American Dream Factory (ADF)

5 FEB

Free $, AI Agents, & Reno’s Unicorn Moment

Nick Smoot sits down with Doug Erwin, the entrepreneurship lead at EDAWN in Northern Nevada, for a wide-ranging, high-energy conversation about two things happening at once: AI is moving from “chat” to “do.” Agents are booking meetings, running workflows, and changing the cost and speed of building. Reno is quietly turning into a real startup boomtown. And EDAWN is literally putting money behind the people who want to strengthen the ecosystem. The punchline: Doug’s team has a grant program called BESTI that funds community-led events, meetups, and builder gatherings. Nick shows how to submit an idea through BuildCities.com by linking a project to the BESTI challenge. What BESTIE Is (in plain English) BESTI = EDAWN money to help you host ecosystem-building events. Not top-down programming. Not “EDAWN's event.” It’s community-led. Typical awards: around $1,000 Larger requests: up to $5,000 Purpose: reduce friction, validate community leaders, and get more builders in the room together Examples they want to fund: founder meetups, workshops, pitch nights, Startup Weekend, niche communities (AI, art, games, hardware), and simple gatherings that create collisions. Why This Matters Right Now Doug and Nick both make the same point in different language: the future is not coming. It is here. AI is turning into an “autonomous assistant” era, which means anyone can build faster than ever. That is awesome. It is also chaotic. The communities that win will be the ones that create places for people to: meet consistently learn together get unstuck build real things people actually want Nick’s frame: we’re splitting into two worlds. World A: amuse-yourself-to-death consumption World B: disciplined creation with friends BESTI is a lever to help people choose World B. The Best Stuff Doug Says Ecosystems are rainforests, not row crops. They need culture, collisions, and long-term consistency. The role of economic development is often to be the “ghost in the machine.” Reduce friction so the community can lead. BESTIE is partly funding, partly social validation. Sometimes people just need permission and support to lead. The Best Stuff Nick Says If you want to run an event, do three, not one. Your first one will be awkward. Your third one will have momentum. The real shift is from consumption-based social life (restaurants, concerts) to creation-based social life (build nights, learning nights, show-and-tell). The winning community model is Discover, Dream, Design, Deliver. Gather people through those phases so building becomes a rhythm. Reno’s “Wait, What?” Moment Doug teases a big local milestone: Reno’s first homegrown unicorn announcement is imminent. Nick uses it as a reminder: “overnight success” is usually two years plus a lifetime of experience, relationships, and timing How to Apply for BESTIE (simple steps) Go to BuildCities.com Create a profile Create a Project for your event idea (name it, describe it, add collaborators) Search BESTIE and link your project to the challenge EDAWN gets notified, and you are in the pipeline Nick’s advice: keep it low lift. BBQ + builder conversation is valid. Pizza and folding chairs counts if the room is full of creators. Talked About in the Episode Brad Feld and the “entrepreneurs lead” thesis Better ecosystem thinking AI agents, MCP, automation, and the new workflow era Startup Weekend as a proven collision engine The deeper reason communities matter: loneliness, purpose, belonging, and getting unstuck Guest and Contact Doug Erwin Director of Entrepreneurship, EDAWN (Economic Development Association of Western Nevada) Nick Smoot Email: nick@buildcities.com

