Watch the episode on YouTube

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Cera, solo founder and CEO of Polsia.

Polsia is a platform where you type in a business idea and AI agents instantly go to work building it for you. From market research and landing pages to Meta ad campaigns and cold outreach, Polsia spins up autonomous agents that function like a full startup team.

Ben shares how he went from building alone with AI 16 hours a day to hitting product–market fit, scaling to millions in ARR as a one-person company, and why he believes AGI is already here.

Whether you’re a non-technical dreamer with a business idea or a seasoned builder rethinking what’s possible, this conversation offers a front-row seat to the solopreneur revolution.

Topics Covered

* How building alone with AI for a year led Ben to realize agents could replace an entire startup team

* The origin of the name Polsia (”AI Slop” spelled backwards) and why he stopped caring what investors think

* Rick Rubin’s creative philosophy and why building for yourself, not others, is the only way to survive the grind

* Universal Paperclips as design inspiration: choosing weird over polished on purpose

* Why Polsia’s autonomous “night shift” cycle is both a product decision and a cost + feedback loop strategy

* The Meta ads engine: click a button, set a budget, and AI creates Sora-generated UGC video ads deployed on your behalf

* Scaling pain as a solo founder: rate limits, infrastructure meltdowns, and building support agents to fix what broke

* Why Ben refuses to hire, “eating his own dog food” so customers never face a problem he hasn’t solved

* The case that 80% autonomous companies will outcompete everyone else within the next few years

* Travis Kalanick as mentor, the “push through the pain” philosophy, and five years at CloudKitchens

* Polsia’s long-term vision: an AI-native economy with investor agents, micro-acquisitions, and a more democratic American dream

* Opus vs. Codex: Ben’s dual-model workflow for pragmatic shipping and ruthless bug-finding

* Why the solo billion-dollar company isn’t about ego, it’s a wake-up call

Links

* Polsia — https://polsia.ai

* Polsia Live Dashboard — https://polsia.ai/live

* Ben Cera on X (Twitter)

* Universal Paperclips — the clicker game that inspired Polsia’s design

Watch episode on YoutubeIn this episode, Kevin sits down with writer, photographer, and technologist Craig Mod for a wide-ranging conversation on the value of slowness in a fast-moving world. From walking solo across Japan to rethinking the economics of independent publishing, Craig shares his philosophy of presence, deep attention, and building creative ecosystems that last. Whether you're an aspiring creator or simply seeking to live with more intention, this episode is a masterclass in meaningful modern living.Topics covered

* Craig’s early years in the BBS/ANSI art scene and how it shaped his creative drive

* Escaping post-industrial America and finding healing in the structure of Japanese life

* The joy and challenge of learning Japanese, and how language opens cultural doors

* From blog software in the '90s to essays that changed the course of his career

* Silicon Valley vs. Tokyo: ambition, trade-offs, and choosing a slower life

* The transformative power of walking: from ancient pilgrimages to solo introspection

* Building a reader-funded membership model and launching handcrafted books

* How a 200-word essay led to $100M+ in economic impact for a rural Japanese city

* Addiction, self-worth, fatherhood, and the emotional repair of being seen

* The cultural weight of jazz kissa, pizza toast, and public bathhouse rituals

* Anti-influencer media: binaural audio, slow video, and presence in a distracted world

Links

* Craig’s blog

* Things Become Other Things - Craig’s new book

Whether you're curious about future-proofing your career, understanding AI's global impact, or just want to hear from one of tech's most insightful leaders, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Think of AI today like computers in the '90s - those who embrace it early will have an incredible advantage. Join us as we explore what makes this technological revolution uniquely exciting and full of possibility.

In this episode, I sit down with Reid Hoffman - LinkedIn co-founder, Greylock investor, and AI thought leader - to discuss his new book "Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future?" Reid breaks down how AI is already transforming our daily lives and shares the practical tools he uses to stay ahead of the curve.

Episode Highlights:

[00:07] – Reid Hoffman’s personal AI stack: the tools he uses every day for thinking, organizing, and optimizing.

[02:59] – How Reid automates AI-powered role-playing to challenge his ideas with historical and expert perspectives.

[08:03] – Breaking down the AI mindsets: Doomers, Gloomers, Zoomers, and Bloomers.

[12:48] – AI’s impact on jobs: how to adapt and thrive in an AI-driven world.

[23:41] – The future of education: AI as a learning and testing assistant.

[32:55] – AI regulation: finding the balance between innovation and control.

[44:25] – AI inequality: Will premium AI tools create an intelligence gap?

