Keep Going

John Biggs
  • 5.0 (6)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Keep Going

When you're going through Hell, keep going." This is a podcast about failure and how it breeds success. Every week, we will talk to amazing people who have done amazing things yet, at some point, experienced failure. By exploring their experiences, we can learn how to build, succeed, and stay humble. It is hosted by author and former New York Times journalist John Biggs. Our theme music is by Policy, AKA Mark Buchwald. (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/policy/) keepgoingpod.com

  1. Keep Going: How to be kind

    4 DAYS AGO

    Keep Going: How to be kind

    The workplace isn’t exactly known for being a warm and fuzzy place. Stress, pressure, and the relentless pursuit of profit usually take priority over things like employee happiness. But what if that’s the wrong approach? On this episode of Keep Going, I talked to Shereen Eltobgy, the Chief of Belief at Kindr Workplaces—a new initiative that aims to make kindness a core part of company culture. It sounds idealistic, but it’s rooted in hard science. Studies show that happier employees lead to better productivity, stronger customer relationships, and ultimately, more successful companies. So why aren’t more businesses making this a priority? The Zappos Experiment Shereen’s journey into workplace happiness started in an unlikely place—Zappos. Before it became an e-commerce giant, Zappos was just another online shoe retailer. But under Tony Hsieh’s leadership, the company made a radical bet: culture matters. Employees weren’t just workers; they were part of something bigger. Their values were aligned with the company’s mission, and their well-being wasn’t an afterthought—it was the strategy. The results were undeniable. Zappos employees weren’t just showing up for a paycheck—they believed in what they were building. And happy employees translated into happy customers, which translated into serious business success. That’s what Kinder Workplaces is trying to replicate: a workplace culture where people don’t just survive—they thrive. Can Kindness Scale? This is where most skeptics come in. It’s easy to build a strong culture when you’re a small, fast-growing company like Zappos was in its early days. But what happens when you’re a legacy company that’s been around for 50 years? What happens when your employees are there just to collect a paycheck? According to Shereen, it’s possible—but it starts with leadership. She’s seen firsthand how large organizations, including a 60,000-person healthcare company, completely transformed by prioritizing connection, resilience, and empathy. The CEO led the charge—not with empty buzzwords, but by actually showing up for employees, making culture a company-wide priority. The result? A massive jump in customer satisfaction and engagement. The Business of Happiness For years, companies have talked about employees being their greatest asset. But when times get tough, that’s often the first thing that gets ignored. Stress and burnout are treated as unavoidable side effects of high performance. But the research—and real-world case studies—prove otherwise. When people are engaged, valued, and supported, they work harder, innovate more, and stay longer. It’s not just good for morale—it’s good for business. Shereen calls it mindful kindness—a structured, intentional way to integrate kindness into leadership, communication, and even sales. It’s not about random acts of kindness. It’s about changing how companies operate from the ground up. How to Start (Without Losing Your Edge) For founders, CEOs, and managers who think this all sounds nice but impractical, Shereen offers a reality check: kindness doesn’t mean weakness. It doesn’t mean ignoring deadlines or letting things slide. It means leading in a way that brings out the best in people. Some simple, actionable ways to start: * Reduce judgment—on yourself and others. * Speak more kindly—to employees, customers, and even competitors. * Prioritize well-being—physical, mental, emotional. Happy people work better. * Shift the bottom line—not just profit, but the human bottom line. It’s a mindset shift, and it’s one that more companies are starting to embrace. Keep Growing, Keep Glowing, Keep Going At the end of our conversation, Shereen left us with a simple mantra: keep growing, keep glowing, keep going. The world is changing. AI is automating tasks, traditional hierarchies are breaking down, and employees want more than just a paycheck. They want purpose, connection, and meaning. Companies that figure this out will win. The ones that don’t? They’ll keep struggling with retention, engagement, and burnout. So the question isn’t “Should we focus on kindness?” The question is “Can we afford not to?” If you want to learn more, check out bekindr.org—and maybe start thinking about how a little kindness could go a long way in your own company. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe

    22 min

  2. FEB 10

    Keep Going: How to breathe (plus a bonus breath work session at the end of the episode)

    On this week’s episode of Keep Going, I spoke with Hannah Cohen, a somatic coach and transformational guide specializing in breathwork and sound healing. In today’s world of relentless pressures, both personal and professional, Hannah’s work offers tools to navigate the noise and reconnect with the body and self. Creating Space to Breathe Hannah believes the first step to finding balance is carving out intentional time away from technology and daily distractions. By grounding yourself—placing your feet on the earth or simply tuning into your breath—you create the opportunity to reconnect with your inner world. This practice, she says, can help anyone, from high-pressure CEOs to individuals overwhelmed by today’s constant stream of news and demands. CrankWheel is a 10x simpler screen sharing solution, tailor-made for sales professionals. Add a screen sharing presentation to your sales call in 10 seconds flat. Your prospect clicks a link that you send by text message or email and immediately sees your presentation - no download or registration, even on their mobile device. Breathwork is at the core of Hannah’s practice. She highlights techniques like holotropic breathing, which involves a pattern of deep breaths into the belly, chest, and then a release. This method can activate the vagus nerve, calm the nervous system, and allow for emotional release. Hannah encourages journaling after these sessions to reflect on patterns, themes, or emotions that emerge. The Power of Sound Sound healing is another tool Hannah champions. Whether through humming, sound baths, or working with instruments like gongs or bowls, sound creates a space for energy release and self-exploration. She explains how sound can help process emotions like anger or grief, clear stagnant energy, and foster a deeper connection to the self. Hannah emphasizes that sound doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply listening to the wind in the trees, a favorite song, or even experimenting with your own voice can be powerful. For those looking to explore sound healing more deeply, she suggests seeking out local practitioners or group sound baths, which often create a shared space for healing and connection. Try SubMarket.pro to advertise in newsletters like this one Want to tap into newsletter audiences without the usual affiliate hassles? Submarket lets you pay newsletter owners only when their readers actually click your links. No upfront fees. No complicated codes. Just direct access to engaged newsletter audiences and crystal-clear analytics on every click. Test it out - create your first link in under 60 seconds. Overcoming Skepticism For those skeptical of these practices—or those who feel too busy to try—Hannah offers gentle encouragement. Even setting aside 10 minutes a day for focused breathing or listening to sound can make a difference. She notes that skeptics often find unexpected breakthroughs when they give these methods a chance, pushing past resistance and tuning into their body’s wisdom. A Practice of Connection Hannah’s work is rooted in community and collaboration. Whether in group settings or one-on-one sessions, she values the collective energy and healing that comes from shared spaces. She reminds us that the journey toward wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about small, consistent steps to honor the body and the present moment. If you’d like to explore Hannah’s offerings, including retreats and workshops, visit her website at feelingsfelt.com or find her on Instagram at @feelings__felt. She’s also offered a discount to join for a Breath of Transformation class at Reforesters Lab. The promo code is: HANNAHCOHEN She teaches every Tuesday at 6 PM at Reforesters Lab and every Thursday from 7:30-9 PM at Jivamukti. She is also available for 1:1 sessions. As Hannah says, “Healing happens together.” Whether it’s through a deep breath, a hum, or a moment of stillness, taking the time to reconnect with yourself can create the space to keep going. As a special bonus, Hannah has created a 10 minute session for Brave Leaders! Hopefully it will help you and please reach out to her if you’re interested in her work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe

    25 min
  3. Editor-In-Grief: Why journalism sucks right now

    FEB 6

    Editor-In-Grief: Why journalism sucks right now

    NOTE: This episode contains bad words. On the latest episode of Editor in Grief, Jim and I sat down with journalist and columnist Brian Karem to talk about the state of journalism today. Brian, a veteran reporter and host of Just Ask the Question, pulled no punches as we discussed what he calls "bend over and take it in the a** journalism." CrankWheel is a 10x simpler screen sharing solution, tailor-made for sales professionals. Add a screen sharing presentation to your sales call in 10 seconds flat. Your prospect clicks a link that you send by text message or email and immediately sees your presentation - no download or registration, even on their mobile device. Want to tap into newsletter audiences without the usual affiliate hassles? Submarket lets you pay newsletter owners only when their readers actually click your links. No upfront fees. No complicated codes. Just direct access to engaged newsletter audiences and crystal-clear analytics on every click. Test it out - create your first link in under 60 seconds. The Problem with Decorum Journalism Jim kicked things off by defining what he calls "decorum journalism," where reporters avoid asking tough questions to maintain access, keep sources happy, or avoid backlash from fellow journalists. Brian took that further, arguing that the real problem is a mix of inexperience, access journalism, and corporate consolidation. The old model—where seasoned reporters asked tough questions and held power to account—is fading fast. Instead, we have newsrooms filled with younger, less experienced reporters who are hesitant to challenge authority. Brian pointed out that his mentors, Sam Donaldson and Helen Thomas, instilled in him the importance of asking questions—whether or not they get answered. “It doesn’t matter what the question is. It doesn’t matter if they answer it. It just matters that you ask it. That way you’ve put the issue on the record.” The White House Press Room: A Case Study in Groupthink We talked about how the White House press briefings have become performative. Brian recalled moments where reporters would speculate about what an official meant rather than just reporting what was actually said. That speculation would then turn into anonymous sourcing—one journalist repeating another's educated guess as insider information. He also shared stories about how institutional knowledge has vanished from the front row of the briefing room. Where there used to be decades of experience, there’s now a fraction of that, and it shows. “The problem in that briefing room is not just a lack of education, responsibility, and experience,” Brian said. “It’s the idea that you’ve never covered a beat before. You don’t know what the hell you’re doing.” The Real Cause: Corporate Consolidation One of the biggest threats to journalism, according to Brian, is the monopolization of media. Six companies control 95% of what Americans see, read, and hear. “We don’t have real journalism today. We have cheap entertainment.” He pointed out that newsrooms used to be filled with reporters who broke major stories, but corporate ownership and cost-cutting have gutted those institutions. Jim and I agreed. In our own experiences, we've seen vulture capitalists strip newsrooms for parts, cutting experienced reporters to save money while chasing profit margins that aren’t sustainable. The result? More clickbait, less investigative work, and a public that’s increasingly misinformed or disengaged. How Do We Fix This? Brian had a few ideas, and none of them involved waiting for billionaires to save us. He argued for breaking up media monopolies, providing tax incentives for local journalism, and supporting new models that prioritize actual reporting over entertainment. Local journalism, he stressed, is key. “There are 45% of the counties in this country that don’t have a single local news outlet. That means no one is covering city councils, school boards, or local government corruption.” Without local journalism, there’s no accountability, and without accountability, democracy suffers. The Bottom Line This conversation reinforced what many of us in journalism already feel—our industry is in trouble, and it won’t fix itself. The corporate owners of media don’t care about informing the public; they care about turning a profit. And as long as we continue prioritizing access over accountability, entertainment over investigation, and groupthink over independence, the situation will only get worse. Brian’s book, Free the Press, digs deeper into these issues. If you care about the future of journalism, it’s worth a read. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe

    39 min

  4. FEB 5

    Personal Nirvana: How to grow (and take) mushrooms

    If you’ve been following along, you know we don’t just skim the surface—we dig deep into the dirt yogurt. This week, my co-host, Dr. Marcel Green, and I took on one of our favorite topics: psychedelic mushrooms. From their ancient history to their modern resurgence, we explored what makes these fungi so fascinating. Try SubMarket Want to tap into newsletter audiences without the usual affiliate hassles? Submarket lets you pay newsletter owners only when their readers actually click your links. No upfront fees. No complicated codes. Just direct access to engaged newsletter audiences and crystal-clear analytics on every click. Test it out - create your first link in under 60 seconds. Social for Social GoodOfficeHounds Social Media Agency will donate $50 every month to fund at least 2 doses of life-saving opioid overdose-reversing medication to an addiction recovery non-profit for every new customer who mentions Social for Social Good when they place an order.One social media customer who works with us for a year can save 24 lives! Our social media packages start at $300 per month, and we’ve been helping businesses get found online since 2009. All you have to do is like and share the social posts on our website to help spread the word. Let’s do some Social for Social Good Together! A History Rooted in Rituals and Science Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, have been around for thousands of years. Indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica, particularly the Aztecs, referred to them as teonanácatl, meaning “flesh of the gods.” Spanish missionaries recorded their ritualistic use as far back as the 1500s, but, like most things that didn’t fit into colonial narratives, they were suppressed. Fast forward to the 1950s, when amateur mycologist R. Gordon Wasson traveled to Mexico and encountered the sacred mushroom ceremonies firsthand. He wrote about it in Life magazine, sparking Western interest in psychedelics. This research led to figures like Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (later Ram Dass) promoting their mind-expanding potential—until the counterculture movement prompted governments to crack down in the 1960s. There are over 200 species of psilocybin mushrooms, but some stand out: * Psilocybe cubensis – The most well-known and widely cultivated. * Liberty Caps (Psilocybe semilanceata) – Small but incredibly potent, found in North America and Europe. * Psilocybe azurescens** – One of the most potent species, native to the Pacific Northwest. * Psilocybe cyanescens (Wavy Caps) – Common in wood chips and gardens. A simple way to identify psilocybin mushrooms? They bruise blue when handled, a telltale sign of their active compounds. How They Work: Effects and Experience When ingested, psilocybin converts to psilocin in the body, interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain. The effects vary based on dose and mindset but generally include: - Visual distortions (enhanced colors, patterns) - Euphoria and emotional insight - A sense of interconnectedness - Potential for anxiety or paranoia if the setting isn’t right A microdose (0.1–0.3 grams) won’t cause full hallucinations but may improve mood and focus. A “heroic dose” (4+ grams) can lead to profound ego dissolution—an experience where the boundaries of self disappear. Marcel and I discussed this at length, and let’s just say, set and setting matter. A lot. Growing Mushrooms: The Basics It turns out, cultivating mushrooms isn’t much harder than making yogurt—if you follow the right steps. - Spores are the starting point, often obtained from vendors legally selling them for microscopy purposes. - Inoculation involves placing spores into a sterilized substrate like rye or brown rice flour. - Colonization occurs as mycelium spreads through the substrate. - Fruiting begins when mushrooms start sprouting under the right conditions—humidity, indirect light, and fresh air. If done correctly, a single spore syringe can yield multiple flushes of mushrooms. If done incorrectly, you might just grow mold. (Pro tip: If anything turns green, trash it immediately.) I personally use gear from Midwest Growkits but you can get lots of stuff on Amazon quick and cheaply. I personally like these all-in-one bags as well as these mono tubs for fruiting. This is my favorite book on the topic: Psychedelic research has exploded in recent years. Cities like Denver, Oakland, and Portland have decriminalized psilocybin, and Oregon has legalized its supervised use. Clinical trials are underway exploring psilocybin’s potential for treating depression, PTSD, and addiction. While it remains illegal in much of the world, public opinion is shifting. As studies continue to show therapeutic benefits, we may see widespread acceptance sooner than expected. Final Thoughts Mushrooms aren’t just party drugs—they’re tools for introspection, healing, and maybe even enlightenment. But respect is key. As we always say on *Personal Nirvana*: Start slow, be mindful of your environment, and don’t go to brunch with your in-laws after taking a heroic dose. Next week, we’re talking LSD. See you then. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe

    37 min
  5. Keep Going: How to succeed without venture capital

    FEB 3

    Keep Going: How to succeed without venture capital

    On the latest episode of Keep Going, I sat down with Adam Leeb, the founder and CEO of Astrohaus, the company behind Freewrite—a set of distraction-free writing tools designed to give writers a focused and productive experience. Adam’s journey over the past decade is a fascinating look into the challenges and successes of building a niche hardware company. Try CrankWheel CrankWheel is a 10x simpler screen sharing solution, tailor-made for sales professionals. Add a screen sharing presentation to your sales call in 10 seconds flat. Your prospect clicks a link that you send by text message or email and immediately sees your presentation - no download or registration, even on their mobile device. A Vision for Focused Writing The idea for Freewrite was born in 2014, during a conversation about distraction-free software. Adam wanted to take this concept further by creating a dedicated, standalone writing tool. He envisioned a device with a mechanical keyboard for an enjoyable typing experience, an E Ink screen that’s easy on the eyes, and cloud-syncing capabilities. What began as a Kickstarter campaign has since grown into a product line with three distinct models: the original Freewrite, the portable Traveler, and the more budget-friendly Alpha. Sustainability Without Venture Capital Astrohaus has managed to thrive for a decade, a feat many hardware startups fail to achieve. According to Adam, part of the company’s longevity stems from avoiding venture capital funding. Instead of chasing growth at all costs, Astrohaus focused on sustainable business practices. For instance, they were conservative with inventory, a strategy that sometimes left them out of stock but avoided the financial pitfalls of overproduction. By prioritizing cash flow and profitability, the company weathered challenges like factory closures and the pandemic, becoming profitable in 2020. Advertise here for free! Want to tap into newsletter audiences without the usual affiliate hassles? Submarket lets you pay newsletter owners only when their readers actually click your links. No upfront fees. No complicated codes. Just direct access to engaged newsletter audiences and crystal-clear analytics on every click. Test it out - create your first link in under 60 seconds. If you create an ad I’ll add it to the next newsletter that goes out to almost 120,000 people weekly FOR FREE for a limited time. Thanks! The Role of Community Writers have always been at the heart of Freewrite’s success. Adam and his team actively engage with their community on platforms like Reddit, Facebook, and Discord, listening to feedback and building trust. While managing a community can be demanding, Adam emphasizes the value of direct interaction. Writers not only use Freewrite products but often recommend them to others in their circles, creating a powerful word-of-mouth effect. Innovating While Staying True to Roots Freewrite’s product evolution reflects Astrohaus’s commitment to serving writers. The Traveler, for instance, was designed for portability, catering to those who write on the go. The Alpha offers a simpler and more affordable entry point for distraction-free writing. Their latest innovation, Word Runner, is Astrohaus’s first standalone mechanical keyboard, tailored for writers who value precision and comfort. Throughout this journey, Adam has stayed true to a core design principle: the product’s aesthetics should reflect its purpose. Freewrite devices stand out with their retro-futuristic look, signaling to users that they’re tools for a focused, intentional writing experience. What’s Next for Freewrite? Astrohaus is doubling down on its mission to support writers. The upcoming Word Runner mechanical keyboard is a testament to their dedication to thoughtful, writer-focused design. With more projects in the pipeline, Adam and his team remain committed to creating tools that inspire creativity while staying clear of distractions. For anyone interested in exploring the world of Freewrite, check out their products at getfreewrite.com. If you’re curious about the Word Runner, you can reserve one on their Kickstarter landing page at wordrunner.getfreewrite.com. Astrohaus’s journey is a reminder of the power of niche products, thoughtful design, and listening to your audience. For Adam Leeb and the Freewrite team, it’s clear they’re just getting started. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe

    24 min
  6. Keep Going: How this founder fought AI and won

    JAN 27

    Keep Going: How this founder fought AI and won

    When Joaquín Cuenca Abela first saw DALL-E, he knew his company needed to change. As CEO of Freepik, a platform that started as a search engine for free images and grew into a major provider of illustrations and vectors, he recognized that AI image generation would transform the creative industry. Keep Going - A Guide to Unlocking Success is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. "I remember DALL-E 1 - it was getting there but not quite. With DALL-E 2, I flipped," Cuenca Abela says. "I realized this technology would keep improving. To some extent, our company could become obsolete." Try SubMarket, a new tool to advertise in newsletters Want to tap into newsletter audiences without the usual affiliate hassles? Submarket lets you pay newsletter owners only when their readers actually click your links. No upfront fees. No complicated codes. Just direct access to engaged newsletter audiences and crystal-clear analytics on every click. Test it out - create your first link in under 60 seconds. Rather than resist the change, Freepik embraced it. The company, based in Málaga, Spain, assembled teams to work on AI models and build user-friendly products. They started with a text-to-image generator and gradually expanded their AI capabilities, developing workflows and eventually their own models. This approach sets Freepik apart from competitors. While Shutterstock and Getty Images opted to work with external partners like OpenAI and NVIDIA, Freepik invested in building internal AI expertise. "They really didn't go themselves into iterating with this tech," Cuenca Abela notes about his competitors. The pivot seems natural given Freepik's history of innovation. The company began as a vertical search engine for free images, built by three founders including Cuenca Abela, who previously worked at Google. When a major image provider asked them to remove their content, Freepik adapted by creating their own illustrations and vectors based on user search data. Spend your time selling, not teaching Zoom CrankWheel is a 10x simpler screen sharing solution, tailor-made for sales professionals. Add a screen sharing presentation to your sales call in 10 seconds flat. Your prospect clicks a link that you send by text message or email and immediately sees your presentation - no download or registration, even on their mobile device. This business model helped Freepik gain popularity in emerging markets where users often can't afford premium stock images. With traffic levels two to four times higher than traditional stock photo sites, Freepik could offer lower prices while still paying market rates to creators. On the ethical implications of AI art, Cuenca Abela takes a measured stance. Freepik uses third-party models trained with opt-out policies and is developing its own model using only licensed images. They share revenue with creators when their images are used for AI training, using the same revenue-sharing model as regular downloads. "If people decide that opt-out is not an acceptable model, there is no AI. There's no ChatGPT, there's nothing," he explains. While acknowledging the current situation looks bleak for many illustrators, he suggests AI might ultimately increase demand for art by making it more accessible. With over 500 employees today, Freepik's transformation mirrors larger changes in creative industries. As Cuenca Abela points out, the questions raised by AI art are just the beginning. "If you think about how many things AI can do, it's basically all white-collar jobs. We're going to have this conversation on a bigger scale." Freepik's story shows how companies can adapt to technological disruption - by moving quickly, building internal expertise, and thoughtfully engaging with ethical challenges. As AI continues to reshape creative work, their experience offers valuable lessons for other organizations facing similar transformations. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe

    20 min

  7. JAN 24

    Personal Nirvana: How does ketamine therapy work?

