StarZero All shows Try the podcast clipper →

Apr 15, 2016 · 23m · top-founders

This Entrepreneur Served 10 Years in The Army, You Won't Believe What Happened Next with Michael Slavin EP 237

Michael Slavin · 13m spoken Nathan Latka · 8m spoken
0:00 / 0:00

gold bands on the timeline = statements, start to end. Hover to read, click to jump. CC turns on captions

Nathan Latka interviews West Point graduate, oil exploration founder, and author Michael Slavin to discuss his recovery from bankruptcy, syndicated energy ventures, book publishing unit economics, and core wealth-building principles for everyday entrepreneurs.

How this conversation actually went

Every chapter scored 0–10 on four independent dynamics. Hover any point for the reasoning behind the score. Nathan holds 37.8% of the talking time here. How this is scored →

Nathan as informed peer 3.7 Guest teaching 3.0 Guest disagreement 0.8 Nathan pushing back 2.7
05100:0010:0020:000:27–2:32 · Nathan as informed peer 2/10 Weekly Listener Contest Announcement and Upcoming Episode Preview Latka introduces the show, runs a listener giveaway promotion, and welcomes Slavin. Slavin provides introductory background on his military service and early financial struggles before starting his business.2:34–7:12 · Nathan as informed peer 5/10 US Emerald Energy Exploration Model and Operational Mechanics Latka drills down into how US Emerald Energy actually generates revenue, pressing past vague explanations. Slavin explains the turnkey joint-venture structure, drilling risks, and the transition to 3D seismic proved undeveloped wells.7:13–12:33 · Nathan as informed peer 6/10 Writing Inspiration and the Frank Nunez Success Story After Slavin shares an inspiring case study, Latka interrogates the unit economics of his self-published book. When Slavin gives contradictory numbers regarding Amazon cuts versus personal sales margins, Latka firmly presses until Slavin clarifies the math.12:33–14:58 · Nathan as informed peer 4/10 Book Monetization, Speaking Engagements, and Audiobook Challenges Slavin discusses ancillary monetization, noting he gives unpaid speeches and works as an adjunct professor. He also explains the pricing constraints and low return of audiobooks on major platforms.14:58–17:56 · Nathan as informed peer 3/10 Daily Routine, Caregiving Responsibilities, and Network Connections Slavin opens up about acting as a primary caregiver for his wife who has Parkinson's, explains his connection through Nova Spivak, and asks to deliver a concluding thesis on entrepreneurship resources.17:57–22:27 · Nathan as informed peer 2/10 Mid-Roll Contest Instructions and HostGator Sponsorship Latka presents an ad break before conducting the rapid-fire Famous Five round. Slavin shares his favorite book, sleeping routine, and reflections on early computing at West Point.0:27–2:32 · Guest teaching 1/10 Weekly Listener Contest Announcement and Upcoming Episode Preview Latka introduces the show, runs a listener giveaway promotion, and welcomes Slavin. Slavin provides introductory background on his military service and early financial struggles before starting his business.2:34–7:12 · Guest teaching 5/10 US Emerald Energy Exploration Model and Operational Mechanics Latka drills down into how US Emerald Energy actually generates revenue, pressing past vague explanations. Slavin explains the turnkey joint-venture structure, drilling risks, and the transition to 3D seismic proved undeveloped wells.7:13–12:33 · Guest teaching 3/10 Writing Inspiration and the Frank Nunez Success Story After Slavin shares an inspiring case study, Latka interrogates the unit economics of his self-published book. When Slavin gives contradictory numbers regarding Amazon cuts versus personal sales margins, Latka firmly presses until Slavin clarifies the math.12:33–14:58 · Guest teaching 4/10 Book Monetization, Speaking Engagements, and Audiobook Challenges Slavin discusses ancillary monetization, noting he gives unpaid speeches and works as an adjunct professor. He also explains the pricing constraints and low return of audiobooks on major platforms.14:58–17:56 · Guest teaching 3/10 Daily Routine, Caregiving Responsibilities, and Network Connections Slavin opens up about acting as a primary caregiver for his wife who has Parkinson's, explains his connection through Nova Spivak, and asks to deliver a concluding thesis on entrepreneurship resources.17:57–22:27 · Guest teaching 2/10 Mid-Roll Contest Instructions and HostGator Sponsorship Latka presents an ad break before conducting the rapid-fire Famous Five round. Slavin shares his favorite book, sleeping routine, and reflections on early computing at West Point.0:27–2:32 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Weekly Listener Contest Announcement and Upcoming Episode Preview Latka introduces the show, runs a listener giveaway promotion, and welcomes Slavin. Slavin provides introductory background on his military service and early financial struggles before starting his business.2:34–7:12 · Guest disagreement 1/10 US Emerald Energy Exploration Model and Operational Mechanics Latka drills down into how US Emerald Energy actually generates revenue, pressing past vague explanations. Slavin explains the turnkey joint-venture structure, drilling risks, and the transition to 3D seismic proved undeveloped wells.7:13–12:33 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Writing Inspiration and the Frank Nunez Success Story After Slavin shares an inspiring case study, Latka interrogates the unit economics of his self-published book. When Slavin gives contradictory numbers regarding Amazon cuts versus personal sales margins, Latka firmly presses until Slavin clarifies the math.12:33–14:58 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Book Monetization, Speaking Engagements, and Audiobook Challenges Slavin discusses ancillary monetization, noting he gives unpaid speeches and works as an adjunct professor. He also explains the pricing constraints and low return of audiobooks on major platforms.14:58–17:56 · Guest disagreement 2/10 Daily Routine, Caregiving Responsibilities, and Network Connections Slavin opens up about acting as a primary caregiver for his wife who has Parkinson's, explains his connection through Nova Spivak, and asks to deliver a concluding thesis on entrepreneurship resources.17:57–22:27 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Mid-Roll Contest Instructions and HostGator Sponsorship Latka presents an ad break before conducting the rapid-fire Famous Five round. Slavin shares his favorite book, sleeping routine, and reflections on early computing at West Point.0:27–2:32 · Nathan pushing back 0/10 Weekly Listener Contest Announcement and Upcoming Episode Preview Latka introduces the show, runs a listener giveaway promotion, and welcomes Slavin. Slavin provides introductory background on his military service and early financial struggles before starting his business.2:34–7:12 · Nathan pushing back 5/10 US Emerald Energy Exploration Model and Operational Mechanics Latka drills down into how US Emerald Energy actually generates revenue, pressing past vague explanations. Slavin explains the turnkey joint-venture structure, drilling risks, and the transition to 3D seismic proved undeveloped wells.7:13–12:33 · Nathan pushing back 7/10 Writing Inspiration and the Frank Nunez Success Story After Slavin shares an inspiring case study, Latka interrogates the unit economics of his self-published book. When Slavin gives contradictory numbers regarding Amazon cuts versus personal sales margins, Latka firmly presses until Slavin clarifies the math.12:33–14:58 · Nathan pushing back 2/10 Book Monetization, Speaking Engagements, and Audiobook Challenges Slavin discusses ancillary monetization, noting he gives unpaid speeches and works as an adjunct professor. He also explains the pricing constraints and low return of audiobooks on major platforms.14:58–17:56 · Nathan pushing back 1/10 Daily Routine, Caregiving Responsibilities, and Network Connections Slavin opens up about acting as a primary caregiver for his wife who has Parkinson's, explains his connection through Nova Spivak, and asks to deliver a concluding thesis on entrepreneurship resources.17:57–22:27 · Nathan pushing back 1/10 Mid-Roll Contest Instructions and HostGator Sponsorship Latka presents an ad break before conducting the rapid-fire Famous Five round. Slavin shares his favorite book, sleeping routine, and reflections on early computing at West Point.

