Shows
WestenbergI Was Wrong About Being Wrong (And You Probably Are Too)What if the most rational thing you can do is admit you're probably wrong about most things? And what if the second most rational thing is to keep acting anyway?One of philosophy's most fascinating contradictions: how uncertainty isn't the enemy of good decision-making but the foundation of it. From David Hume's skepticism to modern Bayesian reasoning, we'll discover why the greatest thinkers understood that fallibility is a feature, not a flaw.What you'll learn:- Why David Hume said reason was "built on sand" (and why that's actually good news)- How...2025-07-2108 minWestenbergCringe Tolerance Is a SuperpowerWhat's the real difference between people who create things and those who just talk about creating? It's not talent, intelligence, or even opportunity. It's something much simpler and more uncomfortable: the ability to look foolish and keep going anyway.This video is about the psychological barrier that stops most people from ever starting - and why "cringe tolerance" might be the most important skill you never knew you needed.What You'll Learn:- Why Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter all started with embarrassingly amateur versions- How Benjamin Franklin used a fake name...2025-07-1706 min
Trenden BildiriyorumTB63 Trenden Bildiriyorum - MVP Devri Bitti: Artık Maksimum Uygulanabilir Vaade İhtiyacınız Var!Ömer Hoca bu bölümde, Eskişehir'den, Porsuk Çayı kıyısından sesleniyor ve girişimcilik dünyasının ezber bozan yeni bir kavramına odaklanıyor! Joan Westenberg'in "MVP Devri Bitti. Maksimum Uygulanabilir Vaade İhtiyacınız Var" başlıklı yazısından yola çıkarak, bir ürünün teknik mükemmeliyetinden ziyade, "inandırıcı ve tüketilebilir bir vizyon" yani Maksimum Uygulanabilir Vaat (MVP)'in bir işi nasıl ileri taşıdığını anlatıyor."MVP... 'Minimum Uygulanabilir Ürün.' Bu 'kutsal' kavramın aslında eksik bir yönü olduğunu söylüyor.""Bell bir mü...2025-07-1423 minWestenbergWhy Smart People Deliberately Kill Their StatusThe Art of Strategic Disappearance"Status Death": the deliberate decision to walk away from recognition, followers, and prestige to start fresh. From Roman Emperor Diocletian retiring to grow cabbages, to modern founders abandoning million-follower accounts, we'll dive into why this counterintuitive move is often the secret to long-term success.What you'll learn:- Why status can become a prison that limits your potential- The psychology behind our fear of losing social standing- How successful people use strategic obscurity as a competitive advantage- Real examples of founders who "...2025-07-1407 minWestenbergI'm Obsessed with Infinite LeverageIntellectual property is more than content - it's infrastructure. It's the lever Archimedes dreamed of, capable of moving anything without requiring a planet-sized fulcrum.Key Points:- Why thought is the ultimate form of leverage (scales without friction, replicates without loss)- How Git transformed from a simple tool into a $7.5 billion ecosystem- Why a newsletter writer with 5,000 subscribers can generate $600K annually- The cultural shift from the 1710 Statute of Anne to today's creator economy- Why first movers in new fields claim enormous territory through clear thinking2025-07-1007 minWestenbergThe Anatomy of a Good DayWhat Really Makes a Good Day? | Philosophy, Psychology & the Quiet Art of LivingMost people don’t know a good day until it’s over. No disasters, no dread, just a faint sense of ease that only shows up in hindsight.But when we ask what makes a day good, we’re really asking something deeper:How do we measure our time? And what do we think life is for?In this video, we explore ancient philosophy, modern psychology, and everyday experience to unpack what a “good day” actually means. Not in terms o...2025-07-0407 minWestenbergHow to Become a Time BillionaireBecoming a Time Billionaire: Taking Back Control of Your HoursThere are no markets for time - no ETFs, no futures, no indexes. And yet, every institution in modern life operates like a time exchange: buying your hours cheap, renting them out high, and keeping the spread.This video is a manifesto for reclaiming control over the scarcest resource you have: your attention, your agency, your hours. We talk about the concept of the “Time Billionaire,” explore the hidden mechanics of time arbitrage, and show how founders, creators, and even small-town carpenters are quietly opting out...2025-07-0308 minWestenbergThe Unbearable Lightness of CringeThere’s a specific kind of fear that haunts internet natives.The fear of cringe.You’ve felt it. Hovering over the tweet button. Deleting a draft