About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales At one point in my life, I thought that in Pizza Hut’s “Makin’ it great” ad campaign, they were actually saying “Brickin’ a brick.” I mean I was a toddler, but still. Brickin’ a brick. I believed this for years, even when I was old enough to logically understand “brickin’ a brick” doesn’t make any f*****g s…

This is the audio version of my article The Time I Sold Furbies for Money. *Note: You can now listen to all future Lucky Maverick posts on Spotify and iTunes, read in the sweet, soothing, almost tranquilizing voice of Jake. If you like what you hear, feel free to leave a review. If you don’t like what you hear, chances are your volume is too low. T…

About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales If you want to break the rules of grammar, first learn the rules of grammar. - Kurt Vonnegut I used to play this iPhone game called “Fun Run.” It’s sort of like Mario Kart in that you race and there are question mark things you can get that have weapons to kill your opponents (lightning, a bear trap thing, …

About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales You’ve been kidnapped. That’s probably not the start to the day you were looking for. It was already going to be a long day, what with accounting all over your ass about those expense reports—Suzie needs to just lay off if you ask me—and now you have to deal with this s**t? Your kidnapper is a little differ…

About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” I don’t know if wiser words have ever been spoken. We should all try to think a bit more like the great Ricky Bobby. There are different ways one can aim to be first. In a car race—where everyone starts from roughly the same point—speed is what matters. Small differences i…

About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales This is the audio version of “I Spent $35,000 on a Video You Can Find All Over the Internet.” Click here to read the article. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit luckymaverick.substack.com…

About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales Note: If you notice Jake’s voice sounds like he has the flu in the audio version, don’t worry…he doesn’t have the flu! It’s just COVID. I started fishing last year. Like any hobby I take up, I’ve become intensely serious about it to the point no one around me wants to be involved. I started tracking aspects…

There comes a time in every man’s life when he must stand up for what he believes in. With the world against him and no true believers on his side, he digs deep, knowing he must fight for what’s right, regardless of the lack of support, and stand firm in the face of mounting opposition. Victorious or not, he will come out the other side filled with…

About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales This is the audio version of my article The Secret to Success: Mimic Evolution. *Note: You can now listen to all future Lucky Maverick posts on Spotify and iTunes, read in the sweet, soothing, almost tranquilizing voice of Jake. If you like what you hear, feel free to leave a review. If you don’t like what …

About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales This is the audio version of my article The Tao of Data: How to Improve Your Gut Decisions. *Note: You can now listen to all future Lucky Maverick posts on Spotify and iTunes, read in the sweet, soothing, almost tranquilizing voice of Jake. If you like what you hear, feel free to leave a review. If you don’…

About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales This is the audio version of my article How to Get Better at Anything ASAP: My Extreme Theory of Learning. *Note: You can now listen to all future Lucky Maverick posts on Spotify and iTunes, read in the sweet, soothing, almost tranquilizing voice of Jake. If you like what you hear, feel free to leave a revi…

About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales This is the audio version of my article How to Improve Your Decisions, Immediately (And Why *Almost* Nothing Matters). *Note: You can now listen to all future Lucky Maverick posts on Spotify and iTunes, read in the sweet, soothing, almost tranquilizing voice of Jake. If you like what you hear, feel free to …

About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales This is the audio version of my article How to Write the Best F’ing Email of Your Life. *Note: You can now listen to all future Lucky Maverick posts on Spotify and iTunes, read in the sweet, soothing, almost tranquilizing voice of Jake. If you like what you hear, feel free to leave a review. If you don’t li…

This is the audio version of my article Should You Work for Free? *Note: You can now listen to all future Lucky Maverick posts on Spotify and iTunes, read in the sweet, soothing, almost tranquilizing voice of Jake - a man I didn’t even know existed a few weeks ago. He could be Jake from State Farm for all I know. If you like what you hear, feel fre…

This is the audio version of my article How to Determine What to Believe. *Note: You can now listen to all future Lucky Maverick posts on Spotify and iTunes, read in the sweet, soothing, almost tranquilizing voice of Jake - a man I didn’t even know existed a few weeks ago. He could be Jake from State Farm for all I know. If you like what you hear, …

This is the audio version of my article How to Win Games: Find the Hidden Rules. *Note: You can now listen to all future Lucky Maverick posts on Spotify and iTunes, read in the sweet, soothing, almost tranquilizing voice of Jake - a man I didn’t even know existed a few weeks ago. He could be Jake from State Farm for all I know. If you like what you…

This is the audio version of my article 40 Counterintuitive Tips for Building a Business. It’s an older post I never sent as an email. *Note: You can now listen to all future Lucky Maverick posts on Spotify and iTunes, read in the sweet, soothing, almost tranquilizing voice of Jake - a man I didn’t even know existed a few weeks ago. He could be Jak…

