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Smart Nonsense

ByDylan Jardon & Henry Belcaster
331 episodes

Podcast Summary

Dive into "Smart Nonsense," the podcast that transforms complex ideas into accessible conversations. Hosted by a dynamic duo, this show invites listeners on a journey through the realms of creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. What sets "Smart Nonsense" apart is its blend of humor and insightful discourse, making even the most intricate subjects feel relatable. Listeners can expect thought-provoking discussions with a stellar lineup of guests, including influential thinkers like Tim Ferriss and Shane Parrish. These conversations delve into topics such as the art of effective storytelling, the nuances of building a successful newsletter, and the strategies behind launching innovative apps. With a focus on practicality and inspiration, "Smart Nonsense" not only entertains but empowers you to think differently about the world around you. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or just curious about new ideas, tune in and embrace the unconventional wisdom that awaits!

#1

I Am Chess.com Now | Smart Nonsense #341

Newsletter: app: a video editor: Hockey blocked shots injury(1:33) Sean Puri "toxic girlfriend" saga(3:20) Turkey trip makes people think I'm gay(4:25) Flight lesson cancelled by fog(7:17) Windy.com weather data discovery(14:27) Ken Griffin's secret weather advantage(18:55) Chess.com 150M ARR deep dive(25:32) 2 AM chess friends from Poland(30:15) First wins = 4x user retention(35:10) Playing Mark Rober chess bot

2025-06-03•40mins
#2

I Am Jony Ive Now | Smart Nonsense #340

Newsletter: app: a video editor: Intro & Tartan Windmill Regrets(1:35) Jeff Bezos First Principles & Being in the Room(4:01) Draw V2 Surprise Launch - Johnny IV Jr(9:26) "Living It Up" & Mystery DM Follow(12:32) Cleo Abram Sponsorship Competition(16:36) Flight School & $2,000 Gear(18:03) Brain Blast Roadmap - Solo vs Multiplayer(24:00) David Blaine & Swami Mantra Magic Book(28:24) Peter Thiel Freaks Out Over Magic Trick(29:31) Potential Date & Swakopmund Reveal

2025-05-18•30mins
#3

I’ve Changed My Mind About Dating | Smart Nonsense #339

Newsletter: app: a video editor: "Chimpanzee" mic test debate(2:25) Two-club golf philosophy(6:03) Retiring the Spaniard bar(9:12) Ivy League parties & $80K watches(12:36) "She lied about Harvard AND hockey"(15:51) Accidental chess grandmaster encounter(19:04) Pilot gear obsession explained(21:35) $1500 headset & astronaut sunglasses(23:40) "It's all a business write-off"(24:51) Dating someone with Space Force connections

2025-05-17•21mins
#4

I Live in Disneyland | Smart Nonsense #338

Newsletter: app: a video editor: "NYC is basically Disneyland for adults" - Spring update and urban living metaphors(3:42) Speech anxiety & King's Speech moment - Tackling public speaking challenges(7:15) Soho House pool encounters - Almost meeting "Twitter hot" person(10:23) Weekend plans: The Spaniard bar & becoming a pilot - Flight school ambitions(13:57) Bloody nose chronicles - Pool paranoia and tampon solutions(17:31) Dark turn: Bike accident story - Sobering reminder about street safety(20:15) "Make the thing exist first, make it good later" - App development philosophy(23:46) UI vs UX debate - Why functionality beats pretty design in early development(26:21) The blank screen problem - Creating engaging first experiences in the app(29:35) Learning from mistakes - SAT practice and tackling "the discriminant"

2025-05-16•27mins
#5

I Got Water Boarded in Istanbul | Smart Nonsense #332

Newsletter: app: a video editor: Intro & Forgotten Rainbow of Life(2:35) NYC Rant: The City That Don't Sleep Sucks(6:10) Mike Wazowski Body Problems(11:25) Turkey Trip: The Last-Minute Adventure(15:47) Beach Town Disaster: "Imagine This Place In Season"(19:32) Hot Air Balloon Rides in Cappadocia(23:15) Epic Hog Adventure: Tearing Through Mountain Ridges(27:38) The Ravine Disaster: When Google Maps Betrays You(35:42) Type 2 Fun vs Type 3 Fun: Two Ways to Handle Disaster(39:50) Istanbul: Soho House and Turkish Baths from Hell

