Rocketship.fm

After more than a decade of stories, insights, and interviews from the world of tech, this is the final episode of Rocketship.FM… at least for now. In part one, host Mike Belsito opens up about the decision to hit pause on the show. Following the acquisition of Product Collective and diving deep into new responsibilities at Pendo and Mind the Product, time has become a rare commodity. And the little free time that is available? That’s now reserved for what matters most — family. Plus, let’s face it — Rocketship.FM was always more fun when co-hosting with Michael Sacca. But before signing off, part two of the episode revisits three of the most memorable episodes from over the years — moments that made Rocketship.FM what it is and remind us why storytelling in tech still matters. The show may be going on the shelf, but don’t unsubscribe just yet… you never know when a surprise episode might drop. Thanks for listening. It’s been an incredible ride.

You know the name. You’ve probably heard the iconic 16-bit theme. But what you might not know is that legendary football coach and broadcaster John Madden was more than just the face of a video game — he was its soul. In this special re-telling of one of our favorite Rocketship.FM stories, we revisit the incredible product journey of Madden NFL Football. From a fateful Amtrak ride in 1984 to a billion-dollar franchise played across generations, Madden’s insistence on realism and deep understanding of the "why" made him a true product visionary — even if he never carried the title. Whether you’re a football fan, a gamer, or a product leader, this episode will leave you inspired by the legacy of a man who proved that getting the details right can build something that lasts decades.

In early 2022, the hype around NFTs was at its peak, and Mike Belsito found himself caught up in the frenzy—so much so that he and a lifelong friend decided to go all-in on a historic digital collectible: a 1-of-1 NFT of the legendary 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. With a max bid of $60,000, they were ready to make a play, but the auction didn’t quite go as planned. In this re-released episode, Mike recounts the excitement, the nostalgia, and the financial risks of the NFT gold rush. From the conversations with his friend and fellow collector to the surprising aftermath of the auction, this episode captures the highs, the lows, and the lasting lessons of an investment that never materialized. Plus, we explore what happened to that elusive Mickey Mantle NFT—and whether it was really worth it after all.

Failure isn’t just a headline—it’s deeply personal. In this special re-release of one of our most powerful episodes, we explore the emotional toll of failure and how product leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives can navigate its aftermath. From the wisdom of Will Smith’s "fail forward" philosophy to the hard-hitting insights of startup coach Jerry Colonna, this episode dives into what failure really means and how it shapes those who experience it. Host Mike Belsito gets personal, sharing his own journey through a "fail sale" and how redefining success helped him move forward. With stories, expert advice, and even a parting lesson from Michelle Obama, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever faced—or feared—failure.

In early February 2025, Meta slashed 5% of its workforce—about 3,600 people—calling it a purge of “low performers” to sharpen up for an “intense” year ahead. Mark Zuckerberg says it’s about raising the bar, but some of those cut are clapping back with receipts: glowing performance reviews that don’t match the “bottom 5%” label. From leaked memos to public pushback on LinkedIn, this episode unpacks the disconnect—did Meta really target the weak links, or is this a headcount trim in disguise? Host Mike Belsito digs into the employee backlash and asks what’s really at play when a tech giant leans into stack ranking. But this isn’t just Meta’s story—it’s a window into a bigger debate: does the old-school “rank and yank” tactic still work in today’s tech world? We’ll explore how this move echoes Jack Welch’s GE playbook, why some ex-employees call it a “scarlet letter” on their careers, and whether regular performance purges drive innovation or just paranoia. With other giants like Microsoft testing similar waters, is stack ranking staging a comeback—or setting up a talent trap? Tune in for the scoop, the stakes, and a question for every founder: could this be your company’s next move?

Elon Musk and Sam Altman—once allies in the quest for AI advancement—are now at the center of one of the biggest tech rivalries of our time. From co-founding OpenAI together in 2015 to Musk’s eventual departure and criticism of OpenAI’s shift toward a for-profit model, the tension between these two Silicon Valley titans has only escalated. In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we explore the origins of their partnership, the philosophical divide that drove them apart, and the latest in their ongoing battle—including Musk’s nearly $100 billion unsolicited bid to take over OpenAI. What does this feud mean for the future of AI? Is it about principle, power, or something more? We break down the history, the court battles, and the latest moves that have kept this tech showdown in the headlines. Buckle up—this is one tech rivalry you don’t want to miss.

