In this episode, we dive deep with Rob Hardy, a writer whose "devotional pursuit of a more beautiful internet" has led him to craft powerful manifestos that challenge the status quo. Rob shares his journey from filmmaker to manifesto writer, including the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship and his transformative experience writing "The Source", an article on perfectionism that resonated deeply with Ben and Marie.

Links

• Ungated Life
• Ungated Media
• Manifestory

Takeaways

• Metrics and views destroy what makes the internet meaningful—connecting with our unique people
• Manifestos contain three elements: articulating what's wrong, envisioning what's possible, and building a bridge between them
• Perfectionism oscillates between shame and grandiosity, while healing happens in the uncomfortable valley between
• Community support systems show us our struggles aren't unique and we don't need to face them alone
• Sustainable businesses start from safety, not scarcity, which leads to chasing metrics and "best practices"
• Writing a manifesto transforms the creator by forcing confrontation with deeper values and identity
• Manifestos help startups clarify values, improve decisions, guide hiring, and attract aligned customers
• Creating from conversation rather than control allows for genuine connections and surprising insights

Creators & Guests