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The Abstractable Podcast

by Ryan Griffin & Lachlan Smith

This is a podcast for entrepreneurial spirited, the curious and those hungry to learn about the world around them. We distill the ideas from the world's best thinkers in startups, business, creativity and psychology.Hosts Ryan Griffin and Lachlan Smith bring ideas and practical takeaways from their favourite authors and thought leaders.--- Subscribe to receive new episodes weekly. Find show notes and more at www.abstractable.co

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 13, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. 46 CLIPS: Banksy – Art, Marketing & Hype

    Selected clips from ep46: [0:00] Who is Mr. Brainwash? | [3:31] Banksy, Mr. Brainwash & The Creative Curve | [7:31] How to create your own luck - Banksy & Mr. Brainwash. These are Clips taken from our chat about Exit Through the Gift Shop by Banksy. We are discussing art, what makes art, and how...

  2. 46 : Banksy – Art, Marketing & Hype

    We are discussing art, what makes art, and how powerful marketing and hype can be. This episode comes from a wild and exciting documentary by Banksy about... well... it's not clear if it's about Banksy or someone else. Definitely an excellent watch! Today’s episode is inspired by documentary Exit...

  3. 45 CLIPS: Barrack Obama – What we can learn from a President

    Selected clips from ep45: [0:00] Obama’s quote that sums up his life| [5:54] When Nassim Taleb classifies himself as a communist | [11:04] Barrack Obama's Top Habits. These are Clips taken from our chat about A Promised Land by Barrack Obama. In this week's episode we discuss Obama's memoir about...

  4. 45 : Barrack Obama – What we can learn from a President

    In this week's episode we discuss Obama's memoir about his first term in office as president of the United States. Today’s episode is inspired by Book A Promised Land by Barrack Obama. [00:00] Introduction: Amazon letters [01:30] Segment story by Ryan [07:15] Overview: Promised Land [17:15] B....

  5. 44 CLIPS: Jeff Bezos – Amazon Letters to Shareholders

    Selected clips from ep44: [0:00] Building the worlds most customer centric company| [6:34] Why Amazon does not focus on making profits | [14:37] The 2 key lessons from the Amazon Letters to Shareholders. These are Clips taken from our chat about Amazon Letters to Shareholders by Jeff Bezos. The...

  6. 44 : Jeff Bezos – Amazon Letters to Shareholders

    The Amazon Annual Letters to Shareholders hold similar fame to the Berkshire Hathaway ones, and for good reason. They are densely packed recount of the successes (& failures) of Amazon from their founder. Reading all of them from 1997 through to 2020 also takes less time than a standard book so…

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  7. 43 CLIPS: Jeff Koons – An investigation of a controversial artist

    Selected clips from ep43: [0:00] Is Readymade art real art?| [6:04] The bravery of artists | [9:06] Is Jeff Koons a genius?. These are Clips taken from our chat about Manufactured Intellect by Jeff Koons. This week we discussed the art of Jeff Koons. We look at the controversy surrounding him and...

  8. 43 : Jeff Koons – An investigation of a controversial artist

    This week we discussed the art of Jeff Koons. We look at the controversy surrounding him and use it as a base to discuss art, what is art and what is its role in today's world. Today’s episode is inspired by Documentary Manufactured Intellect by Jeff Koons. [00:00] Introduction [01:24] Fashion or...

  9. 42 CLIPS: John Warrillow – Build a business to run without you

    Selected clips from ep42: [0:00] The trap that most business owners fall into| [5:12] Why every business owner should have a mentor | [12:29] How to systemise and scale your business (The Machine). These are Clips taken from our chat about Built to Sell by John Warrillow. Find out the core…

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  10. 42 : John Warrillow – Build a business to run without you

    Find out the core aspects to creating a valuable, scalable, and sellable business. This book was a perspective shifter for us when we read it a number of years ago. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in starting their own or becoming a business leader. Today’s episode is inspired by book…

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  11. 41 CLIPS: Ryan Griffin & Lachlan Smith – The Future - Medicine, Transport and Space

    Selected clips from ep41: [0:00] How mRNA tech could produce Cancer Vaccinations| [4:14] Can a Human live until 200 years old? | [9:51] Why we are calling b*llsh$t on hyper loop technology. These are Clips taken from our chat about Abstract Chat IV (part 2) by Ryan Griffin & Lachlan Smith. We...

  12. 41 : Ryan Griffin & Lachlan Smith – The Future - Medicine, Transport and Space

    We discuss what the next 10 years may hold in the areas of medicine, transport, and space. It's going to be a hell of a decade! Today’s episode is inspired by Free flowing discussion Abstract Chat IV (part 2) by Ryan Griffin & Lachlan Smith. 00:00 – Introduction | 01:48 – GameStop stock and the...

