Shows
Startup Improv#61: Business Ideas for 2025We're back with business ideas for 2025!
We cover ideas around dog training, natural fiber clothing, credit card optimization, and a new type of meditation app.
Follow Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Follow Matt: x.com/mattybuilds
2025-01-1650 minStartup Improv#60: 2024 Year In ReviewMatt and Seth are back! This time, talking about the past year, and what's next in 2025.
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2025-01-161h 06
Cosmic Circus PodcastsSundance Film Festival 2025: 10 Films to Watch For | Cosmic Circus ReviewsJohn & Vin preview 10 films they're most excited for from Sundance 2025. From time travel and goofy comedies to documentaries and tense thrillers, join us as we take a look at the newest batch of films from one of the world's biggest independent film festivals.
Bubble & Squeak - USA Director(s): Evan Twohy Screenwriter: Evan Twohy Starring: Himesh Patel, Sarah Goldberg, Steven Yeun, Dave Franco, Matt Berry
The Things You K ll - Turkey Director(s): Alireza Khatami Screenwriter: Alireza Khatami
Serious People - USA Director(s): Pasqual Gutierrez & Ben Mullinkosson Screenwriters: Pasqual G...
2025-01-1423 min
Where the Beach Gets Fit2024 Recap: Stories of Growth and GritWhat a year it’s been! In this special end-of-year episode, we take a heartfelt journey through the highlights of all the amazing guests who have graced our podcast.Each one of the guests brought unique perspectives that inspired us to push harder and embrace the joy of movement and community.Join Jake, Jesse, and Harrison as they revisit the standout moments, including professional surfer Michael Dunphy’s lessons on grit, Danielle Hart’s reflections on goal-setting, and Matt Dancigers’ perspective on training to enjoy life. You’ll hear snippets of wisdom from coaches, athletes, and everyd...
2024-12-261h 35Startup Improv#59: The return of the iPod?In this episode, we chat about:
- Social sports commenting
- OpenAI / Apple Collab?
- A single-purpose music device
- Microplastics
Follow us:
Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Matt: x.com/mattybuilds
2024-05-1746 minStartup Improv#58: Is building an AI company sustainable?In this episode we talk about:
- the YCW24 batch
- the future of building companies that integrate with AI
Follow us:
Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Matt: x.com/mattybuilds
2024-05-021h 03Startup Improv#57: What should developers build for the Vision Pro?In this episode we talk Apple Vision Pro app ideas!
Ideas that use spatial video
Fitness scans
Video chat with presence
Interior design
Professional Vision Pro Videographers
Presentation coach
A marketplace for virtual environments
Follow us:
Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Matt: x.com/mattybuilds
2024-02-2236 minStartup Improv#56: AI Models and VR MonitorsIn this episode we talk about:
The Rabbit AI Action model
Running AI models locally
Apple Vision Pro
Follow us:
Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Matt: x.com/mattybuilds
2024-02-1948 minStartup Improv#55: 2023 reflections + looking ahead to 2024Seth and Matt reflect on 2023 and set intentions for 2024!
2024-02-141h 04Startup Improv#54: Retail business ideasWe chat about: non-alcoholic wine, Mike's Hot Honey, fancy sparkling water, drop store for speciality goods, platform for drop stores, apartment real estate websites, dog food, cohort classes, helping restaurants commercialize their products, and more!
Follow us:
Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Matt: x.com/mattybuilds
2023-12-2848 minStartup Improv#53: Food business ideasIn this episode, we talk about non-alcohol date spots, drop stores for specialty food, apartment building gourmet grocery stores, unique food experiences, selling food products from great restaurants,
2023-12-2653 minStartup Improv#52: OpenAI follow-up, unbundling Mint, and AI landing page feedbackIn this episode we chat about: OpenAI's drama, can you be a kind leader and build a world-changing company, ideation around personal finance business ideas, Seth's AI landing page feedback generator, productive ways to spend time other than social media,
2023-12-2058 minStartup Improv#51: Rapid fire business ideasWe chat about Halloween business ideas, dog toy business ideas, Black Friday business ideas, bundling/unbundling and more!
