Best CFO Made Simple Podcasts (2025)

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Insiders React: Google's 'Quantum Advantage' + MIT's 'Telepathic' Interface, China Leads the Sci-Fi Future 43:22

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4d ago43:22

43:22

Is this the moment quantum computing becomes real? After years of being “five years away,” Google just announced a verifiable quantum advantage, claiming its Willow chip ran a molecule simulation 13,000× faster than the world’s fastest supercomputer. Is this truly the dawn of the quantum era? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive dee…

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Sales Tax Made Simple for Creative Entrepreneurs 14:01

5d ago14:01

14:01

Sales tax is confusing—no way around it. Every state has different rules, the jargon feels overwhelming, and half the time you’re left wondering if you’re even supposed to charge it. But here’s the thing: even service providers sometimes owe sales tax. And not knowing the rules can leave you stressed, noncompliant, or accidentally footing the bill …

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Trends in Startup Funding w/ Carta's Head of Insights, Peter Walker 1:06:09

7d ago1:06:09

1:06:09

Looking to fund your startup? If you're new to the process, fundraising can be difficult to navigate. Not only are there a myriad of ways to go about it, but it can be hard to tell whether the tips, tricks, and advice floating around are based on any evidence at all. So, what is the truth? And what are the actual, data-backed insights that can help…

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Insiders React: Is ChatGPT Atlas The Future Of Browsing? + YouTube's AI Likeness Detection, Apple's New Vision Pro M5 53:18

11d ago53:18

53:18

OpenAI just dropped its unbelievable new browser. All signs point to it overshadowing Chrome, but is this really the dawn of a new era? Or just another hype cycle, courtesy of Sam Altman? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein react to OpenAI’s surprise launch of ChatGPT Atlas and debate its strategic implications. They also discuss Apple’…

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The Hidden Costs of Becoming an S Corp 14:25

12d ago14:25

14:25

Everyone online makes becoming an S-Corp sound like the ultimate financial glow-up: lower taxes, more legitimacy, instant upgrade. But here’s the truth—jumping in too early can actually hurt your business more than it helps. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I break down the real dangers of switching to an S-Corp before you’re ready. F…

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The 4 Biggest Execution Mistakes Founders Make 43:01

14d ago43:01

43:01

Think you’re executing well? Think again. Chances are you’re making one of these four common mistakes. Drawing from Chris’s latest essay and real-world advisory experience, Chris and Yaniv spend this episode breaking down the four biggest execution mistakes you're probably making right now. They explore how to recognize these patterns early, how to…

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Insiders React: 'Treat Adult Users As Adults' Says OpenAI's Sam Altman + Oura's $900M Raise, NVIDIA's Funding Bubble 53:31

18d ago53:31

53:31

OpenAI is set to roll out its new “treat adults like adults” policy, heralding the beginning of AI chatbots speaking more amorously with users. As the company pushes boundaries, from personality-rich bots to experimental devices, others are warning that the industry might be inflating a dangerous AI bubble. In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Ber…

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Are Your Business Numbers Normal How to Tell If You’re On Track 14:11

19d ago14:11

14:11

Ever wondered if your business is actually doing okay—or if you’re falling behind? That’s where benchmarking comes in. Don’t worry, it’s not a fancy finance term you need to memorize—it’s simply comparing your numbers to industry standards so you know what’s normal, where you’re strong, and what could use some tweaking. In this episode of Creative …

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Flow State: The Competitive Advantage You Need, And How To Harness It w/ Film Producer & Founder, Steven Puri 50:38

21d ago50:38

50:38

What if your best work came from finding your flow, rather than simply grinding harder? In the age of constant distraction, many founders mistake busyness for progress, chasing notifications, meetings, and multitasking without realizing that true innovation happens when the mind is deeply focused. Today, Chris and Yaniv are joined by Steven Puri, f…

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Insiders React: New ChatGPT Dev Tools Threaten App Store + Sora 2 Launch, Apple Removes ICE Block 47:02

