We track Product so you don't have to. Top Podcasts summarised, the latest AI tools, plus research and news in a 5 min digest.

Hey, Product fans! 👋 

Welcome to the latest issue of the Product Tapas 🌮 newsletter.

What’s sizzling? 🍤 

📰 Not Boring News: Today's headlines are buzzing with Spotify's bold move to share its internal tools and the growing frustration over pesky crypto ads. Plus we cover what’s not working with Instagram's Threads, and a heap of acquisition and partnership updates from the likes of Miro, Farfetch and Airtable. Plus, Peloton's latest partnership with TikTok and top Product themes to keep abreast of in 2024. 🌍💻

🤖 GPT & Time-Saving Tools: From creating engaging video tutorials effortlessly to conversing with your documents and crafting courses with AI magic, we've got the tools to redefine your productivity. And for those with GPT-4 access, we’ve pulled together 10 UX-specific tools for you to try. 🚀🛠️

🍔 Pod Shots: Today, we're going a little left-field as we delve into what Taylor Swift can teach founders and PMs. We also feature Jeff Bezos on the Lex Fridman Podcast, revealing invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs and product managers from his passion for space exploration. 🎧🌌

Let's dive in! 🌊👇

📰 Not boring

• Spotify offers Confidence internal experimentation tools to external customers to help companies run multiple product experiments at scale

• North Korea-affiliated hackers responsible for 1/3 of all crypto thefts in 2023 ($600m+)

• X users fed up with constant stream of malicious crypto ads

• Adam Mosseri (head of Insta) says Threads had some issues with “low quality recommendations” over the last few weeks

• Miro will close down Freehand at the end of the year although says it will incorporate all features into the main Miro product and help with migration

• Peloton Partners with TikTok for Workout Content Hub

• Microsoft updates keyboards to include AI copilot key

• Farfetch is going private, having been bought by Coupang for $500m (previously valued at $26bn!)

• Airtable acquires Airplane and will also shut it down (1st March)

  • Looks like high switching costs could be to blame

• The Podcast Police (this is absolute gold). Hat tip to Ben Evans for the share

Trends to watch for 2024

• Reddit seems to be joining LinkedIn in benefitting from falling ad spend on X ending the year on $800m ad revenue

• Pinterest sees Dirt Flirts, Jellyfish-Themed Products, Fusion Foods, Kitschens and Retro Weddings (and many more) as hot 🔥 

• People are becoming pickier about what they post on social media; 61% of adults have become more selective and 28% are posting less

• Bootstrapping vs VC seems to be a trend (maybe down to the recent Lenny Podcast) but also VC investment down 30% in 2023 and active investment firms dropped 38% 👀 

• Ads for everyone! Unless you pay more - as Prime adds new premium ad-free tier

• Premium niches continue to be popular; Leica celebrates most successful business year to date by selling 10x more analogue cameras as 2015

  View more →

📰 Time-Saving Tools & GPTs

General time savers:

1. Record Once: Create video tutorials in minutes with an AI that edits and fixes mistakes

2. Congiflow: Chat with your documents, automate info extraction, or analyze images

3. Coursebox: Create a course in under one hour with AI

10 UX specific tools for those with GPT4 access

1. UX Mentor: Provides expertise and constructive feedback in UX design

2. UX Copywriter: Offers expert insights and practical tips in UX copywriting to enhance user experience

3. UXpertAI: A seasoned UX designer and researcher, focused on AI applications

4. UX Researcher GPT: Assists in planning, conducting, and analyzing user research

5. UX Research Helper: Specializes in UX Research and User Interviews

6. UXpert: Focuses on design principles, UX research, data analysis, and UI layout generation

7. UX Insight Assistant: Offers expert insights on user experience design

8. UX Monday: A UX coach for job seekers in the UX field

9. UX Insight and Psychology Guide: Provides detailed analysis in UX design

10. UX Design Mate: Aids in interface design with practical suggestions and creative insights

🎙️ Pod Shots

In today’s edition, we’re going a bit more letfield than usual. We kick off with a 1st review from the Acquired podcast (thanks to Miles for the recommendation) covering what Taylor Swift of all people can teach founders and PMs. Then it’s time for another 1st time appearance from no other than Jeff Bezos on the Lex Fridman Podcast about what we can learn from Bezos’ passion for building rockets 🚀 .

