Best First Principles Podcasts (2025)

1
Part 2 - Manish Sabharwal of Teamlease on creating great ancestors, India’s development journey and ‘regulatory cholesterol’ 45:03

8d ago45:03

45:03

Premium subscribers of The Ken have full access to ALL our premium audio. They are available exclusively via The Ken’s subscriber apps. If you don’t have them, just download one and log in to unlock everything. Get your premium subscription using this link. Not a Premium subscriber? You can subscribe to The Ken Premium on Apple Podcasts for an easy…

1
SE01E022 - Building a Sellable Business, Not Just Revenue | With Will Melton 46:25

13d ago46:25

46:25

🚀 From Struggle to Strategy: Building a Sellable Business, Not Just Revenue Will Melton turned a childhood of financial hardship into a CEO mindset focused on enterprise value, not just income. With a clear 10x growth vision, he’s designing Exponent 21 to become a scalable, sellable asset, not just a hustle. 🤖 Dominate AI Search Before It Dominates…

1
Manish Sabharwal of Teamlease on creating great ancestors, India’s development journey and ‘regulatory cholesterol’ 1:04:32

15d ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Premium subscribers of The Ken have full access to ALL our premium audio. They are available exclusively via The Ken’s subscriber apps. If you don’t have them, just download one and log in to unlock everything. Get your premium subscription using this link. Not a Premium subscriber? You can subscribe to The Ken Premium on Apple Podcasts for an easy…

1
SE01E021 - The Lab That Personalizes Your Health Plan | With David and Melissa Ambrose 51:04

20d ago51:04

51:04

🔬 Wellness, Rewired: The Lab That Personalizes Your Health Plan Metafit RX isn’t a gym — it’s Richmond’s only evidence-based performance lab. Using DEXA scans, metabolic testing, and VO2 max data, they help people 40+ design health plans that actually work, based on your body, not industry fads. 💡 From Rock Bottom to Referrals: The Comeback Fueled …

1
SE01E020 - From Church Soundboard to CEO | With Alexis Maye 31:02

27d ago31:02

31:02

🎥 From Church Soundboards to CEO Alexis Michelle turned a childhood passion for media ministry into a thriving creative production agency—blending faith, grit, and hands-on experience in large-scale events, music, and storytelling. 📸 Creative Vision, Business Precision Balancing artistry with entrepreneurship, Alexis built a studio known for clean,…

1
SE01E019 - From Fashion to Furnishings, Built to Scale | With Kathy Corbet 45:42

1M ago45:42

45:42

🛋️ From Fashion to Furnishings, Built to Scale With roots in New York’s Garment Center and decades of design experience, Kathy Corbet turned her passion into a powerhouse—blending style, strategy, and systems to scale a thriving Richmond-based firm. 📐 Design That Delivers—With Process and Purpose From fixer-uppers to full remodels, Kathy leads proj…

1
SE01E018 - REAL CONNECTIONS FOR REAL ADULTS | With Sam Lydard 36:08

1M ago36:08

36:08

🎯 Real Connections for Real Adults Frustrated by niche meetups and impersonal apps, Sam Lydard built Trying to Adult RVA—a vibrant, inclusive space where 20- and 30-somethings in Richmond can make friends and find love, without the awkward small talk. 📈 From Side Hustle to Scalable Movement What started as a mini-golf night with 30 people is now a …

1
SE01E017 - From Burnout to Breakthrough | With Marybeth Grinnan 39:22

2M ago39:22

39:22

💃 From Burnout to Breakthrough After rediscovering joy through dance, Mare turned her passion into Soulshine Studios—a space rooted in authenticity, brain-boosting movement, and the belief that your best business is built by being yourself. 🌍 Global Perspective, Local Impact From teaching in Paris and London to building a hybrid studio community in…

