Noah Kagan Presents

In today’s episode, I talk to John Paul Dejoria of Paul Mitchell haircare and Patron Tequila. John Paul is a BILLIONAIRE. Both of his companies are billion-dollar empires, but this dude didn’t just have everything handed to him. He grew up on the streets of LA, started his hair care company out of his car, lived off $2 dollars per day, and HUSTLED to make his dreams happen. And now, he gives a ton of it back to charity. Check out JPJ’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation at www.PeaceLoveHappinessFoundation.org/. And check out his documentary: https://www.goodfortunemovie.com/  If you’ve ever wanted to learn about how to scale billion-dollar brands in totally unrelated industries, you’ll love this episode. In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: - How knocking on doors made him a billionaire - Why you DO NOT want to be in the “selling” business - And why you can’t believe what people tell you about yourself Enjoy those 3 things… plus a bunch more ear nuggets along the way. 

Round 20 of answering your Q&As with your uncle Noah. In this episode, we are going to talk about:  - How to price a subscription. - Sourcing outside help with financing your business - The billion-dollar question about billion-dollar businesses And if you want me to answer your question in a future episode, submit here: https://okdork.com/asknoah   P.S. Need help turning a business idea into reality? I reopened my course Monthly1K for just $10 (kinda limited time). Sign up at OkDork.com/Monthly1K.

In today’s episode, I’m giving y’all an update on what’s going on at AppSumo! This is a new series we’re trying out called This Week at AppSumo (aka, TWAS).  I think most of you out there know that I’m the founder and CEO of AppSumo (the BEST site for software deals online!) and since I started it 13 years ago, it’s grown to a 8-figure/year company. But the truth is — I’m still learning new things every day at the business. So these episodes are my time to share what I’m learning, mistakes we’ve made, and behind-the-scenes moments at the business that you won’t find anywhere else.  If you’re a founder, I hope these episodes give you ideas of things to try in your business (or maybe NOT try…) or I hope you find them interesting and entertaining! Hit me up on Instagram and let me know what you think about this new series (I reply to DMs). If you’ve ever wanted to learn about the day-to-day decisions we make to grow AppSumo, you’ll love this episode. In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 5 BIG things: What are 'Re

  Manny is a SUPER successful real estate entrepreneur with a net worth of over $200 million dollars — but he didn’t come from a wealthy family and he wasn’t born with the “right” connections… In fact, life wasn’t always easy for Manny and his family.   They immigrated to the US when Manny was young, fleeing a war-torn environment, and Manny actually knew NOTHING about America when he arrived. He couldn’t even speak English and his family slept in a car to save money.   Today, Manny is a luxury car enthusiast and created a real estate empire — and, he teaches people how to invest and profit off real estate in his online courses, which you can find at www.MannyKhoshbin.com   He’s come a LONG way.   Check out Manny on Instagram @MannyKhoshbin   If you’ve ever wanted to learn about how to go from selling nuts door-to-door to having a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio (yes, Manny did that), then you’ll love this episode.   In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: - How Manny bounced back from lo

In today’s episode, I talk to serial entrepreneur and commodities trader Rafa Martinez.   Rafa is on his way to billionaire status — he got massive success by trading natural commodities on the stock market and starting businesses.   But life hasn’t always been easy for Rafa.   When Rafa was 12, he immigrated to the US from El Salvador with his family — escaping crime and violence from the civil war. They came to the US with the dream of a better life and future, but had to start completely from scratch working minimum wage jobs and living in a 1½ bedroom apartment as a family.   Rafa has one of the most touching rags to riches stories I’ve ever heard — can’t wait for you to hear it.   Check out Rafa on Instagram @RafaMartinez812 and Rafa’s racing club.   If you’ve ever wanted to learn about how to get massive success after losing everything, you’ll love this episode.   In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: - Rafa’s no BS explanation of how he ACTUALLY became a millionaire trading natural gas - Wh

