Shows
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondThe Puck – Episode 100: The Pursuit of Happiness with Jeffrey RosenTo mark our 100th episode and launch of Season 9, Jim Baer sits down with Jeffrey Rosen—President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, host of We the People, and author of The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.
In this rich and timely conversation, Rosen explores how ancient moral philosophy shaped the Founders' vision of happiness—not as pleasure, but as virtue. Together, we examine how this wisdom can help us navigate today’s polarized world, restore purpose to leadership, and reconnect with practices of self-mastery, deep reading, and sp...2025-06-0551 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 98: Kristian RönnOn this episode of The Puck: Venture Capital & Beyond, Jim Baer sits down with Kristian Rönn—climate tech founder, AI ethicist, and author of The Darwinian Trap—to explore how humanity can escape destructive evolutionary forces and build a future rooted in shared values, long-term thinking, and spiritual renewal. A conversation about risk, responsibility, and hope at the edge of history.2025-05-091h 02
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 97: Michelle GoldbergIn this powerful episode of The Puck, Jim Baer sits down with Michelle Goldberg—New York Times columnist, author, and longtime voice of progressive political commentary—for a deep and timely conversation. They explore how the Trump era reshaped institutional norms, the growing influence of conspiracy thinking, and the failures of both political parties to inspire and govern effectively.
From Goldberg’s early activism to her critiques of Gavin Newsom’s media strategy, this discussion pulls no punches. They dive into the crisis of civic trust, the role of the media and social platforms in fueling division, and what it might ta...2025-04-2451 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 96: Jonathan RauchWhat if the strongest case for Christianity’s role in democracy came from an atheist?
Jim Baer sits down with Jonathan Rauch to discuss Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy, and why America needs the moral backbone that Christian virtues once provided. Rauch—Jewish, gay, and secular—argues that courage, equality, and forgiveness are essential civic values we’re losing.
They talk fear, demagogues, pseudo-religions, and how a more humble, and forbearing approach could help save both faith and democracy. Plus, a look at aging and purpose from The Happiness Curve.
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get yo...2025-04-101h 03
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode #95 – Steven Teles: Class, Conflict, and the Collapse of TrustIn this thought-provoking episode, Jim Baer sits down with political scientist Steven Teles, professor at Johns Hopkins University and co-author of The Captured Economy and Never Trump. Together, they explore the shifting class dynamics fueling America’s political polarization and the deepening distrust in institutions—from higher education to public health.
Teles unpacks the realignment of the Democratic and Republican parties, the decline of union-based class identity, and why our government struggles to get big things done. With sharp insight and a rare ability to speak across ideological lines, Teles highlights the paradox of an economy that protects the powerful whil...2025-04-0253 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 94: Michael LindNavigating a New World with Michael Lind
In this episode of The Puck, Jim Baer sits down with acclaimed writer and policy thinker Michael Lind, co-founder of New America and author of Hell to Pay: How the Suppression of Wages is Destroying America. Together, they explore the global economic shifts, the U.S. political realignment, the dangers of intellectual gridlock, and the implications of Cold War II with China. Lind offers a wide-ranging, provocative analysis—from the future of the middle class and productivity growth to the challenges facing both major political parties. If you're looking for sharp insight into wh...2025-03-241h 05
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 93: Aswath DamodaranOn this episode of The Puck, host Jim Baer sits down with Aswath Damodaran, renowned NYU finance professor and the “Dean of Valuation,” for a deep dive into the current economic landscape.
Damodaran breaks down the market’s recent volatility, the looming risk of a recession, and why the U.S. has been able to defy macroeconomic gravity for so long. He explores the impact of globalization’s decline, the role of risk capital, and the evolving influence of AI and Big Tech on markets. From the challenges of government inefficiency to the realities of investing in turbulent times, this episode...2025-03-171h 00
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 92: Patrick RuffiniOn this episode of The Puck: Venture Capital and Beyond, host Jim Baer sits down with Republican pollster and political strategist Patrick Ruffini, co-founder of Echelon Insights and author of The Party of the People: Inside the Multiracial Populist Coalition Remaking the GOP. Ruffini shares his insights on the shifting political landscape, the rise of a multiracial working-class coalition within the Republican Party, and what this realignment means for future elections.
