Episodes

  • #7 Elon Musk - Early Days of SpaceX (Fly or Die!)

    #7 Elon Musk - Early Days of SpaceX (Fly or Die!)
    Aug 11 2025

    In this episode, we dive deep into the raw, high-stakes early years of SpaceX—a story of vision, grit, and a team willing to bet everything on an almost impossible dream. Drawn from Eric Berger’s Liftoff and enriched with reflections on leadership, hiring, and risk-taking, we relive the rollercoaster journey that took Elon Musk from an idea on the Long Island Expressway to the first privately developed rocket reaching orbit.

    This is not the story of a billionaire tinkering with a vanity project. It’s the story of a man who risked half his PayPal fortune, faced down near-bankruptcy, and worked shoulder-to-shoulder with a scrappy team of A-level players who shared his obsession with pushing humanity into space. These engineers and dreamers came from all walks of life—farm towns, foreign countries, fresh out of college—and Musk personally interviewed the first 3,000 hires to ensure they shared his relentless drive. The company’s DNA was forged in these years: long nights in a bare-bones factory, ice cream runs, first-person shooter battles after midnight, and the unshakable belief that “done fast and tested hard” was the only way forward.

    From failed negotiations in Russia to building rockets in a repurposed El Segundo warehouse, from buying out a machine shop to manufacturing 60% of the rocket in-house, Musk showed a refusal to let bureaucracy or setbacks slow progress. When the Air Force froze testing at Vandenberg, SpaceX didn’t wait—they packed up and built a launch site 5,000 miles away on a remote Pacific atoll. Each launch was a make-or-break event, and each failure—whether from corroded parts, fuel slosh, or stage separation mishaps—was met with brutal honesty, rapid adaptation, and unshakable resolve.

    By the time Flight 3 failed in 2008, Musk’s fortune was nearly gone, the economy was in free fall, and even his personal life was unraveling. Most companies would have folded. Instead, Musk gathered his team and gave them one final mission: take the last available parts, build a rocket in six weeks, and get it to orbit. What followed was a period of impossible intensity—engineers sleeping at their desks, a trans-Pacific emergency flight that nearly destroyed the rocket midair, and on-site repairs in tropical heat that bent every aerospace rule in the book.

    The result? On September 28, 2008, Falcon 1 soared into space, separated cleanly, and delivered its payload into orbit—the first privately funded, liquid-fueled rocket to do so. Cheers erupted, tears flowed, and within months NASA awarded SpaceX a $1.6 billion contract that secured its future.

    Beyond the technical triumphs, this episode distills powerful lessons for entrepreneurs: hire only the best and never settle; be relentless in pursuing resources and knowledge; don’t let bureaucracy choke momentum; embrace a “reasonable strategy” over a perfect one; and set expectations so high that your team rises to meet them. Musk’s early SpaceX years weren’t just about building rockets—they were about building a culture where the impossible became inevitable.

    If you’ve ever wondered what it truly takes to will a groundbreaking company into existence—through financial peril, technical disaster, and sheer human exhaustion—this is your front-row seat. This is the untold story of SpaceX before the headlines, before the Falcon 9, before the reusable rockets. It’s the story of how one man and a team of believers lit the fuse on a new era of space exploration.

    Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX

    https://a.co/d/gPl0ETC

    Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys

    https://a.co/d/2iqlL5h

    If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. It would greatly help the show and we thank you in advance for all your tremendous support.

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    Deeply Driven (@DeeplyDrivenOne) / X

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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • #6 Mars Family (Domination of Chocolate)

    #6 Mars Family (Domination of Chocolate)
    Jul 28 2025

    This episode explores the fascinating, multi-generational story of the Mars family and their journey to building one of the most iconic candy companies in the world. It begins with Frank Mars, who, as a young boy stricken with polio, spent much of his time indoors watching his mother make candies and baked goods. This early exposure ignited his passion for candy making, which would become his life’s work. Despite his love for the craft, Frank’s early business ventures were marked by repeated failures—he endured three bankrupt candy operations, losing everything each time. Yet his perseverance never wavered. Each failure forced him to be more resourceful and inventive, ultimately shaping the entrepreneurial grit that would fuel his eventual success.

