The Startup Ideas Podcast

In this episode, Sari Azout, Founder and CEO of Sublime,  explores various startup ideas and business concepts. The discussion centers on the evolving nature of startups in the AI era, emphasizing the importance of focusing on specific, well-defined problems rather than broad solutions. Sari shares multiple business ideas, from parental control services to creative tools, while discussing the philosophy behind building successful products in today's market.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and setup
00:57 - Startup Idea 1: DrScreenTime
06:39 - Startup Idea 2: Business-in-a-box ideas
13:34 - What becomes scarce in an AGI world? 
14:38 - Founders and Their Approaches
16:10 - Akio Morita Simplicity Principle 
17:01 - Startup Idea 3: Podshot 
22:10 - Discussion on micro-startups 
25:53 - Testing Ideas and Positioning
29:03 -  Feedback and Intuition
33:04 - Startup Idea 4: Meme generator 

Key Points:
• Discussion of several innovative startup ideas including "DrScreenTime" (parental control franchise), PodShot, and meme generator 
• Exploration of business-in-a-box concepts and the future of trades/crafts
• Analysis of micro-startups vs. traditional startup approaches

1) The "Franchise for Parental Controls" Idea 

Parents are desperate for help managing screen time. Current solutions = messy.

Opportunity: In-home screen time consultants who:

- Set up controls
- Create family rules
- Recommend apps/tools

Revenue model:
• $2K setup fee
• Recurring affiliate revenue
• Think "Dr. Screen Time" 

2) The "Business in a Box" Trend 

Big insight: What becomes scarce in an AI world?
Answer: People doing things with their hands!

Opportunity: Modern craft business franchise
• Partner with local artists
• Supply chain + education
• Target: offline-first experiences
• Status = disconnecting from screens

3) The Trade School Revolution 

Huge opportunity in modernizing trade education:
• Lambda School model for trades
• Zero upfront tuition
• Revenue share after job placement
• Bundle with business tools/marketing
• Focus: plumbing, electrical, etc.

Why? Trades becoming MORE valuable in AI era

4) The Micro-Startup Strategy 

Modern startup playbook:

1. Have a 10-year vision
2. Unbundle into micro-products
3. Start with easiest/viral pieces
4. Build distribution first

Key insight: "Nobody searches for an inspiration engine"

5) Product Development Philosophy 

Two types of founders:
• Artists (creative vision driven)
• Scientists (iteration driven)

Choose your path but stick to it.

Sari’s 2024 goal: "Take less feedback, trust intuition more"

6) The Meme Generator Opportunity 

Final killer idea: Long-form to meme converter
• Input: articles, presentations, links
• Output: culturally relevant memes
• Train on curated meme library
• Potential $10M+ SaaS business

Why? No idea goes mainstream without memes 

Key Takeaway:

2024 startup strategy:

1. Build close to OR far from AI
2. Focus on what becomes scarce
3. Start micro, think macro
4. Distribution not Product

Notable Quotes:
"No idea will become mainstream if it's not captured in a meme." - Sari Azout
"Screenshots are the new bookmarks." - Greg

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND SARI ON SOCIAL

Sublime: https://sublime.app
X/Twitter: https://x.com/sariazout
Substack: https://sublimeinternet.substack.com

Greg's DeepSeek Cheetsheet: From Installation to Expert Prompting: https://www.gregisenberg.com/deepseek

Ray Fernando, a former Apple engineer, gives an in-depth tutorial on DeepSeek AI and local model implementation. The conversation includes detailed guide for setting up local AI environments using Docker and OpenWebUI, and how to implement DeepSeek on mobile using the Apollo app.

