Not Investment Advice

The NIA boys discuss Francis Ford Coppola’s Career, The Godfather, $500M Winery & Megalopolis

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:09:39) - Francis Ford Coppola’s Career
• (00:36:28) - The Godfather
• (00:47:08) - $500M Winery
• (00:52:17) - Apocalypse now
• (01:09:09) - Megalopolis

What Is Not Investment Advice?

Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.

Subscribe + listen on your fav podcast app:

Apple: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.spotify

Others: https://pod.link/notadvicepod

Watch + Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/i7BCrmeNMOg

Listen into our group chat on Telegram:

https://t.me/notinvestmentadvice

Let us know what you think on Twitter:

@bzaidi

@trungtphan

@jackbutcher

@niapodcast

Follow NIA on social media:

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NIA boys discuss Mr Beast’s LEAKED Guide To Going Viral, The Power Broker 50th Anniversary & Robert Caro

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:15) - Initial Thoughts on How to Succeed in MrBeast Production

(00:05:49) - YouTube is eating all of media

(00:09:58) - Minute-by-minute retention strategy

(00:14:49) - Meritocracy and Teamwork

(00:19:08) - A, B, C player framework

(00:25:08) - What makes a YouTube video go viral

(00:32:41) - Creativity Saves Money

(00:39:05) - Critical Components and Mangement Style

(00:47:53) - Criticism of MrBeast

(00:50:52) - Final Thoughts on How to Succeed in MrBeast Production

(00:58:48) - Robert Caro’s Power Broker 50th Anniversary

(01:04:41) - Robert Moses and Power

(01:10:12) - Robert Caro and the making of The Power Broker

1) YouTube is eating all media:

• 20 hours/month average watch time

• 5x more than Netflix

• Mr. Beast: "YouTube will eat all of media"

2) Three metrics that matter:

• Click-through rate (CTR)

• Average view duration (AVD)

• Average view percentage (AVP)

"These are the holy trinity of YouTube metrics" - Bilal

3) Jenga storytelling method:

• Show end goal upfront

• Build tension throughout

• Example: Last to take hand off Lamborghini wins it

4) Minute-by-minute retention strategy:

• Minute 1: Most crucial, invest in lighting

• Minutes 1-3: Show rapid story progression

• Minute 3: Re-engage viewers with a big moment

"At 6 minutes, viewers are on autopilot to the end" - Mr. Beast

5) A, B, C player framework:

• A players: Obsessive, coachable, best in the world

• B players: New hires with A player potential

• C players: "Poisonous", transition out immediately

"C players are awful to work with. I know, I've been one." - Trunk

6) Creativity saves money:

• $20k cash prize vs. year's supply of Doritos

• Doritos prize more viral, costs only $1,300

• Think outside the box for engaging rewards

What Is Not Investment Advice?

Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.

Subscribe + listen on your fav podcast app:

Apple: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.spotify

Others: https://pod.link/notadvicepod

Watch + Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/i7BCrmeNMOg

Listen into our group chat on Telegram:

https://t.me/notinvestmentadvice

Let us know what you think on Twitter:

@bzaidi

@trungtphan

@jackbutcher

@niapodcast

Follow NIA on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NIA boys discuss iPhone 16 Launch, Apple Intelligence + Siri, Kendrick Super Bowl & OnlyFans $6B Business

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:03:47) - Meme of the Week Pt 1
• (00:05:49) - Meme of the Week Pt 2
• (00:09:58) - Apple Intelligence + Siri
• (00:13:25) - iPhone 16 Launch
• (00:17:01) - Apple becoming a service company
• (00:29:54) - Kendrick Super Bowl Announcement
• (00:40:05) - OnlyFans $6B Business
• (00:55:41) - Cinematic AI

1) Apple's "Wonderlust" event highlights:

• iPhone 15: Marginal camera upgrades

• A18 chip: 30% faster, key for AI on-device

• Apple Intelligence: Siri revamp after 13 years

• AirPods as hearing aids: $249 vs. $2-3k traditional

"Software talk dominated hardware - sign of Apple's services shift" - Trung

2) OnlyFans by the numbers:

•$6.3B revenue in 2023 (up from $300M in 2018)

• 80% creator payout (vs. 55% YouTube)

• More UK tax revenue than North Sea oil ($118M vs $69M)