    Frank’s relentless determination came at a steep personal cost. His first marriage collapsed under the strain of poverty and constant business struggles, leaving his young son Forrest to be raised by grandparents in Canada. This separation would have a profound impact on Forrest, instilling in him both a fierce independence and a cold, ambitious drive to succeed. For more than a decade, father and son lived separate lives, until an unusual twist of fate brought them back together—Forrest, then a college student and hustling salesman, was arrested after a bold advertising stunt in Chicago. Frank, now enjoying his first real taste of business success, came to bail him out. The two men reconnected, and a conversation over lunch planted the seed for what would become the Milky Way bar, the product that would transform the Mars Company into a household name.

    From there, the Mars legacy only grew. Frank’s success in creating products like the Milky Way and buttercream candies allowed him to finally build a thriving business after more than 20 years of hardship. Forrest, inspired by his father’s resurgence and fueled by his own ambition, later took the company to unprecedented heights, proving himself to be as deeply driven as Frank—if not more. He not only expanded the company globally but also instilled the same relentless focus on quality, innovation, and growth that defined the Mars family legacy.

    This episode highlights powerful lessons in persistence, resourcefulness, and vision. Frank’s story mirrors the experiences of other legendary entrepreneurs like Sam Walton and Ray Kroc, who likewise built their businesses through resilience and relentless innovation despite limited resources. We see how moments of extreme hardship can serve as the ultimate training ground for long-term success, and how Forrest would later channel the lessons of his father’s struggles—both the triumphs and the sacrifices—to build one of the most successful family-owned companies in history.

    Ultimately, the story of the Mars family is one of passion, perseverance, and generational drive. It shows us that great legacies are not built overnight, but forged through repeated setbacks, unwavering vision, and a willingness to risk everything for a dream. The Mars family’s journey serves as an enduring reminder that with determination and resourcefulness, even the most insurmountable obstacles can lead to extraordinary success

    The Emperors of Chocolate: Inside the Secret World of Hershey and Mars

    https://a.co/d/bpActLL

    Sam Walton: Made In America

    https://a.co/d/elG8zAr

    Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald's

    https://a.co/d/j5ZMRrS

    If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. It would greatly help the show and we thank you in advance for all your tremendous support.

    Deeply Driven Newsletter

    Welcome!

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    Deeply Driven

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    Deeply Driven (@DeeplyDrivenOne) / X

    Substack

    https://larryslearning.substack.com/

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • William Murrie - President of Hershey's for 50 Years!

    William Murrie - President of Hershey's for 50 Years!
    Jul 21 2025

    Welcome to this special bonus episode of Deeply Driven, today we profile that of William Murrie, the longtime president of Hershey’s.

    Before Hershey’s became a household name and one of America’s most iconic chocolate companies, it needed someone who could turn Milton Hershey’s visionary ideas into reality. That man was William Murrie.

    A former telegraph operator, semi-pro baseball player, and traveling candy salesman, Murrie first crossed paths with Milton Hershey in a Lancaster billiards hall. With charm and confidence, he famously boasted he could sell more chocolate than Hershey could manufacture. Hershey called his bluff—and within a year, Murrie had done exactly that. Impressed, Hershey brought him off the road and made him general manager. Murrie would remain at the helm for over five decades, eventually becoming president of the company and transforming it into a modern, diversified, nationwide powerhouse.

    In this episode, we explore how Murrie quietly yet powerfully shaped the Hershey empire. He was the implementer to Hershey’s inventor, the operator behind the dream. Under his watch, annual sales exploded from $600,000 to over $120 million. He introduced legendary products like Mr. Goodbar, Hershey’s Kisses, and chocolate syrup. He built out the company’s first national distribution channels and oversaw crucial wartime efforts—including convincing Congress not to shut down the candy industry during WWII.

