The Novice

Why are engineers and startup founders so excited about Artificial Intelligence? Is that because the field is hyped up, is that because we can ask ChatGPT all kinds of questions and get instant answers, or is it because of some deeper connection? My friend Bijan came to talk about his experience starting EventMobi at the time when mobile web was just getting started, and how he is seeing many parallels between those days and AI today. Bijan is smart, highly technical, and is full of energy, and while he could be doing anything else with his time, he is currently heads down, building a new company in AI. Why is that?So many great lessons in this episode. You’ve got to listen to it!Thanks for reading The Novice! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Bijan shares his journey from successfully bootstrapping EventMobi while still in college, to his current ventures in the AI, and how the best entrepreneurs and early stage employees are doing it all for fun and curiosity, as opposed to a big paycheck.Throughout the episode, Bijan's experiences highlight the realities of startup life beyond the glamorized stories often portrayed in media. His journey from a bootstrapped startup to exploring AI ventures offers valuable lessons on persistence, adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving tech landscape.Key Highlights:The EventMobi Journey: Bijan recounts the early days of EventMobi, which he started with his brother in 2009. They identified an opportunity in the mobile space for conferences and events, navigating through challenges like explaining the importance of mobile technology to skeptical event planners.Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital: Bijan discusses the pros and cons of bootstrapping EventMobi versus raising venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your industry and market potential when making this decision.Scaling Challenges: As EventMobi grew, Bijan faced challenges in transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager. He candidly shares his experiences with burnout and the difficult decision to step away from his CTO role.Post-EventMobi Career: After leaving EventMobi, Bijan explored various roles, including being a fractional CTO for startups and working with a venture capital firm. These experiences gave him a comprehensive view of the startup ecosystem from different angles.Entering the AI Space: Bijan talks about his current focus on AI, particularly in solving data management problems for retailers and distributors. He emphasizes the importance of understanding deep customer problems and finding the right intersection between AI capabilities and market needs.Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Bijan offers valuable insights for young entrepreneurs, especially in the context of the current AI boom. He stresses the importance of being a builder in these early stages of AI development and embracing the challenges that come with it.The Cyclic Nature of Tech: The conversation touches on how tech cycles repeat, with periods of building followed by periods of sales and incremental improvements. Bijan notes that we're currently in a building phase for AI.This podcast provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a realistic view of the startup world, emphasizing that success often comes through years of hard work, pivots, and a willingness to embrace new challenges and technologies.🔔 Don’t miss out! Subscribe now and hit the bell icon to stay notified about our latest content.Connect with the guest:• EventMobi • Bijan VaezConnect with the host:• The Novice Newsletter• The Novice on Facebook• Kirill ZubovskyEpisode Sponsored by: Breckworks.comLast but not least, I am also working on something new in AI.If you are curios, here is our deck, and a demo. We'd love to surround ourselves with really smart people. If you are one of them, say hello. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Welcome to The Novice. Today it is my pleasure to share with you my interview with Harley Sitner, the amazing Seattle entrepreneur and driving force behind Peace Vans, a company that embodies the spirit of adventure and community. This episode will show you what it takes to take the leap and to leave a comfortable office job in the pursuit of happiness, even if that means stress and long hours for miles on end.If you want a shortcut to decide whether you want to hear the full episode, take a look at my collection of Harley Sitner shorts on YouTube from the first 30 minutes of the interview. If you like ‘em, please give them a thumbs-up and help me share the episode. Every listener counts, and that means you!Harley’s path to entrepreneurship was anything but conventional. After a successful stint at Microsoft, where he honed his skills in marketing and small business engagement, Harley purchased a struggling VW repair shop in Seattle, transforming it into the thriving business it is today.In this episode, Harley talks about:• His love for Burning Man and how it inspires his business 🌟• The rollercoaster ride of running a small business with epic highs and challenging lows 🚀• Hilarious and heartfelt stories from the van life community 🚐❤️• The importance of creativity and personal connections in entrepreneurship🎨Under Harley’s leadership, Peace Vans has grown exponentially, now employing around 30 people across multiple buildings and managing a fleet of vans that delight customers with both nostalgic charm and modern upgrades, including electric conversions. The company generates approximately $10 million in revenue annually, showcasing Harley’s acumen in scaling a business while maintaining a strong sense of community and customer satisfaction.Peace Vans is not just a business for Harley; it’s a creative outlet and a way to build meaningful relationships. His commitment to customer service is unparalleled, often going above and beyond to ensure his customers have memorable experiences. This dedication is reflected in stories where he personally addresses customer issues, even if it means driving through the night to deliver a replacement van.In addition to Peace Vans, Harley has just expanded his entrepreneurial ventures by acquiring Sekr, an innovative app designed to connect van enthusiasts and provide a platform for sharing travel experiences. This acquisition aligns perfectly with his passion for building communities and enhancing the travel lifestyle for van owners.Harley’s story is a testament to following one’s passions and the rewards of taking risks. Whether he’s mentoring small business owners, engaging with customers, or innovating within the van life community, Harley Sitner remains a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and dedication. His journey continues to inspire many, proving that with vision, creativity, and a bit of tenacity, dreams can indeed become reality.Connect with Harley • Peace Vans• Harley SitnerConnect with Kirill• Encourage your friends to sign up for the The Novice Newsletter• Kirill ZubovskyReady to Dive In?Listen to the full episode here, on YouTube, on Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows. * Listen: Your future startup life depends on it.* Like: Show us some love if you found this episode enlightening.* Subscribe: Keep up with our latest episodes and never miss a beat.* Share: Spread the word. This knowledge is too good to keep to yourself.* Buy a van: If you need a daily driver that can also double as a camper, and you don’t go too far or plan on doing extreme off-roading, Peacevans might be right for you. If you liked this episode, you will probably like the one before it where Stewart Alsop talks about buying exotic birds, living in South America, learning “readneck science” and much more. If you know a little bit about startup life and venture capital, you might also enjoy this episode with a fake VC. He’s a comedian. He’s got 20k followers on LinkedIn. He sounds incredibly real, and yet, it’s a long running joke.Lastly, if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or you just need to get something off your chest, feel free to email me. I’d love to hear from more of my readers.Stay awesome! Kirill Zubovsky Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Stewart Alsop III is not just the host of The Crazy Wisdom podcast; he’s a friend and a fellow adventurer in the wild world of podcasting. Our paths first crossed when Stewart invited me onto his show to dive into the magic behind Smashnotes.com. Since then, he’s embarked on an epic journey, recording nearly 400 episodes, quenching his insatiable curiosity, and even discovering a unique way to monetize his passion.Today, I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Stewart to The Novice. Our plan was to explore the nuts and bolts of producing countless episodes, staying motivated, and all things podcasting. But, as often happens with Stewart, the conversation took a thrilling detour. We plunged into the depths of San Francisco’s underground culture, reminisced about his wild farm life with goats, and the vibrant mix of truck-driving Trump supporters and perpetually-high, earth-loving hippies.Thanks for reading The Novice! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Highlights of this episode:🌟 From San Francisco to Buenos Aires: Stewart traded the tech hustle of San Francisco for the tango rhythms of Buenos Aires. Why? Because why not!🦙 Farm Life Follies: Ever thought you’d need an emu to guard your goats? Neither did Stewart. Discover his wild farm adventures that involve mountain lions and some very confused animals.🎧 Podcasting Wisdom: Stewart’s done nearly 400 episodes and counting. He shares how spontaneity became his new best friend and why scheduling is soooo last year.💡 Redneck Science: Yes, it’s a thing. And it’s surprisingly effective. Stewart dives into the quirky world of country ingenuity.💰 Argentinian Economics: Forget your high school econ class. Stewart explains the wild world of pesos, Bitcoin, and why the black market rate is the real MVP.Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and join us for a rollercoaster of an episode that covers everything from the spiritual crises to the secret to surviving San Francisco’s tech scene (hint: it’s all about the parties).Catch the full episode here!Connect with the guest: • Stewart on X: https://x.com/StewartalsopIII • The Crazy Wisdom: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... • Stewart on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartal... • Crazy Wisdom en Espanol Connect with the host: • Kirill’s Home (https://kirillzubovsky.com) • Kirill on X (https://x.com/kirillzubovsky) • Kirill on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirillzubovsky/ • The Novice on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNoviceMediaStay curious,Kirill ZubovskyP.S. Ever tried to buy an emu? Stewart has, and it’s as wild as it sounds. → https://youtube.com/shorts/eYkW44IJfo0 Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Hey there, Curious Minds,Have you've ever wondered how to make startup equity distribution way less stressful, protecting the founders and enabling employees to have more? This episode of "The Novice" is for you. We're diving deep into the future of startups with Rafal Dittwald, the masterminds behind Venture Hub.What’s Venture Hub?Venture Hub is a game-changer, an online community and platform designed for asynchronous venture creation with three core innovations:* Dynamic Equity: Say goodbye to rigid equity splits and hello to a flexible, contribution-based equity model.* Streamlined Legal and Software Infrastructure: Simplifying the legal and operational hurdles of issuing equity to multiple participants, contributing at random intervals and times.* A Thriving Community: Connect, collaborate, and create with like-minded innovators from all over the globe, on any projects open to contributors.Why Should You Care?Founder breakups are the leading cause of startups going belly up because traditional startup equity models are not designed for change, they try to predict the future with a crystal ball, and often fail to adopt when founders change their minds. Venture Hub flips the script, allowing equity to be distributed based on actual contributions over time. This means less guesswork, fewer disputes, and a more dynamic, fair way to reward those who put in the work.Why do I care?Raf is a good friend and a fantastic engineer and he’s been working on this concept for a very long time. While I have my own concerns about this model, I also see the benefits, and I think it’s important to know and understand what other people might want to see in the world, in order to help shape my own narrative.Highlights from the Episode:* Dynamic Equity Explained: Rafal and Kirill break down how Venture Hub's dynamic equity model can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of startup contributions.* Real-world Applications: Learn how this model has already helped their team manage equity in a fair and flexible way across multiple projects.* Community Power: Hear about the potential for a marketplace where skilled professionals can contribute to various startups and earn equity, just like an open-source software community.For better or worse, I cut out about 10 minutes of the interview, primarily around legal compony structure aspects. You can find more on that in the Venture Hub explainer on their website.Why You Need to Tune In:This episode isn’t just for founders—it’s for anyone interested in the startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an investor looking for innovative models, or just someone curious about the future of work, Rafal and Kirill’s insights are invaluable.Connect with the guest:• Venture Hub (vntrhb.com)• Rafal (https://rafd.me)• Rafal on X (https://x.com/rafd)Connect with the host:• The Novice Podcast (https://novicemedia.com)• Kirill (https://kirillzubovsky.com)• Kirill on X (https://x.com/kirillzubovsky)Ready to Dive In?Listen to the full episode here, on YouTube, on Apple Podcasts, and wherever yo get your shows. Discover how Venture Hub is paving the way for a more equitable and dynamic startup world, and while you're at it, don’t forget to:* Listen: Your future startup self will thank you.* Like: Show us some love if you found this episode enlightening.* Subscribe: Keep up with our latest episodes and never miss a beat.* Share: Spread the word. This knowledge is too good to keep to yourself.* Repeat: Got a startup idea? Venture Hub might be your next step. Re-listen and get inspired.Stay curious and keep innovating, Kirill.P.S. If this episode doesn’t make you rethink how startups handle equity, tune in for the next one. We promise there’s always something new to learn.If you think you know someone real interesting that I should interview, please let me know, I want to know them too. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Gooooood Morning, Internet! Prepare for a rollercoaster of wit, insight, and a sprinkle of absurdity in my latest episode of "The Novice"! This week, I sit down with the enigmatic Jack Kuveke, a startup founder whose recent claim to fame was his masterful act as a Venture Capitalist from Jabroni Capital. Just hit that play button and you will see what I mean.As Jack shares his "insights" on raising funds, his disdain for non-Stanford graduates, and the peculiar importance of having a pickleball partner over an actual investment strategy, you are guaranteed to be entertained.But wait, there's more! Halfway through the show, we drop the act and reveal the real Jack Kuveke—a brilliant startup founder turned comedian with a knack for satire and a sharp take on the tech industry. From poking fun at the absurdities of Silicon Valley to dropping truth bombs about the venture capital world, Jack keeps you entertained and enlightened.Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn:* Jack's unique (and hilarious) approach to investing that prioritizes Twitter over term sheets.* The Art of Lying: Why sometimes, telling the right story is more important than cold, hard facts.* Insider Secrets: How to break into the elite circles of venture capital by literally breaking down doors.* Sex and Sandwiches: the ultimate motivators behind every decision.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned founder, or just someone who loves a good laugh, this episode is a must-listen. Jack's comedic take on the high-stakes world of venture capital will leave you in stitches and maybe even make you rethink your next pitch.Don't miss out on this wildly entertaining and informative episode of "The Novice"! Tune in now, and don't forget to:* Listen: Your ears will thank you.* Like: Show us some love and keep the laughs coming.* Subscribe: Never miss a beat or a punchline.* Share: Spread the word. The more, the merrier.* Repeat: When in doubt, hit play again.Catch the episode on YouTube, or where ever you get your podcasts, and join us on this delightful journey of learning and laughter.Stay curious and keep laughing,Kirill ZubovskyP.S. If this episode doesn't make you want to tune in for more, the next one will. Or at least, it’ll be a good excuse to eat a sandwich. If you are on X, you can also follow me there @kirillzubovsky Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Ladies, gentlemen, and intellectually curious souls of the internet,I am thrilled to announce a new chapter in the grand pursuit of knowledge. Welcome to The Novice Podcast a podcast where I, alongside my brilliant friends, embark on a quest to learn from the most interesting people on the planet, or maybe just your neighbor or something.Picture this: a world where ignorance is not a burden but a starting point, where curiosity leads the charge, and where every episode leaves us all a little bit smarter (or at least more entertained, or just gives you something to do while doing the dishes ). That's the world I am building with "The Novice."Why "The Novice"? Because it's time to embrace the fact that we don't know everything, and that's perfectly okay. I tested the water with this newsletter, and now it is also a podcast, and a YouTube Channel. Each episode, we'll dive into fascinating conversations with experts, visionaries, and all-around interesting folks who will generously share their wisdom. From cutting-edge science to timeless philosophy, no topic is too big, too small, or too outlandish.But here's the kicker—I can't do it alone. I need you, yes you, dear reader, to join me on this journey. Here's how you can be part of our noble quest, that doesn’t require wiring millions of dollars to an offshore account:* Listen: Tune in to our episodes and soak up the knowledge. Your brain will thank you.* Like: Show us some love on social media. Every like fuels my determination to keep learning.* Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button (YouTube is the best) so you never miss an episode. FOMO is real, folks.* Share: Spread the word. Tell your friends, your family, your mail carrier. Knowledge is best when shared.* Repeat: If all else fails, just listen to the next episode. I promise it will be worth it. It’s HILARIOUS (or offensive, depends on who you ask).So, are you ready to embrace your inner novice and join me in this grand adventure? Let's get smarter together, one episode at a time.Stay curious, Kirill ZubovskyP.S. The first episode is dropping soon. Don't miss it!p.p.s. You might notice that I already have a bunch of episodes in this podcast. That’s because I imported my old podcast so I don’t lose any of that grand knowledge. You can always listen to the library of the old episodes! For example, tech folks would like my interview with DHH, or a chat with Anthony Eden, if you like art and music you’d enjoy the interview with Chris Ballew (aka Caspar Babypants), and a bunch more. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Paul Davis was once a 2nd employee at Amazon, on track to earn millions. Instead of sticking around to get filthy rich though, Paul decided he did not want to wait for the life to pass him by. He chose to spend time with his family, left Amazon, and twenty years later still has no regrets. His life has been nothing but wonderful. This is Paul’s story. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