In today’s episode, I’m giving y’all an update on what’s going on at AppSumo! This is a new series we’re trying out called This Week at AppSumo (aka, TWAS). I think most of you out there know that I’m the founder and CEO of AppSumo (the BEST site for software deals online!) and since I started it 13 years ago, it’s grown to a 8-figure/year company. But the truth is — I’m still learning new things every day at the business. So these episodes are my time to share what I’m learning, mistakes we’ve made, and behind-the-scenes moments at the business that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re a founder, I hope these episodes give you ideas of things to try in your business (or maybe NOT try…) or I hope you find them interesting and entertaining! Hit me up on Instagram and let me know what you think about this new series (I reply to DMs).  If you’ve ever wanted to learn about the day-to-day decisions we make to grow AppSumo, you’ll love this episode.   In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: - Learning F

What’s up, you beautiful bastards. It’s your boy Jam Out aka Rabbi Can’t Lose aka Noah Kagan. This episode is part of the Ask Noah Series. I was #30 at Facebook, #4 at Mint.com, and I’ve helped build a bunch of companies that have done pretty well. Today, I run AppSumo.com. It is the #1 website for software deals. We promote INSANE software at great prices for solopreneurs.  If you are growing or starting an online business, go check out AppSumo.com. Today, we have 3 amazing questions we’ll be going over: When did you know it was time to hire and what role was it for? I feel like I’m special and can do more than others… Do all entrepreneurs feel that way? Do you have to feel like that to be successful? Every business idea I have already exists and it stops me from taking action!!!  These are questions you’ve submitted, and I’m going be giving you detailed answers about them.  Submit your own questions at OkDork.com/AskNoah.

In today’s episode, I was inspired by the awesome dudes over at the Tropical MBA Podcast to share some more PERSONAL things going on in my life. We’re talking about what it feels like to be a founder. I think a lot of times people look at my Twitter (@NoahKagan) or YouTube channel, or even AppSumo’s website, and think that everything’s going AMAZING. But the truth is… There have been some challenging things going on lately over at AppSumo. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about what’s going on in my life and with AppSumo, you’ll love this episode. In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: What people THINK being a founder is like… vs. the reality of what it’s ACTUALLY like Plus, 2 big things that can help all you founders out there when things aren’t going to plan Enjoy those 3 things… plus a bunch more ear nuggets along the way.   Get weekly updates from me here: OkDork.com/Newsletter/ Also, if you want to launch your own business but don’t know where to start, I reopened my course Monthly1K for just

In today’s episode, I talk to Anand Sanwal of the market research company, CB Insights.  Anand bootstrapped CB Insights for 6 years… And now it’s worth over $100 million dollars!!!  He’s a really impressive guy and knows a thing or two about growing a company.  This episode also goes into the current state of the startup market, the importance of defining the right priorities for your business, and why every business SHOULDN’T appeal to every customer.  Check out Anand Sanwal on Twitter at @asanwal.  If you’ve ever wanted to learn about the data that’s driving businesses forward, you’ll love this episode.  In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: - The difference between good ideas and bad ideas, and why you need to be able to identify them - The fiction book that taught Anand the MOST about business - And the ONE sub-market that’s raising a TON of money right now  Enjoy those 3 things… plus a bunch more ear nuggets along the way. Also, if you want to launch your own business but don’t know where to

In today’s episode, I revisit one of our most popular episodes EVER. I talk to Ali Abdaal - a UK-based Youtuber who grew his channel to over 4.2 million subscribers in 5 years WHILE being a full-time doctor. We recorded an interview back in June 2021 where I detailed exactly how he was able to pull this off, so make sure to check it out if you’re interested in growing your audience while working a full-time job.  If you’ve ever wanted to learn about how to identify and refocus your energy on the things that matter most, you’ll love this episode. You’ll enjoy 3 BIG things from this conversation: - Why Ali set up an email account to find his future wife - How to find purpose and meaning - The difference between Type 1 & Type 2 fun Enjoy those 3 things… plus a bunch more ear nuggets along the way. Also, if you want to launch your own business but don’t know where to start, I reopened my course Monthly1K for just $10. It’s helped thousands of people start their business journey and I know it will help you, to

What’s up, you beautiful bastards. It’s your boy Paella Lover aka Rabbi Can’t Lose aka Noah Kagan.  This episode is part of the Ask Noah Series. I was #30 at Facebook, #4 at Mint.com, and I’ve helped build a bunch of companies that have done pretty well.  Today, I run AppSumo.com. It is the #1 website for software deals. We promote INSANE software at great prices for solopreneurs.   If you are growing or starting an online business, go check out AppSumo.com.   Today, we have 3 amazing questions we’ll be going over: What I would do to 4X my customer growth in 2023 How to STOP overanalyzing and just get started And what should you do: pick your business or your day job??? These are questions you’ve submitted, and I’m going be giving you detailed answers about them.  Submit your own questions at OkDork.com/AskNoah.

