In this urgent talk, Nick dismantles the illusion that most jobs in the recent past are actual sources of meaning and purpose. With AI and automation rapidly replacing traditional labor, he argues that we must stop clinging to outdated notions of work and instead embrace the next phase of human potential: creation. For too long, society has placed meaning in the exchange of money rather than the work itself—convincing us that our jobs are valuable because they allow us to provide for others or f...
Mar 07, 2025•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nick Smoot sits down with Brigadier General (Ret.) Blaine Holt for a deep-dive conversation on global power shifts, economic collapse, and the future of entrepreneurship. Blaine shares firsthand insights from his time working with NATO , dealing with Russia and China , and witnessing the hidden mechanics of war and diplomacy. They explore what comes next in a world where traditional systems are crumbling, and how entrepreneurs, investors, and community builders can prepare for the next chapter. ...
Mar 05, 2025•2 hr 52 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast 🔥 AI is eating politics alive—and two founders from the backwoods of Idaho are leading the charge. What happens when artificial intelligence meets democracy? When cold, hard data replaces political spin? When people get real-time transparency on what their government is actually doing? This isn’t some Silicon Valley utopian fantasy. This is happening right now —built by a team who isn't in DC, aren’t in the Ivy League, and definitely aren’t taking marching orders from political overlords. L...
Feb 14, 2025•2 hr 39 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast If you knew you’d live past 100 how would that change the way you plan your money, your career, and your purpose? Enter Curtis Estes , the financial visionary redefining how we prepare for a world where 120 is the new 60. As a top financial planner and the genius behind the Anti-Retirement Club (ARC) , Curtis has built a thriving community of forward-thinkers who refuse to let outdated financial models dictate their future. In this episode, Curtis unveils his revolutionary 120-Year Wealth Plan ,...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast Nick and Jamie jam about the future of work, venture capital, overlooked startup ecosystems, and more. Check out Jamie and his work at Parallel 18 . Join us over at build_ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Relocation to Puerto Rico 07:25 Investment Ecosystem in Puerto Rico 09:59 Government-Backed Venture Capital 12:46 Bridging Cultures in Venture Capital 15:41 The Anthony Bourdain Analogy 18:21 Rise of the Rest and Community Engagement 21:04 Experiences at Revolution and WeWork 24:06 Building Star...
Feb 01, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this conversation, Nick Smoot talks with Lenny Mendonca as they explore the themes of decentralization, community empowerment, and the evolution of economic systems. They discuss the importance of local governance, the role of innovation in economic growth, and the challenges posed by AI and automation. The conversation also touches on universal basic income, the need for civic engagement, and the future of education and economic mobility. Mendonca emphasizes the importance of community conve...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast In this conversation, Nick Smoot and Taylor Black of Microsoft discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, its implications for the workforce, and the importance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly automated world. They explore the balance between leveraging AI for productivity while ensuring that it does not diminish the human experience. The discussion also touches on corporate responsibility, the future of work, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI tech...
Jan 11, 2025•2 hr 30 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast Back in 2015 I hosted a conference where a true innovator and friend, Burt Rutan, poked fun at modern innovation and continued to challenge us all to bring the "cowboy energy" to the world of innovation. In this talk you will hear from an AI expert who is now at Microsoft, the former COO of the world's #1 autonomous delivery company, former CEO of a self driving car company, and NYT best selling author and now AI startup founder. Watch Black Sky Sign up for more info from us...
Dec 02, 2024•48 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast This conversation with Nick Smoot and Robert @Scobleizer was wild! 🔑 Key Takeaways (from @123wimi) 🧠 BCIs Transforming Lives Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are pushing boundaries with applications in mental health, immersive experiences, and human augmentation. 🤖 Robotics Driving Automation Industries face disruption from robotics and autonomous vehicles, especially in sectors like logistics and transportation, with potential for new tech-driven roles to emerge. 📊 AI Across Industries AI i...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you have ever wondered how you can build an innovation economy in a rural ag town... well then this is the podcast you do not want to miss. Liam is running one of the most successful innovation hubs in the country of Ireland and doing it in a town of 2,100 people! Please check out his work through the RDI Hub and ask for tips, tricks, and insights from the team there. They are fantastic! If you'd like to learn more about our work, get email updates, or maybe even be on the podcast, fill this ...
Nov 19, 2024•49 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode you will be inspired, challenged, and laugh due to the stories of The Founder and 20 year CEO of The North Face; Hap Klopp. If you want to be aware of these live events and more like them please fill out this form and we will get back to you. We are a wild community of creators who meet online and in-person to build the future together and have fun. https://forms.gle/qzvzCH8zuzFUudwB6 Reach out if you have questions, Nick@BuildCities.com and as always, go sign up at BuildCities.c...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Maria Effertz, the director of community services in the North Dakota Department of Commerce shares incredible and timely insights about the need and power of community development to boost economies. The work she is doing within the North Dakota Department of Commerce is incredible. This conversation covers policy, grassroots efforts, and the why behind community. Enjoy and please rate 5 stars.