This is a story of how Anthony Edent founded DNSimple to become the fastest DNS management solution provider in the world. He built himself a company that not only cares about their customers, but also created the perfect place for their employees. They work hard, but they also do it remotely, from around the globe. How did he do it, and what lessons does Anthony have for fellow founders and entrepreneurs? It’s all in this podcast!A few few additional resources you might enjoy:How DNSimple was founded, a cartoon!How HTTPS works, a comic!How DNS works, a comic too :)Lastly, if you are thinking of buying a domain or switching your DNS provider, here's $5 you can use right away. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Paul Orlando is a startup founder, entrepreneur, Director of USC Incubator Program & Adjunct Professor for the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. Paul also has an avid interest in history, which he explores though his blog called Unintended Consequences.Paul's writing is a delight in the times of clickbait and social media. His blogs explore peculiar concepts and require the read to think and to wonder of what is possible, without giving a clear answer.Some popular posts include: Risk and Autonomous Vehicles, the Cobra Effect, and Don’t Touch Anything. Books mentioned in this episode:The Rise and Fall of American GrowthSurely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!Don't make me thinkTrust me, I am lyingThe Box Find Paul online:Paul on USC Marschall websiteUnintended Consequences Blog by Paul Orlando Enjoyed this podcast? Please share with your friendsRad Dad PodcastFind more podcasts on Smash NotesTake a class at Sudden Schools  Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

