Entrepreneur, programmer, avid student of life. I make useful things, and share what I learn.

Interviews

2011-06-30

Here are some of my recent interviews, that I think you will like:

Mitch Joel - Six Pixels of Separation podcast

50-minute audio podcast you can stream or download for later listening. Great conversation about a variety of things.

Jay Baer - Convince & Convert

35-minute video interview about business, self-belief, and other good stuff. Great rapport.

Mixergy

Fun hour-long video interview where we talk about business intuition, story-telling, and more.

Forbes - Michael Ellsberg

A great review of the book, followed by a great interview about minimalism in business.

Escape from Cubicle Nation

Do whatever the hell makes you happy! A 30-minute audio interview about business plans, freedom and happiness.

Eventual Millionaire

Audio interview with Jaime. Great questions. Fun conversation.

Brain Pickings - by Maria Popova

Succinct 5-question interview, trying to summarize everything I've ever learned.

Amber Rae

My friend and the CEO of my book! Fun 50-minute video interview about the book and related things.

IdeaMensch

Short and snappy. Giving away a business idea, and the best joke I've ever heard.

Duct Tape Marketing

MP3 audio interview. Talking about how/when to sell your company, and other business/marketing things.

Ariel Hyatt

My best friend and music publicist. About being an entrepreneur in the music industry.

Marketing Over Coffee

30-minute audio interview mostly about my book. Great questions.

My favorite interview ever. Ronnie Overgoor in Rotterdam, Holland. (Warning: swear words.)

Comments

  1. Lance King (2011-06-30) #

    Looks like good food for thought, thanks for the link, I'll be checking back and reading more when time allows!

  2. Gene Hardage (2011-06-30) #

    Derek - Now that your baby has a nanny you seem lost. You need a new mission. Call me I have one for you.
    Not lost. Just sharing all the lessons I learned from my CD Baby experience, before moving on to my next thing. Releasing this book is the end of that era for me. -- Derek

  3. Monika Reeve (2011-06-30) #

    Great comments at Michael Ellsberg review!!! Congrats.

  4. Claude Needham (2011-06-30) #

    Read IdeaMensch

    Darn... I was hoping to read the greatest joke you ever heard smile

    Very good interview in any case. Snappy, to the point, and gives a distinct flavor of where you are coming from.

  5. Charles Nwabueze (2011-06-30) #

    Much thanks for the links. it's nice at times to look back keeping thoughts abreast with the times.

    God bless you

    http://www.ammgospel.com

  6. Gary (2011-06-30) #

    This is a preemptive comment. It's my first time here to read and I'm looking forward to it. The blog came highly recommended. Thanks for taking the time make the site and stay tuned. Cheers!

  7. Michael St James (2011-06-30) #

    I would add: I got a zing out of Lefsetz's endorsement and letter about the book. well done!

  8. Joseph Ratliff (2011-06-30) #

    Derek,

    Bought your book the second I got the email...can't wait to read it...and these interviews will supplement that well until it arrives.

  9. Jacqueline Fuentes (2011-06-30) #

    Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in life! You are real, fun, just awake , has a deep resonance in the way I stand in world.
    It's inspiring....simple....i don't know...bring a big smile to my face! A warrior of light!

  10. therese hubrach (2011-06-30) #

    In your favorite interview above you announce that you are going to talk about creative ways to profit... I would like to read or listen them...
    Thanks for that lovely joyful !!! interview !
    Therese

  11. Pearl Sentman (2011-06-30) #

    Once again I thank you! I'm always so happy to hear you speak and see a smile on your face when you talk about the things you love to do! I hope Singapore treats you well!!!

  12. Katherine Chrishon (2011-06-30) #

    My daughter bought your signed book for me the very minute I got your email saying that Amazon was selling it for $25. I can hardly wait to start reading. I wish you all good things.

  13. Setrak Setrakian (2011-06-30) #

    God Bless you dear Derek!!!

  14. Jon Pomplin (2011-06-30) #

    Outstanding. Thanks again Derek.

  15. Michal Kuklis (2011-06-30) #

    Very cool interview with Ronnie Overgoor Derek smile Thanks for sharing.

