REWORK
280 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 198 ratingsA podcast by 37signals about the better way to work and run your business. The REWORK podcast features the co-founders of 37signals (the makers of Basecamp and HEY), Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson sharing their unique perspective on business and entrepreneurship along with host Kimberly Rhodes.
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Episodes
Disagree and Commit
April 17, 2024 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB"Consensus is cozy, but broad agreement is not our aim. The right decision is. Which is why we take the time to think, debate, persuade, listen and reconsider and then, someone, decides. If you disagree, that’s fine, but once the decision is made, it’s time to commit and support it completely." Tune in as Kimberly leads a chat with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, about the concept of Disagree and Commit. Once a decision is made, everyone should be in 100%...
Strangers at a Cocktail Party (the downside of hiring too many people at once)
April 10, 2024 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBJason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founders of 37signals, dive into their book REWORK and discuss the essay “Strangers at a Cocktail Party” with Rework host, Kimberly Rhodes. From their experience, hiring too many people at once can throw off the balance and continuity of a company's culture. They talk about the importance of gradual assimilation and how culture is implicit, not always written down. They share insights on the value of fresh perspectives and the excitement of fa...
Strangers at a Cocktail Party
April 10, 2024 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBJason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founders of 37signals, dive into their book REWORK and discuss the essay “Strangers at a Cocktail Party” with Rework host, Kimberly Rhodes. From their experience, hiring too many people at once can throw off the balance and continuity of a company's culture. They talk about the importance of gradual assimilation and how culture is implicit, not always written down. They share insights on the value of fresh perspectives and the excitement of fa...
The Wrong Time for Real Time
April 03, 2024 06:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBThis episode of REWORK delves into an essay from the book "It Doesn't Have To Be Crazy At Work," co-authored by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, advocating for the use of asynchronous communication for work projects. During the discussion, they explore the downside of chat and suggest it be reserved for informal discussions and social interactions. Key Takeaways: 00:36 - Different communication methods in the workplace – chat vs. asynchronous 02:22 - The benefits of centralized ...
More Than a Month of Once
March 27, 2024 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBIn this episode of REWORK, host Kimberly Rhodes sits down with the co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, to provide an update on their latest product — Campfire, under the Once umbrella — just about one month after its initial launch. Once introduces a new software paradigm where users pay just once and own it forever, departing from the conventional subscription model. The discussion delves into their pricing strategy, their emphasis on long-term profitability ...
How We Work: Finding the Right Team
March 20, 2024 08:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB37signals is hiring! However, the traditional resume and formal education credentials don’t rank as high as you might think in their hiring process. In this episode of The Rework Podcast, host Kimberly Rhodes chats with co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson about reviewing potential job candidates. You’ll hear them discuss why a personalized cover letter can tell a lot more about a potential hire than chronological work history, and why AI isn’t always a dependa...
A New Take on Platform Preferences
March 13, 2024 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBDavid Heinemeier Hansson recently revealed that he's making the switch from Apple to Android and trading in his Mac for a PC. In this week's episode, cofounders of 37signals Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson discuss the shift in direction, the events that led to the change of platform, and what the company was missing by being focused on the Apple ecosystem. Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available...
Rapid Fire with Jason & David
March 06, 2024 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBKimberly is switching things up this week and taking a more casual approach with the co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, asking them a series of rapid fire questions. Jason, for example, reveals the book that granted them permission to forge their unique path, while David shares the profound advice from Jeff Bezos about investing in things that don't change. The two of them also open up about their business journey, the meaning behind their work, and even hint...
Press Releases Are Spam
February 28, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBKimberly sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to discuss a chapter from REWORK titled “Press Releases Are Spam,” explaining why traditional press releases don't work well for their product launches. The conversation touches on the shift from formal press releases to direct-to-consumer approaches in today’s media scene. They touch upon the importance of hearing from authentic voices with skin in the game rather than relying on formulaic press releases. The founders also sha...
Keep Calm and Delete the Tweet
February 21, 2024 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBJoin host Kimberly in this episode for a candid chat with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. Diving into a recent social media controversy, they discuss the decision-making process and lessons learned. The conversation covers the challenges of public communication, navigating social media, and the importance of thinking before reacting. Gain valuable insights into managing public image, handling controversies, and balancing authenticity with professionalism. The co-founders share pers...
