Making Billions: Lessons Learned From the King of the Thrill Pill Cult – Shaahin Cheyene

Dave Asprey

Sep 3, 2024

Episode description

In this special Asprey Archive episode from 2023, we talk to Shaahin Cheyene.

Today’s guest is nothing short of a modern-day Willy Wonka for Generation X. He built a billion-dollar ecstasy business in the '90s and did not end up behind bars. That's a story you've got to hear. Shaahin Cheyene, not only dabbled in the wild world of herbal ecstasy but also managed to stay out of trouble despite being investigated by seven attorney generals. And get this, he wasn't even 18 when he pulled off these daring feats.

Shaahin's story doesn't stop there. Since those days, he's become an Amazon expert, successfully selling nootropics and a variety of other products on the platform. He's also a filmmaker and author of the book, “Billion: How I Became the King of the Thrill Pill Cult.”

From Fleeing Iran at the age of five to being homeless and living out of his car, Shaahin's journey is nothing short of remarkable. It's safe to say he's one of the most interesting individuals I've had the pleasure of interviewing.

We dive into Shaahin's captivating journey, exploring his transformation from a young criminal to a thriving entrepreneur. You’ll also learn about what went into his groundbreaking herbal ecstasy formula and how he managed to get his business off the ground. Along the way, we discuss the challenges of navigating the bureaucracy of big government, the importance of seeking help when needed, and the valuable lessons Shaahin learned from building and eventually exiting his herbal ecstasy empire.

We also delve into how he managed to run a nine-figure company selling on Amazon, the mindset benefits of Brazilian jiu-jitsu training, the power of curating ideas, and how you can strategically leverage podcasts as an entrepreneur. Join us on a ride you won't want to miss.

(01:47) How Shaahin Became the King of the Thrill Pill Cult

(07:36) Formulating Herbal Ecstasy & Building a Million-Dollar Business

(16:34) Navigating the Bureaucracy of Big Government

(28:04) Pro Tip for Entrepreneurs: Why It’s Important To Ask for Help

(32:09) What Cheyene Learned From Building & Exiting His Business

(37:29) What To Do When You Make Your First Million

(39:21) Scaling a 9-Figure Company Selling on Amazon

(45:05) Lessons From Martial Arts & Our Bets on Musk vs Zuckerberg

(54:03) The Tactical Advantage of Podcasting & Being a Curator of Ideas

(01:03:30) Media Training 101

Sponsors

LMNT | Free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase by going to https://drinklmnt.com/dave.

Leela Quantum | Head to https://leelaq.com/DAVE for 10% off.

Resources

Website: shaahincheyenne.com

Episode description

In this special Asprey Archive episode from 2023, we talk to Shaahin Cheyene.

(01:47) How Shaahin Became the King of the Thrill Pill Cult

(07:36) Formulating Herbal Ecstasy & Building a Million-Dollar Business

(16:34) Navigating the Bureaucracy of Big Government

(28:04) Pro Tip for Entrepreneurs: Why It’s Important To Ask for Help

(32:09) What Cheyene Learned From Building & Exiting His Business

(37:29) What To Do When You Make Your First Million

(39:21) Scaling a 9-Figure Company Selling on Amazon

(45:05) Lessons From Martial Arts & Our Bets on Musk vs Zuckerberg

(54:03) The Tactical Advantage of Podcasting & Being a Curator of Ideas

(01:03:30) Media Training 101

Sponsors

LMNT | Free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase by going to https://drinklmnt.com/dave.

Leela Quantum | Head to https://leelaq.com/DAVE for 10% off.

Resources

Website: shaahincheyenne.com

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Implement 'suicide margins' to tackle business challenges

An unconventional business hack to solve problems like theft is to have 'suicide margins,' where you make so much money you can simply throw cash at problems instead of perfecting solutions.

#entrepreneurship

Heal your sense of injustice to embrace happiness

You can become a happier person by healing your sense of injustice and accepting that the world is often unfair, rather than fighting every battle.

#happiness

#mental-health

Leverage laziness to enhance productivity as an entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are fundamentally lazy, which is a benefit because it drives them to find the path of least work, ultimately allowing them to get more done.

#efficiency

#entrepreneurship

Prioritize safer vaporizer technology with ceramic heating elements

The original, safer digital vaporizers used ceramic heating elements to prevent the inhalation of metal particles, a feature compromised in modern vapes for convenience.

#device

#safety

Cultivate non-monetized hobbies to preserve passion

High-achieving entrepreneurs should cultivate interests they will never make money from to avoid the tendency to turn every passion into a business.

#entrepreneurship

#fulfillment

Experience dopamine boost through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sessions

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu induces a survival-based tunnel vision that clears the mind, leading to a powerful dopamine release after a grappling session is over.

#dopamine

#exercise

Curate and popularize ideas for entrepreneurial success

For entrepreneurs, there is no money in innovation because ideas get stolen; the real money is in curating and popularizing existing ideas.

#entrepreneurship

#success

Discover ephedra's ancient role in human history

The stimulant ephedra, the key ingredient in the original Herbal Ecstasy, is one of the oldest plants used by humans and is often found in the pouches of ancient mummies.

#ephedra

#supplement

Dave Asprey

Who Should Take Herbal Ecstasy Supplements? (The Billion-Dollar Backstory)

Boost Brain Power by 25% WITHOUT a Pill (Brain Optimization Secrets)

The Biohacking Tool That Will Change the World (Mitochondrial Transfusions)

The Fastest-Acting Nootropic I’ve Ever Used

Why Big Pharma Hates Nitric Oxide (And How to Use It Anyway)

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