
The Adam Jackson Show
By Adam Jackson
I have tons of fascinating conversations and learn a lot of (mostly hard!) lessons during the course of each week.
In this podcast I'll share the good (and bad) stuff each week for 10-15 min.
I'm not selling or promoting anything - just looking to have some fun sharing these crazy weeks.

The Adam Jackson ShowSep 19, 2023

EP 15: Top 10 Technologies Through 2024
Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? On this week’s episode of the Adam Jackson Show I share the ideas, products, services, and vices I’m most excited about right now. This idea came from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong who just released his list of most promising startup ideas (and mentions Braintrust!) Unsurprisingly, crypto and AI technology top my list, but I also share some investments I’ve made recently that I am really bullish on, new productivity tools (hint: it’s not Asana) and some everyday consumer goods making life a little more fun (and no, this is not sponsored!) I hope you listen and enjoy. And, if you have anything you are excited about, send me a DM @adamjacksonsf - I love learning about and trying new things
(0:00) Intro
(0:30) Top 10
(0:40) AI powered tools
(3:26) Productivity tools
(7:42) Crypto technology
(13:50) New things for personal, professional growth
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/
About the host:
Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

EP14: From Rut to Renewal - StemCells, Hyperbaric Oxygen, Fasting, and a Change of Scenery
This week on the Adam Jackson Show, I share my recent experience of undergoing regenerative medicine at the RENUE Clinic in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Throughout the week I received stem cells, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, fasting, and a much-needed change of scenery. From rejuvenating treatments to cognitive improvements, this was one hell of a transformative trip. I also answer some skeptical questions from my beloved chief of staff, Anne.
If you have anything you’d like me to discuss or answer on my next episode, send me a DM @adamjacksonsf
(0:00) Hello from Puerto Vallarta
(2:08) Treatment with stem cells
(3:08) More caveats and stigmas
(5:34) My itinerary for the week
(8:12) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
(10:35) Sleeping well, meditating, exercising
(13:23) Skeptical Q&A from Anne
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/
About the host:
Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

EP 13: What a Tech CEO Reads, Watches, and Listens to Every Week
This week’s episode of the Adam Jackson Show is going to be a little different. I'll be giving you a peek into my world, showing you what I read, watch, and listen to—all the ways I gather information to steer the ship in this fast-paced economy. Of course, I'll share insights on crypto and AI, but I also need some leisure time away from computers and money, so we'll talk about that too.
If you have anything you’d like me to discuss or answer on my next episode, send me a DM @adamjacksonsf
(0:00) Intro
(2:14) Daily Podcasts
(3:54) Weekly Podcasts
(7:48) Longer-form content
(9:28) News Outlets
(11:40) Books and Audiobooks
(16:23) Longer-form essays
(16:56) YouTube
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/
About the host:
Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

EP 12: How to Navigate Layoffs as a CEO and Make Them Transformative Moments for Your Company
On this week’s episode of the Adam Jackson Show, I discuss the recent painful decision to lay off 40% of the workforce at Braintrust. It doesn't matter how many times you do it - it's never easy. I go into the thought process behind the decision, the steps taken, and what's next. I also answer a couple of listener Q&As. Leave a comment below or tweet me @adamjacksonsf to get your questions answered on future episodes. (0:00) Intro (0:47) Difficult layoffs at Braintrust (1:36) Why have layoffs? (3:43) How do we get to this point? (5:05) The steps I took to handle them (8:04) What are the outcomes to look for? (10:03) "If you're a company, how do you avoid doing riffs?" (10:42) "Have you ever rehired someone you'd laid off or helped them find another job?" Show Notes: https://www.wsj.com/articles/ai-jobs-replace-tech-workers-8f3dc92?st=kc0u9y4c1xm1ogt&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/ About the host: Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

