We Live to Build

By Sean Weisbrot

We Live to Build is the interview series for founders who are serious about building something that lasts.

Hosted by serial entrepreneur and angel investor Sean Weisbrot, the show feature

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FAQs about We Live to Build:

How many episodes does We Live to Build have?

The podcast currently has 314 episodes available.

We Live to Build episodes:

September 19, 2025 Why AI Makes Your Website MORE Important, Not Less
Do you know Why AI Makes Your Website MORE Important, Not Less? While AI agents seem to be replacing everything, your website is the one place you control your message and the primary "repository of information" that large language models use to learn about your business. In this interview, domain broker Jeffrey Gabriel explains that without a well-written website, AI models can't easily find, understand, or prioritize your business over competitors. Learn why your site is the essential "home base" you need to succeed in the age of AI. Check out the company: https://saw.com

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📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)
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▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network

-----------------------------------
📈 WORK WITH ME
-----------------------------------
▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook
▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call
▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising
▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship

---------------------------------------------
👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN
---------------------------------------------
▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot
▶ Inquiries: [email protected]

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🕒 CHAPTERS
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00:00 - Are Websites Obsolete in the Age of AI?
01:40 - The Truth About Domain 'Squatters'
06:54 - How I Sold a Domain Name for $13 Million
07:57 - The Hardest Part of Being a Domain Broker
09:58 - Why I Fire My Clients
16:20 - The Business Cycle of a Domain Broker
18:10 - The 86-Day Average Sale Time for a Domain
22:30 - The Risky Business of Domain Financing
25:54 - How We Use AI in Our Own Operations
27:01 - The Two Most Important Things I've Learned in Life
Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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29min
September 16, 2025 A Bad Investor is Worse Than No Investor
Every founder needs to hear this: A Bad Investor is Worse Than No Investor. Before you start chasing venture capital, you must understand the risks. In this interview, M&A expert Scott Kelly explains why bootstrapped founders of seven, eight, and even nine-figure brands often love their lives, while many VC-backed founders are miserably stressed. We break down the cautionary tale of FanDuel, whose founders got "little or nothing" after raising hundreds of millions, versus MailChimp, whose founders kept 98% of the proceeds from their exit after bootstrapping. This is a must-watch for any entrepreneur deciding how to fund their business. Check out the company: https://blackdogvp.com

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📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network

-----------------------------------
📈 WORK WITH ME
-----------------------------------
▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook
▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call
▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising
▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship

---------------------------------------------
👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN
---------------------------------------------
▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot
▶ Inquiries: [email protected]

---------------------------
🕒 CHAPTERS
---------------------------
00:00 - The Art of Finding the Right Partner
03:29 - The #1 Thing Founders Must Do Before Starting
06:27 - The VC Trap: Chasing Fundraising vs. Building a Business
08:13 - Quantity vs. Quality of Life: A Founder's Choice
11:04 - The Warning: MailChimp (Bootstrap) vs. FanDuel (VC)
13:40 - M&A is Sexy, But It's an Art
16:48 - The Dirty Secret of VC Due Diligence
21:49 - Why a Bad Investor is Worse Than No Investor
25:12 - Why I Love Bootstrapped Founders
28:01 - Start With The End in Mind
Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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32min
September 09, 2025 This Sales Test Revealed My #1 Weakness
I took a sales ability test, and this sales test revealed my #1 weakness. The results showed that in a sales context, I have a tendency to believe that talking is more important than asking good questions. In this unique episode, sales expert Mike Irving, founder of Advanced Business Abilities, analyzes my live test results, breaking down my strengths (like being a "Hunter") and my opportunities for growth (like "Discernment" ). We explore why everyone is in sales, whether they know it or not, and how understanding your personal traits can make you a more effective communicator. Check out the company: https://advancedbusinessabilities.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network

-----------------------------------
📈 WORK WITH ME
-----------------------------------
▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook
▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call
▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising
▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship

---------------------------------------------
👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN
---------------------------------------------
▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot
▶ Inquiries: [email protected]

