Unquestioned with Louis & Willem

AI is eliminating a lot of work in the messy middle, like consultancy jobs. And what's up with the S&P500 being near all time high, but a lot of the individual companies in it, not doing well, how can that be?

Nike was once the ultimate symbol of athletic excellence. Today, the brand faces slower growth, stronger competition and a growing identity problem. In this episode, Willem Himpe and Louis Debaere discuss Nike’s marketing, direct-to-consumer strategy, corporate management and the rise of brands such as Gymshark, Hoka and On. They explore whether Nike lost touch with its original spirit, why smalle...

Apple is entering a new era. After Tim Cook transformed the company into a global operational powerhouse, hardware veteran John Ternus takes over as CEO. Willem Himpe and Louis Debaere discuss the legacy of Steve Jobs, Tim Cook’s impact and what Ternus’ appointment reveals about Apple’s future. As AI makes software increasingly accessible, could the next major opportunity lie in hardware, robotics...

Once again, we have a bone to pick with the EU's interventionism: this time we focus on early regulation, why it can do more harm than good, like benefit large companies instead of giving newcomers a chance to experiment!

Is Paris considered a global tech hub? Or is Amsterdam better at breeding innovation in Europe? And what does the weather have to do with all this..

In this episode of The Unquestioned Podcast, co-hosts Willem Himpe and Louis Debaere reflect on the personal, professional and financial decisions they would approach differently today. They discuss living alone during COVID, moving back from the United States, missing financial opportunities, learning sales too late and choosing entrepreneurship without fully understanding how difficult it would...

In this episode, Willem Himpe and Louis Debaere discuss how AI is moving from hype to real business impact. They explore ChatGPT, Tesla Full Self-Driving, enterprise AI adoption, the economics of tokens, and the strategic choices companies need to make as AI becomes part of everyday work. Timestamps:00:00 — Welcome back and opening banter01:29 — Tesla Full Self-Driving: first impressions and wheth...

"Should I stay or should I go? " is this weeks question. Should someone consider voting with their feet by moving to another country? This is not only on mind of refugees, but also ambitious people that seek freedom and want to escape regulation. Sometimes they even end up in space..

In this episode, Willem Himpe and Louis Debaere discuss how AI, health tech and branding are shaping the next wave of consumer innovation. They explore affordable full-body scans, preventive healthcare, automated health solutions and the growing role of AI in medical imaging. The conversation also moves into marketing and consumer psychology, looking at why packaging, branding and status can stron...

Paul Graham, one of the fathers of modern VC, warns us about taking on venture debt. We explain how it is fundamentally different from the venture capital model that Silicon Valley is used to. As usual, we end by highlighting the cultural differences between Europe and North-America in this regard.

Louis joins us from Stockholm, he's on location for a very special party

In this episode of Unquestioned , Willem Himpe and Louis Debaere discuss bankruptcy, failure, and risk-taking in entrepreneurship. They compare how failure is viewed in Europe versus the United States, where setbacks are often seen as part of the founder journey rather than a permanent label. Through personal stories and business examples, they explore how financial pressure, responsible risk-taki...

In this episode, Willem Himpe and Louis Debaere explore the nuanced world of risk-taking, sharing personal stories, insights on investment, and the mindset needed to navigate uncertainty. They challenge conventional notions of safety and highlight why calculated risks are essential for extraordinary outcomes. Main topics covered: The parallels between long-term projects and marathons, emphasizing...

We cover how you typically grow or preserve your wealth, and by the end of the episode come up with an alternative to taxes on capital gains!

In this episode of the Unquestioned Podcast, hosts Willem Himpe and Louis Debaere explore the importance of growth, risk-taking, and innovation for civilizations, companies, and individuals. They debate the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the need for long-term thinking and proactive policies. key topics The importance of growth for civilizations and c...

What do people mean when they talk about the "attention economy"?

Watch us try to explain what Bitcoin is and what it means for the world

For our 50th episode, we break away from our usual technology angle and discuss a question that everyone inevitably asks at some point in their life: "Should I stop renting and buy a home?"

We break down together what the limitations and the effects are of an unrealized gains tax, with the proposed changes to Box3 rules in the Netherlands, which received international attention, as the backdrop.

Navigating Scaling and Innovation at Spotify and Big Tech In this episode, Louis de Debaere and Willem Himpe delve into how large tech companies like Spotify innovate, scale, and maintain customer-centric product development amid organizational complexity. They explore how iterative experimentation shapes user experience and the importance of balancing internal standards with customer feedback. Wh...

The Power of Discipline, Love, and Ambition: A Candid Reflection on Life and GoalsIn this episode, Willem Himpe and Louis Debaere share uncompromising insights into their ongoing 75 Hard challenge, the realities of relationships, and the pursuit of ambitious dreams. Their honest reflections reveal what it truly takes to stay committed, love authentically, and navigate the complexities of success a...

What do Willem and Louis have planned for 2026? Learn more about the 75 HARD challenge along with our predictions for this year.

Willem and Louis look back on the history of the podcast thus far, on the 3 year anniversary of the original episode.

Summary In this episode of the Unquestioned Podcast, hosts Willem Himpe and Louis Debaere discuss the winners and losers of 2025, reflecting on the impact of technology on traditional industries. They highlight gold as a significant investment and Revolut as a rising star in the banking sector, while also addressing the decline of middlemen and traditional marketing methods in favor of direct cons...

In this episode, Willem Himpe and Louis Debaere delve into the rapid advancements of AI and self-driving technology, sharing first-hand experiences from Los Angeles. They also discuss the potential economic impacts, infrastructure investments, and the nature of political leadership in today's world. Summary: Willem's real-life experience riding in Waymo's driverless taxis in LA, includ...