David Woodland is currently a Product Manager at Facebook, previously Head of Product at Palm.com and a Product Manager at Pebble. He is a father of 4, and a Management Consultant who found product-building life in Silicon Valley to be way more attractive than spreadsheets.On this episode we talk about his work and life balance, what it was like to work at Pebble, how his consulting career prepared him to be a great product manager and a tinkerer, how a team of 12 can launch a bran new smart phone from scratch,  how David got Stephen Curry, his childhood hero, to be the face of their company, and lastly, what it was like for him to be a Mormon in Silicon Valley. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Jason Calacanis is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor. He was one of the early believes in Uber, Calm, Robinhood and many others. He is a host of the show This Week in Startups, and the author of Angel. If that was not enough, he is a founder of a startup accelerator Launch.co, and the founder of Inside.comOn this episode, Jason shares his views and wisdom, advice that he's accumulated throughout his career, and lessons learned from other successful entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, Mark Cuban, and Jeff Bezos.  Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Raising kids could be daunting, or it could ba lot of fun. Nathan is a startups founder and a dad who is making the best of every opportunity. We talk about his family, his work, and how the two intertwine to create a happy and healthy lifestyle. You can find Nathan on Twitter and on YouTube.Full show notes are on SmashNotes.-----Make your podcast audio sound awesome with ClipGain.io Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Noah Labhart is the CTO & Co-Founder of Veryable, an on-demand labor marketplace for manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing. He is also the Founder & CEO of Touchtap, a digital solutions studio. A dad of three, he also finds time to interview tech leaders on his podcast, Code Story. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Roberto from the Expeditioners is the dad many wish they could be. Instead of holding a steady job, he and his family are busy traveling the world, taking gorgeous photos for brands that pay for his living. Roberto is fit and happy, and is not concerned with the norm. Find out what it takes to be a self-made entrepreneur, and how to be paid to be happy. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Anthony Armendariz is a founder and partner at Funsize, a creative design agency which he started with his wife Natalie. They spent years being laser focused on business, working day and night, and now count Facebook, Oracle, Adobe, EA, AT&T and many others among their customers. Can such an ambitious and hard-working couple have a baby, and to actually enjoy it? We sit down with Anthony to find out.This is a special episode because I had a pleasure to record Anthony twice. Once just weeks before their baby was born, and once shortly after. You can hear for yourself what goes on in the mind of a successful business owner, and how his world changes with an arrival of a child.For detailed notes on this another Rad Dad episodes, please check out Smash Notes. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Jonathan Sposato is a Seattle entrepreneur, investors, and a community activist. He is a chairman of Geekwire.com and Picmonkey.comWe talk about his childhood and what it was like to be growing up in a mixed family, in a time and place when that was definitely not the norm, and how that shaped his life and his outlook on the future. We talk about Janathan’s entrepreneurial endeavors, his investments, and how it all translates into his community involvement and the way he is parenting his son. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