---------------------------
🕒 CHAPTERS
---------------------------
00:00 - Taking a Sales Test on a Live Podcast
01:00 - Why Everyone is in Sales (Even If You're Not a Salesperson)
02:50 - My Overall Results: The Good News
05:50 - A Surprising Weakness: "Knowing How to Deal With People"
07:50 - My #1 Weakness: The "Questioner" Trait
10:05 - Why I Subconsciously Talk More Than I Ask
14:35 - The Key to Success: Understanding "Discernment"
20:45 - My Unexpected Strength: The "Hunter" Trait
24:00 - My Secret Weapon: A High "Not Nice" Score
29:30 - Key Takeaways & How to Improve Your Own Sales Skills
Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
34min
September 02, 2025 Stop Solving Problems. Start CREATING Them.
What if the biggest obstacle to your company's growth isn't the problems you can't solve, but the ones you aren't creating? This counterintuitive idea is the key to radical business transformation. In this episode, Sean Weisbrot sits down with Ted Santos, President of Turnaround Investment Partners, to explore why leaders must stop solving problems and start creating them on purpose. We dive into how this strategy sparks true innovation, rewires the brain for change through neuroplasticity, and why self-mastery is the foundation of effective leadership. This conversation challenges everything you know about chaos, change management, and organizational success. Get ready to discover a new paradigm for growth. Check out the company: https://turnaroundip.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network

-----------------------------------
📈 WORK WITH ME
-----------------------------------
▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook
▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call
▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising
▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship

---------------------------------------------
👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN
---------------------------------------------
▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot
▶ Inquiries: [email protected]

---------------------------
🕒 CHAPTERS
---------------------------
00:00 - Why CEOs Who Don't Create Problems Should Be Fired
02:55 - The Steve Jobs Method: Inventing a Problem to Change the World
05:58 - Sponsor: Brilliant.org
08:03 - The Simple (But Radical) First Step: Question Everything
13:00 - Why Your Need for the "Right Answer" is Killing Innovation
17:58 - The Difference Between "Thinking" and "Having Thoughts"
22:25 - How Tragedy Taught Me to Rewire Brains with Neuroplasticity
27:01 - Why Giving The Solution Is The Worst Way to Lead
30:14 - The Ultimate Leadership Skill: Self-Mastery Over Chaos
Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
33min
August 26, 2025 The #1 Mistake in AI-Generated Content (And How to Fix It)
Most AI-generated content is easy to spot, and journalists are hitting 'delete' the second they see it. So, what are the tell-tale signs, and how do you avoid them? I sat down with Curtis Sparrer, a PR expert and founder of Bospar, to find out. He reveals The #1 Mistake in AI-Generated Content (And How to Fix It): using AI as your final draft instead of your first. We discuss why AI will reward human quirkiness, the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and why you need to create AI-friendly blogs and FAQs to stay discoverable. This is an essential guide for any marketer or creator using AI for their content. Check out the company: https://bospar.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network

-----------------------------------
📈 WORK WITH ME
-----------------------------------
▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook
▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call
▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising
▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship

---------------------------------------------
👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN
---------------------------------------------
▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot
▶ Inquiries: [email protected]

---------------------------
🕒 CHAPTERS
---------------------------
00:00 - Introduction: Making Your Brand Discoverable to AI
01:10 - What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?
02:20 - Can You Buy Your Way into an AI's Favor?
04:50 - Why AI Still Struggles with Video Content
07:15 - How to Make Your Content More "AI-Friendly"
09:45 - The Power of an AI-Friendly FAQ Page
11:40 - The "Tells" of AI-Generated Content (And Why Journalists Hate It)
12:40 - The #1 Rule: AI is Your First Draft, Not Your Final Draft
14:30 - Why You Must Ditch the Fluff & Be Concise
17:00 - The Future of AI: Personalized Memory
21:20 - The "Race to the Bottom" in AI Content
27:45 - Final Lesson: Never Believe You've Figured It All Out
Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
29min
August 19, 2025 "The Customer Is Always Right" is a Destructive Lie
We've all heard the phrase "The Customer Is Always Right," but what if following that advice is secretly burning out your team and killing your business? I sat down with Borja Cuan, CEO of Four15 Digital, who learned this lesson the hard way. He shares his powerful story of why he now believes "The Customer Is Always Right" is a Destructive Lie, and why he made the controversial decision to prioritize his employees over his clients. We also dive into the psychology of resilience, how to handle bad news like a CEO, and the cultural differences in business communication. This is a must-watch for any leader tired of sacrificing their team's well-being for unreasonable client demands. Check out the company: https://four15digital.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network

-----------------------------------
📈 WORK WITH ME
-----------------------------------
▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook
▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call
▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising
▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship

---------------------------------------------
👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN
---------------------------------------------
▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot
▶ Inquiries: [email protected]

---------------------------
🕒 CHAPTERS
---------------------------
00:00 - The Hardest Part of Being a Business Owner
02:57 - The Hard Truth: Is Resilience Innate?
04:08 - How My Leadership Style Had to Evolve
07:32 - Why I Put My Employees Before My Clients
13:50 - Cultural Differences in Business Communication
16:36 - My Personal Story with a "Sociopath" Boss
23:22 - The #1 Job of a Leader: Employee Happiness
26:45 - Setting Boundaries with Disrespectful Clients
Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
31min
August 12, 2025 An 8-Figure E-commerce Founder's AI Toolkit
What is the AI toolkit that top e-commerce founders are using to scale their brands? It's a mix of proprietary and public tools that automate everything from product research to marketing. I sat down with Neil Twa, CEO of Voltage Holdings, who has built multiple seven and eight-figure e-commerce brands. He shares his 8-Figure E-commerce Founder's AI Toolkit, including specific tools for copywriting (Claude), video ads (HeyGen & Synd.io), and image generation (Sora). We also dive into his counter-intuitive business philosophy: successful brands don't sell products, they sell data to AI engines. This is a must-watch for any e-commerce entrepreneur looking for the right tools to grow. Check out the company: https://voltagedm.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network

-----------------------------------
📈 WORK WITH ME
-----------------------------------
▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook
▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call
▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising
▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship

---------------------------------------------
👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN
---------------------------------------------
▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot
▶ Inquiries: [email protected]

---------------------------
🕒 CHAPTERS
---------------------------
00:00 - Introduction: Why AI is Essential for E-commerce
00:37 - How We Use AI to Enhance Our Brands
01:24 - The #1 Truth of E-commerce: Sell Data to the AI
02:12 - Our 8-Figure E-commerce AI Toolkit
03:25 - The AI Tools We Use for Copy, Images, and Video Ads
06:35 - How We Use AI to Run Virtual Focus Groups
11:11 - Why I Build Brands Instead of Selling Courses
16:43 - My Mission: Hiring Veterans & My Fighter Pilot Story
28:53 - Final Lesson: Fail Up, Don't Fail Out
Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
30min
August 05, 2025 Why Not Owning Bitcoin is Your Biggest Financial Risk
Everyone talks about the risks of owning Bitcoin, but what if the real danger is not owning it at all? I sat down with Frank Hepworth, founder of the crypto consultancy Yieldschool, who helps high-net-worth individuals navigate the digital asset space. He makes a powerful case for Why Not Owning Bitcoin is Your Biggest Financial Risk, arguing that as the best-performing asset class on the planet, having zero exposure is a massive gamble against its long-term success. We also dive into the predictable nature of crypto cycles, a portfolio strategy to potentially 10x your money, and the pros and cons of Bitcoin ETFs versus self-custody. This conversation is a must-watch for any investor who is crypto-curious. Check out the company: https://yieldschool.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network

-----------------------------------
📈 WORK WITH ME
-----------------------------------
▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook
▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call
▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising
▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship

---------------------------------------------
👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN
---------------------------------------------
▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot
▶ Inquiries: [email protected]

---------------------------
🕒 CHAPTERS
---------------------------
00:00 - Introduction: Crypto is The Best Performing Asset
01:45 - Why You're "Risk On" By Having 0% Crypto
02:30 - The Game Theory of Bitcoin's Finite Supply
04:00 - "Intelligent Exposure": Beyond Just Bitcoin
05:20 - Bitcoin ETFs vs. Self-Custody: The Pros & Cons
08:55 - The #1 Issue That Worries New Crypto Investors
11:00 - Are You Serious Enough to Succeed in Crypto?
15:10 - The Crypto Cycles Are "Super Predictable"
21:20 - Why "Don't Time The Market" is Bad Advice for Crypto
23:20 - A Portfolio Strategy to 10x Your Money
26:45 - Final Lesson: Don't Make Assumptions
Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
28min
August 01, 2025 The Real Danger of AI: We're Losing Control of Ourselves
What is the real danger of AI? It's not that AI will become our overlords; it's that we will become so reliant on it that we lose control of ourselves. I sat down with William Welser IV, CEO of Lotic.ai, to discuss this critical issue. He argues that The Real Danger of AI: We're Losing Control of Ourselves comes from offloading our "cognitive responsibility" to sycophantic AIs that simply agree with us and stunt our growth. We explore why you must maintain cognitive responsibility, how to use AI as a tool for learning (not just getting answers), and the importance of modeling this behavior for your kids and your team. This is an essential conversation for anyone using AI to make decisions. Check out the company: https://lotic.ai