    Murrie was known for frugality, discipline, and a keen eye for product development. But perhaps his greatest strength was his ability to expand without compromising the company’s values. He forged critical partnerships—including supplying bulk chocolate to Frank Mars in the early days—and anticipated consumer trends decades before the market caught up.

    His leadership style was grounded in fiscal discipline and people management. He expected punctuality and accountability but inspired deep loyalty. When the company was at risk of collapsing during the Great Depression and the war years, it was Murrie’s tight grip on costs and his long-term thinking that carried Hershey through.

    This is a story of humility, grit, and operational brilliance. While Milton Hershey may be the face on the brand, it was William Murrie who ensured that vision had a foundation strong enough to last generations.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. It would greatly help the show and we thank you in advance for all your tremendous support.

    Deeply Driven Newsletter

    Welcome!

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    Deeply Driven (@DeeplyDrivenOne) / X

    Substack

    https://larryslearning.substack.com/

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    29 mins
  • #5 Milton Hershey - How a Chocolate Empire was Born

    #5 Milton Hershey - How a Chocolate Empire was Born
    Jul 14 2025

    Discover the remarkable story of Milton Hershey, the man who built America’s chocolate empire. Born in 1857 in rural Pennsylvania, Hershey faced a tough childhood and repeated business failures. At 19, he started his first candy venture, but setbacks, partly due to his father’s impractical schemes, tested his resolve. His perseverance paid off when a banker, impressed by his honesty, supported him in completing a crucial caramel order, laying the foundation for his success.

    Hershey’s big breakthrough came with milk chocolate. In 1900, after selling his caramel business for $1 million, he developed a distinctive recipe that won over American palates. He then founded Hershey, Pennsylvania, a model town with a massive factory, modern facilities, and a tight-knit community. His milk chocolate’s durability transformed candy distribution, bringing sweets to households across the nation.

    His achievements weren’t just about chocolate. Hershey’s passion for innovation drove him to experiment constantly, while his smart hiring—bringing in experts like William Murrie, who managed operations for 50 years—freed him to invent new treats.

    Hershey’s generosity shone brightest in his philanthropy. In 1909, he and his wife Kitty established a school for orphan boys, and in 1918, he donated his entire $60 million fortune to it. Today, the Milton Hershey School flourishes with a $17 billion endowment, educating thousands.

    Explore how Hershey’s dedication to quality, service, and community offers timeless lessons for entrepreneurs. Join us as we unpack his journey of grit, creativity, and compassion, based on Joel Glenn Brenner’s The Emperors of Chocolate. Tune in to see why Hershey’s legacy still sweetens lives today.

    Books Referenced

    The Emperors of Chocolate: Inside the Secret World of Hershey and Mars

    https://a.co/d/bpActLL

    Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys

    https://a.co/d/2iqlL5h

    My Life & Work – Henry Ford

    https://a.co/d/iFc4jUT

    ------> Socials

    Deeply Driven Newsletter

    Welcome!

    Deeply Driven Websites

    Deeply Driven

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    Deeply Driven (@DeeplyDrivenOne) / X

    If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. It would greatly help the show and we thank you in advance for all your tremendous support.

    Deeply Driven Newsletter

    Welcome!

