Ted Hesser Podcast

Ted Hesser

Deeply researched long form conversations with the most interesting people in the world.

  1. Xavier Helgesen: Building a Modern Berkshire Hathaway and Lessons from Social Impact Entrepreneurship

    05/20/2025

    Xavier Helgesen: Building a Modern Berkshire Hathaway and Lessons from Social Impact Entrepreneurship

    Today’s guest is Xavier Helgesen, a brilliant entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Enduring Ventures, a modern-day Berkshire Hathaway acquiring overlooked, cash-flowing businesses with the goal of holding them forever. Recorded during Enduring Ventures' annual shareholder gathering, Ted and Xavier discuss the philosophy and mechanics of permanent capital, the hidden pitfalls of venture capital and private equity, and the surprising power of owning simple, Main Street businesses. Xavier also shares lessons from his journey as a pioneering social entrepreneur, from building Better World Books into one of the world’s largest book resellers to founding Zola Electric, a solar energy company powering millions of lives across East Africa. They explore the complexities of balancing profit and purpose, why effective altruism falls short, and how Xavier’s experiences shaped his pivot toward strategic investing and entrepreneurship. If you’re interested in permanent capital, thoughtful investing, and practical insights into entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with wisdom. Enjoy!

    1h 11m

  2. 04/21/2025

    Mark Synnott: The Franklin Mystery and the Golden Age of Exploration

    In this episode, I sit down with Mark Synnott—climber, writer, explorer—for a wide-ranging conversation about the Franklin Expedition and the deeper human drive to venture into the unknown. This may be the greatest survival tale never told. We talk about Mark’s journey through the Northwest Passage in search of clues, the myth of the open polar sea, and what Inuit oral history suggest really happened to Franklin and his men. We also get into Mark’s own expeditions—from remote climbs in Baffin to his quest to find Sandy Irvine’s body and the lost Everest camera. There’s a lot here about the psychology of adventure, the messiness of expedition dynamics, the tension between storytelling and truth, and what it means to raise a family while chasing risk. If you’re into exploration, obsession, and the blurry line between noble ambition and madness—this one’s for you.

    2h 20m

  3. 03/24/2025

    Kris Tompkins: Life, Land, and Legacy

    Ted sits down with Kris Tompkins, longtime CEO of Patagonia and one of the world’s most influential conservationists. Kris shares her journey from building Patagonia with Yvon Chouinard to her transformative conservation work, rewilding millions of acres in Chile and Argentina alongside her late husband, Doug Tompkins. Discover her insights into the early days of Patagonia, groundbreaking conservation projects like Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, and the rewilding of species in Argentina’s Iberá wetlands. Kris also reflects on her philosophy of life, conservation, and the power of teamwork in achieving lasting change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true pioneer in environmental stewardship.

    1h 35m
  4. Jim McKelvey talks Square Inc, FDA Fast Trials & the Fed

    01/30/2025

    Jim McKelvey talks Square Inc, FDA Fast Trials & the Fed

    In this episode, Jim McKelvey, cofounder of Block Inc, delves into the critical role timing plays in both business and life, offers an insider’s look at Federal Reserve decision-making during economic crises, and unveils his plan to accelerate life-saving treatments through more efficient clinical trials. From entrepreneurial insights on leveraging machine learning for underwriting risk to his thoughts on wealth, frugality, and personal happiness, Jim’s perspectives are refreshingly down to earth and illuminating. Perfect for entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and anyone eager to understand how new technologies reshape finance and medicine, this episode delivers unparalleled lessons on creativity, leadership, and disruption.

    1h 17m

  5. 01/03/2025

    The Science of Happiness: Positive Psychology Explained

    This episode is with Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a leading authority on the science of happiness and positive psychology. Drawing on decades of pioneering research and personal experiences, Dr. Lyubomirsky reveals how cultural influences, gratitude, and kindness shape our well-being—even at the genetic level. Discover her strategies for setting authentic goals, freeing yourself from rumination, and harnessing the surprising power of money when spent meaningfully. We’ll also explore the promise of psychedelics in healing and the evolving role of AI and virtual reality in our pursuit of joy. Tune in for a thought-provoking, evidence-based roadmap to a richer, more fulfilling life

    1h 39m
  6. Davis Guggenheim: Hollywood, Politics, & Doc Film Making

    11/06/2024

    Davis Guggenheim: Hollywood, Politics, & Doc Film Making

    This episode is with Davis Guggenheim, the Oscar-winning director known for 'An Inconvenient Truth' and 'Waiting for Superman.' We dive into Davis's storied career, his insights into Hollywood, the art of storytelling, and the personal and professional challenges he's faced along the way. 02:10 Early Career and Influences11:43 Navigating Hollywood and Family Connections21:30 Training Day 32:05 Facing Setbacks and Finding New Paths44:43 An Inconvenient Truth01:01:13 The Challenges of 'Waiting for Superman' 01:07:33 Reflections on Filmmaking and Criticism 01:14:14 Access to Powerful Figures 01:21:14 The Future of Filmmaking and AI 01:27:11 Closing Thoughts and Advice

    1h 32m

  7. 10/24/2024

    Chet Pipkin: Building a Multi Billion Dollar Brand

    In this episode, I sit down with Chet Pipkin, the visionary founder behind Belkin International, a company that grew from humble beginnings in a garage to become a global, multi-billion dollar brand. Chet shares his extraordinary journey—how he turned a passion for solving connectivity issues in the early days of personal computing into global success story. We delve into the critical decisions that propelled Belkin’s success, including pioneering moves in global manufacturing, and the leadership philosophies that have guided Chet throughout his career. From navigating the challenges of globalization to his commitment to servant leadership and community service, Chet’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of relationships. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about the human side of business, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a leader who built a multi-billion dollar brand from the ground up.

    2h 56m

  8. 09/02/2024

    Andrew Hessel: Programming DNA - The Future of Synthetic Biology

    Ted sits down with world class futurist and microbiologist Andrew Hessel in this episode, to discuss the future of Bioengineering, and programming life from its most fundamental unit, DNA. They discuss the architecture of DNA, its parallels with computer systems, and the potential of writing DNA from scratch. Key topics include synthetic viruses, and the need for global biosecurity measures, the transformative potential of nanotechnology, individualized medicine, and precision treatments in revolutionizing cancer care and combating antibiotic-resistant infections. They also delve into the evolution of bioengineering, digitizing laboratory procedures, and creating synthetic organisms. Future prospects such as biofoundries, space colonization, and enhancing human capabilities through neural engineering are envisioned, emphasizing the importance of ethical frameworks, transparency, and global collaboration to harness these advancements safely.

    3h 27m
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5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Deeply researched long form conversations with the most interesting people in the world.

Information

  • Creator
    Ted Hesser
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ted Hesser
  • Show Website
    Ted Hesser Podcast