Episodes

  • #224 Bret Taylor – A Vision for AI’s Next Frontier

    #224 Bret Taylor – A Vision for AI’s Next Frontier
    Apr 15 2025
    What happens when one of the most legendary minds in tech delves deep into the real workings of modern AI? A 2-hour long masterclass that you don’t want to miss. Bret Taylor unpacks why AI is transforming software engineering forever, how founders can survive acquisition (he's done it twice), and why the true bottlenecks in AI aren't what most think. Drawing on experiences, he explains why the next phase of AI won't just be about better models—but about entirely new ways we'll work with them. Bret exposes the reality gap between what AI insiders understand and what everyone else believes. Listen now to recalibrate your thinking before your competitors do. (00:02:46) Aha Moments with AI (00:04:43) Founders Working for Founders (00:07:59) Acquisition Process (00:14:14) The Role of a Board (00:17:05) Founder Mode (00:20:29) Engineers as Leaders (00:24:54) Applying First Principles in Business (00:28:43) The Future of Software Engineering (00:35:11) Efficiency and Verification of AI-Generated Code (00:36:46) The Future of Software Development (00:37:24) Defining AGI (00:47:03) AI Self-Improvement? (00:47:58) Safety Measures and Supervision in AI (00:49:47) Benefiting Humanity and AI Safety (00:54:06) Regulation and Geopolitical Landscape in AI (00:55:58) Foundation Models and Frontier Models (01:01:06) Economics and Open Source Models (01:05:18) AI and AGI Accessibility (01:07:42) Optimizing AI Prompts (01:11:18) Creating an AI Superpower (01:14:12) Future of Education and AI (01:19:34) The Impact of AI on Job Roles (01:21:58) AI in Problem-Solving and Research (01:25:24) Importance of AI Context Window (01:27:37) AI Output and Intellectual Property (01:30:09) Google Maps Launch and Challenges (01:37:57) Long-Term Investment in AI (01:43:02) Balancing Work and Family Life (01:44:25) Building Sierra as an Enduring Company (01:45:38) Lessons from Tech Company Lifecycles (01:48:31) Definition and Applications of AI Agents (01:53:56) Challenges and Importance of Branded AI Agents (01:56:28) Fending Off Complacency in Companies (02:01:21) Customer Obsession and Leadership in Companies Bret Taylor is currently the Chairman of OpenAI and CEO of Sierra. Previously, he was the CTO of Facebook, Chairman of the board for X, and the Co-CEO of Salesforce. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Watch on YouTube: @tkppodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 11 mins
  • #223 Pierre Poilievre: What I Want to Build (and Break) To Fix Canada

    #223 Pierre Poilievre: What I Want to Build (and Break) To Fix Canada
    Apr 13 2025
    Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, reveals a roadmap for restoring opportunity and unity across the country. From unleashing innovation by cutting red tape, to reigniting upward mobility and building a powerhouse economy, Poilievre’s message goes beyond borders. If you care about restoring opportunity, strengthening democracy, and securing a brighter future for North America, listen closely—Canada’s solutions might just inspire America’s renewal. TRANSCRIPT EN: https://fs.blog/knowledge-project-podcast-transcripts/pierre-poilievre-223/ FR: https://fs.blog/knowledge-project-podcast-transcripts/pierre-poilievre-223-francaise/ (01:41) Headline vs Reality (03:55) From Opposition Party to Unifier (07:05) Parenthood Shapes Priorities (10:05) Differentiating from the Liberals (15:04) Economic Value Creation in Canada (18:08) WEF Opposition Stance (25:27) Balanced Budget Plan (28:15) Attracting Investments (35:25) Productivity Gap Explained (38:50) Tariffs Response Tactics (41:10) Reducing US Dependency (44:15) Interprovincial Trade Impacts (45:40) "China” (47:42) Media Accountability Challenges (51:42) Digital Free Speech Protections (55:10) Crime (01:02:00) Access to Health Care (01:06:15) A modern and effective Canadian military (01:11:10) AI: balance innovation with protection (01:12:49) How do we ensure that the government can be held accountable in a world where they might control information flow? (01:14:10) Trust in government post-COVID (01:15:56) Climate change (01:18:50) Biggest misconceptions about Mr. Poilievre (01:19:50) What Canadian success looks like Thanks to ShipStation for supporting this episode: Get a 60-day free trial at www.shipstation.com/knowledgeproject. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of our episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Watch on YouTube: @tkppodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • #222 Outliers: Cornelius Vanderbilt — The First Tycoon