Key Points:
• Comprehensive overview of DeepSeek AI and its reasoning capabilities
• Discussion of data privacy concerns when using Chinese-hosted models
• Detailed tutorial on running AI models locally using Docker and OpenWebUI
• Comparison of different AI model providers (Fireworks, Grok, OpenRouter)
• Mobile implementation of AI models using Apollo app

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
02:34 - Overview of DeepSeek
05:29 - Data privacy concerns with Chinese-hosted models
08:02 - Running Models Locally with OpenWebUI
10:06 - Comparing Hosting Providers: Fireworks and Groq
16:54 - Cost Comparison of using/running AI Models
18:35 - Improving Prompts for Better Outputs
22:41 - Running AI Models Locally: A Step-by-Step Guide
37:09 - Mobile AI implementation discussion
45:27 - Future implications and closing thoughts

1) DeepSeek's R1 Model - What's the big deal?

• On par with ChatGPT's reasoning capabilities
• Open source & free to use
• BUT hosted in China (data privacy concerns)
• Incredible for analysis and content generation

2) Alternative Ways to Use DeepSeek:

• Fireworks AI ($8/million tokens)
• OpenRouter
• Grok API
• Local hosting (safest for sensitive data)

3) Running AI Models Locally 

Step-by-step setup:
• Install Docker
• Use OpenWebUI
• Download models via Ollama
• Configure API connections

Pro tip: Takes 5 mins to set up, saves hours of worry about data privacy

4) Mobile AI is HERE!

• Apollo app lets you run models locally on phone
• Download smaller, optimized models
• Works offline
• Perfect for quick analysis on the go

5) Temperature Settings Explained:

High temp (0.8-1.0) = Creative mode
Low temp (0-0.3) = Logical mode

Choose based on your needs!

6) FUTURE PREDICTIONS 

• Watch-based AI coming soon
• Emergency response applications
• Real-time negotiation assistance
• Advanced audio analysis

7) Getting Started Tips:

• Start with public data on DeepSeek
• Experiment with different models
• Use temperature settings wisely
• Focus on practical use cases

Notable Quotes:
"We're in this new deep-seek world where if you figure out the model that works for you and the tasks that you want to accomplish, you might be able to out-compete whoever you're competing against." - Greg

"Please don't be fearful or don't feel like you're left behind. If you're just finding out about this, you're not that far behind. We're all actually still trying to understand what this intelligence can give us." - Ray Fernando

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND RAY ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/RayFernando1337
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RayFernando1337
Ray's Website: https://www.rayfernando.ai

Meet David Senra, the guy who turned his obsession with reading about successful people into a million-dollar podcast. He's read over 300 books about the world's biggest entrepreneurs and shares all the best bits on his show, Founders. In this episode, David breaks down exactly how he finds golden nuggets of wisdom in these books, building deep relationships with founders, and insights from meetings with figures like Charlie Munger.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro and Founders Origin Story 
07:10 - The importance of Naming and Branding
14:56 - Energy Transfer in Relationships and Cities 
19:51 - How to become World-Class
25:03 - Startup Idea 1: Founders for Kids
26:52 - The Value of Biographies
31:28 - The Power of Long Attention Spans
37:42 - You’re never too late
39:32 - Innovative ways entrepreneurs monetized their business
44:05 - Work - Life Balance Problems with High Achievers
48:38 - Meeting with Charlie Munger
55:22 - Monetization strategy and business model of Founders 
1:01:28 - Biography recommendations and reading strategies
1:08:55 - Career Advice from Charlie Munger

1) On Building a World-Class Podcast:

"Find what you're meant to do and let time carry the weight"

David's moat: 375+ books read, connecting historical figures across episodes. To compete, you'd need to read all those books first.

And he keeps going. 