January 25, 2025, may go down as a pivotal moment in the AI race. Chinese AI company DeepSeek launched its latest model—one that rivals OpenAI and Anthropic but at a fraction of the cost. Investors panicked, Nvidia lost nearly $600 billion in value overnight, and industry leaders like Marc Andreessen called it "AI’s Sputnik moment." But is it really? In this episode, we explore DeepSeek’s rise, its impact on the AI landscape, and whether the U.S. is truly at risk of falling behind in the AI arms race. Featuring insights from Shelly Palmer, Reid Hoffman, and Sam Altman—this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

OpenAI is pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence yet again. In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we break down what Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil revealed about OpenAI’s roadmap for 2025 and beyond—including the latest AI model, O1, which is already outperforming previous versions in coding, math, and reasoning. But that’s just the beginning. We also explore OpenAI’s move into AI-powered agents designed to streamline everyday tasks, and the company’s rumored return to humanoid robotics. And what about Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and even Artificial Superintelligence (ASI)? OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has hinted that these once-distant milestones could be closer than we think. What happens when AI surpasses human intelligence? Will it be a utopia of limitless innovation, or are we opening a Pandora’s box we can’t close? Join us as we unpack OpenAI’s vision for the future—and what it could mean for the world.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we dive into one of the boldest AI initiatives ever announced: Project Stargate. Backed by tech giants like OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and MGX, this $500 billion venture is set to transform AI infrastructure in the United States. With President Trump championing the project from day one of his presidency, it’s being framed as a move to secure America’s leadership in artificial intelligence. But the stakes are massive—so is the controversy. While figures like Larry Ellison and Masayoshi Son are rallying behind Stargate’s potential, critics, including Elon Musk, aren’t holding back. From concerns about funding transparency to simmering tensions between OpenAI and Microsoft, we explore the power plays, partnerships, and political maneuvering that could define the future of AI. Will this unprecedented collaboration push the boundaries of innovation—or unravel under the weight of competing agendas? Tune in as we break down what this means for tech, the economy, and the geopolitical AI race.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, host Mike Belsito dives into the story that’s shaking up the tech world: the TikTok ban in the United States. With a new year, a new administration, and growing geopolitical tensions, TikTok finds itself at the center of a national security debate. From bipartisan concerns over data privacy and Chinese ownership to the Supreme Court’s decisive ruling and President Trump’s potential role in TikTok’s future, this story has it all—politics, culture, and the fate of a billion-dollar platform hanging in the balance. We’ll unpack the key events that led to this moment, the ripple effects for creators and businesses, and the potential lifelines, like Kevin O’Leary’s surprising bid to acquire TikTok’s U.S. assets. What does this ban mean for the future of global platforms, and how does it redefine the intersection of technology and geopolitics? Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of this pivotal moment in tech history.

Meta is making waves in 2025 with a decision that’s turning heads across the tech world. Mark Zuckerberg announced the end of traditional content moderation at Meta, replacing fact-checkers with a Community Notes-style system where users take the reins. Borrowing a page from Elon Musk’s playbook at X, this shift puts the responsibility for identifying misinformation squarely on Meta’s users. But is this a step toward democratizing the internet or a dangerous move away from accountability? In this episode, we explore the history of content moderation, reactions from media and political leaders, and the challenges of adopting a Community Notes approach. With insights from Meta, X, and the broader tech community, we’ll break down what this bold pivot means for the future of online discourse—and whether Meta is ready for the wild west it’s about to unleash.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, host Mike Belsito sits down with Nesrine Changuel, a seasoned product manager with an impressive track record at Spotify, Skype, and Google, to explore the transformative power of emotional connection in product design. Nesrine’s upcoming book, Delight, introduces the concept of the Delight Grid framework—a practical tool to help product teams prioritize features that not only solve problems but also resonate deeply with users. Through her research and real-world experience, she shares how to move beyond functional solutions to create products that genuinely delight. Join us for an exclusive sneak preview of Nesrine’s insights, including actionable steps to start building emotional connections in your own products, the challenges teams face when adopting this approach, and how delighting your users ties directly to business outcomes. Whether you're leading a product team or simply passionate about creating user-centric experiences, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to elevate your product strategy.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we look ahead to the pivotal trends set to shape the tech world in 2025. From the continued evolution of AI in redefining how we interact with the web to a predicted rebound in tech jobs, we explore what these changes mean for product managers, technologists, and businesses alike. With social media consolidating around a few dominant platforms and the growing push for child safety in AI chatbots, this year promises both innovation and challenges that will redefine the industry landscape. Join us as we dive into the key stories driving these predictions, including the role of AI as a browser alternative, the rise of sustainability-focused tech jobs, and how TikTok might survive regulatory pressures. Whether you're a seasoned product leader or simply curious about what's next, this episode offers insights and actionable takeaways to help you navigate the tech industry's future.