    #222 Outliers: Cornelius Vanderbilt — The First Tycoon
    Apr 8 2025
    Cornelius Vanderbilt was a force in 19th century America, playing a pivotal role in transitioning the U.S. economy from rural mercantilism to industrial corporate capitalism. Vanderbilt didn't just compete—he dominated; and didn’t just dominate one industry—he conquered three: ferries, steamships, and railroads. He understood that power lay in controlling infrastructure and not just operating within it. His cutthroat tactics were both feared and admired but his vision for what the economy could be was undeniable. This is the story of how Vanderbilt turned calculated aggression into an art form, how he endured more pain than his competitors, and how he built systems that outlived him. Learn the mindset, strategies, and brutal lessons behind his dominance; the game of business hasn’t changed as much as you think. (02:20) Prologue (05:12) PART 1 - The Dutch Inheritance (08:21) The Young Boatman (12:30) Capitalizing on War (15:27) General Merchant of the Sea (19:29) PART 2 - The Meeting That Changed Everything (21:48) The Steamboat Wars (24:12) The Anti-Monopoly Crusader (27:06) The Rise of the Commodore (32:08) The Monopolist's Nemesis (34:58) PART 3 - Sole Control (37:28) Prometheus (40:18) Star of the West (44:06) Europe and Betrayal (48:15) The Independent Line (50:13) PART 4 - The Commodore’s Return (51:55) Gray Eyed Man of Destiny (53:36) The Conspiracy (54:41) Finishing Walker (55:54) Conquering the Seas (58:13) America's Wealthiest Citizen (60:47) PART 5 - Vanderbilt's Railroad Dominance (01:01:59) The Path to Confrontation (01:03:37) The Breaking Point (01:04:43) The Power to Punish (01:06:32) The Collapse (01:07:50) The Silent Conquest (01:08:57) The Consolidation (01:10:54) The Legacy (01:12:15) FINAL PART - Vanderbilt: The Architect of Modern American Business (01:14:19) Reflections This episode is for informational purposes only and most of the research came from reading The First Tycoon by T.J. Stiles and Tycoon’s War by Stephen Dando-Collins. Check out highlights from these books in our repository, and find key lessons from Cornelius Vanderbilt here — fs.blog/knowledge-project-podcast/outliers-cornelius-vanderbilt Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of all episodes, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Newsletter — The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • #221 Bruce Flatt on Value, Discipline, and Durability

    #221 Bruce Flatt on Value, Discipline, and Durability
    Apr 1 2025
    Brookfield CEO Bruce Flatt reveals the investment philosophy behind building one of the world's largest alternative asset managers with over a trillion dollars under management. At the core of Brookfield's strategy is a disciplined focus on downside protection that has delivered 19% annualized returns over 30 years. Flatt identifies three major trends driving their investments: digitalization (including AI infrastructure), global energy transition, and reindustrialization as supply chains shift. The conversation explores Brookfield's approach to risk management, their expansion into insurance, and their meritocratic culture. When Shane presses for clarity on Brookfield's complex corporate structure, Flatt provides rare insights into how the organization's design creates both operational flexibility and investment opportunities. What separates Brookfield from competitors? Patient capital: the discipline to wait for extraordinary opportunities and the financial strength to act when others can't. If you want to understand how the smartest capital allocators think and what it takes to build something enduring, this episode is essential listening. Thanks to these sponsors for supporting our show: NordVPN: EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/KNOWLEDGEPROJECT. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/shane. All lowercase. ShipStation: Get a 60-day free trial at www.shipstation.com/knowledgeproject. The opinions shared on this podcast belong solely to those expressing them. Hosts and guests may hold positions in the securities discussed. This podcast is intended to provide general information only and should not be considered financial advice. (00:02:56) Changes in Investing Over the Past 25 Years (00:04:51) How Private Enterprise Has Built Our Tech Infrastructure (00:07:08) Implications and Opportunities of Passive Investing (00:09:08) Advantages of Private Companies (00:12:36) Three Investment Themes (00:15:11) Winners in Digitalization (00:16:45) Application of Artificial Intelligence in Businesses (00:21:44) Transition to Low-Carbon Energy (00:25:24) Future of Data Centers (00:27:32) De-globalization of Industry (00:29:59) Implications of Manufacturing Repatriation (00:31:11) Long-term Prospects for America (00:36:20) Approach to Risk and Debt (00:37:48) Impact of Interest Rates (00:40:47) Managing Market Dislocations (00:42:30) Long-term Investing Strategy (00:45:06) History and Future of Brookfield (00:47:55) Exploration of Private Markets and Insurance (00:48:48) Investment Decision Process (00:55:18) Understanding Brookfield's Structure (00:59:40) Positioning of Brookfield's Businesses (01:00:21) Talent and People Management at Brookfield (01:02:58) Focus on Downside Protection (01:05:03) Accountability in Investment Decisions (01:06:32) Understanding Investment Cycles (01:08:14) Learning and Training in the Organization (01:09:06) Postmortem Analysis of Investments (01:11:14) Consideration of Geopolitical Risks Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Watch on YouTube: @tkppodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • #220 Outliers: James Dyson — Against the Odds

    #220 Outliers: James Dyson — Against the Odds
    Mar 25 2025
    How do you turn 5,127 failures into a multi-billion-dollar empire? James Dyson turned dust into possibility, failure into discovery, and frustration into revolution. Dyson didn’t just build a better vacuum; he redefined a whole industry. Facing thousands of failed prototypes, crushing financial setbacks, and a dismissive industry that insisted a superior vacuum was impossible, Dyson transformed doubt into fuel that created an empire he still owns and operates today. Dyson’s genius stretched far beyond engineering. He was a contrarian thinker whose natural state was to defy the experts. From reinventing hand dryers to fans and hairdryers, Dyson repeatedly turned mundane frustrations into game-changing products. His relentless curiosity and willingness to fail publicly set new standards for innovation. When competitors mocked him, he stayed focused. When patents were threatened, he defended fiercely. Dyson's story is one of unwavering persistence, unorthodox creativity, and the courage to trust his own instincts—even when everyone else doubted. This is the story of James Dyson. Learn how one decision can change everything for a whole family. This episode is for informational purposes only and is based on Against the Odds: An Autobiography by James Dyson. Quotes from Against the Odds and James Dyson’s Invention: A Life (02:35) Prologue: The Kitchen Floor Experiment PART 1 - EARLY SPARKS OF TENACITY (05:05) A Childhood of Resilience and Determination (08:19) Gresham’s School (11:25) From Art to Engineering: A Defiance of Convention (14:58) A Mentor: Jeremy Fry (17:37) Just Build It (19:23) The Sea Truck (22:16) Lessons From The Egyptians (24:16) Misfit Mentality PART 2: FIRST INVENTIONS AND HARD LESSONS (26:48) Reinventing The Wheel(barrow) (28:54) Popular Not Profitable (30:56) Leaving Ballbarrow with Nothing (34:09) History of the Vaccuum (36:23) Cyclone in a Sawmill (39:17) 5,127 Prototypes (41:57) Industry Rejection (44:14) Building the Business PART 3: BUILDING AN EMPIRE (48:15) Passion Over Profit (50:04) Beyond Vacuums (53:08) R&D Culture & Iterative Design (55:44) Patent Wars & Legal Battles (57:49) Value of Keeping Ownership (59:59) Recap of Dyson’s Journey (01:02:55) SHANE’S REFLECTIONS Key lessons from James Dyson: fs.blog/knowledge-project-podcast/outliers-james-dyson Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of all episodes, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • #219 Logan Ury: The Dating Myths You Need to Stop Believing

