Somewhat Frank Established

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Caonsalv (X: @noreaster) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) chat about the following topics:
 
The 6th birthday of our company, Established! Read our post about it: https://www.startupofyear.com/blog/estturnssix 
 
What actually happens when you mow your lawn? - Mowing grass too short can cut the tops off of flowering plants, which can make it hard for pollinators to feed and rest and nest
 
OpenAI’s ChatGPT has launched 4o or “omni” - launched the first of its kind - OpenAI introduced a major upgrade to ChatGPT with the new GPT-4o model, also known as Omni.
 
Google’s Project Astra - Project Astra, showcased at Google I/O, is a real-time, multimodal AI assistant that identifies objects, locates items, reviews code, and more.
 
Apple is going to enter the generative AI market - Apple's top software executives decided to overhaul Siri after testing OpenAI's ChatGPT.
 
Google is going to start putting AI results first in Search thus causing a stir by those that rely on those search engine rankings to get found - Google announced the introduction of A.I.-generated answers, called "A.I. overviews," at its annual developer conference.
 
Ray Kurzweil's SXSW Speech: Can You Live 500 - At SXSW 2024, Ray Kurzweil, renowned futurist and Director of Engineering at Google AI, delivered a captivating speech titled "The Singularity is Nearer: Five Years to Radical Life Extension." He presented a compelling argument that significant advancements in medical technology within the next five years could potentially extend human lifespans to 2035 and beyond.
 
Daniel Ek’s Next Act: Full-Body Scans For The People - The company says its full-body scans can detect the onset of a host of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as skin conditions. It calls its scans, which cost 2,500 Swedish krona (about $230), “a health check for your future self.” 
 
Scientists About to Test Medicine to Grow New Teeth - Japanese scientists are starting the world's first clinical trials of "tooth regrowth medicine." 
 
The first portrait of King Charles - I see lots of things in it. What do you see? 
 
Life update - Frank and Jen have bought six little chicks that are about three weeks old, and they are currently raising them on the Kennebunkport ranch. So now they need a coop and run. If you know or work at one of the following companies, Nestera (https://nestera.us), Omlet (www.omlet.us), or Smart Coop (https://smart.coop.farm), please do get in touch with us. 
 
On Sunday, May 12, Jerry Seinfeld accepted his honorary degree at Duke University but faced an unexpected turn of events. He said, “I totally admire the ambitions of your generation to create a more just and inclusive society. I think it is also wonderful that you care so much about not hurting other people’s feelings in the million and one ways we all do that every second of every day.”  The comedian continued, “It’s lovely to want to fix those things, but — all caps, but — what I need to tell you as a comedian, do not lose your sense of humor. You can have no idea at this point in your life how much you’re going to need it to get through.” See it here: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/jerry-seinfeld-duke-university-speech-154355065.html 
 
We have also started dropping our episodes onto YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube 
 
As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us
 
Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) chat about the following topics:
 
We talk a lot about ChatGPT, but what about Anthropic - Anthropic was founded in 2021 by seven former employees of OpenAI, including siblings Daniela Amodei and Dario Amodei, the latter of whom served as OpenAI's Vice President of Research.
 
Musician Randy Travis is using AI in a good way - Randy Travis, who suffered a stroke in 2013, used AI to clone his voice for his new song, "Where That Came From."
 
SNL’s skit about Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCfNpjeAFaA 
 
Speaking of Mushrooms - Magic Mushrooms, while typically made with the federally illegal substance ‘psilocybin’, are being produced legally now with ‘Amanita Muscaria’ by a company called PolkaDot. Their products can be found in over 5,000 gas stations and smoke shops around the US. 
 
First time scientists have restored brain cells - Scientists develop a method to restore brain cells affected by Timothy syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The method, using a “Antisense Nucleotide”  allows clusters of human neurons carrying the Timothy syndrome mutation to develop normally. 
 
Bioengineered Houseplant Helps Remove Harmful Air Pollutants - Engineers at “Neoplants” designed a houseplant that is supercharged with billions of pollution-eating bacteria.
 
Give $7K to 'every baby that's born in America' - Bill Ackman proposed giving every child born in America a $7,000 investment account. The account would be created at birth, funded by the U.S. government, and restricted from withdrawals, remaining tax exempt.
 
Frank also tested the Atlantic Coast Tide Clock, which is the essential item to stay connected to the ocean, no matter where you are. This white and navy blue Atlantic tide clock is what you need for a perfect coastal living decor. 
 
We have also started dropping our episodes onto YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube 
 
As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us
 
Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo X: @noreaster) explore the following topics:
 
Life Below The Sea in the MIT Reader by James Powell - Our understanding of the resiliency of life has made leaps in bounds in a short amount of time. One can even extrapolate this resiliency to think about life on other worlds beyond our own and how methods to survive might be even stranger and more unknown than we can realize. 
 
NASA picks three companies to help Drive around the Moon - The startup companies are Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab, which are set to design a next-generation lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) fit for moon travel and autonomous robotic exploration.
 