About Lucky Maverick About Jonathan Bales This is the audio version of my article How to Deal with Uncertainty. *Note: You can now listen to all future Lucky Maverick posts on Spotify and iTunes, read in the sweet, soothing, almost tranquilizing voice of Jake - a man I didn’t even know existed a few weeks ago. He could be Jake from State Farm for a…

A few weeks ago, I posted an article on how to write effective cold emails. Shortly after, I received one I thought was awesome, so I wanted to share it. Hey, Bales!I've been a follower of yours for years, and have absolutely loved your work with Lucky Maverick! Sprinkling in humor with a no b******t approach with actionable advice - keep it up!I'm…

On this edition of the 76ers Report, Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain discuss the Sixers red-hot play in the new year, winners of 10 of their last 14 games. They also discuss Joel Embiid's All-Star snub, the teams playoff chances, an update on Ben Simmons' return from injury and more! We're on iTunes! Follow us and rate our podcast. https:…

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On the holiday break edition of the 76ers Report, Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain discuss Joel Embiid's All-Star bid chances, the latest on the Sixers big man situation, an update on Ben Simmons' chances to play this season and more! We're on iTunes! Follow us and rate our podcast. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/76ers-report-episode-…

In the latest edition of the 76ers Report, Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain discuss the Sixers 0-4 start, Joel Embiid's stellar play, Ben Simmons' new documentary "One and Done", Nerlens Noel trade rumors, the disappearance of Robert Covington and more! We're on iTunes! Follow us and rate our podcast. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/76…

Does Nerlens Noel want out of Philadelphia? Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain give you a Sixers media day edition of the 76ers Report where Mike gives the inside scoop from the Sixers new practice facility. We give our thoughts on Noel's comments, the starting lineup, Joel Embiid's debut, the Norris Cole rumors and more in the latest episod…

We've reached the halfway point of the NBA offseason! It's been 64 days since the Cavs beat the Warriors in Game 7 of the NBA finals and it's 64 days until the opening tipoff of the 2016-17. Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain of ESPN 97.3 discuss Dario Saric's Olympic play, who we think will be the next Sixers player to play in the Olympics,…

76ers shooting guard and Philadelphia native Gerald Henderson joins Michael Kaskey-Blomain of ESPN 97.3 and Carey Smith of Philadunkia.com on the latest episode of the 76ers Report. On the episode, Gerald discusses his expectations for his first season in Philadelphia, his early impressions of Ben Simmons, his role as a veteran on a young inexperie…

Frequent guest of the show Carey Smith of Philadunkia.com joins ESPN 97.3 Sixers Insider Michael Kaskey-Blomain to discuss the Sixers summer and the upcoming 2016-17 season. Carey and Michael discuss Ben Simmon's Summer League performance, expectations for the upcoming season for Simmons and Joel Embiid, and a handful of other topics. We're on iTun…

Ben Simmons is officially a Sixer and Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor are still Sixers as well, for now! Jeff and Mike recap the 2016 NBA draft and the selections of Ben Simmons at No. 1, Timothe Luwawu at No. 24 and Furkan Korkmaz at No. 26! Mike gives his reactions to what he saw live from the Barclays center while Jeff has some stories to tell fr…

It's been a whirlwind day for Sixers fans! Jeff and Mike discuss Ben Simmons being reported as the No. 1 pick to the Sixers, Joel Embiid being cleared for 5-on-5 scrimmaging, the Sixers-Celtics trade rumors involving both Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel as well as everything else involving the 2016 NBA draft on Thursday night! We're now on iTunes! F…

Jeff and Mike are joined by draft expert Andrew Johnson of Nylon Calculus to discuss possible selections for the Sixers on draft night. We discuss his recent article, which shows the projections of the top prospects in the draft and how they measure up against each other. We also get into the recent rumors that have surfaced about potential Nerlens…

We're about a month away from the NBA draft, which means it's time for the great Ben Simmons/Brandon Ingram debate! Jeff and Mike spend the entire show debating the pros and cons of each prospect and coming up with the final verdict of who we think should go No. 1 on draft night. We're now on iTunes! Follow us and rate our podcast. https://itunes.a…

Finally!! The No. 1 pick is ours! Jeff and Mike talk the highly entertaining draft lottery night, some draft trades that could be in play, a report on the Sixers potential "high interest" in Ben Simmons, what stands out for us between Brandon Ingram/Ben Simmons, positive news on Joel Embiid's progress, the hilariousness of Dikembe Mutombo's lottery…

Jeff and Mike are joined by draft expert Ed Isaacson of NBC Sports to discuss all things pertaining to the Sixers selections in the upcoming draft. We also discuss the Sixers new front office hires, the rumor from Bill Simmons of the Lakers trading their pick and more! We're now on iTunes! Follow us and rate our podcast. https://itunes.apple.com/us…