They discuss why Trump’s economic populism has resonated with minority voters, how the GOP has become the party of the working class, and what both parties must do to...2025-03-1145 min
America’s Land AuctioneerResilience and Opportunities: Unveiling the Midwest's Agricultural and Auction MarketsEver wondered how the Midwest's agricultural landscape remains resilient amidst national economic volatility? Join us as we unlock the secrets behind the Upper Midwest's stable land auction market with our regional auction manager, Chris Baer. Despite the challenges of 2024, the Midwest's unique economic factors like commodity values and crop prices have empowered local producers to weather the storm. Looking ahead to 2025, we explore how these trends will shape opportunities and challenges for farmers and landowners alike, while celebrating significant political developments that are reshaping the region.Expect an engaging discussion on the Midwest's agricultural market, where positive...2024-11-2343 min
THE BAER TRUTH: Bible study subjects and messages by Daniel BaerThe True Church and Real Salvation: The Life, Light, Love, and Lowliness of Spirit that is the Evidence of the True People of God Part 2 (with song, "Its Real", sung by Bro. Jim Fairhurst)The True Church and Real Salvation: The Life, Light, Love, and Lowliness of Spirit that is the Evidence of the True People of God Part 2Taken from the second part of a Sunday evening message given at the Green Gospel Assembly Church in October 2024 - it includes the closing song, "It's Real", sung by Bro. Jim FairhurstSend us a textSupport the showThank you for listening to our podcast!If you have any questions, subjects you would like to hear discussed, or feedback of any...2024-11-0645 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 85: Shomik Dutta Returns to the Show!Jim sits back down with Shomik Dutta, co-founder and managing partner at Overture VC, who is on the cutting edge of climate tech. They catch up and discuss how the VC and climate space has changed in the last 18 months. Don’t miss it!2024-10-2338 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 84: Doug Holtz-EakinOn this episode, Jim interviews economist Doug Holtz-Eakin, president of the American Action Forum, to explore the current slate of economic issues facing the United States. Drawing from his extensive experience in academia and government, Holtz-Eakin offers his perspective on topics ranging from sustainable economic growth and fiscal policy to past financial crises, monetary policy, housing markets, and potential economic risks. Their conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities of economic policymaking and the massive potential of market-based solutions – a fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!2024-08-0256 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 83: Greg LukianoffOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Greg Lukianoff, president and CEO of The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, an organization focused on the legal defense of free speech. Greg is the co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure with Jonathan Haidt. Most recently Greg co-authored The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust and Threatens Us All—But There Is a Solution with Rikki Schlott. In 2022, FIRE announced an expansion initiative into off-campus free speech advocacy and legal defense. His conv...2024-07-1154 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 82: Devin Sean MossOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with non-theist chaplain Devin Sean Moss. Devin has done significant work as a podcast host and producer on the subject of death and dying. Their conversation covers belief, fundamental goodness in the world, and of course, a vast exploration of our collective understanding of death. A deeply moving conversation that you don’t want to miss.
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The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 81: Stephen M. R. CoveyOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Stephen M. R. Covey, author, motivational speaker, and all-around expert on the subject of leadership. Their wide-ranging conversation covers his background, how he built his leadership practice, and, of course, his relationship with his father, the late Stephen R Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. You don’t want to miss it!2024-05-3058 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 80: Dr. William LiOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with renowned physician, scientist, and author of the New York Times bestseller “Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself,” Dr. William Li. Dr. Li is a lab scientist and vascular biologist, who has built a career studying our relationship to food. Their conversation covers Dr. Li’s research, his background, and some practical advice about how diet can impact your long-term health.2024-05-2255 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 78: Larry SummersLarry Summers is on the show this week!
Jim sits down with renowned economist Larry Summers to talk recent US financial history, the current state of the national debt, some unintended consequences of Quantitate Easing, and much much more. In addition to serving as Secretary of the Treasury under Bill Clinton and the Director of the National Economic Council under Barack Obama, Summers was President of Harvard University, and, in a Puck Podcast first, was portrayed (albeit briefly) in the 2010 Academy Award winning film, The Social Network. A fascinating conversation with a fascinating guest.2024-04-2644 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 77: Dr. Tommy WoodOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Dr. Tommy Wood, neuroscientist, researcher, and athletic performance consultant to talk about the human brain. They cover the relationship between diet and brain health, long-term cognitive function, and the real-world, practical steps you can take to keep your brain and avoid cognitive decline. You don’t want to miss it!2024-04-1850 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 76: Navneet Govil of SoftbankOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Navneet Govil, Executive MP and CFO of SoftBank Vision Fund. Their wide ranging conversation covers Navneet’s background, the history of SoftBank, the current state of the investment market, and the role of AI in today’s world. You don’t want to miss it!2024-04-0540 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 75: Ash BeckhamOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Ash Beckham, a self-described Accidental Advocate and author of Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Become an Everyday Leader. After Ash gave a 2014 TEDx Talk focused on “coming out of your individual closet” and opening up, she became a sought-after speaker and authority on initiating difficult conversations. She talks Jim through her background, polarization, and offers advice on how to engage with those with whom you may not agree. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!2024-03-2753 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 74: William EggintonOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Professor William Egginton, author of The Rigor of Angels – Borges, Heisenberg, Kant, and the Ultimate Nature of Reality. Their conversation covers the similarities underpinning both New Atheism and Religious Fundamentalism, accepting the reality of discomfort between different mindsets, philosophical paradox, the benefits of reason and evidence-based-arguments. You don’t want to miss it!2024-03-0156 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 73: Peter Berg of M12On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Peter Berg, Managing Partner of M12, Microsoft’s venture arm.
Their conversation covers M12’s history, the relationship between M12 and Microsoft as a whole, and the
current state of investing and AI.