blog. Scrapping a podcast because you imagined what your most cynical mutual might say.Cringe is the fear of visibility. Of being caught wanting something.And if you let that fear grow, it turns corrosive. You start living at a safe, ironic distance from your own life.But every subculture, every movement, every early YouTuber and overlooked writer paid the cringe tax.The...2025-07-0205 minWestenbergGood Faith is Dead...Good faith is dead.There was a time when you could post online and expect to be misunderstood - but at least misunderstood honestly. Someone might disagree. They might argue. But they’d try.That time is gone.Today, you’re not joining a conversation so much as entering a courtroom. You’re both defendant and surprise witness. The replies come loaded - and looking for motive.The presumption of good faith has been entirely replaced by the assumption of bad...2025-07-0106 minWestenbergWhy The Smartest People I Know Set Constraints, Not GoalsWhy Goal Setting Is Overrated: Embrace Constraints InsteadThe 1953 Yale goal-writing myth has long misled professionals, suggesting clarity of ambition leads to success. This video challenges that notion, arguing that true innovation stems from working within constraints, not rigid goals. Examples from John Boyd's OODA loop to Richard Feynman's playful problem-solving illustrate how constraints foster creativity, adaptability, and meaningful progress. The stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius and the career paths of successful creatives further underscore the power of self-imposed limits over fixed goals. In navigating life’s ambiguous challenges, setting constraints can often be more effective than pu...2025-06-2606 minWestenbergHow to Become a Creator-MonkWe are obsessed with virality, funnels, and growth hacks. So what happens when a creator chooses not to scale?This video explores the “creator-monk” - a path inspired by Thomas Merton’s monastic clarity and counterbalanced by the noise-optimization of the digital age. It’s for the builders who prioritize depth over distribution, continuity over content calendars, and sovereignty over scale.We’ll cover:- Why some creators are intentionally going subscale- The economic logic of building for 100 true users, not 100K- How algorithms and audience expectations have reshaped cr...2025-06-2506 min
Reprogramming with Lindsay HyattOn the reality of the moment + letting go of curated consumptionOn this episode of Reprogramming, Lindsay explores a personal breakthrough moment against the backdrop of significant societal and political changes. She discusses how traditional metrics of success and conventional approaches to life, work, and social media may need to be "reprogrammed" as we navigate through these challenging times. Lindsay shares her fears, hopes, and a newly discovered framework for finding authenticity in an increasingly performative world.The article that inspired this episode: "The Ordinary Sacred" by Joan WestenbergHighlights:Four principles for "unattaching" from performative...2025-04-0246 min
Dead CodePattern Imprisonment (with Joan Westenberg)In this episode of Dead Code, journalist Joan Westenberg joins host Jared to explore the political and ethical consequences of our tech choices, advocating for decentralized, open-source platforms over corporate-controlled ecosystems like Google and Meta. Joan shares her path from tech journalism to founding The Index, a reader-supported publication free from ads and investor influence, driven by a DIY punk ethos inspired by bands like Fugazi. She critiques the monopolization of the internet, the erosion of data privacy (especially for EU users), and the complicity of tech giants in supporting authoritarian politics. Emphasizing the power of small, intentional decisions...2025-03-2540 minDead CodePattern Imprisonment (with Joan Westenberg)In this episode of Dead Code, journalist Joan Westenberg joins host Jared to explore the political and ethical consequences of our tech choices, advocating for decentralized, open-source platforms over corporate-controlled ecosystems like Google and Meta. Joan shares her path from tech journalism to founding The Index, a reader-supported publication free from ads and investor influence, driven by a DIY punk ethos inspired by bands like Fugazi. She critiques the monopolization of the internet, the erosion of data privacy (especially for EU users), and the complicity of tech giants in supporting authoritarian politics. Emphasizing the power of small, intentional decisions...2025-03-2540 min