2025-05-14•47mins
#6

We Went Back to High School | Smart Nonsense #337

Newsletter: app: a video editor: Brain blasted back to high school(0:58) Trade secrets spilled immediately(2:10) Using your own crappy product(3:45) Online test over stinky library(5:42) Calculator app disaster(9:36) Module 1: crushing easy problems(11:40) Bookmark management crisis(14:00) SAT prep = medieval torture(17:30) Score breakdown envy(21:20) SCORE REVEAL: Dylan's shocking 710(22:40) Pop's revenge: 730 domination(24:30) 80% effective, 10x more fun(26:35) Next step: actual studying

2025-05-14•31mins
#7

I Am Steve Jobs Now | Smart Nonsense #336

Episode with Henry and Dylan(0:00) One-take pod attempt fails immediately(0:28) Season of giving (all seasons)(0:54) Emptying someone else's dishes(1:12) Adults don't need kitchens anymore(1:40) Friend discovers pasta for first time(2:40) HubSpot returns to Clipt (full circle)(3:28) Wings smart scale confusion(4:42) Weather reports from bathroom scales(5:15) Snuffleupagus nose problems(6:12) The glasses revelation (she couldn't see him)(7:02) Forced CVS trip for allergy meds(7:35) Steve Jobs' right-hand man(8:14) Acupuncture miracle cure(9:36) Different doctor reactions to miracle cures(10:35) Apothecary and bloodletting remedies(11:02) Jobs died from minced apples (not really)(11:42) Acupuncture experience in Rhode Island(13:02) Learning from Steve Jobs' posse(13:29) Steve Jobs HATED styluses(14:40) "We're born with 10 styluses" (fingers)(15:20) Brain Blast draw mode drops(16:08) The pencil vs. phone writing challenge(17:18) The friction advantage (think before you write)(18:04) Big J delivers the coding miracle(19:10) Drawing on the app (it actually works)(20:30) Two-finger scrolling discovery(21:30) Smooth transitions between app screens(22:30) Product development priorities struggle(23:38) Disagreeing more when building software(24:45) Steve Jobs and dog-fooding your product(26:10) Game modes: solo, async, and sync play(27:30) Learning radians through Brain Blast(28:45) Getting crushed by lightning-fast answers

2025-05-13•30mins
#8

I Think I’m Evan Spiegel (Snapchat Founder) | Smart Nonsense #335

Episode with Henry and DylanTimestamps:(0:00) WTF is this podcast?(0:55) Dad said don't (did anyway)(1:58) Creepy staring 101(3:30) Sunglasses hack(4:21) Pro-level glancing(5:05) Dog learns Chinese(5:38) Irish guy's Chinese flex(8:10) TRADE SECRETS ALERT!(8:44) Fake Spiegel texts(9:36) Peekaboo → Snapchat(10:30) Spiegel: genius or lucky?(11:42) Do one thing well(12:50) "Making an app" kills conversations(13:45) Two ideas, one dev(14:40) Channeling Jobs(16:12) Toilet-friendly SAT(17:45) Fat finger solutions(19:35) Pencil kit breakthrough(21:20) Infinite canvas hell(23:15) Everything is janky(24:40) Nobody's playing

2025-05-12•26mins

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#9

Going Down the Mountain to Come Back Up | Smart Nonsense #334

Episode with Henry and Dylan🕘Timestamps:(0:00) "I'M SUPERMAN!"(1:17) Lone Nut Theory(2:04) Flat Tire Karma(2:28) Backpack Elevator Hell(3:15) Bike Almost Kills Everyone(4:01) "ISOSICLES?!"(4:58) BOWLING BEEF(6:10) Shoe Shine Brendan Exposed(7:05) "Down to Go Up" Philosophy(8:12) Lefty Strikes vs. Trash Spin(9:04) Airport Mind Games(10:15) Exit Row Anxiety(11:27) "I Believe Nothing!"Recorded April 19, 2025

2025-05-09•17mins
#10

Turns Out We’re Building Snapchat for SAT

Episode with Henry and Dylan(0:00) - Intro(2:55) - Sweetgreen Rage(5:25) - Math Doesn’t Lie(6:53) - GOAT Gaslight(8:10) - Fries & Food Poisoning(10:30) - SAT Pivot(12:03) - From Mess to MVP(15:34) - Death to Curvy Lines(22:10) - Snapchat Scribbles(30:44) - Inbox = SAT EngineRecorded April 18, 2025