Follow us:
Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Matt: x.com/MattyBuilds
2023-11-2739 minStartup Improv#50: The universal theory of contentWe talk about Spotify and Apple Music, The Kindle and The Universal Theory of content, single-use devices, fitness devices, Vision Pro, and more!
Connect with us on X!
Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Matt: x.com/mattybuilds
2023-11-1055 minStartup Improv#49: Delegation and the value of intense workIn this episode, we talk about delegation inside a company (inspired by Levels), plus the tradeoffs of intense work and a successful life. And a business idea around a recipe social network.
Connect with us on X!
Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Matt: x.com/mattybuilds
2023-11-0948 minStartup Improv#48: The future of the iPhoneWe chat about the future of the iPhone, will X compete with LinkedIn, indie bookstore affiliates and bookstores loyalty programs, and AI user interviews.
Connect with us on X!
Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Matt: x.com/mattybuilds
2023-11-0652 minStartup Improv#47: Our favorite YC S23 companiesWe talk about our favorite companies from the latest YC batch and themes we see among the startups YC funded.
Connect with us on X!
Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Matt: x.com/mattybuilds
2023-11-0342 minStartup Improv#46: The indirect career pathWe talk about summer travel, taking the indirect path to figure out what to work on, Bill Simmons’ path to writing, personal horoscopes, crypto, and personal websites.
Connect with us on X!
Seth: x.com/sethjkramer
Matt: x.com/mattybuilds
2023-11-0145 minStartup Improv#45: Powering services businesses with AI, musings about creativity, and more!Seth and Matt get together for another random show to discuss:
1. Framer's new AI functionality
2. Ben Thompson's Aggregation Theory in a world of AI
3. Powering services business like fiftydollarwebsites and signatures as a service with AI
4. Ideating vs building
5. Ideas for our podcast, including growth strategies and topics to ideate on
6. Rick Rubin idea about showing work to someone else to improve it
7. Reddit Revolt
8. Zuckerberg: Lex Friedman
9. Apple VR
10. Management and AI
11. Carve Outs
2023-06-301h 02Startup Improv#44: Apple Vision Pro - first impressions and predictions!We're back with another episode! In this podcast, we cover:
- Our thoughts on the Apple Vision Pro
- Business opportunities in VR w/ the Vision Pro
- Will people be wearing the Vision Pro in coffee shops?
- Carve Outs
Follow us!
Matt: twitter.com/mattybuilds
Seth: twitter.com/sethjkramer
2023-06-0751 minStartup Improv#43: Rolling up traditional businesses + text to voice biz ideasWe're back with another episode! In this episode, we cover:
- Auto-generated investor updates
- The “Murph” challenge business idea
- Text to voice business ideas
- Rolling up bookkeeping and gyms
- Succession
Follow us!
Matt: twitter.com/mattybuilds
Seth: twitter.com/sethjkramer
2023-06-0556 minStartup Improv#42: Personal AI assistants and the sneaky winners of the AI raceIn this episode, we cover:
Apple’s possible offline AI
Sneaky AI winners in the AI race
Business idea: finding a job with AI
Simple goal-setting business idea
Building products for fun, not business
A bar for people who don’t drink
Business idea: Generative AI Pinterest
Connect with us on Twitter!
Seth: twitter.com/sethjkramer
Matt: twitter.com/mattybuilds
2023-05-3049 minStartup Improv#41: Life and business lessons from Steve JobsWe’re back with another episode! In this podcast, Matt and Seth talk about:
Steve Jobs lessons from the Walter Isaacson biography and the new book “Make Something Wonderful”.
The Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting
Systems & business ideas around keeping track of book / kindle notes
2023-05-121h 01Startup Improv#40: One-person venture studios, Airbnb's product announcements, stock picks, and more!The boys are live in-person to discuss:
- Airbnb's product announcements
- Stock picks
- Venture studios
- Ideas for Matt's fitness technology venture studio
- Matt Ishbia + the Phoenix Suns making their games free to watch
...and more!
2023-05-051h 08Startup Improv#39: Charging customers for beta access, Teacher Paying Teachers, template marketplaces, and more!Charging customers for beta access, Teacher Paying Teachers, template marketplaces, and more!
2023-05-0227 minStartup Improv#38: Will AI replace engineers, using AI to make SaaS services modular, and more!Will AI replace engineers, using AI to make SaaS services modular, and more!