1
Part 2: Sahil Barua on why Delhivery is the antithesis of moving fast and breaking things 1:06:21

2M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

Delhivery, the logistics company, started out in Delhi. It even has Delhi in its name, literally. Yet, a few weeks ago, I flew to Goa to meet its co-founder and CEO, Sahil Barua, because that’s where Delhivery’s headquarters is now. It was a day trip. I took an early morning flight. Spent a few hours at a quaint cafe where I was the only guest. The…

1
SE01E016 - Healthcare with Heart | With Lucien Roberts 40:48

2M ago40:48

40:48

💡 Healthcare with Heart Born from personal experience and a vision for compassionate care, Infusion Solutions delivers dignity-driven treatment—offering private rooms, heated chairs, and comfort for both patients and families. 🏥 A Patient-First Business That Breaks the Mold Infusion Solutions operates independently of physician practices, welcomes …

1
Sahil Barua on why Delhivery is the antithesis of moving fast and breaking things 1:13:12

2M ago1:13:12

1:13:12

Delhivery, the logistics company, started out in Delhi. It even has Delhi in its name, literally. Yet, a few weeks ago, I flew to Goa to meet its co-founder and CEO, Sahil Barua, because that’s where Delhivery’s headquarters is now. It was a day trip. I took an early morning flight. Spent a few hours at a quaint cafe where I was the only guest. The…

1
SE01E15 - From Refugee Camps to Boardrooms | With Karen Webb 47:36

2M ago47:36

47:36

🌟 From Refugee Camps to Boardrooms With a lifelong commitment to service—from directing Red Cross efforts at 17 to leading Make-A-Wish nationally—Karen Webb brings unmatched heart, grit, and cross-sector experience to every role she takes on. 🤝 Champion for Small Business and Community Growth Now leading the Chesterfield Chamber, Karen connects non…

1
SE01E14 - From Military Service to Mission-Driven Business | With Adam Furman 49:56

2M ago49:56

49:56

⚓ From Military Service to Mission-Driven Business After navigating poverty, military service, and major health setbacks, Adam Furman left corporate life to build Bellamax Contracting—a veteran-owned firm helping others find freedom through entrepreneurship and government contracts. 💡 Wisdom Earned, Not Just Learned With a mindset shaped by hardshi…

1
Part 2: Vidit Aatrey on building a problem-first mindset into Meesho's culture 39:39

3M ago39:39

39:39

Welcome to First Principles. This is the second part of my conversation with Vidit Aatrey, co-founder and CEO of Meesho, which we had released in full for Premium subscribers of The Ken last week and is also available to subscribers of The Ken Premium channel on Apple Podcasts. Vidit and I discussed a lot of things. From the way his upbringing grou…

1
SE01E13 - From Mission Work to Media Impact | With Craig Martin 42:19

3M ago42:19

42:19

🎬 From Mission Work to Media Impact After a global career with the International Mission Board, Craig Martin launched The Good Road—a nationally broadcast PBS series that highlights changemakers from all walks of life, now in its fifth season. 🌍 Storytelling with Purpose and Values Guided by principles of cultural change, inclusivity, and measurabl…

1
Vidit Aatrey on building a problem-first mindset into Meesho's culture 1:32:12

3M ago1:32:12

1:32:12

I met Vidit Aatrey, Co-founder and CEO of Meesho, on 14th February, exactly two months ago. We met at Spacebot Studios in Indiranagar. Vidit is tall, lean and clean-shaven. He is a careful listener and a measured speaker. When you ask him a question, you get the sense he’s spending time parsing all its meanings, and then playing out a few versions …

1
SE01E012 - From Consulting to Co-Working Pioneers | With Doug and Polly White 46:00

3M ago46:00

46:00

🏢 With deep expertise in business strategy and HR, Doug and Polly White transitioned from advising small businesses to building Gather—an eight-location co-working brand born from client demand. 📈 Scaling Businesses the Smart Way Specialists in small business growth, they guide companies through the toughest transition: moving from hands-on owners …