You don’t want to miss it!2024-02-0838 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 72: George BonannoThe word “trauma” seems to be everywhere. As part of our three-part series on mental health, we wanted to dive into the concept. George Bonanno is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University's Teachers College and internationally recognized for his pioneering research on human resilience in the face of loss and potential trauma. On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Professor Bonanno to discuss his book, The End of Trauma How the New Science of Resilience Is Changing How We Think About PTSD. Their conversation covers the origins of our conception of trauma, the modern phenomenon of labeli...2024-01-1151 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 71: Joshua Coleman, Ph.D.On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Dr. Joshua Coleman. Dr. Coleman is an author and psychologist who specializes in contemporary families, particularly on the topic of estrangement. Their conversation covers Dr. Coleman’s research history, his most recent book, Rules of Estrangement, and how to heal intergenerational divides. You don’t want to miss it!2023-12-2252 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 70: Henry OlsenOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with author and columnist for the Washington Post, Henry Olsen. Henry specializes in global politics with a particular focus on America and populism. Their wide-ranging conversation covers the roots of the modern populist movement, when Henry first noticed this shift, and where we are now. Henry’s insight allows us to use the lessons of the past to tell us more about the present.2023-11-3054 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 69: Christopher MillerThis week, Jim has Professor Christopher Miller on the show to talk about something we all interact with but very rarely think about: microchips. Chris’ new book is called Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology. Their conversation covers the history of microprocessors, the current geopolitical implications of chip technology, and most importantly, what’s next.2023-11-0249 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 68: Neil HoweOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Neil Howe, author, historian, and one half of the team, along with Bill Strauss, behind the Strauss-Howe generational theory initially explored in their books Generations and The Fourth Turning. As the title of his new book suggests, The Fourth Turning is Here. We thought, what better time to have Neil on the show? The subtitle of his new book is “What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End.” Give the episode a listen, and, as always, let us know what you think.2023-10-1258 min
The Jim on Base Show161. The 2023 Willie McCovey Golf ClassicThe annual Willie McCovey Golf Classic was held at the prestigious TPC Harding Park golf course in San Francisco to help support the Giants Community Fund!Many San Francisco Giants alumni participated to support the program that helps out many Junior Giants in the community! This was a program that was near & dear to the heart of Giants legend, Willie 'Stretch' McCovey.It was quite the honor & experience to meet & interview many 'Forever Giants' that were golfing in the Willie McCovey Golf Classic! This episode includes interviews with Mark Gardner, FP Santangelo, Dave Dravecky, Javy Lopez...2023-10-0235 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 67: Demetri KofinasEarlier this summer, Jim sat down with Demetri Kofinas, media entrepreneur, financial analyst and the Co-Editor and host of Hidden Forces. Hidden Forces is a multimedia educational platform exploring the underlying forces that drive the most powerful changes we see in the world. Jim and Demetri discuss the current state of the economy and political discourse, as well as how Demetri shaped and continues to shape his own perspective, and sharpen his critical thinking approach.2023-09-1944 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 66: Martin GurriOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Martin Gurri, author – visiting research fellow at George Mason University and former CIA analyst who specializes in the relationship between politics and media. Their conversation touches on many topics, including Martin’s most recent book, The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium.
A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!2023-09-1252 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 65: Neil DeGrasse TysonOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with author, educator, and astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tysonto discuss one of Jim’s favorite books of last year, Starry Messenger. Their wide-ranging conversation touches on Tyson’s personal journey to astrophysics, the current state of the American education system, and, of course, as someone who studies the stars, what compelled him to write a book about the happenings here on Earth. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!2023-08-2359 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 64: Curtis Chang of Redeeming BabelOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Curtis Chang, author of the book The Anxiety Opportunity, and host of the Good Faith podcast. Their wide-ranging conversation covers the nature and roots of anxiety, aspects of spiritual practice, and the role of religion in modern society.2023-08-0242 min
Thoughts That RockHOW TO TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A BUSINESS (w/ Jay Baer)Our guest this week to share 3+ thoughts on this topic is Jay Baer, who is the world’s most inspirational customer experience, customer service and marketing keynote speaker. Additionally, he is a New York Times best-selling author of six books, a 7th-generation entrepreneur, the founder of five, multi-million dollar companies, a certified tequila sommelier and lover of all things plaid. TOPIC: How to Turn Your Passion into a BusinessGUEST: Jay Baer PRE-THOUGHT - Give Yourself Permission to Do ItTHOUGHT #1 - Once You Decide, Evolve it Gradual...2023-07-1740 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 64: Valeria Martinez of VamosVenturesOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Valeria Martinez of VamosVentures, an LA based VC fund for early-stage tech-enabled companies with a focus on LatinX and diverse founding teams. Valeria speaks about her background in the consulting world, the importance of diversity within the investing space, which VamosVentures portfolio companies she is most excited about, and how investment can help combat challenges that disproportionately affect LatinX communities in the US. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!2023-06-2240 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 63: Sarah BaldwinOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with life coach and Somatic Experiencing practitioner Sarah Baldwin to talk about the relationship between our nervous system and past experiences. They cover trauma, mental health, breath work, and attachment theory, while also diving into how – physically – our childhood experiences impact our lives today.2023-06-071h 03
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 62: Meera Clark of Redpoint VenturesOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Meera Clark of Redpoint Ventures, a firm focused on investments in seed, early, and growth-stage companies. They discuss Meera’s background, the current work Redpoint is doing, and Meera’s Substack called The Conscious Consumer.2023-05-2529 min
Think About ItBook Talk 60: Cleo McNelly Kearns on Mark Twain’s "Huckleberry Finn"Celebrated, censored, canceled: Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn cannot be avoided. William Faulkner called Twain “the father of American literature.” Toni Morrison explained that “the brilliance of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is that it is the argument it raises…. The cyclical attempts to remove the novel from classrooms extend Jim’s captivity on into each generation of readers.” Ernest Hemingway claimed “all modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn… There was nothing before. There has been nothing as good since.” Ralph Waldo Ellison added that “Hemingway missed completely the structural, symbolic and moral necessity for that...2023-05-201h 18
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 61: John Andrew Entwistle of WanderOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with John Andrew Entwistle, founder and CEO of Wander, a young but rapidly growing proptech startup looking to challenge Airbnb. Over the course of their conversation, they talk about work-life balance, building community, how he got into the property business in the first place, and the current state of venture funding.2023-05-0943 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 60: Shomik Dutta of OvertureOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Shomik Dutta, former member of the Obama White House and managing partner of Overture VC, a firm focused on sustainable energy and climate tech. Shomik discusses the current state of innovation in sustainable energy through the VC lens, the improvements in material science, and the relationship between government and the private sector.2023-04-1843 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 59: Mark Sherman of Telstra VenturesOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Mark Sherman, managing partner at Telstra Ventures, a venture firm focused on the emerging technology space. While the episode was recorded before the collapse of SVB, their conversation does touch on AI, lighthouse leaders, and the potential for downturns in the economic cycle. A prescient conversation that you don’t want to miss.2023-03-3043 min
B2B Digital Marketer465 Jay Baer - 5 Silly Things Digital Marketers DoIn today\'s episode, we are joined by digital marketing expert and author, Jay Baer, to discuss common mistakes digital marketers make and how to overcome them. We dive into the topic of \"5 Silly Things Digital Marketers Do\" and provide insights on how to improve your marketing strategy. Jay shares his thoughts on the importance of creating valuable content for both current customers and new prospects. He emphasizes the need to tell a bigger story with top-of-the-funnel content that isn\'t directly related to your product or service, and how this can help engage and captivate your...2023-03-3044 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 56 – Rana Foroohar - Author, Journalist, Financial AnalystOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Rana Foroohar, author, business columnist, associate editor at the Financial Times, and global economic analyst with CNN to discuss her most recent book, Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World. Their conversation covers the current financial situation, crypto, the era of globalization and a growing movement toward economic localization.
