Varun Mayya
Varun Mayya
0
The podcast explores how science and business follow similar principles: experimenting, observing, drawing conclusions, and repeating. It offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs building software, content, small companies, and freelancing careers. The host also distills new developments in technology for a broad audience. He shares lessons from his own failures and small wins, emphasizing that iteration and practice are essential.
Episod
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The Most Valuable Skill After AI 05.10.2026 1j 21minIn this secret Kata, we start by talking about world-building and why creating your own world can sometimes be a better way to think about life and business than simply following the paths that already exist.Uploaded 12-09-26We discuss why people often get risk completely wrong, either by being too scared to try anything or by taking massive bets without really thinking them through. We also talk about FOMO, social pressure, and why doing what everyone else thinks is safe does not always mean it actually is.We then look at how we think about taking risks at AEOS, testing new ideas without betting the entire company on them, and knowing when to keep going versus when to shut something down.The goal is not to avoid risk, but to understand it well enough to take bigger swings without unnecessarily destroying yourself if things go wrong.00:00 - Intro01:10 - What a Brand Actually Is02:46 - What Triggered This Video07:51 - The Four Worlds10:07 - The Premise11:15 - Characters14:07 - Hierarchy and Power17:47 - Entry and Access20:07 - Language23:43 - Rituals28:25 - Shaming32:21 - Mechanics and Laws33:57 - Chance35:21 - The Everyday36:39 - Lore40:02 - Forking44:53 - Technology47:16 - Eras50:42 - Aesthetic and Style53:10 - Exit Penalties54:16 - Exposition vs Interpretation58:02 - Story Machine1:00:52 - Consistency1:04:55 - Retcons1:08:12 - Why World Building Makes You Successful1:13:14 - World Building Is Your Only Moat1:14:04 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
How I Manage Projects End To End (1 Hour Masterclass) 05.10.2026 50minIn this Kata, we break down how to manage projects when you don’t have all the answers from the start. We explain why traditional project management methods no longer work as well, how clarity comes from building instead of planning forever, and how we used Unleash the Avatar as a real example to develop our own way of managing projects.Uploaded 05-08-26We then walk through the entire process of turning a rough idea into a structured team. We cover how to decide what needs research, what already works, when to hire, when to outsource, when to invest in better tools, and how to use AI to keep large teams aligned. Along the way, we also share how we built different parts of Unleash the Avatar, from motion capture and photogrammetry to custom internal tools and playtesting.Finally, we talk about how projects grow over time. We discuss getting feedback early, building the right team before scaling, avoiding expensive mistakes, and why every successful project is really a series of small experiments that slowly bring more clarity. Whether you’re building a startup, an app, a game, or any large project, the ideas in this Kata can be applied almost anywhere.00:00 - Intro02:04 - You Don't Know What You're Building (Low Resolution)03:17 - Why Waterfall and Agile Are Outdated05:45 - Set a Deadline to Decide06:31 - Break Projects into Departments, Not Roles08:17 - The Minimum Viable Team09:43 - Sure Shot vs R and D14:18 - Vertical Slicing: Alpha, Beta, Gold15:58 - Building the High Resolution Team18:03 - Case Study: Photogrammetry R and D21:46 - When to Invest in Technology (The Math)25:11 - Where AI Fits in Projects27:50 - 5 Choices for Every Role31:03 - Why Distribution Helps (Feedback, Talent, Mentors)34:58 - Funding: Seed to Series B36:46 - Success Metrics: Conversion, Wishlists and TAM40:44 - The Playbook = Your Org Chart42:12 - Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
How Simplifying Everything Makes You Rich 05.10.2026 35minIn this Kata, we talk about why simplicity almost always beats complexity. We discuss why so many people assume that doing more, building more, or adding more systems leads to better results, when in reality it often creates confusion, slows teams down, and makes businesses harder to scale.Uploaded 26-07-26We also look at how great companies stay simple as they grow. We cover topics like delegation, team structure, decision making, reducing unnecessary work, and why the best managers focus on making things easier for everyone around them instead of adding more layers. Along the way, we share lessons from companies like Apple, Amazon, and our own experience building and scaling teams.If you’re building a company, managing a team, or simply trying to work better, this Kata will give you a practical way to think about keeping things simple.00:00 Intro00:53 Why People Chase Complexity02:43 Steve Jobs and the Power of Focus05:20 Why Large Teams Become Inefficient06:14 Jeff Bezos’ Two-Pizza Team Rule09:31 Why You Shouldn’t Build Everything Yourself11:50 Why Simple Ideas Perform Better14:27 How Too Many Features Hurt Products18:08 The Hidden Cost of Changing Systems20:44 Why Engineers Overcomplicate Things24:02 One Person, One Responsibility25:49 Do It Manually Before Automating27:11 Final Lessons for Managers27:57 Final Takeaway Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