speaking balance: gold is Nathan, purple is the guest (3 minute bins)

0:00 · Nathan 60.6% · guest 39.4%0:00 · Nathan 60.6% · guest 39.4%3:00 · Nathan 11.8% · guest 88.2%3:00 · Nathan 11.8% · guest 88.2%6:00 · Nathan 13.9% · guest 86.1%6:00 · Nathan 13.9% · guest 86.1%9:00 · Nathan 46.6% · guest 53.4%9:00 · Nathan 46.6% · guest 53.4%12:00 · Nathan 29.8% · guest 70.2%12:00 · Nathan 29.8% · guest 70.2%15:00 · Nathan 19.1% · guest 80.9%15:00 · Nathan 19.1% · guest 80.9%18:00 · Nathan 65.4% · guest 34.6%18:00 · Nathan 65.4% · guest 34.6%21:00 · Nathan 58.7% · guest 41.3%21:00 · Nathan 58.7% · guest 41.3%
Sharpest disagreement ▶ 16:47 Slavin interrupts flow to deliver core book message

Slavin halts Latka's transition toward the show's closing segment to insist on laying out his main entrepreneurial framework and list of free institutional resources.

 Hardest push from Nathan ▶ 11:33 Latka refuses confusing margin breakdown

Latka refuses to accept conflicting explanations when Slavin claims Amazon takes only a dollar fifty while also stating he makes seven dollars on an eighteen dollar book.