    Deeply Driven Website

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    Deeply Driven (@DeeplyDrivenOne) / X

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    59 mins
  • #4 Jay Gould (How Jay Gould Dominated Wall Street & Railroads)

    #4 Jay Gould (How Jay Gould Dominated Wall Street & Railroads)
    Jun 30 2025
    Jay Gould was one of the most controversial and influential figures of America’s Gilded Age. Often labeled a “robber baron,” Gould built a massive fortune through relentless focus, calculated risk-taking, and often ruthless business tactics. His life represents both the possibilities and perils of unchecked capitalism in a rapidly industrializing America.Born in 1836 in upstate New York, Gould came from modest means and was largely self-educated. His early ventures included work as a surveyor and mapmaker before entering the tannery business. It was there that his innate financial acumen began to shine. He structured deals creatively, reinvested profits wisely, and gained experience manipulating the mechanics of business ownership. Gould was deeply driven, not by status or social standing, but by control and wealth. He wasn’t flashy, but he was relentless.By the 1850s and 1860s, Gould had turned his attention to the railroad industry, which was undergoing explosive growth. Seeing an opportunity, he began buying undervalued stock in struggling railroads. His major break came when he acquired a controlling interest in the Erie Railroad, placing him in direct competition with powerful figures like Cornelius Vanderbilt. What followed became known as the “Erie War,” in which Gould, along with James Fisk and Daniel Drew, issued fraudulent stock to dilute Vanderbilt’s holdings. The battle was waged in courtrooms, back rooms, and through outright bribery of state legislators. Gould emerged victorious, though the scandal reinforced his public image as a corrupt manipulator.Gould’s most infamous move came in 1869, when he and Fisk attempted to corner the gold market. Believing they could drive up the price by restricting federal sales, they built large positions and manipulated markets behind the scenes. Their influence even reached the inner circle of President Ulysses S. Grant. But when the government released gold into the market to stop the artificial inflation, prices collapsed—triggering Black Friday. While Gould managed to escape with minimal personal loss, the scandal sent shockwaves through the economy and stained his reputation permanently.Despite the public outrage, Gould remained undeterred and pivoted to longer-term, structural strategies. He began acquiring and consolidating multiple railroads across the country, most notably the Union Pacific, Missouri Pacific, and Texas and Pacific railroads. His strategic focus on integrating supply chains allowed him to reduce inefficiencies, standardize operations, and expand market influence. At one point, his rail network extended from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. However, his tactics—especially his suppression of wages, resistance to unions, and aggressive rate-setting—often put him at odds with workers and regulators.In addition to railroads, Gould saw potential in telecommunications. He acquired a significant stake in Western Union, the dominant telegraph company, and expanded his empire into information infrastructure. His control of both transportation and communication gave him unprecedented influence over the movement of goods and ideas—an early example of vertical integration. Gould's ability to move between industries showed his exceptional foresight and adaptability, even if his methods were controversial.Gould’s personal style contrasted with many of his peers. Unlike Rockefeller or Carnegie, he was not interested in philanthropy or public admiration. He kept a low profile and spoke little to the press. Yet his financial strategies were unmatched. He used insider information, timing, and financial engineering to shape industries, even in the face of public backlash. Gould operated like a chess master, always thinking several moves ahead, always seeking an edge.By the time of his death in 1892, Jay Gould was worth an estimated $72 million on paper, some say it was more like $125 million. Though he never shed the title of “robber baron,” he left behind a legacy that is more nuanced than pure villainy. On one hand, his methods were undeniably ruthless characterized by manipulation, exploitation, and an indifference to public welfare. On the other hand, Gould played a central role in modernizing America’s economic infrastructure. He saw inefficiencies in the system and acted—often unethically—to correct them, consolidating industries that were fragmented and volatile.His life raises a fundamental question: Can someone be both a builder and a destroyer in the same breath? Gould’s empire advanced America’s industrial development, but at significant social and ethical cost. His story is a reflection of American capitalism in its rawest form—brilliant, brutal, and unapologetically ambitious.In today’s terms, Jay Gould might be compared to a corporate raider or tech mogul with a relentless drive to disrupt. He never cared much about how he was perceived, only about what he could control. He remains one ...
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    2 hrs and 8 mins
  • #3 Becoming Trader Joe | Business Masterclass from a Legend

    #3 Becoming Trader Joe | Business Masterclass from a Legend
    Jun 16 2025

    In this episode, we dive into the incredible story of Joe Coulombe, the visionary founder of Trader Joe’s—an entrepreneur who built a cult-like brand by doing business his own way. With no retail experience and very little capital, Joe took a chance on a small chain called Pronto Markets and transformed it into something legendary.

