Obsession

About Obsession

Obsession tells the stories of the world's most prolific people in culture and commerce. Their origin story, their life purpose, how they get things done. But these are not well-balanced people. To get to the top, you have to be truly obsessed. "Obsession" tells the stories of those who reached the top of their field. What was happening in the world that created the backdrop for their success? How did they spot those trends? Who helped them? And what did they have to sacrifice along the way? Do not try this at home. But maybe, just a little bit.

Publisher

Kiri Masters

Category

business · education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Oct 2023

Latest episode

12 Sept 2024

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Sept 2024

   Chip Wilson, founder of Lululemon (Part 1)

   Chip Wilson is the founder of Lululemon. And wow, he is a fascinating character. Larger than life, an unconventional visionary, but also stubborn and volatile. Chip had an uncanny ability to spot the next big thing. Not only did he practically invent the athleisure category with Lululemon, but he had built apparel brands around 2 huge trends before that, skateboarding and snowboarding. With Lululemon, he was ahead on the yoga trend, and led the company to its IPO just 9 years later. But Lululemon wasn't just first in yoga apparel, it was one of the first fully vertically integrated retailers, owning the entire supply chain from manufacturing to retail stores. Chip had an axe to grind against many things, and the wholesale model in retail was just one of them. Chip's nonconformist approach would lead to many innovations for Lululemon and would inspire the future era of DTC brands. But it would also lead to him being ousted from his own company. This first episode covers Chip's childhood, and his early entrepreneurial ventures where he would prove a knack for predicting big cultural shifts and building iconic apparel brands around them.

2. 

   23 May 2024

   Dr Shannon Klingman's 10-year obsession with body odor led to a $100M exit

   Dr Shannon Klingman knew her new deodorant, Lume, could control body odor unlike any other product on the market. She just needed to get it out there. But she had no business experience. Development partners all turned her down. And she was 47 years old. It was all up to her. So she mortgaged her home, cashed out her 401K, and rolled up her sleeves. 4 years later, she would sell Lume to Harry’s for an estimated $100M. In this episode, I share Dr. Klingman’s journey from a medical professional discovering a widespread misdiagnosis of bacterial vaginosis to an entrepreneur who single-handedly developed and marketed her invention in the face of industry rejection. Despite having no business background, her perseverance led to a viral marketing success, dramatically boosting Lume's sales and leading to its presence in major retailers like Target and Walmart. This is a story of pure grit and determination. Please enjoy, and if you do, I would greatly appreciate a rating and review! 00:00 Welcome to the Obsession Podcast: The Lume Story 01:18 The Genesis of Lume: Dr. Shannon Klingman's Journey 02:52 From Rejection to Revolution: Building Lume Against the Odds 04:43 The Marketing Challenge: Educating the Market on a New Solution 05:29 Going Viral with the Harman Brothers: A Risky Bet Pays Off 07:47 The Sale to Harry's: A Bootstrapped Success Story 08:47 Dr. Klingman's Vision Beyond the Sale 10:26 Lume's Expansion and Dr. Klingman's Legacy 12:01 Closing Thoughts: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Dr. Shannon Klingman ------ Links & further reading The Capitalism.com podcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=wqCpq1vWiTA&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fthenewsgod.com%2F&feature=emb_imp_woyt) interview with Dr Shannon Klingman

3. 

   3 May 2024

   John Romero: video game designer (DOOM, Quake, Wolfenstein)