25d ago47:02

47:02

What happens when AI stops being a product and starts being a platform? With OpenAI’s latest Dev Day changing the game, we might find out sooner rather than later. In this episode, Chris and Yaniv explore OpenAI’s Dev Day and the huge announcements made (including the Sora 2 launch), as well as their apparent transformation from product to platform…

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The 5 Numbers Every Creative Business Should Track 16:16

26d ago16:16

16:16

KPIs get tossed around a lot—but most creatives aren’t told which ones actually matter or how to use them. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, we break down KPIs in plain English and turn them into decision-making shortcuts. You’ll learn how to pick a small set of metrics that fit your business model, track them without drowning in sprea…

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Nailing Your Market Niche w/ Dutch CEO, Joe Spector (Spotlight) 58:59

28d ago58:59

58:59

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Insiders React: ChatGPT Pulse: An Overpriced Daily Digest? + Hollywood’s First AI Actress, Amazon’s $2.5B Settlement 38:07

1M ago38:07

38:07

OpenAI just launched ChatGPT Pulse, a succinct, personalized daily feed. Will this shift the focus of AI from performance to personal context? Or is it just an overhyped, overpriced daily digest? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv get right into this week's tech news: the reality of ChatGPT Pulse, plus the wider implications of Hollywood's first AI a…

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Is Your Business Really Profitable How to Find Out 17:58

1M ago17:58

17:58

Bringing in steady revenue but still wondering where all your money is going? That’s where profitability analysis comes in. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I break down what profitability analysis is, why it matters, and how it helps you stop guessing and start making smarter, more profitable decisions. We’re not just talking about w…

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How Being Genuine is a Critical Advantage For Startup Founders w/ Christine Blosdale, Expert Authority Coach (Edu) 50:45

1M ago50:45

50:45

Standing out has gotten even more difficult thanks to the flood of AI content, and many early-stage founders mistakenly believe they need to act like corporate brands to be taken seriously. In this episode, Yaniv chats with Christine Blosdale, an award-winning media coach, podcaster, and branding strategist. Together they discuss how authenticity, …

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Insiders React: Tech Talent Pool to Be Decimated by New Fee + OpenAI Jobs Platform, $1B for Dishwashing Robots 53:27

1M ago53:27

53:27

What happens to Silicon Valley when the world’s best founders and engineers can no longer afford to work in the US? Today, Chris and Yaniv break down why the massive new work visa fee is a tech talent crisis waiting to happen. They discuss how Trump’s surprising $100K H-1B fee could reshape startup hiring and the tech sector at large, along with th…

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Cash vs Accrual Accounting Explained for Creative Business Owners 9:18

1M ago9:18

9:18

Cash vs accrual accounting might sound like the most boring finance term in the world—but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for your business. In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, I break down the difference between cash basis and accrual basis accounting using plain language and real-world examples. From why your …

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Why Every Startup Founder Should Consider B2B SaaS w/ Rob Walling (Edu) 58:29

1M ago58:29

58:29

Is the new age of AI agents about to kill niche B2B SaaS businesses? Many first-time founders worry that tools like ChatGPT or custom AI builders will make off-the-shelf SaaS products obsolete, but it could simply herald a new evolution of SaaS. In this episode, Yaniv is joined by Rob Walling, serial founder, investor, and author of The SaaS Playbo…

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Insiders React: YouTube's Steady Domination + Oracle's AI Comeback, Sam Altman v. Tucker Carlson 55:08

2M ago55:08

55:08

Is YouTube quietly becoming the most powerful platform in the world? Announcements made during Made On YouTube 2025 revealed incredibly promising long-term plans, with the media giant seemingly set to dominate video, music, and podcasts with the help of Google’s AI. Too many entrepreneurs still see YouTube as ‘just’ a video host, missing the bigger…

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Building Freedom Into Your Business with Airtable with Elisabeth Jackson 41:28