In today’s episode, I talk to Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired magazine. Kevin is a writer, photographer, and philanthropist best known for his role as the executive editor of Wired, one of the top technology magazines in the world!  He travels all over the world giving talks on things like the clock he built that will tick for 10,000 years, and why he’s cataloging every living species on earth. Plus, he’s a best-selling author of many books, and his latest one is out now! Check out Excellent Advice for Living for bits of advice Kevin wished he knew earlier in his life, and tweet-sized bits of wisdom. You can order it on Amazon right now! If you’ve ever wanted to learn about what EVERYONE’S life purpose is, you’ll love this episode.  In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: 1. Why you DON’T want to be great (greatness is overrated) 2. What actually stops people from succeeding (spoiler alert: it’s NOT money) 3. The “immediacy filter” that defines his schedule  Enjoy those 3 things… plus a bunch more e

In today’s episode, we’re trying something different!   Usually, y’all know I have one guest and I ask them a whole bunch of questions.    BUT today, I have THREE guests. And I asked each of them to give me the advice they wish they could tell their 20-year-old self.   In today’s episode, you’ll hear from:   - Bing Gordon: Former chief creative officer of the video game company Electronic Arts  - Paul Orfalea: Founder of Kinkos… which sold for over $2.6 BILLION dollars!! - And Bob Metcalfe: Who invented the ethernet cable… which was the original internet.   ALL of these guys have two things in common: They’re AT LEAST 70-years-old and they’re all multi-millionaires… or billionaires!   Who better to get advice from in your 20s!? If you’ve ever wanted to learn about what 70 year-olds would tell their 20-year-old selves, you’ll love this episode.   In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: - What Bing Gordon DIDN’T do in his 20s that would have made his life a whole lot easier - The advice Paul Orfalea

In today’s episode, I talk to Andrew Viterbi, co-founder of Qualcomm and creator of the Viterbi algorithm. When Andrew was just 4 years old, he came to the US as a refugee from Italy. By 10 years old, he already had a passion for math and technology and wanted to study at MIT university (spoiler alert… he did!). Now, Andrew is in his 80s!!!! And he’s known for being the co-founder of Qualcomm — a $120 BILLION dollar company!!! And he also invented the Viterbi algorithm.  If you’ve ever wanted to learn about how to invent an algorithm and make your own luck, you’ll love this episode. In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: - How money changed Andrew’s life coming from nothing to being a billionaire - If Andrew regrets working as hard as he did to get major success - And the #1 thing he thinks startups NEED to be successful   Enjoy those 3 things… plus a bunch more ear nuggets along the way. If you want to launch your own business but don’t know where to start, I reopened my course Monthly1K for just $

Today’s guest needs no introduction — it’s Steve Chou!! The husband behind My Wife Quit Her Job, entrepreneur extraordinaire, and now third-timer on this podcast (I think he gets first place for most appearances on the pod… Thanks Steve!) Not only is Steve a million-dollar entrepreneur and popular content creator, but he’s also a dad to two teenage kids — and spoiler alert… they still like him!!! And today, Steve’s here to talk about how he made that happen, and why he wrote a book about it… Check out Steve’s new book at: The Family First Entrepreneur If you’ve ever wanted to learn about how to make BIG money without sacrificing family time, you’ll love this episode.   In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: - The three words I told Steve that helped him make a million bucks… but almost cost him his marriage (oops… sorry Steve) - Steve’s plan to make his kid’s college applications BETTER than the competition - Why ego is the BEST friend everyone should have   Enjoy those 3 things… plus a bunch more