    #219 Logan Ury: The Dating Myths You Need to Stop Believing
    Mar 18 2025
    Most people date the wrong way. They chase the spark, mistake attraction for compatibility, and expect their partners to read their minds. Then they wonder why relationships don’t last. Logan Ury thinks about dating differently. As the Director of Relationship Science at Hinge, she’s spent years studying what actually makes relationships work. Her findings will change the way you think about attraction, communication, and commitment. In this conversation, Logan reveals why the spark is overrated, how to optimize your dating profile, and the one thing (actually, 8) you must do after every first date. We break down attachment theory, orbiting, polyamory, and having hard conversations in a healthy way. We get answers to questions like: "what’s an appropriate age gap?" and "what to say if you’re not interested after a date?" Plus, Logan shares how she made the decision to be with her husband and the importance of “other significant others.” If you want to stop wasting time on the wrong people and start building something real, this episode is for you. (2:49) First Dates and the Slow Burn (8:07) The Post-Date 8 (14:30) Dating Like a Scientist (15:50) The Height thing... (18:56) The Spark vs Lust (26:35) Fear of Rejection (29:01) Understanding Attachment Theory (39:20) Navigating Online Dating (41:36) Effective Communication in Dating (51:58) Texting Etiquette (01:05:33) Dealing with Rejection (01:08:44) Polyamory (01:13:32) Orbiting (01:30:45) Logan's Story of Meeting Her Husband (01:37:12) Navigating Crucial Decision Points in Relationships (01:41:48) Having Difficult Conversations in Relationships (01:50:15) Other Significant Others (01:59:05) Breaking Up Respectfully (02:02:08) Tips for Creating Dating Profiles Logan Ury is a behavioral scientist, dating coach, and the Director of Relationship Science at Hinge. She’s the bestselling author of How Not to Die Alone. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Watch on YouTube: @tkppodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 13 mins
  • #218 Outliers: Estée Lauder — A Success Story

    #218 Outliers: Estée Lauder — A Success Story
    Mar 11 2025
    Most people hear "Estée Lauder" and think of cosmetics—lipstick, perfume, face cream. But the real story isn’t just about makeup—it’s about a woman being an unstoppable force. Estée Lauder didn’t just build a beauty brand; she rewrote the rules of an industry. She turned rejection into fuel, defied industry gatekeepers, and transformed a homemade face cream into a multi-billion-dollar global powerhouse. When department stores refused to stock her products, she created a demand they couldn’t ignore. When experts said women wouldn’t spend $115 on face cream, she proved them wrong. When competitors copied her formulas, she didn’t fight them—she outmaneuvered them. Her real genius wasn’t in chemistry, but in understanding human psychology, persistence, and the power of storytelling. This is the story of Estée Lauder. Make sure to stick around at the end for my reflections and thoughts. (05:26) Chapter 1 - The Early Years (08:17) Chapter 2: From Kitchen to Department Stores: The Beauty Revolution (09:04) First Break: House of Ash Blondes (11:58) Married (13:35) Chapter 3: Marketing Genius and Brand Building: The Perfect Moment (15:20) The Power of a Gift (16:51) Tell-A-Woman (19:04) Department Store Breakthrough (21:03) Chapter 4: The Expansion Era: The Key to Success (26:09) Tell-Every-Woman (28:42) Beyond Department Stores (34:58) Chapter 5: Youth Dew (36:37) Creating a New Category (39:35) Success Breeds Competition (41:16) Knowing what not to do (44:06) Chapter 6: Beyond America: London Calling (45:53) A Lesson in Brand Building (47:43) The French Accident (48:38) The Art of Adaptation (49:49) Chapter 7: New Categories: Growing the Whole Pie (52:08) The Clinique Revolution (53:28) A New Kind of Marketing (56:13) Chapter 8: The Lauder Philosophy: Business as Obsession (56:25) Core Principles (58:55) The Human Touch (01:00:38) SHANE’S REFLECTIONS This episode is for informational purposes only and is based on Estée Lauder’s incredible 1985 autobiography Estée: A Success Story. Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of all episodes, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • #217 Josh Wolfe: Human Advantage in the World of AI

