America 2.0 (by Gary Sheng)

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I’m Rebranding My Podcast!

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I’m Rebranding My Podcast!

Let me explain why “LEVEL UP AMERICA” just wasn’t doing it for me, and what's next

Gary Sheng
Mar 9
5
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I’m Rebranding My Podcast!

substack.garysheng.com

There may be a fine line between indecision and open-mindedness, but I have once again changed my mind about the direction of my podcast.

So far, the evolution of the podcast since its launch in August 2022 has been this:

  • First, it was a podcast where I interviewed US-based tech entrepreneurs about their "foundational tech companies."

  • After a few months, I realized that talking only to tech founders was too limiting and boring for me. So I (briefly) changed it to a podcast where I interview anyone with a strong opinion on how tech can help level up America.

  • But the concept still bores me. And I don't think I'm providing as much value as I'd like.

  • So once again, I am evolving my podcast.

To what?

Before I announce the new name, let me give you a little backstory.

It all started with a realization in Denver last week that the podcast should simply be DOCUMENTING and PUBLISHING existing interactions I have with people that I actually enjoy.

Namely...

Group "jam sessions" with people who are building foundational tech companies and other super-impactful projects that help level up America and regenerate the world.

Jam Session | Cartoon Amino
Art from AnimoApps.com

I have boundless energy to support people who are dedicated to the highest good.

I love helping unblock founders and other builders who are so close to breaking out but just need a little creative help.

I love to record conversations where people are breaking new ground.

So why not focus the podcast entirely on what I have boundless energy for?

I like the name “LEVEL UP AMERICA,” but I don't love it.

It's too serious. And it doesn't inspire curiosity. And with the new concept I have, it doesn't really fit the concept.

What could be an alternative name?

I went through a number of options, but I really like…

"Groupthink"

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That might trigger something in you...

Which is exactly the intention.

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE subversive names.

For example, I created a Twitter Community called “regen regime” precisely because it seemed dissonant and yet so perfect. The dissonance comes from the fact that people tend to associate "regen" with softness and being a pushover, and "regime" with the opposite. What if regens weren't pushovers? What if they were unyielding in their commitment to planetary regeneration in the midst of the forces of degeneration?

That’s the power of a subversive name.

“Groupthink” might trigger you because of its commonly associated meaning.

According to chatGPT:

“Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people in which the desire for conformity and unanimity within the group overrides rational decision-making, critical thinking, and independent judgment. In a groupthink scenario, members of a group may suppress their own individual opinions or objections in order to avoid conflict, maintain harmony, or please the group's leader. This can lead to poor decision-making and flawed group outcomes, as alternative viewpoints or critical evaluation of ideas are not considered. Groupthink has been observed in a variety of settings, including government, military, business, and social groups.”

Groupthink - Learn About the Negative Impact of Groupthink
What people think of when they hear the word “Groupthink”

The unfortunate thing about this meaning association is that thinking in a group can be EXTREMELY beneficial.

In fact, all of my best ideas have come from GROUP THINKING. “Jamming” with trusted friends in a way that enables better and better ideas to emerge from ether.

áldozat Adelaide Letiltás meld játék Meg kell erősíteni divat humanista
When I think of my best “Groupthink” sessions I think of minds melding and producing what could not have been produced alone

The name "Groupthink" comes from my desire to turn a pejorative term on its head.

I want each episode to be a GROUP JAM with brilliant people on big ideas.

Literally a GROUP thinking session.

This makes "Groupthink" a fun, ironic, subversive podcast title that happens to match my personality and my love of jamming in public.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pivot!

Do you have a project that could help level up America in some meaningful way?

Are you blocked and need help taking your project to the next level?

Drop me a DM on Twitter if you'd like to jam with me and some of the most creative people I know about how to level up your project.


That's it for now! Stay tuned for the first episode of "Groupthink." Really excited to see where this goes.

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I’m Rebranding My Podcast!

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