2025-05-08•36mins
#11

Naval Ravikant Ruined My Life

Episode with Henry and Dylan

2025-04-06•34mins
#12

Hiring a Unicorn iOS Developer

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:00) Podcast intro struggles(01:45) Unexpected golf meetup(02:22) Coping with stress through sports(03:34) Food poisoning experience(07:28) Discovering nightlife and friend group conflict(12:39) Hiring process and candidate traits(15:44) Challenges in selecting the right developer(16:57) Frontend vs. backend debate(20:38) Potential hackathon hiring approach(21:54) Evaluating code quality and technical skillsRecorded March 21, 2025

2025-03-24•30mins
#13

We’re Building the Next Duolingo..

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:00) Sickness update(01:11) Yes Man mentality(02:11) Weeklong birthday celebrations(04:58) Dating older women debate(07:02) Younger vs. older dating(09:03) Spongebob changes(10:15) New Spongebob vs. original(12:11) Work struggles(13:26) Brain Blast game development(23:40) Hiring challenge and CTA issuesRecorded March 13, 2025

2025-03-16•30mins
#14

How Saying 'Yes' Changed My Life

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:00) Tate McRae and Kid Laroi(03:05) Bruno Mars' music versatility(04:25) Embracing a "Yes Man" mindset(05:47) Video on personal feelings(07:08) Impact of saying "yes" more(08:42) Social life improvements(10:12) Rock climbing experience(13:41) Positive changes from Yes Man(15:52) Babysitting experience(19:06) Parenting challengesRecorded March 3, 2025

2025-03-14•21mins
#15

I’m a ‘Yes Man’ Now

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:00) Weekend reflections(01:31) Work vs. not work mindset(02:10) Sunday scaries vs. awesomes(03:31) Hockey tournament weekend(05:23) Flat tire adventure(07:09) BMX curb jumping lesson(08:16) Social vs. solo weekends(09:32) Shifting to a "yes" mindset(13:03) Saying yes improves relationships(16:57) Extending conversationsRecorded February 24, 2025

2025-02-26•20mins
#16

I Am Mr. Bea(s)t

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:00) Podcast evolution(01:58) Haircut struggles(03:09) Talent management(04:38) Mr. Beat vs. Mr. Beast(07:02) Brand deals strategy(09:26) Content creation workflow(10:36) Training team members(14:18) Remote vs. in-person work(17:53) SAT study insights(21:54) Understanding foundationsRecorded February 14, 2025

2025-02-20•28mins
#17

Our New 21 Year Old CEO

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:00) Introduction to Krishna(01:21) Future Admit - SAT Prep Startup(02:57) Growth via Social Media(06:16) Meeting in Person(07:37) Clipped - Scaling & Loans(09:31) $100M Future Admit Vision(12:21) Making Learning Fun(20:55) Entrepreneurship vs. Traditional Jobs(34:15) Future Plans & Expansion(42:40) Smart Nonsense MissionRecorded February 13, 2025

2025-02-19•49mins
#18

Learning Is Fun

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:00) Podcast intro(01:21) Makeshift standing desk(02:39) Late-night SAT cramming(03:58) Math obsession & problem-solving(05:40) Rediscovering fun in learning(08:44) School kills curiosity(09:20) Fascination with math history(12:09) Flow state & math addiction(14:36) Discovering social bars(18:40) Lowkey Valentine’s Day plansRecorded February 12, 2025

2025-02-18•19mins
#19

We Try and Stay Positive

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:00) Intro(01:15) Super Bowl talk(02:48) Criticism of live rap(05:38) AI sentiment analysis(06:19) Trail mix chocolate theft(08:34) Ice hockey enforcer kid(09:45) Kid’s birthday decree(12:57) Podcast editorial correction(14:41) Biking with sticky throttle(16:18) Clashing with old ladyRecorded February 10, 2025

2025-02-13•16mins
#20

Why Our Video Got 10 MILLION Views (Breakdown)

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:00) Short form content breakdown(02:37) Importance of strong hooks(05:12) Using interruptions for engagement(09:09) Character consistency in storytelling(11:51) Visual humor and timing(17:50) Effective shot composition(23:32) Refining reactions for clarity(26:49) Showing instead of telling(30:55) Enhancing comedic impact(42:39) Using sound design for tensionRecorded February 7, 2025

