The Startup Ideas Podcast

• DeepSeek R1 - Everything you need to know

  Ray Fernando, a former Apple engineer, gives an in-depth tutorial on DeepSeek AI and local model implementation. The conversation includes detailed guide for setting up local AI environments using Docker and OpenWebUI, and how to implement DeepSeek on mobile using the Apollo app.Key Points:• Comprehensive overview of DeepSeek AI and its reasoning capabilities• Discussion of data privacy concerns when using Chinese-hosted models• Detailed tutorial on running AI models locally using Docker and OpenWebUI• Comparison of different AI model providers (Fireworks, Grok, OpenRouter)• Mobile implementation of AI models using Apollo appTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:34 - Overview of DeepSeek05:29 - Data privacy concerns with Chinese-hosted models08:02 - Running Models Locally with OpenWebUI10:06 - Comparing Hosting Providers: Fireworks and Grok16:54 - Cost Comparison of using/running AI Models18:35 - Improving Prompts for Better Outputs22:41 - Running AI Models Locally: A Step-by-Step Guide37:09 - Mobile AI implementation discussion45:27 - Future implications and closing thoughts1) DeepSeek's R1 Model - What's the big deal?• On par with ChatGPT's reasoning capabilities• Open source & free to use• BUT hosted in China (data privacy concerns)• Incredible for analysis and content generation2) Alternative Ways to Use DeepSeek:• Fireworks AI ($8/million tokens)• OpenRouter• Grok API• Local hosting (safest for sensitive data)3) Running AI Models Locally Step-by-step setup:• Install Docker• Use OpenWebUI• Download models via Ollama• Configure API connectionsPro tip: Takes 5 mins to set up, saves hours of worry about data privacy4) Mobile AI is HERE!• Apollo app lets you run models locally on phone• Download smaller, optimized models• Works offline• Perfect for quick analysis on the go5) Temperature Settings Explained:High temp (0.8-1.0) = Creative modeLow temp (0-0.3) = Logical modeChoose based on your needs!6) FUTURE PREDICTIONS • Watch-based AI coming soon• Emergency response applications• Real-time negotiation assistance• Advanced audio analysis7) Getting Started Tips:• Start with public data on DeepSeek• Experiment with different models• Use temperature settings wisely• Focus on practical use casesNotable Quotes:"We're in this new deep-seek world where if you figure out the model that works for you and the tasks that you want to accomplish, you might be able to out-compete whoever you're competing against." - Greg"Please don't be fearful or don't feel like you're left behind. If you're just finding out about this, you're not that far behind. We're all actually still trying to understand what this intelligence can give us." - Ray FernandoLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND RAY ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/RayFernando1337YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RayFernando1337Ray's Website: https://www.rayfernando.ai

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  51:35
• I Met Charlie Munger and Discovered How Billionaires Really Think

  Meet David Senra, the guy who turned his obsession with reading about successful people into a million-dollar podcast. He's read over 300 books about the world's biggest entrepreneurs and shares all the best bits on his show, Founders. In this episode, David breaks down exactly how he finds golden nuggets of wisdom in these books, building deep relationships with founders, and insights from meetings with figures like Charlie Munger.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro and Founders Origin Story 07:10 - The importance of Naming and Branding14:56 - Energy Transfer in Relationships and Cities 19:51 - How to become World-Class25:03 - Startup Idea 1: Founders for Kids26:52 - The Value of Biographies31:28 - The Power of Long Attention Spans37:42 - You’re never too late39:32 - Innovative ways entrepreneurs monetized their business44:05 - Work - Life Balance Problems with High Achievers48:38 - Meeting with Charlie Munger55:22 - Monetization strategy and business model of Founders 1:01:28 - Biography recommendations and reading strategies1:08:55 - Career Advice from Charlie Munger1) On Building a World-Class Podcast:"Find what you're meant to do and let time carry the weight"David's moat: 375+ books read, connecting historical figures across episodes. To compete, you'd need to read all those books first.And he keeps going. 2) On Business Models:Fascinating approach to podcast monetization:• Only 2 long-term partners (2-year contracts)• Focus on brand partnerships vs CPM• Deep relationships with founders first• Think Nike/Tiger Woods, not traditional podcast ads3) On Learning from History:"Biographies are the closest thing to finding a cheat code in real life"Every great entrepreneur studied other great entrepreneurs:• Elon read Franklin, Ford, Tesla• Edison read every bio in Detroit library• Jobs studied Edwin Land4) On Work Ethic & Balance:Key insight: Almost every legendary figure sacrificed balance for greatnessOne exception: Ed Thorpe (Episode 222)• Built first quant hedge fund• Amazing father/husband• Stayed in shape• Lived a thrilling life5) On Memory & Knowledge:It's not natural talent - it's "maddening repetition"David's method:• Rereads highlights daily• Re-listens to old episodes• Updates/re-edits past content• Constantly connects historical figures6) STARTUP IDEA "Founders for Kids" - Comic book-style biographies teaching entrepreneurship to childrenWhy it works:• Proven model (worked for @SamParr)• Huge educational value• Underserved market• Scalable content7) Key Quote Worth Remembering:"Money comes naturally as a result of service" - Henry FordThe best entrepreneurs don't chase billions - they chase excellence in service.8) Final Wisdom:Want to be world-class? The competition isn't as fierce as you think.Most people:• Never try• Quit quickly• Lack patienceNotable Quotes:"I think podcasting is building relationships at scale." - David Senra"Money comes naturally as a result of service." - Henry Ford (quoted by David Senra)LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND DAVID ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/FoundersPodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@founderspodcast4055Founders Podcast: https://www.founderspodcast.com/

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  1:16:52
• Why 2,500 Subscribers Is All You Need For $1M

  Jonathan "Jicecream" Courtney believes that in 2025, basic marketing still outperforms everything: a simple 90-minute webinar turns 200 attendees into 20 buyers, even with just 2,500 subscribers. The framework is dead simple - 20 minutes on your story, 15 minutes on the solution, 20 minutes showing the transformation, then offering them a choice between DIY or done-for-you. He goes into it in this episode.Key Points:• Detailed breakdown of successful webinar funnel structures and challenge funnels• Discussion of basic marketing fundamentals that still work in 2025• Exploration of how software companies can use traditional funnel marketing techniquesTimestamps:00:00 - Intro03:17 - Greg’s New Year Reflections11:19 - JC's transition from CEO to an advisory role22:07 - How to make deals with influencers25:10 - Detailed breakdown of webinar funnels30:28 - The structure of webinar funnels37:07 - How to use funnels for SaaS products and challenge funnels explained 47:25 - Product recommendations and wrap-up1) The Basic Funnel Formula Still Works:• Email list → Webinar → Product sale• Even with just 2,500 subscribers• Live training converts WAY better than direct email• 90-min webinar can turn 200 attendees into 20 buyers2) Perfect Webinar Structure (by Russell Brunson):• 20min: Your story & struggles• 15min: The "vehicle" (solution you discovered)• 20min: Impact & transformation• Present options: DIY vs accelerated path• Close with clear next steps3) Challenge Funnels Are Underrated:• Perfect for SaaS & digital products• 30-day format with daily support• Free trial + structured program• Examples:- Notion + Second Brain challenge- Fitness apps + weight loss challenge- Meditation apps + mindfulness challenge4) The Warm-Up Step is CRUCIAL:• Direct pitching rarely works• Need a middle step to build excitement• Options:- Webinars- Challenges- Info sessions- Live trainings5) List Partnerships Done Right:• Never cold pitch for list access• Build relationships first• Consider paid partnerships ($10k can be worth it for 1M+ list)• Focus on value alignmentKEY TAKEAWAY:Basic funnels still work incredibly well in 2024, but you need:1. A list (even small)2. Warming step (webinar/challenge)3. Clear transformation story4. Tactful executionNotable Quotes:"Most of the real basics work so goddamn well today. Like 2025, we can launch a product using basically just the same webinar. Just email your list, send them to a webinar." - JC"When a company is doing well, they don't want me involved... They want the strategic advice. They want access to connections." - Greg IsenbergLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JicecreamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

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  51:54
• This AI Writing Hack Made Him Millions (Full Breakdown)

  Nicolas Cole delivers a comprehensive masterclass on writing with AI, demonstrating how to combine human expertise with AI capabilities to create high-quality content. The discussion covers practical frameworks for content creation, including how to structure articles, generate hooks, and test ideas. Cole emphasizes that AI should be viewed as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human writers, and success comes from understanding fundamental writing principles first.Learn how to use AI to create high-quality content: https://www.gregisenberg.com/write-with-aiTimestamps:00:00 - Intro01:03 - Why Learn to write with AI05:06 - Choosing a Content Topic07:38 - Framework for idea development12:40 - The role of AI in the Idea generation process16:39 - The Editor-in-Chief approach to writing with AI18:53 - Creating a Compelling Hook28:28 - Framework for structuring an article34:13 - The "10 Magical Ways" framework45:54 - Collaborating with AI for improving output49:37 - The Power of Education in the Digital AgeKey Points:• Framework for using AI as a writing tool while maintaining quality• How to effectively prompt AI for content ideation and refinement• The "10 Magical Ways" framework for structuring content• The importance of making strategic decisions before writing begins1) The biggest mindset shift:AI isn't replacing writers - it's AUGMENTING them.Just like Photoshop didn't kill designers, it created 1000x more designers.Just like Instagram didn't kill photographers, it made everyone a photographer.2) Key Framework: The Editor-in-Chief Method Don't treat AI as a writer - treat it as your junior staff writer.YOU are the editor making high-level decisions.AI helps execute your vision.3) Writing Process Revolution:- Don't start writing immediately- Make key decisions BEFORE writing:- Clear headline promise- 3 main tangible points- Format for each section90% of value comes from these decisions!4) The "10 Magical Ways" Framework:Every piece of content can be broken down into:- Tips- Steps- Lessons- Stats- Examplesetc.Pick your format FIRST, then structure accordingly.5) Pro Tip: Use AI ConversationallyTwo approaches:1. Chunk-by-chunk dialogue2. Massive single promptMost people fail by sitting in the middle.Start conversational, then compress into mega-prompts.6) Quality Control Method:1. Generate multiple versions2. Apply your taste/judgment3. Refine best options4. Test against goalsRemember: AI suggestions need human curation!7) The Education Leverage Play:Learning frameworks = AI superpowersWhat took experts years to master can now be:1. Learned quickly2. Taught to AI3. Scaled infinitelyThis is the real opportunity!8) Bottom Line:The future belongs to "orchestrators" - people who:- Understand frameworks- Make high-level decisions- Use AI as a tool- Maintain quality controlDon't fight the future - leverage it! Notable Quotes:"AI is not a silver bullet. On some level, you do have to have a baseline understanding of how the thing is supposed to work so that you can prompt AI in order to do it." - Nicolas Cole"90% of the value is not in the writing. It is in the fact that you said what you're going to give [the reader]." - Nicolas ColeLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND COLE ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/Nicolascole77Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicolascole77/featuredWrite with AI: https://writewithai.substack.com