  13. 40 CLIPS: Abstractable – Decentralisation, Blockchain, Energy & Automation

    Selected clips from ep40: [0:00] Decade of decentralisation - fusion, blockchain, crypto| [7:57] Decade of automation - the gig economy, work culture & manufacturing | [14:21] Universal basic income (UBI) & globalisation. These are Clips taken from our chat about Abstract Chat IV - P1 by...

  14. 40 : Abstractable – Decentralisation, Blockchain, Energy & Automation

    We have a hugely transformative decade coming our way. In this first past of our two-part series, we explore the shake-up of 2020 and then move our gaze to the future. The world is going to propel new boundaries over the coming decade. In this episode, we look at the energy sector, future of…

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  15. 39 CLIPS: Errol Morris – War and it's lessons

    Selected clips from ep39: [0:00] Was Robert McNamara a good man?| [10:25] Should one person have the power to start a nuclear war? | [17:05] The role of empathy in war. These are Clips taken from our chat about The Fog of War by Errol Morris. We discuss one of the most groundbreaking…

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  16. 39 : Errol Morris – War and it's lessons

    We discuss one of the most groundbreaking documentaries of the 2000's - The Fog of War and the many interesting lessons you can draw from the life and times of Robert McNamara Today’s episode is inspired by the Documentary The Fog of War by Errol Morris. [00:00] Introduction | [04:30] Episode...

  17. 38 CLIPS: Seth Godin – Find your passion & ship great art

    Selected clips from ep38: [0:00] How to find your passion and meaningful work| [9:28] The $5 Tooth Fairy - Take advantage of stories | [15:23] Gaining credibility and beating imposter syndrome. These are Clips taken from our chat about Leap First by Seth Godin. Seth Godin is the guru of…

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  18. 38 : Seth Godin – Find your passion & ship great art

    Seth Godin is the guru of marketing. He was a pioneer in direct & permission marketing - think here email newsletters, social media advertising, and so on. He has also written over 20 books, many best sellers. This is a short, action-packed, audiobook that focuses inward on where we should be...

  19. 37 CLIPS: Danny Meyer – Revolutionising the restaurant business

    Selected clips from ep37: [0:00] Why Danny Meyer is the Usain Bolt of restauranteurs | [6:22] Danny Myers philosophy of enlightened hospitality explained | [15:05] Danny Meyer doesn’t put his customers first. These are Clips taken from our chat about Setting the Table by Danny Meyer. We chat…

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  20. 37 : Danny Meyer – Revolutionising the restaurant business

    We chat about the famous New York restauranteur Danny Meyer and how he has built his food empire off the back of his concept of enlightened hospitality Today’s episode is inspired by Book Setting the Table by Danny Meyer. [00:00] Introduction | [01:21] Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond Documentation |...

  21. 36 CLIPS: Cal Newport – Doing Deep Work

    Selected clips from ep36: [0:00] What is Deep Work and what is not?| [6:31] Why Deep Work is good for you | [9:35] The 4 Rules for Deep Work. These are Clips taken from our chat about Deep Work by Cal Newport. There has never been a better time to invest in your ability to do Deep Work. It is...

  22. 36 : Cal Newport – Doing Deep Work

    There has never been a better time to invest in your ability to do Deep Work. It is something which is elusive and in short supply. Today’s episode is inspired by book Deep Work by Cal Newport. [00:00] Introduction | [01:29] Impression to Kanye West, American rapper | [15:00] Author Overview…

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  23. 35 CLIPS: Miles Davis & John Coltrane – Becoming a creative genius - Musicians

    Selected clips from ep35: [0:00] The many musical faces of Miles Davis | [5:15] The secret behind Miles Davis and John Coltrane’s creativity | [10:23] Why Miles Davis gave up music! These are Clips taken from our chat about Creative Geniuses Miles Davis & John Coltrane. In the second part of our...

  24. 35 : Miles Davis & John Coltrane – Becoming a creative genius - Musicians

    In the second part of our creative genius series, we discuss two of the greatest musicians of all time, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. We discuss their creative processes, their lives and their music Today’s episode is inspired by by Miles Davis & John Coltrane. [00:00] Introduction | [01:40]...

  25. 34 CLIPS : Jeremiah Tower & Francis Mallmann – Becoming a creative genius - Chefs

    Selected clips from ep34: [0:00] How to say no | [6:45] How to find your creativity | [9:05] Why is the world obsessed with celebrity chefs. These are Clips taken from our chat about Creative Geniuses by Jeremiah Tower & Francis Mallmann. Stars and celebrity chefs are the focus of this week’s...