2) On Business Models:

Fascinating approach to podcast monetization:
• Only 2 long-term partners (2-year contracts)
• Focus on brand partnerships vs CPM
• Deep relationships with founders first
• Think Nike/Tiger Woods, not traditional podcast ads

3) On Learning from History:

"Biographies are the closest thing to finding a cheat code in real life"

Every great entrepreneur studied other great entrepreneurs:
• Elon read Franklin, Ford, Tesla
• Edison read every bio in Detroit library
• Jobs studied Edwin Land

4) On Work Ethic & Balance:

Key insight: Almost every legendary figure sacrificed balance for greatness

One exception: Ed Thorpe (Episode 222)
• Built first quant hedge fund
• Amazing father/husband
• Stayed in shape
• Lived a thrilling life

5) On Memory & Knowledge:

It's not natural talent - it's "maddening repetition"

David's method:
• Rereads highlights daily
• Re-listens to old episodes
• Updates/re-edits past content
• Constantly connects historical figures

6) STARTUP IDEA 

"Founders for Kids" - Comic book-style biographies teaching entrepreneurship to children

Why it works:
• Proven model (worked for @SamParr)
• Huge educational value
• Underserved market
• Scalable content

7) Key Quote Worth Remembering:

"Money comes naturally as a result of service" - Henry Ford

The best entrepreneurs don't chase billions - they chase excellence in service.

8) Final Wisdom:

Want to be world-class? The competition isn't as fierce as you think.

Most people:
• Never try
• Quit quickly
• Lack patience

Notable Quotes:
"I think podcasting is building relationships at scale." - David Senra

"Money comes naturally as a result of service." - Henry Ford (quoted by David Senra)

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND DAVID ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/FoundersPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@founderspodcast4055
Founders Podcast: https://www.founderspodcast.com/

Jonathan "Jicecream" Courtney believes that in 2025, basic marketing still outperforms everything: a simple 90-minute webinar turns 200 attendees into 20 buyers, even with just 2,500 subscribers. The framework is dead simple - 20 minutes on your story, 15 minutes on the solution, 20 minutes showing the transformation, then offering them a choice between DIY or done-for-you. He goes into it in this episode.

Key Points:
• Detailed breakdown of successful webinar funnel structures and challenge funnels
• Discussion of basic marketing fundamentals that still work in 2025
• Exploration of how software companies can use traditional funnel marketing techniques

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
03:17 - Greg’s New Year Reflections
11:19 - JC's transition from CEO to an advisory role
22:07 - How to make deals with influencers
25:10 - Detailed breakdown of webinar funnels
30:28 - The structure of webinar funnels
37:07 - How to use funnels for SaaS products and challenge funnels explained 
47:25 - Product recommendations and wrap-up

1) The Basic Funnel Formula Still Works:
• Email list → Webinar → Product sale
• Even with just 2,500 subscribers
• Live training converts WAY better than direct email
• 90-min webinar can turn 200 attendees into 20 buyers

2) Perfect Webinar Structure (by Russell Brunson):
• 20min: Your story & struggles
• 15min: The "vehicle" (solution you discovered)
• 20min: Impact & transformation
• Present options: DIY vs accelerated path
• Close with clear next steps

3) Challenge Funnels Are Underrated:
• Perfect for SaaS & digital products
• 30-day format with daily support
• Free trial + structured program
• Examples:

- Notion + Second Brain challenge
- Fitness apps + weight loss challenge
- Meditation apps + mindfulness challenge

4) The Warm-Up Step is CRUCIAL:
• Direct pitching rarely works
• Need a middle step to build excitement
• Options:

- Webinars
- Challenges
- Info sessions
- Live trainings

5) List Partnerships Done Right:
• Never cold pitch for list access
• Build relationships first
• Consider paid partnerships ($10k can be worth it for 1M+ list)
• Focus on value alignment

KEY TAKEAWAY:
Basic funnels still work incredibly well in 2024, but you need:

1. A list (even small)
2. Warming step (webinar/challenge)
3. Clear transformation story
4. Tactful execution

Notable Quotes:
"Most of the real basics work so goddamn well today. Like 2025, we can launch a product using basically just the same webinar. Just email your list, send them to a webinar." - JC

"When a company is doing well, they don't want me involved... They want the strategic advice. They want access to connections." - Greg Isenberg

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

Nicolas Cole delivers a comprehensive masterclass on writing with AI, demonstrating how to combine human expertise with AI capabilities to create high-quality content. The discussion covers practical frameworks for content creation, including how to structure articles, generate hooks, and test ideas. Cole emphasizes that AI should be viewed as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human writers, and success comes from understanding fundamental writing principles first.