Tech TwoCatalogue Apple 2025Quelles machines Apple la large majorité des gens (vous, y compris !) devraient-ils considérer ? Yann partage ses nombreuses opinions sur le sujet, du Mac à l’iPhone en passant par l’iPad, l’Apple Watch, les AirPods… Bref, un sacré catalogue.Dans l’actualité, il nous fallait inévitablement parler des soucis des cartes graphiques Nvidia RTX 50. Ainsi que du double salut nazi d’Elon Musk. Et de ce qui en découle.Dans l’after-show, on se remonte le moral avec Severance.Plus sur cet épisodeCet épisode a été enregistré le 1er mars 2025 et monté...2025-03-052h 51WestenbergThe Attention Diet: How to Reclaim Your Mind from Endless NoiseIn this episode, I talk about the overwhelming flood of modern information and how it’s affecting my ability to think clearly. I explore why removing friction from information consumption has led to mental overload, the illusion of being informed, and how the endless stream of news and social media impacts cognitive clarity. Plus, I share a practical framework for cutting through the noise and reclaiming focus.Topics Covered:Updates on Pizza Party webcomic, YouTube video essaysThe work of Julia Wertz and Impossible PeopleThe difference between information consumption in 1933 vs. todayWhy more information doesn’t mean...2025-02-1906 minWestenbergComplexity is a TrapIn this episode, I explore a fundamental truth that plays out across every field: simplicity is mastery.We watch the ambitious MBA graduate design an elaborate business strategy while the seasoned entrepreneur focuses on one thing and does it exceptionally well. We see the aspiring chef juggle exotic ingredients while the master chef transforms simple elements—salt, heat, and time—into something extraordinary.This pattern repeats everywhere:The elite athlete masters the fundamentals, while the beginner clings to complexity.The skilled negotiator wins with silence, not argument.The best...2025-02-1402 minWestenbergOn First Steps and False BarriersI break down the psychology and mathematics behind why we label things "impossible" and how to overcome these false barriers. Through examples from aviation history to Amazon's evolution, I explore how taking that first step – even in the wrong direction – creates valuable information for success.Key Points:Why experts often wrongly label things "impossible"The cognitive bias of viewing complex tasks as monolithic challengesHow bad first steps can provide more valuable information than good onesWhy the path to success never looks like we expectA framework for evaluating potential first stepsQuote: "Nothing is impossible (if y...2025-02-1304 minWestenbergThe Dark Pattern of Digital Freedom: How Screens Bypass Our Social WisdomI explore an unsettling discovery at McDonald's - men order dramatically more food when facing a screen instead of a person. This kicks off a deeper examination of how digital interfaces strip away the social guardrails that evolved to protect us from our worst impulses.Key Points:What McDonald's learned about male ordering patterns through self-service kiosksHow digital interfaces bypass thousands of years of evolved social wisdomWhy that moment of hesitation before ordering a second burger mattersThe hidden costs in dating apps, social media, and digital shoppingWhen friction might actually help us make better choices2025-02-1102 minWestenbergYou Can't "Win" in Tech Without CheatingThe Dark Side of Tech Giants: Winning by Breaking RulesIn this episode, I get into the controversial strategies employed by tech giants like PayPal, Uber, Airbnb, Facebook, Amazon, and Tesla. These companies are often hailed as innovators, but their success largely stems from breaking existing regulations, misusing user trust, and deploying capital aggressively. Meanwhile, a parallel universe of developers, creators, and entrepreneurs is emerging. These new players are building sustainable businesses through value creation, organic growth, and direct monetization. They are redefining victory by breaking free of the zero-sum game. Discover the contrast between traditional Silicon...2025-02-0702 min