[47:13] – AI hallucinations vs. imagination: Why we want models to generate novel ideas.

[56:07] – The rise of AI relationships: Will AI companions replace human connection?

[59:39] – Reid’s predictions: What AI will look like in 1, 5, and 10 years.

Prefer YouTube? — watch the episode here

Exploring the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern life, Kevin Rose sits down with celebrated Zen teacher Henry Shukman to explore the depths of meditation practice, the nature of awakening, and the universal human capacity for transformation. From practical meditation advice to fascinating Zen stories and the relationship between different spiritual traditions, this wide-ranging discussion offers both practical guidance for beginners and deep insights for experienced practitioners.

Show Notes

Notable Quotes

* "Between stimulus and response, there is a gap. Everything is in that gap." - Viktor Frankl (referenced)

* "The way that can be spoken of is not the true way" - Tao Te Ching

* "No coffee, no Pat" - Pat Hawk Roshi

* "We're all made of the universe" - Henry Shukman

The Way App and Meditation Practice

* Discussion of The Way meditation app's approach

* The challenge of user retention in meditation apps

* Focus on building durable meditation habits

* A different approach from other meditation apps - emphasis on long-term practice

Building a Meditation Practice

* Optimal meditation duration?

* What is the best time to meditate?

* Importance of daily consistency over longer sporadic sessions

* Discussion of gradual progression from shorter to longer sits

Understanding Different Types of Meditation Benefits

* Mindfulness and basic awareness

* Recognition of thoughts and feelings

* Development of self-compassion

* The space between stimulus and response

Awakening Experiences

* Nature of awakening experiences

* Discussion of "person of no rank" concept

* Relationship between time, space, and consciousness

* Different cultural interpretations of similar experiences

Religious Traditions and Meditation

* Comparison of different meditation traditions

* Discussion of reincarnation beliefs

* The Cloud of Unknowing and Christian Mysticism

* Universal aspects of spiritual experiences across traditions

Practical Guidance

* Role of caffeine in meditation practice

* Building a sustainable practice

* Integration with daily life

* Balancing spiritual pursuit with everyday responsibilities

Key Stories and Examples

* Bodhidharma and the origin of tea

* Story of the plum blossom awakening

* Mount Athos experiences

* Various Zen teaching stories

Resources Mentioned

* The Way App - Henry’s meditation app (iOS/Android)

* "Original Love" - Henry’s new book

* "The Cloud of Unknowing" - Anonymous

* "Buddhism Without Beliefs" by Stephen Batchelor

* Mountain Cloud Zendo

P.S. — Join the Private Slack Chat!

And hey, if you haven't already, join our thriving chat community. Over 500+ people discuss everything from cutting-edge tech to investing insights and beyond:

Be well,

Friends,

I recently sat down with Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, CEO of Pendulum Therapeutics, for a discussion about probiotics, metabolism, and a potential natural alternative to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. Here's why I'm excited to share this with you...

The Backstory

A month ago, I ran into a friend who had slimmed down and was looking fit. These days, I’ve had a good dozen or so friends lose weight with GLP-1 drugs, so I was surprised when she told me it wasn’t Ozempic but Pendulum's new GLP-1 probiotic. Her chocolate cravings (her usual downfall) had changed entirely. Instead of demolishing a whole bar, she could have one bite and walk away satisfied.

I've known Pendulum for years (we invested at True), and I've personally used their glucose control product with great success. However, I had lost touch with Colleen and didn’t realize they had a new GLP-1 product — so I asked her to come on the podcast and discuss it.

Note: Peter Attia did a much longer and more thorough deep-dive with Colleen, found here

What Makes This Different?

In my interview with Colleen, she explained how their probiotic actually helps your body produce its own GLP-1 hormone naturally. The science is fascinating – they've identified specific strains of bacteria that, when delivered to your gut's distal colon, help stimulate natural GLP-1 production. No shots, no prescription.

The results are pretty impressive; 91% of users reported reduced food cravings after six weeks*, and the higher the initial cravings, the more significant the improvement.

Why This Matters

Over the last year+, I've watched friends scramble to find GLP-1 prescriptions, hitting up sketchy compounding pharmacies, or paying astronomical prices when their insurance won't cover them. It's wild out there.But obesity isn't just about weight – it's tied to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even cognitive decline (some scientists are calling Alzheimer's "Type 3 diabetes"). We need better solutions that are both accessible and backed by science.

Join Our Mini-Trial

Sadly, the trial is now closed — thanks to all who participated!