Learn how to use AI to create high-quality content: https://www.gregisenberg.com/write-with-ai

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - Why Learn to write with AI
05:06 - Choosing a Content Topic
07:38 - Framework for idea development
12:40 - The role of AI in the Idea generation process
16:39 - The Editor-in-Chief approach to writing with AI
18:53 - Creating a Compelling Hook
28:28 - Framework for structuring an article
34:13 - The "10 Magical Ways" framework
45:54 - Collaborating with AI for improving output
49:37 - The Power of Education in the Digital Age

Key Points:
• Framework for using AI as a writing tool while maintaining quality
• How to effectively prompt AI for content ideation and refinement
• The "10 Magical Ways" framework for structuring content
• The importance of making strategic decisions before writing begins

1) The biggest mindset shift:
AI isn't replacing writers - it's AUGMENTING them.

Just like Photoshop didn't kill designers, it created 1000x more designers.
Just like Instagram didn't kill photographers, it made everyone a photographer.

2) Key Framework: The Editor-in-Chief Method 

Don't treat AI as a writer - treat it as your junior staff writer.
YOU are the editor making high-level decisions.
AI helps execute your vision.

3) Writing Process Revolution:

- Don't start writing immediately
- Make key decisions BEFORE writing:
- Clear headline promise
- 3 main tangible points
- Format for each section

90% of value comes from these decisions!

4) The "10 Magical Ways" Framework:

Every piece of content can be broken down into:

- Tips
- Steps
- Lessons
- Stats
- Examples
etc.

Pick your format FIRST, then structure accordingly.

5) Pro Tip: Use AI Conversationally

Two approaches:

1. Chunk-by-chunk dialogue
2. Massive single prompt

Most people fail by sitting in the middle.
Start conversational, then compress into mega-prompts.

6) Quality Control Method:

1. Generate multiple versions
2. Apply your taste/judgment
3. Refine best options
4. Test against goals

Remember: AI suggestions need human curation!

7) The Education Leverage Play:

Learning frameworks = AI superpowers

What took experts years to master can now be:

1. Learned quickly
2. Taught to AI
3. Scaled infinitely

This is the real opportunity!

8) Bottom Line:

The future belongs to "orchestrators" - people who:

- Understand frameworks
- Make high-level decisions
- Use AI as a tool
- Maintain quality control

Don't fight the future - leverage it! 

Notable Quotes:
"AI is not a silver bullet. On some level, you do have to have a baseline understanding of how the thing is supposed to work so that you can prompt AI in order to do it." - Nicolas Cole

"90% of the value is not in the writing. It is in the fact that you said what you're going to give [the reader]." - Nicolas Cole

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND COLE ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/Nicolascole77
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicolascole77/featured
Write with AI: https://writewithai.substack.com

Join me as I chat with Paddy Galloway, a veteran YouTube strategist who has worked with major creators like MrBeast, where he shares a comprehensive blueprint for YouTube success. The discussion covers everything from initial channel strategy to advanced content packaging techniques, emphasizing the importance of consistent posting, strategic ideation, and effective thumbnail design. Galloway presents a structured approach to growing a YouTube channel over 12 months, with specific benchmarks and goals for each phase.