2025-02-12•48mins
#21

Breaking Down the Best Video on YouTube

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:00) Michael Reeves new video(01:46) Past live-streaming failures(03:02) F1 reaction time challenge(05:42) Viral game concept(07:58) Building the right product(09:30) Street Fighter game mistake(12:52) Management and decision-making(16:04) Balancing ownership and control(18:40) Michael Reeves' creativity(24:16) AI negotiating botRecorded February 7, 2025

2025-02-11•28mins
#22

We Are So Back (New Season)

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:00) New season begins(00:42) Existential crisis reflection(02:29) Late-night brainstorming(03:43) Accidental hackathon origins(04:54) Brain Blast focus shift(07:54) Perfectionism vs. shipping(16:46) Playable game build released(24:57) Game drives engagement(27:00) Iteration and simplification(37:35) Building simple SAT gameRecorded February 6, 2025

2025-02-11•49mins
#23

We Might Shut Down Everything..

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video(00:03) Discussing catching up to present day(01:25) Talk about Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga(02:04) Discussing Bruno's streaming numbers(03:24) Comparing Bruno Mars and Sexy Red's popularity(04:46) Bruno Mars's broad music success(05:28) Debating content creation versus business growth(08:14) Alex Horos's advice on software companies(09:22) David Sacks' advice on agency improvement(10:00) Mr. Beast’s approach to business and content(12:48) Building courses before software appsRecorded January 30, 2025

2025-02-11•36mins

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#24

I Played Hockey With the NHL

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video (00:03) Shaky camera issue (00:46) Cheap table discussion (01:31) Moving to New York (02:13) Company ambitions (02:48) Sisyphean snow shoveling (04:01) Manual labor as mental clarity (06:06) Billionaire friend's luxury hockey rink (07:45) Dream property with guest houses (09:01) Exclusive sports community (10:13) Missing chance to play with NHL legend (11:20) Golfing with David Sacks (12:29) Podcast guest quality concerns (13:49) New season, new content strategy (15:44) Making boring things fun (17:43) YouTube vs. building a billion-dollar company Recorded January 23, 2025

2025-02-07•20mins
#25

My Nightmare in Costa Rica

Episode with Henry and DylanWatch on Youtube & SubscribeWatch Henry's last Youtube video (00:00) New season begins (00:39) Pinky injury discussion (01:20) Story about friend with frequent bathroom issues (02:07) Food poisoning incident in Costa Rica (02:53) Unusual travel group dynamic (04:45) Severe sickness from eating bush meat (06:05) Struggle with vomiting and clogged sink (07:22) Malaysia food poisoning comparison (08:36) Extreme diarrhea is uncommon in developed countries (11:10) Travel companion obsessed with tanning (12:39) Concept of minimum viable sun exposure (14:31) Misconceptions about tanning through windows (17:19) Sudden shift in sun protection habits (19:17) Plan for a dedicated China & Malaysia discussion (20:47) Guide’s politically incorrect comments Recorded January 22, 2025

2025-02-06•25mins
#26

The Million Dollar Hair Idea

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded January 10, 2025

2025-02-03•17mins
#27

My Informed Take On Birth Control

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded December 20, 2024

2025-02-02•39mins
#28

I Got Caught Stalking a Girl

Episode with Henry and Dylan (00:00) Intro (01:23) New CEO Approach (02:29) Measure to Manage (04:10) Siloed Roles (05:48) Benefits of Being In-Person (06:48) Sunflower Hours (09:27) Fat Albert on Wheels (12:07) A Midnight Mishap (16:27) The Triple Down (20:47) Changing the Dating Criteria (26:23) The Hang Metric Recorded December 18, 2024

2025-02-01•28mins
#29

Derd Is Famous Now

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded November 22, 2024

2025-01-31•33mins
#30

I Sponsored a Hockey Team (I’m Broke)

Episode with Henry and Dylan (00:00) Halloween Vibes (02:14) Hockey Edits Take Over (05:34) Managing Projects (07:40) Life Without a Phone (11:14) The "Pay for Fun" Principle (13:25) The Value of Time with Friends (18:21) Supporting Specific Causes (20:56) High-Leverage Giving (21:30) The Sunflower Lifestyle (22:59) Preparing for Daylight Losing Recorded October 31, 2024

2025-01-30•23mins
#31

Running Is Bad for You..