A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!2023-02-0747 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 55: Vanessa Bennett - Host of Cheaper Than Therapy & It's Not Me, It's YouOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Vanessa Bennett – author, holistic psychotherapist, facilitator, and podcast host – as the two discuss mental health in the digital age. Bennett and her partner John Kim recently published the book It’s Not Me, It’s You, about breaking the blame cycle and strengthening relationships, and have also released an accompanying podcast series.
Vanessa and Jim then talk about how Vanessa built her business from the ground up, the positive sides of media, spirituality, and where she thinks the puck is going.2023-01-1754 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondBonus Episode 54 – Jim BaerOn this week’s special episode, Puck host Jim Baer is now the guest. Interviewed by former producer, Caitlin Lalezari, Jim answers any and all questions you may have about the current state of the economy – we cover inflation, Quantitative Easing, and the potential of a coming recession. A fascinating conversation about what Jim is seeing as a boots-on-the-ground financial professional.2022-12-0637 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 53: Mike Green of Simplify Asset ManagementOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Mike Green, financial strategist and portfolio manager at Simplify Asset Management and lifelong student of the market and market structure. In addition to his traditional finance background, Mike is a public speaker and financial media voice who looks at societal factors and their potential to impact our collective economic futures. They touch on the current state of the US economy, population growth (or lack thereof), and intergenerational attitudes towards politics. A fascinating conversation that you don’t want to miss.2022-11-1753 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 52: Andrea Lamari WalneOn this week’s episode of The Puck, Jim sits own with Andrea Lamari Walne, partner at Manhattan Venture Partners, a venture firm focused on redefining liquidity options in the private market.
MVP works with some of the largest private start-ups in the world to provide a secondary marketplace for employees to extract money from their business before they had traditionally been able to do so.
She and Jim discuss Andrea’s journey as a founder, the current state of the American economy, and the regulatory intricacies that come with developing a new mechanism of shareholder compensation.2022-10-2752 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 51: Dr. Tracy Dennis-TiwaryOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, author, clinical psychologist, and professor at the City University of New York. They discuss her newest book, Future Tense Why Anxiety Is Good for You Even Though It Feels Bad, and the current mental health crisis facing young Americans today. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!2022-10-1353 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 50: Courtney McCrea of Recast CapitalOn the 50th episode of The Puck, Jim sits down with Courtney McCrea, co-founder and managing partner at Recast Capital, a firm focused on investing in emerging founders in the venture space. Courtney explains how Recast invests in funds that are early in their own journeys, and the many things she’s learned in her decades in the business. They talk record fundraising over the last two years, the possibility of an economic downturn, and the increase in diversity in the venture world. She offers practical advice, such as encouraging investors to be cautious about their reserves, and the massive fe...2022-09-2343 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 49: Matt Cohen of Ripple VenturesOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Matt Cohen, Founder and Managing Partner at Ripple Ventures. An operator turned investor, Matt started Ripple Ventures in 2018 to bring his “operator-first” mindset to the early stage investing world. He and Jim discuss his background as a public market investor, and his hands-on approach to investing. At Ripple Ventures he also runs “The Tank,” an incubator space that helps connect Founders to the advisors and mentors they need to bring their ideas to life as well as hosting the Tank Talks podcast where he interviews leaders in the startup space about company bu...2022-09-0748 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 48: Professor Greg WaltonOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Stanford University Professor Greg Walton, a social psychologist who specializes in studying the development of young people. Professor Walton works on what he calls “wise interventions” that can be implemented to help young people succeed. He talks about the myths surrounding our heroes, how a community can help build up its individual members, and how we can all be more effective communicators.2022-08-2547 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 47: Tyler Norwood of AntlerOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Tyler Norwood, managing partner at Antler, a global firm focused on early stage investment. He talks Jim through his background, from moving to Vietnam directly after his college graduation, to his work in the fashion e-commerce space, eventually getting what he calls “a real world MBA,” launching Antler across Southeast Asia. He speaks about how he and his team connect founders and investors, untimely working their hardest to put young companies in a position to succeed.2022-08-0957 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 46: Anna Barber of M13On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Anna Barber, Partner at M13 and head of their Launchpad program. Their wide-ranging discussion touches on the shifting landscape in today’s economy, how different values between generations influence the workforce, and inflation. Anna thoughtfully reflects on how to be a more considerate investor, and how her passions for addressing climate change, income inequality and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in LA’s Tech community influence her decision-making processes.2022-07-2645 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 