Growth guides to turn your startup into a money printer

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/growth-guides

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
03:41 - Why YouTube
09:26 - Evergreen Content vs Timely Content
11:54 - The Value of Comments and Engagement
14:44 - YouTube's Unique Position in Content Consumption
15:26 - Monetization Potential on YouTube
17:14 - The Challenge of Mastering YouTube
19:36 - YouTube's Popularity Among Younger Audiences
20:35 - Algorithm Stability on YouTube
30:27 - Depth vs. Discovery on YouTube
36:51 - The 12-month growth strategy breakdown
1:17:38 - Content ideation framework discussion
1:32:26 - Thumbnail and packaging strategies

Key Points:
• Success requires a 12-month commitment with specific phases: establishment (months 1-4), improvement (months 5-8), and optimization (months 9-12)
• Content ideation should follow a 0-100-10-1 framework: start with zero, generate 100+ ideas, filter to 10 strong ones, develop 1 final concept
• Thumbnails and packaging are crucial, with recommendation to create 3 distinct thumbnails per video and follow the "three focus area rule"

1) First, understand what YouTube really is:

• It's NOT social media - it's a streaming platform
• 60-70% of views come from TV screens
• It's the biggest streaming service worldwide
• Videos = digital real estate that appreciates over time

2)The 12-Month YouTube Growth Plan:

Months 1-4 (Establishment Phase):
• Find your niche using triple Venn diagram:
1. What you love
2. What you're good at
3. What people want to watch
• Post 2x per week consistently
• Don't overthink quality yet

3) Months 5-8 (Improvement Phase):
• Generate 100 video ideas weekly
• Make 3 thumbnails per video
• Study outlier content in your niche
• Switch to 1 high-quality video per week
• Focus on packaging (title + thumbnail)

4) Months 9-12 (Optimization Phase):
• Analyze your top 10% performing videos
• Double down on what works
• Spend 4 hrs/week studying YouTube
• Make small 1% improvements each video
• Build systems for consistent output

5) The Golden Rule of Audience Overlap:

Each video should have 80%+ audience overlap with your other content. If someone watches one of your videos, they should want to watch MOST of your other videos too.

6) Thumbnail Psychology:

• Use the "3 Focus Areas" rule
• Pass the "Glance Test" (1-second viewability)
• Max 4-5 words of text
• Make it bright and clear
• Being good at graphic design ≠ good at thumbnails

7) Smart Title Strategy:

• Keep under 60 characters
• Use simple, universal language
• Include superlatives when possible
• Write for humans, not algorithms
• Grade A readability score (7-8 year old level)

8) The CCN Framework for Ideas:

Every video should appeal to:
• Core audience
• Casual viewers
• New viewers

9) The Video Idea Pipeline:

Start with 100 ideas → Filter to 10 strong ones → Pick the best one

10) The ROI reality:

• Expect 12 months minimum before seeing real returns
• Need 50+ videos to find your groove
• Success = Volume + Quality + Consistency
• Best converting platform after email
• Worth the long-term investment

Remember: YouTube is a game of marginal gains.

Notable Quotes:
"YouTube is not a video platform... before making a video, you need to understand what video to make, the strategy behind choosing ideas, packaging." - Paddy Galloway

"If you're going to do something for 12 months on YouTube, you have to be willing to eat shit for a long time before it might pay off." - Paddy Galloway

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND PADDY ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://x.com/PaddyG96
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paddygalloway8780
YouTube Job Board: https://ytjobs.co

In this episode we dive deep into modern marketing strategies with Cody Schneider, focusing on the concept of "digital gravity" versus traditional marketing funnels. The discussion covers comprehensive tactics for both B2B and B2C companies, including detailed strategies for content creation, distribution, and monetization. Special emphasis is placed on leveraging AI tools, programmatic SEO, and multi-channel marketing approaches to build sustainable growth engines.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
01:23 - Digital gravity concept and content strategy
10:00 - B2B marketing tactics and implementation
38:45 - B2C marketing strategies and case studies

Key Points:
• Comprehensive breakdown of modern B2B and B2C marketing strategies
• Detailed explanation of "digital gravity" concept vs traditional marketing funnels
• Step-by-step guide for building media presence and content distribution
• Technical insights on email marketing, ad targeting, and influencer partnerships

1) The Digital Gravity Model 

Forget marketing funnels. Think orbits.