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded October 24, 2024

2025-01-29•25mins
#32

Update From Our $2,500,000 CEO

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded October 22, 2024

2025-01-28•49mins
#33

The Greatest Musician in the World

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded October 18, 2024

2025-01-27•30mins
#34

Slaughtered by Our Million-Dollar Agency

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded October 17, 2024

2025-01-26•17mins
#35

I Got Roasted by a Billionaire

Episode with Henry and Dylan (00:00) Intro (00:47) Half Rack for Lunch (02:04) Amex Deals Spiral (03:15) Surprise Birthday Stress (04:27) Palmer Lucky Beef (07:29) Twitter Power (08:37) Billionaire Wisdom (09:45) The Smart Nonsense App (13:38) Making Learning Fun (17:56) SAT Learning Secrets (22:10) Costa Rica Planning (22:53) Founder Grind Debate Recorded October 9, 2024

2025-01-25•25mins
#36

Mondays Are Miserable..

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded October 7, 2024

2025-01-24•27mins
#37

Learning Game Design From Rocket League

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded October 4, 2024

2025-01-23•31mins
#38

Learning Game Design From Geoguessr

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded October 1, 2024

2025-01-22•35mins
#39

Building a $250,000,000 Agency

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded September 26, 2024

2025-01-21•27mins
#40

We’re Juggling a Lot of Businesses..

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded September 25, 2024

2025-01-20•37mins
#41

Our Trip to the Azores (Part 3)

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded September 24, 2024

2025-01-19•43mins
#42

Our Trip to the Azores (Part 2)

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded September 20, 2024

2025-01-18•47mins
#43

Our Trip to the Azores (Part 1)

Episode with Henry and Dylan Recorded September 18, 2024

2025-01-17•34mins
#44

Inventing the Next Tamagotchi

Episode with Henry and Dylan

2025-01-16•37mins
#45

Making a Billion Dollar SAT Company

Episode with Henry and Dylan (00:00) Intro & NYC 9/11 Tribute Lights(01:36) The Challenge of Creating a Viral Short(04:58) Coraline’s 3D Reboot Disappointment(10:11) Stink Bug, 4D Experiences & Bob’s Furniture Memories(14:44) Reinventing SAT Prep: Vision & Challenges Recorded September 12, 2024

2025-01-15•39mins
#46

I Should Have the Best Job in the World

Episode with Henry and Dylan (00:00) Intro & 9/11 Reflection(01:46) CEO Challenges & Creative Ads(04:12) Loneliness, Shorts, and Fun Comparisons(08:07) Move Fast and Make Things Philosophy(14:07) Fashion Changes and Style Inspirations

2025-01-14•33mins
#47

Finding a Wife With YouTube Shorts

Episode with Henry and Dylan (00:00) Intro & Recording Mishap(02:39) The Time Capsule Reflection(08:58) Tennis, Ambition, and Life Lessons(14:34) The Shorts-to-Wife Pipeline(19:16) Sports Injuries & Work Challenges

2025-01-13•20mins
#48

I’m Embarassed to Be a Youtuber

Episode with Henry and Dylan (00:00) Intro (01:31) Inventing a Cartoon (03:21) The YouTuber Identity Crisis (06:30) The Elevator Story (10:08) Dad’s Fitness Journey (13:01) Cartoon Character Chaos

2025-01-10•18mins
#49

The Problem With Every Cartoon

Episode with Henry and Dylan (0:00) Intro (2:24) Reflecting on cartoon inspirations: South Park, Family Guy, and SpongeBob (6:30) The first concept: Bureaucracity (11:53) Problems with human characters and the need for unique silhouettes (14:08) IP is king: The brilliance of SpongeBob's world (20:10) Pivotal characters from history as Derd’s friends (27:30) Exploring the Pangea concept and rethinking the show's world (33:04) How history and curiosity interact on Derd’s island (39:19) Concept evolution: Mixing historical accuracy with creative freedom

2024-12-27•46mins
#50

Cartoons Are Hard to Make..

Episode with Henry and Dylan (0:00) Intro (1:28) Podcast dynamics and business perception (6:34) Figuring out cartoon pilot (9:31) "SpongeBob" inspiration: humor and storyboarding (14:01) World-building challenges and character creation (22:17) Overcoming creative block and finding vision (29:11) Developing the cartoon's main character (38:21) Planning physical comedy and visual storytelling (44:43) Next steps

2024-12-26•45mins

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