🌟 Taylor Swift (Acquired’s Version)

🎙️ Listen to the full episode here 

📆 Published: January 23rd, 2022

🕒 Estimated Reading Time: <2 minutes

⌛️ Theme 1: Taylor Swift's Early Years and Musical Beginnings

Taylor Swift's journey in the music industry began at a young age. Born in Pennsylvania in 1989, she showed a passion for singing and songwriting from a very early age. Her parents, Scott and Andrea, supported her musical aspirations, and she started performing at local venues and karaoke nights. Taylor's talent caught the attention of talent agent Dan DiMertro, who signed her as a client. With her family's support, Taylor convinced her parents to move to Nashville, the epicentre of country music, where she believed her dreams would come true. She signed a development deal with RCA, but they were not fully supportive of her songwriting ambitions. Undeterred, Taylor walked out on the deal and eventually signed with Scott Borchetta's newly formed label, Big Machine. Her debut album, released in 2006, received critical acclaim and set the stage for her future success.

🤩 Theme 2: Taylor Swift's Rise to Stardom

Taylor Swift's second album, "Fearless," marked a turning point in her career. Released in 2008, it debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 200 chart and stayed there for 11 weeks. The album showcased Taylor's growth as a songwriter and her ability to connect with her audience. She embarked on her first headlining tour, playing in big arenas and selling out shows within minutes. Taylor's direct connection with her fans through social media, particularly MySpace at the time, played a significant role in her success. She built a strong and dedicated fan base, which propelled her album to become the best-selling album of the year. Taylor's authenticity and ability to write relatable songs resonated with her audience, solidifying her status as a rising star in the music industry.

👀 Theme 3: The Kanye West Incident and Its Impact

One of the defining moments in Taylor Swift's career came during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. While accepting the award for Best Female Video, Kanye West infamously interrupted her speech, claiming that Beyoncé deserved the award instead. This incident sparked a significant controversy and had far-reaching consequences for both Taylor and Kanye. It became a catalyst for change in the music industry, leading to a shift in the economics and power dynamics. The incident also inspired Taylor to channel her emotions into her music, resulting in a decade-long journey of self-discovery and growth.

🎶 Theme 4: Taylor Swift's Songwriting and Autobiographical Approach

Taylor Swift's songwriting has been a cornerstone of her success. From her early albums to her later works, she has showcased her ability to tell stories and connect with her audience through her lyrics. As she matured as an artist, Taylor started writing more autobiographical songs, drawing from her own experiences and emotions. This shift allowed her to connect with her fans on a deeper level and establish a genuine connection. Songs like "Speak Now" exemplify her desire to have full creative control and express herself authentically. Taylor's songwriting prowess has been recognised and celebrated, earning her numerous accolades and a dedicated fan base.

💥 Theme 5: Taylor Swift's Impact on the Music Industry

Taylor Swift's impact on the music industry extends beyond her chart-topping albums and sold-out tours. She has been a trailblazer in many aspects, from her direct engagement with fans through social media to her advocacy for artists' rights. Taylor's decision to walk away from a major record deal and sign with an independent label set a precedent for artists to have more control over their music and creative direction. Her conflicts with record labels, most notably the dispute with Scooter Braun over the ownership of her master recordings, have shed light on the power dynamics within the industry. Taylor's influence has inspired other artists to assert their rights and demand fair treatment. She has become a symbol of empowerment and resilience in the music industry.

🤔 Theme 6: Conclusion and Reflection

Taylor Swift's journey from a young aspiring singer-songwriter to a global superstar is a testament to her talent, determination, and ability to connect with her audience. Her early years in the industry laid the foundation for her success, and she navigated the challenges and controversies with grace and resilience. Taylor's impact on the music industry goes beyond her chart success, as she has become a voice for artists' rights and a role model for aspiring musicians. Her ability to evolve as an artist and connect with her fans has solidified her status as one of the most influential figures in the music industry today.

🧠 What can I do with this as a founder or PM?

As a Product Manager or founder, there are a few key takeaways from this transcript that you can consider:

1. Building a direct relationship with your customers: Taylor Swift's success was partly due to her ability to connect directly with her fans through social media and other platforms. Consider how you can leverage technology to build a direct relationship with your customers, whether it's through social media, email newsletters, or other channels.

2. Embrace your unique value proposition: Taylor Swift stood out in the music industry by focusing on her songwriting and storytelling abilities. Similarly, as a product manager or founder, it's important to identify and embrace your unique value proposition. What sets your product or company apart from the competition? Highlight and leverage those strengths to stand out in the market.