People don't move linearly through funnels - they orbit your brand, coming closer until they convert.

More digital mass = more gravitational pull = more customers naturally drawn in.

**2) B2B Marketing Stack:**

• Scrape target emails ([Apollo.io](http://apollo.io/), $99/mo)
• Run AI avatar ads (Heygen + ElevenLabs)
• Cold email at scale (MailReef)
• Launch industry podcast
• Turn podcast → social content
• Monetize audience w/sponsorships

Cost per click? Often less than $0.01 vs $5+ on ads.

3) The Content Engine 

Record customer convos → podcast episodes
↓
Turn into blog posts
↓
Create social clips
↓
Make whitepapers
↓
Email newsletter

One piece of content = 10x distribution points

4) B2C Growth Stack:

• Pick HUGE TAM
• Run FB/TikTok conversion ads
• Price at $70.99/week ($29/mo psychology)
• Use multiple creator accounts
• Clone best UGC with AI
• Add affiliate program

Key: $5 CPM or less = profitable

5) The SEO Playbook 

• Wait for DA 40+
• Scrape top ranking content
• AI generate 10k articles
• Human edit winners
• CTA every scroll frame
• Pop-up at 25-50% depth

Focus on long-tail keywords nobody fights for.

6) Why This All Works:

Traditional marketing = campaigns (start/stop)
Modern marketing = always-on systems

You're not "doing marketing"
You're "marketing"

Big difference

Notable Quotes:
"Marketing isn't something you did, it's something you're doing. You're constantly doing marketing." - Cody Schneider

"The closer your ad is to content on the platform, the less you're going to have to pay for it." - Cody Schneider

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND CODY ON SOCIAL
Cody’s startup: https://www.swellai.com/
X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r

Join me as I chat with  Dr. Tyler Lemco, known for co-founding Epic Mealtime (600M+ views), where we discuss strategies for building an internet audience from scratch. The conversation covers practical advice for content creators, including bio optimization, platform selection, and content strategy. We explore the balance between algorithmic success and authentic content creation, while emphasizing the importance of starting small and scaling gradually.

Episode Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:54 - Transitioning from Creative for Hire to Solopreneur 
• 07:29 - AI as a Thinking Partner
• 09:03 - How to position yourself within your niche
• 14:22 - Crafting a Compelling Bio
• 26:28 - YouTube Growth Strategies
• 41:30 - AI Tools for Content Production

Key Points:
• Transitioning from being a creative-for-hire to building your own audience
• Framework for effective content creation and social media growth
• Importance of platform focus and consistency in content creation
• Strategy for building audience before community before product

Content Strategy Framework:

1. Pick a platform to focus on
2. Identify what you love doing
3. Study what algorithms favor
4. Find gaps in your niche
5. Commit to consistency

Platform-Specific Insights:
• YouTube Shorts: Good for subscriber growth, lower monetization
• Long-form content: Best for overall revenue and engagement
• Live streams: Excellent for community building, poor for new audience growth

Key Takeaways:
• Start fresh when pivoting content direction
• Focus on audience building before community development
• Test and iterate content strategy
• Be willing to experiment publicly
• Utilize AI tools like Descript for content production

1) The Creative-for-Hire Trap

• Good money but no equity upside
• Easy to get stuck helping others win
• Key is transitioning to building YOUR OWN assets
• Start small, think big

2) Framework for Content That Works:

• Pick ONE platform to focus on (seriously)
• Do what you genuinely love creating
• Study what algorithms reward
• Fill gaps in your niche
• Commit to consistency

3) The YouTube Revenue Reality:

• Shorts: 3M views = $418 (+12k subs)
• Long-form: 1.3M views = $13,580
• Livestreams: 100k views = $1,926

Strategy: Use shorts for growth, long-form for revenue

4) The ABC Growth Framework:

A) Build an Audience first
B) Convert to Community
C) Create Products/Services

Don't try all at once. Master each phase!