Creative TrendsThe Matthew Effect on Post-Twitter Social NetworksThis podcast from Joan Westenberg's post analyzes the "Matthew Effect" in post-Twitter social networks, particularly Bluesky. The author argues that starter packs, which recommend established Twitter users to new users, perpetuate existing inequalities by prioritizing already influential voices. This system makes it difficult for new creators to gain traction, regardless of their talent. Westenberg suggests potential solutions like featuring new creators and boosting high-quality content from accounts with fewer followers. However, she acknowledges that these solutions may be difficult to implement without risking platform growth, suggesting an inherent conflict between platform success and a level playing field. 2025-02-0618 minWestenbergWhat the Left and Right Get Wrong About Free SpeechFree Speech: Finding Balance Beyond ExtremesIn this episode, I get into the complexities of regulating speech in society through a thought experiment. Could you choose between banning all politically controversial speech or allowing complete freedom of expression, without knowing which political faction will rule for the next century? 00:00 Introduction: The Free Speech Dilemma00:25 The Left's Perspective on Free Speech00:42 The Right's Perspective on Free Speech00:57 Critiquing Both Sides01:57 A New Framework for Speech Regulation02:41 The Reality of Modern Speech Control03:16 A Utopian Vision for Free Speech03:50 Conclusion: B...2025-01-0704 minWestenbergThe Doomscroll Industrial Complex: How Anxiety Powers the Attention EconomyIn this episode, I break down the Doomscroll Industrial Complex—a system where bad news fuels the attention economy and anxiety becomes a product. I explore how doom influencers profit from fear, why negativity dominates online spaces, and how this perpetual cycle affects our mental health and ability to focus on real solutions.What I Cover: • How doomer influencers stay vague to never be “wrong.” • Why algorithms reward bad news over constructive solutions. • The rise of paid pessimism through platforms like Substack and Patreon. • How constant doomscrolling...2024-12-3007 minWestenbergAll Social Media SucksIn this episode, I get into the harsh truth about social media platforms and their true nature. No matter where you log in, whether it’s Instagram, BlueSky, Xthreads, TikTok, Warpcast, Reddit, or the latest niche app, you’re always at the mercy of a business-driven machine. These platforms treat you as a product or a customer, not a person. Your content, engagements, and online presence are ultimately irrelevant to the owners' bottom line. It's important to remember that social media is optimized for profit, not humanity, and to not take it too seriously. Log off, touch grass, and reclaim your...2024-12-1202 minWestenbergThe Rise of Digital OligarchiesHow Tech Giants Control Our LivesIn this episode of the Westenberg Podcast, I explore the concept of digital oligarchies in 2024, where a few tech companies dominate critical infrastructure and influence how we work, socialize, and think. I discuss the power dynamics of platforms like Facebook, Google, and Amazon, emphasizing the role of network effects, data control, and attention capture mechanisms. I also consider the future possibilities of regulation, decentralization, and fragmentation, highlighting the challenges and potential solutions for managing this concentrated power.00:00 Introduction to Digital Oligarchy00:35 The Power of Network Effects2024-12-0611 minWestenbergCould You Invest for 100 Years?The Power of Long-Term ThinkingIn this episode, I explore the concept of long-term thinking and its profound impact on civilization. I challenge viewers with hypothetical bets to illustrate how modern society often prioritizes short-term gains over exponential long-term benefits. Highlighting examples from the Catholic Church to the Dutch flood control systems, I discuss how some organizations successfully think centuries ahead. I propose the creation of a '100 Year Lab' where decisions are made with the future in mind, aimed at benefiting generations to come.00:00 The Bet: $1 Billion vs. Manhattan Real Estate00:15 The Penny vs...2024-12-0603 minWestenbergYou Were Not Born to Censor Yourself for Other People’s ComfortStop Self-CensorshipIn this episode, I explore the importance of being true to yourself and rejecting the pressure to self-censor just to fit in. You'll learn why it's crucial to speak your mind, embrace your unique personality, and respect your own voice as much as you do others. Society advances when we challenge the status quo, and it's time to stop diluting our thoughts to make others comfortable. Go long on radical honesty.00:00 Introduction: The Pressure to Conform00:22 The Importance of Authenticity00:28 Respect vs. Self-Censorship01:29 The Consequences of Silence01:54...2024-12-0602 minWestenbergPepsi, the Cold War, and the Soviet Submarine DealPepsi's Misadventures in the USSR: How Not to Navigate Authoritarian MarketsIn this episode, I explore how a savvy Pepsi executive in the late 1950s leveraged Cold War tensions to open the Soviet market to American consumers. This daring (and doomed) endeavor included groundbreaking deals structured around barter, including the famous yet often