3. Take risks and trust your instincts: Taylor Swift walked away from a development deal with a major record label because they didn't believe in her songwriting abilities. She took a risk by signing with a smaller label and trusting her own instincts. As a product manager or founder, there may be times when you need to take calculated risks and trust your own judgment, even if it goes against conventional wisdom.

4. Adapt to changing market dynamics: The music industry was going through a shift when Taylor Swift entered the scene. Teenagers were no longer buying country music in significant numbers, and the industry was seen as floundering. However, Taylor Swift found a way to make country music appeal to a younger audience. Similarly, as a product manager or founder, it's important to adapt to changing market dynamics and find innovative ways to meet the needs and preferences of your target audience.

5. Learn from conflicts and setbacks: The Kanye West incident at the VMAs had a significant impact on Taylor Swift's career. However, she used that experience as fuel for her future success. As a product manager or founder, it's important to learn from conflicts and setbacks and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

So what would you know? Looks like you can learn about Product from old Swifty after all!

📆 Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction and Taylor Swift's early years

• 00:19:19 - Taylor signs with Big Machine and releases her debut album

• 00:32:41 - Explanation of music licensing and copyrights

• 00:43:45 - Taylor releases "Fearless" and embarks on her first headlining tour

• 00:50:05 - The Kanye West incident and its impact

• 00:57:03 - Taylor releases "Speak Now" and focuses on autobiographical songwriting

• 01:00:00 - Taylor's impact on the music industry and her advocacy for artists' rights

• 01:06:17 - Conclusion and reflection

Want to quickly know more? Just ask the episode below👇️ 🤯 
or if you prefer, 🎙️ Listen to the full episode here 

🌟 Jeff Bezos on Space Exploration and Innovation

In this episode, Lex Friedman interviews Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Bezos' childhood experiences on a ranch, his love for space exploration, the future of humanity in space, and the challenges of building rockets. Throughout the conversation, Bezos shares his insights and experiences, and whilst a bit off-topic for most of us (unless you’re working in the space industry!) there are still a load of great lessons for entrepreneurs and Product Managers.

🌟 Childhood on the Ranch: Lessons in Self-Reliance

Bezos reflects on his childhood spent on a ranch, where he learned the value of self-reliance and problem-solving. He describes how his grandfather, a resourceful and skilled rancher, taught him to fix windmills, lay fences, and even make his own veterinary tools. These experiences instilled in Bezos a sense of persistence and ingenuity, teaching him that with enough determination, any problem can be solved.

🌍 The Future of Humanity in Space: A Trillion Humans

Bezos envisions a future where humanity expands beyond Earth and inhabits the solar system. He expresses his desire to see a trillion humans living in space, with colonies and space stations built from resources found in the solar system. Bezos believes that with a trillion humans, the solar system would be teeming with life, intelligence, and energy. He emphasizes the need to move heavy industry away from Earth to preserve the planet and create a sustainable future.

🚀 Building Rockets: The Epic Endeavor

Bezos discusses the technical aspects of building rockets, focusing on Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. He explains that the size of a rocket plays a crucial role in its efficiency and performance. Larger rockets have advantages in terms of structural integrity, efficiency of turbo pumps, and overall manufacturing costs. However, building large rockets also presents challenges in terms of manufacturing and engineering, particularly in achieving rate production and ensuring the reliability of the launch vehicle.

🔧 Materials and Manufacturing: Innovations in Rocket Technology

Bezos highlights the advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques in rocket technology. He mentions the use of carbon composites in building lightweight and stiff fairings, as well as the development of friction stir welding for joining metal components. These innovations have improved the structural efficiency and reliability of rockets, making them more cost-effective and capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of space.

🌍 Space Exploration and Earth Preservation

Bezos emphasizes the importance of space exploration in preserving Earth. He believes that by moving heavy industry and resource extraction to space, humanity can reduce its impact on the planet and ensure its long-term sustainability. Bezos compares this endeavour to previous innovations, such as the plough and the internet, which have made the world richer and more efficient. He sees space exploration as a means to unlock new possibilities and create a better future for humanity.

💡 Innovation and Decision-Making

Throughout the conversation, Bezos reflects on the process of innovation and decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of wandering and permitting oneself to explore different ideas and solutions. Bezos describes his own inventive skills as an ability to come up with atypical solutions and generate multiple ideas, knowing that only a few will survive scrutiny. He also highlights the value of group invention and the power of diverse perspectives in problem-solving.