  16. Gary (2011-06-30) #

    Wow! Fantastic interview. Still haven't read much here, yet. Turns out Mixergy is filled with video. No worries. I can adapt. I'm most intrigued with building a business with concepts like 'I miss the mob'. Do what makes you happy, what helps others, and what's right, and business shows up. Imagine that. Thanks again. I'll be back.

  17. Jan J.P. van den Wittenboer (2011-06-30) #

    Very cool the interviews.

    Jan.

  18. Kris Childress (2011-06-30) #

    Hey Derek buddy: Interview with Ronnie is classic. I follow your "I seek to help but don't expect to be helped" with a slight twist: "I seek to help and don't anticipate that anybody might help me until I have first helped them." Even then there is no *quid pro quo* but an expectation that there is some good will. Also, the best, often most valuable and easiest help is often to connect people with other people, information, etc. that will help them rather than focusing only on what I can do.

  19. Ken Randall (2011-06-30) #

    Ronnie Overgoor in Rotterdam, Holland.

    Homeless and just with a suit case way to go. I left all I had a while back to do just that. Now I am loaded with junk and posessions again I wanted to live out of a suitcase... I remember my uncle who was a rich man saying all you need is money in your hip pocket I totaly disagreed at the time as a young boy. Now much wiser its all you need. No need for a car, taxi bus plane and train gets you round. Stay in motels no insurance needed bus breaks down they get you on another. Sad if the plane breaks down in the sky, well saves having to have rells fight over the posessions.... Yea your a top man Derek hope China ya get through. I treat all people as equals so to talk to anyone on the same level with a respect to their position is not scary to me.

  20. Betsy Grant (2011-06-30) #

    I read your IdeaMensch and was surprised to hear that the last time you laughed out loud was seven years ago. That's a long time to go without laughing!

  21. Cynthia Manley (2011-06-30) #

    Derek, Great interview. My song , GIVE, says " NO FEAR, NO DOUBT"...and I have managed to support a life being a singer/ composer/entertainer, because it keeps me young and I love people.I was entertaining in Beijing, China, for 7 weeks, in 1990, when they REALLY hated Americans. The cool thing about the Chinese culture is that they are mostly tolerant and private.Not aggresively predjudice or judgemental. I have 2 very good friends there, if you want some contacts who speak English.CDBaby has been very good to me, and I am very proud of you. If I can assist, one of my friends is politically connected.May your journey be all you need it to be. God Bless !!

  22. God (2011-06-30) #

    Yes!!

  23. Hans Annellsson (2011-07-01) #

    Hi Derek,

    I never knew that you were spending a month in Stockholm. If I'd known I would've proposed a meeting. If you ever come to Copenhagen, even for a shorter time than a month, please drop me a line.

  24. Jolly Determann (2011-07-01) #

    So you were in the Netherlands.... ! smile

  25. Andrew Warner (2011-07-01) #

    Thanks for doing the interview with me Derek!

  26. Lee Jones (2011-07-01) #

    Thanks, Derek.

    Lead by example, just as Tao teaches.

    I was homeless fairly recently, I mean really homeless, and it was kinda fun. I do like living inside, though - my banjo doesn't like getting rained on :D .

    Great interview, loved it.

  27. Richard Dobson (2011-07-01) #

    Ronnie Overgoor interview—good to see you in action. I think you're too dangerous for China, maybe they should be scared.

  28. Jimmie Landry (2011-07-01) #

    I hope you will infect many other people all around the world with your wonderful attitude.

  29. James Connolly (2011-07-01) #

    Hi Derek,I enjoyed this interview, very enlightening, also plan on buying your new book.

    Enjoy your traveling.


    Seamus

  30. Angie Baker (2011-07-01) #

    Loved it.

  31. Joe Pickering Jr. (2011-07-01) #

    Dear Derek:

    It was a fun,refreshing,informative, and creative interview which in a smiling way underlies your philosophy in life....helping others and it usually works out that you help yourself. Another part of your philosophy is don't be afraid of life and life will reward you.As for being "homeless" not quite. You indicated you made about 2 million on the sale of CD Baby....I don't think you are putting all of that in one suitcase! Thanks for sharing...it was a great interview

  32. Jim Taggart (2011-07-01) #

    Warning: swear words...
    Holy fuck, Derek, what a great interview. Probably the most insightful yet fun video I've watched online. Being a Canadian, I got a kick out of your Canada musicians reference. Don't lose your creativity. It's unique in a cyberspace of excessive sameness.

