Rework

Coming up with a product name doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share when in the development process a name is chosen, how several of their products got their names, and why keeping things simple usually wins. They talk about what's worth considering and what's not worth a second thought.Key Takeaways00:10 – How Fizzy got its name and what it was almost called04:29 – No name ever checks every box10:25 – When an available domain influences the choice13:18 – The legal realities17:26 – What’s behind the name Omarchy (and how do you actually say it?)20:12 – Good names work by making an easy connectionLinks and ResourcesFizzy is a modern spin on kanban. Try it for free at fizzy.doRecord a video question for the podcastSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

AI has moved fast, and so has 37signals’ thinking. This week, host Kimberly Rhodes talks to co-founder and CTO David Heinemeier Hansson about the progress AI has made over the last few months. David shares what’s changed, what’s actually useful now, and why his outlook has grown more optimistic.Key Takeaways00:11 – How today’s AI feels dramatically more powerful05:05 – David’s real-world experience working with AI agents23:36 – How AI can help non-programmers31:05 – Why the upside of AI outweighs the potential risksLinks and ResourcesFizzy is a modern spin on kanban. Try it for free at fizzy.doRecord a video question for the podcastSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

Good ideas rarely belong in just one place. This week, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share how 37signals lets concepts move freely across products, turning one solid idea into many useful ones. They talk about borrowing from the past without getting stuck in it, giving new concepts time to catch on, and keeping space for creativity as products evolve.Key Takeaways00:11 – Letting strong ideas travel between products02:49 – Giving each product its own design voice07:26 – Bringing back old features when it makes sense12:03 – Avoiding nostalgia just for the sake of it17:55 – Using real-world use to guide product improvements22:10 – Keeping your creative process flexible23:57 – Leaving space for fun in the design31:13 – Designing around feel instead of rulesLinks and ResourcesNewcity Design magazineSegura Inc. (Carlos Segura’s Design Firm)Fizzy is a modern spin on kanban. Try it for free at fizzy.doRecord a video question for the podcastSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHE

Release day always looks smooth from the outside. Behind the scenes, there’s a lot packed into a short window. In this episode, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share how 37signals approaches the final stretch of putting a product out into the world, using Fizzy as a recent example. They talk about narrowing features, resisting the urge to hype dates too early, and why steady word of mouth matters more than chasing algorithms.Key Takeaways00:00 – Introduction00:10 – How Fizzy’s launch came together02:17 – Choosing what really needs to ship in V108:51 – The downside of announcing dates too far ahead12:33 – How algorithms have reshaped marketing23:37 – Building buzz through word of mouth30:00 – It all comes down to building a solid productLinks and ResourcesFizzy is a modern spin on kanban. Try it for free at fizzy.doRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog3

Open source has always played a big role at 37signals. This week, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share why they’re drawn to working in the open, and how that mindset carries into their newest product, Fizzy.Key Takeaways00:12 – Why open source continues to matter at 37signals05:12 – Sharing work publicly pushes quality higher09:55 – How open source fits into Fizzy’s SaaS setup15:15 – Treating open source as a gift19:41 – Getting direct feedback in unfamiliar but fun ways 22:56 – How the team decides what goes into Fizzy and what doesn’t24:34 – A Danish language lessonLinks and ResourcesFizzy is a modern spin on kanban. Try it for free at fizzy.doRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

There’s a moment in every product where you have to stop tweaking and actually launch. This week, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson reflect on how 37signals decides when a product is truly ready for its first release. They share how they think about simplifying, sharpening, and ultimately knowing when it’s time to ship.Key Takeaways00:12 – Recognizing when a product is ready to meet the world02:55 – Strip things back to the essentials first07:32 – Weighing real-world feedback from early users10:03 – Add the final layer of polish without overdoing itLinks and ResourcesFizzy is a modern spin on kanban. Try it for free at fizzy.do"Quality: The Concept2 RowErg" from Jason's HEY WorldRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

How do you land on the right price for a product? This week, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson pull back the curtain on the pricing choices they’ve made over the years, including the options the public never saw. They talk about why chasing giant enterprise deals isn’t for them, and why simple, steady pricing beats clever tricks.Key Takeaways00:11 – The pricing experiments over the years10:48 – Why 37signals avoids enterprise deals18:05 – How Basecamp’s pricing style differs from HEY’s25:12 – Avoiding gimmicks and overthinking31:03 – Fizzy’s pricing modelLinks and ResourcesFizzy is a modern spin on kanban. Try it for free at fizzy.doRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

Twice a year, the entire 37signals team meets up in person. This week, co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about how these gatherings work, what they’re really for, and why the structure is intentionally loose. They share how the mix of optional hangouts and focused work sessions helps their fully remote team reconnect, recharge, and solve problems face-to-face.Key Takeaways00:14 – How 37signals approaches its twice-a-year meetups01:52 – What’s required and what’s optional04:09 – The deeper purpose behind bringing everyone together07:51 – Finding the right blend of scheduled time and free time16:37 – The limits of video calls23:22 – Yes, there’s fun, but it’s still a work tripLinks and ResourcesRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