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast Former Bank Executive and now... Interim Executive Director of the Spokane Symphony... Yes, that is what Russ Lee is doing in his "retirement" He took the bank he was leading through a $160M exit and now is leading a movement of music in the town he loves, Spokane, Wa. Listen as Russ tells stories of his childhood, career, and family. The honesty and humbleness of being clear about areas he wasn't good at as a young man are refreshing and insightful. Subscribe and share the episode. Check out th...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast In this live episode, Nick Smoot interviews Harry Amend who is a highly respected figure in education with over 41 years of experience. Throughout his career, Harry has served as a teacher, coach, counselor, principal, and superintendent, primarily in the Spokane Valley, Washington area. He played a key role in Washington’s education reform during his tenure as President of the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) in the late 1990s, collaborating with the state’s Superintendent...
Sep 07, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast Did you know Nick has been in the middle of gun fire, met with senators, and built and sold tech companies? This chapter dives into more of his background and how he approaches social and economic impact.
Feb 07, 2024•45 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast Did you know that 77% of youth do not qualify for military service due to mental and physical health issues? Did you know that 85% of employees are not engaged at work. Nick reads chapter 1 of his book, “Better” and talks about how to leverage a cities economic needs and systems to address these societal issues.
Feb 04, 2024•19 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the American Dream Factory: Ross Devol of Heartland Forward: https://heartlandforward.org/ Nick Smoot of Aesop Industries: https://www.aesopindustries.com/ Ross Devol is the president and CEO of Heartland Forward, a “think and do” tank based in Bentonville, Ark. Heartland Forward’s goal is to promote regional innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems that foster job creation, wage gains and economic growth for the American Heartland. Its mission through independent, data-drive...
Jan 20, 2024•27 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we hear from Scotti Schecter who leads a corporation that provides friendship and accountability to royalty, celebrities, and executives who are seeking a sober life. Scotti grew up as a child pop star, found himself on drugs, full of shame and homeless. After a long road to recovery, he is now leading a powerful platform that is helping the world get real with themselves and find a path to living the life they really seek. For more information head over to InnovationCollective.c...
Aug 18, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode I speak with Daniel about his journey through depression and how he is using Innovation Collective to help him find community and joy again. In this episode we do discuss suicide. If you need help, text or call 988. Head to InnovationCollective.co for more info
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The American Dream Factory, Nick Smoot interviews Steve Case. He is the visionary behind and the world changing company, America Online. Steve kindly joined some off the community from across the United States for an online live Q and A. In this conversation we discuss how to be a visionary, building companies, mentorship, self talk, and life purpose. For more information about Rise of the Rest visit https://revolution.com/entity/rotr/ . For more information about ...
Feb 11, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode I interview 3 brothers who grew up homeschooled in between Idaho and Texas that now work for Apple, Tesla, and Amazon. They discuss their childhood, what they think is important about parenting, education, and spirituality. Come on this journey with me as you meet the Coad Brothers. To get involved with our community go to www.InnovationCollective.co
Nov 10, 2022•2 hr 57 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast Enjoy this conversation with #Congressman #RoKhanna. He’s working hard to create better on-ramps to the #AmericanDream for everyone. In this discussion we explore #capitalism, dignity, and we even touch on the issue of #UniversalBasicIncome.
May 12, 2022•22 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Geoff Cottrill, legendary marketing guru shares stories about his family, creativity, and passion for how brands should interact with their customers. His experience comes from years leading marketing at coke, starbucks, converse, and top golf. www.InnovationCollective.co
Feb 23, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode Nick Smoot talks with Jim and Jamie Dutcher. They are the #1 experts in the world on wolves. The interview covers what we can learn from wolves as entrepreneurs and how we can live better lives. Support their work by purchasing a #WolvesNotUnicorns hat from Innovation Collective. You can order one from our Instagram post or email us- Info@innovationcollective.co
Nov 06, 2021•1 hr 25 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast The post Episode 006: The IC Model Pt. 2 appeared first on Innovation Collective.
Jun 29, 2021•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I interview Kiefer Stenseng who shares his story of how he found his way forward after finding himself hungover and homeless. It is people like Kiefer who have so many gifts and talents that could have gone wasted. Be like Kiefer and start to take steps towards living out your potential. If you’d like to have help finding your super power, reach out to us at Innovation Collective… we are helping people like you, build the tomorrow they want through community today. https://innov...
Jun 22, 2021•45 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast Nick Smoot discusses an interview he did with Thomas Tedder, founder and ceo of Alien Gear about his successful company. Thomas shared the feeling many entrepreneurs feel when building a company... imposter syndrome. For info on the IC Venture Studio, please go to https://www.innovationcollective.co/venture-studio/
Nov 13, 2020•7 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast The post Episode 005: The IC Model Pt. 1 appeared first on Innovation Collective .
Apr 30, 2020•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast The post Episode 004: Community Based Economic Development appeared first on Innovation Collective .
Feb 01, 2020•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast The post Episode 003: Whimsy appeared first on Innovation Collective .
Nov 08, 2019•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