From groundbreaking innovations to industry-shaking controversies, 2024 was a year that kept us on our toes in tech. In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we uncover six defining stories that shaped the landscape for product managers, tech leaders, and innovators alike. Whether you're leading a product team or simply keeping an eye on the ever-changing world of technology, these stories will give you the context you need to stay ahead. Join us as we explore how these pivotal moments unfolded and their lasting impact on our industry. From unexpected market shifts to revolutionary product launches, we break down what mattered most—and why. This is your front-row seat to the trends and turning points that made 2024 a year to remember for the tech world.

In this episode, Melika Hope, Director of Product at Spotify, shares her candid journey of navigating this leap and provides actionable insights for aspiring leaders. Drawing from her 15+ years of experience, managing teams across continents, Melika introduces her "4 Ds" framework: Decide, Declare, Demonstrate, and Deliver, to help you become one of the exceptional few who excel in people management. Whether you're contemplating your first leadership role or looking to refine your management style, this episode is packed with lessons on coaching, declaring your goals, and overcoming the pitfalls of early leadership. Melika's energy, personal stories, and strategic advice make this a must-listen for product managers and product leaders aiming to make a lasting impact.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we flip the script as Mike Belsito, Co-Founder of Product Collective, takes the guest seat to share his journey from entrepreneur to product leader. Interviewed by his longtime co-host Michael Sacca, Mike dives into the foundational skills every product manager needs, the importance of customer empathy, and how evolving tools like AI are reshaping the role. He also reflects on his early uncertainties and how building community and continuous learning helped him thrive. Whether you’re an aspiring product manager looking to avoid common mistakes or a seasoned professional eager to revisit the essentials, this episode is packed with actionable insights. From navigating frameworks to balancing soft and hard skills, Mike offers a candid, relatable perspective on what it takes to succeed in today’s fast-changing product landscape.

What does it mean to lead with impact in a world of uncertainty, ambiguity, and endless best practices? In this compelling episode of Rocketship.FM, we explore how product teams can directly tie their work to measurable business success, ensuring alignment with company goals while resisting the low-impact work that often derails progress. Drawing from the soon-to-be-released book Impact First Product Teams, our guest shares actionable insights on setting meaningful team goals, keeping impact at the forefront of every step, and avoiding the pitfalls of "low-impact death spirals." Whether you're a product manager navigating tricky trade-offs or a leader seeking clarity in your team’s contributions, this episode offers a blueprint for building resilient, results-oriented product teams.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, world-renowned positioning and marketing expert April Dunford joins us to share her insights on crafting sales pitches that close deals and win markets. Drawing from her book Sales Pitch, April dives into the art of creating a compelling narrative that helps your customers confidently choose your product over competitors—and the dreaded "do nothing." In this recording of her keynote talk from INDUSTRY: The Product Conference in 2023, April breaks down her proven step-by-step framework for building a pitch that communicates your differentiated value, positions your product as the clear solution, and guides prospects through the buying journey. From the role of discovery and demos to understanding why “do nothing” is your fiercest competitor, she covers everything you need to transform your pitch into a powerful storytelling tool. Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or sales leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you stand out in any crowded market.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we tackle one of the most critical and overlooked elements of the product marketing mix: pricing. Joining us is Bill Wilson, Founder and CEO of Pace Pricing, a SaaS pricing expert with a background as a founder and product leader. Bill shares insights into how pricing has evolved, the common pitfalls companies face, and why leveraging data is key to getting it right. We also explore the psychological effects of pricing on buyers, the challenges of pricing AI products in today’s rapidly changing landscape, and the necessity of embracing change as markets evolve. Whether you’re starting fresh or reevaluating your pricing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice and resources to help you find success.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we dive into the world of Product Operations with Jenny Wanger, an expert in product ops coaching for product leaders. Together, we unpack the foundations of Product Operations, exploring how it enables product teams to focus on what truly matters — building great products. Jenny shares insights on implementing product ops practices effectively, even for teams without a dedicated product ops function. From understanding the four pillars of product ops to establishing a product-centric culture, this episode is packed with actionable advice for teams looking to elevate their operational efficiency. Whether you’re just starting your product ops journey or seeking ways to refine your current approach, Jenny offers a wealth of knowledge on best practices, potential pitfalls, and the strategic impact of product ops done right. Tune in to learn how Product Operations can become the backbone of your product strategy, helping you streamline workflows, enhance cross-functional collaboration, and create a scalable process that grows with your team.