The Myth of the Overnight Sensation
February 14, 2024 09:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBThis week, join your host Kimberly Rhodes along with the co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, as they celebrate Basecamp's 20th and 37signals' upcoming 25th anniversaries. The excitement extends to the success of their book REWORK, which recently surpassed a million copies sold worldwide. They delve especially into the chapter titled "The Myth of the Overnight Sensation," exploring the book's journey, impact, and the challenges faced during its creation. From ...
It's All a Judgment Call
February 07, 2024 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBChances are, you've heard Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson stress the vital role of trusting your instincts in business. This week, host Kimberly Rhodes takes a deeper dive into the heart of human decision-making with the co-founders of 37signals—exploring how the interplay of intuition and accumulated experiences becomes your compass for navigating the complex landscape of business decisions. Join Jason and David as they unravel the intricate dance between data-driven decisions an...
Readying for Launch
January 31, 2024 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBProduct launches can be a delicate dance between anticipation and anxiety. Today on "Rework", Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to explore the intricacies of knowing when a product is ready for launch. Listen in to learn the art of patience with the "Give It Five Minutes" principle and the necessity of building a "bucket of arrogance" to weather feedback storms during challenging launch phases. Don’t miss out on Jason and David's unparalleled in...
REWORK Live!
January 24, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBIn this special YouTube live episode, co-founders of 37signals, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, join host Kimberly Rhodes to field live questions from listeners. Listen in as Jason and David answer questions about topics such as the recent launch of the HEY Calendar. They also share updates on the release of Campfire, the first ONCE product, with behind-the-scenes details about this simplified and affordable chat tool. Plus, tune in for insights into the evolution of the Shape U...
User Testing, Stoic Philosophy, and Other Listener Questions
January 17, 2024 09:00 - 23 minutes - 15.8 MBIn this episode of Rework, the spotlight is on listener questions. Listen in as Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share their insights on a range of topics — from 37signals' approach to user testing and the impact of Stoic philosophy on their business principles, to discussions on profits and expenses, and the crucial decision of when to hire. Tune in to hear their unique perspectives on these key aspects of building a successful company. Check out the full video episode on YouTube...
This again, Apple?
January 09, 2024 20:00 - 26 minutes - 18.6 MBGetting an app into Apple's app store without giving up 30% of profits is something the team at 37signals battled back in 2020 when it launched the HEY email service. What they didn't expect would be to have some of the same challenges in 2024 with the HEY Calendar app. Listen in as David Heinemeier Hansson shares the history of the 2020 challenge along with the most recent app store rejections — and the last minute update the team made to the app to get the final approval. Rework is a pro...
How We Work: Fewer Meetings, More Check-Ins
January 03, 2024 09:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBToday, we're diving into a question that has piqued the curiosity of many of our listeners and clients: How exactly does 37signals keep track of all the moving pieces in a fully remote company with team members spread throughout the world? The answer lies in our use of Automatic Check-ins, a tool embedded in Basecamp 3.0 that has revolutionized how we stay connected with what everyone is working on. But how do these Automatic Check-ins work, and why are they so essential to the pulse of o...
Working with a Business Partner
December 27, 2023 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this week's episode of Rework, host Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to share the essential elements that foster a thriving partnership. Witness firsthand the enduring stability of their collaboration as Jason and David explore how explicit power-sharing agreements and trust enable each partner to take the lead in their own domain. Tune in for a vibrant behind-the-scenes look at how mutual admiration and a shared commitment to vision and values has...
Look Back Less
December 20, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB"If you're going to look back at all, you should glance back but not stare." – Jason Fried In this episode of the Rework podcast, host, Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason Fried, and David Heinemeier Hansson, to dive into a compelling question: How much attention should businesses really give to the past? Jason introduced this concept in his recent HEY World post called "Look Back Less," where he urged businesses to redirect their gaze toward the future, steering clear of excessive retros...
Narrow As You Go
December 13, 2023 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBIn their book, It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson stress the importance of narrowing the scope as a project unfolds, emphasizing, "After the initial dust settles, the work required to finish a project should be dwindling over time, not expanding." But navigating this challenge is not always easy. In this week's episode of Rework, Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason and David to explore the challenges and benefits of narrowing focus, particularly...