  33. Frank Messina (2011-07-01) #

    "A man with too many posessions is never free." Salvator Spicola, 1880-1972. (my great-grand father)
    smile Love it! -- Derek

  34. Frank Messina (2011-07-01) #

    Derek, you're a true libertarian.

  35. David William (2011-07-01) #

    Can't say I agree with Gene up there. You seem to have a mission that's far greater and far more important than CD Baby could ever be. Though it's important you've had the CD Baby experiences to bring you where you're at now.

    I'm excited for it!

  36. Charles Nwabueze (2011-07-01) #

    Derek, that guy is quite interesting, you know. I luv the interview....

  37. Eahoue (2011-07-01) #

    I am being very Blessed by your knowledge and practical wisdom. Thanks,
    and "Blessings, back at ya'"! smile

  38. Mark Pinkus (2011-07-02) #

    HI Derek, you are so natural and being yourself..that's the real message..happy and safe travels Derek and your smile is your guide.. peace my friend, Mark

  39. Jacqui (2011-07-02) #

    Derek,
    You were on point as usual. Thanks for being so generous and sharing your knowledge with all of us.
    I wish you the very best.
    Jacqui

  40. Rachel Walker (2011-07-02) #

    Hey Derek!
    As I am waiting for my computer to load the rest of your interview, I just want to say," enjoy the beauty of China," funny, we were just pigging out on popcorn and candy and watching a new Documentary on Wild China, facinating and beautiful...the food too...Being, creative, we do get bored easily, risks are exciting, it's all learning......somewhere in the journey, we learn to plunge into the deep...you look good, like marriage is good for you!
    Take care of the both of you!
    Rachel

  41. Richard spasoff (2011-07-02) #

    I love your interview.
    With Ronnie Overgoor in Rotterdam, Holland.
    Very colorful and helpful teaching people how to deal in the business world.
    I love your part about facing things that scare you.
    Stay in over your head a little bit.
    The things that scare me the most is stand up comedy and Just speaking with normal people.
    It scares you to go to china but your doing what your spirit is leading you too.
    I think that's great, Derek
    Thanks for sharing

  42. Dino DiNicolo (2011-07-02) #

    Derek,

    Please continue on your path, please continue making it public. Your awareness is rare and the human race can benefit from your head space.

    Well done brother.

  43. Robert Lazaneo (2011-07-03) #

    Hi Derek, I enjoyed reading and listening to the interviews. Your practice of writing down the parts of books that you read that had useful information was interesting. As if, you don't just read it but you make the extra effort to utilize the information and make it ready for you to use, sort of like a manual that most people keep around to tell them how to proceed next.

  44. Glory Reinstein (2011-07-03) #

    Derek-I love your positive attitude! And your insights are inspiring. Thank you for sharing the interviews/video clips. I have purchased the audio book and plan to listen this weekend. Very cool that you married a Vermonter! My new venture is presently supporting artists who are Vermont-based or have some sort of connection to Vermont. Happy 4th!

  45. HT (2011-07-04) #

    Hi Derek,

    Your story is just...AMAZING. If I could be in your situation, I would want to do the same not to touch the $22 million.
    It makes so much sense because even though entrepreneurs invest their own money and take risks, we can not run a company all alone and every employee contributed to that £22 million. If I was your employee, I would be so happy to know that I wasn't just working for you so that you could be rich, but I was contributing to music education for future generations. You are such a great man!

  46. Rajiv Lulla (2011-07-04) #

    Hi Derek,
    every time i read your blog, there something new to learn.
    I hope you will also find it worthwhile to contribute to my group on LinkedIn, at your convenience and what ever you feel like sharing.
    Do let me know.

    Regards,
    Rajiv Lulla

  47. Lisa Monet (2011-07-05) #

    “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

  48. Bob Robbins (2011-07-06) #

    Great interview. One of the rare times when the innterviewer seems just as interesting as the interviewee. I loved the interaction you guys had and the content was also great.

