Technology, Optimism, and Embracing Bold Ideas with Packy McCormick

Packy McCormick is known for his unique insights into technology and startups. As the founder of Not Boring, he’s built a passionate audience of more than 200,000 people through his knack for deep analysis and genuine storytelling. Packy is a vibe-setter with a career spanning writing, investing, and podcasting (to name a few). Over the past four years, Packy has built Not Boring into one of the most trusted, hilarious, and unique publications covering the bleeding edge of deep tech startups working to solve hard but important problems.

This week, Barrett talks with Packy about everything from the complexities of creating content that remains true to its roots while expanding to new audiences, to the personal growth that comes from never giving up. They discuss the financial and societal implications of investing in futuristic ideas, the significance of intellectual honesty in storytelling, particularly with contentious topics like nuclear energy, and the importance of optimism despite market downturns and societal challenges. Packy shares his optimistic vision for the future, fueled by technology and innovation, and his dedication to contributing to a world where work not only shapes individuals but drives prosperity for everyone.

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro
02:12 - Packy’s take on Not Boring’s strategy
09:15 - The personal side of professional growth
15:11 - Embracing change and reflecting on success and the journey ahead
33:48 - An optimistic outlook in a downturn
36:32 - Reflecting on missed opportunities and fundraising challenges
38:20 - Rethinking venture capital
41:43 - VC vs charity for societal impact
47:05 - Imagining the future evolution of Not Boring
53:45 - Building an audience today
01:01:40 - The roots of optimism and its impact on entrepreneurship
01:10:43 - The state of journalism and public perception
01:13:57 - Exploring nuclear energy through podcasting
01:20:46 - Financial and creative dynamics of podcasting
01:24:53 - Reflections on nuclear energy and public sentiment
01:35:40 - Personal growth through creative work

Key Takeaways

Success in today's evolving landscape requires finding your unique combination of interests and skills and embracing your individual "weirdness."
Discussing any topic, especially complex ones like nuclear energy, requires clear communication and intellectual honesty to create public support and curiosity.
As an investor or founder, leaning into an optimistic stance during market lows can be an unfair advantage.
Focusing on positive narratives is critical for building a better future in a world often dominated by negativity.
Life changes, like becoming a parent, influence our work and vice versa; as life evolves, there’s a beautiful relationship between that change and how we adapt at work.

Quotes

“I think it's amazing that more people are writing about weird startups and hard startups and are optimistic about the future. That is why we write the Weekly Dose of Optimism.” ~ Packy McCormick

“I wrote a piece this year called The Techno-Industrial Revolution that was almost intentionally a bombastic name to force myself back into making those bolder, more grandiose claims and just not giving a shit." ~ Packy McCormick

“I think in certain areas VC might actually be the best industry to fund a lot of R&D just because they're the ones who can capture the economic upside on the other side if it comes to fruition or if anything comes out of that. You can afford basic science because you know that at some point in your fund's life, that might come back to you and you've been this hero of the industry.” ~ Packy McCormick

“I think the way you approach new technologies (whether you villainize technologists or celebrate and support) and the real challenges that they present, really impacts how the world changes.” ~ Packy McCormick

Links