How do you teach a child to learn a new language? You don't! Instead, you get her excited about learning, and one day she does it herself. The she goes to Yale.Stefan Weitz is the founder of Jetson Seasonal Probiotics and today he explains how to be a great dad, how to encourage and empower your kids, how international travel is the best thing you could do to broaden your kid's horizons, and more.You are going to love this episode, guaranteed! Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Mubashar Iqbal is a developer, dad, and a maker who just cannot stop creating products on the internet.  Mubs is the guy behind Pod Hunt, Product News, Practical MVP and quite literally, 80 other projects. Some of them sold, some shut down, and some are making him passive income. He's been featured on Lifehacker, The Next Web, Mashable, Fortune and more.How can one guy do so much, for so long, and still have a full-time job and a family? You've come to the right place to find out. p.s. This is a cross post from Smash Notes Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Jason Schuller is a dad, a husband, and the founder of Press75, a WordPress theme company that he started in frustration, when a consulting client decided to skip paying the bills. That incident caught fire and set Jason on an entrepreneurial journey full of joys and setbacks. His company, and his lessons enabled him to be a successful founder, an engaged father and a thoughtful husband. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Vin is a dad of two girls, founder of a creative agency called Fixel, and when he is not busy doing those jobs, he is also a man's fashion model and entrepreneur, running a brand called Better Fellows where him and his partners sell men's apparel they would wear themselves.Vin is divorced and is running his own company, but that does not stop him from raising two beautiful girls, teaching them about life and entrepreneurship, and from finding time to be with them as much as he can. We talk about what it takes to be a present dad, and how to protect your kids while also giving them freedom to explore. Vin shares his story, how he ended up in Salem, and why small town living could be ideal for your family. We also talk about time management and health, and how to structure your life for the long-haul.This episode with Vin is a great opportunity to learn about parenting and business, all in one place. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Can you have a family, a successful company making millions of dollars in annual revenue, and do it all at your own pace, with a remote office company, while having a life that you want to live? Vlad sure can, and we think you can too. Life is too short to live someone else’s dream. The story of Webflow and life advice from Vlad, in this episode. Links from this episode 👉WebflowVlad MagdalinKirill ZubovskyWebflow University pps. Much thanks to Sessions.Blue for the cool intake music. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