misunderstood submarine trade. Kendall's story is a case study ikn the complex and often perilous game between commerce and politics. It reveals some timely lessons on doing business with authoritarian regimes and the inherent risks of market and political reforms.00:00 The Cold...2024-12-0605 minWestenbergMore Data Doesn't Equal More TruthThe Illusion of More Data: Why More Isn't Always BetterIn this episode, I explore the paradox of data collection and truth. Despite our growing ability to track and analyze vast amounts of data, our confidence in what we know often decreases as more evidence complicates simple conclusions. Using examples from fields such as medicine and social science, I question the assumption that more data leads to clearer truths and discuss how we can rethink our approach to understanding complex realities. Join me as I outline principles for navigating an information-rich world, focusing on better...2024-12-0605 min
Unfunded with Joan WestenbergBuilding a Profitable AI-Driven Design Platform Without VC FundingEpisode Summary:In this engaging episode of the Unfunded podcast, host Joan Westenberg chats with Dan Anisse, co-founder of Relume, an AI-powered web design platform. Dan shares his journey from running an agency to building a profitable AI product, offering insights into the challenges and successes along the way. The conversation delves into how Dan and his team have managed to remain profitable while leveraging cutting-edge AI technology and maintaining a strong community of users without the need for VC funding.Dan discusses the core functionality of Relume, describing it as an AI website builder...2024-09-1238 minDayOne.FMBuilding a Profitable AI-Driven Design Platform Without VC FundingEpisode Summary:In this engaging episode of the Unfunded podcast, host Joan Westenberg chats with Dan Anisse, co-founder of Relume, an AI-powered web design platform. Dan shares his journey from running an agency to building a profitable AI product, offering insights into the challenges and successes along the way. The conversation delves into how Dan and his team have managed to remain profitable while leveraging cutting-edge AI technology and maintaining a strong community of users without the need for VC funding.Dan discusses the core functionality of Relume, describing it as an AI website builder...2024-09-1238 min
Unfunded with Joan WestenbergCole Cornford Discusses Bootstrapping and Balancing Business with Family LifeEpisode Summary:In this episode of the Unfunded podcast, host Joan Westenberg welcomes Cole Cornford, the founder of Galah Cyber. The discussion dives deep into the journey of building a successful cybersecurity business from the ground up and the unique dynamics involved in bootstrapping a company. Cole shares his experiences, challenges, and strategies, shedding light on the importance of maintaining a work-life balance amid the hectic demands of entrepreneurship.Cole discussed the inception of Galah Cyber, launched amid the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the decision to bootstrap his cybersecurity firm and...2024-08-2937 minDayOne.FMCole Cornford Discusses Bootstrapping and Balancing Business with Family LifeEpisode Summary:In this episode of the Unfunded podcast, host Joan Westenberg welcomes Cole Cornford, the founder of Galah Cyber. The discussion dives deep into the journey of building a successful cybersecurity business from the ground up and the unique dynamics involved in bootstrapping a company. Cole shares his experiences, challenges, and strategies, shedding light on the importance of maintaining a work-life balance amid the hectic demands of entrepreneurship.Cole discussed the inception of Galah Cyber, launched amid the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the decision to bootstrap his cybersecurity firm and...2024-08-2937 min
Unfunded with Joan WestenbergResilience & Reinvention: Jess Ruhfus on Bootstrapping, Fundraising, and Navigating Modern MarketingEpisode Summary:In this episode of the Unfunded podcast, tech writer Joan Westenberg sits down with Jess Ruhfus, the brilliant mind behind Collabosaurus and the new venture, No.2. The discussion dives into Jess's entrepreneurial journey, the pitfalls and triumphs of bootstrapping start-ups, and the stark realities of seeking venture capital in the tech industry. Jess candidly shares her experiences, from launching Collabosaurus on a tight budget to facing the relentless grind of fundraising and finally finding success through an innovative feature that revitalized her business.Jess highlights the foundational steps and challenges she faced while...2024-08-1538 