Rank #1: 57. Critical Thinking: Understanding Trump Censorship

Over the past few weeks, there have been some very heated political tussles. From getting the election results to the refuting of the results, and now, Trump’s censorship. In this episode of I discuss whether Trump’s censorship was justifiable or the owners of these platforms are now warped? And if a privately-owned “public” company should be able to restrict freedom of speech?
Show notes:
- Intro: Arman sets the stage and provides the topic of today’s episode [0:10]
- The 5 major issues caused by the banning of Trump on social platforms [04:04]
- Who has the right to make free speech expensive [05:31]
- Was banning Trump the right step to take? [8:19]
- What free speech law did Trump break to justify his banning? [13:41]
- Three benefits of the government holding major corporations to constitutional free speech laws [17:41]
- Some of the smart solutions that could have been applied to the Trump quandary [22:33]
- Why the decisions taken by social platforms are intellectually inconsistent [27:02]
Resources/Links:
- Social Media Platforms: Public Forum or Private Space?
- What are Network Effects?
- Mention of George Floyd
- Mention of the Capitol Hill Riot
- Twitter - Permanent suspension of @realDonaldTrump
- These Online Platforms have banned Trump
- Mention of Incitement Act
- Mention of Section 230
- How Signal Became the Most Popular App in the World Overnight
- Parler website appears to be back online
- Mention of 1st Amendment
- The Social Dilemma Film
- Poland’s Pushes Law to Limit Censorship
- Capitalism and Free Market Two Sides of the Same Coin?
- The Split Over Freedom of Speech
- Is it time for a Digital Bill of Rights?
For complete show notes and links to all resources mentioned head to assadi.me/criticalthinking
***
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Jan 19 2021
32mins
Rank #2: 56. Steve Little | The M&A Legend on How to Exit for Maximum Value

When it comes to scaling businesses and exiting, whether it be for himself or his clients, Steve Little is an absolute legend.
Steve is the founder and managing director of Zero Limits Ventures. He is an acclaimed serial entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and mergers and acquisitions expert well known for generating accelerated value growth and extraordinarily high acquisition value multiples for his companies and clients.
He sold his first company at age 15 for nearly $250,000 and never looked back. Since then he has raised more than $2B in startup and growth funding for a multitude of businesses acquiring and successfully integrating 9 companies in less than 12 months.
Show Notes:
- Intro: Arman sets the stage and provides background on Steve, how they met, and the topic of today’s episode. [00:12]
- How the pandemic has affected businesses. [06:34]
- Mergers, acquisitions and funding. [07:40]
- How to create the right product that’s going to generate the highest valuation and profits? [13:20]
- Increasing transaction value. [20:37]
- Taking a company to $100mil by being strategic. [23:02]
- The #1 reason capital acquisitions fail. [28:48]
- Shortening the acquisition rate. [45:20]
- Steve shares the story of how he sold his first company for $250,000 when he was 15 and how that started his entrepreneurial journey. [47:40]
- Understanding the importance of having a value driver. [50:01]
- Cultivating patience and learning how to use the waiting game to your advantage. [54:21]
- Inspiring closing thoughts. [01:03:27]
Resources/links:
- Learn more about Steve Little
- Mention of Zero Limit Ventures
- Mention of Glamnetic
- Mention of Snapchat
- Mention of Randomhouse
For complete show notes and links to all resources mentioned head to: http://assadi.me/stevelittle
***
If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a short 17-second review on Apple Podcasts here. It means a lot to me and really supports the podcast.
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For show notes and more visit: armanassadi.com/podcast
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Jan 12 2021
1hr 7mins
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Rank #3: 55. Tipsy Talk | New President, Bitcoin, and China

