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How does Lex Fridman pull such important guests?

by mbowcut2 on 12/5/23, 9:55 PM with 7 comments

I just don’t understand how Lex has been able to build such a successful podcast. As far as his credentials (which are frequently criticized), at best he’s a fizzled MIT post doc.

Why are all these big name people willing to go on his podcast?

  • by atticora on 12/5/23, 10:02 PM

    He treats them with respect, asks them thoughtful questions, and puts their answers in front of a large audience of curious people. And how did he get such a large audience? By finding interesting guests, treating them with respect, asking them thoughtful questions, and bringing us their answers.

    At best an interviewer's credentials are a poor proxy for how thoughtful their questions might be. Since you can hear the questions themselves why bother with the proxy?

  • by outdig on 12/5/23, 10:10 PM

    atticora has a good answer.

    In addition, he created his podcast in 2018, and a youtube channel in 2006.

    "Fridman began his podcast in 2018. It was originally titled The Artificial Intelligence Podcast"

    It just goes to show that with a little credentials, a little intelligence and consistent effort, after 17 years, goes a long way.

    Tell me a case where someone who has all 3, after 17 years didn't have something to show for it.

  • by RGamma on 12/5/23, 10:05 PM

    First mover advantage followed by network effects?