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Meeting Summary

Overview​

Gary Sheng met with Alpha School guides Douglas Green and Jack Oremus, Alpha student Cruce Saunders, and UATX student John Alznauer to discuss various initiatives related to marketing, media, and leveraging student talent for scaling Alpha School's reach and impact. Key topics included the UT Plan II Vibe Marketing internship, AI media generation capabilities within the Alpha ecosystem, John and Cruce's social media distribution venture, and the Alpha High reality show concept.

Key Topics Discussed​

UT Plan II Vibe Marketing Internship Program (Douglas Green)​

  • Structure: 6-7 UT Plan II interns working on individual projects over the summer, guided by the AlphaX process (including Brain Lifts).
  • Goal: Interns aim to become "vibe marketing experts."
  • Project Focus: Flexible, but guided into categories like Customer Facing, Campaign Related, or Brand Building.
  • Accountability: Joe Liemandt prefers individual projects to avoid group work pitfalls.
  • Distinction: This internship program is separate from a potential future "Marketing Gauntlet" for experienced professionals.

John Alznauer & Cruce Saunders' Venture​

  • Platform: They have built a functioning platform and decentralized network (using freelancers, often overseas) for distributing short-form video content (e.g., podcast clips, film promotions) at scale across social media.
  • Capabilities: System handles account scouting, content distribution, potentially performance tracking/payment.
  • Experience: Currently working with film/TV clients, launching podcast promotion.
  • Potential Synergy: Platform could be used to amplify Mackenzie Price's content, Alpha School messaging, or clips from the proposed reality show.
  • Collaboration: Expressed interest in working with Alpha School / Mackenzie Price as a client/partner.

Alpha High Reality Show Concept (Gary Sheng)​

  • Rationale: Pitched as a necessary cultural tool to scale Alpha School's awareness and impact, analogous to how "The Kardashians" shaped cultural perceptions.
  • Vision: Not just documenting, but an "agentic reality show" with rapid filming, editing (using AI tools), and release cycles, potentially influencing events in real-time (e.g., funding student projects).
  • Goal: Humanize Alpha School, drive enrollment/interest, create cultural relevance, potentially leading to millions of followers for key student "characters."
  • Connection: Could integrate with John/Cruce's platform for massive distribution of show clips.

AI Media Generation (Internal)​

  • Mention of existing Trilogy/Alpha tools capable of generating highly realistic AI videos, including deepfakes (e.g., a convincing fake of Mackenzie Price was created).
  • Potential use for marketing, but access and strategy seem unclear/internal.

Marketing & Growth Strategy Challenges​

  • Discussion about the fragmented nature of current marketing efforts (different teams, lack of clear strategy, black box requests via Jason Lines).
  • Identified need for a more cohesive strategy, potentially spearheaded by a dedicated team or leader (Gabby Bajardo mentioned as Head of Growth, but role specifics unclear).
  • Idea floated for a dedicated "Marketing Gauntlet" involving experienced professionals.

Other Points​

  • Shaas (Speech & Debate Guide) mentioned as a potential resource for media training.
  • Importance of guest speaker preparation for students (Cruce Saunders).
  • Gary's broader vision for America 2.0 Summit and connecting high-agency individuals.
  • Potential for Alpha School / AlphaX projects focused on underserved markets like technology for the elderly.

Action Items / Next Steps​

  • Gary & John/Cruce: Follow up to discuss potential collaboration using their social media distribution platform for Mackenzie/Alpha School content.
  • Gary & Jack: Develop a Brain Lift proposing a cohesive marketing/media strategy (including the reality show concept) for Joe/Mackenzie.
  • Gary: Seek meeting with Gabby Bajardo (Head of Growth) to understand current strategy and potential alignment.
  • Investigate internal AI video generation capabilities and potential applications.