1h 1m

5 JAN

Don’t Wait for Permission or Perfection

In this solo episode of the American Dream Factory podcast, Nick Smoot explores a simple but powerful idea that keeps people stuck. Waiting. Waiting for permission. Waiting for perfection. Waiting for someone else to go first. Nick shares a personal story about solving a ridiculous traffic problem with a bucket of yellow paint and a little courage, and how that small act quietly changed behavior for hundreds of people and eventually the city itself. This episode is a reminder that cities do not change because of committees alone. They change when ordinary people take responsibility for the problems they see and act on them. If you feel lonely, disconnected, or frustrated with your city, this conversation is for you. Why waiting for permission keeps cities stagnant How perfection becomes an excuse to avoid meaningful action A real story of grassroots problem-solving that actually worked Why no one will ever invite you to build the world you see Taking responsibility for the chaos you notice around you Creating beauty, value, and order through small actions Why community begins with initiative, not authority You do not need permission to care about your city. You do not need perfection to get started. The gap between the life you want and the impact you could have is often one small action. Nick also shares how Build helps people take action together. Build is a community platform where you can: Post projects you are working on Share challenges your city needs solved Create events and third-place hubs List skills you want to learn or contribute Get introduced to people nearby through AI-powered matching Learn more at buildcities.com Nick invites listeners to the upcoming Build Summit on January 16–17, featuring two legendary mentors: Flint Dille World-builder, storyteller, and creator behind iconic universes including work with Steven Spielberg, Pokémon Go, Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Chronicles of Riddick. Flint will lead a workshop on world building, games, and creative storytelling. Amish Patel Inventor, technologist, and venture builder whose work includes the Xbox controller, smartwatch sensor technology, and advanced robotic surgery systems. Amish will teach a workshop on venture capital and what is investable in 2026. The summit includes workshops, fireside chats, pitch sessions, community-voted micro-grants, and time to connect with builders working on real projects. Website: buildcities.com Email Nick: nick@buildcities.com If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and take one small action this week that creates beauty and value in your city. The world does not need more spectators. It needs builders. If this episode resonated, subscribe, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and take one small action this week that creates beauty and value in your city. The world does not need more spectators. It needs builders.

16 min

17/10/2025

Data That Could Save America

America is running out of workers and time. The baby boomers are retiring, birth rates are collapsing, and colleges are struggling to prove their value. In the middle of that chaos, a new movement is forming built on skills, not degrees. In this episode of The American Dream Factory, hosts Nick Smoot and Joseph Toney talk with Josh Wright, Head of Growth and Partnerships at Lightcast, one of the world’s top labor market data firms. Together they explore a defining question for America’s next chapter: can the nation rebuild its workforce fast enough to handle the coming labor storm? Josh, a former journalist turned data storyteller, shares insights from Lightcast’s Rising Storm report, revealing how demographics, education gaps, and untapped human potential are reshaping the labor market. The conversation moves from workforce data to civic purpose, showing how cities, schools, and employers can realign around skills and human creativity instead of outdated systems. This is more than an economic discussion. It is a moral one about how we value people, purpose, and contribution in the next American century. The Great Workforce Reckoning Baby boomers are aging out while the next generation is smaller and slower to engage. Labor shortages are hitting manufacturing, healthcare, trades, and public works hardest. America’s talent pool is shrinking, and the gap between open roles and available skills is growing. Degrees Are Losing Their Power A four-year degree no longer guarantees opportunity. Employers are shifting toward skills-based hiring, yet systems for verifying skills are still forming. Parents remain one of the biggest barriers, pushing children toward traditional degrees even as the trades and new credentials gain traction. Data as Civic Infrastructure Lightcast’s 34,000-skill taxonomy shows which abilities matter most right now and where. When data flows between educators, employers, and governments, cities thrive. Without shared data, everyone is guessing and losing. The Hidden Workforce Millions of Americans already have valuable but invisible skills. Unlocking that hidden capacity can fill jobs, drive innovation, and rebuild civic pride. Cities that activate this potential will outcompete those that do not. The Moral Imperative of Work Work is not only about money. It is about meaning, belonging, and participation. The Skills Revolution is the path to restoring human purpose in an automated world. The Demographic Drought series and its warning for U.S. labor markets The decline of degree-based hiring and rise of digital credentials How cities can use data to align workforce pipelines Immigration’s impact on the workforce crisis The role of parents, perception, and pride in shaping the next generation of workers Real examples from Greensboro, North Carolina and Fargo, North Dakota showing how data builds resilient cities “You cannot separate skills from the individual, their learning, and their lived experience.” — Josh Wright “The data does not solve the problem. People do. But the right data helps people take better action.” — Josh Wright “There is a missing dataset, the skills people already have but no one can see. That is the next frontier for cities.” — Nick Smoot Lightcast — Global leader in workforce and labor market data The Rising Storm report — Insights on the demographic labor crisis Guest: Josh Wright, Head of Growth and Partnerships, Lightcast Hosts: Nick Smoot and Joseph Toney Learn more at AmericanDreamFactory.com or email nick@americandreamfactory.com