EP 11: Your New Career Secret Weapon - The Professional Network
In our first-ever live episode we're joined by Elena Luneva, the General Manager at Braintrust. Elena is a seasoned product leader with an impressive background, having served in leadership roles at Nextdoor, LiquidSpace, and Opentable. Together, we discuss the creation of The Professional Network and its purpose, highlighting the importance of personal connections, on-the-job training, and adapting to new skill demands in the ever-evolving tech landscape. If you have anything you’d like me to discuss or answer on my next episode, send me a DM @adamjacksonsf (0:00) Intro (2:20) What is the Professional Network? (4:08) Introducing Elana Luneva (16:18) Q&A Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/ About the host: Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

EP 10: What I learned founding Doctor On Demand with Dr. Phil McGraw
In this week’s episode of The Adam Jackson Show, I tell the story of starting Doctor On Demand with Dr. Phil McGraw and his son, Jay McGraw. I go into the ups and downs, unexpected challenges, and valuable insights I gained from our partnership. If you have anything you’d like me to discuss or answer on my next episode, send me a DM @adamjacksonsf
(0:00) Intro
(0:46) Starting Doctor On Demand
(5:28) Our first experience filming a segment for TV
(6:55) Building a two-sided Marketplace
(8:19) Working with Dr. Phil
(10:35) Issues along the way
(14:02) Stepping down as CEO
(16:44) Lessons learned
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/
About the host:
Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

EP09: AI Doomerism, Intel From the True Ventures LP Summit, & Founder Mental Health
This week on The Adam Jackson Show I share the interactions I experienced while traveling to NYC last week, including highlights from the True Ventures LP Summit and my birthday dinner. I also answer some great questions from listeners. Send me a DM @adamjacksonsf to get your question answered on another episode. (0:00) Intro (3:11) Birthday dinner discussion (6:47) True Ventures LP Summit (12:47) This week's Q&A
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/ About the host: Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

EP 08: No Desks to Hide Under - the Usefulness of Hiring Fast, Firing Fast
In this week’s episode, “No Desks to Hide Under,” I share insights on how AI and the changing job landscape are shifting the way we work. I also discuss mistakes I’ve made and seen, changes hiring managers need to make, and the usefulness of hiring fast, firing fast. Plus I get to some audience Q&As. Send me a DM @adamjacksonsf to get your question answered on another episode. (0:00) Intro (2:52) The current paradigm (5:26) Live and lead by example (7:17) Hiring and firing quickly (10:38) Find a small team that works well together (13:04) Example of firing quickly (13:58) Audience Q&As Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/ About the host: Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

EP 07: Insights from the Front Lines of a Crypto Conference- Why AI is Hot and Crypto is Not (Yet)
On this week’s episode of the Adam Jackson Show, I discuss the insights gained from attending the Medici Conference, an exclusive conference on blockchain and cryptocurrency. I also share insights from Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, on the state of the cryptocurrency industry and the hype cycle of AI. Plus I answer audience questions from previous episodes. Leave a comment below or tweet me @adamjacksonsf to get your questions answered on future episodes.
(0:00) Intro
(1:23) Medici Conference
(4:03) Brian Armstrong
(5:32) Rep. Patrick McHenry
(7:48) Crypto and AI hype cycle
(12:02) Q&A from the audience
Show Notes:
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/18/mchenry-gensler-crypto-hearing-00092531
https://twitter.com/rowancheung/status/1653290999106379777?s=46&t=nMh8XuRI_57dnzKZX8PBkg
https://twitter.com/mhudack/status/1652961476595040256
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-winnick-36316a1/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olafcw/
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/
About the host:
Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

EP 06: The Rise and Fall of the Professional Managerial Class in Tech Companies
This week on The Adam Jackson Show, I go into what the PMC or "Laptop Class" is, how it grew, how VCs are unfairly blaming it, the toll it takes on companies, and how to avoid it altogether. I also touch on the PMC's vulnerability to layoffs when the economy pulls back, and why people talking about it are missing the point on who is to blame.
(0:00) Intro
(1:28) What is the Professional Managerial Class?
(2:36) How did we get here?
(5:11) How to avoid it
(9:03) Elena’s story
Show Notes:
https://twitter.com/pmarca/status/1520598930777464834
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaluneva/
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/
About the Host:
Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrien.