What's Next?

We'll be collecting data throughout the trial and sharing the results with participants. Stay tuned for updates on how the community is progressing.

Exciting stuff ahead! As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences if you decide to participate.

Until next time, be well,

*based on a consumer survey of 274 people

This is the podcast of the full article found here.

Very Important Note:All future episodes of Diggnation will be posted to the official Diggnation channels, not here on the Kevin Rose Show feed. Get your favorite feed (Youtube, Spotify, Apple, RSS) right here on the new website — www.diggnation.show

Also, looking for fun clips?

* Diggnation Instagram

* Diggnation TikTok

In this inaugural AMA episode of The Kevin Rose Show, Kevin dives deep into personal growth, mental health, and the entrepreneurial journey, sifting through over 100 audience-submitted questions. Joined by his friend Chris Hutchins, the conversation touches on childhood trauma, managing stress, and the balance between building wealth and maintaining personal relationships. Kevin shares candid insights on his therapy practices, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), and provides advice on establishing boundaries, avoiding burnout, and staying creative amidst the chaos of a busy life.

Listeners will also get a peek into Kevin’s fitness routine, crypto strategy, and tips on fostering creativity in children. Whether you're looking for actionable advice on entrepreneurship, exploring the future of AI and digital minimalism, or just trying to figure out how to juggle family and business, this episode is packed with raw, honest insights and plenty of wisdom for listeners of all backgrounds. Don't miss this in-depth AMA with Kevin Rose as he tackles life, business, and everything in between.

Episode links

* Saying No/Proper Boundaries blog post

* Carissa Sikora Medium

* I Don’t Want to Talk About It

* Crucial Conversations

* The Anxious Generation

* Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

* Stillwater (Apple TV show)

* Windows Qualcomm Snapdragon ARM-based Laptop

* Nothing Ear

* SAY Coffee

* Madison Reed Hair Dye

* Light Phone

* Cursor

* Chris Hutchins podcast

* I checked with Attia’s folks, no concerns about me proceeding with a vasectomy from a hormone or longevity POV. A high-quality doctor is very important (*not health advice; talk to your own doctor).

Episode Topics

[00:01:24] - What is Kevin's approach to childhood trauma?

[00:07:06] - What practices does Kevin use to juggle high stress and long hours?

[00:12:09] - How would Kevin build wealth from scratch today?

[00:24:33] - What led to Kevin's physical transformation?

[00:28:25] - How does Kevin maintain relationships with his wife and kids during travel?

[00:30:09] - What traits does Kevin look for in founders when investing?

[00:31:32] - What are Kevin's headphone preferences?

[00:33:15] - What financial advice does Kevin have for a middle-class family in the Bay Area?

[00:35:05] - What's Kevin's next big idea in public markets?

[00:37:22] - Would Kevin dye his hair or beard?

[00:38:25] - What cultural shifts is Kevin paying attention to?

[00:40:03] - What are Kevin's thoughts on education for children?

[00:41:20] - What is Kevin's current crypto investing strategy?

[00:41:40] - Does Kevin regret promoting NFTs?

[00:43:05] - How does AI impact product development?

[00:44:26] - How would Kevin balance career and family time in a hypothetical scenario?

[00:46:00] - How would Kevin spend a day with no commitments?

[00:48:20] - Is Kevin considering a vasectomy?

[00:49:05] - What was Kevin's experience with a medium?

[00:50:42] - How does Kevin prepare his kids for adulthood?

[00:53:13] - Does Kevin ever wish he didn't have the entrepreneur's curse?

[00:53:54] - How does Kevin approach introducing technology to his kids?

[00:55:27] - How does Kevin choose what to work on?

[00:56:44] - What are Kevin's thoughts on saunas?

[00:58:10] - What is Kevin's current tech stack?

[00:58:40] - How does Kevin like living in a big city again?

[01:00:57] - What advice does Kevin have for someone stuck in a high-paying job?

[01:02:24] - How does Kevin decide who to take advice from?

[01:03:10] - What are Kevin's thoughts on patience versus drive?

Thanks for listening; let’s do these every couple of months!

In this captivating episode of The Random Show, Tim Ferriss and Kevin Rose reunite for a freewheeling conversation that spans cutting-edge science, personal growth, and technological marvels. The duo dives into Tim's recent sabbatical, exploring the creative process behind his upcoming book and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance. They candidly discuss their experiences with alternative therapies, including Kevin's intriguing foray into ketamine treatment and Tim's insights on ayahuasca ceremonies, offering a nuanced perspective on these controversial topics.

