I run Choop, my personal holding company for weird ideas. Learn more: mikekarnj.com
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43 recent
June 3, 20263 min
Stack Your Obsessions
I have an addictive personality. When I get into something, I go all in. Health, sports cards, running, Magic, UFC, and right now Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, and AI coding. Then a few months later I move on to the next thing.
For a long time I thought that meant I was scattered. That I could not commit. I do not think that anymore.
Here is what I think is actually going on. The intense phase ends, but what you picked up stays. The skills, the habits, the taste, the people. It all stacks up into a kind of life portfolio.
I also get into the other side of it. Not every obsession is worth keeping. Some are just procrastination. And quitting one, like I did with golf, is not the same as failing.
You are not flaky. You are building a life, one obsession at a time.
May 19, 2025Episode 11 hr 22 min
#42 - How to Get a Job at a Tech Startup or Becoming a Content Creator with my MTG Coach Stanley2099
In this episode, I chat with my Magic: The Gathering coach Stanley Hartman (Stanley2009) about different career paths. I flip the script and share my own advice with Stanley as we explore how to land a job at a tech startup, build a career as a content creator, and brainstorm software ideas through vibe coding. For anyone interested in career guidance, content creation, or startup ideas, this episode provides practical advice and actionable tips.FOLLOW STANLEYPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/stanley2099X: https://x.com/stanley_2099Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stanley_2099Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7I6IFHdvYOLeIMHtlhbNsC?si=d86a108fb335494cFOLLOW MEWebsite: https://mikekarnj.comCHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:21 Getting a Job at a Tech Startup25:25 Content Creation57:01 Vibe Coding
February 27, 2025Episode 11 hr 2 min
#41: Danya Shults - Career Pivots, Sabbaticals, and Navigating Life’s Transitions
How do you know when it’s time to make a change—whether in your career, personal life, or mindset?In this episode, I sit down with Danya Shults, who shares her experiences from working at Skillshare and Patreon to becoming an executive coach. We also talk about her recent psychedelic therapy, sabbatical in Spain, and navigating changes as you get closer to 40. We discuss:The emotional and practical side of career pivotsWhy Danya and her husband quit their jobs for a four-month sabbaticalHow founders (and anyone in transition) can avoid anticipatory griefThe role of intuition, spirituality, and psychedelics in navigating life shiftsThis conversation is perfect for anyone experiencing major life transitions.Follow Danya: https://www.danyashults.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro07:30 Sabbatical16:59 Life After32:08 Entering 40s36:52 Marriage and Milestones42:28 Spirituality50:44 Psychedelic Therapy 59:51 Advice
January 30, 2025Episode 148 min
#40 - Safwaan Kay: AI Agents, Open Source Software, and Ambition
Safwaan Kay is working on a new (stealth) startup. He was previously at Founders, Inc.
LINKS
Safwaan's X: https://x.com/safwaankay
I’m rich and have no idea what to do with my life: https://vinay.sh/i-am-rich-and-have-no-idea-what-to-do-with-my-life/
HOST
Michael Karnjanaprakorn: https://mikekarnj.com/
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
03:31 Post Exit Founder Essay
20:18 Open Source
29:47 AI Agents
46:56 Ambition
January 21, 2025Episode 137 min
My 2024 Review
Reflecting on the year has always been part of my annual process — celebrating wins, learning from challenges, and planning ahead. In this essay and podcast episode, I’ll share my highlights, lessons, and goals for 2025, along with some unexpected takeaways from a year dedicated to having fun.
Lessons
Dropping the Mask: Letting go of the personas we build to meet others’ expectations is difficult but transformative. Living authentically allows for deeper connections and a more fulfilling life.
Redefining Success: Inspired by my conversation with Kevin Dahlstrom, I’ve embraced a new version of the American Dream: sabbaticals, financial independence, passion-driven identities, and quality family time are what success looks like to me now.
Health is Wealth: Navigating my heart health issues and running injuries reinforced a simple truth: everything else in life rests on a foundation of good health. Without it, nothing else is sustainable.
Simplify to Focus: Decluttering my physical and mental space has been transformative. By owning less and streamlining commitments, I’ve freed up time and energy to focus on what I truly care about, whether it’s hobbies, relationships, or personal growth.
Transitions take Time: Big life changes rarely happen overnight. Shifting priorities, evolving identities, and exploring new paths require patience. Dead ends are part of the process; what matters is continuing to take steps forward without rushing the process.
Read: https://mikekarnj.com/posts/2024-review
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:45 Highlights
26:32 Lessons Learned in 2024
29:54 Random
33:26 2025
November 12, 2024Episode 155 min
#38: Andrew Conner - Mastering Curiosity and Independent Thinking in the Age of Algorithms
In this episode of TKS, we explore how adult curiosity, independent thinking, and cognitive growth shape not only our careers but also our entire approach to life. Our guest, Andrew Conner, co-founder of Levels, shares insights from his 18-month sabbatical, where he stepped away from the day-to-day of building a startup to dive deep into unstructured learning and personal exploration. We discuss the mental frameworks and practical tactics that sustain lifelong curiosity, why wisdom is "the best predictor of life satisfaction," and how to cultivate cognitive ability in an algorithm-driven world.