Calendar Tetris
December 06, 2023 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBEver find yourself trapped in a game of "Calendar Tetris," where each meeting block interrupts the natural flow of your day, leaving you little room for meaningful work? Today on Rework, host Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to discuss the pitfalls of modern scheduling tools and their impact on productivity from their book, It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. Listen in as they walk listeners through scheduling at 37signals, where they don't share ca...
The Outwork Myth
November 29, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBIn today's hustle-centric work environment, there's a prevailing pressure to showcase constant busyness, sometimes at the expense of genuine productivity. However, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson present a refreshing perspective in their book "It Doesn't Have To Be Crazy Work," where the emphasis is on the quality of your time rather than the quantity. Join Jason and David as they sit down with Kimberly Rhodes to dismantle the myth of the "outwork" mentality and delve into the nu...
What are you REALLY buying?
November 22, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBEvery time you make a purchase, whether it's a tangible product or a service, you're casting a vote with your dollars for the type of company you want to support and the choices they make. So, what are you REALLY buying? Join host Kimberly Rhodes as she sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to explore the concept of "buying the company" as they dive into the diverse considerations that shape our purchasing choices. From supporting forward-thinking initiatives to valui...
Underdo the Competition
November 15, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBIn business, the idea that more is better often leads companies to engage in an endless race to add more features while losing sight of what truly matters to their users. Consider the iconic success of the iPod. By excelling at one thing, done exceptionally well, it attracted legions of unwaveringly loyal fans. This same philosophy is why the team at 37signals consistently aims for simplicity, recognizing it as the secret sauce for creating unforgettable products. In this episode, Jason ...
Speaking Gigs, Attending Conferences, and the Importance of Gathering
November 08, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBIn a world dominated by virtual interactions, coming together in person offers an opportunity to foster deeper human connections that are impossible to achieve through any other means. Jason Fried recently took the stage in Vancouver and David Heinemeier Hansson did the same at Rails World in Amsterdam. Today, they join Kimberly Rhodes to share their unique perspectives on life beyond the digital realm. Listen in for their valuable tips for making the most of attending or speaking at confer...
The F*#k No Feature
November 01, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBHave you ever wanted to bid farewell to bothersome emails without the hassle of unsubscribing or composing polite "please stop emailing me" requests? Today 37signals' co-founders, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, join host Kimberly Rhodes to walk listeners through HEY's newest addition that allows users to express their email frustrations unconventionally. Introducing the 'Fuck No' feature for those instances when a simple "no" just won't suffice. Listen in as Jason and David del...
Build an Audience
October 25, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThis episode kicks off with the Underdog Challenge winner sharing the unconventional strategies that enable his small business to take on their larger competitors. Then, 37signals' co-founders, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to delve into the power of building an audience through authentic content. Jason and David share the secret of building a genuine connection with your audience and the importance of having "skin in the game" in content crea...
Inspiration is Perishable
October 18, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 11.7 MB"Ideas are immortal. They last forever. What doesn't last forever is inspiration. Inspiration is like fresh fruit or milk: it has an expiration date,” - from Rework, by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson On this episode, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the Co-founders of 37signals, sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to share their perspective on the fleeting nature of inspiration with insights from the chapter called "Inspiration is Perishable" in their book, Rework....
You Don't Create a Culture
October 11, 2023 08:00 - 21 minutes - 12.1 MBCompany culture is more than just a buzzword or a section in your employee handbook. It's not something you can just write down and expect to manifest. It creates itself organically, through the attitudes and actions of your team that define how you work and more importantly how you work together. Today, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the Co-founders of 37signals, sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to share their perspective on the pivotal distinction between 'wanting'...
Hiring Senior Leaders, Getting Started with Six-Week Cycles, and Other Listener Questions
October 04, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 17.6 MBIn this episode of Rework we're turning the spotlight onto you, our listeners, with another episode of listener questions. Today, Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founders of 37signals, to pull back the curtain on the intricacies they faced when hiring a COO for their team, and the intuition-driven decision making they used to ensure their new hire would be a good fit and complement the team. Plus, how to help your company get starte...