45: Sir Paul CollierOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with British Economist Sir Paul Collier to discuss the current state of Capitalism, and walk our listeners through historical reactions to economic crises around the world. He speaks about his working class upbringing, compares the 1840s and 1930s to today, and speaks about using the lessons of the past to inform the present.2022-06-3052 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 44: Melissa Weintraub of Resetting the TableOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Melissa Weintraub, co-founder and executive director of Resetting the Table, an organization dedicated to dialogue across political divides. Their conversation touches on Melissa’s professional roots working on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, growing up in a very politically red community, and how we can all do a better, healthier, job of communicating with one another.2022-06-0949 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 43: Cyrus Sigari of Up PartnersOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Cyrus Sigari of Up Partners, a venture firm at the forefront of transportation innovation. He speaks about his lifelong love of aviation and the journey of starting his firm centered around mobility. Cyrus and Jim discuss drone capabilities and taking cues from birds, sustainability related to technology, the massive benefits of AI in the transportation space, and inspiring the next generation of innovators. You don’t want to miss it!2022-05-0542 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 42: David FrenchOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with David French, political commentator, senior editor of The Dispatch, and co-host of the Good Faith podcast. Their wide-ranging discussion covers the current US political climate and what he calls the ‘new culture war,’ the fundamental differences in thinking between liberals and conservatives, and the possibility of unity in today’s polarized world. A fascinating, nuanced discussion that you don’t want to miss!2022-04-0652 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 41: Neil SequeiraOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Neil Sequeira, founder and managing director at Defy, an early-stage venture fund focused on emerging high-potential investments. Neil walks Jim through his history in the corporate VC world, weathering downturns in the economy, and working towards positive change in consumer financial services. They talk about blockchain, the market, and a more socially conscious workforce. A stimulating conversation you don’t want to miss.2022-03-1738 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 40: Christopher Leonard - Author & JournalistOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with author and journalist Christopher Leonard to discuss his new book, The Lords of Easy Money How the Federal Reserve Broke the American Economy. Chris has spent his career writing about powerful institutions on behalf of the public and his new work examines how FED policy over the last fifteen years has shaped our current financial landscape. From Quantitative Easing, to Income Inequality to Asset Inflation, he covers it all. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss.2022-02-1553 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 39: Jordan Nof of Tusk Venture PartnersOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Jordan Nof, co-founder of Tusk Venture Partners, a firm whose expertise in the regulatory space has made them a valuable partner to such companies as Bird, Lemonade, and FanDuel. Jordan walks Jim through the founding of the firm, his background in a more traditional investing space, and how Tusk’s experience with technology regulation makes them a strategic partner for many investors.2022-01-2736 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 38: Grant Miller of ReplicatedThis week, Jim sits down with Grant Miller, founder and CEO of Replicated, a company built around a new way to package software. Grant walks Jim through how Replicated allows software vendors to scale the delivery of applications in a way that’s more portable, letting companies more securely protect their data by bringing applications to them. They talk about bringing a unique product to the marketplace, paving the way for the cloud, fostering a team mentality while working remotely during COVID, and raising capital over Zoom. An interesting conversation you don’t want to miss!2022-01-1126 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 37: Adriana Saman of Clocktower VenturesOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Adriana Saman of Clocktower Ventures, a Southern California based venture fund focused on investing in the future of financial services. She walks Jim through her background in investment banking and how the experience informs her work in the fintech space. She talks about the future of fintech as beyond simply vertical, Clocktower’s mission to be the best co-investor in the world, and how more creative sourcing strategies are integral for more diverse hiring within the industry.2021-12-1631 min
MONSTER ATTACK!Two On A Guillotine | Episode 306Jim reflects on a film that his Dad got a kick out of because of its title, 1965's "Two On A Guillotine," starring Connie Stevens, Dean Jones, Cesar Romero, Parley Baer, Virginia Gregg, John Hoyt and Billy Curtis. The daughter of a famous magician, who has vowed to return from the dead, has to spend seven days in his mansion to inherit his estate. But something does not add up. Find out more on this episode of MONSTER ATTACK!2021-12-1348 min
The Battle of Gettysburg PodcastEpisode 37: Chambersburg and The Civil War - Part Two with Tracy BaerIn this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are again joined by their friend and colleague Tracy Baer who will be discussing the fascinating history of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. While many students of the battle have heard of Chambersburg, it is often overshadowed by events just thirty miles to the east in Gettysburg. Tracy in Part Two details the role the town played in the 1863 Gettysburg Campaign and the tragic burning of Chambersburg by Confederate forces in 1864.