EP 05: Talent Focus, Who's Hiring on Braintrust, & How Do I Stand Out?
This week on the Adam Jackson Show I discuss the global talent market and economic outlook, and how people in tech are finding success, even in this tough environment. I go into the macroeconomic perspective, the state of the hiring market, and share data and insights from Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects tech workers with big companies. I also go into popular roles and skills that companies are hiring for, and provide tips on standing out in the job market.
(0:00) Intro
(1:57) Economic outlook
(3:23) Who's hiring on Braintrust
(4:40) How do I stand out?
(7:42) Things we're working on
(9:21) Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
Show Notes:
https://info.app.usebraintrust.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7051214079188701185/
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/
About the host:
Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrien.

EP04 - Lessons on regulation, DeFi, and more from the Pantera Blockchain Summit + this "AI pause" letter nonsense and why you shouldn't fear computers (or my Roomba)
This week I spoke at the @Pantera Blockchain summit hosted by my friend @Dan Moorhead. It was a packed house featuring speakers from storied institutions like S&P and Goldman Sachs, to start-ups, to investors — and even the regulators joined in the fun!
In the latest episode of the podcast, I share a little bit about what I heard and learned; from regulation to DeFi and everything in between. Plus I offer my two cents on this AI pause letter nonsense. Spoiler alert: dumb idea.
Time Stamp outline:
1:00: Behind the scenes at the Pantera LP event
2:30: Why foreign nations are "foaming at the mouth"
3:35: The regulatory heavy turf war: What Biden could learn from Clinton
4:25: The aging 'conveyor belt' that could ease crypto crackdowns
4:45: The improved investor discourse around crypto usability
5:45: Who cares about hosting? Why we must get past layer wars
6:35: Wall Street's crypto investment & large institutional interest
8:00: Predicting the future of crypto and my bet with Braintrust 8:40: How we move the working class into the ownership class 9:55: The value of provable global identity
11:15: Why I didn't sign the 'AI pause' letter + let's pause IG instead!
12:07: The AI safety bullshit: Inaction is never safer than action
13:00: Why it's important to test AI while it's still not dangerous
14:00: Computers don't kill people; People kill people
14:30: Time to fear my Roomba?
15:10: Responding to reader feedback ... trust me, the feeling is mutual

EP03 - Throwing a dinner for journalists + why Google, not Chat-GPT, is the granddaddy of AI.
In this episode, tech founder and investor Adam Jackson talks about throwing a dinner for journalists and how to attract attention without saying a word about your company — plus why he believes Google is the granddaddy of AI, why Chat-GPT's market-breaking potential for startups isn't quite here yet, and the NYSE's quiet bet on crypto's longterm longevity.

EP02 - An Investor Relations masterclass. Plus, Balaji's $1M Bitcoin bet, and is the SEC coming for Coinbase?
Another week, another episode. This time, I wanted to give founders a less than 10-minute lesson on investor relations — how often to update your stakeholders, and how to do it well, what not to do, plus the best way to make direct asks of your investors.
We get into some tricks of the trade, including the value of keeping your early investors in the loop — even if you’re well into your Series B, C, etc — plus why you should send update emails to those that didn’t invest in you (and your critics? send it to them twice!).
And some color on:
- The SEC’s Wells notice to Coinbase
- Balaji Srinivasan’s big bet on Bitcoin reaching $1M by July (Moment of Zen podcast)
- That TechCrunch article about investors asking for a refund

EP01 - New show: lessons learned from a 4x tech founder, investor & LP: SVB, USDC, web3, investor relations
In this, the first episode, tech founder and investor Adam Jackson shares first hand experience with the SVB bank run, USDC de-pegging, investor relations in crypto winter and more...