Tipsy Talk is back!
I think this is the best one yet, and the first with four of us. The great Nick Urbani and Eric Johanson are back from ep #17, and this time we also have the brilliant Stephen Cesaro from ep #32.
Show Notes:
- Intro: Arman sets the stage for Tipsy Talk, how it started and introduces the special guests who are joining today’s special episode. [00:11]
- Bitcoin and betting on the election. [02:20]
- The possibility of a Civil War type conflict. [04:29]
- What if Trump chose to exit in a dignified way? [10:56]
- Racism and free speech. [15:08]
- Shifting from one political party to another. [23:07]
- Is it smart to provide free healthcare and forgive student loans? [27:47]
- America’s culture and values. [44:37]
- The relationship between China and the US [49:46]
- Was it a mistake for us to have opened trade with China? [01:02:00]
- Why the US should get behind Libra, Facebook’s version of a stable coin [1:10:37]
- The kind of threat China poses to the economy [1:19:43]
- What does a protopian civilization look like on a collective and individualistic level? [01:28:59]
- Debate on paper currency and digital currency [01:40:03]
- Ethereum. [01:50:20]
- What if you could own the data that links digital currency to the real world? [01:52:20]
- The downside volatility of Bitcoin [1:58:22]
- The world is shifting. [02:01:55]
- Inspiring closing thoughts. [02:08:28]
Resources/Links:
Mention of Eric Weinstein
Mention of Jason Silva
Mention of John Perkins
Mention of Kevin Kelly
Mention of Nate Silver
Mention of Ray Dalio
Mention of Thomas Hall
Mention of Chainlink
Mention of Ethereum
***
If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a short 17-second review on Apple Podcasts here. It means a lot to me and really supports the podcast.
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For show notes and more visit: armanassadi.com/podcast
To work with me: armanassadi.com/consulting
Jan 05 2021
2hr 14mins
Rank #4: 54. 2020: What the Hell Happened...and What Do We Do Now?

One of my absolute favorite things each year is my end of year Annual Review and Planning process. I like to take a good 3-5 days to just sit, reflect, and appreciate the highs and lows of the year. I sit in gratitude and pick out my lessons learned. And then I start setting an intentional plan for the next one.
Needless to say, this was obviously a very different year. A glitch in the Matrix type of year, if you will. And I sense that things will not be getting easier or going back to normal. I have been thinking and deconstructing all of this and what is happening at an individual and collective level a lot this year, so I decided to bring it all together in one episode.
This might be my most important episode yet. It is the compilation of a wide variety of topics I have been exploring these past few years. And it goes without saying, my approach to the current issues we face socially, politically, economically, and even spiritually is not like those you will hear on the news or from your favorite influencer.
It is important to look at this all as objectively and rationally as we possibly can because I believe this journey has just begun in many ways and you and I have key roles to play.
We need to learn how to think critically and correctly—fast.
So have a listen/watch, absorb it all, and let me know what you think. I wish you a beautiful New Year and much peace and prosperity in 2021.
Show Notes:
- Intro: Arman sets the stage and lays out what he will be covering [00:11]
- Why this is the craziest time to be alive [4:30]
- The uncertainty of the economy and the burden of survival [13:29]
- The war of ideologies and discussing what truth really is [19:16]
- Why we may need a new system to evolve [25:35]
- The definition of progress and evolution [31:30]
Resources/links:
- Mention of Kevin Kelly
- Mention of a quote by Terence McKenna
- Mention of The History of Dubai
- Mention of The Social Dilemma
- Mention of Russell Brand
- Mention of The Hunger Games in 2020
For complete show notes and links to all resources mentioned head to: http://assadi.me/2020
***
If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a short 17-second review on Apple Podcasts here. It means a lot to me and really supports the podcast.
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For show notes and more visit: armanassadi.com/podcast
To work with me: armanassadi.com/consulting
Dec 29 2020
37mins
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Rank #5: 53. John Sherwin | Truth, Science & Hydration with the Co-founder of Hydrant

