Listen to Build

How One Mentor Taught Me To Make $15,000,000
For the 300th episode, the podcast officially rebrands to focus on business networking. Sean brings on his very first mentor, Meir Simhi. Years ago in China, Meir helped Sean realize his true value in...

Why "Self-Improvement" is Ruining You (And What to Do Instead)
Are you obsessed with self-improvement? Mental performance coach and former Wall Street hedge fund manager Evan Marks argues that constantly trying to "fix" yourself actually takes you further away from who you really are. In this episode, Evan explains why he completely rejects "positive psychology" in favor of "opportunistic reality". He trains high-achievers to treat their negative emotions as data and be ready for chaos like a "jaguar in the brush".

Why VCs Really Reject Your Startup (The 'No Conviction' Truth)
What does it actually mean when a venture capitalist says they 'don't have conviction' in your startup? Vaughn Crowe, an investor at nvp Capital, explains why VCs struggle to give founders honest feedback and what that dreaded rejection phrase really translates to. In this interview, Vaughn reveals how he sniffs out scammers versus real entrepreneurs by evaluating their true desire to build a big business. We discuss why having a massive advisory board at the pre-seed stage can be a major red flag, and whether founders should take a salary from their funding or bootstrap completely. Plus, he explains why leading your first VC meeting with a pitch deck is a fatal flaw and what you should do instead.
Why Your Social Media Content Isn't Getting Subscribers
Are you getting thousands of views on your YouTube Shorts but struggling to turn them into loyal subscribers or paying clients? Ben Pines, who helped scale Elementor from $0 to $100M ARR, explains exactly why your social media strategy is falling flat and how to fix it. In this live 'workshop' style episode, Ben and Sean deconstruct Sean's own content strategy — why AI has killed generic SEO content, why short-form video often leads to 'empty views,' and the secret to transitioning from a generic content creator to a highly paid trusted advisor.
The 150-Year Vision for Humanity
What will human civilization look like in 150 years? Abdo John Hajj, partner at Type One Ventures, believes we are at the beginning of a deep tech supercycle that will transition humanity into a 'Type 1 Civilization'—one that harnesses the full energy of its host star and becomes truly interplanetary.
Stop Hiring Advisors Who Want a Retainer (The Equity Playbook)
Why do most startups waste thousands of dollars on advisors who deliver zero results? Ron Levin, a partner at Alumni Ventures, explains why you should never pay a retainer to an advisor and how to structure equity-based deals that actually align incentives.
Stop Buying Stocks on Fidelity (Do This Instead)
Is AI about to replace your stock broker? Christine Healey, a pre-IPO investment expert, explains why Claude AI missed a critical detail in a deal that could have cost her client millions—and why human brokers are still essential in the private market.
AI Is a Disaster... Why Lawyers Are Panicking
Is AI about to replace lawyers, or is it a 'disaster' waiting to happen? Omeed Tabiei, a startup lawyer, breaks down the viral story of Fred Wilson replacing a $50k legal bill with AI and why it has the legal industry panicking. However, he also shares cautionary tales of founders who used AI templates (like Rocket Lawyer) and ended up with messy, expensive legal battles.
OpenClaw is the Most Dangerous AI Tool Ever Built
Is the new open-source AI agent 'OpenClaw' a revolutionary tool for startups, or a dangerous liability that could destroy your computer and spend thousands of your dollars? Sze Wong returns to the podcast to debate Sean on the massive risks and rewards of giving autonomous AI agents full control over your machine.
Is Your Startup Fundraising Illegal? (A Lawyer Explains)
Are you unknowingly breaking the law by paying a commission to someone helping you raise capital? Wendy Culbertson, a securities lawyer, warns that many startup founders are violating SEC rules by paying 'finders' who are not registered broker-dealers. In this interview, she explains the severe consequences of these illegal payouts, including civil and criminal liability.
What Listeners Say
Join thousands of founders who trust We Live to Build for real, unfiltered insights.
I just listened to the interview with Jeffrey Klubeck, and it was fantastic! Sean does an incredible job of engaging the audience and keeping the conversation flowing. Jeffrey's insights on integrity and accountability are not only thought-provoking but also essential for anyone looking to grow personally and professionally. Highly recommended!!
I had the pleasure of joining Sean on an episode and this guy is just so much fun. He has a great audience and knows exactly what they are looking for. I have spoken with him several times since the podcast and his passion for all of this is so impressive. Listen in!
We Live to Build creates space for deep, thoughtful discussions that go way beyond surface-level tactics. I loved being able to dig into topics like CRO, AI, simplicity in business, and even personal transformation. Sean asks great questions and gives room for the kind of insight that actually makes you stop and think. If you're serious about building a better business and becoming a better version of yourself, this is absolutely worth your time.
I've known Sean for a few years, and he's a really great man who's helped me tremendously. I love listening to his podcast because I get to know more about him and his businesses, and the guests businesses are really fascinating too!
Sean is an excellent host! His passion to bring entrepreneurs together shines through his work. We truly are #strongertogether and shows like this help foster connection.
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