Episode 2000! Epic guests, huge news, and how to build a media legacy in 14 short years | E2000
31 Aug 2024 (18 days ago)
Jason and Alex kick off the show
- This week in startups is a show focused on tech and entrepreneurship, aiming to inspire individuals to engage in the startup world.
- The show features stories of successful startups and related news.
- Jason Calacanis and Alex Wilhelm are the hosts of the show.
The origins and early days of TWiST
- This Week in Startups (TWiST) is a podcast that has been running for 14 years and has produced 2000 episodes.
- The podcast started before the iPhone existed and when podcasting was only available through specific software and iPods.
- The creator of the podcast, originally from New York, moved to Los Angeles in the early 2000s and conceived of TWiST as a way to connect with people in the tech industry.
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Recollections of the first TWiST episodes
- In the early days of This Week in Startups, Facebook was becoming prominent and Mark Zuckerberg proposed a partnership with Y Combinator.
- The partnership gave Y Combinator companies access to Facebook's API and a meeting with Zuckerberg's team.
- This partnership was cautioned against as Zuckerberg had a reputation for stealing ideas.
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Highlighting notable guests and memorable early episodes
- Early episodes of the show featured a talk show format with props and a news desk setup.
- Early episodes were recorded live using multiple cameras and uploaded to Ustream and YouTube, initially primarily as a means of storage.
- The speaker invested $25,000 in Twitter in 2006 or 2007 at the request of Evan Williams.
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More on standout guests and the TWiST studio evolution
- The speaker reminisces about having Jimmy Chamberlin, the drummer for The Smashing Pumpkins, as a guest on the podcast.
- The speaker discusses the evolution of the podcast's studio, from a WeWork space to a large loft, and expresses a desire to purchase an event space in Austin for future recordings and events.
- The speaker reflects on the benefits and drawbacks of remote recording, acknowledging the convenience while missing the in-person interactions and energy of a studio environment.
David Sacks makes his first appearance on TWiST
- David Sacks is a successful entrepreneur known for his involvement in companies like PayPal, Geni, and Yammer.
- Yammer, a business productivity tool, was acquired for a significant sum, highlighting its impact and value.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of cherishing friendships and creating lasting memories, reflecting on shared experiences and the value of genuine connections.
Messages from TWiST fans and cohosts
- An angel investor thanked the creator of the video series for inspiring him to pursue angel investing, which led to him becoming a venture partner and investing in over 60 startups.
- The creator of the video series discussed the impact of the show and the importance of storytelling, noting that he has met people whose lives were changed by the show, including people who met their spouses, co-founders, and investors through the show.
- The creator of the video series talked about the importance of doing the work and not getting distracted by press or accolades, emphasizing that the work is what matters and that he prefers to focus on the present and future rather than dwelling on past successes.
Celebrating standout moments and key highlights on the show
- An emergency podcast was recorded using a bullhorn as a prop to announce Jeff Bezos stepping down as CEO of Amazon.
- An emergency podcast was recorded to discuss FTX being acquired by Binance after a suspected run on FTX.
- Silicon Valley Bank's rapid shutdown caused chaos and concern about its impact on the tech industry and beyond.