🌌 The Overview Effect: A Humbling Perspective

Bezos shares his experience of seeing Earth from space during his trip on New Shepard. He describes the feeling of awe and the realization of Earth's fragility. Bezos quotes astronaut Jim Lovell, who said, "You don't go to heaven when you die, you go to heaven when you're born." This perspective of Earth as a precious gem in the vastness of space reinforces the need to protect and preserve our planet.

🌐 Conclusion: A Grand Challenge and a Golden Age

Bezos concludes the conversation by highlighting the grand challenge of space exploration and the potential for a golden age of innovation and entrepreneurship. He envisions a future where space infrastructure is built, allowing for the emergence of space startups and the realization of new possibilities. Bezos encourages the reduction of the cost of access to space as a means to unlock human potential and create a better future for all.

🧠 What can I do with this as a founder or PM?

As a Product Manager or founder, there are several key takeaways from this podcast episode that you can use:

1. Embrace a long-term vision: Jeff Bezos's vision for the future of humanity in space is ambitious and inspiring. It reminds us to think big and consider the long-term impact of our products and services.

2. Solve problems with persistence and ingenuity: Bezos's experience on his grandfather's ranch taught him the value of self-reliance and problem-solving. Encourage your team to approach challenges with persistence and creativity, finding innovative solutions.

3. Focus on reducing costs: Bezos emphasizes the importance of reducing costs in space exploration. Apply this mindset to your own business by constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency and reduce expenses, which can lead to greater success and growth.

4. Build infrastructure for future innovation: Bezos's goal is to build the infrastructure necessary for future generations to explore space. How you can build the necessary infrastructure or platforms to enable future innovation in your team, business or industry?

5. Embrace risk and learn from failure: Bezos's decision to be the first to ride in New Shepard demonstrates his willingness to take calculated risks. Encourage a culture of experimentation and learning from failure within your organisation.

6. Prioritize safety: While taking risks, prioritise safety in your products and services. Consider implementing safety measures and systems to protect your customers and users.

7. Think about the bigger picture: Bezos's perspective on the fragility of Earth and the need to preserve it can inspire you to consider the broader impact of your products and services on the environment and society.

8. Foster a culture of innovation: Bezos's emphasis on invention and lateral thinking highlights the importance of fostering a culture of innovation within your organisation. Encourage your team to think outside the box and explore new ideas.

9. Validate data with real-world interactions: On the pod, Bezos highlights a situation where he disproved service numbers by calling customer services in a board meeting. Remember to seek out the truth and challenge assumptions for more informed, accurate decision-making.

Want to quickly know more? Just ask the episode below👇️ 🤯 
or if you prefer 🎥 Watch the full episode here 

📆 Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction and overview of the podcast episode

• 00:09:04 - Childhood experiences on the ranch and lessons in self-reliance

• 00:13:20 - The inspiring moments and impact of the space race

• 00:17:23 - Bezos' vision for the future of humanity in space

• 00:19:36 - Moving heavy industry away from Earth

• 00:22:30 - Blue Ring and Orbital Reef space infrastructure projects

• 00:25:26 - Transition from theoretical physics to computer science

• 00:30:12 - Bezos' thinking process and approach to problem-solving

• 00:34:58 - Overview of the New Glenn rocket and its technical aspects

• 00:41:32 - Challenges in manufacturing and engineering for New Glenn

• 00:45:35 - Reusability in the second stage

• 00:48:30 - Timeline for the first test launch and Explorers to Mars

• 00:55:41 - Bezos' decision to be the first to ride in New Shepard

• 01:00:05 - Bezos' experience of riding in New Shepard

• 01:04:55 - The importance of safety and the automated escape system

• 01:05:15 - The epic endeavour of building rockets and the challenges

• 01:00:44 - The innovations in materials and manufacturing techniques

• 01:00:59 - The future of humanity in space and saving Earth

• 01:01:12 - The significance of reducing the cost of access to space

• 01:04:05 - The humbling perspective of Earth from space

• 01:05:27 - Conclusion: The grand challenge of space exploration and the potential for a golden age of innovation

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That’s a wrap.

As always, the journey doesn't end here!

Keep exploring, keep questioning, and most importantly, keep growing in your product journey.

Please do share to help us continue to grow and let us know what you would like to see more or less of so we can continue to improve your Product Tapas. 🚀👋

Alastair & the Product Tapas Team 🍽️.