  26. 34 : Jeremiah Tower & Francis Mallmann – Becoming a creative genius - Chefs

    Stars and celebrity chefs are the focus of this week’s special double header. We are delving further into the creativity rabbit hole, exploring the lives and behaviours of two celebrity chefs. Today’s episode is inspired by our series Creative Geniuses by Jeremiah Tower & Francis Mallmann.…

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  27. 33 CLIPS: Jared Diamond – How humans spread across the world

    Selected clips from ep33: [0:00] Jared Diamonds answer to Yalis question | [3:54] Why you shouldn’t eat wild almonds! | [6:59] Is farming a good idea? These are Clips taken from our chat about Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. We dive into Jared Diamond’s classic book about how humans…

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  28. 33 : Jared Diamond – How humans spread across the world

    We dive into Jared Diamond’s classic book about how humans spread across the world and why some societies grew at faster rates than others Today’s episode is inspired by book Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. [00:00] Introduction | [04:40] Book Review: Guns, Germs and Steel | [06:50]…

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  29. 32 CLIPS: Eric Weinstein – Contrarian thinking, violence, growth and preference falsification

    Selected clips from ep32: [0:00] How to be a contrarian | [4:16] What happened to polymaths and the great inventors? | [9:18] How violence is everywhere. These are Clips taken from our chat about The Portal (Ep 1) by Eric Weinstein. An extremely thought provoking episode of The Portal featuring...

  30. 32 : Eric Weinstein – Contrarian thinking, violence, growth and preference falsification

    An extremely thought provoking episode of The Portal featuring Peter Thiel. Weinstein and Thiel cover a lot of ground discussing beliefs they hold about how the world works. These aren’t viewpoints that we hear a lot about in our daily newsfeeds. Today’s episode is inspired by podcast The Portal...

  31. 31 CLIPS: Abstract Chat III – Reflecting on episodes 21 - 30

    Selected clips from ep31: [0:00] Why we love The Obstacle is the Way | [4:17] Why Lessons from History keeps you coming back for more | [11:03] What Ross Ulbricht can teach us about Libertarianism. These are Clips taken from Abstract Chat III. In this episode, we look back on episode 21-30 and…

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  32. 31 : Abstract Chat III – Reflecting on episodes 21 - 30

    In this episode, we look back on episode 21-30 and talk about our favourite concepts. We also give a bit of an update on the podcast and our plans moving forward. Outline: [00:00] Introduction: Abstract Chat | [01:46] Trivia: Breathing Techniques | [11:15] Ryan’s favourite book: Fooled by...

  33. 30 CLIPS: Peter Thiel – Building billion dollar start ups

    Selected clips from ep30: [0:00] What Peter Thiel says has made him so successful | [4:11] Has innovation and technology development stagnated? | [9:19] The 7 must answer questions to build a great business. These are Clips taken from our chat about Zero to One by Peter Thiel. This is a book…

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  34. 30 : Peter Thiel – Building billion dollar start ups

    This is a book about how to build the future. Peter Thiel is one of the most respected names in building high impact start ups. He was the first external investor in Facebook and has been involved in many many multi-billion dollar start ups. Today’s episode is inspired by the book Zero to One by...

  35. 29 Clips : Phil Knight – The making of Nike

    Selected clips from ep29: [0:00] How early on Nike was a complete mess | [2:30] What do Nike and Patagonia have in common? | [6:46] The power of brand and leverage. These are Clips taken from our chat about Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. We talk about Phil’s page-turning memoir detailing the story of…

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  36. 29 : Phil Knight – The making of Nike

    We chat about Phil’s page-turning memoir detailing the story of how he built Nike from an idea into one of the biggest companies in the world. Today’s episode is inspired by the book Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. [00:00] Introduction | [06:30] The Author: Phil Knight | [11:28] First Company: The Blue...

  37. 28 Clips : Dale Carnegie – Principles to succeed, lead, and influence

    Selected clips from ep28: [0:00] The lost art of being indirect | [3:23] Someone’s name is the most important sound to them in any language | [8:33] Why being genuine is more important than any technique or strategy. These are Clips taken from our chat about How to Win Friends and Influence…

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  38. 28 : Dale Carnegie – Principles to succeed, lead and influence

    This book was released in 1936, a vastly different world to today, however, something has remained constant - us. This book is full of time-tested and proven techniques. A definite read for anyone on the path to self-improvement. It includes: 6 ways to make people like you, 12 ways to win people…

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  39. 27 Clips : Stanford University – Startups and how they work

    Selected clips from ep27: [0:00] What is a startup? | [4:03] Are startup founders just lucky? | [7:56] Airbnb - Do things that don’t scale.| These are Clips taken from our chat about How to start a startup by Stanford University. We talk about the theories that are discussed in the lecture series...