2M ago41:28

41:28

Think Airtable is just another tool to organize your tasks? Think again. In this episode, we’re diving into how Airtable can become the blueprint for your entire business helping you plug profit leaks, make smarter pricing decisions, and create systems that give you real freedom. Elisabeth Jackson, operations specialist and founder of her own proce…

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Be Persistent Without Being Stupid: We Learn from YC Founder Paul Graham 41:13

2M ago41:13

41:13

Are you truly being persistent with your startup, or just being stubborn? In the new age of AI-powered founders and hyper-fast iteration, many entrepreneurs mistake obstinacy for persistence and end up running out of time, money, and morale. Too often we glorify “hustle” and “grit” without understanding when to adapt, pivot, or quit. The misconcept…

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Insiders React: Apple's Huge AI Blunder + IPO Market Heats Up, White House Tech Dinner 57:09

2M ago57:09

57:09

With Apple’s iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, AirPods Pro 3, and Apple Watch 11 now unveiled, what does this mean for the future of phones and wearable tech? And does the incredible AI of Google Pixel still blow Siri out of the water? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv delve into Apple’s newest product lineup and what it reveals about the company’s long-te…

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How to Pay Employees the Right Way (and Avoid Costly Mistakes) 18:37

2M ago18:37

18:37

Making payroll mistakes can cost you more than money! It can cost you your peace of mind. If you’ve hired employees and are now staring at a list of payroll apps wondering which one is best, this episode will break it down in simple terms. In this episode of Creative Minds, Smart Money, we explore the most popular payroll tools, the legal requireme…

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Growing a Pre-Seed Startup? This Is The Core Knowledge You Need w/ Ashley Smith 57:54

2M ago57:54

57:54

Pre-seed founders want explosive growth early on, but are you following the wrong playbook too soon? These days strategies, acronyms, and well-intended advice are everywhere, but today's guest argues that the path forward is a simple one: talk to customers, run experiments, and embrace rejection as part of the journey. In this episode, Yaniv Bernst…

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Insiders React: Google Antitrust: Is The Ruling Fair? + YC’s Latest Request For Startups, Statsig Acquisition 47:43

2M ago47:43

47:43

Google’s long-running antitrust case has reached its remedy stage, and the outcome was far lighter than many expected. No breakup, no ban on default search deals, just a few constraints on bundling apps and some required data sharing, but it may not be quite as simple as it seems on the surface. Meanwhile, OpenAI dropped $1.1 billion to acquire Sta…

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Should You Hire an Employee or a Contractor for Your Business? 20:05

2M ago20:05

20:05

In this episode of Creative Minds Smart Money, host Samantha Eck breaks down one of the biggest hiring questions creative business owners face: should you bring on an employee or a contractor? Choosing the wrong classification can be a costly mistake legally, financially, and emotionally. Samantha explains the differences between employees and cont…

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First Principles: Listen to This Before You Apply to YC 38:04

2M ago38:04

38:04

It seems like startup accelerators are everywhere these days. But what are they? What’s the point of them? And most importantly, is it worth having your startup go through one? Based on their own experience with YC and startups, Chris and Yaniv talk you through it all. In this episode, you will: Learn what startup accelerators are and how they work…

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Insiders React: Google Pixel 10 – Does It Finally Beat Apple at Its Own Game? 35:21

2M ago35:21

35:21

Is Apple’s dominance in smartphones starting to crack? Google’s Pixel 10 launch brought AI-first features, polished hardware, and bold marketing, signaling a new era in the iPhone vs. Android rivalry. For years, the iPhone has been synonymous with polish, hardware quality, and ecosystem lock-in. But with Google’s patient, decade-long investment in …

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Master Cash Flow Forecasting for Creative Businesses 16:57

2M ago16:57

16:57

Think cash flow forecasting is just a fancy spreadsheet exercise? Think again. In this episode, we’re digging into why cash flow forecasting is one of the most powerful leadership tools in your creative business—and how it gives you permission to plan, not panic. From knowing when you can afford to hire or invest to making sure you don’t underpay y…