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  55:15
• This YouTube expert made creators $100M+ (Not clickbait)

  Join me as I chat with Paddy Galloway, a veteran YouTube strategist who has worked with major creators like MrBeast, where he shares a comprehensive blueprint for YouTube success. The discussion covers everything from initial channel strategy to advanced content packaging techniques, emphasizing the importance of consistent posting, strategic ideation, and effective thumbnail design. Galloway presents a structured approach to growing a YouTube channel over 12 months, with specific benchmarks and goals for each phase.Growth guides to turn your startup into a money printerGet access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/growth-guidesTimestamps:00:00 - Intro03:41 - Why YouTube09:26 - Evergreen Content vs Timely Content11:54 - The Value of Comments and Engagement14:44 - YouTube's Unique Position in Content Consumption15:26 - Monetization Potential on YouTube17:14 - The Challenge of Mastering YouTube19:36 - YouTube's Popularity Among Younger Audiences20:35 - Algorithm Stability on YouTube30:27 - Depth vs. Discovery on YouTube36:51 - The 12-month growth strategy breakdown1:17:38 - Content ideation framework discussion1:32:26 - Thumbnail and packaging strategiesKey Points:• Success requires a 12-month commitment with specific phases: establishment (months 1-4), improvement (months 5-8), and optimization (months 9-12)• Content ideation should follow a 0-100-10-1 framework: start with zero, generate 100+ ideas, filter to 10 strong ones, develop 1 final concept• Thumbnails and packaging are crucial, with recommendation to create 3 distinct thumbnails per video and follow the "three focus area rule"1) First, understand what YouTube really is:• It's NOT social media - it's a streaming platform• 60-70% of views come from TV screens• It's the biggest streaming service worldwide• Videos = digital real estate that appreciates over time2)The 12-Month YouTube Growth Plan:Months 1-4 (Establishment Phase):• Find your niche using triple Venn diagram:1. What you love2. What you're good at3. What people want to watch• Post 2x per week consistently• Don't overthink quality yet3) Months 5-8 (Improvement Phase):• Generate 100 video ideas weekly• Make 3 thumbnails per video• Study outlier content in your niche• Switch to 1 high-quality video per week• Focus on packaging (title + thumbnail)4) Months 9-12 (Optimization Phase):• Analyze your top 10% performing videos• Double down on what works• Spend 4 hrs/week studying YouTube• Make small 1% improvements each video• Build systems for consistent output5) The Golden Rule of Audience Overlap:Each video should have 80%+ audience overlap with your other content. If someone watches one of your videos, they should want to watch MOST of your other videos too.6) Thumbnail Psychology:• Use the "3 Focus Areas" rule• Pass the "Glance Test" (1-second viewability)• Max 4-5 words of text• Make it bright and clear• Being good at graphic design ≠ good at thumbnails7) Smart Title Strategy:• Keep under 60 characters• Use simple, universal language• Include superlatives when possible• Write for humans, not algorithms• Grade A readability score (7-8 year old level)8) The CCN Framework for Ideas:Every video should appeal to:• Core audience• Casual viewers• New viewers9) The Video Idea Pipeline:Start with 100 ideas → Filter to 10 strong ones → Pick the best one10) The ROI reality:• Expect 12 months minimum before seeing real returns• Need 50+ videos to find your groove• Success = Volume + Quality + Consistency• Best converting platform after email• Worth the long-term investmentRemember: YouTube is a game of marginal gains.Notable Quotes:"YouTube is not a video platform... before making a video, you need to understand what video to make, the strategy behind choosing ideas, packaging." - Paddy Galloway"If you're going to do something for 12 months on YouTube, you have to be willing to eat shit for a long time before it might pay off." - Paddy GallowayLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND PADDY ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/PaddyG96Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paddygalloway8780YouTube Job Board: https://ytjobs.co

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  1:45:05

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