The Big Bang is still happening 05.10.2026 6minCero means "Zero" in Spanish.Uploaded 12-07-19Business was my gateway drug to philosophy and understanding humans. In these short podcasts, let's talk black holes, computing, physics, business and philosophy, and let's try to keep it short.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More:At the end of the day, everything from product to marketing to sales is fundamentally about psychology.I spend a lot of time reading research papers and running experiments in the neurosciences lab and on people. On Instagram, I've noticed how putting out any advanced content on this type of research gets me lower engagement - so I'm going to reserve that platform to put up motivational quotes and updates, and use this playlist to put out content for people to really win at this game of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Two ways we can become immortal 05.10.2026 25minCero means "Zero" in Spanish.Uploaded 12-07-19Business was my gateway drug to philosophy and understanding humans. In these short podcasts, let's talk black holes, computing, physics, business and philosophy, and let's try to keep it short.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More:At the end of the day, everything from product to marketing to sales is fundamentally about psychology.I spend a lot of time reading research papers and running experiments in the neurosciences lab and on people. On Instagram, I've noticed how putting out any advanced content on this type of research gets me lower engagement - so I'm going to reserve that platform to put up motivational quotes and updates, and use this playlist to put out content for people to really win at this game of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Unleash The Avatar - Gameplay Trailer | Bollywood Soulslike Game 04.10.2026 6minWishlist on Steam below:https://store.steampowered.com/app/4054220/Unleash_The_Avatar/Uploaded 22-06-26After 6 months of hard work, we're ready to show what's next.Get a glimpse of the latest gameplay trailer and story bits featuring Johnny Yong Bosch (who voices Ichigo from Bleach) as the voice actor of Vikram.This game is a work of fiction produced by an independent game studio. It is set in a fictionalized version of India and features imagined characters, organizations, locations, and events. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead), groups, beliefs, or historical events is purely coincidental. In the playable game, no deity is presented without appropriate respectful context, and no disrespect is intended to any community. All cinematics and gameplay are recorded in-engine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
What is the Fence Paradox? Are degrees important for coding roles? ft. Tanay Pratap of Microsoft 04.10.2026 1j 13minSub to tanay on YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNFmBuclxQPe57orKiQbyfAUploaded 28-07-19Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
How Distribution Can 10x Your Luck, Career and Income | KATA 10 04.10.2026 46minCheck Out GenC: https://forms.genc.club/r/wv7y08?utm_source=vm_julyUploaded 16-07-26In this Kata, we talk about one of the most important ideas we've learned after building content for years: distribution. We discuss why it's often more valuable than the product itself, how it creates opportunities that you can't predict, and why building an audience is really about building trust over time, not just chasing views.We also break down how people actually make decisions. From buying products to hiring people, we explore why repeated exposure matters, why content rarely gives instant results, and how trust is built through consistent touchpoints across different platforms. Along the way, we share practical ways to think about content, personal branding, and growing a business in the long run.Finally, we look at what separates content that performs from content that doesn't. We discuss the metrics that actually matter, common mistakes companies make, why many businesses still underestimate content, and why playing the long game almost always wins. If you're trying to build a company, grow your career, or simply get more people to know your work, this Kata is a good place to start.00:00 Intro00:57 Distribution is 10x more valuable than product04:07 How we made superstars out of nobodies05:04 All your success is luck07:46 Build yourself a lightning catcher09:51 What a big audience actually gets you12:42 The difference between content and distribution15:47 Is trust even measurable20:49 The exact number of touchpoints you need27:25 How to know if your content is working34:54 Why marketing managers won't do this37:54 Summary and closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
HOW TO REACH ANY EDITOR AT FORBES: Cold Email 101 04.10.2026 11minIf you like this and want to learn more, don't forget to follow me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevarunmayya/Uploaded 12-07-18Tbh, email made me who I am today.Learn how drip emailing works, with a live example. Here, I show you how to use powerful email tools and common sense to help you do sales, land projects and reach absolutely anyone.Follow me on Instagram at instagram.com/thevarunmayya for more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
What Consciousness is according to Modern Science (2019) 04.10.2026 13minCero means "Zero" in Spanish.Uploaded 12-07-19Business was my gateway drug to philosophy and understanding humans. In these short podcasts, let's talk black holes, computing, physics, business and philosophy, and let's try to keep it short.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More:At the end of the day, everything from product to marketing to sales is fundamentally about psychology.I spend a lot of time reading research papers and running experiments in the neurosciences lab and on people. On Instagram, I've noticed how putting out any advanced content on this type of research gets me lower engagement - so I'm going to reserve that platform to put up motivational quotes and updates, and use this playlist to put out content for people to really win at this game of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Why Apple won and Kodak lost 04.10.2026 4minCero means "Zero" in Spanish.Uploaded 12-07-19Business was my gateway drug to philosophy and understanding humans. In these short podcasts, let's talk black holes, computing, physics, business and philosophy, and let's try to keep it short.