1
SE01E011 - Revolutionizing the Art Market for 23 Years | With Jenni Kirby 50:33

3M ago50:33

50:33

🎨 Revolutionizing the Art Market for 23 Years Crossroads Art Center redefined the gallery model—offering artists rental space and low commissions instead of unsustainable traditional structures. With a business-first approach, Jenni Kirby built a thriving, inclusive art hub. 📈 Blending Business Savvy with Artistic Vision From launching an online st…

1
SE01E10 - From Finance to Tech Disruptor | With Chadwick W. Blythe 33:49

3M ago33:49

33:49

🚀 With a background in finance, Chadwick Blythe made the leap into the tech world—becoming the first non-tech hire at a startup that went head-to-head with industry giants. 📈 Innovating Financial Planning Software Chad played a key role in revolutionizing financial tech—driving a web-based approach that prioritized user-friendly design and seamless…

1
SE01E09 - From Corporate Creative to Independent Innovator | With Christine Brown 35:22

4M ago35:22

35:22

🎨 After leading design at Chipotle, Warby Parker, and Kayak, Christine Brown left the corporate world to co-found Group Chat Studio—bringing big-brand expertise to businesses of all sizes. ⚡ Agile, Efficient, and Impact-Driven With a word-of-mouth-powered business model, Group Chat streamlines branding from months to weeks, customizes teams per pro…

1
SE01E08 - Have a Big Vision and Make Bold Moves | With Rooke Crouch 30:28

4M ago30:28

30:28

🚀 From Startup to Market Leader Launched in 2020 with just two trucks, Cavalier Moving quickly expanded to multiple locations and diversified into cleaning services—all while staying debt-free and paying employees above industry standards for top-tier service. 📈 Smart Growth & Strong Leadership By removing founders from daily operations, training a…

1
SE01E07 - From Family Business to Industry Leader | With Greg Green 35:25

4M ago35:25

35:25

⚡ Founded as an electrical construction company, Davison Green Services skyrocketed from $17M in 2019 to a projected $40M in 2023—led by Greg Green, who worked his way up from the trades to CEO. 📈 Smart Scaling & Strong Leadership By embracing continuous learning, building a leadership team, and expanding into HVAC and plumbing, Greg transformed th…

1
SE01E06 - From Insurance to Innovation | With Zach Allen 37:01

4M ago37:01

37:01

After eight years in insurance, Zach Allen turned his passion into a business—taking Discount Depot from a local store to a multi-platform liquidation powerhouse with Excess for Less and Discount Goods on Whatnot. 📊 Mastering the Liquidation Game By leveraging math skills, negotiation tactics, and industry expertise, Zach thrives in the liquidation…

1
SE01E05 - From Corporate to Creating Empathy at Scale | With James Warren 38:29

5M ago38:29

38:29

In this episode of But First, Principles!, host Colin Davis sits down with James Warren, founder of Share More Stories and the SEEQ platform. James shares his journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, his partnership with a mentor, and the challenges he faced along the way. He also dives into his mission to "create empathy at scale" and how …

1
SE01E04 - Growing a Law Firm and Overcoming Unforseen Challenges | With Christian Simpson 38:29

5M ago38:29

38:29

In this episode of But First, Principles!, host Colin Davis sits down with Christian Simpson, founder of Virginia Injury Law, to discuss his journey in building a successful law firm. Christian shares his background story, the challenges he faced along the way, and the key strategies that helped him scale his practice. If you're interested in entre…

1
SE01E03 - Leading with Values and Client Perspective | With Ohad Idan 42:02

5M ago42:02

42:02

In this episode of But First, Principles!, host Colin Davis sits down with Ohad Idan, founder of Praxis, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey. Ohad shares how he started the company, a defining challenge that tested his commitment to his values, and the importance of truly seeing things from the client’s perspective. If you’re a business leader l…

1
SE01E02 - Investing in your people's growth | With Duke Dodson 41:23

5M ago41:23

41:23

Building a business comes with challenges—pressure, tough decisions, and the constant push to grow. In this episode of But First, Principles! host Colin Davis sits down with Duke Dodson, an entrepreneur who grew up in a family of business owners and learned valuable lessons along the way. Duke shares his journey of launching a property management c…