1h 4m

07/10/2025

The Soul of a City

In this episode of The American Dream Factory, hosts Nick Smoot and Joseph Toney sit down with creative veteran Lee Davis, founder of Clean, a Raleigh-based agency known for its soulful approach to branding. Lee’s three-decade journey spans legendary firms like Wieden+Kennedy and J&J, giving him a rare vantage point on how brands—and cities—can rediscover their essence. Together, the trio unpacks what it means to build belonging in an age of isolation. Lee reflects on how communities lose their identity when they chase growth without soul, and why cities need to stop marketing for tourists and start engaging their residents. From Raleigh’s “City of Oaks” to Durham’s bold “Marry Durham” campaign, they explore how design, storytelling, and community behavior can transform a place into something people feel. Key Themes: The difference between brand and marketing—and why cities often get both wrong Why it’s okay to “offend” people in branding—and why not every city can (or should) be for everyone The hidden cost of moving from the front porch to the backyard How sports, design, and shared storytelling can rebuild civic pride The spiritual side of place-making—and how “we” must matter more than “me” Takeaways: Great cities, like great brands, are built on truth and tension, not slogans. The best marketers for your city are its residents—if you give them something to believe in. Growth without identity breaks community; design for the people who already live there first. Learn More: Follow Lee and his team at Clean Agency and connect with him on LinkedIn. Join the American Dream Factory community at AmericanDreamFactory.com for updates, live events, and tools for city leaders and builders.

1h 22m

28/08/2025

Rethinking Power, Community, & the American Dream

In this episode of American Dream Factory, Nick and Joe sit down with two transformative leaders in the world of politics, community, media, and capitalism: Matthew Barzun – Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. & Sweden, bestselling author of The Power of Giving Away Power, and architect of “constellation thinking.” Seth Levine – Venture capitalist, co-founder of Foundry ($4B under management), and co-author of The New Builders, with a new book Capital Evolution releasing December 2025. Together, they explore what it will take to reboot the American Dream in an era where trust in institutions is collapsing, cities are strained, and communities are hungry for new ways of working together. Join our community of city leaders at AmericanDreamFactory.com and learn how to get the city building tool, BuildCities.com for free. Chapters Chapters 00:00 The American Dream: A Shared Vision 09:22 The Role of Venture Capital in Empowering Entrepreneurs 12:12 Meritocracy and Economic Mobility 15:11 Populism and the American Dream 21:12 Collaboration vs. Competition in Governance 24:02 Reimagining Capitalism for the Future 26:59 Local Businesses and Community Development 35:17 Navigating Local Government Regulations 37:25 Community Engagement and Overcoming Barriers 39:11 The Interdependence of Community and Economy 44:07 Building Trust Through Collaborative Efforts 44:45 The Role of Local Government in Community Dynamics 50:20 Creating a Culture of Open Dialogue 55:01 The Power of Shared Vision in Community Development 01:04:02 Bridging the Political Divide 01:04:54 The Importance of Deliberate Processes 01:09:51 The Role of Community in Decision Making 01:14:55 Navigating Future Paths 01:20:37 Creating a Collaborative Future 01:26:16 Building a Community of Leaders If you have future guests you'd like us to interview, email us at LFG@AmericanDreamFactory.com

1h 29m

09/08/2025

Lessons From 50 Years of Economic Development

In this episode Nick Smoot sits down with Ernesto Sirolli of the Sirolli Institute. Chapters 09:42 Engagement with the Community 26:00 Lessons from International Aid 42:36 The Joy of Helping Others 46:24 Building Community Through Collaboration 56:21 The Importance of Passion in Business 01:00:22 The Role of Cooperatives in Society 01:06:08 The Nature of Entrepreneurship 01:08:57 The Debate of Nature vs. Nurture in Development 01:12:03 The Role of Pain and Love in Growth 01:13:50 The Importance of Community Participation 01:15:24 Finding Passion and Purpose in Work 01:17:46 Creating Value and Beauty in the World 01:19:08 The Journey from Idea to Market 01:19:57 The Sacred Act of Creation 01:21:00 Unlocking Social Capital for Community Growth 01:23:59 Measuring Community Prosperity through Social Capital 01:25:42 The Role of Frameworks in Economic Development 01:27:56 Indicators of Community Success 01:32:41 Enlightened Capitalism and Community Transformation 01:35:09 The Unexpected Beauty of Human Potential 01:38:10 The Importance of Digital Infrastructure 01:39:57 Empowering Communities for the Future