minDayOne.FMResilience & Reinvention: Jess Ruhfus on Bootstrapping, Fundraising, and Navigating Modern MarketingEpisode Summary:In this episode of the Unfunded podcast, tech writer Joan Westenberg sits down with Jess Ruhfus, the brilliant mind behind Collabosaurus and the new venture, No.2. The discussion dives into Jess's entrepreneurial journey, the pitfalls and triumphs of bootstrapping start-ups, and the stark realities of seeking venture capital in the tech industry. Jess candidly shares her experiences, from launching Collabosaurus on a tight budget to facing the relentless grind of fundraising and finally finding success through an innovative feature that revitalized her business.Jess highlights the foundational steps and challenges she faced while...2024-08-1538 min
DayOne.FMOptimising Crop Quality: Steve Scheding on Green Atlas, Automation, and Bootstrapping SuccessEpisode Summary:In this episode of the Unfunded podcast, host Joan Westenberg delves into the remarkable journey of Steve Scheding and Green Atlas. Steve discusses the core problem Green Atlas aims to solve in the horticultural space, emphasizing the significance of optimizing crop quality over quantity to boost grower profitability. Despite lacking a background in agriculture, Steve's expertise in automation led to the inception of Green Atlas as a solution derived from promising R&D in the field. The conversation turns towards the challenges faced by hardware startups, the importance of cash flow in bootstrapping, and the...2024-07-1838 minUnfunded with Joan WestenbergOptimising Crop Quality: Steve Scheding on Green Atlas, Automation, and Bootstrapping SuccessEpisode Summary:In this episode of the Unfunded podcast, host Joan Westenberg delves into the remarkable journey of Steve Scheding and Green Atlas. Steve discusses the core problem Green Atlas aims to solve in the horticultural space, emphasizing the significance of optimizing crop quality over quantity to boost grower profitability. Despite lacking a background in agriculture, Steve's expertise in automation led to the inception of Green Atlas as a solution derived from promising R&D in the field. The conversation turns towards the challenges faced by hardware startups, the importance of cash flow in bootstrapping, and the...2024-07-1838 min
DayOne.FMBootstrapped founder overcomes challenges to grow successful retail SaaS company with Aaron CowperEpisode Summary:In this episode of the Unfunded podcast, Joan Westenberg interviews Aaron Cowper, the founder of ShopGrok. Aaron shares his journey of bootstrapping his business, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced along the way. From early struggles to winning significant contracts and navigating through personal setbacks, Aaron's story showcases the resilience and dedication required to build a successful business without external funding.Aaron delves into the importance of family, time management, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance while pursuing entrepreneurial goals. With a focus on organic growth and strategic decision-making, Aaron's insights offer valuable...2024-07-0441 minUnfunded with Joan WestenbergBootstrapped founder overcomes challenges to grow successful retail SaaS company with Aaron CowperEpisode Summary:In this episode of the Unfunded podcast, Joan Westenberg interviews Aaron Cowper, the founder of ShopGrok. Aaron shares his journey of bootstrapping his business, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced along the way. From early struggles to winning significant contracts and navigating through personal setbacks, Aaron's story showcases the resilience and dedication required to build a successful business without external funding.Aaron delves into the importance of family, time management, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance while pursuing entrepreneurial goals. With a focus on organic growth and strategic decision-making, Aaron's insights offer valuable...2024-07-0441 min
Transparent Venture Capital by Tribe Global VenturesTribe Talkin' Ep 42: VCs Becoming A-Holes. "VCs Decide Not To Invest In Women". Bessemer Anti-Portfolio. Pitching For PR. Sharts.On this weeks episode:
Adir Shiffman losing a lengthy court battle with one of his own portfolio companies, online mattress business Sleeping Duck.
To be in the top 1% of podcasters, you just need to do 21 episodes.
Elon gets his options approved again.
Pitching for PR. Tips from Jessy Wu.
Bessemer shares their anti-portfolio.
How VCs become assholes.
Joan Westenberg article in Startup Daily "The reason why most VCs don’t invest in women-led startups is much simpler than many think".
