

Shit You Don't Learn in School
Calvin Rosser & Steph Smith
Formal schooling does a terrible job of preparing you to thrive as an adult. The Shit You Don't Learn in School podcast exists to make up for this societal failure. In this show, Calvin Rosser and Steph Smith share stories, insights, and resources designed to help you improve the quality of your personal and professional life. If all works out, you'll be at least 1% better at navigating the waters.
Episodes
Mentioned books

17 snips
Oct 15, 2023 • 38min
75. Identity: The Strongest Force in the World
Explore the concept of identity and its impact on decision-making and life. Discuss the increase in anti-American sentiment and its effects on patriotic celebrations. Examine the fracturing of identities and ideals within a nation. Discover how identity shapes emotional reactions, personal attachments, beliefs, and interactions.

24 snips
Oct 7, 2023 • 55min
74. Opportunity is Everywhere: Using Twitter, Wikipedia, Patents, & Niche Databases to Discover Trends
Discover unconventional ways to generate business ideas and spot trends using the internet. Learn how to use Twitter searches, Wikipedia's unsolved problems, a sci-fi technology database, and patents. Explore finding good ideas on Twitter, remaking classic chocolate bars, and discovering interesting patent filings. Delve into Adobe's patent on diversity scoring and the use of patents for competitive advantage. Discuss longevity, aging theories, and surprising facts about the human body. Embrace the opportunities and power of the internet.

29 snips
Sep 30, 2023 • 1h 3min
73. Writing to Save Your Life
Guest Bukowski discusses the art of writing and the importance of embracing inspiration. They also explore the negative impact of success on creativity and the value of consistent writing. The chapter delves into Bukowski's writing philosophy, emphasizing the importance of failure and writing for survival. They also discuss the role of the typewriter in enhancing creativity and productivity.

Sep 24, 2023 • 57min
72. Inside the Early Days of Digital Nomadism
Reflecting on the early days of digital nomadism and the changing landscape of remote work. Exploring the definitions of digital nomads, remote workers, and expats. Debunking the myth that only tech work can be done remotely. Exploring asynchronous work as an efficient alternative and introducing innovative tools. Discussing the loneliness of remote work and the need for 'third places'. Discussing the impact of fellow digital nomads and the mindset of new digital nomads.

8 snips
Sep 18, 2023 • 40min
71. The Most Influential Artist You've Never Heard Of
Discover the captivating story of Yayoi Kusama, an artist who struggled with mental health, yet created a staggering amount of art. From her iconic infinity mirror rooms to her advocacy for freedom and anti-war activism, Kusama's fearless and unique approach to self-expression is truly inspiring.

12 snips
Sep 9, 2023 • 34min
70. What Do You Want?!
The hosts explore the importance of clarity in life and discuss the illusion of safety. They encourage listeners to break free from the default path, challenge assumptions, and crack the code of life. They emphasize the significance of understanding and reflecting on what you want in order to design a fulfilling existence.

Sep 2, 2023 • 60min
69. Tipping Culture: Have We Gone Too Far?
The podcast explores the history and impact of tipping culture, including the growing prevalence of tipping in modern life and the low minimum wage for tipped workers. They discuss the origins of tipping, arguments for and against it, and hidden charges in San Francisco restaurants. They also share personal experiences with guilt-tripping customers and the importance of allowing customers to make their own decisions.

13 snips
Aug 26, 2023 • 59min
68. The Cost of Excellence
Exploring the world of Master Sommeliers, the pursuit of excellence and the cost of hyper ambition, reflections on achievements and accomplishments, and the relationship between ambition, drive, and happiness.

9 snips
Aug 19, 2023 • 59min
67. The Long Road to San Fransisco
Speakers reflect on their nomadic lifestyle and decision to settle in San Francisco. They discuss the challenges of finding a home and prioritize socialization. Living in a social city affects drinking habits, and they explore the diverse beauty of San Francisco. Comparison of Austin and SF.

24 snips
Feb 16, 2023 • 1h 1min
66. The AI Debate: Where Do You Sit?
ChatGPT broke records in adoption, hitting 100m monthly active users in a matter of months... faster than any other web platform prior. Even faster than TikTok!But with fast adoption comes equally swift resistance, surfacing questions around how this technology is changing the wider world. Should AI models be allowed in schools? How about the courtroom? Do stock image photographers have a fighting chance?In this episode, Cal and Steph step into the shoes of many people tackling these difficult questions right now. From the middle school teacher to the college admissions officer, to the owners of a stock image sites, or even the head of the Bar Association... how would you respond? What questions would you be asking? Listen in to hear Cal and Steph's takes.This episode is not affiliated with Steph's work at a16z and is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.


