Managing chaos, feature bloat, and other listener questions
In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson answer a fresh round of listener questions. They share how they stay focused when new ideas pop up, how structured work periods lead to steady progress, and why they’re careful about adding too much to their products.Key Takeaways:00:18 – Staying grounded by tackling one thing at a time06:08 – How scheduled work cycles keep the team on track11:58 – Trimming complexity to keep products lean20:21 – A preview of what’s in store for Basecamp 5Links and Resources:Record or upload a video question for Jason and DavidGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X
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22:58
Building in Public
This week on The REWORK Podcast, host Kimberly Rhodes chats with 37signals' CEO and co-founder Jason Fried about the practice of openly sharing what the company is working on, inspired by his recent teaser videos for an upcoming product, Fizzy. Jason explains why building in public fosters connection, clarity, and curiosity.Key Takeaways:00:12 – The company's history of sharing teasers and early product previews05:40 – The biggest risk in sharing previews13:30 – Design review videos with programmers and designers15:46 – Today’s transparency echoes former “Building Basecamp” workshops18:14 – Anyone close to the product can lead a sneak peekLinks and Resources:“First Preview of Fizzy” from Jason Fried on LinkedInAnother Fizzy demo from Jason Fried on LinkedIn“Fizzy Teaser” from Jason Fried on XRecord or upload a video question for Jason and DavidGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X
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20:24
The case for cover lettters
This week on The REWORK Podcast, host Kimberly Rhodes is joined by Jason Fried to talk about cover letters — what they say about a candidate, how they’re reviewed at 37signals, and why they still matter. Jason shares his take on the value of genuine effort, how AI can either help or hurt your chances, and why hiring should stay a human process.Key Takeaways:00:13 – A cover letter says more about you than your résumé ever could03:35 – How using AI the right (or wrong) way shows up in applications06:04 – Why a pre-screening team reads every cover letter first07:18 – A thoughtful effort is often what gets you to the short list13:36 – It’s easier than you think to spot procrastination16:50 – At 37signals, hiring decisions are made by people—not algorithmsLinks and Resources:“Cover Letters? Yes!” From Jason Fried’s HEY World“When You Review Hundreds of Cover Letters…” LinkedIn post by Jason FriedRecord or upload a video question for Jason and DavidGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X
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21:35
Ignoring the competition, the next wave of CEOs & other listener questions
In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson answer listener questions. They explain why keeping tabs on competitors isn’t part of their strategy, reflect on the changing face of leadership as younger CEOs step in, and talk about the energy that comes with fresh perspectives.Key Takeaways:00:22 – Why focusing on your customers matters more than watching competitors05:55 – A new wave of CEOs is bringing a fresh approach to leadership10:34 – Why you don’t always need a mentor—sometimes figuring it out is the best teacher17:38 – Jason and David’s different views on handling employee roadblocksLinks and Resources:Record or upload a video question for Jason and DavidGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X
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24:24
By the Numbers
How much data do you really need to make good decisions? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about 37signals’ evolving relationship with analytics—from working with a full-time analyst to now focusing only on the numbers that truly matter. They share why gut feeling, curiosity, and margin often outweigh dashboards and reports—and how trimming the data obsession can lead to better, bolder decisions.Key Takeaways:00:09 – The shift from having a full-time data analyst to working without one02:25 – Just because you can’t measure it doesn’t mean it’s not important07:59 – Analytics don’t always drive product decisions10:15 – How financial margin fuels freedom to experiment13:42 – Don’t let data make you overly cautious15:26 – David’s take on cutting unnecessary costs19:48 – Weighing cost vs. value when making decisionsLinks and Resources:Record or upload a video question for Jason and DavidGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X
A 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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