Sharts:
2024-06-2056 min
Unfunded with Joan WestenbergSheree Rubinstein on Bootstrapping, Pivoting, and Building One RoofEpisode Summary:In this episode of Unfunded, host Joan Westenberg delves into a conversation with Sheree Rubinstein, the founder of One Roof. Sheree shares her journey from corporate law to founding a co-working space dedicated to women-led businesses and the subsequent pivot to a digital business membership platform post-Covid. The episode explores the challenges, successes, and insights gained from bootstrapping, fundraising, and making difficult decisions as a founder.Sheree's experience exemplifies the importance of adaptability, community building, and resilience in navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship. Listeners are treated to a candid discussion on the...2024-06-2035 minDayOne.FMSheree Rubinstein on Bootstrapping, Pivoting, and Building One RoofEpisode Summary:In this episode of Unfunded, host Joan Westenberg delves into a conversation with Sheree Rubinstein, the founder of One Roof. Sheree shares her journey from corporate law to founding a co-working space dedicated to women-led businesses and the subsequent pivot to a digital business membership platform post-Covid. The episode explores the challenges, successes, and insights gained from bootstrapping, fundraising, and making difficult decisions as a founder.Sheree's experience exemplifies the importance of adaptability, community building, and resilience in navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship. Listeners are treated to a candid discussion on the...2024-06-2035 min
DayOne.FMUnlocking Startup Success: Lucy Lloyd founder of Mentorloop on Bootstrapping & VC Funding ChallengesEpisode Summary:In this episode, Joan Westenberg interviews Lucy Lloyd, co-founder of Mentorloop, to delve into Lucy's entrepreneurial journey of building a successful startup. The conversation touches upon the inspiration behind founding Mentorloop, navigating the decision-making process around VC funding, and ultimately opting for a self-funded path. Lucy shares valuable insights on the challenges and pressures of VC funding, the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with investors, and the shift in focus towards building a sustainable business rather than solely aiming for an exit strategy.Key themes discussed include the impact of the COVID-19...2024-06-2042 minUnfunded with Joan WestenbergUnlocking Startup Success: Lucy Lloyd founder of Mentorloop on Bootstrapping & VC Funding ChallengesEpisode Summary:In this episode, Joan Westenberg interviews Lucy Lloyd, co-founder of Mentorloop, to delve into Lucy's entrepreneurial journey of building a successful startup. The conversation touches upon the inspiration behind founding Mentorloop, navigating the decision-making process around VC funding, and ultimately opting for a self-funded path. Lucy shares valuable insights on the challenges and pressures of VC funding, the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with investors, and the shift in focus towards building a sustainable business rather than solely aiming for an exit strategy.Key themes discussed include the impact of the COVID-19...2024-06-2042 min
DayOne.FMUnfunded is for the underdogs and bootstrappersWelcome to Unfunded, a show dedicated to telling the stories of founders who build impactful and independent businesses without relying on venture capital or external funding. Hosted by Joan Westenberg, a seasoned journalist and tech writer with over a decade of experience, the podcast delves into the human stories behind tech, economics, and business.Unfunded celebrates the DIY ethos and the determination of founders who launch and grow their businesses on their own terms. Each episode features interviews with successful founders who share their journeys of navigating startup growth, creating innovative products, finding target customers, and achieving...2024-06-0201 minUnfunded with Joan WestenbergUnfunded is for the underdogs and bootstrappersWelcome to Unfunded, a show dedicated to telling the stories of founders who build impactful and independent businesses without relying on venture capital or external funding. Hosted by Joan Westenberg, a seasoned journalist and tech writer with over a decade of experience, the podcast delves into the human stories behind tech, economics, and business.Unfunded celebrates the DIY ethos and the determination of founders who launch and grow their businesses on their own terms. Each episode features interviews with successful founders who share their journeys of navigating startup growth, creating innovative products, finding target customers, and achieving...2024-06-0201 min
The New Stack PodcastIs GitHub Copilot Dependable? These Demos Aren’t PromisingThis New Stack Makers podcast co-hosted by TNS founder and publisher, Alex Williams and Joan Westenberg, founder and writer of Joan’s Index, discussed Copilot. Westenberg highlighted its integration with Microsoft 365 and its role as a coding assistant, showcasing its potential to streamline various tasks. However, she also revealed its limitations, particularly in reliability. Despite being designed to assist with tasks across Microsoft 365, Copilot's performance fell short during Westenberg's tests, failing to retrieve necessary information from her email and Microsoft Teams meetings. While Copilot proves useful for coding, providing helpful code snippets, its effectiveness diminishes for more com...2024-03-0729 min
Chasing Financial EqualityVC’s: Backing Visionary Delusions & Global InequalitiesIn this episode, Kane Jackson is joined by journalist Joan Westenberg to discuss the problems with capitalism and the need for systemic change. They explore the limitations of impact investing, the lack of diversity in the startup industry, and the extractive nature, and accompanying delusion, of venture capital. The conversation touches on the importance of addressing economic inequalities and the potential for a universal basic income. Overall, the episode offers a critical perspective on the finance industry and calls for a shift towards a more equitable and sustainable system.
If you'd like to own part of Maslow...2023-11-0937 min
Show Me The CryptoEpisode 113 – Joan Westenberg (Founder of Studio Self): No, We’re Not EarlyJoan Westenberg is a tech writer and founder of Studio Self. Joan’s creative life and career began at the age of 15 as a self-described punk rock emo kid who found an opportunity helping brands understand how to leverage Myspace. Studio Self is a Sydney-based marketing agency, product lab and community that excels in effective communication through PR, content, brand strategy, marketing and production across emerging technology.