37signals Introduces ONCE
September 27, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 18.8 MBIn a world where subscriptions have become the norm for everything from streaming services to heated car seats, the team at 37signals recently unveiled a new venture that's poised to reintroduce the notion of software ownership with a pay-once model called ONCE. Today, Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founders of 37signals to introduce ONCE to listeners of the show. Listen in for a behind-the-scenes look at the driving principles, un...
Shape Up Principle: Decide When to Stop
September 20, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 12.9 MBIn our recent episodes, we've been talking about the principles of Shape Up – the cornerstone of 37signals' product development philosophy. We've explored the art of crafting a pitch and the decision-making process that takes place at the betting table. Shape Up acknowledges that there's always more work than time allows, and on today’s episode, we’re zeroing in on a critical aspect of the Shape Up philosophy—when to stop tinkering and take the leap and ship. Join Kimberly Rhodes ...
TypeScript Drama and Open Source Opinions
September 13, 2023 21:51 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBRecently 37signals co-founders David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried found themselves at the center of an unexpected internet storm. It all began when David made a significant announcement: Turbo 8 would no longer be using TypeScript. What followed was a whirlwind of controversy and social media fireworks. In today's discussion, Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason and David to unpack the impact of social media on these types of discussions and the broader implications of the...
Shape Up Principle: The Betting Table
September 06, 2023 11:46 - 25 minutes - 14.5 MBPicture this: a dimly lit room where velvet-robed figures gather in secret to make decisions of paramount importance as the fate of the pitches for the next product development cycle hangs in the balance. The "betting table” – where the formalized pitches for each six-week work cycle are selected – might seem mysterious but we're about to unravel its secrets. Listen in as host Kimberly Rhodes sits down with 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to explore...
Shape Up Principle: Writing a Pitch
August 30, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 15.3 MBIf you've been following the Rework podcast, you're undoubtedly acquainted with the concept of Shape Up, a cornerstone of 37signals' approach to product development. In this episode, we delve into a core component of Shape Up: the delicate art of crafting a pitch. Join Rework host Kimberly Rhodes as she sits down with 37signals founders, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson for a conversation encompassing everything from the essence and purpose of a pitch to the step-by-step pr...
Are You an Underdog? We want to hear from you!
August 23, 2023 15:54 - 10 minutes - 7.37 MBIn this episode of Rework, host Kimberly Rhodes sits down with 37signals founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to hear about the company's fondness for underdogs – small businesses that are scrappy, do more with less, and use creativity over big budgets. If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you and just might have you on an episode of Rework to share your story. Plus, the lucky winner will get one year of Basecamp Pro Unlimited on us! Here's what you need to ...
Software Has Bugs
August 09, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 15.5 MBBugs are an inevitable part of complex software and aiming for complete bug-free perfection is not only unrealistic, but it hinders progress and product delivery. In this episode of Rework, host Kimberly Rhodes sits down with 37signals founders, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson to discuss why you need to be realistic about bugs in software development. Listen in as David and Jason offer a behind-the-scenes look at the two-tiered approach to handling bugs in their software ...
Rescuing A Project In Progress
August 02, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 13.7 MBKnowing when you're in over your head and recognizing when a project has gone off the rails are crucial aspects of successful project management. But what are the red flags to watch for to prevent project derailment and how can you tell if a project is doomed to fail—even before you start? This week, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founders of 37signals, sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to discuss the challenges of project management and share valuable insights...
The Google Graveyard
July 26, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 15 MBUnlike some tech giants that have notoriously pulled the plug on beloved products (remember Google's sudden discontinuation of Google Reader?), 37signals takes a vastly different approach with their pledge to support ALL of their products for the life of the internet. This week host Kimberly Rhodes sits down with Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founders of 37signals, to explore the importance of longevity and trust in the SaaS industry. Drawing parallels to iconic ...
Be Careful Who You Listen To
July 19, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 13.9 MBIn today's fast-paced information-saturated world, advice is abundant, but it can be difficult to determine which sources are truly reliable. This week, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the co-founders of 37signals, join host Kimberly Rhodes to discuss the challenges of navigating the ever-growing sea of advice and how to choose the right guidance for your journey. Listen in as they share their thoughts on the expiration date of advice, the dangers of following someone els...