   This episode of the Obsession Podcast features a deep dive into the life and career of John Romero, a legendary figure in the world of video game design known for his work on iconic games like Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and Quake. Kiri is joined by Phillip Jackson, co-founder of Future Commerce, to whom Kiri tells Romero's origin story, from his challenging childhood to his achievements in game design and his significant influence on gaming culture and technology. Phillip, himself profoundly impacted by the technological advances of the same era, shares his personal experiences related to the gaming industry, the evolution of digital media, and the impact of early gaming innovators like Romero. Key Themes: The Origins and Impact of Doom: We look back at Romero's early life, from a challenging childhood to his monumental contributions to the video game industry. Discover how Doom revolutionized gaming with its technical innovations, including multiplayer gaming, texture mapping, and the creation of a game engine phenomenon. The Creation of id Software: Learn how Romero, alongside John Carmack and others, founded id Software, overcoming industry challenges and setting new standards for game development and distribution. The Rise of Multiplayer Gaming: A deep dive into how Doom introduced the concept of multiplayer gaming, fundamentally changing how games were played, shared, and enjoyed globally. John Romero's Legacy: Despite the professional split between Romero and Carmack, Romero's legacy in the video game industry is undeniable. His story provides invaluable lessons on innovation, resilience, and the importance of embracing one's passion. The Multiplayer Brand Concept: Phillip Jackson shares how the principles of collaboration and community-driven innovation in gaming have parallels in today's e-commerce and digital media landscapes. A Look to the Future: Reflecting on how gaming continues to evolve and shape culture and commerce, discussing the role of participatory experiences and the ongoing influence of pioneers like Romero. Links & further reading Phillip’s company is FutureCommerce (https://www.futurecommerce.com/) Check out the Multiplayer Brand (https://visions.futurecommerce.com/product/the-multiplayer-brand) from FutureCommerce FutureCommerce’s Visions Summit at MoMA (https://visions.futurecommerce.com/summit-nyc), June 11, 2024 Doom Guy (https://www.amazon.com/Doom-Guy-Life-First-Person/dp/B0C47N4ZWB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IOLIHZMPIG6Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s37RMJUKZP3vR4ICHVPzxqGomp0kqSEkblAs95jjod-Ns0rvedGpmaW2M9tPsD_mLxoGfFe_WTgo0bYgkAt_vHvK3aZhDqRLvksIkAhJbsNCgoBEMl5o66CGprSOvT2qAZvwdmKpMo7XpT_xDDz31SPR1gCysecAf6GgtgmJ57Ar8HdHuF7bNHOduySFcjJma5JFciuHcunFppokVrEQLWLx4FNj6t1PSm3AIGKBNTA.sMC5Z0Mu800u8rZIpzIMoEJ0ZpRgVTE7lj-m6o6lDF0&dib_tag=se&keywords=doom+guy+book&qid=1714750936&sprefix=doom+guy+book%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-1), by John Romero (book)

4. 

   22 Apr 2024

   Gina Rinehart: Australia's Richest Person

   Gina Rinehart made her billions as a mining magnate in the remote region of Western Australia. She inherited this business from her late father Lang Hancock, but you'd be quickly scolded for calling her an heiress. In fact, the Hancock mining empire was in very poor financial shape when Gina eventually claimed her spot at the helm. She turned the company around, expanding its choke on the mining value chain, and replenishing the coffers which had nearly been depleted - first by her spendthrift stepmother, Rose Hancock, and then from many years in and out of court battling Rose for ownership of the companies. This is Gina's story - from Lang's discovery of vast deposits of iron ore in Western Australia, to Gina's forgotten childhood spent learning the business, to the many vicious legal skirmishes among members of the family and anyone else who came within firing range of Gina Rinehart. Gina is far from a universally well-liked figure in Australian business. Her and her late father's political views are polarizing. Although she gives away untold amounts as part of her philanthropic efforts, her money is not welcome to everyone. And after making peace with her own father after many acrimonious years of warring, she is still locked in public battles with three of her four children. Gina Rinehart was born with an iron spoon in her mouth. You'll hear how the weight of that fortune has left a bad taste for many. --- Check out Essie's business, Quince - creators of audio portraits (https://www.quinceportrait.com/) The biography I used as source material for this episode: Gina Rinehart: The Untold Story of the Richest Woman in the World (https://www.amazon.com/Gina-Rinehart-Untold-Story-Richest/dp/1742610978) by Adele Ferguson, 2012 Please let me know what you think of this episode format! Email me at theobsessionpodcast@gmail.com

5. 

