In this episode, we talk with David Shinkel about how he’s navigated the affiliate marketing world—what works, what doesn’t, and how he finds offers that actually convert. We focus on the key pillars: building trust, choosing the right partners, and creating something sustainable in a space that’s easy to get wrong. We also touch on how he got into high-stakes gambling and his latest trip to Vegas.

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On this episode, we sat down with Aleric Heck — founder of Ad Outreach, a YouTube ads powerhouse that’s done over $35M in total revenue. Aleric started his YouTube channel at just 12 years old and went on to build a consulting business helping brands scale with video. Aleric’s also building ⁠KeywordSearch.com⁠, a powerful AI tool to help creators and marketers unlock smarter YouTube growth.

We got into his journey from creator to entrepreneur, how he mastered both organic and paid growth, and why most brands still get YouTube ads completely wrong. He also breaks down the rise of short-form, building something sustainable, and his approach to investing and monetization in today’s content economy.

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In this episode, we sit down with Michael Vega-Sanz to talk through his journey from launching a ride-sharing startup in college to building Lula — an insurance platform for transportation companies that scaled to over $50M/year in revenue, raised $45M+, and was ultimately acquired by a private equity firm. Michael is now back to building another startup, Gail --the AI for financial services.

We get into what it really takes to build something from scratch — the rejections, the pivots, the importance of validating before executing, and why surrounding yourself with the right team (and sometimes family) makes all the difference.

We also dive into the bigger picture — how politics, economics, and business all intersect. From the Elon vs. Trump dynamic to the future of wealth creation, Bitcoin, and the challenges of governance, we cover a lot of ground in this one.

It’s a real look at what it takes to build in today’s world — and how staying focused can separate the winners from the rest.

Episode recorded on June 6 2025.

(00:00) Introduction to Michael Vega Sanz and Lula(02:08) The Evolution of Lula and Its Success(04:15) Building Connections and Networking(06:32) Identifying Problems and Validating Ideas(08:53) The Role of Technology in Business(11:06) Hiring and Building a Strong Team(13:12) Navigating Challenges and Learning from Mistakes(15:36) The Importance of Confidence and Perseverance(18:16) Disrupting Legacy Models with AI(20:25) Finding and Attracting Talent(22:44) Exiting Lula and Transitioning to Gale(28:07) The Journey of Entrepreneurship(30:00) Transitioning from Lula to Gale(34:16) Building a Family Business(35:59) Navigating Current Events and Business Focus(40:40) Political Perspectives and Economic Concerns(46:11) Navigating Political Realities(48:03) Economic Challenges and Government Spending(50:41) The Future of Innovation and Society(54:24) The Role of Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency(01:04:48) Mindset and the Path to Success

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In this episode, we get into Meta’s new smart glasses and why they might be a game-changer for AR and VR. We talk about how political decisions are shaking up the market and the government’s role in either pushing innovation forward or holding it back. We also dive into crypto’s growing role in the economy, the tension between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, and what Nvidia’s earnings say about where tech is headed. Plus, we wrap with some thoughts on the mindset it takes to keep up — and win — in a world that’s moving fast.

Episode recorded on May 28 2025

(00:00) Meta Glasses: A New Era of Wearable Tech(02:42) The Future of AR and VR: What's Next?(05:25) Market Reactions: Trump, Nvidia, and Economic Trends(07:58) Doge's Dilemma: Leadership and Direction(10:48) AI and Global Competition: The Race for Innovation(19:04) Nvidia Earnings: A Positive Outlook(19:38) Market Dynamics and China Relations(22:04) The Mindset of a Winner(23:24) Cryptocurrency: The Future of Finance(28:52) Investment Strategies and Predictions

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In this episode, we break down Bitcoin hitting new all-time highs — and why no one seems to care. We talk through the eerie calm in the market, what that might signal, and whether retail is finally waking back up.

We also get into the future of Bitcoin, its relationship with the broader U.S. economy, and how speculation in the alt space is heating up again. Plus, we touch on the latest in Diddy’s legal battle and what it says about power, privacy, and media narratives.