Leaving the Cloud: The Finale
July 12, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 16.7 MBYou’ve no doubt heard the 37signals team talking about leaving the cloud. Well, now the transition is complete! In this episode of Rework, 37signals co-founder David Heinemeier Hansson and Director of Operations Eron Nicholson sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to discuss the unexpected speed of the move, the decisions, the hurdles they faced, and the behind the scenes of the meticulous process of moving their major applications, including those that had never before been run outsid...
Two-Person Teams: Listener Questions
July 05, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutes - 18.5 MBThis week, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, join host Kimberly Rhodes to answer listener questions from the recent episode about Two-Person Teams. They tackle topics ranging from two-person team collaboration techniques to their innovative approach to team cooldown periods and the benefits for individuals and the overall project workflow. Listen in as they discuss their journey in refining the on-call process and the power of "spring cleaning" to ...
When to Jump into AI
June 28, 2023 11:51 - 16 minutes - 9.38 MBWhen should small business owners start paying attention to AI? Is immediate action necessary, or are we already behind? In today's episode, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to discuss the landscape of AI and its implications for businesses. From the impact on small business owners to the ever-present question of falling behind, David and Jason explore the potentials and limitations of AI and its present and future ...
Buckets of Time
June 21, 2023 08:00 - 18 minutes - 10.7 MBTime is a valuable resource that often leaves us longing for more hours to conquer our ever-expanding to-do lists. The relentless stream of emails, meetings, and responsibilities can easily hijack our concentration, reminding us that while we have 24 hours at our disposal, we don't have 24 hours of attention a day. In this episode of the Rework podcast, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson sit down with Kimberly Rhodes to present the concept of "bucketing" ...
Twitter is Still Up
June 14, 2023 08:00 - 21 minutes - 12.3 MBIt's been more than seven months since Elon Musk purchased Twitter. Since then, a reported 80% of the company has been let go, reducing their staff from just under 8,000 employees to around 1,500. With all that turmoil, many believed that Twitter would fail completely or stop working, but Twitter's still up! Today, host Kimberly Rhodes, Jason Fried, and David Heinemeier Hansson sit down to delve into the aftermath of Elon's controversial acquisition of Twitter, the surprises and l...
It’s Time to Care About Costs
June 07, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 17 MBIn a time when many companies are disregarding profitability and spending recklessly, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson have taken a different approach at 37signals. They believe that caring about costs is a timely concern and a fundamental principle for running a successful small business. In this episode of the “Rework” podcast, they sit down with Kimberly Rhodes to discuss the critical importance of cost management in today's business landscape. From reevaluating software...
Two Person Teams
May 31, 2023 10:50 - 27 minutes - 15.8 MBIf you've been following along with the podcast, you've heard the mention of two-person teams and how 37signals makes the most of its software features and productivity with just two people working together—one programmer and one designer. In this episode of the Rework podcast, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson sit down with Kimberly Rhodes to dive deeper into the concept of two-person teams and share valuable insights on the benefits, challenges, and s...
Listener Questions Part 3
April 19, 2023 11:15 - 16 minutes - 9.52 MBOn the previous episode of the Rework podcast, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, joined host Kimberly Rhodes to answer listener questions and share their insights on various topics such as project ownership, attracting talent, and building a successful team. This week, they return to address one question that deserved its own episode. Tune in as they reflect on a significant reset that occurred at 37signals in 2021 when many people left the compan...
Listener Questions Part 2
April 12, 2023 12:12 - 30 minutes - 17.2 MBOn last week's Rework podcast, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, joined host Kimberly Rhodes to answer listener questions about their approach to design, decision-making, and more. Today, they return to tackle more listener questions, covering a diverse range of topics such as delegating projects, hiring, and remote work. Listen in as they discuss their strategies for helping team members take ownership of their work and their tips on deploying pro...
Listener Questions / AMA
March 29, 2023 11:27 - 24 minutes - 13.8 MBIn this episode of Rework, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, join host Kimberly Rhodes to answer questions posed by Rework listeners. Listen in as they share their insights and experiences in running a successful software company by answering questions from podcast listeners on topics such as 37signals' approach to design, decision-making processes, product management, and balancing managerial roles and responsibilities. Tune in to hear their uniq...