Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1948:

Cal Newport challenges the romanticized notion of quitting your job to "follow your passion" and instead champions a more grounded path to career satisfaction. By becoming exceptionally good at something valuable and using that leverage to shape a better work life, individuals can often find fulfillment without starting over or sacrificing stability.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2011/08/13/dont-quit-your-day-job-transform-it-why-following-your-passion-is-the-wrong-way-to-find-occupational-happiness/

Quotes to ponder:

"No one cares whether your radical career transformation is your 'passion' if you're not bringing a hard won skill to the table, you're not likely to come away with a great work situation."

"The Career Craftsman approach is less sexy than the standard thinking on career happiness, but it recognizes the economic reality of satisfaction."

"Great jobs are rare and valuable, which means you have to offer value in return."

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1947:

Mike Smerklo breaks down the frenzy of tech investing in Silicon Valley, warning against the dangers of FOMO-fueled decision-making. While celebrating innovation's exciting momentum, he urges entrepreneurs, investors, and executives to balance ambition with realism, especially as inflated valuations hint at another bursting bubble.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mikesmerklo.com/a-new-startup-called-fomoshould-i-invest-in-it/

Quotes to ponder:

"FOMO stands for Fear Of Missing Out, a mindset that can be just as dangerous as a forest fire on a dry summer day."

"Be greedy when others are fearful. Be fearful when others are being greedy."

"Failing to recognize the risk is just as dangerous for investors as it is for those who start the startups and those who go to work for them."

Episode references:

The Third Wave by Steve Case (referenced conceptually, no direct article link): https://www.amazon.com/Third-Wave-Entrepreneurship-Vision-Future/dp/150113258X

Mark Cuban Blog on Bubble Talk: https://blogmaverick.com/2015/03/04/why-this-tech-bubble-is-worse-than-the-tech-bubble-of-2000

Welcome to the Unicorn Club: https://techcrunch.com/2013/11/02/welcome-to-the-unicorn-club

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1946:

Ryan Hoover uncovers how Philz Coffee masterfully applies subtle psychological tactics, from personalized service to strategic pricing, to drive customer engagement, loyalty, and perceived value. By drawing parallels to tech products, he offers practical insights for anyone looking to improve product design with simple, human-centered strategies.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/@rrhoover/what-philz-coffee-can-teach-us-about-product-design-6f3e56d79f47

Quotes to ponder:

"Pricing a premium product is very important, especially when you are providing a premium experience."

"A little humanness can go a long way."

"Getting a premium experience at a reduced price feels like a bigger bargain."

Episode references:

Apptentive: https://www.apptentive.com