TKS: The Karnjanaprakorn Show

In this episode, I chat with my Magic: The Gathering coach Stanley Hartman (Stanley2009) about different career paths. I flip the script and share my own advice with Stanley as we explore how to land a job at a tech startup, build a career as a content creator, and brainstorm software ideas through vibe coding. For anyone interested in career guidance, content creation, or startup ideas, this episode provides practical advice and actionable tips.FOLLOW STANLEYPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/stanley2099X: https://x.com/stanley_2099Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stanley_2099Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7I6IFHdvYOLeIMHtlhbNsC?si=d86a108fb335494cFOLLOW MEWebsite: https://mikekarnj.comCHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:21 Getting a Job at a Tech Startup25:25 Content Creation57:01 Vibe Coding

How do you know when it’s time to make a change—whether in your career, personal life, or mindset?In this episode, I sit down with Danya Shults, who shares her experiences from working at Skillshare and Patreon to becoming an executive coach. We also talk about her recent psychedelic therapy, sabbatical in Spain, and navigating changes as you get closer to 40. We discuss:The emotional and practical side of career pivotsWhy Danya and her husband quit their jobs for a four-month sabbaticalHow founders (and anyone in transition) can avoid anticipatory griefThe role of intuition, spirituality, and psychedelics in navigating life shiftsThis conversation is perfect for anyone experiencing major life transitions.Follow Danya: https://www.danyashults.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro07:30 Sabbatical16:59 Life After32:08 Entering 40s36:52 Marriage and Milestones42:28  Spirituality50:44 Psychedelic Therapy 59:51 Advice

Safwaan Kay is working on a new (stealth) startup. He was previously at Founders, Inc. LINKS Safwaan's X: https://x.com/safwaankay I’m rich and have no idea what to do with my life: https://vinay.sh/i-am-rich-and-have-no-idea-what-to-do-with-my-life/ HOST Michael Karnjanaprakorn: https://mikekarnj.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 03:31 Post Exit Founder Essay 20:18 Open Source 29:47 AI Agents 46:56 Ambition

Reflecting on the year has always been part of my annual process — celebrating wins, learning from challenges, and planning ahead. In this essay and podcast episode, I’ll share my highlights, lessons, and goals for 2025, along with some unexpected takeaways from a year dedicated to having fun. Lessons Dropping the Mask: Letting go of the personas we build to meet others’ expectations is difficult but transformative. Living authentically allows for deeper connections and a more fulfilling life. Redefining Success: Inspired by my conversation with Kevin Dahlstrom, I’ve embraced a new version of the American Dream: sabbaticals, financial independence, passion-driven identities, and quality family time are what success looks like to me now. Health is Wealth: Navigating my heart health issues and running injuries reinforced a simple truth: everything else in life rests on a foundation of good health. Without it, nothing else is sustainable. Simplify to Focus: Decluttering my physical and mental space has been transformative. By owning less and streamlining commitments, I’ve freed up time and energy to focus on what I truly care about, whether it’s hobbies, relationships, or personal growth. Transitions take Time:  Big life changes rarely happen overnight. Shifting priorities, evolving identities, and exploring new paths require patience. Dead ends are part of the process; what matters is continuing to take steps forward without rushing the process. Read: https://mikekarnj.com/posts/2024-review Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:45 Highlights 26:32 Lessons Learned in 2024 29:54 Random 33:26 2025

In this episode of TKS, we explore how adult curiosity, independent thinking, and cognitive growth shape not only our careers but also our entire approach to life. Our guest, Andrew Conner, co-founder of Levels, shares insights from his 18-month sabbatical, where he stepped away from the day-to-day of building a startup to dive deep into unstructured learning and personal exploration. We discuss the mental frameworks and practical tactics that sustain lifelong curiosity, why wisdom is "the best predictor of life satisfaction," and how to cultivate cognitive ability in an algorithm-driven world. Guest https://andrewconner.com/ is the co-founder of Levels. He is a software engineer, amateur potter, and tinkerer. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:19 Sabbatical 06:01 Guardrails 14:05 Adult Curiosity 20:10 Placebo Effect 24:55 Unstructured Learning 28:43 Framework 29:33 Navigating Algorithms 31:06 Intentional Content Consumption 40:37 Synthesizing and Connecting Ideas 49:31 Career Advice for Young High Performers The Karnjanaprakorn Show TKS features honest conversations with people who think differently. We explore unconventional ideas across life, work, and culture — expanding how you see the world. Each episode tackles a central question through personal stories and expert interviews. Host I am the founder of Skillshare and Otis. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com