    When we started Personal Nirvana, the idea was simple: explore the world of psychedelics, self-care, and mental health, and see what sticks. I don’t claim to be the expert here—that’s where my co-host, Dr. Marcel Green, comes in. Marcel’s the brain of this operation, a guy who’s spent years helping people navigate the murky waters of their mental health with tools like ketamine therapy. I just ask the questions, hopefully the ones you’d want answers to, and he breaks it down for us. In this episode, we dug into ketamine therapy—a treatment that’s getting a lot of buzz lately but still feels misunderstood by most people. It’s not the sort of thing you just jump into without knowing what you’re doing, and Marcel made that clear right out of the gate. Try SubMarket Turn your newsletter into a revenue stream. Add vetted, relevant ads to your content in minutes. You keep control - pick only the advertisers that match your style and values. Set your own rates, choose your schedule, and earn from the audience you’ve built. Right now, during our launch period, newsletter owners can join SubMarket at no cost. That means you keep 100% of your advertising revenue while we build the best marketplace for newsletter advertising. Why newsletter owners choose SubMarket: * Full control over which ads appear in your newsletter * Direct connections with vetted advertisers in your niche * Simple integration - just copy and paste the ad content * Get paid on time, every time * No contracts or commitments * Free to join during our launch phase Join other leading newsletter writers who are already earning through SubMarket. Sign up takes less than 5 minutes. Managing Chaos: Marcel’s Take Before we even got to ketamine, we talked about the state of the world. Let’s be honest—it’s been rough out there for the past few years. How do you stay sane when everything feels like it’s spiraling? Marcel’s advice is surprisingly simple: stay present. It’s not about ignoring what’s going on around you, but about choosing what you let into your space. He talks about being intentional with what you consume—whether it’s the news, social media, or even the conversations you have—and making sure those things add something positive to your day. It’s not groundbreaking advice, but it hits differently when you hear it from someone like him. What Is Ketamine Therapy, Really? Then we got into the meat of it: ketamine. Marcel explained that ketamine is a dissociative psychedelic, which basically means it can help you step outside your usual thought patterns. That sounds nice in theory, but it also comes with risks if you don’t approach it carefully. The whole point of using ketamine in therapy is to safely create this altered state, so you can gain new perspectives on your mental health challenges. CrankWheel is a 10x simpler screen sharing solution, tailor-made for sales professionals. Add a screen sharing presentation to your sales call in 10 seconds flat. Your prospect clicks a link that you send by text message or email and immediately sees your presentation - no download or registration, even on their mobile device. Here’s the thing that stuck with me: you can’t just grab a nasal spray and start experimenting. Marcel emphasized the importance of guided sessions with someone who knows what they’re doing, especially if it’s your first time. Start low and slow. If the dose is too high, you risk what’s commonly called a “bad trip,” which can leave you feeling terrified and disoriented. It’s not about scaring you away, but about helping you understand how to approach this with the right mindset and tools. The Experience: More Than a High One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was how Marcel described the actual experience of ketamine therapy. He said it’s like stepping into an abstract space, where you can explore parts of your mind that are usually locked away. It’s not just about feeling better—it’s about understanding yourself in a completely different way. And here’s where I think ketamine stands apart from more traditional treatments, like antidepressants. Marcel calls it “experiential therapy.” Instead of a therapist telling you to try seeing things differently, ketamine helps you actually feelthat shift in perspective. That feeling, he says, can be transformative in a way that talking alone often isn’t. Breaking Stigmas and Overcoming Hesitation Of course, not everyone’s ready to jump on the psychedelic train. Marcel talked about the stigma that still surrounds treatments like ketamine, especially among older generations. You’ve probably heard the horror stories—someone taking too much and losing it, or the old “guy-on-mushrooms-jumping-off-a-building” trope. Marcel approaches this hesitation gently, breaking down the misconceptions and focusing on the science behind these therapies. For him, it’s about meeting people where they are. If someone isn’t ready, that’s fine. But if they’re curious, he’s there to walk them through the process and show them why it might be worth considering. So, What’s the First Step? If you’re interested in ketamine therapy, Marcel’s advice is simple: find someone qualified. This isn’t something you DIY after reading a Reddit thread. Look for a clinician with verifiable credentials, and make sure they do a thorough mental health assessment before anything else. The goal is to ensure the treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs. Keep Going - A Guide to Unlocking Success is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Wrapping It Up This conversation with Marcel gave me a lot to think about. Ketamine therapy isn’t a magic cure, but it’s a tool—a powerful one when used correctly. It’s also not something to rush into without understanding the risks and benefits. That’s why I’m glad to have Marcel as my co-host. He brings the expertise, the science, and, most importantly, the humanity to this conversation. Next up on the podcast, we’re planning to dive into other psychedelics—ayahuasca, psilocybin, and maybe even LSD. But for now, if you’ve got questions about ketamine or anything else, drop me a line at john@keepgoingpod.com. Marcel and I are here to help unpack this fascinating, often misunderstood world. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe

    23 min
  8. Keep Going: How to survive for two years with no salary

    JAN 24

    Keep Going: How to survive for two years with no salary

    In a recent episode of the Keep Going podcast, hosted by John Biggs, Evan Wray, CEO and co-founder of Mavely, shared his entrepreneurial journey. Mavely, a platform empowering everyday influencers, has carved a niche in the creator economy, facilitating over $1 billion in sales through its network of creators. During the conversation, Wray unpacked the challenges and milestones of building Mavely, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating their own paths. What is Mavely? Wray describes Mavely as an "everyday influencer platform," enabling anyone with an approved social media account to promote their favorite products and earn commissions. Unlike traditional influencer marketing focused on celebrities, Mavely targets everyday creators who connect with niche audiences. This approach has democratized the influencer space, turning casual recommendations into viable side hustles. Want to tap into newsletter audiences without the usual affiliate hassles? Submarket lets you pay newsletter owners only when their readers actually click your links. No upfront fees. No complicated codes. Just direct access to engaged newsletter audiences and crystal-clear analytics on every click. Test it out - create your first link in under 60 seconds. CrankWheel is a 10x simpler screen sharing solution, tailor-made for sales professionals. Add a screen sharing presentation to your sales call in 10 seconds flat. Your prospect clicks a link that you send by text message or email and immediately sees your presentation - no download or registration, even on their mobile device. Mavely’s success lies in its simplicity. With over 120,000 creators and 1,400 brands on board, the platform connects individuals with products they genuinely love, providing a seamless way to monetize social influence. The Early Challenges Wray didn’t shy away from discussing the struggles of launching Mavely. He reflected on the initial hurdles, from choosing the wrong product focus to navigating customer feedback. One early misstep was naming the platform “My Favorite Things,” which failed to resonate with users. This led to significant adjustments in branding and product design. The iterative process was both a challenge and a learning opportunity. “You can have the best business plan in the world, but reality always tests you,” Wray remarked. The Mavely team tried various approaches, including brand-specific ambassador programs and product-centric apps, before finding a formula that worked. Lessons in Resilience For Wray, persistence was critical during the two and a half years of trial and error. He described the experience as “eating glass every day,” borrowing a phrase often attributed to Elon Musk. Despite the setbacks, Wray’s determination stemmed from a personal drive to prove that his earlier entrepreneurial success wasn’t just luck. The turning point came with the discovery of product-market fit. Once Mavely aligned with its audience’s needs, growth accelerated. The platform’s viral nature, intrinsic to the influencer space, helped fuel its rapid expansion. Mental Resilience and Support Systems Wray emphasized the importance of managing mental health as an entrepreneur. He credited his co-founder, Sean, and a trusted advisory board with providing crucial support. Regular check-ins with experienced advisors offered guidance and reassurance during challenging times. Building an advisory board is a step Wray recommends to all founders. He highlighted the value of having mentors who can offer perspective and actionable advice. For Wray, these relationships have been instrumental in both his professional and personal growth. A Vision for the Creator Economy Looking ahead, Wray is optimistic about the evolving creator economy. He views platforms like Mavely as key players in empowering individuals to monetize their passions. By simplifying the process of connecting with brands and earning commissions, Mavely aims to redefine what it means to be an influencer. As Wray noted, “We’re trying to do what Uber did for everyone with a car—make it accessible for anyone with a social media account to earn income.” Evan Wray’s story offers a candid look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. From early setbacks to scaling a successful platform, his journey underscores the value of resilience, adaptability, and support. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keepgoingpod.com/subscribe

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

When you're going through Hell, keep going." This is a podcast about failure and how it breeds success. Every week, we will talk to amazing people who have done amazing things yet, at some point, experienced failure. By exploring their experiences, we can learn how to build, succeed, and stay humble. It is hosted by author and former New York Times journalist John Biggs. Our theme music is by Policy, AKA Mark Buchwald. (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/policy/) keepgoingpod.com

Information

  • Creator
    John Biggs
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © John Biggs
  • Show Website
    Keep Going

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