The conversation takes several unexpected turns, from the latest breakthroughs in AI-generated imagery (complete with amusing demonstrations) to the potential game-changing impacts of the protein Klotho on cognitive health and longevity. Tim and Kevin also open up about their personal lives, touching on the complexities of modern dating, the pursuit of mindfulness, and the ongoing quest to find meaning in a rapidly changing world. Packed with practical advice, thought-provoking ideas, and plenty of laughs, this episode showcases why The Random Show is a source of inspiration and entertainment for listeners seeking to expand their horizons.

Links From the Show

* Fino Toothbrush

* Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy

* The Bear by Andrew Krivak

* The Well of Being: A Children’s Book for Adults

* The Birth of Sake (Documentary)

* Outdoorsman Atlas Trainer Frame System

* PicStudio.ai

Show Chapters

[00:00] - Introduction and Opening Banter

[01:00] - Tim's Podcast Sabbatical and Book Writing

[04:00] - AI Image Generation Demonstration

[09:10] - Discussion on Podcasting Challenges and Future

[10:00] - Kevin Demonstrates Fino Toothbrush Device

[13:30] - Kevin's Vampire Facial Experience

[18:20] - Tim's Dating Life and Approach

[24:40] - Recommendations: Books, Documentaries, and Media

[29:50] - Ketamine Therapy Discussion

[35:30] - Klotho Protein and Alzheimer's Research

[41:20] - Funding Scientific Research

[45:00] - Tim's Experiences with Ayahuasca and Supernatural Phenomena

[51:30] - The Birth of Sake Documentary

[54:15] - High Ren Music Video Recommendation

[56:40] - Matthew Perry and Ketamine Risks

[62:00] - Kevin's Experience with a Medium

[68:30] - Tim's Thoughts on Balance and Leisure

[73:50] - Debate on "Chilling Out" and Personal Growth

[79:00] - Closing Thoughts and Show Wrap-up

Buckle up; in this episode, we explore the emerging field of ketamine therapy for mental health treatment with Dr. Jennifer Ellice, a board-certified emergency physician based in Los Angeles. Dr. Ellice, who studied at Princeton University and the University of Rochester School of Medicine before completing her residency at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, brings extensive experience in emergency medicine since 2008 to her current specialization in ketamine therapy as the Co-Founder of Golden Afternoon.

The conversation delves into ketamine's potential for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain while addressing common misconceptions and safety concerns. Dr. Ellice discusses the medical applications of ketamine beyond its traditional use as an anesthetic, drawing on her diverse medical background.

Viewers will gain access to the clinical process, from patient screening to administration methods, and witness an unprecedented insider's view as Kevin allows cameras to document his experience during a live ketamine booster therapy session. This rare, unfiltered look into an actual treatment aims to demystify the process, reduce stigma, and potentially help those suffering from mental health issues see ketamine therapy as a viable option. Kevin's willingness to share this deeply personal experience underscores the importance of open dialogue about mental health treatments and advancing public understanding of innovative therapies.

This episode aims to provide a balanced, scientific perspective on a promising but complex treatment option in modern psychiatry, guided by Dr. Ellice’s unique blend of emergency medicine expertise and cutting-edge mental health treatment knowledge.

Links

* Golden Afternoon

* How to Change Your Mind

* Andrew Huberman — Ketamine: Benefits and Risks for Depression, PTSD & Neuroplasticity

Show Topics

* Introduction to Dr. Jennifer Ellis and her credentials

* Overview of ketamine's history in medicine

* Explanation of ketamine as an anesthetic and its use in emergency medicine

* Introduction to ketamine's potential for treating mental health conditions

* Discussion of ketamine's effects on the brain and neuroplasticity

* Comparison of ketamine to traditional antidepressants

* Explanation of different administration methods (IV, intramuscular, intranasal)

* The importance of proper dosing and medical supervision

* Description of a typical ketamine therapy session

* Addressing safety concerns and potential side effects

* Discussion of ketamine's addictive potential

* The concept of "time on brain" and why it matters in treatment

* Exploration of ketamine's effectiveness for various conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain)

* The role of set and setting in ketamine therapy

* Integration of ketamine therapy with other forms of treatment

* The importance of patient screening and selection

* Legal status and insurance coverage for ketamine therapy

* Potential future developments in ketamine therapy and psychedelic medicine

* Kevin’s first-hand account of a ketamine therapy session

* Post-session integration and the importance of follow-up care

* Discussion of potential long-term effects and benefits of ketamine therapy