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network

-----------------------------------
📈 WORK WITH ME
-----------------------------------
▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook
▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call
▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising
▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship

---------------------------------------------
👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN
---------------------------------------------
▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot
▶ Inquiries: [email protected]

---------------------------
🕒 CHAPTERS
---------------------------
00:00 - Introduction: AI is Easy, But It's Also Dangerous
02:15 - The Problem with "Sycophantic" AI
03:20 - How "Artificial Relational Intelligence" is Different
06:00 - The "Last Mile" of Human Interaction AI Can't Cross
08:00 - My Tattoo's Advice: "Consider You Might Be Wrong"
09:20 - Offloading Our "Cognitive Responsibility" to AI
12:20 - How to Use AI to Teach, Not Just Get Answers
15:20 - The Real Danger: Are We Becoming Too Dumb?
18:15 - AI is Just a Tool, Like The First Rock
20:45 - How to Educate Your Team and Kids on AI Use
25:15 - Why We Built a "Bottom-Up" AI Company
29:15 - The #1 Lesson from 5 Years in AI: Ride the Commodity Wave
Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
32min
July 29, 2025 How to Build an AI Moat for Your Business (Without Consultants)
Every business owner is asking how to build an AI moat, but most are going about it the wrong way. I sat down with Alberto Rizzoli, CEO of V7 Labs, who argues that hiring expensive AI consultants is a "recipe for disaster". He shares his framework for How to Build an AI Moat for Your Business (Without Consultants) by starting with small, internal experiments, finding your in-house "tinkerers," and hiring AI-enabled talent. We also discuss how AI agents are transforming workflows, the surprising AI adoption gap between the US and Europe, and why learning to manage AI is the #1 skill for future job security. This is an essential guide for any leader looking to future-proof their business. Check out the company: https://www.v7labs.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
📚 NETWORK BEFORE YOU NEED IT (6 LESSONS THAT MADE SEAN $15M)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
▶ Get my eBook free - https://welivetobuild.com/network

-----------------------------------
📈 WORK WITH ME
-----------------------------------
▶ Buy 300 Lessons From 300 Founders: https://welivetobuild.com/300-lessons-ebook
▶ Book a Paid Advisory Session: https://welivetobuild.com/book-a-call
▶ Startup Fundraising: https://welivetobuild.com/fundraising
▶ Sponsor the Channel: https://www.welivetobuild.com/sponsorship

---------------------------------------------
👀 CONNECT WITH SEAN
---------------------------------------------
▶ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanweisbrot
▶ Inquiries: [email protected]

---------------------------
🕒 CHAPTERS
---------------------------
00:00 - Introduction: Your AI Moat is Your Only Defense
01:00 - Stop Hiring AI Consultants. Do This Instead.
02:30 - 3 Simple Steps to Start Building with AI
03:40 - The Power of Hiring "AI-Enabled" Talent
05:00 - How a QA Tester Used AI to 10x Her Productivity
06:00 - Will AI Create More Jobs Than It Destroys?
08:00 - From Manual Analyst to "Chief of Staff of AIs"
09:15 - How to Overcome "Analysis Paralysis" with AI Agents
12:30 - When to Build an AI Agent (The Revenue Litmus Test)
16:00 - How My Brother's Travel Plan Proved AI's Power
21:20 - Why Your "Thumbs Up" Doesn't Really Train the AI
25:40 - The Surprising AI Adoption Gap Between the US & Europe
Leave a Review (it truly helps us grow): https://welivetobuild.com/review
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
28min

FAQs about We Live to Build:

How many episodes does We Live to Build have?

The podcast currently has 314 episodes available.