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Our first Podcast NFT Collection, "The First 100," has launched! Official Secondary Link: https://opensea.io/collection/show-me-the-crypto-the-first-100
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2023-07-241h 02
Crypto GirlsWhat is a music NFT?There's no one better equipped to break down music NFTs than Joan Westenberg, a writer, angel investor, creative director, and marketing lead at MODA DAO. We sat down with Joan and asked her all of our questions: What even are music NFTs, how do you listen to them, and why do they benefit artists. We also discuss her work with MODA DAO, a DAO dedicated to the adoption of web3 in the music industry, and Riot Grrrls, an NFT project building the first women-led coworking community in the crypto world. She's also the author of #DIY: Fuck the Gatekeepers, w...2022-04-1346 min
Be The DropStory At The Centre Of Engaged ConversationIn episode 245, founder of PR and communications firm Studio Self, Joan Westenberg, discusses storytelling and community. Joan explains that story is the centre of what brings people together to share who they are and what they believe in; and how you can genuinely engage with your audience's conversation by discovering who they are. This is Joan’s version of Be The Drop; recorded live at _SouthStart----Are you considering starting a podcast? At Narrative Marketing, we deliver a full range of podcast production options. Or if you'd like help getting started to pro...2021-05-0917 min
Conversations with Annie & KateJoan Westenberg – award winning PR director, writer, creative, and trans inclusion advocateAnnie Parker and Kate Carruthers chatting with interesting women over a drink. This time our guest is Joan Westenberg – award winning Australian PR director, contemporary writer, and creative. Joan is also a staunch advocate for trans inclusion and runs a site called Transgender Inclusion that provides an open source tech focused transgender inclusion policy. We had a great discussion about evolving into an integrated human and overcoming life's challenges to become who you were truly meant to become.More info:https://www.transgenderinclusion.com/https://womenswork.me/2020-09-1135 min
A LOT TO SAY PODCASTEp 11: SMALL-STARTS with Joan WestenbergJoan Westenberg is an award winning Australian PR director, contemporary writer, and creative. She is the founder of PR and communications firm Studio Self. Her approach to messaging, communication and semiotics has built her reputation as a writer, and she has been named as one of the leading startup voices in Australia by SmartCompany.Her writing has appeared in The SF Chronicle, Wired, The AFR, The Observer, ABC, Junkee, SBS, Crikey and over 40+ publications. Her regular work can be found on Pizza Party, a blog about creativity, culture and technology.Joan is the creator of...2020-08-251h 00
Tech4HumansTech4Humans Episode 5In this week's episode, we spoke to Joan Westenberg, a writer, tech executive, and occasional tech journalist. Joan speaks to us about creating transgenderinclusion.com which is an open-source project that shares policies and guidelines on how to make your company more inclusive for transgender people. Joan shares a lot of amazing resources in addition to this for how we can all be more welcoming in our tech culture.2020-05-0731 min
Queerstories199 Joan Westenberg - Let Me Pass You A NoteJoan Westenberg talks about her journey to becoming a writer, by overcoming a speech impediment and finding a voice of her own.Joan Westenberg is a Sydney based tech writer. She has been published in Inc.com, the SF Chronicle, Observer, The Saturday Paper, The Big Smoke, Crikey and over 40 other publications. Joan is the author of an open source transgender inclusion policy in use by multiple technology companies. Queerstories is an LGBTQI+ storytelling night programmed by Maeve Marsden, with regular events around Australia. For Queerstories event dates, visit www.maevemarsden.com, and follow Queerstories on...2020-04-0908 min
In Ya FaceDrag Story Time, Johnny Valkyrie; Trans Inclusion Policy for Tech Companies, Joan Westenberg; Religious Discrimination Politics, Rodney CroomeInterviews with Johnny Valkyrie, Joan Westenberg and Rodney Croome. Johnny discusses the controversy surrounding drag story time in Brisbane and religious discrimination activism in Queensland. Joan discusses their Trans Inclusion policy for tech companies. Rodney discusses the current politics of religious discrimination in Australia. Qlife 1800 184 527. Lifeline 13 11 14.2020-02-0700 min