5) Social Bio Formula:

• Show Credibility
• Create Intrigue
• Clear Value Prop

Pro tip: Write for non-followers, not existing ones

6) Starting Fresh vs Legacy Account:

• 94 engaged followers is better than 31,000 dead ones
• Algorithm favors engagement %
• Don't let ego stop you from starting over
• Fresh start = clean slate

7) Content Market Fit Truth:

• Takes 6-24 months to find
• Must experiment publicly
• Embrace the uncomfortable
• Better to ship than perfect

Bonus: For creators starting out - just START. You figure it out by doing, not planning.

The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding you've launched.

Notable Quotes:
"The goal of every solopreneur should be to not be a solopreneur." - Greg
"The only difference between launching and not launching is deciding that you've launched." - Tyler Lemco

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses [https://www.startupempire.co](https://www.startupempire.co/)

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND TYLER ON SOCIAL

Tyler’s Website: https://www.tlem.co/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/tlemco
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tlemco

In this episode, I share comprehensive guide to launching profitable newsletter businesses in 2025, focusing on niche markets and proven monetization strategies. The episode covers various newsletter concepts ranging from local news to B2B decision-makers, with detailed implementation steps and revenue projections for each model. Special emphasis is placed on using newsletters as a foundation to build larger businesses through multiple revenue streams.

Timstamps: 
• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:54 - Newsletter Idea 1: Marketing newsletter for global talent
• 08:03 - Newsletter Idea 2: Platform-based educational newsletters
• 11:24 - Newsletter Idea 3: Unofficial sports team coverage
• 13:03 - Newsletter Idea 4: Local real estate investor news
• 20:55 - Newsletter Idea 5: B2B decision maker
• 25:01 - Newsletter Idea 6: Niche ad examples for media buyers
• 26:37 - Newsletter Idea 7: Meme-based news coverage
• 29:23 - Newsletter Idea 8: Industry-specific AI tips
• 31:12 - Newsletter Idea 9: Leadership lessons and profiles
• 34:38 - Newsletter Idea 10: Local community newsletters
• 37:14 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Link Mentioned: 

Matt’s full article: https://www.newsletteroperator.com/p/10-newsletter-business-ideas

Matt’s Twitter/X: https://x.com/JMatthewMcGarry

Key Points:
• Detailed breakdown of 10 different newsletter business models with monetization strategies
• Focus on building profitable newsletters with low startup costs and high scalability
• Emphasis on combining paid acquisition (Facebook ads) with organic growth
• Strategy for turning newsletters into larger businesses (software, marketplaces, agencies)

1) Marketing Newsletter for Global Talent 

• Target overseas marketers seeking US jobs
• Cost: $0.25-0.50 per sub via FB ads

• Structure:
1) Remote job listings
2) Digital marketing news
3) Marketing tutorials

Monetization path to $28k/mo:
• Job board ($18k/mo)
• Recruiting blasts ($10k/mo)

2) Platform-Based Newsletter 

Pick ONE tool (Figma, Notion, Perplexity AI) and go deep.

The gold mine here:
• 20-50% recurring affiliate commissions
• Sell premium templates
• Potential acquisition by the platform
• Build & sell SaaS tools to your audience

3) Local Real Estate Investor Newsletter 

The math:
• 5-10k subs
• $2 CPA
• $7.5k/mo in ad revenue
• $50k from seminars
• $50k from premium subs

Total: $190k/year with just 10k subscribers!