   26 Feb 2024

   Bobbi Brown: Beauty Industry Trailblazer

   Legendary beauty industry mogul Bobbi Brown signed her life away for 25 years in a contract with Estée Lauder, after they bought her eponymous brand Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. She launched a new beauty brand, Jones Road, the very day her non-compete ended. Brown stands out among our other "Obsessed" subjects as having a well-balanced life, being well-liked, having a clear direction, an unstinting passion for her field, and a compelling story inclusivity and innovation in the beauty industry. This episode shares her life story, her life philosophies, daily habits, and the role of luck and timing in her success. 00:00 Introduction: The Story of Bobbi Brown 02:33 Bobbi Brown's Early Life and Career 04:04 The Launch of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics 05:45 The Acquisition by Estée Lauder and Non-Compete Agreement 07:11 Bobbi Brown's Life Post-Estée Lauder 07:51 The Launch of Jones Road 10:03 Bobbi Brown's Philosophy and Approach to Success 11:32 The Role of Luck and Timing in Bobbi Brown's Success 16:03 Bobbi Brown's Life Philosophies and Themes 23:39 Bobbi Brown's Daily Habits and Work Environment 26:17 Conclusion

6. 

   4 Jan 2024

   Kris Jenner, Part 3: How the Kardashian family dynasty was built

   It's 2004. Kris Jenner has taken Caitlin Jenner from a has-been Olympian with $300K in debt, and turned her life around. They now live in a wealthy LA suburb, with their 6 children in fancy private schools, a bustling public career for Caitlin, and mingling with LA’s entertainment elite on the weekends. But it’s not enough for Kris. She wants more for herself. And she’s not content for Caitlin to be the only star in the family. In Part 3 of Kris Jenner’s life story, we’ll learn how Kris skyrockets her family to fame and fortune. We’ll also learn about 9 key life philosophies that were instrumental in the success of the Kardashian-Jenner family. You’ll see how Kris’ obsession was a necessary ingredient for her success. Love her or loathe her, Kris can teach all of us a lesson in persistence and reinvention. —— Link here (https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/obsession-kiri-masters-TvDqpx3nc8Z/) to listen to the all previous Obsession podcast episodes (including part 1 & 2 of the Kris Jenner life story). You can also find every episode on Youtube. (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRG4feIpK0b2xbaGsCoCVCliKNnqigmRz) Please subscribe to the podcast - it really helps me out!

7. 

   17 Dec 2023

   Kris Jenner, Part 2: The Manufacturing of a Jenner

   When Kris Jenner divorces her first husband Robert Kardashian, she leaves the marriage with the shirt on her back and four kids. What is a fallen socialite without a penny to her name to do? Find a down-and-out Olympian to reinvent, of course! Within 6 years of meeting Caitlin Jenner, Kris turns both their lives around, establishing the Jenners as tabloid fixtures, with a slew of brand sponsorships under their belt. Just how did she do it? Part 2 of Kris Jenner's life story shares a key mentor for Kris in her Caitlin Jenner 'glow up' era, and a surprising skill that enabled her to stay on the radar of the Los Angeles social scene and build the foundation for the wider Kardashian-Jenner family's later fame.

8. 

   1 Dec 2023

   Kris Jenner, Part 1: 'Family First'

   Kris Jenner is a polarizing figure. She has undoubtedly achieved worldly success for herself and her family. She came from nothing, and in 2022 Forbes estimated her personal net worth at $200M (https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisettevoytko/2022/10/14/how-kris-jenner-made-the-kardashians-famous-rich-and-insanely-influential/?sh=1cc2231a368b). Kris is instrumental in the careers of her children and past spouses, too. Her daughter Kim Kardashian is estimated to be worth US$1.8 billion by Forbes (as of 2022) and her daughter Kylie Jenner is worth an estimated $680 million (Forbes, 2023). But many people view Kris Jenner as a calculating, single-minded social climber, thirsty for securing fame and fortune through any means possible, including exploiting her children. "Famous for being famous" And while that sentiment may not be entirely untrue, there's a lot we can learn from Kris Jenner about ambition, and various ways of getting what you want. Even if you view her life goals as vacuous, and some of her life choices as unethical, there's a lot we can learn from Kris' story, in particular how she used her ambition to get what she wanted. Part 1 of this exploration of the rise of Kris Jenner covers her childhood, relationship with Robert Kardashian, and the birth of her first four children. Subscribe to the podcast to receive Part 2 & Part 3!