    Faced with giants like 7-Eleven and shifting market forces, Joe pivoted by building Trader Joe’s on four foundational principles: a reasonable strategy, high employee wages, product discontinuity, and serving the overeducated and underpaid. He believed in paying people well and treating vendors, customers, and employees like family. His quirky “Fearless Flyer” and unique private labels helped him create not just a store—but a movement.

    We walk through Trader Joe’s evolution—from the early “Good Time Charlie” days, to the health-focused “Whole Earth Harry” phase, and finally to the laser-focused “Mac the Knife” era. Joe’s approach to leadership, logistics, and culture built something rare in retail: a business that people believed in.

    This episode is a tribute to a deeply driven entrepreneur who never chased perfection—he pursued purpose. If you're building something meaningful, this one’s for you.

    Books Referenced

    Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys

    https://a.co/d/2iqlL5h

    A Man for All Markets: From Las Vegas to Wall Street, How I Beat the Dealer and the Market

    https://a.co/d/g7T1A46

    Sam Walton: Made In America

    https://a.co/d/elG8zAr

    Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX

    https://a.co/d/gPl0ETC

    My Life & Work – Henry Ford

    https://a.co/d/iFc4jUT

    If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. It would greatly help the show and we thank you in advance for all your tremendous support.

    Deeply Driven Newsletter

    Welcome!

    Deeply Driven Website

    Deeply Driven

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    Deeply Driven (@DeeplyDrivenOne) / X

    Substack

    https://larryslearning.substack.com/

    Thanks for listening friends!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • #2 Ed Thorp - A Man For All Markets - Absolute Thriller!