Talking to a science and biology expert from Oxford and successful entrepreneur about the pursuit of Truth was exhilarating and pretty much defines what this show is all about! :)
John Sherwin is the co-founder of Hydrant, a pioneering ecommerce brand committed to helping people maximize their daily hydration (about 75% of Americans are spending their days dehydrated).
Hydrant announced in May that it raised $5.7 million from investors in a Series A round, bringing its total funding to $8.8 million.
Show Notes:
- Intro: Arman sets the stage and provides background on John, how they met, and the topic of today’s episode. [00:11]
- Arman talks about the power of great marketing and why it matters. [4:56]
- John talks about the challenges of being in the industry he’s in. [06:17]
- Is it possible to innovate in a saturated market? [07:07]
- Is truth subjective or absolute? [08:13]
- The mental model behind scientific thinking and the importance of staying open to new information. [10:56]
- How uncertainty can be the stable ground that leads to advances made in science. [17:26]
- Learning to be aware of our cognitive biases. [24:40]
- What are the benefits of being fully optimized when it comes to hydration intake? [28:47]
- Most people don’t realize what it feels like to be properly hydrated. [30:33]
- What it means to put function first. [44:29]
- Creating a feedback loop and finding a way to educate the market on the science of the formulation behind Hydrant. [45:34]
- Arman asks John about what keeps him up at night in relation to the business he’s running and what that’s like. [52:10]
- Inspiring closing thoughts. [01:00:33]
Resources/links:
- Learn more about John Sherwin
- Mention of Hydrant
- Mention of Cochrane Report
For complete show notes and links to all resources mentioned head to: http://assadi.me/johnsherwin
***
If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a short 17-second review on Apple Podcasts here. It means a lot to me and really supports the podcast.
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Dec 22 2020
1hr 1min
Rank #6: 52. Is Happiness a Choice? Unpacking a Profound Question

Part of my journey in life is to learn, experiment, and share the ideas of what I’ve uncovered.
Happiness is a topic that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.
First of all, let's define it. What is happiness?
And once we agree on that, how do we attain it?
Resources/links:
- Mention of Gretchen Ruben
- Mention of Epictetus
- Mention of Tony Robbins
- Mention of Jim Carrey
- Mention of Flow Ep 8
- Mention of Carl Jung
For complete show notes and links to all resources mentioned head to: armanassadi.com/podcast
***
If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a short 17-second review on Apple Podcasts here. It means a lot to me and really supports the podcast.
Text me directly at: 619-825-2595
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For show notes and more visit: armanassadi.com/podcast
To work with me: armanassadi.com/consulting
Dec 15 2020
26mins
Rank #7: 51. Justin Donald | Becoming Rich & Free with Lifestyle Cash Flow Investing

Justin Donald is the master of Lifestyle Investing. The moment I was introduced to Justin, I knew he was the real deal and became fascinated by his ideas and honest approach to creating true freedom.
Justin has mastered a unique methodology for low-risk, repeatable, cash flow investing, and has recently made it his mission to teach others how to do the same.
Justin’s "10 Commandments" of investing are revealed in inspiring detail in his upcoming book The Lifestyle Investor where he shares the secrets that empowered him to multiply his net worth to over eight figures in less than two years—before doubling it just two years later.
Show Notes:
- Intro: Arman sets the stage and provides background on Justin, how they met, and the topic of today’s episode. [00:15]
- Arman and Justin talk about traveling, lifestyle investing, and the autonomy of time freedom. [05:13]
- Creating leverage in our lives in order to maximize the feeling of personal fulfillment and to take care of those we love. [09:09]
- Being chained to your business and the danger of becoming a slave to it. [10:49]
- On hedonic adaptation. [14:56]
- Passive income and low-risk investing. [16:59]
- Recognizing good deals and what to look out for when making positive ROI investment decisions. [21:19]
- Risk-management and diversifying your portfolio. [25:01]
- Preferred returns and waterfalls. [33:03]
- What’s your favorite kind of deal to invest in? [38:32]
- Profiting in a way that’s non-taxable. [40:48]
- Arman asks Justin about his North Star. [43:26]
- Skepticism in this industry. [54:54]
- Getting started and making a decision to get in the game. [57:16]
- Equity investing and speculative investments. [01:01:10]
- Inspiring closing thoughts. [01:07:13]
Resources/links:
- Learn more about Justin Donald
- Mention of Ep 2 Flow With Arman - Nick Urbani
- Mention of Bubbly Belle
- Mention of Tesla
- Mention of Justin Donald’s 10 Commandments
- Mention of Tiger 21 Investment Group
- Mention of Grant Cardone
- Mention of The Lifestyle Investor Podcast
For complete show notes and links to all resources mentioned head to:
http://assadi.me/jdonald
***
If you enjoy the show please subscribe and leave a short 17-second review on Apple Podcasts here. It means a lot to me and really supports the podcast.
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Dec 08 2020
1hr 12mins
Rank #8: 50. A Milestone | The Journey of Flow and Mastery

We’ve reached a milestone—episode 50!
In this special solo episode I go over the journey so far, how this podcast has evolved, where it’s going, and how my thoughts on mastery and fulfillment in your life and career has changed recently.
For complete show notes and links to all resources mentioned head to: armanassadi.com/podcast
***
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Dec 01 2020
24mins
Rank #9: 49. A Debate on Cancel Culture, Race, Politics, & the Workplace with Ketan Anjaria

We have a very different episode today. As you know, I am always making sure to expose myself to different perspectives. Today, I have a conversation and (mostly civil and friendly lol) debate with my friend Ketan Anjaria on cancel culture, politics, race, workplace diversity, and much more.
Ketan Anjaria is the Founder and CEO of HireClub, that he started as a Facebook group with his 25 friends as a way to hire great people. It has now grown to an engaging and supportive career community of more than 33,000 members and counting.
He has helped thousands of clients globally with delightful design, beautiful branding, and crisp code for mobile and web applications.
Show Notes:
- Intro: Arman sets the stage and provides background on Ketan, how they met, and the topic of today’s episode. [00:10]
- Arman and Ketan get into an interesting discussion about the presidential election and the differing opinions they have. [04:47]
- Is America great for me? [06:28]
- Fascism. [12:37]
- The danger of cognitive biases. [16:39]
- Should abortion be legal? [18:05]
- Equal opportunity and government welfare. [19:35]
- The information war that’s happening right now. [22:27]
- Freedom of speech and censorship. [24:14]
- Racism and the police. [30:10]
- Solving gun violence. [43:30]
- Finding enemies in political discourse and disagreements. [52:51]
- Can equality feel like oppression? [01:02:43]
- Understanding the differences between people. [01:07:27]
- Prejudice and assumptions. [01:15:57]
- We get taught societally what’s okay and what isn’t. [01:23:10]
- Awareness and the willingness to be aware. [01:25:13]
- Self-care, taking care of your needs and the importance of resiliency in creating lasting success. [01:31:59]
- Inspiring closing thoughts. [01:36:48]
Resources/links:
- Learn more about Ketan Anjaria
- Mention of HireClub
- Mention of Cancel Culture
- Mention of George Floyd
- Mention of Sam Harris
- Mention of The Democracy Index
For complete show notes and links to all resources mentioned head to:
assadi.me/ketananjaria
***
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Nov 24 2020
1hr 40mins
Rank #10: 48. Kevin Kelly on God, The Future, and A.I.

Ladies and gentlemen...the one and only, Kevin Kelly!
I have been waiting to do this interview for quite some time, and I am honored that Kevin made the time for me. This was an absolutely riveting, mind-expanding conversation.
Kevin Kelly is the Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. He co-founded Wired in 1993, and served as its Executive Editor for its first seven years. His new book for Viking/Penguin is called The Inevitable, which is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller. He is a futurist and a remarkable human being. I must say I agree with Tim Ferriss's description — Kevin is truly the real-life Most Interesting Man In The World.
Show Notes:
- Intro: Arman sets the stage and provides background on Kevin, how they met, and the topic of today’s episode. [00:12]
- Kevin and Arman get into a discussion about the origins of language. [04:27]
- Self-awareness is self-mapping. [06:38]
- Multiple dimensions of consciousness. [09:33]
- What A.I. can teach us about cognition and vectors of intelligence. [11:28]
- It’s impossible to optimize for everything. [12:26]
- Cyborgs and the extension of self that technology provides. [17:25]
- Creating a technological future that you actually want to live in. [25:45]
- Technology seen as a cosmic force that’s compatible with life. [30:05]
- Kevin talks about the possibility of a future where we are able to create beings who are conscious and self-aware. [35:38]
- Arman asks Kevin about his perspective on the concept of soul, spirit and divinity. [42:15]
- The Paradox of creation and a self-created God. [44:43]
- Engineering robots to feel pain. [53:10]
- Inspiring closing thoughts. [54:46]
Resources/links:
- Learn more about Kevin Kelly
- Mention of Wired
- Mention of The Silver Cord - Kevin Kelly
- Mention of Technium blog
- Mention of Weekly newsletter Recomendo
- Mention of Vanishing Asia book in Instagram
- Mention of Weekly podcast about the four favorite tools of remarkable people
- Mention of Daily Cool Tools website
- Mention of TRY video channel
- Mention of SUM - David Eagleman
For show notes and links to all mentioned resources please visit: assadi.me/kevinkelly
***
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Nov 17 2020
57mins