MrBeast Production(00:05:49) - YouTube is eating all of media(00:09:58) - Minute-by-minute retention strategy(00:14:49) - Meritocracy and Teamwork(00:19:08) - A, B, C player framework(00:25:08) - What makes a YouTube video go viral(00:32:41) - Creativity Saves Money(00:39:05) - Critical Components and Mangement Style(00:47:53) - Criticism of MrBeast(00:50:52) - Final Thoughts on How to Succeed in MrBeast Production(00:58:48) - Robert Caro’s Power Broker 50th Anniversary(01:04:41) - Robert Moses and Power(01:10:12) - Robert Caro and the making of The Power Broker1) YouTube is eating all media:• 20 hours/month average watch time• 5x more than Netflix• Mr. Beast: "YouTube will eat all of media"2) Three metrics that matter:• Click-through rate (CTR)• Average view duration (AVD)• Average view percentage (AVP)"These are the holy trinity of YouTube metrics" - Bilal3) Jenga storytelling method:• Show end goal upfront• Build tension throughout• Example: Last to take hand off Lamborghini wins it4) Minute-by-minute retention strategy:• Minute 1: Most crucial, invest in lighting• Minutes 1-3: Show rapid story progression• Minute 3: Re-engage viewers with a big moment"At 6 minutes, viewers are on autopilot to the end" - Mr. Beast5) A, B, C player framework:• A players: Obsessive, coachable, best in the world• B players: New hires with A player potential• C players: "Poisonous", transition out immediately"C players are awful to work with. I know, I've been one." - Trunk6) Creativity saves money:• $20k cash prize vs. year's supply of Doritos• Doritos prize more viral, costs only $1,300• Think outside the box for engaging rewardsWhat Is Not Investment Advice?Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.Subscribe + listen on your fav podcast app:Apple: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.spotifyOthers: https://pod.link/notadvicepodWatch + Subscribe on Youtube:https://youtu.be/i7BCrmeNMOgListen into our group chat on Telegram:https://t.me/notinvestmentadviceLet us know what you think on Twitter:@bzaidi@trungtphan@jackbutcher@niapodcastFollow NIA on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

The NIA boys discuss iPhone 16 Launch, Apple Intelligence + Siri, Kendrick Super Bowl & OnlyFans $6B BusinessTimestamps:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:03:47) - Meme of the Week Pt 1 (00:05:49) - Meme of the Week Pt 2(00:09:58) - Apple Intelligence + Siri(00:13:25) - iPhone 16 Launch (00:17:01) - Apple becoming a service company(00:29:54) - Kendrick Super Bowl Announcement(00:40:05) - OnlyFans $6B Business(00:55:41) - Cinematic AI1) Apple's "Wonderlust" event highlights:• iPhone 15: Marginal camera upgrades• A18 chip: 30% faster, key for AI on-device• Apple Intelligence: Siri revamp after 13 years• AirPods as hearing aids: $249 vs. $2-3k traditional"Software talk dominated hardware - sign of Apple's services shift" - Trung2) OnlyFans by the numbers:•$6.3B revenue in 2023 (up from $300M in 2018)• 80% creator payout (vs. 55% YouTube)• More UK tax revenue than North Sea oil ($118M vs $69M)• Only 42 employees"They're bringing in money for the UK government more than oil in the North Sea" - Bilal3) OnlyFans business model:• Subscriptions + transactions for "extras"• No app store = no 30% Apple tax• Desktop/browser-only = massive user dedication• Power law: Top creators earning "NBA money"4) The rise of Apple as a healthcare company:• AirPods as hearing aids• Apple Watch health features (ECG, blood oxygen)• Focus on preventative care and monitoring"Apple doesn't come in with 'hey man, like a hearing aid, we're cheaper.' That's not their play." - Trung5) Hip-hop drama: Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Announcement• New Orleans upset over local artists exclusion• Jay-Z's role in halftime show selection questioned6) The future of content creation:• AI-generated videos becoming indistinguishable• Potential premium on "real" content"The level of AI video is getting pretty insane." - BilalWhat Is Not Investment Advice?Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.Subscribe + listen on your fav podcast app:Apple: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.spotifyOthers: https://pod.link/notadvicepodWatch + Subscribe on Youtube:https://youtu.be/i7BCrmeNMOgListen into our group chat on Telegram:https://t.me/notinvestmentadviceLet us know what you think on Twitter:@bzaidi@trungtphan@jackbutcher@niapodcastFollow NIA on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

The NIA boys discuss Founder Mode, Seasonal Businesses, Spirit Halloween’s $650m+ Biz and X vs. BrazilTimestamps:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:03:04) - Founder Mode(00:20:13) - Meme of the Week(00:22:44) - Seasonal Businesses(00:35:28) - Spirit Halloween’s $650m+ Biz(00:53:29) - X vs. Brazil1) Paul Graham's "Founder Mode" essay sparks debate • Contrasts with "Manager Mode" in large companies• Emphasizes hands-on approach vs. delegating• Airbnb's Brian Chesky cited as success story• Key question: Is it just rebranded micromanagement?• "It's really about good people versus bad people." - Bilal2) Seasonal businesses can be WILDLY profitable Hall of Fame examples:• Mariah Carey's Christmas royalties ($2-3M/month)• KFC/Domino's on Super Bowl Sunday• Fireworks sellers (2 months/year)• Wedding industry: 60-80% of engagements happen Q4 to Valentine's Day• Crayola: 50% of their annual $600M revenue happen between July 4 and Labor Day3) Spirit Halloween: The ultimate seasonal business• 1,450 locations (as big as Target)• $600-700M revenue in 2 months• Uses bankrupt retail spaces4) Brazil vs. X: The latest in global tech regulation • Brazilian government blocks X (Twitter)• $9,000 fine for VPN users (median salary: $8,000)• Raises questions about free speech and government controlWhat Is Not Investment Advice?Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.Watch + Subscribe on Youtube:https://youtu.be/rQQIyawql4sListen into our group chat on Telegram:https://t.me/notinvestmentadviceLet us know what you think on Twitter:@bzaidi@trungtphan@jackbutcher@niapodcastFollow NIA on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast Links Mentioned: Founder Mode: https://paulgraham.com/foundermode.html