The Big List
The Big List Podcast
All Episodes
Episode 12: How to Future Proof Your Career
In this episode of The Big List, Youngme, Frances, and Mihir dive into a deeply relevant question: how do you future-proof your career? Mihir shares four counterintuitive but compelling strategies, including the power of cultivating “medium ties” in your network, embracing movement across roles and industries, and the importance of developing deep expertise—not just surface-level skills. They also explore how staying in the game after a professional setback is often the most critical and defining career decision. With warmth and insight, the trio balances personal anecdotes (like crying at eighth-grade graduations) with sharp career wisdom that feels both practical and profound.
Episode 11: Questions to Ask Before Joining a Company
In this episode of The Big List, the hosts begin with a lively discussion on the excesses of bakery culture, from over-the-top croissants in Boston to standout pastry experiences in Seoul. But the heart of the episode is Mihir's compelling list of six "hardheaded financial questions" everyone should ask before joining a new company. From understanding who owns the company to decoding its financing model and performance metrics, the conversation dives deep into how these factors shape culture and career trajectories. The episode ends with thoughtful reflections on male friendships, digital nutrition paranoia, and a minimalist electric truck called Slate that just might be the future.
Episode 10: Marketing and AI
In this episode of The Big List, Youngme Moon, Mihir Desai, and Frances Frei dive into how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape, highlighting trends like microbehavior-based targeting, digital twins, and the rise of content "tsunamis." They explore how brand voice is becoming programmable, why marketers must understand algorithms as deeply as audiences, and the growing power of niche influencers in building authentic trust. Throughout, they reflect on the shifting cultural dynamics—like identity sampling and vibe-driven marketing—that demand speed, fluidity, and emotional intelligence. As always, the trio brings warmth and humor, with detours into pickleball etiquette, beachside serenity, and the joys of custom jigsaw puzzles.
Episode 9: How to Teach Something
In this episode of The Big List, the trio outlines five key principles: dig deep into ideas, break them down, reinforce concepts from multiple angles, show up authentically, and remember it’s not about you—it’s about the learner. They explore how these teaching strategies apply to leadership, coaching, and everyday workplace interactions. The episode wraps with light-hearted digressions on gym etiquette and a touching story about Mihir’s unexpected spiritual connection with a man he meets during his daily walks.