2023-04-2749 minStartup Improv#37: What's the real opportunity in AI?Seth and Matt chat about the future of AI and entrepreneurship and where the opportunities might be! Plus, learn about the newest AI tools like AutoGPT.
2023-04-2451 minStartup Improv#36: Seed oils, continuous glucose monitoring, and more business ideasSeth and Matt discuss business ideas related to seed oils, continuous glucose monitoring, and more!
2023-04-201h 052023-04-171h 02Startup Improv#34: YC W23 batchIn this episode, Seth and Matt riff on business ideas from the latest YCombinator batch. The companies include:
- Forfeit (https://www.forfeit.app/)
- Finni (https://www.finnihealth.com/)
- Quazel (https://quazel.com/)
- Pierre (https://heypierre.app/)
- Planar (https://www.useplanar.com/)
- Metal (https://getmetal.io/)
- Milestones (https://www.getmilestones.com/)
- Wild Moose (https://www.wildmoose.ai/)
- Tailfin (https://tailfin.cloud/)
- Resend (https://resend.com/)
...
2023-04-141h 10Startup Improv#33: a marketplace for premium fan-designed jerseys, finding influencers within companies to sell B2B products, and more!Seth and Matt discuss:
(00:00) - Practical thoughts on starting a business
(7:02) - Create creatine gummies, and building brands around supplements
(9:46) - Reflections from past podcast episodes
(22:47) - Finding influencers within companies to sell B2B products
(32:05) - A marketplace for premium fan-designed jerseys
(38:33) - Joining vs. disrupting @mindbody
(49:51) - Carve outs!
...and more!
2023-02-1055 minStartup Improv#32: Tech Layoff Business IdeasWelcome to another episode of Startup Improv!
0:13 Running a No Code MBA event on ConferenceTap
6:34 The importance of product design
9:08 Business ideas around tech layoffs
34:56 Carveouts
2023-02-0141 minStartup Improv#31: What we would do if we were laid off, plus fine-tuning and embedding AI modelsSeth and Matt discuss what they would each do if they were laid off, fine-tuning and embedding AI models, and more!
2023-02-0148 min2023-02-011h 03Startup Improv#29: Andrew Just (CEO of Train Fitness) + AI business ideasThe boys are joined by Andrew Just, Founder + CEO of Train Fitness, to chat about business ideas related to AI
Some of the topics include:
(1:35) Introducing Andrew + Train Fitness
(15:00) Andrew’s idea for AI personal assistant
(22:26) Andrew’s idea for improving ecommerce purchasing
(25:21) Matt’s idea: personalized, AI-generated clothing brands
(30:56) Seth’s idea: no code tools for developing algorithms
(34:45) Generative data + Gretel
(39:42) Brainstorming ideas for Train’s product roadmap
(50:54) Carve outs
2023-01-1100 minStartup Improv#28 Seth's latest project and why companies failSeth and Matt discuss:
(00:38) Seth’s newest project: Ask No Code
(20:55) Matt’s theory on why companies fail when they launch new products
(30:22) Choosing the right fundraising strategy for your business
(38:47) Is it smart to start an AI business right now?
(52:44) Twitter drama
(1:01:03) How AI intersects with Meta’s VR bet
(1:07:56) Thoughts about hiring
(1:09:51) Carve outs
2022-12-091h 14Startup Improv#27: Takeaways from Invent and Wander and AI business ideasThis week, Seth and Matt discuss:
(2:07) Takeaways from Invent and Wonder
(13:43) Why content companies with strong IP will win with AI
(18:08) Replacing advertisement patches on sports jerseys with AI
(25:51) Carve outs
2022-12-0926 minStartup Improv#26: AI Generated Furniture, The Power of Stripe, and Frank SlootmanEpisode 26: In this episode of Startup Improv, Matt and Seth chat about:
4:13: AI for furniture, clothes, and style
20:47: Stripe is a behemoth - what happened to Braintree?
33:27: Github Co-pilot
37:00: Getting value of Youtube
42:24: Making friends as adults
46:36: How we think about the future of our careers
50:42: Frank Slootman
52:23: Computer Scientists vs Engineers
2022-10-121h 03Startup Improv#25: Stock PicksWe've been thinking more about investing and wanted to share some stock picks we've been thinking about, including:
- (3:02) Peloton
- (7:44) Helium
- (21:06) Shopify
- (26:28) Meta
Insert the standard warning that you hear on every podcast: this is NOT investment advice!
2022-10-0240 minStartup Improv#24: AI Emergency PodAI has exploded since we chatted about it in episode 21, so we HAD to get back together to discuss the recent developments. We explore Stable Diffusion, which companies are likely to win AI, and more!
2022-10-0217 minStartup Improv#23: Browsers and Apple Watches as the next big platforms, portfolios of founder options, and moreThis week, Seth and Matt discuss:
- (2:24) Browsers and Apple Watches as the next big platforms
- (2:23) Why Replit will kill GitHub
- (30:10) An idea for VC funds to offer founders shares in the portfolio
- ...and more!
2022-10-0240 minStartup Improv#22: VRWe're back with episode 2 of our emerging technologies season with a brainstorm on VR! If you can think of anyone who would enjoy this too, please share one of the episode segments with a friend!
Our take on the current state and future of VR (2:51)
VR Psychedelics (without drugs) (7:15)
VR Sleepmasks (8:29)
VR Golf (11:55)
VR Coaching (14:44)
Teaching devs how to build in VR (20:24)
VR Shopping (20:58)
FTC Blocked Supernatural Acquisition by Meta - good or bad idea? (29:42)
Adam Neumann’s new company (36:17)
...
2022-08-1748 minStartup ImprovBONUS: Strategies for growing the podWe’re sharing a bonus episode on our plan for growing the Startup Improv podcast, including our personal goals, outsourcing all the work beyond just recording the pod, and our strategies for growing the pod.
2022-08-1125 minStartup Improv#21: AIWe’re kicking off a new season on emerging technologies to chat about artificial intelligence! Ideas include:
- How we’d grow a pushup tracking app to $1M in annual revenue (1:54)
- AI assistants that help humans with work tasks (18:55)
- Productizing AI services, like selling icons, illustrations, YouTube thumbnails, and video titles (24:44)
- Making yourself look hot in dating app pics (27:44)
- Scraping content from any website (29:19)
- Automatically generating stock music (29:55)
- Making a member management systems that gym owners would actually love (30:14)
2022-08-1039 minStartup Improv#20: Unbundling TwitterThe boys are BACK! Seth and Matt got together to discuss business opportunities related to Twitter, including:
- Aggregating the best things people read each week (00:53)
- Making Twitter more social (1:51)
- Unbundling Twitter communities (14:24)
- What would it look like if Twitter and Reddit had a baby? (16:10)
- Building Twitter Creator tools (27:20)
- GPT-3 for creating new Twitter content (28:32)
- Using Twitter data to create a new Google Trends (29:27)
- How to bootstrap a Twitter ghostwriting agency (32:10)
- Carve outs! (36:56)
2022-08-0340 min
Startup Improv#19: Unbundling the iPhoneWe're back with another unbundling episode! Today we’re unbundling one of the most successful devices ever created - the iPhone.
A few ideas we cover in this episode:
A physical device to use in the evening/morning instead of your phone
Business opportunities around Apple Shortcuts
A single-purpose writing device
Follow us on Twitter:
Seth: https://twitter.com/sethjkramer
Matt: https://twitter.com/mattybuilds
2022-05-1534 min
Startup ImprovDavid Goldstein's entrepreneurial rollercoaster with Julian Goldstein (Co-CEO of Navitar)I interviewed my uncle Julian to learn about my grandpa (David Goldstein), whose entrepreneurial journey led him from success, to bankruptcy, and back to success in the field of optical engineering.
My grandpa died when I was 3, and I never heard the full story about how he grew up and ran his businesses. Julian, who is the Co-CEO of Navitar (alongside his brother Jeremy), sat down with me to chat about his father's entrepreneurial journey, how David rebounded from the bankruptcy of his first business (Elgeet) to build Navitar (the company my uncles now run), and how...
2022-04-011h 07Startup Improv#18: Unbundling AirbnbToday, Seth and Matt share ideas about how they would unbundle Airbnb!
Ideas include:
- @wander for gyms and kitchens
- Giving away tiny homes
- PE roll up of Airbnb properties
- A service helping small businesses identify the best real estate to move in to
- Scott's Cheap Flights for incredible Airbnbs around the world
- trymystery.com for long distance couples
2022-03-2953 min
Startup Improv#17: Music x Web3 with Ryan Caradonna (Co-Founder of eq keys)Today we're joined by Ryan Caradonna, co-founder of eq keys, to chat about:
- The origin of eq keys
- The state of music NFTs
- Raising money in a volatile crypto industry
..and more!
2022-03-0858 minStartup Improv#16: Smart CitiesAs if it weren't covered enough already, Seth + Matt discuss Ryan Breslow's tweet storm about Stripe + YC
Then, the boys discuss business opportunities for Smart Cities, including:
(4:33) Sidewalk Labs: Google's failed smart city project
(11:00) Telosa: a new city founded by Marc Lore
(19:42) EPCOT: the OG smart city
(29:13) Helium...but selling excess energy to neighbors
(47:09) Carve Outs
2022-02-0355 minStartup Improv#15: DAOs + Strategy Sesh on Growing a Twitter AccountThis week's episode combines a brainstorm (and questions we have) about DAOs, and also a brainstorm about how Seth and Matt are growing their twitter accounts!
(1:32) Some questions about DAOs
(5:12) Idea: Shopify for DAOs
(7:14) Idea: The opportunity for lawyers
(13:37) DAOs / No-Code
(21:14) Governance
(24:13) Philanthropy through DAOs
(35:51) Strategy session: how we're growing our twitter accounts
2022-01-271h 06Startup Improv#14: Unbundling LinkedInThis week's episode is jam packed with ideas about how Seth and Matt would unbundle LinkedIn! 🧑💻
(0:53) Thoughts on LinkedIn: what they do well and don’t do well
(6:50) Idea: Twitter -> Linkedin integration
(10:38) Idea: Should LinkedIn open their API for free?
(14:06) Idea: Lego-block portfolio
(17:00) Idea: Reference check marketplace
(22:54) Idea: Vertical job marketplaces
(29:45) Idea: Negotiating Salaries as a service
(37:47) Idea: Contract to hire
(44:15) Idea: Connecting with likeminded people
(48:37) Idea: Bitclout for LinkedIn
2022-01-1859 minStartup Improv#13: LongevityLongevity is pushing lifespans above 100
...so what new businesses need to be built as a result?
This week, Seth and Matt explore:
(2:34) Personal finance implications of longevity
(4:43) Workforce implications of longevity
(9:30) Loneliness and ideas around businesses to help solve it
(14:05) Retirement communities for young people
(19:16) Centenarian olympics (strength training specific to aging)
(30:44) NewLimit’s mission statement
(34:16) Implications of the internet on academic research
(36:11) Carve Outs
2022-01-1143 minStartup Improv#12: 2021 Wrapped, 2022 Preview, No Code, and Wellness TechSeth and Matt are kicking off 2022 by bringing back WDYT!
This week's episode is a bit of the random show, covering:
- Reviewing 2021 (1:22)
- Previewing 2022 (12:33)
- Jamming on new business ideas in the worlds of no-code (44:57) and wellness technology (55:34)
- Carve Outs (1:30:38)
2022-01-071h 55Startup Improv#11: Health & WellnessIn this episode we chat through business ideas and trends related to Health and Wellness!
We chat about:
Intermittent fasting
Digital avatars
Why Peloton will keep winning
Hotel workouts
And more!
2021-05-2643 minStartup Improv#10: Personal FinanceSeth and Matt discuss business ideas related to personal finance, including:
- pipe.com for individuals
- a Chrome extension to maximize credit card rewards
- automating student loan and mortgage payments based on your psychology
- lunchmoney.app as a Personal Capital alternative
- Zapier for financial apps
For carve outs, Seth brings up NBA Top Shot and Matt talks about Daniel Naroditsky.
2021-03-2343 minStartup Improv#9: SleepIn this episode we cover business ideas and trends related to sleep! We chat about:
- How we'd turn around Casper
- Smart beds
- Men's pajama brand
- Modern sleepy time tea
- Companies incentivizing employees to sleep
- Sleep apps
And more!
