In this episode, I chat with my Magic: The Gathering coach Stanley Hartman (Stanley2009) about different career paths. I flip the script and share my own advice with Stanley as we explore how to land a job at a tech startup, build a career as a content creator, and brainstorm software ideas through vibe coding. For anyone interested in career guidance, content creation, or startup ideas, this episode provides practical advice and actionable tips.

FOLLOW STANLEY

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/stanley2099

X: https://x.com/stanley_2099

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stanley_2099

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7I6IFHdvYOLeIMHtlhbNsC?si=d86a108fb335494c

FOLLOW ME

Website: https://mikekarnj.com

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:21 Getting a Job at a Tech Startup

25:25 Content Creation

57:01 Vibe Coding

How do you know when it’s time to make a change—whether in your career, personal life, or mindset?

In this episode, I sit down with Danya Shults, who shares her experiences from working at Skillshare and Patreon to becoming an executive coach. We also talk about her recent psychedelic therapy, sabbatical in Spain, and navigating changes as you get closer to 40.

We discuss:

• The emotional and practical side of career pivots
• Why Danya and her husband quit their jobs for a four-month sabbatical

• How founders (and anyone in transition) can avoid anticipatory grief
• The role of intuition, spirituality, and psychedelics in navigating life shifts

This conversation is perfect for anyone experiencing major life transitions.

Follow Danya: https://www.danyashults.com

CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro

07:30 Sabbatical

16:59 Life After

32:08 Entering 40s

36:52 Marriage and Milestones

42:28  Spirituality

50:44 Psychedelic Therapy

59:51 Advice

Safwaan Kay is working on a new (stealth) startup. He was previously at Founders, Inc.

LINKS

Safwaan's X: https://x.com/safwaankay

I’m rich and have no idea what to do with my life: https://vinay.sh/i-am-rich-and-have-no-idea-what-to-do-with-my-life/

HOST

Michael Karnjanaprakorn: https://mikekarnj.com/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

03:31 Post Exit Founder Essay

20:18 Open Source

29:47 AI Agents

46:56 Ambition

Reflecting on the year has always been part of my annual process — celebrating wins, learning from challenges, and planning ahead. In this essay and podcast episode, I’ll share my highlights, lessons, and goals for 2025, along with some unexpected takeaways from a year dedicated to having fun.

Lessons

Read: https://mikekarnj.com/posts/2024-review

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:45 Highlights

26:32 Lessons Learned in 2024

29:54 Random

33:26 2025

I chat with Matt about his unconventional path to building a holding company. At just 22 years old, he has already had two successful exits. We discuss his approach to building his studio model holding company, Halation, where he focuses on creating one-of-a-kind software. Matt shares how he selects the ‘game’ he wants to play, why he chooses to work with friends, and the importance of having a 'cash cow' to fund other ventures. We delve into validating new ideas, finding the right operating partners, and his whale-and-barnacle approach. Lastly, we exchange advice on balancing work and life.

Guest

Matt Espinoza is a partner at Halation, building an empire of internet companies. Follow him on X.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

Host

I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and I am now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I chat with others, taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: ⁠⁠https://mikekarnj.com

Kevin Dahlstrom might be the most balanced person I’ve ever met. He’s a 4x Founder, 3x CMO, and investor in over 55 companies. He also pursues rock climbing at an elite level — all while prioritizing his family.

He says it’s only possible because of his “ideal end state” exercise. It aligns his actions with his true desires, allowing him to design a life he never needs to escape. As a result, he’s reduced work to just 10% of his identity.

As I navigate my 40s, I wanted to get his advice on making the most out of this decade. I chatted with Kevin to get his perspective on work, identity, health, lifestyle design, and more.

Guest

Kevin Dahlstrom is a 4X founder, 4X CMO, 50X PE investor, and avid rock climber.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

Host

I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I chat with others taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: ⁠https://mikekarnj.com