logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2024
1h 42m

Technology, Optimism, and Embracing Bold...

Barrett Brooks
About this episode

Packy McCormick is known for his unique insights into technology and startups. As the founder of Not Boring, he’s built a passionate audience of more than 200,000 people through his knack for deep analysis and genuine storytelling. Packy is a vibe-setter with a career spanning writing, investing, and podcasting (to name a few). Over the past four years, Packy has built Not Boring into one of the most trusted, hilarious, and unique publications covering the bleeding edge of deep tech startups working to solve hard but important problems.

This week, Barrett talks with Packy about everything from the complexities of creating content that remains true to its roots while expanding to new audiences, to the personal growth that comes from never giving up. They discuss the financial and societal implications of investing in futuristic ideas, the significance of intellectual honesty in storytelling, particularly with contentious topics like nuclear energy, and the importance of optimism despite market downturns and societal challenges. Packy shares his optimistic vision for the future, fueled by technology and innovation, and his dedication to contributing to a world where work not only shapes individuals but drives prosperity for everyone.

In this episode:

  • 00:00 - Intro
  • 02:12 - Packy’s take on Not Boring’s strategy
  • 09:15 - The personal side of professional growth
  • 15:11 - Embracing change and reflecting on success and the journey ahead
  • 33:48 - An optimistic outlook in a downturn
  • 36:32 - Reflecting on missed opportunities and fundraising challenges
  • 38:20 - Rethinking venture capital
  • 41:43 - VC vs charity for societal impact
  • 47:05 - Imagining the future evolution of Not Boring
  • 53:45 - Building an audience today
  • 01:01:40 - The roots of optimism and its impact on entrepreneurship
  • 01:10:43 - The state of journalism and public perception
  • 01:13:57 - Exploring nuclear energy through podcasting
  • 01:20:46 - Financial and creative dynamics of podcasting
  • 01:24:53 - Reflections on nuclear energy and public sentiment
  • 01:35:40 - Personal growth through creative work


Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

Up next
Mar 2025
The Lies We Tell Ourselves About Success with Matt D. Smith
This week, I talk with Matt D. Smith—better known on the internet as MDS. Matt is a world-class designer and the founder of Shift Nudge, where he’s building the Juilliard of design education. Over his 20-year career, Matt has generated millions in revenue while helping clients cr ... Show More
2h 1m
Mar 2025
From Burnout to Balance: How Tina Tower Built a $2M Business—Without Breaking Herself
This week, I talk with Tina Tower, founder of Her Empire Builder, a membership community helping women start and scale online course businesses. Tina’s journey to success has been anything but straightforward. She launched a tutoring center at 20, built a franchise that nearly br ... Show More
1h 38m
Mar 2025
How Tiny Experiments Lead to Big Breakthroughs with Anne-Laure Le Cunff
This week, I’m bringing back one of our most popular episodes—my conversation with neuroscientist, writer, and Ness Labs founder Anne-Laure Le Cunff. When we first spoke in 2024, she was deep in her PhD, balancing academic rigor with writing for a broad audience, all while sharin ... Show More
1h 38m
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
MBA2521 Extended Interview: Andy Morgan – Creating a Highly Successful Niche Business
Looking to build a business that not only thrives but also makes a meaningful impact? Want to know how to narrow your niche and connect directly with your ideal clients? Curious about turning challenges into the driving force behind entrepreneurial success? In today’s episode, we ... Show More
1h 5m
Sep 2024
Passion and Purpose (with Andy Slavitt)
On today's episode, Laurie talks purpose-driven businesses with Andy Slavitt. Andy’s been a White House advisor, crisis response leader, health and technology business leader and investor with Town Hall Ventures. He was also the host of Lemonada’s hit podcast In the Bubble. He’s ... Show More
35m 45s
Jun 2024
Coaching Mastery & Human Nature with Dr. John Berardi
Dr. John Berardi is best known as one of the founders of Precision Nutrition. His most recent endeavor, Change Maker Academy, is a resource pool for practicing coaches from all walks of life. Additionally, his book Change Maker is a must-read for all health coaches. Dr. Berardi j ... Show More
1h 29m
Aug 2024
562: Business Development Lessons From Signature Firms with Andy Bigwood
In this episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, Andy Bigwood and Rion Willard dive into the fascinating world of architectural business strategies. Andy shares insights on refining company processes and building momentum, even when facing setbacks. They also discuss the ... Show More
1h 8m
May 2022
Wisdom for Work #10 - Leader As Coach - with Andy Crissinger & Chris VandenBrink
What are the benefits of adopting a coaching mindset in your leadership and life?   In this podcast Wisdom for Work, Reboot Coaches Andy Crissinger and Chris VandenBrink break down the three fundamental components of coaching - listening, inquiry, and mirroring. The duo describes ... Show More
32m 32s
Aug 2024
The Power of a Coach
Getting a Coach After You Have Been In Graduate School for Dozens Of Years May Seem Redundant But what if hiring a coach is the one thing you need to simplify your life? Make your transition to a new job, or adventure seem possible instead of overwhelming. What if a coach is the ... Show More
12m 10s
Aug 2024
Michael Mervosh - Invest in Yourself (EP.402)
Today’s show is quite different from our typical show. It’s an edited replay of a conversation from six years ago with Michael Mervosh, the Executive Director of the Hero’s Journey Foundation. Michael created HJF to provide experiential opportunities for human development and tra ... Show More
30m 5s
Sep 2024
Flip Struggles to Seven-Figure Success: No-BS Guide to Self-Worth & Leadership // Andy Elliott
In this episode of the One Percenter podcast, Andy Elliott introduces Brendan, one of his successful coaches, who shares his transformative journey from struggling in life to becoming a seven-figure earner. Brendan emphasizes the importance of self-worth, good leadership, and bei ... Show More
34m 32s
Dec 2024
Best of DBE 2024: From Bartender to 8-figure a Year Digital CEO James Wedmore Part 1
As we reflect on the incredible journey of 2024, we can't help but feel grateful for the amazing support from our fantastic listeners like YOU. As we bid farewell to 2024, we sifted through our archive and we've curated a list of the BEST of the BEST for your listening pleasure. ... Show More
54m 10s
Apr 2025
MBA2611 Extended Interview: Dan Martell – The Shortcut To Business Success
Is there really a faster way to achieve business success? Could mentorship or coaching be the key to unlocking your full potential? Omar thinks so. After working with Dan Martell as his coach, Omar scaled his software company WebinarNinja to over 30,000 users, generated millions ... Show More
1 h