One day, needing a break from his entrepreneur endeavors, Drew rented an RV and took his entire family on a trip around the United States, for a whole year. This is his story.👉 Drew Wilson Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Bryce Roberts is the founder of Indie.vc , an investment fund that is leading the new counter-culture startup movement, focusing on revenue and sustainable growth, rather than unhealthy obsession with raising money to achieve a billion-dollar valuation. Fueled by his own desire to do things differently, Bryce lives in Utah with his wife and five children, he works from home office, and while working hard, also finds the time to be a hands-on dad and have a life too.If you like startups, venture investment, or would like to learn about it and find out for yourself why Bryce is a great funding partner for you, you would love the whole episode. Yet, if you only want to hear his advice on how to spend meaningful time with your family while also working in a hard-stress environment, skip to about 40 minutes into the episode for a quick work of wisdom.Big thanks to Create33 for hosting Indie.vc event and for giving me space to record this episode. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Jason is a co-founder of Dent, a company that creates and supports a community of entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives who are driven to “put a dent in the universe.” He lives in Seattle with his wife Monica Guzman, the founder of The Evergrey, and together they are raising two adorable multilingual kids. We sat down to talk about their startup journey and how to manage two creative jobs while raising two kids. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

When he was six years old, Roel lost his mom to cancer and ended up in the foster care. Abuse, drugs, physical violence and the entire system that is structured to keep the kids in it, instead of helping them grow, Roel tells is all.Valuable to hear for the adults that work in the foster care, and most definitely 10x more valuable for the kids, to know they are not alone. If you know someone who should hear this, please share. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Emily Campbell is a product designer based out of Moab, Utah where she lives with her husband and three kids. She makes the money, he plays with the kids, and together they are having an adventure of a lifetime.In this episode: (1:00) From being a law student in a big city, to a cross-country road-trip to be a raft guide in California, to eventually settling in a small town in Utah. (5:00) Living in a small town of Moab, Utah. (7:00) What does a family life and activities look like in Moab, for those of us city dwellers who don’t know. (10:00) Road trips with children (13:20) Inside the head of a five-year-old.(16:40) Growing up in a small town, challenges and benefits for kids and their parents. (22:00) How to help your older child to feel loved and special when you have two new/young kids in the house yearning for all the attention. (26:00) How to have awkward conversations with children. (32:00) The social pressure of dads having to provide for the family in a family when mom is the main bread winner. (38:40) Is coffee actually good for your children? (41:00) Kids health, drug abuse, and support network for a family life in small town America (47:00) What it’s like to be an outside in a small town. (49:00) Access to opportunities, uncertainly, embracing change, traveling the world and getting in trouble with the school district. (53:00) Dad envy, birthing a child and the value of bonding with children early on. (63:00) Giving yourself up and the lifestyle you want for yourself. (65:00) Thinking of having kids? Here’s your ultimate advice.Emily Campbell on the webs at Elou DesignEmily on TwitterMoab, Utah on Google MapsRad Dad podcast Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Michael FitzGerald is a prolific American writer and the founder of Submittable.com. He lives and works in Missoula, Montana with his wife and two kids. Although it isn't the easiest place to run a company from, Michael lives for the joy of living, and Missoula is where it's at.The day after raising their Series A funding, Michael found out that he had a terminal cancer and he was supposed to be dead in six months. Fortunately, thanks to the advancements in experimental medicine and a whole bunch of awesome friends, he was able to get the treatment and is here with us today.This episode will bring you closer to FitzGerald and inspire you to take full advantage of every single day in your life. Enjoy! Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

One day a film student from NYU changed advertising forever. In a few short months Adam became the man who did it all - he was producing, casting, directing and starring in for the ads of the most recognizable names in tech. Square, Airbnb, Airtable, TrueCar, Slack, Webflow, Groupon ... the list goes on forever. The story of Sandwich video and how to run a successful business and have a family too. Enjoy! Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

