Mar 17 2025 46 mins 72
If you're a founder doing at least $3M/year in sales, check out Hampton: https://www.joinhampton.com/.
Chris Cooke is a socialist Buddhist who sold his company for $30 million… then blew most of it on a weed farm, a beach house, and a comedy club in Thailand.
Here’s what we talk about:
- How Chris accidentally “won” capitalism—despite deeply skeptical views of money
- What happens when your values, ego, and bank account collide
- Why he spent nearly his entire fortune in six months—and doesn’t regret it
- The real estate investments that unintentionally saved him from going broke
- How Buddhist detachment helped him take huge risks—and make millions
- Why giving money to friends was harder than it sounds (and cost him relationships)
- How he's now building a business focused on sustainability, not just growth
- The real meaning of success for a Buddhist entrepreneur
Cool Links:
Hampton – Join the Founder Community https://www.joinhampton.com/
Lower Street – Podcast Production https://www.lowerstreet.co/
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction: The Paradox of a Capitalist Buddhist
(03:23) Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit
(06:01) Building and Growing a SaaS Business
(11:41) The Decision to Sell and Its Aftermath
(17:26) Spending the Fortune: Investments and Losses
(22:05) The Comedy Club and Financial Struggles
(25:49) Lifestyle Changes and Generosity
(27:07) The Downside of Lending Money to Friends
(29:56) Reflections on Wealth and Happiness
(30:54) The Rollercoaster of Post-Exit Life
(36:44) Buddhist Values and Business Success
(40:12) Current Financial Situation and Future Plans
(44:11) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
This podcast is a ridiculous concept: high-net-worth people reveal their personal finances.
Inspired by real conversations happening in the Hampton community.
Your Host:
Harry Morton
- Founded and runs Lower Street, the leading branded podcast production service in the world.
- Hampton Member.