    #2 Ed Thorp - A Man For All Markets - Absolute Thriller!
    Jun 2 2025
    In this episode, we dive deep into the remarkable life and mind of Edward O. Thorp, the mathematician, investor, and author behind the classic autobiography A Man for All Markets. Thorp’s story reads like a financial thriller—complete with wearable computers, Las Vegas takedowns, Wall Street innovation, and a lifetime of thinking independently against the grain.From his earliest memories during the Great Depression, Thorp displayed traits that would shape his career: intellectual curiosity, self-reliance, and an unrelenting drive to test conventional wisdom. As a boy, he taught himself math and science, created at home laboratories, and devoured literature—often finding refuge in books while navigating a fractured family life. These formative experiences built the foundation for a lifelong obsession with experimentation, data, and learning by doing.Thorp’s breakthrough came when he used self-built computer simulations to beat blackjack. His strategy, later published in the seminal book Beat the Dealer, stunned casinos and revolutionized the gambling world. Working alongside legendary mathematician Claude Shannon, Thorp also created the world’s first wearable computer to gain an edge at roulette—decades ahead of the tech curve.But Thorp’s real triumph came when he turned his mathematical prowess to Wall Street. Frustrated with dishonest casinos and rigged games, he began studying the stock market, searching for edges hidden in plain sight. He pioneered quantitative investing long before it became mainstream—hedging convertible bonds and warrants with mathematical precision. This strategy formed the basis for his first investment fund, Princeton/Newport Partners, which delivered exceptional, market-beating returns for nearly two decades with minimal risk.Thorp was also a shrewd judge of character and ideas. He foresaw the rise of Warren Buffett and invested early in Berkshire Hathaway. Later, he would uncover the dangers of Bernie Madoff’s too-good-to-be-true fund long before it collapsed. He wasn’t just a numbers guy—he was a principled thinker who sought fairness, integrity, and long-term outcomes.What makes Thorp's story so compelling isn’t just his intellectual feats, but how he used his gifts with humility and purpose. He avoided the greed and ego traps that often accompany success. He valued health, family, and ethics just as much as financial returns. His decision-making framework—questioning everything, verifying for yourself, and never accepting dogma—offers timeless lessons for entrepreneurs, investors, and thinkers alike.Whether you’re a fan of finance, probability, entrepreneurship, or simply the power of unconventional thinking, this episode reveals how Edward Thorp mastered both life and markets by relying on reason, research, and relentless curiosity. His journey proves that with the right mindset, we can beat the odds—no matter the game.Tune in to learn:How Thorp used math to beat blackjack and rouletteWhy wearable computers and Las Vegas collusion made headlinesThe origins of quantitative hedge fundsThe management lessons that built Princeton/Newport’s cultureHis early recognition of Warren Buffett and warning on Bernie MadoffThe life principles that powered his success—and how they still apply todayA brilliant mind. A humble life. An unforgettable story.Ed Thorp Podcast Referenced - Excellent LISTEN https://open.spotify.com/episode/22qcWWLSZheEysQEbjkUKs?si=ZN2NDt62S3yYm6SOepei7QReferenced BooksA Man for All Markets: From Las Vegas to Wall Street, How I Beat the Dealer and the Markethttps://a.co/d/g7T1A46Sam Walton: Made In Americahttps://a.co/d/elG8zArGrinding It Out: The Making of McDonald'shttps://a.co/d/j5ZMRrSBeat the Dealer: A Winning Strategy for the Game of Twenty-Onehttps://a.co/d/7zWOhNNBeat the Market: A Scientific Stock Market Systemhttps://a.co/d/0hYjMrcBecoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guyshttps://a.co/d/2iqlL5h If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. It would greatly help the show and we thank you in advance for all your tremendous support. Deeply Driven NewsletterWelcome! Deeply Driven WebsiteDeeply Driven XDeeply Driven (@DeeplyDrivenOne) / X Substackhttps://larryslearning.substack.com/ Thanks for listening friends!
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • #1 Henry Ford My Life and Work (What I Learned)

    #1 Henry Ford My Life and Work (What I Learned)
    May 20 2025

    Today I would like to share with you what I learned by reading My Life and Work by Henry Ford. This book is packed full of valuable lessons in business. Documenting Ford’s journey from a young man through the duration of his career.

    Henry Ford was a pioneer in the automobile industry! Along the way we see a young man who was deeply driven to teach himself about the gasoline engine and build his first car. We would have early struggles in business, with two failed automobile companies.

    One Ford discovers his love of 100% control over his business; we would incorporate Ford Motor Company. From its humble beginnings, Ford would grow it to great scales of the course of his career!

    Along the way he would relentlessly improve his car with a keen focus on the highest level of quality and streamlines manufacturing. This would lead him to implement and perfect the assembly line, drastically increasing his output to match demand.

    Ford believed in the highest quality of service first and that if you did this, the profits would follow. This was at the core of the Ford business from the early days, and he would drive this value deeply into his company. We explore this in great details so that we can fully learn Ford’s viewpoint.

    We learn that Ford believed in paying his men well above market rates. This helped him reduce costs through increased productivity and reduction in turnover. He had jobs for all men regardless of their background or physical ability. If you wanted to show up and work hard, Ford had a job for you.

    I am excited to share this journey with you, my friend!

    My Life & Work

    https://a.co/d/eU774dU

    In-N-Out Book

    https://a.co/d/aWZYDGy

    Sam Walton - Made in America

    https://a.co/d/aTla8Cv

    If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. It would greatly help the show and we thank you in advance for all your tremendous support.

    Deeply Driven Newsletter

    Welcome!

    Deeply Driven Website

    Deeply Driven

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    Deeply Driven (@DeeplyDrivenOne) / X

    Substack

    https://larryslearning.substack.com/

    Thanks for listening friends!
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    1 hr and 32 mins