I chat with Rick Foerster, who shares his journey from a fast-paced tech career to one focused on family, creativity, and fulfillment. After twelve years at Privia Health, Rick took a sabbatical when the company went public. He used that time to reassess his priorities and shift from a work-centric identity to a multi-dimensional one. We discuss diversifying your identity and finding fulfillment beyond career success. We also explore the concept of ‘total addressable meaning,’ how finding meaning is the ultimate form of wealth, navigating midlife crises and avoiding burnout. This episode is perfect for anyone going through a transition, curious about taking a sabbatical, or seeking a more meaningful life beyond work. Guest Rick Foerster is a former healthcare executive who now writes at https://www.thewayofwork.com/. https://x.com/MattEspoz Topics 00:00 Intro 01:43 Rick's Journey 03:38 Life After Privia Health 08:25 Identity Shift 12:40 Sabbaticals 25:10 Ambition 36:00 Scaling Down After Scaling Up 40:02 Meaning 48:24 Advice for Those Feeling Stuck 54:36 Rebalancing Life's Portfolio The Karnjanaprakorn Show I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and I am now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I chat with others, taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com

At 41, I learned I was at high risk for heart disease despite what I thought was a healthy lifestyle. When I was diagnosed with high levels of lipoprotein(a)—a genetic risk factor—I decided to document my year-long journey of understanding and managing the condition. In the episode, I share my biomarker test results, explore heart disease risks, and discuss my lifestyle and medication plans. This experience has underscored the importance of early detection and taking control of my health. Read the full essay https://mikekarnj.com/posts/tackling-high-lipoproteina-my-heart-health-journey. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:30 My Genetic Risk 02:01 Background 03:15 Test Results 04:47 Breakdown 07:31 DEXA Scan 09:17 Taking Action 13:49 Treatment 17:09 Mindset Shifts 18:28 My Plan 20:00 Follow-Up Results 23:21 Reflecting Podcast I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I chat with others who are taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com

I chat with Matt about his unconventional path to building a holding company. At just 22 years old, he has already had two successful exits. We discuss his approach to building his studio model holding company, Halation, where he focuses on creating one-of-a-kind software. Matt shares how he selects the ‘game’ he wants to play, why he chooses to work with friends, and the importance of having a 'cash cow' to fund other ventures. We delve into validating new ideas, finding the right operating partners, and his whale-and-barnacle approach. Lastly, we exchange advice on balancing work and life. Guest Matt Espinoza is a partner at Halation, building an empire of internet companies. Follow him on X. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:43 Building a HoldCo 05:14 Bootstrapping 06:57 Partnering with Creators 12:22 Acquiring vs. Building 15:14 Validating Ideas 27:53 Importance of Operators 31:51 Lessons Learned 37:20 Balancing Work and Life 45:40 Calm Company 51:10 Fun Host I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and I am now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I chat with others, taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: ⁠⁠https://mikekarnj.com

Kevin Dahlstrom might be the most balanced person I’ve ever met. He’s a 4x Founder, 3x CMO, and investor in over 55 companies. He also pursues rock climbing at an elite level — all while prioritizing his family. He says it’s only possible because of his “ideal end state” exercise. It aligns his actions with his true desires, allowing him to design a life he never needs to escape. As a result, he’s reduced work to just 10% of his identity. As I navigate my 40s, I wanted to get his advice on making the most out of this decade. I chatted with Kevin to get his perspective on work, identity, health, lifestyle design, and more. Guest Kevin Dahlstrom is a 4X founder, 4X CMO, 50X PE investor, and avid rock climber. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:27 The Text 05:39 Lifestyle Design 11:38 Ideal End State Exercise 18:19 Manifesting Goals 21:28 Compounding 22:25 Reflections at 50 26:59 Work-Life Integration 32:08 Retirement 33:16 Minimalism 35:40 Climbing 37:09 Identity Beyond Work 39:50 Curating Your Tribe 41:39 Hobbies 47:27 Giving Back 52:40 Mental and Physical Health 01:04:12 End Quote Host I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I chat with others taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: ⁠https://mikekarnj.com

Dan has sold four companies throughout his career. We discuss what that was like and dive into what he’s doing next—building a venture studio. He shares his playbook and how he's leveraging his strengths, and I get his advice on navigating post-exit life. Plus, we discuss philanthropy and finding purpose and fulfillment beyond financial success. Guest Dan Reich is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He has co-founded Spinback (acquired by Buddy Media), Tula (acquired by Procter & Gamble), Dibs Beauty, and Troops.ai (acquired by Salesforce). Links Company Builders Dan's Personal Website Follow Dan on Twitter Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:14 Dan's Journey 09:47 Venture Studios 13:16 Creators 22:40 Financing 25:44 Why Again? 28:01 Daily Routines 29:31 Post-Exit Emotions 40:49 Philanthropy 43:07 Angel Investing 44:59 Final Thoughts Podcast I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I share what I learn along the way, and chat with others who are taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com