Generative A.I. Arrives in the Gene Editing World of CRISPR - As much as ChatGPT generates poetry, a new A.I. system creates blueprints for microscopic mechanisms that can edit your DNA. 
 
Musicians Take A Stand Against AI - A coalition of over 200 musicians, including high-profile names like Nicki Minaj, Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, and Noah Kahan, have signed an open letter cautioning against the irresponsible use of AI in music. 
 
Rich Americans Acquiring Second Passports - The rich are getting multiple passports and citizenships to hedge instability. Increasingly, wealthy Americans are seeking second passports, citing concerns over political and economic instability in the United States. 
 
Tricks to Living a Long Life - The average life expectancy in the US is 76.4 years, with over 70,000 Americans reaching 100 in 2023. Blue Zones, regions with exceptional longevity, have ten times more centenarians than average.
 
We have also started dropping our episodes onto YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube 
 
As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us
 
Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) dive deep into the innovations and controversies shaping our world. 
 
We kicked off with a look at the Startup of the Year fast pitch competition that happened at SXSW, when 10 great early-stage companies pitched. The startup pitches were all really solid and the company that came out on top of that competition was Applied BioPlastics from Austin, Texas. Applied Bioplastics manufactures bioplastics from plant-based materials for retail, packaging, and medical industries to improve plastic recycling. See more: https://appliedbioplastics.com 
 
We also chat about Magic Mind, the groundbreaking "mental performance shot" that's redefining daily routines everywhere. Unlike the traditional coffee fix, Magic Mind offers a sustainable boost to focus, motivation, and productivity without the dreaded caffeine crash. Don't forget to use the promo that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code SOMEWHATFRANK20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/SomewhatFrank 
 
But the tech world doesn't stop turning, and neither do we. The potential TikTok ban has everyone talking. With its Chinese ownership under scrutiny, we explore what the future holds for the app that supports around 200k American jobs. Read more HERE. 
 
The episode doesn't shy away from the big hitters, discussing the DOJ's recent move to sue Apple over its smartphone monopoly. We'll share personal insights and the broader implications of this legal battle. Read more HERE.
 
In a lighter vein, we celebrate Reddit's triumphant IPO, marking the first social media company to go public in five years. What does Reddit's success signal for the market and future IPOs? Read more HERE.
 
However, it's not all rosy. We delve into the concerning rise in mental health issues among adolescents, correlating with the smartphone era. With insights from Jonathan Haidt's latest book, "The Anxious Generation," we ponder the societal impacts of our digital age. Read more HERE.
 
The real estate world is also facing a shakeup, with the National Association of Realtors' recent settlement potentially transforming commission structures and housing market dynamics. We break down what this means for buyers, sellers, and the industry at large. Read more HERE.
 
Lastly, we shine a spotlight on Colton Rybus's debut jazz album, "Sketches from the Heart of My Cosmos." A personal connection brings this musical journey to life, showcasing the talent and passion behind the notes. Read more HERE.
 
And for those seeking the fountain of youth, we share Dave Asprey's simple yet effective tips for turning back the clock. Read more HERE.
 
As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this very special episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) talk with Garrett Graff about his book “UFO: The Inside Story of the US Government’s Search for Alien Life Here – and Out There.” 
 
For those unfamiliar, Garrett has spent nearly two decades covering politics, technology, and national security. He is also the former editor of Politico and contributor to Wired and CNN, he’s written for publications from Esquire to Rolling Stone to The New York Times and today serves as the director of the cyber initiative at the Aspen Institute. 
 
Graff is also the author of multiple books, including the FBI history The Threat Matrix, Raven Rock (about the government’s Cold War Doomsday plans), When the Sea Came Alive (an oral history of D-Day), and the New York Times bestsellers The Only Plane in the Sky, and Watergate, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. Learn more about Garrett the the following link: www.garrettgraff.com 
 
As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us
 
Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this special episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) were live with special guest Sam Jordan from the Established House at SXSW in Austin, Texas. Sam is the Head of Computing and Technology at the Future Today Institute (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samcjordan/). 
 
The crew discussed all of the trends that they encountered during the week and SXSW, including the groundbreaking work of Colossal Biosciences and their audacious project to bring the woolly mammoth back from extinction. CEO Ben Lamm, alongside actor Seth Green, shared their vision to combat extinction and reshape our future. Discover how this Dallas-based startup is turning elephant cells into mammoth-like embryos, marking a pivotal step in de-extinction technology. Read more about their efforts on NPR.
 
Frank, Jen, John, and Sam also spotted a shift in travel patterns at SXSW, reflecting broader societal changes. With more weekend travelers and a split in attendance, they explored what this means against the backdrop of Americans socializing less, driven by pessimism, technology, and a surge in loneliness.
 
They also shined a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women, including a powerful SXSW panel featuring Meghan Markle, Katie Couric, and others discussing the challenges women face in media.
 
The gang also discussed the legal battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI's Sam Altman, which raises critical questions about the future of AI and its impact on humanity.
 
Lastly, they concluded with a fascinating discussion on a simple test that could predict your longevity. Can standing on one leg for 10 seconds reveal the secrets to a longer, healthier life? 
 
As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us
 
Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/