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Startup Tech Stacks: Make Your Product Stand Out & Get Used w/ Joseph Ruscio 1:04:17

2M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

What makes a great tech infrastructure startup? And how do the best ones successfully navigate, and stand out from, the overcrowded market? In this episode, Yaniv is joined by Joseph Ruscio, General Partner at Heavybit and former CTO of Vibrato, to unpack the dos and don'ts of tech infrastructure startups, how open source fuels growth, and why AI i…

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Insiders React: Meta to Shrink AI Division – Is This the Beginning of the End? 27:47

2M ago27:47

27:47

Is the AI hype cycle about to burst? For months, investors and founders have chased sky-high valuations, billion-dollar hires, and promises of superintelligence, but Meta's drastic plans to cut back its AI division seem to indicate a bleak future for LLMs and AI at large. In this episode, Chris and Yaniv unpack the latest shakeup at Meta, using the…

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Why Messy Action Builds Better Businesses 55:02

2M ago55:02

55:02

Think collaboration is all about follower swaps and forced partnerships? Think again. In this episode, I’m joined by the powerhouse duo Mandy and Jamie from Coffee with M and J—and we’re diving into the real, messy, magical side of collaboration, community-building, and saying “yes” to aligned action (even when it’s scary as hell). From launching t…

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YC Founder’s 13 Timeless Startup Principles: 'Ramen Profitable’ and More 44:14

3M ago44:14

44:14

This new era of AI-driven startups has many founders still believing success is about having the perfect product roadmap. The truth, however, is far more counterintuitive. In this episode, Yaniv and Chris dive into timeless lessons from Paul Graham’s legendary essay “Startups in 13 Sentences”. Drawing from Graham’s wisdom and their own experiences,…

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Insiders React: GPT-5 Is ‘Fast Fashion’ For Software + Apple’s $600B Commitment, Altman vs Musk (...Again) 41:37

3M ago41:37

41:37

Is AI threatening traditional subscription software models and accelerating competitive turnover? Sam Altman thinks so. In this episode, Chris and Ray discuss OpenAI’s GPT-5 release, and Altman's prediction that AI will enable a “fast fashion” era of SaaS, where applications can be created, deployed, and discarded in rapid cycles. You'll also hear …

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Why CFO Strategy Isn’t Just for Big Businesses 16:22

3M ago16:22

16:22

Think CFOs are only for 7-figure businesses and boardrooms full of suits? Think again. In this episode, we’re unpacking what fractional CFO strategy actually looks like for creative business owners—and why this level of support isn’t just for the “big dogs.” From forecasting and pricing to planning for slow seasons, we’re talking about how to make …

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Capital for Founders: Insights From Yaniv’s New Startup Raise 50:59

3M ago50:59

50:59

Raising money for your startup isn’t just about pitching but navigating egos, timing, and a flood of contradictory feedback. Why do some founders win over early believers who open every door, while others get stuck in endless “soft nos”? And how do you avoid twisting yourself into a pretzel trying to please every investor you meet? In this episode,…

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Insiders React: Cloudflare Catches Perplexity Red-Handed + Wikipedia Adopts Anti-AI Slop Policy, AWS Losing Ground 44:26

3M ago44:26

44:26

In violation of long-standing internet norms like robots.txt, Cloudflare caught Perplexity AI scraping content from websites that had explicitly opted out. The situation begs the question: what happens when AI startups prioritize growth over digital consent? Listen as Chris and Yaniv discuss the repercussions of Cloudflare's "honeypot" traps. They …

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The Right Way to Reconcile Your Books 12:18

3M ago12:18

12:18

Think reconciling your books is just a boring monthly to-do? Think again. In this episode, we’re diving deep into why reconciliation matters so much more than you think and how skipping this step can quietly sabotage your strategy, reporting, and confidence. If you’ve ever looked at your bank balance and QuickBooks total and thought, “Uh…those don’…