To wrap it up, we dive into Johnny Ive’s quiet departure from Apple and why OpenAI buying his design firm could be the start of a major shift in AI hardware.

Episode recorded on May 23 2025

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We’re back — and we’ve got stories. In this episode, we catch up after Dakota’s legendary Vegas birthday trip and dive into everything from market mood swings to crypto’s quiet strength. We break down the S&P 500’s wild round trip, UNH’s healthcare collapse, and what the latest moves in US-China trade mean for your portfolio.

Episode recorded on May 15 2025

(00:00) The Return of the Boys and Market Updates(01:54) Market Trends and Economic Predictions(04:38) Geopolitical Dynamics and Trade Relations(07:10) Investment Strategies in a Volatile Market(09:42) The Role of Institutional Investors(12:43) The Future of Global Trade and Tourism(15:23) Healthcare Market Challenges and Opportunities(23:23) Investing in UNH: A Deep Dive into Health Insurance(27:41) The Complexities of Healthcare Costs and Insurance Claims(28:38) Drug Pricing and Its Impact on Insurance Companies(35:42) Experiencing the Sphere: A New Era of Entertainment(37:16) Reflections on a Vegas Trip: Fun and Insights

This week on Degen Download, we break down Warren Buffett's big announcement — and what it really means for Berkshire Hathaway and markets at large. Then we dive into the return of SPAC mania (are we back?), and why it might actually make sense this time. Plus, Dave Portnoy goes scorched earth in punishing whoever disrespected him, his people, and his club -- we get into the drama and what it says about the future of America. As always, we’re bringing the facts, a few hot takes, and plenty of laughs. Let’s get into it.

Episode recorded on 5/5/25

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On this episode, we're joined by Dan Calabro, founder of ⁠Ferris⁠. This one’s a wild ride — we cover it all. We get into the Shannon Sharpe drama, how AI is already starting to reshape the construction industry, and even dive into a few conspiracy theories. We also break down some insane engineering facts from 9/11 and take a closer look at how tariffs are hammering the industry.

On top of that, we talk about the future of crypto, the impact of tech disruption on business, and the lessons we've learned around personal branding and adapting to change. And of course, we dig into why AI might just be the endgame.

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On this episode, we have our first guest: Spencer Cliff. Spencer is the founder and CEO of KR8.ai and CTO at Foxo. Spencer worked as a software engineer at Apple for 8 years before branching off to launch his own AI-focused startup.

We explore a diverse array of topics—from the captivating realm of oceanic treasure hunting and advancements in drone technology to the complexities of the creator economy and the influence of social media. We share our experiences at Coachella, discuss the role of AI in content creation, and contemplate the future of major tech companies like Apple.

Our conversation also delves into the importance of viewer retention, the evolution of content creation, and the dynamics of advertising on social media platforms. Throughout, we offer insights on building a personal brand and emphasize the significance of consistency in content creation.

Episode recorded on April 17 2025

Welcome to another episode. In this conversation, we talk through what’s happening in the market right now — from the ups and downs of volatility to how politics and trade policies are playing a big role. We get into the challenges of negotiating with China, explore how AI could shape the future of the economy, and share some thoughts on where crypto might be headed. We also touch on wealth distribution and what that future will look like. More than anything, we highlight how staying curious and focused can help us navigate a market that’s constantly changing

Episode recorded on April 10 2025

00:00 – Market Volatility and Personal Experiences
02:57 – Political Influence on Market Dynamics
05:16 – Trade Relations and Economic Impacts
08:09 – Negotiation Strategies with China
10:50 – The Future of US-China Relations
17:17 – The Value of American Consumption
19:44 – Trade Dynamics and Economic Impact
21:17 – Investing in Crypto: Strategies and Insights
24:34 – Inflation and Its Effects on Wealth
28:27 – The Role of AI in Future Economies
32:58 – Staying Informed and Engaged in Market Trends