• Only 42 employees

"They're bringing in money for the UK government more than oil in the North Sea" - Bilal

3) OnlyFans business model:

• Subscriptions + transactions for "extras"

• No app store = no 30% Apple tax

• Desktop/browser-only = massive user dedication

• Power law: Top creators earning "NBA money"

4) The rise of Apple as a healthcare company:

• AirPods as hearing aids

• Apple Watch health features (ECG, blood oxygen)

• Focus on preventative care and monitoring

"Apple doesn't come in with 'hey man, like a hearing aid, we're cheaper.' That's not their play." - Trung

5) Hip-hop drama: Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Announcement

• New Orleans upset over local artists exclusion

• Jay-Z's role in halftime show selection questioned

6) The future of content creation:

• AI-generated videos becoming indistinguishable

• Potential premium on "real" content

"The level of AI video is getting pretty insane." - Bilal

What Is Not Investment Advice?

Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.

Subscribe + listen on your fav podcast app:

Apple: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.apple

Spotify: https://pod.link/notadvicepod.spotify

Others: https://pod.link/notadvicepod

Watch + Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/i7BCrmeNMOg

Listen into our group chat on Telegram:

https://t.me/notinvestmentadvice

Let us know what you think on Twitter:

@bzaidi

@trungtphan

@jackbutcher

@niapodcast

Follow NIA on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NIA boys discuss Founder Mode, Seasonal Businesses, Spirit Halloween’s $650m+ Biz and X vs. Brazil

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:03:04) - Founder Mode
• (00:20:13) - Meme of the Week
• (00:22:44) - Seasonal Businesses
• (00:35:28) - Spirit Halloween’s $650m+ Biz
• (00:53:29) - X vs. Brazil

1) Paul Graham's "Founder Mode" essay sparks debate

• Contrasts with "Manager Mode" in large companies

• Emphasizes hands-on approach vs. delegating

• Airbnb's Brian Chesky cited as success story

• Key question: Is it just rebranded micromanagement?

• "It's really about good people versus bad people." - Bilal

2) Seasonal businesses can be WILDLY profitable

Hall of Fame examples:

• Mariah Carey's Christmas royalties ($2-3M/month)

• KFC/Domino's on Super Bowl Sunday

• Fireworks sellers (2 months/year)

• Wedding industry: 60-80% of engagements happen Q4 to Valentine's Day

• Crayola: 50% of their annual $600M revenue happen between July 4 and Labor Day

3) Spirit Halloween: The ultimate seasonal business

• 1,450 locations (as big as Target)

• $600-700M revenue in 2 months

• Uses bankrupt retail spaces

4) Brazil vs. X: The latest in global tech regulation

• Brazilian government blocks X (Twitter)

• $9,000 fine for VPN users (median salary: $8,000)

• Raises questions about free speech and government control

What Is Not Investment Advice?

Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.

Watch + Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/rQQIyawql4s

Listen into our group chat on Telegram:

https://t.me/notinvestmentadvice

Let us know what you think on Twitter:

@bzaidi

@trungtphan

@jackbutcher

@niapodcast

Follow NIA on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

Links Mentioned:

Founder Mode: https://paulgraham.com/foundermode.html

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NIA boys discuss Telegram & Pavel Durov, $100m Podcast Deals (Alex Cooper, Kelce Bros), & Costco Japan

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:01:51) - Meme of the Week
• (00:08:17) - Telegram Founder Arrested
• (00:31:35) - Censorship vs. Misinformation
• (00:48:35) - $100m Podcast Deals (Alex Cooper, Kelce Bros)
• (01:06:34) - Costco In Japan

1) Pavel Durov, Telegram founder, arrested in Paris

• Warrant out since July

• Charged with crimes happening on platform

• Raises questions about platform liability

• Free speech concerns vs. content moderation

• Key issue: Telegram's encryption approach may have led to arrest

2) Telegram's encryption dilemma:

• Not end-to-end encrypted by default

• Secret chats require 4-5 steps to activate

• Group chats (200k users) & channels aren't E2E

• Helped growth, but now govt pressure

3) Podcast acquisition frenzy continues:

• Alex Cooper (Call Her Daddy): $125M deal with SiriusXM

• Travis & Jason Kelce: $100M deal with Wondery

• Podcast power law: Top 25 shows = 50% of US listens

4) Spotify's podcast strategy:

• Spent $1B+ on tech & content since 2019

• Goal: Diversify from music, own more content

• Mixed results: some hits, many misses

• Now pivoting to more sustainable deals

• Example: Trevor Noah's new contract structure (recoup + rev share)

5) Costco opens in Okinawa, Japan to MASSIVE crowds

• 5-hour line just for parking

• Why so popular? Bulk buying, Kirkland brand, low prices

• Adapts to local market (e.g. amazing prepared foods)

What Is Not Investment Advice?

Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.

Watch + Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/rQQIyawql4s

Listen into our group chat on Telegram:

https://t.me/notinvestmentadvice

Let us know what you think on Twitter:

@bzaidi

@trungtphan

@jackbutcher

@niapodcast

Follow NIA on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NIA boys discuss Peter Thiel's appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Nashville vs. Austin, Bloomberg’s Business & Access Monopolies

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:06:53) - Meme of the Week
• (00:13:36) - Nashville vs. Austin
• (00:23:54) - Peter Thiel on Rogan
• (00:35:49) - Access Monopolies
• (00:47:20) - Bloomberg’s Business

What Is Not Investment Advice?

Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.

Watch + Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/rQQIyawql4s

Listen into our group chat on Telegram:

https://t.me/notinvestmentadvice

Let us know what you think on Twitter:

@bzaidi

@trungtphan

@jackbutcher

@niapodcast

Follow NIA on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

Links Mentioned:

Peter Thiel JRE Ep 

Bloomberg thread mentioned

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NIA boys discuss the Best Olympic Memes, Peacock App Wins, Chipotle vs. Starbucks & Nike’s Struggles

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:03:28) - Best Olympic Memes
• (00:17:07) - Peacock App Wins
• (00:27:07) - Best Moments from the Olympics
• (00:48:08) - Why 400M is the most painful track event
• (00:56:28) - Chipotle vs. Starbucks
• (01:00:21) - Nike’s Struggles

What Is Not Investment Advice?

Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.

Watch + Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/rQQIyawql4s

Listen into our group chat on Telegram:

https://t.me/notinvestmentadvice

Let us know what you think on Twitter:

@bzaidi

@trungtphan

@jackbutcher

@niapodcast

Follow NIA on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NIA boys discuss Market Mayhem, Yen Carry Trade, Overtourism, if Google is a Monopoly, and much more

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:04:18) - Trung’s Euro Trip Recap
• (00:11:06) - Market Mayhem
• (00:20:21) - Yen Carry Trade
• (00:30:10) - Financial Cycles Discussion
• (00:44:03) - Is Google a Monopoly?
• (01:05:13) - Overtourism

What Is Not Investment Advice?

Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.

Watch + Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/rQQIyawql4s

Listen into our group chat on Telegram:

https://t.me/notinvestmentadvice

Let us know what you think on Twitter:

@bzaidi

@trungtphan

@jackbutcher

@niapodcast

Follow NIA on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NIA boys discuss ideas that have changed their lives

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:01:04) - Ideas that have influenced us
• (00:35:48) - Ideas we’ve change our minds about

What Is Not Investment Advice?

Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.

Watch + Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/rQQIyawql4s

Listen into our group chat on Telegram:

https://t.me/notinvestmentadvice

Let us know what you think on Twitter:

@bzaidi

@trungtphan

@jackbutcher

@niapodcast

Follow NIA on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NIA Boys discuss ETH ETF Launches, Trump’s Crypto Pitch, The Dollar’s Decline & Building Hardware Unicorns

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:05:56) - ETH ETF Launches
• (00:28:14) - The Dollar’s Decline
• (00:31:41) - Trump’s Crypto Pitch
• (00:36:31) - Building Hardware Unicorns

What Is Not Investment Advice?

Every week, Jack Butcher, Bilal Zaidi & Trung Phan discuss what they're finding on the edges of the internet + the latest in business, technology and memes.

Watch + Subscribe on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/rQQIyawql4s

Listen into our group chat on Telegram:

https://t.me/notinvestmentadvice

Let us know what you think on Twitter:

@bzaidi

@trungtphan

@jackbutcher

@niapodcast

Follow NIA on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notadvicepod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089813414522

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niapodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.