If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via t...2021-12-131h 40
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 36: Scott Painter of NextCarOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Scott Painter, founder and CEO of NextCar, a major disruptor on the sales side of the auto industry. Scott has devoted much of his career to solving the problem of car ownership – updating the model, reducing the headache, and making the marketplace more efficient. He and Jim discuss his journey from 1-800 Car Search to today, bringing a subscription model to car ownership, and how NextCar is leveraging dealer inventory in order to bring down customer acquisition cost.2021-12-0747 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 35: Shaylyn Romney GarrettOn this week’s episode, Jim speaks with writer and social entrepreneur Shaylyn Romney Garrett about how we got to where we are today. Author of The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again, Garrett covers a wide range of topics including income inequality, polarization, and social isolation. She highlights similarities between the Gilded Age and now and discusses how the standard narrative of the 20th century is in fact a misrepresentation. A fascinating discussion that you don’t want to miss!2021-11-1155 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 34: Michal Cieplinski of PipeOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Michal Cieplinski, CBO of Pipe, a groundbreaking financial platform revolutionizing the way companies are funded. They discuss Pipe’s beginning, working strictly with Software as a Service companies before expanding into the larger marketplace. Their in-depth conversation explores how Pipe is reinventing debt and creating a new type of asset class.2021-10-2833 min
The Traveling Man Masonic PodcastEpisode 20: Grand Lodge 2021WB Jim Hall has WB Wade Baer, Bro. Barry Weigle, & Bro. Jack Barnhouse on the show to talk about the Grand Lodge of Ohio's Annual Communication! We touch on the Grand Lodge session along with all of the different fellowship that happens and why we keep coming back to Grand Lodge! 2021-10-251h 17
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 33: Maury Blackman of Premise DataOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Maury Blackman, CEO of Premise Data, an innovative AI-driven decision engine geared toward collecting data that can help decision makers respond more effectively to real world events. Maury walks Jim through how Premise curates a network of data collection, working with members of the gig economy, all the while blending the human and technological sides of data collection. They talk about operating at scale, working with the US Government, and the ever-important pillar of user experience. You don’t want to miss it!2021-10-1347 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 32: Ryan Falvey of Financial Venture StudioOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Ryan Falvey, the co-founder and managing partner of Financial Venture Studio, and a pioneer in the fintech space. Ryan walks Jim through his background in mobile banking and payment platforms, discussing the massive upheaval at play in the financial sector – everything from a more curated financial experience to the changes in access to loans and the shift in the mortgage market. A fascinating and informative conversation. You will definitely want to tune in.2021-09-2138 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 31: Eric Tarczynski of Contrary CapitalOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Erik Tarczynski, the founder of Contrary Capital, a venture fund focused on future leaders in engineering and design. Their conversation touches on the Contrary origin story, how Eric scouts, evaluates, and supports talent, and operating remotely long before COVID-19. Eric has some interesting ideas about work/life balance, mental health innovation and how to build a community focused on the next generation of venture tech. This is not to be missed!
Transcript available at: https://www.cmbginc.com/thepuckepisode312021-09-1433 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 30: Will Schmitt of Miroma Ventures.On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Will Schmitt of Miroma Ventures, the investing arm of The Miroma Group, an international firm focused on growth stage consumer brands and media platforms. Will walks Jim through his finance oriented background building models and doing financial diligence, and how working with food and beverage companies informs his work today. He talks about Miroma’s position as a long term strategic marketing partner, and the generational changes happening before our eyes in in consumer purchasing behavior.2021-08-3142 min
The Traveling Man Masonic PodcastEpisode 15: UnpluggedWB Jim Hall, WB Wade Baer, WB Bob Batchelor, WB Hank Fiorini, Bro. Ben Barnes, Bro. Barry Weigle, & Bro. Jack Barnhouse are featured on the show. For the first time we do a podcast directly following East Palestine Lodge No. 417's stated meeting. This is an unscripted, unedited, uncut version of the guys talking of their proudest & most embarrassing moments. We'll also jump into some thoughts on membership, traveling around the district & looking into the future of our Children joining Lodge! 2021-08-161h 03
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 29: Elizabeth Edwards of H Venture PartnersOn this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Elizabeth Edwards of H Venture Partners for a fascinating discussion covering a variety of topics, including the power of diverse lived experience in the venture world, the benefits of gender parity in finance, and investing in the consumer space through companies like Peloton. Their conversation covers Elizabeth’s background, including her time in M&A at Deloitte, as well as the role transparency plays in the founding and success of new companies. This episode is not to be missed!2021-08-1041 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 28: Kristina Serafim of Verizon VenturesOn this week’s episode, Jim is joined by Kristina Serafim, managing director at Verizon Ventures. They touch on a wide range of topics, including Kristina’s background as an engineer, co-founding companies that eventually got acquired, and investing in state of the art technology like 5G and vertical AI. Kristina discusses how Verizon’s ecosystem provides resources to young companies beyond simply capital, and walks us through the new industrial revolution of 5G/ AI, helping to create smart cities, advancing interactive technology in healthcare and expanding our experience of live events in the post pandemic era.2021-08-0345 min
The Battle of Gettysburg PodcastEpisode 36: Chambersburg and The Civil War - Part One with Tracy BaerIn this episode of The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast, Eric and Jim are joined by their friend and colleague Tracy Baer who will be discussing the fascinating history of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. While many students of the battle have heard of Chambersburg, it is often overshadowed by events just thirty miles to the east in Gettysburg. Tracy in Part One details the settlement and early history of Chambersburg and the important role it will play in the Civil War up through 1862.