1h 42m

09/07/2025

Managing Cities In Turbulent Times

What does it take to lead a city when everything is on fire... literally and figuratively? In this episode, Nick Smoot sits down with longtime friend and civic leader Joe Toney, who has spent nearly two decades inside city government, including serving as City Manager of Malibu during the recent catastrophic wildfires. Together, they dive deep into what’s breaking modern cities—and what might still save them. From AI and remote work to affordability, isolation, and polarization, cities today are struggling under a storm of converging forces. Joe offers a rare inside look at the emotional, operational, and political pressure of managing a city during crisis, while Nick challenges what’s possible for the future of work, belonging, and civic life. What You’ll Learn: – What really happens behind the scenes when a city is in disaster – Why cities can’t pivot fast—and what that costs – The emotional toll of being “number two” in civic leadership – Why purpose and community might be the best mental health infrastructure – How policy and entrepreneurship could align to rebuild social fabric – Whether AI, ambition, and affordability will break cities—or make them better Who It’s For: – City and civic leaders – Entrepreneurs, policy makers, and reformers – Anyone who cares about community, belonging, or the future of work – People trying to lead something hard, in a time of instability Quote Highlights: “Running a city today is like steering a ship through a hurricane while everyone on board argues about the map.”“Belonging isn’t a luxury. It’s infrastructure.”“We expect city leaders to fix everything, fast, but they’re operating inside decades of decisions that weren’t built for now.”

1h 14m

01/07/2025

Is High School Still Worth It in the Age of AI?

07:43 High School Experience and Preparedness 12:29 The Skills Gap in Education 15:04 Value of College in Today's World 21:32 Reimagining High School Education 29:33 The Role of AI in Education and Work 30:57 Perspectives on the Future of Work 32:56 The Impact of AI on Job Roles 36:13 The Evolution of Education and Experience 38:16 Redefining the Value of Education 41:20 Personal Experiences and Learning 45:05 Addressing Mental Health and Wellbeing 49:19 The Necessity of High School in the Age of AI 54:48 Empowering Young Entrepreneurs with AI 57:24 The Future of Entry-Level Jobs 59:45 The Evolution of Skills and Roles 01:02:43 Education's Role in a Changing World 01:09:28 Building a New Generation of Innovators 01:20:00 Creating Meaningful Impact Through Education In this bold and timely episode, host Nick Smoot is joined by Ian Christianson (a newly graduated 18-year-old entrepreneur and camp counselor) and Patrick Gallagher (leadership advisor to engineering executives) to explore the future of high school in an AI-driven world and introduce a new education initiative called Pragma. Together, they unpack the question: Is high school still necessary in an era where AI automates knowledge and traditional jobs are disappearing? Spoiler: Yes — but it must evolve. The Crisis in Education: Why 68% of teens and 85% of college grads feel unprepared for real life or work — and why employers agree. What the Future Demands: From AI to robotics, the new world requires high-agency, emotionally intelligent, curiosity-driven creators. Real Voices: Ian shares his perspective as a Gen Z student — what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change fast. The Role of AI in Learning: How AI can handle knowledge transfer while humans focus on building relationships, solving problems, and cultivating taste. Introducing PRAGMA: A new program designed to help 17- and 18-year-olds become high-performing humans who launch real-world projects. Think: Hands-on projects Access to world-class mentors Personal development and emotional intelligence A new path to flourishing in the modern world Learn more about Pragma: Coming soon Contact Nick: nick@buildcities.com Connect with Patrick: LinkedIn – Patrick Gallagher Connect with Ian: Instagram @christianson_ian Learn about Build_ platform: buildcities.com “Teenagers are no longer waiting to grow up. The world is changing too fast. We need to equip them now — not just to learn, but to lead.” Welcome to the American Dream Factory. Let’s build something that matters. 🔥 Key Quotes: “We’re no longer training people to be workers. We’re training them to be solvers.” – Nick Smoot “I think the future of work is using AI as a tool — not a crutch. We need operators, not passengers.” – Ian Christianson “The old entry-level job is gone. The new one is building something real that adds value.” – Patrick Gallagher “Taste is the new moat. The differentiator is no longer what you know, but what you create.” – Nick Smoot

1h 28m

American Dream Factory (ADF)

Episodes

Free $, AI Agents, & Reno’s Unicorn Moment

Don’t Wait for Permission or Perfection

Data That Could Save America

The Soul of a City

Rethinking Power, Community, & the American Dream

Lessons From 50 Years of Economic Development

Managing Cities In Turbulent Times

Is High School Still Worth It in the Age of AI?

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