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Participants:

Brunch with Kamal Ravikant

Date: April 5, 2025 Location: CRAFT Kitchen, Henderson, NV Attendees: Gary Sheng, Kamal Ravikant Recording: Kamal pt 1 (partial?)

Summary​

A wide-ranging and candid brunch conversation. Gary shared his background, recent AI bootcamp experience, and new role with Joe Liemandt focusing on movement building for Alpha Schools' AI-driven educational renaissance. Kamal shared insights from his life, including overcoming startup failure and near-death experiences, his philosophy on relationships (dropping desire, valuing the right partner), his reasons for living in Vegas (taxes, family proximity, tactical training), and his views on self-reliance, authenticity, and purpose. They discussed the potential America 2.0 Summit (Kamal is interested), the Alpha Schools model, the concept of a "Jesus Experience" in Vegas, the limitations of Vegas for certain types of tech innovation (vs. Austin/SF), and potential future collaborations. Gary also introduced Kamal to his friend Hieu via text during the meeting.

Key Discussion Points​

  • Gary's Role: Explained AI bootcamp, new position with Joe Liemandt, focus on cultural/political strategy for Alpha Schools, AI for 60+ demographic.
  • Kamal's Philosophy: Emphasized self-love, resilience, honesty, dropping attachment, finding freedom, the importance of the "right" partner (vs. biological capability), value of tactical training for confidence.
  • Vegas: Discussed pros (easy living, gun culture, proximity to family) and cons (less deep tech talent, "taker" culture, potentially wrong place for Tony Hsieh's vision).
  • Education: Talked about Alpha Schools' model, admission (IQ/coding tests), focus on real-world results, blending education/entrepreneurship (Ikigai), contrast with traditional systems.
  • America 2.0 Summit: Kamal expressed interest in attending, suggested connecting with Aaron Stupple.
  • Jesus Experience: Kamal found the idea of an immersive experience in Vegas compelling.
  • Proposed Projects for Kamal:
    • Earth Chakras documentary: Open if produced by others.
    • Michael Levin/Bioelectricity: Less interested in commercializing, prefers backing entrepreneurs.
  • Relationships: Kamal shared his journey away from seeking monogamy, prioritizing freedom and fun; contrasted with pickup artists (knows Neil Strauss).
  • Role Models: Discussed lack thereof, dangers of figures like Andrew Tate.
  • Connections: Connected Kamal with Hien.

Key Insights from Kamal​

  • Finding the right life partner is paramount; biological ability to have kids is solvable.
  • Dropping desire/attachment brings freedom.
  • Honesty (about intentions, limits) is attractive and liberating in relationships.
  • Being intensely on purpose is charismatic.
  • Vegas is good for certain things but lacks the deep tech/innovative talent pool of SF/Austin.
  • Tactical training/self-reliance is empowering.
  • Faith supersedes logic; doesn't necessarily need scientific validation.

Follow-ups​

  • Connect Kamal and Hieu for lunch/meeting.
  • Keep Kamal posted on America 2.0 Summit details.
  • Inform Kamal if/when an Alpha Schools micro-school opens in Vegas (potential guide role).
  • Consider introducing Kamal to the Vegas-based documentary crew for the Earth Chakras idea.
  • Gary to potentially send Michael Levin info to Kamal (though interest seemed low).

Notes​

  • Very positive and open conversation.
  • Kamal is a regular at CRAFT Kitchen and values the staff/vibe.
  • Strong potential for alignment on mindset, resilience, and movement building, though Kamal seems selective about committing to leading new large-scale projects.