If you would like to donate to the show, you can do so via th...2021-07-241h 18The Traveling Man Masonic PodcastEpisode 13: Masons, Auctions, & Minnesota!This is our first podcast done on the road at the National Auctioneers Association Conference & Show in Minneapolis, Minnesota. WB Wade Baer & Bro. Kurt Johnson a Mason and Auctioneer from Minnesota are guests!! We cover the similarities in Auctioneering & Masonry, Masonry across state lines, & how the fellowship never changes!! 2021-07-1959 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 27: Brad Feld, author and co-founder of Foundry Group.This week, Jim speaks with Brad Feld, author of the recently published The Entrepreneur’s Weekly Nietzsche, as well as co-founder of Foundry Group, a tech-focused venture fund located in Boulder Colorado. Brad and Jim discuss how Brad accidentally became a venture capitalist, gender and racial equity in the venture world, and setting aside bias as a leader. They then move onto the advantages of Zoom meetings over old-school IPO roadshows (especially during the fundraising stage) and Brad’s experience with philosophy and bringing stoicism to entrepreneurship.2021-07-1352 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 26: Vern Howard of HalloThis week, Jim sits down with Vern Howard, co-founder and CEO of Hallo, the digital events platform transforming the job fair market. Over the course of their conversation, Vern talks Jim through the
the difficulties students face getting into the right rooms and the science behind finding applicants the proper job fit. Vern shares his experience relocating the company to LA from San Francisco right before the pandemic, working remotely, and speaks about other founders and CEOs he admires.2021-05-2531 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 25: Sean Harper of Westlake Village BIOPartners.On this week’s episode, Jim talks with Sean Harper of Westlake Village BIOPartners about Sean’s experience working on the front lines of the medical technology industry. They discuss Sean’s background as a more traditional medical practitioner, his move into drug discovery, and how he and his partners run their current fund. Sean shares his views on biology as an engineering based discipline, accepting uncertainty in the state of biology today, and the near limitless opportunities for innovation in biotech as we move into the 21st century.2021-04-2040 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 24: Host James Baer of CMBG Advisors, Inc. and Baer, Negrin & Troff LLPToday, in a very special episode of THE PUCK, our guest is… host Jim Baer! That’s right -- after three seasons of asking the questions, Jim will now occupy the hot seat himself. In a wide-ranging conversation guided by PUCK producer Caitlin Lalezari, Jim takes us on a deep-dive, starting with his childhood, and covering his legal background, culminating in his own personal opinion on… where the puck is going. Without spoiling too much, this is not a conversation you want to miss!2021-04-0736 min
The Long War - Warhammer 40k PodcastEpisode 286 - The Long War Podcast with Special Guest Jim VesalTable of Contents 00:00 Opening Jokes 02:50 Wyatt's Cave Of Wonders 05:55 Rob Baer Memorial News Desk 45:15 Haspil's Corner 48:40 Interview With Jim Welcome to , a new place for bringing the hobby back to wargaming! A podcast hosted by Rob Baer, Kenny Boucher, Wyatt Turk, & Mike Haspil. Become a Veteran of the Long War! Sign up now for a free 7 days to tour our video battle reports, tutorials, and showcases in the Hall of Veterans. Plus get access to our hobby discounts page with coupon codes! 2021-04-021h 18
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 23: William Quigley of Tether (Part 2)William Quigley is back in the second of our two-part series on the present state and future of cryptocurrency. After their first episode touched on blockchain in the global marketplace and our current financial structures, William and Jim spend time talking about blockchain as a secure record, the ease of auditing an un-editable database, the advantages of the lack of gatekeeping in the crypto marketplace, and the difference between Ethereum and Bitcoin. After diving into Augmented Reality, William stuns Jim with the possibilities of living in an AR world.2021-03-1727 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 22: William Quigley of Tether (Part 1)William Quigley, Tether co-founder and Crypto pioneer, returns to the podcast in the first of a two-part series about the present state and future of cryptocurrency. He and Jim discuss the advantages of blockchain and a global commodity, how crypto might integrate with our current financial structures, and Bitcoin as a finite resource. William also clears up some misconceptions about crypto and whether Bitcoin can really be considered “currency.”2021-03-1034 minThe Traveling Man Masonic PodcastEpisode 2: An Officers Journey!W.B. Jim Hall has W.B. Wade Baer on the show to talk about his journey through the Officer Chairs at East Palestine Lodge No. 417!2021-02-151h 08
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 21: Brian Garrett of Crosscut VenturesBrian Garrett, co-founder of Crosscut Ventures, talks with Jim about the strategies he employed while building one of Southern California’s preeminent venture capital firms and what he learned as co-founder of one of the earliest funds to base itself in LA. They touch on the talent migration, the kind of founders he likes to back, and the ways COVID has impacted every aspect of life, from meeting entrepreneurs remotely, to conducing diligence, to how we consume media and entertainment.2021-02-0943 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 20: Aubrie Pagano & Ryan Freedman of Alpaca VCAubrie Pagano and Ryan Freedman, partners at Alpaca VC, join Jim for a thoughtful discussion about the benefits of bringing diversity into the venture ecosystem and the actions they are taking to support this. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities inherent to working remotely, and the long-term effects this year may have on an the ever-changing financial landscape.2020-12-0140 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 19: Richard Duncan of Macro WatchIn today’s episode, Jim sits down with Richard Duncan, economist and author of such books as The Dollar Crisis: Causes, Consequences, Cures; The Corruption of Capitalism: A strategy to rebalance the global economy and restore sustainable growth; and The New Depression: The Breakdown Of The Paper Money Economy. Richard currently produces a video newsletter called Macro Watch that analyzes trends in the global economy and discusses how these trends are likely to impact the financial markets, which can be found at https://www.richardduncaneconomics.com.