 Biggest teaching moment ▶ 4:20 Slavin explains drilling economics and 3D PUD risk mitigation

Slavin explains the mechanics of fractional well ownership, turnkey completions, and how transitioning to 3D proved undeveloped wells shifted his success rate from 30 percent to nearly 90 percent.

 Nathan holds their own ▶ 11:05 Latka tallies costs to highlight margin arithmetic error

Latka demonstrates sharp business literacy by running unit economics in real time, calculating COGS against retail price and pressing Slavin on where the missing margin went.
the scores for every segment, with the reasoning behind each
ChapterTopicNathan as informed peerGuest teachingGuest disagreementNathan pushing backWhy
Weekly Listener Contest Announcement and Upcoming Episode Preview 2100 Latka introduces the show, runs a listener giveaway promotion, and welcomes Slavin. Slavin provides introductory background on his military service and early financial struggles before starting his business.
US Emerald Energy Exploration Model and Operational Mechanics 5515 Latka drills down into how US Emerald Energy actually generates revenue, pressing past vague explanations. Slavin explains the turnkey joint-venture structure, drilling risks, and the transition to 3D seismic proved undeveloped wells.
Writing Inspiration and the Frank Nunez Success Story 6317 After Slavin shares an inspiring case study, Latka interrogates the unit economics of his self-published book. When Slavin gives contradictory numbers regarding Amazon cuts versus personal sales margins, Latka firmly presses until Slavin clarifies the math.
Book Monetization, Speaking Engagements, and Audiobook Challenges 4412 Slavin discusses ancillary monetization, noting he gives unpaid speeches and works as an adjunct professor. He also explains the pricing constraints and low return of audiobooks on major platforms.
Daily Routine, Caregiving Responsibilities, and Network Connections 3321 Slavin opens up about acting as a primary caregiver for his wife who has Parkinson's, explains his connection through Nova Spivak, and asks to deliver a concluding thesis on entrepreneurship resources.
Mid-Roll Contest Instructions and HostGator Sponsorship 2201 Latka presents an ad break before conducting the rapid-fire Famous Five round. Slavin shares his favorite book, sleeping routine, and reflections on early computing at West Point.

Statements from this episode (7)

Assertion Not checkable as stated
Michael Slavin made his first million dollars 3.5 years after bankruptcy
“I struggled badly for seven years, lost everything. Bankrupt, foreclosure, the whole nine yards. I just, I knew I could do anything, but I just didn't quite know how. And finally, I started my own company after those seven years, and three and a half years lat…”
Michael Slavin Apr 15, 2016 ▶ 2:08
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Michael Slavin raised $203,000 from four investors in ten days
“I wrote a business plan over the weekend, and in the next week and a half, I raised 203,000 dollars, and that was from four people.”
Michael Slavin Apr 15, 2016 ▶ 2:55
Assertion Not checkable as stated
US Emerald Energy reached 85-90% hit rate using PUD and 3D seismic
“I started doing wells only with what's called PUD, Proved Undeveloped, and only with three D, and our hit rate went up to about 85 to 90% after”
Michael Slavin Apr 15, 2016 ▶ 5:00
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Michael Slavin lost $1.2 million on a single dry hole project
“I guess about 1.2.”
Michael Slavin Apr 15, 2016 ▶ 7:01
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Frank Nunez grew a $15,000 nursery into a $14 million business
“And if we just jump a little bit ahead, seven years later, it was worth nine million dollars, I just talked to Frank about two weeks ago. He got another offer for fourteen million.”
Michael Slavin Apr 15, 2016 ▶ 8:47
Disclosure
Michael Slavin nets $7 per book on Amazon versus $14 direct
“Amazon, when they sell a book, I make seven dollars, and when I sell it myself, there's about a four dollar cost, so I make the difference on that cost.”
Michael Slavin Apr 15, 2016 ▶ 11:44
Opinion
Audiobook platforms determine retail pricing strictly based on audio length
“And the audio books, you don't make hardly any money because they will not let you set your price. They set the price for you. And it's pretty much not on how good your book is. It's just how long it is. It's just, you know, it's a horrible way to decide value…”
Michael Slavin Apr 15, 2016 ▶ 14:17
Made with StarZero

Turn any episode into a week of clips.

This entire site, over 2,600 episodes transcribed, diarized, checked and made playable, runs on the StarZero media pipeline. Drop in your own episode and the podcast clipper finds the moments worth sharing, cuts them, captions them, and reframes them for every feed.

Try the podcast clipper Learn more