Guest
https://andrewconner.com/ is the co-founder of Levels. He is a software engineer, amateur potter, and tinkerer.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:19 Sabbatical
06:01 Guardrails
14:05 Adult Curiosity
20:10 Placebo Effect
24:55 Unstructured Learning
28:43 Framework
29:33 Navigating Algorithms
31:06 Intentional Content Consumption
40:37 Synthesizing and Connecting Ideas
49:31 Career Advice for Young High Performers
The Karnjanaprakorn Show
TKS features honest conversations with people who think differently. We explore unconventional ideas across life, work, and culture — expanding how you see the world. Each episode tackles a central question through personal stories and expert interviews.
Host
I am the founder of Skillshare and Otis. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com
October 17, 2024Episode 158 min
#37: Rick Foerster - Finding Meaning for Overachievers
I chat with Rick Foerster, who shares his journey from a fast-paced tech career to one focused on family, creativity, and fulfillment. After twelve years at Privia Health, Rick took a sabbatical when the company went public. He used that time to reassess his priorities and shift from a work-centric identity to a multi-dimensional one.
We discuss diversifying your identity and finding fulfillment beyond career success. We also explore the concept of ‘total addressable meaning,’ how finding meaning is the ultimate form of wealth, navigating midlife crises and avoiding burnout.
This episode is perfect for anyone going through a transition, curious about taking a sabbatical, or seeking a more meaningful life beyond work.
Guest
Rick Foerster is a former healthcare executive who now writes at https://www.thewayofwork.com/. https://x.com/MattEspoz
Topics
00:00 Intro
01:43 Rick's Journey
03:38 Life After Privia Health
08:25 Identity Shift
12:40 Sabbaticals
25:10 Ambition
36:00 Scaling Down After Scaling Up
40:02 Meaning
48:24 Advice for Those Feeling Stuck
54:36 Rebalancing Life's Portfolio
The Karnjanaprakorn Show
I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and I am now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I chat with others, taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com
October 3, 2024Episode 124 min
#36: Heart Disease Risk - My Journey with Lipoprotein(a)
At 41, I learned I was at high risk for heart disease despite what I thought was a healthy lifestyle. When I was diagnosed with high levels of lipoprotein(a)—a genetic risk factor—I decided to document my year-long journey of understanding and managing the condition. In the episode, I share my biomarker test results, explore heart disease risks, and discuss my lifestyle and medication plans. This experience has underscored the importance of early detection and taking control of my health.
Read the full essay https://mikekarnj.com/posts/tackling-high-lipoproteina-my-heart-health-journey.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:30 My Genetic Risk
02:01 Background
03:15 Test Results
04:47 Breakdown
07:31 DEXA Scan
09:17 Taking Action
13:49 Treatment
17:09 Mindset Shifts
18:28 My Plan
20:00 Follow-Up Results
23:21 Reflecting
Podcast
I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I chat with others who are taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com
August 8, 2024Episode 153 min
#35: Matt Espinoza — Building a Startup Studio at 22
I chat with Matt about his unconventional path to building a holding company. At just 22 years old, he has already had two successful exits. We discuss his approach to building his studio model holding company, Halation, where he focuses on creating one-of-a-kind software. Matt shares how he selects the ‘game’ he wants to play, why he chooses to work with friends, and the importance of having a 'cash cow' to fund other ventures. We delve into validating new ideas, finding the right operating partners, and his whale-and-barnacle approach. Lastly, we exchange advice on balancing work and life.
Guest
Matt Espinoza is a partner at Halation, building an empire of internet companies. Follow him on X.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:43 Building a HoldCo
05:14 Bootstrapping
06:57 Partnering with Creators
12:22 Acquiring vs. Building
15:14 Validating Ideas
27:53 Importance of Operators
31:51 Lessons Learned
37:20 Balancing Work and Life
45:40 Calm Company
51:10 Fun
Host
I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and I am now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I chat with others, taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com
June 27, 2024Episode 11 hr 5 min
#34: Kevin Dahlstrom - Designing a Life You Don't Need to Escape
Kevin Dahlstrom might be the most balanced person I’ve ever met. He’s a 4x Founder, 3x CMO, and investor in over 55 companies. He also pursues rock climbing at an elite level — all while prioritizing his family.
He says it’s only possible because of his “ideal end state” exercise. It aligns his actions with his true desires, allowing him to design a life he never needs to escape. As a result, he’s reduced work to just 10% of his identity.
As I navigate my 40s, I wanted to get his advice on making the most out of this decade. I chatted with Kevin to get his perspective on work, identity, health, lifestyle design, and more.
Guest
Kevin Dahlstrom is a 4X founder, 4X CMO, 50X PE investor, and avid rock climber.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:27 The Text
05:39 Lifestyle Design
11:38 Ideal End State Exercise
18:19 Manifesting Goals
21:28 Compounding
22:25 Reflections at 50
26:59 Work-Life Integration
32:08 Retirement
33:16 Minimalism
35:40 Climbing
37:09 Identity Beyond Work
39:50 Curating Your Tribe
41:39 Hobbies
47:27 Giving Back
52:40 Mental and Physical Health
01:04:12 End Quote
Host
I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I chat with others taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com
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