Before anything ships at 37signals, the team puts it to the test—by using it themselves. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about the importance of dogfooding, or using your own product before handing it off to customers. They share how this practice keeps them close to the real problems, and sometimes even kills off ideas that just don’t hold up.Key Takeaways:00:27 – Why every 37signals product is used internally before it ships07:15 – Who makes the final call after internal feedback comes in12:44 – The importance of building things you’ll actually use16:48 – Some products and features don’t make it past internal testingLinks and Resources:“Doing what you think, not what you thought” from Jason Fried’s HEY WorldGet 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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21:14
Picking Priorities
How do you decide what to work on next, without relying on a long, stale to-do list? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about why they don’t rely on lengthy roadmaps to set priorities. Instead, they focus on what makes sense now, not what seemed like a good idea months ago. They explain how working in real time leads to better decisions and thinking that fits the moment.Key Takeaways:00:44 – Priorities aren’t permanent—they’re meant to shift as you learn03:20 – Ditch the roadmap mentality in favor of real-time decision-making07:20 – There’s a difference between winging it and planning as you go09:10 – Why 6-week cycles give you just enough structure without locking you inLinks and Resources:“Doing what you think, not what you thought” from Jason Fried’s HEY WorldGet 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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11:50
Building On the Side
Have a day job but dreaming of launching the next big thing? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, a listener question sparks a conversation with 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson about juggling consulting work while building products on the side. They share real talk about timing, expectations, motivation — and why your side project should serve you, even if it doesn’t turn into a smash hit.Key Takeaways:00:12 – Host Kimberly Rhodes reads a listener question about balancing consulting with product building01:01 – Why it’s easier than ever to build something—but harder than ever to get noticed05:48 – The barrier to entry is low, but staying in the game is the hard part08:05 – There’s no formula for what will take off and what won’t13:08 – Aim for more than just small wins—set bold goals16:04 – You have to be fully invested if you want your idea to stand a chanceLinks and Resources:Get 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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19:57
Why we choose profit
In a world where constant reinvestment is celebrated, 37signals chooses profit. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about how profit gives them freedom, clarity, and staying power—not just for the company, but for their customers too. They make the case for building a business that’s solid, simple, and self-funded.Key Takeaways:00:27 – How being profitable is actually a choice08:34 – Why it’s important to take money off the table11:35 – Striking the right balance between ego and humility15:00 – Profitability isn’t guaranteed forever18:27 – Well-managed profits create reliability for customersLinks and Resources:Why We Choose ProfitGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X
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21:10
Build a business that runs without you
Can you build a company that thrives even when you’re not in the room? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about the jobs they've created for themselves and how they're able to step away without progress coming to a halt. They discuss the fine line between being involved and letting the team run things without them.Key Takeaways:00:14 – The importance of creating a job for yourself that you enjoy02:45 – The tragedy of owning a business you don't love06:56 – Staying relevant in your business and knowing when to step in15:14 – Knowing when to step back so your team can grow17:51 – Maintaining a life outside of your business and having work/life balance20:36 – The parts of the business that require the founders' involvement23:33 – Jason and David's stance of not being serial entrepreneursLinks and Resources:Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYThe 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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