In today’s episode, I talk about my dinner with Peter Thiel.   He is the co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, a billionaire investor, and the author of the bestselling book Zero to One.   In late 2021, my best friend Nevile and I had an opportunity to grab dinner with him and it was a WILD experience.    Here’s a few GIGANTIC nuggets you are gonna learn in this episode: 1. Waking up early, drinking wine, and willpower 2. What kind of phone Peter uses 3. Zombification of all thoughts   Enjoy those 3 things plus a bunch more along the way.   P.S. Need help turning a business idea into reality? I reopened my course Monthly1K for just $10 (kinda limited time). Sign up at OkDork.com/Monthly1K. ✉️ Signup for my weekly newsletter (I reply to emails): https://okdork.com/email-newsletter/ 

In today’s episode, I talk to Suumit Shah of Dukaan.  Suumit is a software engineer from Bangalore, India—AKA the Silicon Valley of India!! When the pandemic started and people everywhere were looking for ways to sell online, Suumit noticed a BIG problem. There were tons of websites to help people start online stores but NONE of them were smartphone friendly. So he created Dukaan in 48-hours. (Y’all know I’m a BIG fan of building a business in a weekend!!) Then he listed it on AppSumo to get customers and make $130k. Dang. Good work Suumit!! You can actually shop Dukaan on AppSumo RIGHT NOW. It’s just $69, there’s no subscription fees, and you can set up a store right from your phone. Go to www.AppSumo.com/Products/Dukaan If you’ve ever wanted to learn about what the Silicon Valley of India is like, you’ll love this episode. In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: - What people DON’T know about India’s entrepreneurship scene - Suumit’s biggest life lesson for people to succeed and stand out like he

Last week I did a LIVE podcast episode for the first time with some friends:   - Neville Medhora of Copywriting Course - Sam Parr of The Hustle and My First Million Podcast - Nick Gray, author of the The 2-Hour Cocktail Party and founder of Museum Hack - Justin Mares of Kettle & Fire, Surely Non-Alcoholic Wine, and Perfect Keto   It was great, y’all.    Thanks to SXSW and the AppSumo team for organizing it, and the audience for coming out.   We talked all about how to succeed as a content creator 2023, there was an audience Q&A, and it was a ton of fun.   If you’ve ever wanted to learn exactly how content creators get successful, you’ll love this episode.   In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: 1. What content channels we’re MOST excited about right now 2. The tools we NEED to make the best content 3. And the EXACT formulas we use to grow our audience today   Enjoy those 3 things… plus a bunch more ear nuggets along the way.   Check out some of the tools I mention in the episode:   - Castm

In today’s episode, I talk to 19-year-old business student and entrepreneur, Leif Rasmussen!   I met Leif and his dad randomly, and it worked out perfectly because y’all ask me all the time what advice I have for young entrepreneurs. But, I haven’t been a teenager in a long time!   Luckily, Leif is a 19-year-old business student here in Austin, and he also runs a knife-sharpening business on the side that makes about $20k/year!   Check out Leif’s knife-sharpening business at SharpNAustin.com. So in today’s episode, Leif asks me questions about how to succeed as a young entrepreneur and I ask him about his business goals—and we get into some deep life conversations along the way.   If you’ve ever wanted to learn what it’s like to be a young entrepreneur, you’ll love this episode.   In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: How to put yourself in a position of hypergrowth, no matter what age you are Why you need to surround yourself with people who DISAGREE with you And how to experiment with th

In today’s episode, I talk to Grammy-nominated musician, Ben Kweller.   Ben started in the music industry when he was 12 years old! He was part of the popular band Radish—which was signed to major record label, Mercury Records.    But when Ben was 19, Radish disbanded. So Ben moved to New York and went solo.   30 years later, he’s still releasing new music, runs a production studio, and mentors musicians to help them navigate the behind-the-scenes side of the music industry.   Check out Ben Kweller’s music wherever you listen, and get more from him on his website BenKweller.com.   If you’ve ever wanted to learn about what it’s like to be a young rockstar, you’ll love this episode.   In this conversation, you’ll enjoy 3 BIG things: 1. Why Ben never had a backup plan out of the music industry 2. How “jam-nesia” is the KEY to having a long-term music career  3. And what ACTUALLY makes you money as a musician (spoiler alert: it’s not your songs)   Enjoy those 3 things… plus a bunch more ear nuggets along the way