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More:At the end of the day, everything from product to marketing to sales is fundamentally about psychology.I spend a lot of time reading research papers and running experiments in the neurosciences lab and on people. On Instagram, I've noticed how putting out any advanced content on this type of research gets me lower engagement - so I'm going to reserve that platform to put up motivational quotes and updates, and use this playlist to put out content for people to really win at this game of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Don't lie 04.10.2026 5minCero means "Zero" in Spanish.Uploaded 12-07-19Business was my gateway drug to philosophy and understanding humans. In these short podcasts, let's talk black holes, computing, physics, business and philosophy, and let's try to keep it short.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More:At the end of the day, everything from product to marketing to sales is fundamentally about psychology.I spend a lot of time reading research papers and running experiments in the neurosciences lab and on people. On Instagram, I've noticed how putting out any advanced content on this type of research gets me lower engagement - so I'm going to reserve that platform to put up motivational quotes and updates, and use this playlist to put out content for people to really win at this game of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Session games people play 04.10.2026 15minDown the rabbit hole we goUploaded 12-07-19Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Reacting To Your Feedback On Unleash The Avatar 04.10.2026 38minThe new trailer for Unleash the Avatar has had an incredible response. It's gone viral with millions of views across India and China, and we're truly humbled by all the love and support.Uploaded 30-06-26But along with that, we also saw a lot of your feedback. So in this video, I'm going through some of the feedback you guys have shared, in the comments and in general on the internet. I'll show you what we've already fixed, what's intentional design and what we're still working on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
LinkedIn CEO on Which Jobs Will Matter in 5 Years, Getting Hired, Advice for Indians and More 04.10.2026 56minIn this conversation, I sat down with Daniel Shapero, CEO of LinkedIn, and got him to reverse engineer his entire career on a whiteboard. Yes, a whiteboard where he walks us through starting a company as a math student back in 1998, watching three startups collapse one after another, getting an MBA to regroup, spending four years at Bain doing due diligence on companies for private equity deals, and then landing at LinkedIn almost by luck, where he built a sales org from just himself to a team of 1,500 people before working his way up to COO and eventually CEO.Uploaded 30-08-26The whiteboard session also gets into the skills he didn't have at every stage, the people who took a bet on him when it mattered, and the decisions that looked reckless at the time but ended up defining his career.We then get into where jobs are actually headed with AI. What should a 22 year old in India be doing right now. Which roles are quietly disappearing. Why entrepreneurship, healthcare, and data center jobs are booming while old-school skill sets are getting wiped out fast. Daniel pushes back on the "AI is cheating" mindset some people online have, explains why real skill still beats knowing how to prompt, gives advice to someone in their 40s who feels like they're falling behind, and talks about where LinkedIn is headed with video, short-form content, and paying creators directly.00:00 Highlights00:59 Reverse-Engineering the LinkedIn CEO’s Career14:23 Becoming CEO After 18 Years at LinkedIn16:28 What Changes When You Go from COO to CEO?19:41 What Should a 22-Year-Old in India Do in the AI Era?21:21 Which Industries Are Growing in India?24:20 Does a College Degree Still Matter?27:23 How LinkedIn Is Adapting to New AI-Era Jobs29:08 Open to Work and the Changing Culture of Employment31:31 How LinkedIn Makes Money and Why India Matters33:10 How AI Agents Are Changing Job Applications and Hiring36:33 Which Jobs Are Growing and Which Are Fading?41:49 Are Colleges Leaving Graduates Behind on AI?44:43 LinkedIn’s Strategy for Creators and Video49:26 Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Build What Moves India: Rules and How to Participate 04.10.2026 15minSubmission Link : https://forms.gle/Uv4JM9o1YNJJhnjm6Uploaded 21-08-26We’ve finally kicked off Build What Moves India, and in this video, we go through exactly how the hackathon will work, what you need to build, and how your project will be judged. The focus is simple: take a public service platform, rethink it from the point of view of an everyday citizen, and build a working proof of concept with ideas that actually make the experience better.We also cover the submission process, how the projects will be shortlisted, what the top 250 participants can expect, and how the mentorship round and final presentations will work.Finally, we talk about what this hackathon is really trying to do. Beyond the prizes, the larger goal is to bring together people from technology, content, and government, and hopefully turn some of these ideas into conversations that can lead to real improvements in the public services millions of Indians use.https://buildwhatmovesindia.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Your brain is scamming you 04.10.2026 10minCredit to https://twitter.com/foone for inspiring me to do this video. Uploaded 12-07-19Cero means "Zero" in Spanish.Business was my gateway drug to philosophy and understanding humans. In these short podcasts, let's talk black holes, computing, physics, business and philosophy, and let's try to keep it short.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More:At the end of the day, everything from product to marketing to sales is fundamentally about psychology.I spend a lot of time reading research papers and running experiments in the neurosciences lab and on people. On Instagram, I've noticed how putting out any advanced content on this type of research gets me lower engagement - so I'm going to reserve that platform to put up motivational quotes and updates, and use this playlist to put out content for people to really win at this game of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