Follow us on twitter!
twitter.com/sethjkramer
twitter.com/tweetsXmb
2021-03-1851 minStartup Improv#8: Collectibles + NFTsIn this episode we cover collectables! Here's some of what we cover:
Public companies that could increase in value b/c of collectable trends
Invest in an NFT fund
Companies that should offer collectables
Dapper Labs (NBA Top Shot)
Solving the deep fake issue
Community for digital collectables
API for data on digital collectables
Banksey idea
Are we in an NFT bubble?
2021-03-0251 minStartup Improv#7: Community Feat. Sam FeldmanIn this episode we talk about ideas and trends related to the Community!
Here’s some of what we cover:
Renting out campsites for digital nomads
Mental health community
Community for business school internships
This was a great episode, especially because we had our friend Sam on the podcast! You can follow Sam on twitter and check out his businesses: bitcoin.guide and marketcap.guide to better understand bitcoin and the crypto landscape as a whole.
2021-02-231h 12Startup Improv#6: TravelIn this episode we brainstorm around business ideas related to travel! Here's some of what we cover:
Viral tweet threads
What will travel look like after COVID? Opportunities as a result
COVID-safe activities
Business idea: Vanlife rentals
Business idea: unique experiences in your city
How can Airbnb Experiences be improved?
Co-living spaces
2021-02-101h 01Startup Improv#5: Internet of ThingsIn this episode we talk about ideas and trends related to the Internet of Things!
Here’s some of the ideas we cover:
Bottomless scales for consumables
Home automation set up business
Charging pockets
Tracking shoe insoles
Improving design of IOT devices
Helium data connectivity
2021-02-0455 minStartup Improv#4: FoodIn this episode we talk about ideas and trends related to Food!
Here’s some of the ideas we cover:
Decentralizing DoorDash
How we’d turn around Blue Apron
Mushroom Tea Idea
Decaf coffee
Mobile coffee trucks
2021-02-0459 minStartup Improv#3: BootstrappingIn this episode we talk about bootstrapping!
Here’s some of the ideas we cover:
Unbundling cooking vides from TikTok
Bootstrapping vs VC
Bootstrapping funds
Marketplace for hobbies
Netflix and no chill
Micro influencer consulting
2021-02-041h 13Startup Improv#2: Online EducationIn this episode, we brainstorm about online education.
A few ideas we covered:
- Cohort based courses
- Tik Tok education
- YC for online courses
- Future of education
- ISAs
2021-02-0449 minStartup Improv#1: Audio BrainstormIn this episode, we chat about business ideas and trends related to audio.
Some of the ideas we cover:
- Fiction podcasts
- Audio recipes
- Open source sports announcers
- Audio sports communities
- Audio workouts
- Podcast advertising
- Speed reading
- The early days of Clubhouse
2021-02-0453 min
The Rich Redmond Show056 - Rob Dennis :: Finding a Place in the Music Business - The Rich Redmond Show Ep 55Rob Dennis is a staple of the Nashville music machine, being the owner of Rack n’ Roll Audio. He’s been recording live performances with some of the biggest names in music as well as the ACM’s, CMA’S, iHeart music, Grammy’s, Billboard Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion ceremony. The Rich Redmond Show is sponsored by The School of Rock Nashville and Franklin! https://locations.schoolofrock.com/nashville https://locations.schoolofrock.com/franklin Rob’s other credits for live music recording a...
2020-05-051h 05
RUDIS Wrestling Podcast#62: 2019 UWW Cadet & U23 Nationals RecapAnthony CassarOn this episode, Ben Askren is in the studio with Matt Dernlan as they discuss some recent events such as the UWW Cadet & U23 Nationals, collegiate wrestling news, and. They kick off by talking about big news for Penn State, Anthony Cassar was granted two years of eligibility by the NCAA if he so wishes to compete. Judging off the quotes from Cassar he doesn't sound unequivocal about a decision to utilize both of those years wrestling in college. Dernlan talks about how hard a college wrestling season is and it is sure to drain anyone. Cassar...
2019-06-0455 min