Podcast Summary: Help Wanted – "Be Curious, Not Dismissive" Release Date: June 26, 2025

Hosts:

• Jason Pfeiffer: Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine
• Nicole Lapin: Money Expert

Introduction

In the episode titled "Be Curious, Not Dismissive," hosts Jason Pfeiffer and Nicole Lapin delve into the power of curiosity over dismissive negativity in both personal and professional contexts. They explore how adopting a curious mindset can lead to deeper understanding and greater success.

The Challenge of Dismissive Negativity

[02:47] Jason Pfeiffer: "Think of the last time you saw something and you said, that sucks. Maybe it was a song or a product or a marketing strategy. The thing is successful, let's just admit it. It's out there in the world. It's doing its thing. Some people like it. But you, you think it's dumb and you're convinced that you're right."

Jason begins by addressing a common behavior: the tendency to dismiss things we don't understand or agree with. He challenges listeners to shift from a negative perspective to one of curiosity.

Case Study: Liquid Death – A Masterclass in Marketing

[04:30] Jason Pfeiffer: "Have you ever heard of the brand Liquid Death? It is a masterclass in marketing."

Jason uses Liquid Death, a brand selling canned water and iced tea with an edgy, aggressive marketing strategy, as a primary example. Despite its unconventional approach—such as packaging water like beer and using taglines like "murder your thirst"—the brand has achieved a remarkable valuation of $1.4 billion.

[06:15] Jason Pfeiffer: "Instead of engaging with the lesson, many people on LinkedIn just trashed Liquid Death in the comments. Like here's one from some person who says that they're a podcast host and writer. They wrote, I cannot understand Liquid Death. I think it is the stupidest brand I've ever heard of."

Instead of appreciating Liquid Death's success, many critics dismissed it outright. Jason highlights how such negativity prevents deeper understanding and learning from successful strategies.

The Power of Curiosity: Understanding Why It Works

[07:50] Jason Pfeiffer: "Negativity is an intellectual dead end. If you only focus on not liking something, then you will never understand why others really do like it."

Jason emphasizes the importance of asking “Why does this work?” instead of dismissing. By understanding the mechanisms behind success, one can replicate and build upon these strategies.

Exploring the Origins of Shelves: An Anthropological Insight

[09:20] Jason Pfeiffer: "Let’s look at shelves. Shelves, like shelves in your home. If you're listening to this in your home, just like, turn around, you'll see a shelf. They are an unquestioned part of life."

To illustrate his point, Jason explores the seemingly mundane example of shelves, tracing their origins back to the Neolithic era. Shelves were invented out of necessity to store pottery safely off the ground, preventing breakage and loss of essential items like food and medicine.

[11:00] Jason Pfeiffer: "I called an anthropologist named John Shea, who teaches at Stony Brook University, and he gave me this amazing breakdown. He said, imagine living in Neolithic times... So what do you do? Well, John said, the answer is that you invent shelves."

This historical perspective demonstrates how a simple yet effective solution can stand the test of time, highlighting the value of understanding the 'why' behind functionality.

Reconstructing Success: Applying Curiosity to Modern Challenges

[12:30] Jason Pfeiffer: "Humans are pattern matchers. The more you see how things work, the more you can apply the pattern in new and valuable ways."

Jason outlines a method for applying curiosity-driven analysis to contemporary issues:

1. Identify the Successful Element: Start with something you don’t understand or initially dismiss.
2. Ask Why It Works: Delve into the underlying reasons for its success.
3. Analyze the Conditions: Determine what must be true for it to work.
4. Apply the Insights: Use these insights to innovate and create successful solutions in your own endeavors.

Practical Application: Example with Kik’s Bookkeeping Service

[13:15] Jason Pfeiffer: "I ran a newsletter a couple weeks ago and it included an ad for a bookkeeping service that I love that I use called Kik... She wanted to know how did this happen and was I responsible? That was totally news to me."

Jason shares a personal experience where an unexpected marketing follow-up led him to understand consumer behavior better. Kik’s use of targeted email reminders, despite initial surprise, proved effective in engaging potential customers who were interested but hadn’t yet committed.

[14:00] Jason Pfeiffer: "The thing is, you don't learn anything by dismissing things. You learn by reconstructing why they work."

This example reinforces his argument that understanding the "why" behind marketing strategies can lead to more effective and respectful consumer interactions.

Conclusion: Embracing Curiosity for Greater Success

Jason concludes by urging listeners to adopt a curious mindset whenever they encounter something they don't understand or initially dislike. By reconstructing the reasons behind its success, individuals can uncover valuable insights and apply them to their own projects and careers.

[14:00] Jason Pfeiffer: "So one more time, look at something, something you don't understand. Something that seems maybe stupid or obnoxious or that you are annoyed that the rest of the world is willing to tolerate this thing and and ask why does it work? The answer to that will help you build something else that works."

Call to Action

The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to engage further:

[14:00] Nicole Lapin: "Do you want some help? Email our helpline@helpwantedoneynewsnetwork.com for the chance to have some of your questions answered on the show."

Listeners are also encouraged to follow Money News Network on Instagram and TikTok for exclusive content.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Pfeiffer [02:47]: "Negativity is an intellectual dead end. If you only focus on not liking something, then you will never understand why others really do like it."

• Jason Pfeiffer [12:30]: "Humans are pattern matchers. The more you see how things work, the more you can apply the pattern in new and valuable ways."

• Jason Pfeiffer [14:00]: "The answer to that will help you build something else that works."

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace curiosity over dismissive negativity to understand and learn from successful strategies.
• Analyzing the underlying reasons for success can lead to innovation and personal growth.
• Historical examples, like the invention of shelves, highlight the enduring value of practical solutions.
• Applying a pattern-matching approach can enhance problem-solving and creativity in various aspects of work and life.

This episode of "Help Wanted" provides valuable insights into cultivating a curious mindset, encouraging listeners to delve deeper into understanding the success behind everyday phenomena and unconventional brands alike. By shifting focus from criticism to comprehension, individuals can unlock new pathways to success and fulfillment in their professional endeavors.