David Heinemeier Hansson is the founder of Ruby on Rails and co-founder and CTO of Basecamp. He is an outspoken defender of living a fulfilling life, and a true believer that it does not have to be crazy at work. When not writing code, David enjoys endurance car racing and time with his wife and two kids.Over the years, David has become a very influential person in technology and business, and has developed a number of philosophies which are helping him live a happy and fulfilling life, a life in which there is time for business and pleasure.As you will hear for yourself, happiness is a simple secret. You too could have a great life and ensure that you kids have one too. David does not try to hide what it takes to be truly happy. At the end, it is on you to give it a try. Are you ready?Key discussion points:What drives DHH to come to work every day (01:00)Can you be at a place where you are only doing things that you like? (06:00)Happiness, the stoic philosophy and the concept of existentialism (08:30)How to be satisfied with life and work (13:00)The power of intrinsic motivation and how David nearly failed high-school (17:00)Benefits of growing up in a socially democratic state, Denmark (28:00)ReWork - New York Times Bestseller (32:00)It Does Not Have to Be Crazy At Work (39:00)When enough is enough (44:50)How to make a fortune in car racing (50:00)Entrepreneurship and the value of balancing risk (58:00)The goal of living and free-range children (1:03:00)Modern parent obsession with obedience (1:09:00)Parenting and equal and how to teach your kids about money (01:15:27)Books by David and 37Signals / BasecampRework - New York Times BestsellerRemote: Office not requiredIt does not have to be crazy at workBooks that David mentioned during the showFinding Flow: The Psychology Of Engagement With Everyday LifePunished by RewardsPopular blog posts by DHHThe day I became a millionaireRECONSIDERTo see an amazing car collection, as well as beautiful hills of MalibuDHH on InstagramLastly, other podcasts with DHH that were thoroughly enjoyable to hear:The Tim Ferris Show (warning: very-very-very long)The Unmistakable Creative (my personal favorite) Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

How do you enable your kids to create rather than consume? If you are a serial entrepreneur like Dan Shapiro, the answer is clear - make a device that can cut through any material with lasers, then put it in every household in America. Shapiro got inspired to create this company by his kids, and now he comes on Rad Dad to talk startups, kids and creativity. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Aubrey is a full-time designer living in Charleston, South Carolina. He was named one of Business Insider's Top 75 Designers in Technology and has worked for companies like Twilio, Authy, Science Inc., Color, Scoutzie and many others. While most people would consider running a business a full-time job in itself, Aubrey does all of this in a comfort of his own home. Listen and find out how this rad dad gets the most out of life! Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Family life with three kids, the rising costs of education and where AI and machine learning will take us. Venture Capitalist Greg Gottesman shares business stories, as well as tips on parenting and education. It's a blast! Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Eight years ago John co-founded GeekWire.com and had a kid at the same time - Although life hasn’t always been easy, the only thing he regrets is not doing both ealier in his life. Follow along and learn a bit about both entrepreneurship and parenting. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

A Bay Area native, Zack is a successful entrepreneur, wizard of all things growth, and currently the CEO of a company called Dribbble. While some of his peers are busy cranking 14-hour days in the city, Zack is working with a fully distributed team, which enables him to hang out with kids, enjoy life, and spend absolutely zero hours commuting. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Sean Grover is a psychotherapist from New York City, dad of two children, and an author of the book When Kids Call The Shots. For 25 years Sean has been teaching parents how to embrace their challenges and to create a happy functioning family. If you think your kid might be bullying you, if you lost all hope and don’t know how to deal with tantrums, or maybe you are just looking for some advice on how to be a better parent, this interview is for you. You will not be disappointed, guaranteed! Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Geoff Ralston is a successful investor and entrepreneur, living in the heart of Silicon Valley. He founded Yahoo Mail, invested in hundreds of companies, and has seen dozens of successful exists. On this episode Kirill Zubovsky and Geoff Ralston discuss the price of entrepreneurship, challenges of modern-day parenting, device addiction, performance drugs, standardized tests and the future of education. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Aviel Ginzburg is a Managing Director of the Alexa Accelerator here in Seattle, Partner at Founders Co-op and Co-founder of Simply Measured. We talk about the founding of Simply Measured, what it’s like to be a new dad, and how to survive high-stress work while having a baby. As always with other founders we will talk about his startup story and touch a little bit on what it’s like to be a venture capitalist. Lastly, he will share some tips on traveling with your little ones. Let’s jump right in it!Simply MeasuredAlexa AcceleratorFounders Co-OpStartup Weekend Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Son of an Indian immigrant family, Giri is a Stanford graduate and a co-founder of Privacy Labs, a local Bellevue Washington startup. We talk about raising two kids in the new world filled with devices, what his company is all about, why privacy is going to be instrumental in the future, and how the world has changed since a few decades ago while Giri was growing up. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Parker Thompson is a Silicon Valley founder turned VC, known to many in startup circles for his anonymous personality of Startup L. Jackson. Hear Parker’s story and advice on raising three kids in a fast-paced world of tech entrepreneurship, and how to keep your kids safe and happy in a city full of millionaires. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Caspar Babypants is an adored Seattle-based musician and a songwriter. Previously known as the lead singer of The Presidents of the USA, he now brings joy to families around town with his whimsical music that is loved by both kids and parents. In this interview, Chris shares his life story, how he came to be known as Caspar, and what lessons he learned about life and parenting, both as a famous rock artist with thousands of fans on MTV, and a humble Seattle children's artist, with thousands of fans at home.📽️ This Rad Dad interview is available on YouTube 👉 Caspar Babypants with Kirill ZubovskyCaspar Babypants websitesBabypants Music - listen for free or buy your Caspar CDs here!Chris Ballew personal website - "the journey"More about Chris Ballew on WikipediaBook recommendations:The dipTalk so your kids would listenThe subtle art of not giving a fckAdditional Resources OnlineRead a summary of the Caspar Babypants interview with Rad DadWatch Caspar Babypants interview on YouTube Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