Special offer for PUCK listeners, enter the discount code: "Puck" at checkout for a 50% di...2020-10-1952 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 18: Andre Gharakhanian and Gaurav Mathur of Silicon Legal StrategyIn Jim’s first *remote* episode, he sits down with Andre Gharakhanian and Gaurav Mathur, founders of Silicon Legal Strategy, a boutique law firm providing targeted, bottom-line-oriented advice to technology startups, innovative entrepreneurs and seasoned investors. Over the course of their conversation, they touch on the current state of the financial world, the rewards of mentorship, and the challenges of running a business during the COVID-19 pandemic.2020-09-0945 min
MONSTER ATTACK!Night Of The Blood BeastJim looks at a one of Roger Corman's offerings with 1958's "Night of the Blood Beast," starring Ed Nelson, Angela Greene, Michael Emmet, John Baer, Tyler McVay, Ross Sturlin and Georgianna Carter. The first man in space crashes, but someone... or something tags along for the ride. Six individuals cut off from the world have to act to prevent a serious threat to humanity. Find out more on this week's episode of "Monster Attack!"2020-03-1638 minThink About ItGreat Books 25 : Ismail Muhammad on Jean Toomer's "Cane"Jean Toomer considered Cane the "swan song" of African-American folk culture rapidly destroyed by the industrialization of the South and the north-bound migration of African Americans during the era of Jim Crow. I spoke with Ismail Muhammad to understand how to read a book celebrated as a major achievement of the Harlem renaissance without pigeonholing its ambition, scope and achievement, and what Toomer's notion of "what blackness means" is so relevant back then and still today. Uli Baer teaches literature and photography as University Professor at New York University. A recipient of Guggenheim, Getty and Humboldt awards, in...2019-11-111h 06
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 13: David Waxman of TenOneTenDavid Waxman, managing partner of TenOneTen, engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about the various applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in our day to day lives. Machine learning, one form of the broader term AI, touches our lives in ways that we have come to take for granted in the last decade. From understanding voice recognition with Alexa and self-driving cars, to exploring different ways that machine learning can influence the media we consume and dictate our navigation, join us as David and Jim’s discuss it all.2019-07-1641 minThe Long War - Warhammer 40k PodcastEpisode 197 - 40k FAQception, BAO, & WTF Is Up With Citadel Paints?Jim Vesal Intro @00:54 Table Top Market @6:00 New perspective on Contrast Paints @11:08 BAO Discussion With ITC leader Jim Vesal @31:55 What's new in the FAQ @45:50 Welcome to , a new place for bringing the hobby back to wargaming! A podcast hosted by Rob Baer, Kenny Boucher, Wyatt Turk, & Mike Haspil. Become a Veteran of the Long War! Sign up now for a free 7 days to tour our video battle reports, tutorials, and showcases in the Hall of Veterans. Plus get access to our hobby discounts page with coupon codes! http://bit.ly/Longwar 2019-05-301h 02
In The Sales Arena#073 The 4 Mindsets & Attitudes ALL Top Sales People Have In Common! This is a reprise of one of our most popular episodes. We trust you will enjoy it ... The 4 Mindsets & Attitudes ALL Top Sales People Have In Common! Welcome to In The Sales Arena (ITSA) #026. I have always been fascinated by top performers – Athletes, Sales reps, Leaders, etc. This fascination led to our benchmarking process we discussed back in #023. In the process of benchmarking top sales performers we have learned a lot about what they all have in common! 4 Mindsets/Attitudes All Top Sales People Share So, with all of that in mind...2019-05-0300 min
Game Changers Silicon ValleyDecoding Silicon ValleyThere is an ongoing narrative in the media about entrepreneurs coming to Silicon Valley, building a startup company, finding investors and riding off, rich and happy into the sunset. But it does not always work that way. Building a startup company is one of the most challenging endeavors anyone can undertake, the commitment must be total, complete with an “all-in” game plan; being obsessive is normal. My guests are Michelle Messina and Jonathan Baer, who have written a book titled “Decoding Silicon Valley, The Insider's Guide”, a book dedicated to dispelling the media representation of Silicon Valley and helpin...2019-02-1013 min
The Puck: Venture Capital and BeyondEpisode 1: Jim Armstrong from March Capital PartnersJim Armstrong from March Capital shares insightful stories about his path to becoming a venture capitalist. Armstrong takes us through his experience starting out with Idealab, reflects on lessons from Overture and its sale to Yahoo, describes being at the ground level of Paypal, and talks about the evolution of Southern California as a tech hub.2018-01-2221 min
MONSTER ATTACK!Giant From The Unknown | Monster Attack Ep.65Jim goes back to 1959 to look at a tale about a long-dead evil Spanish Conquistador who terrorizes a small Northern California town in "Giant From The Unknown," starring Ed Kemmer, Sally Fraser, Morris Ankrum, Bob Steele and Buddy Baer. Does the ground in the hills of California cause things, including people, to be in a state of suspended animation for more than 500 years? Find out on this episode of Monster Attack.2017-05-0148 min
Speakeasy Authority MarketingEpisode 178 – Dos & Don’ts For Starting A New Law Practice (Interview With James Baer – Partner at BAER & TROFF LLP.)Tracy Merda (Client Care Counselor Speakeasy Marketing, Inc.) interviews James Baer – Partner at BAER & TROFF LLP. Jim goes in great detail about how he and his partner both came from big law firms and decided they wanted to start their own boutique firm instead. He talked about about starting a new law practice and growing it. He also talked about the difference between the large law firm vs. small law firm. More on this in this podcast. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast and post a review. https://media.blubrry.com/speakeasymarketinginc/p/con...2016-10-0420 min