On Eagles draft night, Jeff and Mike have plenty of Sixers to discuss on the latest edition of the 76ers Report. Is former Sixers coach Doug Collins becoming coach of the Lakers? Who should the Sixers take with their late first-round picks? Who's staying and going on the current Sixers roster? All this and more on the latest episode of the 76ers Re…

A lot to talk about on the latest edition of the 76ers Report. Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain talk Sam Hinkie's resignation, the reported hiring of Bryan Colangelo as his replacement, what this means for Brett Brown's future, Nerlens Noel's landlord troubles, Allen Iverson's induction into the Hall of Fame & more! As always, you can foll…

The Sixers won't finish the season with the worst record of all-time after a 95-89 win over the Nets, but it comes at the expense of injuries to both Robert Covington and Jerami Grant. With Jahlil Okafor already out for the rest of the season with a meniscus tear, will the Sixers win again? Jeff McMenamin, Michael Kaskey-Blomain and special guest C…

The Sixers have now lost 13 straight and even the biggest process trusters are finding it hard to come up with reasons to watch this team as the season wears on. Jeff and Mike talk the potential to lose out for the rest of the season, Jahlil Okafor possibly sitting out the rest of the season and update on Joel Embiid and some NCAA Tournament previe…

Tas Melas of NBATV's The Starters joins Michael Kaskey-Blomain to discuss The Starters' 10-year anniversary, the current state of the 76ers, and how far the 76ers are from true contention in the NBA's Eastern Conference. Tas also weighs in on the Nerlens Noel versus Jahlil Okafor debate, and upcoming changes for the 76ers. As always, you can follow…

The Sixers won just their second game all season without Ish Smith last night over the Nets! Jahlil Okafor went to work with 22 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks while T.J. McConnell filled in admirably in Smith's absence. Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain discuss the win, the Sixers pushing the Warriors to the brink, the team's up and d…

Believe it or not, the Sixers are back to playing watchable basketball. They nearly went on a four-game win streak after beating the Trailblazers and Magic and pushing the Bulls and Knicks into overtime. Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain discuss Ish Smith's continued stellar play, his chances of getting Most Improved Player votes, Jahlil Ok…

Happy New Year! Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain are back to discuss the Ish Smith acquisition, the recent strong play from both Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel, Jerry Colangelo's impact on the team, the Ben Simmons vs. Brandon Ingram debate and the likelihood of Sixers participation in the Rising Stars Rookie-Sophomore game at NBA All-Star…

Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain discuss being at "The Center" for the Sixers first win! We also discuss Kobe's reception, Jahlil Okafor's two game suspension, the recent play of Robert Covington and Jerami Grant as well as the return of Tony Wroten. As always, you can follow us on the app Stitcher along with all your other favorite podcas…

Philadelphia Metro writer Jeff McMenamin and ESPN TrueHoop's Michael Kaskey-Blomain talk about the Sixers 0-7 start and the latest on the injuries to Nerlens Noel, Robert Covington and Richaun Holmes. They also discuss the stellar play of rookie's Jahlil Okafor and T.J. McConnell to start the season and how the roster will change from the eventual …

Jeff and Mike give a wrap-up of the preseason before the regular season begins on Wednesday! We talk the potential roster cuts, Christian Wood and T.J. McConnell's chances of making the team, the latest on Robert Covington's injury, potential waiver wire pickups for the Sixers before the season, Jahlil Okafor's preseason and more! As always, you ca…

We're back with a pre-training camp edition of the 76ers Report! Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain breakdown the potential Anthony Bennett waiver addition by the Sixers, give an update on the Sixers current point guard situation, give our starting line-up predictions, we discuss what Sixers we're looking at to prove the most leading up to t…

Jeff and Mike are back to talk Joel Embiid's latest update, the Sixers schedule release, Malik Rose leaving the broadcast booth & more! As always, you can follow us on the app Stitcher along with all your other favorite podcasts! If you like what we do, feel free to rate us as well! http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/state-of-independence-sixers-podca…

Jeff McMenamin and Michael Kaskey-Blomain are back with more Sixers updates! Mike attended the Sixers beach bash over the weekend and gives an inside scoop on the event. We also discuss the extremely odd silence surrounding Joel Embiid's second surgery, the upcoming Sixers training camp roster, NBA Africa & more! As always, you can follow us on the…

Mark Perner of the Philadelphia Daily News joins us to talk Joel Embiid's second surgery and we try to make sense of it all on our latest episode! We also talk Sixers summer league with the stellar play of Jahlil Okafor, updates on the Sixers point guard search, Julius Erving's comments on the rebuild & more! As always, you can follow us on the app…

Sauce Castillo! NBA free agency is in full force and Sam Hinkie has been busy. Jeff and Mike talk Nik Stauskas, Jason Thompson, Carl Landry and picks to Philly, Jahlil Okafor, the departure of Henry Sims and Thomas Robinson, the Sixers point guard situation & more! As always, you can follow us on the app Stitcher along with all your other favorite …