How do we make sure that when our kids grow older, they're happy and successful in life? To help answer this question my guest today is Professor Eric Koester.Eric is an entrepreneur, a professor at Georgetown University, a lawyer, a dad of two girls and a writer. After having more jobs that he can count, Eric has discovered a new philosophy for owning your path in life. Listen to the show to find out what it is. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

We are joined here by Mike Folden and his son River. Mike is a filmmaker, photographer, and now a dad. Mike and his wife Priya are avid explorers of the great outdoors. When their baby boy was born, instead of changing their lifestyle, they bought a camper van and headed to the wild. If you think that baby life means sitting at home, Mike and Priya are living evidence otherwise. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

In this episode we talk to my friend Matt Wallington about his experiences of raising kids while at startups, then at Amazon, and how those impacted him, his kids and his marriage. We also talk about getting through a divorce, what to expect, and how to do it quick. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

When Oleksiy’s daughter was first born, he didn’t feel the love for his child. Quite the opposite, he felt that his daughter was a new source of problems. Full of this difficult thoughts and busy at work, he was unable to share them with anyone, even his wife.In this episode we talk about balancing work and family life, while being in a stressful and demanding job environment. We dive into typical things that bother parents of a newborn kid. We even talk about the unspoken truths that every parent keeps as a secret.As a bonus, Oleksiy shares his experience working remotely and how long-distance trail running has helped him deal with a depression and to lose weight. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

My guest today is my friend Michael Parentau, a dad of a teenage daughter and a rad human being. Michael is many things. He is an artist, a product designer, a developer, and a creative.In this episode we will talk about raising a child, while paying your bills on a salary of a starving artist. We will take a look at different paths one could take to enable a child to be creative and to be passionate about learning, and we will talk about boredom, and ways to overcome it. Lastly, Michael will share a story of how he and his 10 year old daughter climbed Mt. Saint Helens, and all the wonderful lessons and memories that came from it. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Galen Ward is a CEO of a tech company and a father of two awesome girls. Listen and learn how to share the labor of parenting with your partner and how to set your kids up for success from the young age.Do you want to know how to stay on track of your daily life and find time for kids? Do you ever wonder if you are going to change once you have kids? How do you raise girls in the world that's so male-dominated? If you said yes to any of those questions, this and other parenting advice is waiting for you in this episode of Geek at Sea. Don't wait, subscribe today! Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe

Matt Shobe is a father of 3 boys, a serial entrepreneur, a private pilot and a rad dad, who came to the podcast to talk about startups and what it takes to have a happy family while you are busy building a rocket ship.Matt was previously a cofounder of FeedBurner which he and Dick Costolo (former CEO of Twitter) sold to Google for north of $100 million dollars. On this episode we discuss how to manage family a life without going crazy, how to get the most out of your commute, and startup life with a newborn child.If you like to follow the show on social media, you can find us on Twitter @GeekAtSea or on Facebook. Get full access to The Novice at novice.media/subscribe