4) B2B Decision Maker Newsletter 

The secret sauce:
• Need only 2k subs (if they're the right people)
• Target C-suite in specific industry
• Collect detailed subscriber data
• Charge premium for targeted access

5) Visual News & AI Newsletters 

Two massive opportunities:

A) Meme-based news
• 2-4 stories/day
• Prosumer focus (tech/finance)
• Visual over Text in 2024

B) Industry-specific AI tips
• Target specific verticals
• Focus on time/money saving
• $200/year subscription model

6) Local Community Newsletter 

The playbook:
• Focus on positive news
• Thursday "Weekend Plans" format
• $0.50 CPA possible
• Target high-LTV local sponsors

Real example: Naptown Scoop makes $400k/year in one city!

7) The bigger opportunity? 

Don't just think "newsletter"
Think "audience building machine" that can spawn:
• Software products
• Marketplaces
• Agencies
• Communities

Start with newsletter, expand into empire.

Pro tip: for ANY of these:
• Use pre/post CTAs on social
• Build one social channel alongside
• Collect subscriber data beyond email
• Think paid first, organic second

Pick one and start this weekend! 

Notable Quotes:

"Newsletter businesses are a cheat code... you can build a marketplace, you can build an agency, you can build so much on top of a newsletter."

"You don't need 100,000 subscribers to make $100,000 a year. With 5-10,000 subs, you can make $190,000 a year."

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Join me as I chat with Avi Schiffmann, Founder and CEO of friend.com, as we discuss technical challenges in AI memory systems and broader startup philosophy. Avi emphasizes the importance of creating new categories rather than competing in existing ones, while advocating for personal growth and confidence as crucial elements of entrepreneurial success. The discussion covers both technical aspects of AI development and philosophical approaches to startup building.

Episode Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Introduction and discussion of memory systems
• 02:04 - Advice for Founders, Competition, Critique of YC 
• 06:02 - Entrepreneurship vs Innovation
• 15:52 - Thoughts on Raising VC Funding and Bootstrapping
• 18:52 - Discussion on Confidence and Personal Growth
• 27:58 - Work Life Balance Discussion
• 31:18 - Startup Idea 1: Memory as a Service

Key Points:
• Discussion of memory systems for AI chatbots and the need for "memory as a service"
• Exploration of startup philosophy and the importance of creating new categories
• Emphasis on personal confidence as a key factor in startup success
• Critique of conventional startup wisdom and YC methodology

1) First, a HUGE opportunity in AI:

Memory as a Service (MaaS) for AI chatbots 
• Current memory systems rely on RAG
• No good solution exists yet
• Companies would pay $$$ to solve this
• Critical for AI relationship products

2) On building in existing categories:

The real advantage of startups?
• Fresh slate in people's minds
• Ability to define new categories
• Instant category leadership

3) MINDSHARE is the only true moat 

Example:
• Claude is better than ChatGPT in quality
• But ChatGPT owns mindshare
• Google trends: ChatGPT = 100, Claude = ~0

Lesson: Better product ≠ Winning product

4) On raising VC:
"The real way you raise is when it becomes about the deal, not what you're working on"
• VCs invest in YOU, not your product
• It's a social game
• They care about who else is in
• Focus on being good at "yapping"

5) The REAL key to startup success:

Personal confidence over YC advice

How to build it:
• Get out of tech bubble
• Build real relationships
• Have experiences
• Travel
• Live life

"No one great ever thought they couldn't be great"

6) On working style:

"You don't need to be at your computer to be working"

• Best ideas come in shower/walks
• Live life, let ideas brew
• Focus on right direction not working hard
• Think through ideas in different places

7) Final wisdom:

"You have a short bubble of consciousness while alive. Don't waste it working on something you're not confidently proud about."

Stop preparing.
Start building.
Be confident.
Make art.

Notable Quotes:
"If you view your work as art, you have no competition and you have no fear of failure."
"It's easier to create a new category than to try and win in an existing category because if you create your own category, you immediately crown yourself king."

Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)

Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/

BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/

BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/

Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co

FIND ME ON SOCIAL

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

FIND AVI ON SOCIAL

Friend: https://friend.com
X/Twitter: https://x.com/AviSchiffmann