9. 

   18 Nov 2023

   Mr Beast: 9 key drivers of  success for the world's most popular Youtuber

   Mr Beast’s huge success on Youtube is due to 2 factors: 1- being in the right place at the right time, and 2- his insane level of obsession with being the best youtuber on the planet. Now, all people who get to the top of their game are obsessive in some way. But Mr Beast’s obsession is next level. Its unhealthy, its deranged. I’m going to tell you 9 ways that Mr Beast’s obsession with YouTube has led to his incredible results. But there is one HUGE ISSUE with this obsession, which to me, is a ticking time bomb that could unravel the Mr Beast empire. 1. He works constantly until he has a breakdown. 2. He puts more effort in than anyone else. 3. He is prepared to spend more money than anyone else. 4. His idols are also hyper-obsessed people. 5. Work is his social life. 6. A pure Love for the craft, regardless of material success. 7. His content diet is focused on what will make his own content better. 8. Perfectionism. !!! The huge RISK to Mr Beast's empire!!! 9. Adaptation. Find "part one" of the story for Mr Beast in an earlier episode of the Obsession podcast.

10. 

    7 Nov 2023

    The biggest YouTuber in the world (Mr Beast biography part 1)

    The story of Mr Beast: Part 1 James "Jimmy" Donaldson is 25 years old, the biggest individual YouTuber in the world with 207 million subscribers as of 2023. Revenue from his YouTube videos, in addition to the 3 other businesses he has founded off the back of his fame, have netted him an estimated net worth of $54M . While he came from humble beginnings as a teenager recording videos from his room, a typical Mr Beast video now costs 1 or 2 million dollars to make. He has hired his mom, stepdad, and a posse of childhood friends amongst hundreds more employees, all working out of a 50K foot facility in North Carolina that’s dedicated to staging and filming his videos, which today has merged into genres of his own making, including “stunt philanthropy.” So how did he go from nerdy suburban kid, to the face of a generation? There are two components here. Jimmy Donaldson’s pure obsession with his craft, and being in the right place at the right time. In Part 1, I will cover how Mr Beast was in the right place at the right time. Subscribe to receive Part 2, which chronicles his other business interests, his creative process, and how obsession was the other 'X factor' that led Mr Beast to being the biggest individual YouTuber in the world.

11. 

    24 Oct 2023

    Danielle Steel: 20-hour work days, $420M net worth, 75 years old

    Danielle Steel is one of the most prolific authors in the world. In this episode, I share my personal journey to understanding the motivations and habits of this eccentric superhuman who has published 170 books in her lifetime. She has actually made a ton of money from it too. Forbes estimates her net worth at a whopping $420M. Now in her 70’s, Danielle Steel is more prolific than ever — in fact much more than in her earlier career. In this episode I share what I have learned about Danielle Steel’s life, motivations, and daily routines that have led her to this point. There are some counter-intuitive lessons in here, things that break the generally accepted rules of productivity. We also discuss how Danielle Steel's success was shaped by societal shifts occurring in the 1970s when she first started out as a novelist. Danielle is in a league of her own. And you’re about to learn why.

12. 

    17 Oct 2023

    Coming soon: Obsession

    I've always loved biographies. Stories of people who did wild and hard things. Especially the people who accomplished a lot, who got to the top of their field. To me the challenges they faced and the sacrifices they made was like watching an episode of Survivor: outwit, outlast, outplay. The more I learned, the more I discovered that reaching the top of your field is like an extreme sport. Fingers bleed and marriages fail. These are no ordinary lives. Frankly, they are lives I wouldn't choose to live. But these prolific people are so extreme and so pure in their focus and dedication - that you just can't look away. Getting to the top is not just a calling. It's an extreme sport, an obsession. But conviction is not the only thing required. Timing is important too. What was going on in the world that created the backdrop for success? How did these people spot those trends? Who helped them? And what did they have to sacrifice along the way? "Obsession" tells the stories of those who reached the top of their field. Do not try this at home. But maybe, just a little bit.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

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