I chatted with Geoff Roberts about how they designed the company at Outseta, where they do things differently. Everyone makes $210,000 and can choose to work one to five days a week. They operate without budgets, targets, or OKRs, maintaining a flat hierarchy with no bosses. The company prioritizes life profitability for both the team and customers. Geoff discusses the motivation behind these decisions and how a high-trust, fully transparent work environment facilitates this unique culture. Guest Geoff is the co-founder of Outseta, an all-in-one membership software that makes it easier to build SaaS products, membership sites, and online communities. Learn more about their unique culture here. Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:57 Bootstrapping 05:21 Ambition & Lifestyle 06:45 Life Profitability 13:52 $210,000 Salary 19:37 Flat Hierarchy 23:42 Resolving Conflicts 27:42 Attracting Talent 29:36 Lessons 32:18: Living Abroad 38:38 Advice Podcast I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I share what I learn along the way. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com/

In this episode, I share the cycle many former founders go through as they decide between starting another company or riding off into the sunset. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:28 Founder Cycle 07:59 Redefining Success Podcast I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I share what I learn along the way. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com/

In this episode, I explore lifestyle design, a philosophy centered around creating a life that aligns with freedom, work-life integration, purposeful living, and income autonomy. I question the conventional path to success and explore examples of people who are doing it differently. And share steps on how you can design your own lifestyle. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:25 Core Principles 02:57 Examples 08:44 Reflection Podcast I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I explore ideas related to life, business, and technology. Learn more about me here: https://mikekarnj.com/

I had a conversation with Ryan Sneddon, who has built a successful local email newsletter in Annapolis, Maryland. We discussed the playbook for building a local business empire, and we both pitched different business ideas in real estate and YouTube. Guest Ryan Sneddon runs Naptown Scoop, a local newsletter serving Annapolis, Maryland. He's built an audience of over 18,000 (nearly half the town's population) and is building a local empire. Links Ryan's Twitter: https://twitter.com/lifeof_scoop Naptown Scoop: https://www.naptownscoop.com Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:31 Local Newsletters 09:53 Local Business Empire 22:58 Real Estate Newsletter 40:10 YouTube 51:32 Internet Podcast After working in tech startups, I'm now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I explore ideas related to life, business, and technology.

In this episode, I share three career failures: not getting into business school, the failure of my first startup, and the ten pivots we went through at Skillshare. READ Failure Resume PODCAST After working in tech startups, I'm now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I explore ideas related to life, business, and technology. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:06 Business School 02:35 By/Association 06:06 Pivots 09:40 Learnings

Tarpit ideas seem promising but trap founders in companies that are hard to scale. The first version of Skillshare was trapped. I also share a list of common tarpit ideas. Stay away from these! CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 02:33 Skillshare 06:02 List of Tarpit Ideas READ MORE Tarpit Ideas PODCAST The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) is a podcast in which I explore ideas related to life, business, and technology.

I compiled a list of my ten most important life decisions. There are many more, but these were the top decisions I made before I turned 40. I also share some thoughts on how to best make those decisions. LIFE DECISIONS Who should I marry? Should I have children? Where should I live? Which career should I pursue? How should I manage money? What healthy habits should I adopt? What calculated risks should I take? What values and beliefs should I uphold? Which relationships should I nurture and maintain What hobbies and interests should I explore? CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:41 Life Decisions 03:09 Being Right 04:02 The Click 05:47 Reflecting BLOG POSTS Life Decisions Being Right The Click

In this solo episode, I share three ideas about business: 1) how to get to your first $100K, 2) playing a different game, and 3) impact. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:30 Investing in Yourself 02:38 Metagame 06:53 Legacy

In this solo episode, I share four of my favorite blog posts from the past month. This episode aims to inspire you to rethink your approach to life, creativity, and what it means to be successful. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:53 Craftsmanship 05:52 Success Addiction 09:27 Parent Stories 14:27 Assets PODCAST The Karnjanaprakorn Show is where I explore ideas across life, startups, and technology. As the former founder of Skillshare, I am now following my curiosity. This show follows that journey, exploring topics like longevity, emerging technologies, living a fulfilling life, and more.

In this episode, we discuss what happens after you sell your company. Ben sold his company to Zapier in 2021 for an undisclosed amount, but it was enough for Ben to retire from working. We discussed why he sold the company, what he did in the first year, and the wave of emotions he felt after selling the company. We also talked about how he spent the money and what he’s investing in today. I also picked his brain on how he’s building an AI Assistant. GUEST Ben Tossell writes an AI Newsletter, Ben’s Bites, and invests in early-stage AI startups. He was previously the founder of Makerpad, a no-code education site, which was acquired by Zapier. He also just launched a new community called Acquired Founders. LINKS Ben Tossell Ben’s Bites Acquired Founders PODCAST The Karnjanaprakorn Show is where I explore ideas across life, startups, and technology. As the former founder of Skillshare, I am now following my curiosity as I figure out my next thing. This show follows that journey, exploring topics like longevity, emerging technologies, living a fulfilling life, and more. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 12:49 Why Sell 19:16 First Year 25:07 Stay or Leave 35:19 Money, Spending, Investing 45:53 AI Executive Assistant