1
SE01E01 - Turning Industry Challenges Into Customer-First Revolutions | Deryle Jensen 52:03

5M ago52:03

52:03

Welcome to our first episode of But First, Principles! Join us for an engaging interview with Deryle as he shares how he turned a common industry challenge into a game-changing, customer-first business model. Discover his innovative “retail-to-retail” approach that’s transforming the way recreational vehicles are bought and sold. We also dive into …

1
Essay 1: The Roots of Honour 40:38

6M ago40:38

40:38

More great books at LoyalBooks.comBy John Ruskin

1
Essay 2: The Veins of Wealth 31:43

6M ago31:43

31:43

More great books at LoyalBooks.comBy John Ruskin

1
Essay 3: Qui Judicatis Terram 46:53

6M ago46:53

46:53

More great books at LoyalBooks.comBy John Ruskin

1
Essay 4 part 1: Ad Valorem, part 1 37:00

6M ago37:00

37:00

More great books at LoyalBooks.comBy John Ruskin

1
Essay 4 part 2: Ad Valorem, part 2 39:49

6M ago39:49

39:49

More great books at LoyalBooks.comBy John Ruskin

1
Is It Possible to Build SAFE Nuclear Reactors? | Matt Loszak, Aalo Atomics 52:21

8M ago52:21

52:21

Matt Loszak is building a nuclear reactor factory for a new kind of reactor: one that is almost impossible to melt down.By Christian Keil

1
The World's Safest Humanoid Robots 48:43

10M ago48:43

48:43

1X Technologies is building the world's safest autonomous, humanoid robots. And they want to start selling robots into consumer homes next year. How do you make a robot safe for humans? The answer is complicated — so I went to 1X HQ in Sunnyvale, CA to find out.By Christian Keil

1
The World's Quietest Electric Engine | Ian Villa, Whisper Aero 55:17

10M ago55:17

55:17

Engines are loud — Whisper Aero is changing that.By Christian Keil

1
How To Build a 1-Terawatt, 600,000 Amp Pulsed Power Generator | JC Btaiche, Fuse Energy 1:00:50

11M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

Season 2, Episode 1: JC Btaiche, Fuse Energy ====== Links: ElectroBOOM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PcBgym21TA Fuse's Paper in Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-67774-4 Fuse — https://www.f.energy People: JC Btaiche — https://x.com/JCBtaiche10 Christian Keil — https://x.com/pronounced_kyle…

1
Introducing Two by Two, a new premium business podcast from The Ken 8:26

12M ago8:26

8:26

From over here at The Ken's newsroom, we have a very exciting announcement: our first premium podcast – India's first premium business podcast – is now live! It's called Two by Two – and this podcast will be your personal investigative brain. Each week Two by Two will be where hosts Rohin Dharmakumar and Praveen Gopal Krishnan will be joined by a f…

1
The Final Supercut Part 2: Founders 21-41 1:28:54

12M ago1:28:54

1:28:54

Hello, we're back again with part 2 of our final, final supercut where we’ve spliced together one interesting bit of conversation from the last 21 guests I interviewed on First Principles. And like the last episode where we covered founders 1 to 20, you’ll hear super sharp slices of a few minutes each which are reflections on their approach to orga…

1
The Final Supercut Part 1: Founders 1-20 1:24:41

1y ago1:24:41

1:24:41

I know what you’re thinking. Didn’t the First Principles podcast draw its curtains? Yes we did. But then we decided to do a final super-splice of every single episode we did. There were 41 founders. A bit too many for a single supercut episode, don’t you think? So, here’s the first 20. We went through all the episodes and picked a few minutes from …

1
Last Principles 6:37

1y ago6:37

6:37

First Principles is coming to an end. But it's not the end of the road for you as listeners. We still want to hear from you and know what you expect from the podcasts from The Ken. Let us know with your suggestions and critique. We'd love to know your thoughts and you can let us know here. Also, you can always write to us at [email protected] with you…