  40. 27 : Stanford University – Startups and how they work

    Today’s episode is inspired by lecture series How to start a startup by Stanford University. We talk about the theories that are discussed in the lecture series as well as some of the famous presenters from Y-Combinator that ran this course. [00:00] Introduction: Overview of the Topic | [02:25]...

  41. 26 Clips: Ryan Holiday – Turning life’s challenges into the way forward

    Selected clips from ep26: [0:00] See your problems as a painter sees a landscape | [6:42] Domesticating your emotions | [13:50] Huricane Carter’s fight for justice & freedom. These are Clips taken from our chat about The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday. This book offers a pragmatic look at...

  42. 26 : Ryan Holiday – Turning life’s challenges into the way forward

    This book offers a pragmatic look at turning our daily trials into opportunities and then triumphs. It draws on stoic wisdom which has tested across millenia and reframes it for our current world. We both share examples of where we have applied the concepts in this book to turn around our own...

  43. 25 Clips : Abstract Chat II – Reflecting on Episodes 11-20

    Selected clips from ep25: [0:00] What is an Abstract Chat? | [3:18] What turns the weird normal? | [11:38] Is follow your passion good career advice? These are Clips taken from our episode Abstract Chat II. In this episode, we look back on episode 11-20 and talk about our favourite concepts. We...

  44. 25 : Abstract Chat II – Reflecting on Episodes 11-20

    In this episode, we look back on episode 11-20 and talk about our favourite concepts. We also give a bit of an update on the podcast and our plans moving forward. - What is an Abstract Chat? - We explain what this type of episode is all about - What turns the weird normal? - We talk about how...

  45. 24 Clips : Nick Bilton – the Silk Road’s Criminal Mastermind

    Selected clips from ep24: [0:00] Kickstarting the Silk Road Marketplace | [3:29] Finding an invisible and anonymous master criminal | [7:46] The slow decay of ethics as power increases. These are Clips taken from our chat about American Kingpin by Nick Bilton. We tell the story of the ultimate…

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  46. 24 : Nick Bilton – the Silk Road’s Criminal Mastermind

    See more We tell the story of the ultimate free market, launched by a 26 year old programmer. It is both an incredible manhunt and a look at the inner workings of a global criminal business. Today’s episode is inspired by book American Kingpin by Nick Bilton. [34:52] Kickstarting the Silk Road...

  47. 23 Clips : Nassim Nicholas Taleb – Randomness and the world around you

    Selected clips from ep23: [0:00] What Taleb recommends you avoid | [4:35] Dentists vs Stockbrokers | [10:00] The birthday paradox. These are Clips taken from our chat about Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Yes, we are returning to the author we mention in almost all episodes to...

  48. 23 : Nassim Nicholas Taleb – Randomness and the world around you

    Yes, we are returning to the author we mention in almost all episodes to discuss his first-ever book. A quick note to apologise about the gaps between us speaking, our internet connection was pretty unstable when we were recording this. Today’s episode is inspired by book Fooled by Randomness by...

  49. 22 Clips: Will & Ariel Durant – Lessons from 5000 years of history

    Selected clips from ep22: Can utopia exist or are we doomed before getting started? | Are revolts effective ways to make change? | Are we actually making progress as a society? | These are Clips taken from our chat about The Lessons of History by Will & Ariel Durant. So what have we learnt from...

  50. 22 : Will & Ariel Durant – Lessons from 5000 years of history

    So what have we learnt from 5000 years of history? This ep we dive into looking how we, as humans, have and have not changed across millenia. Plenty of prickly and controversial topics in this one - politics, progress, revolution, utopia and war to start! The Durant’s bring their shared lifetime…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

This is a podcast for entrepreneurial spirited, the curious and those hungry to learn about the world around them. We distill the ideas from the world's best thinkers in startups, business, creativity and psychology.Hosts Ryan Griffin and Lachlan Smith bring ideas and practical takeaways from their favourite authors and thought leaders.--- Subscribe to receive new episodes weekly. Find show notes and more at www.abstractable.co

HOSTED BY

Ryan Griffin & Lachlan Smith

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Abstractable Podcast have?

The Abstractable Podcast currently has 94 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Abstractable Podcast about?

This is a podcast for entrepreneurial spirited, the curious and those hungry to learn about the world around them. We distill the ideas from the world's best thinkers in startups, business, creativity and psychology.Hosts Ryan Griffin and Lachlan Smith bring ideas and practical takeaways from their...

How often does The Abstractable Podcast release new episodes?

The Abstractable Podcast has 94 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Abstractable Podcast?

You can listen to The Abstractable Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Abstractable Podcast?

The Abstractable Podcast is created and hosted by Ryan Griffin & Lachlan Smith.
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