    #217 Josh Wolfe: Human Advantage in the World of AI
    Mar 4 2025
    While Silicon Valley chases unicorns, Josh Wolfe hunts for something far more elusive: scientific breakthroughs that could change civilization. As co-founder and managing partner of Lux Capital, he's looking for the kind of science that turns impossible into inevitable. Josh doesn’t just invest in the future—he sees it coming before almost anyone else. In this conversation, we explore: The rapid evolution of AI and potential bottlenecks slowing its growth The geopolitical battle for technological dominance and rise of sovereign AI models How advances in automation, robotics, and defence are shifting global power dynamics Josh's unfiltered thoughts on Tesla and Elon Musk AI's revolution of medical research Parenting in a tech-dominated world How AI is forcing us to rethink creativity, intellectual property, and human intelligence itself Why the greatest risk isn't AI itself—but our ability to separate truth from noise Despite the challenges ahead, Josh remains profoundly optimistic about human potential. He believes technology isn't replacing what makes us human—it's amplifying it. This episode will challenge how you think about innovation, risk, and the forces shaping our future. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, you can't afford to miss it. Josh Wolfe co-founded Lux Capital to support scientists and entrepreneurs who pursue counter-conventional solutions to the most vexing puzzles of our time. He previously worked in investment banking at Salomon Smith Barney and in capital markets at Merrill Lynch. Josh is a columnist with Forbes and Editor for the Forbes/Wolfe Emerging Tech Report. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:46) Current Obsessions (00:05:11) AI and its Limitations (00:10:58) Memory Players in AI (00:13:27) Human Intelligence as a Limiting Factor (00:15:38) Disruption in Elite Professions (00:17:15) AI and Blue-Collar Jobs (00:18:29) Implications of AI in Coding (00:19:40) AI and Company Margins (00:25:48) AI in Pharma (00:26:44) AI in Entertainment (00:28:04) AI in Scientific Research (00:33:31) AI in Patent Creation (00:34:49) AI in Company Creation (00:35:33) Discussion on Tesla and Elon Musk (00:40:54) AI in Investment Decisions (00:42:20) AI in Analyzing Business Fundamentals (00:45:27) AI, Privacy, and Information Gods (00:53:04) AI and Art (00:56:43) AI and Human Connection (00:58:22) AI, Aging, and Memory (01:00:46) The Impact of Remote Work on Social Dynamics (01:03:18) The Role of Community and Belonging (01:05:44) The Pursuit of Longevity (01:11:58) The Importance of Family and Purpose (01:14:18) Information Processing and Workflow (01:26:03) Investment in Military Technology (01:28:09) Global Conflict and Military Deterrence (01:31:28) Information Warfare (01:32:32) Infiltration and Weaponization of Systems (01:37:06) Infrastructure Maintenance and Growth (01:38:27) DOGE Initiative (01:40:09) Attracting Capital and Global Competitiveness (01:43:16) Attracting Talent and Immigration (01:45:42) Designing a System from Scratch (01:47:30) AI and Intellectual Property (01:51:56) The Fear of AI Newsletter - The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter Upgrade — If you want to hear my thoughts and reflections at the end of the episode, join our membership: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠fs.blog/membership⁠⁠ and get your own private feed. Watch on YouTube: @tkppodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 2 mins
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