  49. Renee Frances Conn (2011-07-10) #

    “What's social media? It's a cat and I'm a bird.” Bwwhahahaha... nicesmile

  50. Ian Clay (2011-07-12) #

    Enjoying the trip. I'm down to one bicycle (no car for 15 years, just sold 2 other bicycles), one laptop, some clothes and a kindle for all my books (whilst travelling).
    Minimal business: I'm currently learning flash builder and design patterns from a cafe by the sea. I have to drink decaf latte to save my seat smile My other favourite work place is in bed at 2am. No distractions. Im off soon on a bike ride along the Brittany coast. Did you ever do your ride in the UK? I get a buzz when your email about new articles arrives, its a joy having someone with similar interests providing tips and insights into this style of living.
    Joy and happiness to you and yours, Derek.
    Ian

  51. Hannah (2011-07-12) #

    Loved the interview with Andrew Warner. He's great for entrepreneurs and the two of you together made for a great hour. Thanks for doing that and please continue offering your life lessons + business advice - you have the perfect hybrid!

  52. Jaime (2011-07-14) #

    Thank you so much for your time. People keep emailing me about how amazing you are.

    All I can do is agree smile

  53. Martynas Spokas (2011-07-21) #

    I loved your favorite interview in Rotterdam. I am just wondering, how do you liked Amsterdam and Rotterdam? My sister lives in Amsterdam and I really love visiting her. I don't know why, but I think that Netherlands have more similarities with USA. Do you agree on that?
    I LOVE Holland. Everything about it. And yes both USA and Netherlands appreciate peanut butter. smile -- Derek

  54. Steven Moody (2011-07-23) #

    For those looking for the Art of Profitability speech referenced in the video, here is a link: http://vimeo.com/15088740

  55. Zachary Milne (2011-07-23) #

    Ha ha I love your approach and mindset. It's very refreshing. I look forward to reading your book.

  56. Jose Francisco Hevia (2011-08-18) #

    Hi, Derek, I really love watching you talk but as a person raised in Spain I find always confusing the dates format in USA.

    We use day-month-year, it seems other countries use month-day-year or year-month-day or year-day-month.

    Here I see "nombre" instead of "name" but dates are on American format, but I don't know it!! e.g Bob makes a commentary on 2011-07-06. So, what format is using just looking at it?

    What about using names like October or August?
    Sorry about that. Linux computers do YEAR-MONTH-DAY by default, and that's the format I've grown to love, so that's what I use here. -- Derek

  57. Nabil Gulamani (2011-10-08) #

    Derek,

    Very motivating video interview in Holland...I like your philosophy in business in life....Many people are caught up with an ego but you are very authentic..

    Really like your comment about being yourself in business...This has helped me a lot in sales...Great Eckhart Tolle principlessmile))...The corporate world needs to see this video...

    Totally agree about do what you are afraid of doing....I know you are going to laugh at this but I make a habit of approaching beautiful women in San Francisco to help get outside of my comfort zone..It helps me in Salessmile)..

    "The less I own the happier I am"...totally agree.....When you find your purpose and mission in life materialistic good won't matter anymoresmile))

    Amazing Amazing video..

    Thanks for sharing Derek...

    Cheers,
    Nabil

  58. Leon (2011-10-27) #

    Very well worth the time. Will try get through all of these.

  59. Louie (2011-12-06) #

    Wow. I already watched all your videos in YouTube, TED, and even read your book.

    I really learned a lot. But I didn't know you had more interviews Derek.

  60. anonymous (2011-12-08) #

    I'm now fascinated with the 'do whatever scares you' approach. Carpe Diem. Staying in over your head.

  61. anonymous (2011-12-08) #

    Really good interview, especially the part about making money and helping other people.

    I think I'm going to Move to China too.

  62. anonymous (2011-12-11) #

    Hi Derek,
    I think it's great that you hooked up with Andrew from Mixergy. Thanks for posting the interview. Your commitment to education and sharing is fantastic.

  63. Bettie Ross (2011-12-20) #

    Awesome. Thanks for posting!!

Your thoughts? Please leave a reply: