Fresh Air
by NPR
Latest Business Ideas
Emotional Storytelling in Video Games
The podcast discusses the growing sophistication of storytelling in video games, exemplified by Pedro Pascal's involvement in adapting a successful video game into a series. This creates an actionable business idea for entrepreneurs to develop a platform or service focused on narrative-driven gaming experiences. By creating a game that emphasizes emotional storytelling, developers can tap into the audience's desire for deeper, more meaningful engagement with the characters and plots. The target audience includes gamers who appreciate narrative depth, as well as developers looking to innovate in the gaming space. Tactics could include leveraging community feedback to shape storylines, collaborating with writers and narrative designers, and using social media to promote emotional moments from the game to create a buzz. Additionally, entrepreneurs can explore partnerships with streaming platforms to enhance the storytelling experience through cross-media adaptations.
From: Pedro Pascal Got Fired A Lot
Online Busking Platform for Musicians
The idea is to create an online platform where musicians can busk digitally, similar to how street performers earn money in public spaces. This platform would allow musicians to livestream their performances, interact with audiences in real-time, and accept tips or donations through integrated payment systems. The platform can also host virtual events, where artists can perform for larger audiences, potentially earning more than they would in traditional street settings. This service would solve the problem of limited performance opportunities for independent musicians, especially during times when live performances are restricted, such as during the pandemic. The target audience would be aspiring and professional musicians looking for new revenue streams, as well as music fans seeking unique live performances from diverse artists. Specific tactics could include partnerships with music schools and promotional campaigns on social media to attract both musicians and audiences.
From: Musician Charley Crockett's Road From Busking To The Grammys
Music Monetization Course for Buskers
This business idea involves creating a comprehensive online course aimed at helping aspiring street performers and buskers monetize their talent effectively. The course would cover essential topics such as effective performance strategies, audience engagement techniques, and tips for using social media to promote performances. Additionally, it would include modules on how to set up payment systems for tips and donations, as well as legal considerations for busking in various locations. This course addresses a common challenge for aspiring musicians who may not know how to transition from performing for free to earning a living through their art. The target audience includes musicians, street performers, and hobbyist artists who want to make money from their performances. Marketing could leverage testimonials from successful buskers who have completed the course and seen financial success as a result.
From: Musician Charley Crockett's Road From Busking To The Grammys
Improv-Based Online Coaching Programs
Building on Jeff Hiller's experience with improv and its significance in his creative journey, launching an online coaching program centered around improv techniques can be a valuable business idea. This program would cater to individuals looking to enhance their communication skills, boost confidence, and foster creativity in both personal and professional settings. By utilizing improv exercises, participants can learn to think on their feet, adapt to unexpected situations, and improve their storytelling abilities. The target audience could include professionals in sales, marketing, and public speaking, as well as individuals looking for personal development. Implementation could involve creating a course structure with live sessions, recorded modules, and interactive activities. Platforms like Zoom or specialized coaching software can be used to facilitate these workshops, and marketing efforts could leverage social media channels to reach potential clients.
From: Jeff Hiller's Big Break Came In His 40s
Vision Board Workshops for Adults
The concept of hosting vision board workshops is rooted in the discussion around the importance of setting goals and aspirations, as highlighted by the characters' interactions in the podcast. These workshops can be designed specifically for adults who may feel lost or unfulfilled in their personal and professional lives. By guiding participants through the process of creating a visual representation of their goals, the workshops can help them articulate their desires, foster creativity, and boost motivation. Participants can share their dreams, receive encouragement, and build a sense of community. The target audience for this business could be mid-life professionals seeking clarity or individuals looking for a supportive environment to explore their aspirations. Implementation could involve hosting events in local community centers or partnering with existing organizations focused on personal development. Tools and materials for the workshops would include art supplies for creating boards, along with guided prompts to help participants reflect on their goals.
From: Jeff Hiller's Big Break Came In His 40s
Inclusive Storytelling Platform
The idea is to create a platform or production company similar to Daniel Dae Kim's 3AD, which promotes and produces inclusive narratives across various media, including film, television, and digital content. The platform would actively seek out underrepresented voices in storytelling, particularly those from minority backgrounds, and provide them with resources to bring their stories to life. This could be achieved by collaborating with established creators, offering grants for emerging talent, and creating a digital space for sharing ideas and building community. The problem this business addresses is the lack of representation in media and the need for diverse narratives that resonate with a wider audience. The target audience would include aspiring storytellers from underrepresented communities, as well as platforms and audiences seeking diverse content.
From: Daniel Dae Kim Fakes His Own Death In 'Butterfly'
Online Course About Representation in Media
This idea entails developing an online course that educates creators, writers, and filmmakers about the importance of representation in media. The course would cover various aspects, including the impact of representation on society, strategies for inclusive storytelling, and how to develop multidimensional characters. Specific modules could include case studies of successful diverse narratives like Daniel Dae Kim's roles and insights from industry professionals. The course could utilize platforms such as Teachable or Thinkific to host the material and reach a global audience. This addresses the issue of underrepresentation in media, equipping creators with the knowledge and tools to create more inclusive content. The target audience would be budding filmmakers, writers, and industry professionals interested in improving their representation skills.
From: Daniel Dae Kim Fakes His Own Death In 'Butterfly'
Insomnia Digital Program (CBT-I + Circadian Coaching)
The episode explicitly raises alternatives for insomnia (pills, therapy, meditation) and discusses sleep science such as the glymphatic system that clears toxins during sleep. From that content, a concrete business is a focused digital program: an evidence-based insomnia course for adults that combines CBT-I principles, circadian timing education (including practical sunset/lighting and melatonin-timing guidance), guided meditations designed for pre-sleep use, and educational modules about sleep physiology (glymphatic system, sleep stages) to motivate adherence. Implementation: create a modular online course or subscription app with video lessons, downloadable sleep plans (timed light exposure, activity scheduling), short guided audio to play when attempting sleep, and a community/forum for peer support. Optionally include telehealth partnerships for clinical escalation. This solves the common problem discussed: panic and hyperarousal around sleep, misinformation (e.g., large melatonin doses), and lack of structured, science-driven daily routines. Target users are adults with chronic insomnia or poor sleepers who prefer non-pharmacologic strategies; early traction can be gained through long-form journalistic storytelling (repurposing the Atlantic-style narrative), partnerships with sleep clinics, and free introductory webinars. The episode's discussion of therapy, meditation, and glymphatic science supplies the content pillars for the program.
From: Best Of: Making 'Born To Run' / Why We Can't Sleep
On-demand Session-Musician Marketplace
The interview details how the Born to Run production repeatedly experimented with adding strings, choirs, and horn players (later bringing in Brecker brothers) to achieve the final arrangement. That discussion directly supports a digital marketplace connecting independent producers/indie artists to vetted session players (strings, horns, choirs, specialty soloists) and remote orchestration/arrangement services. Implementation: launch an MVP marketplace that lists players by instrument, style, sample clips, pricing and turnaround; include a studio-ready file delivery pipeline, basic contract/rights handling, escrow payment, and optional arranger/producer add-ons. Initial go-to-market could target indie producers, home-studio artists, and indie label A&R teams by showcasing before/after examples (dry track vs. arranged-with-strings) and case studies mirroring the episode's production anecdotes. This solves a real problem described in the episode: producers experimenting with orchestration need fast, reliable access to high-quality players for short-term trials without full-time hires. Tactics mentioned include auditioning multiple arrangements and bringing in specific players for a distinct sonic part (e.g., Brecker trumpet); the marketplace should therefore emphasize audition clips, short trial sessions, and pay-per-track options. Start with a lean two-sided approach (recruit top players, invite early producer users) and iterate toward a scalable platform.
From: Best Of: Making 'Born To Run' / Why We Can't Sleep
Melatonin Microdose Subscription Kit
The episode explicitly references ordering low-dose (e.g., 300 microgram) melatonin online and taking it timed to sunset as a more targeted way to influence circadian signaling. A business could productize this as a regulated DTC 'microdose melatonin circadian kit' sold via subscription: pre-measured microtablet packs (300 mcg or other microdoses), dosing instructions tied to local sunset times, and educational digital content explaining timing and circadian principles. Implementation would involve partnering with a licensed supplement manufacturer (GMP), packaging single-serve microdoses, a simple e-commerce/subscription checkout, and automated dosing reminders (SMS/email) keyed to subscriber time zone/sunset. The product solves the problem of people taking large, poorly-timed melatonin doses that may be ineffective or produce side effects; it offers a lower-dose, circadian-first alternative with clear instructions. Target customers are adults with mild-to-moderate sleep/circadian complaints seeking OTC solutions and willing to try microdosing; early adopters include biohackers and consumers already buying melatonin. Key tactics mentioned in the episode that translate directly: sell measured microdoses rather than large milligram pills; pair dosing with sunset timing; include concise educational content on why timing matters. Regulatory considerations (labeling, claims, country-specific rules) and a medical advisory board are required; start with educational, non-medical claims and clear disclaimers.
From: Best Of: Making 'Born To Run' / Why We Can't Sleep
Recent Episodes
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Host: David Bianculli
3 ideas found
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Host: Terry Gross
1 idea found
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