Building a Software Company and Saying 'No' to Millions with Jason Fried
Jason Fried, founder and CEO of 37signals (makers of Basecamp, HEY, and ONCE), joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation covering software products and services, saying ‘no’ to millions, learning drums, and more. Jason shares his unique perspectives on building and running a hugely successful software company while staying true to his values.
Join us as we explore Jason's story and learn about:
- The motivation behind Basecamp's recent expansion into new products
- How Jason and his co-founder have structured the company to maximize independence and avoid things they don't want to do
- Thoughts on wealth and what he plans to do with the financial success of Basecamp
- Current interests and passions outside of work, and what he would do if he couldn't run Basecamp anymore
- Books and favorite products
Whether you're a tech entrepreneur or simply fascinated by the career of one of the industry's most unconventional and opinionated leaders, Jason's experiences and philosophies are sure to challenge and inspire you. Tune in for an honest and spontaneous discussion touching on the deepest questions in life and business.
Resources Mentioned
Drumeo (learning drums) www.drumeo.com/
Decent Espresso Machine: decentespresso.com/
1978 Porsche 928
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway: geni.us/eUu3
The Overstory by Richard Powers: geni.us/n5R4iq
Rabbit is Rich by John Updike: geni.us/UIOols
Hey Calendar www.hey.com/calendar/
Once: once.com/
Campfire: once.com/campfire
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
2:20 - Inspiration Behind Hey Calendar
3:47 - Fantastical vs. Hey Calendar
4:55 - What Keeps Jason Going
7:24 - Why Hey Calendar Caps at $99
9:09 - Jason’s Commitment to Independence
12:59 - Limits to Improvement and Acceptance
15:56 - Jason’s Plans on Growing His Business
19:12 - Learning to Trust CEO Hires
20:59 - Why Jason Decided to Build New Products After 10 Years
24:21 - Changing Your Mind & Balancing Growth and Maintenance
28:06 - Keeping Businesses Simple
32:20 - What Jason Does With His Money
36:28 - The Courage to Close A Business
39:42 - The Burden of Wealth: Philanthropy and Responsibility
42:43 - Finding Joy in Spaces and Experiences
45:11 - Alternate Career Paths Jason is Drawn To
48:01 - The Future and Existential Worries
52:56 - Growing Old, the Younger Generation, and Life
59:27 - Things Jason Has Been Loving Lately
62:49 - Embracing Fiction: The Power of Storytelling
🔗 Connect with Andrew:
Twitter/X: x.com/awilkinson (exclusive monthly AMAs for subscribers)
Website: www.neverenough.com/
Weekly recommendations: bit.ly/4bT6IRv
🔗 Connect with Jason:
Twitter/X: x.com/jasonfried
LinkedIn: / jason-fried
37signals: 37signals.com/
Пікірлер: 34
Arguably the best podcast. The host, Andrew, asks questions, and let's the guests speak, but knows super well when to drill down into more details. 10/10.
I couldn’t ask for two more inspirational people to be on a podcast together. I loved this 😍
Jason Fried is a legend. Him and DHH have always been ahead of the pack.
Had to check to make sure it wasn't Christmas cuz this is an absolute PRESENT
What an episode. Having access to this kind of sincere conversations on deep topics between the likes of Jason & Andrew, but them two in particular, is absolutely incredible. I don't think people realise just how valuable this is. I'm just glad all the pieces have fallen together in just the right way (tech, distribution, Andrew & others starting to do this) for this kind of content to (as Jason mentioned also) "exist in the world", and for me to be able to consume it & incorporate it into my thinking. They probably won't see this, but thanks for the episode Andrew, Jason.
Great reminder to keep things simple. Really enjoying Jason in his 50s. :)
Jason is always an interesting person to listen to, thanks for the interview! Also thanks for the book recommendations!
Great ep
Great pod! Jason is a hero of mine and I'm sure lots of others.
Fried is still a legend. Dude has been dropping knowledge for decades.
the last section of this podcast was the best part. when andrew and jason just talk about life and favorite products etc. cool that jason is so into espresso.
Man I love the way Jason thinks. Great stuff. Thanks Andrew!
Man Andrew is such a chill guy! Love the questions he asks
Like Jason, also motivated by being pissed off ha! Still in the trenches building software, these talks are great when you're in it.
really enjoyed this.. thanks for sharing with us!
Those who reach you easily. Maybe they don't know its importance. But I understand the value of reaching you. And maybe you don't want to understand how difficult it is for me to reach you. Can I get just one chance. Whose value probably no one can understand better than me.
Amazing conversation! Learnt a lot :)
@olivergilpin
21 күн бұрын
He’s here
Jiro Sr. finally retired - ran into his son at the tuna market earlier this year and he had finally taken over.
I love the book recommendations
Love thisssss
I heard Jason say drones, but he repeated and I think he said drums. :) I just took a Taiko Drumming class for the first time last week ... there is power in drums.
amazing pod with Jason, get David please
That was great
Y'all gotta try BYD's cars.
Hey Json, a big fan of you. I have a question on your comments on how you don't know how to grow your business to bigger than where it is right now, and that you don't really feel the need. It got me thinking if the employees of the company agree with this, or an alternative viewpoint if company owners have an obligation to grow and not settle down for the sake of employees' growth?
Is there anyone on the team available to make chapters?
You remember the basis of the movie Inception?
Just noticed something during that (very cool) interview... I'll just... leave that there. Mark Zuckerberg + Louis CK. That's it. Thank you.
Two rich guys lamenting how they have so much money it's almost an existential burden except for the awesome houses and cars and watches. Look, immense respect for what both Andrew and Jason built over the years, but making a podcast and patting each other on the back for an hour in front of the entire internet... I dunno. Feels pretentious.
@folrry
24 күн бұрын
I disagree that it's pretentious...
@untilwemeetagain_
24 күн бұрын
Jason, yes. Andrew is pretty chill/great interviewer. Jason gives off a shit doesn't stink vibe (funny, because Hey, though novel, is a pretty crap UI/UX).
@olivergilpin
21 күн бұрын
You missed the words
Loving this podcast, please let Jason Fried know he has an open invitation to visit my ceramics studio and create anytime he is in San Diego county. Art Wheel Studio 91932