1
#15: The First Principles Approach to Not Dying | Bryan Johnson 46:57

1y ago46:57

46:57

Today’s episode is brought to you by Strata. Modernize your IAM with Identity Orchestration. Visit https://strata.io/firstprinciples to learn more! ====== Episode 15: Bryan Johnson spends $2m/year to not die. But this is more than just a health craze — it’s the birth of a new, secular religious movement. Here’s what Bryan believes. ====== (00:00) -…

1
#14: Quantum Computing Isn’t Dead Yet | César Rodríguez, Commutator Studios 1:14:08

1y ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Today’s episode is brought to you by Coda. If you want a platform that empowers your team to collaborate effectively and focus on shared goals, you can get started with Coda today for FREE. Head over to https://coda.io/fp ====== Episode 14: César Rodríguez has dedicated his career to quantum computing. Why? Because they have incredible potential — …

1
Five women founders speak about leading with empathy, ambition, and not being apologetic and just focusing on building 1:25:52

1y ago1:25:52

1:25:52

Becoming an entrepreneur is a leap of faith. Regardless of when or even if your business sees the light of day, starting up is still a tremendously hard thing for someone to take up, work on and say out loud to the world. The leap of faith still exists when you're a woman founder, but with a bunch of other variables you didn't ask for also thrown i…

1
#13: Simon Pickup - Exploring Use Cases for Hydrogen Fuel | Teralta 56:00

1y ago56:00

56:00

Today’s episode is brought to you by Strata. Elevate your enterprise identity with Strata today. Visit https://strata.io/firstprinciples to learn more! ====== Episode 13: The most abundant element in the universe also has the highest energy content of any common fuel by mass. Teralta helps industrial buyers get hydrogen when and where they need it.…

1
Manav Garg sold his business and started TogetherFund with Girish Mathrubootham. Naturally, the $150M fund has a founder-operator bias. What does that mean? 1:06:56

1y ago1:06:56

1:06:56

In the first part of my conversation with Manav Garg, I introduced him as the founder of Eka Software. This week, I would like to reintroduce Manav as a venture capitalist and the co-founder of Together Fund, a VC firm. Well, you know how I feel about having venture capitalists on First Principles if you've listened to my conversation with Alok Mit…

1
Part 2: Alok Mittal—teacher, angel investor, former VC—asserts Indifi is not a disruptive business. He also emphasises organisations should not fall into the trap of founder-worshipping 50:40

1y ago50:40

50:40

"This notion of a startup should be centered around the founder is a mindset. It makes for great stories. It makes for great heroes. And that's the reason why that sustains But, you know, there are great organizations that have been built where founders did not believe in that. And the organizations sustain even after the founder leaves." That's wh…

1
#12: Deep Prasad - How to Build a Physics-Fluent AI System 1:06:44

1y ago1:06:44

1:06:44

Brought to you by NordVPN. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/firstprinciples. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! ====== Episode 12: Discovering new materials is how we unlock new branches of the tech tree. But there is no way for the world’s most powerful AI tools to help us do that discovery – until now. ====== (00…

1
Manav Garg started and ran Eka Software for 20 years before selling it. His #1 advise to founders? Budget 6 months to "manufacture" your co-founders 1:03:25

1y ago1:03:25

1:03:25

“As I said, I am from a middle-class family. I was earning $10,000/month, which is a large sum in those days. And sitting in Singapore, Bangkok, travelling around the world. So my the larger question in my mind is that how do I take the decision?” says Manav Garg. Manav Garg, founder and former CEO of Eka Software, a SaaS company that operates in t…

1
#11: Aleh Kandrashou & Aleksandr Gampel - Building the Factory that Builds the Homes 1:11:36

1y ago1:11:36

1:11:36

Today’s episode is brought to you by Strata. Elevate your enterprise identity with Strata today. Go to https://strata.io/firstprinciples to learn more! ====== Episode 11: Cuby is creating the Factory that builds the Homes. These factories can generate 1 home per day, but instead of building the homes themselves, Cuby works with local operators who …

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