Good Work with Barrett Brooks

Steph Smith: The Curator of the Internet

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This week, I talk with Steph Smith, someone I consider a true curator of the internet. Steph is a writer, podcaster, and currently the host of the A16Z Podcast for the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. She’s built an incredible online presence with her viral articles on remote work, productivity, and more, which have stood the test of time. Steph’s work has led her to opportunities like running the Trends Newsletter for The Hustle and creating projects like Internet Pipes and her podcast, The Shit You Don’t Learn in School. I admire Steph for her ability to expose people to new ideas and possibilities in their careers and lives. In this episode, we discuss her journey, her philosophy on impact, and how she approaches building her unique and impactful career. I think you’ll find her story and insights as inspiring as I did. Let’s get to it!

In this episode:

  • (00:00) - Intro
  • (03:53) - Building community through shared experiences
  • (07:16) - Documentary screenings
  • (11:28) - How exposure to new things shapes your experiences
  • (15:27) - Balancing specialization and exploration
  • (18:50) - The nomadic lifestyle and remote work
  • (22:55) - Personal growth through travel and learning
  • (29:46) - How Steph’s nomadic lifestyle has changed
  • (33:48) - How marriage impacts life and work
  • (42:23) - Settling down and building roots
  • (45:41) - Pandemic reflections
  • (49:20) - Multicultural upbringing and identity
  • (56:06) - What led to Steph’s creative explosion in 2019
  • (01:03:30) - How to break through the noise
  • (01:14:52) - How Steph has approached podcasting as a full-time job
  • (01:27:57) - What makes a great podcast host
  • (01:37:25) - Untranslatable words: Capturing unique experiences
  • (01:48:54) - Steph’s beautiful future
  • (01:51:50) - Who Steph is becoming​


    • Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.

    Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

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    Good Work with Barrett BrooksBy Barrett Brooks
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