This week, the team shares a behind-the-scenes look at how they bring in outside beta testers before a product launch. Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share how they invite early users into the mix, what they’re looking for, and how it all shapes the final version. It’s a rare peek into the “guests are coming over” phase of building Fizzy.Key Takeaways00:12 – Inside Fizzy’s early access phase02:28 – Selecting beta testers03:05 – Treating early access as a real-world dry run07:11 – Cutting the to-do list down to what truly matters09:59 – Why early access is different from beta testingLinks and ResourcesRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

In software development, there are updates, and then there are complete overhauls. This week, Jason Fried joins Kimberly Rhodes to talk about how the team decides when it’s time to rebuild from the ground up. They dig into the transition between versions, how customer feedback fits in, and even drop a few hints about what’s coming in Basecamp 5.Key Takeaways00:10 – A walk through of Basecamp's evolution03:00 – How to recognize when it’s time for a new version05:52 – Pricing considerations11:42 – There’s no perfect moment to ship a new version13:16 – How and when to evaluate customer feedback18:58 – A sneak peek at Basecamp 5 featuresLinks and ResourcesRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

With the launch of Fizzy getting closer, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson use this episode to answer listener questions about the upcoming product. They talk about how Fizzy and Basecamp will coexist, why aesthetic design choices matter, and which AI features are actually worth using.Key Takeaways00:11 – Fizzy and Basecamp, competitors or complementary?02:00 – Finding the right tools that fit your workflow11:39 – Why aesthetics matter in software18:45 – Not every AI feature adds real valueLinks and ResourcesRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

Time has a way of reshaping what we believe, and sometimes, what we’ve published. In this week’s episode, CEO and co-founder Jason Fried chats with Kimberly Rhodes to explore one particular chapter of REWORK that no longer rings true. Jason reflects on their current stance on having multiple products vs. just one, what company's should consider before they expand, and why knowing your limits still matters.Key Takeaways00:10 – The change in perspective on multiple products03:15 – The team needed for the company’s expansion05:28 – Recognizing when you’ve taken on too much09:16 – The real value of writing ideas down12:35 – Advice on launching new products while maintaining previous onesLinks and ResourcesRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

For 37signals, flashy ad campaigns and traditional brand promos have never been the way to go. This week, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share why traditional marketing methods like billboards, paid social media posts, and keyword ads don’t give them results. They talk about how meaningful marketing comes from genuine support and real connection.Key Takeaways00:12 – Why marketing ROI looks different for every business10:35 – Spend your marketing budget on companies and people you believe in17:35 – What kinds of marketing actually does work for 37signals28:02 – How AI is making the authentic human connection stand outLinks and ResourcesRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

Trust is the foundation of any strong company. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals co-founder and CTO David Heinemeier Hansson joins host Kimberly Rhodes to explore what it really means to build a high-trust organization. David shares how trust shapes the culture and success of a team, even when working remotely.Key Takeaways00:23 – Trust starts as the default at 37signals05:19 – Empowering employees with reasonable spending freedom11:46 – Why one person’s mistake shouldn’t lead to restrictive policies15:15 – How to cultivate trust in remote workplaces22:10 – Trust and accountability can and should coexistLinks and ResourcesRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

As 37signals gets closer to launching their newest product, Fizzy, Jason Fried joins host Kimberly Rhodes to reflect on the final stretch of development. He shares the trade-offs of setting your own deadlines, the importance of onboarding new customers, and the company's process for marketing a product.Key Takeaways00:11 – What the “11th hour” looks like before a product launch03:50 – How to weigh deadlines against final release decisions05:44 – The importance of customer onboarding11:18 – A playful touch added to Fizzy’s logo15:30 – Why version 1.0 is just the beginningLinks and ResourcesRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

In their book REWORK, 37signals' co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson caution against glorifying nonstop work. In this week's podcast, they tackle a listener's questions related to the chapter Workaholism and dig into employee management including how to measure productivity and how to track progress. They explain why simple conversations often matter more than complex systems.Key Takeaways00:15 – Judge productivity by paying attention and staying engaged07:50 – Tracking progress doesn’t require complicated systems11:44 – Conversations matter more than systems; don't be a coward15:11 – When work ramps up, handling busier times without burning outLinks and ResourcesRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

Curious how Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson keep their attention where it counts? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, the 37signals co-founders join host Kimberly Rhodes to talk about the different ways they approach focus. From procrastination that sometimes pays off to meditation and visualization, Jason and David share their tips for finding and maintaining focus. Key Takeaways00:44 – What procrastination really tells you05:30 – Traditional and alternative meditation practices13:28 – Breaking through a creative block16:35 – Building a work schedule that makes focus easierLinks and ResourcesRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

37signals' co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share more about their business than many founders. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, they chat with host Kimberly Rhodes about why transparency is important to them. They talk about how sharing openly can double as marketing, the upside of showing work that's still in progress, and why timing matters when deciding what to put out to the public.Key Takeaways00:13 – Why transparency matters at 37signals03:07 – Everything is marketing09:22 – Letting people follow along while the work is happening12:43 – Knowing when and what to shareLinks and ResourcesRecord a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

37signals' co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson revisit how their approach to marketing began with a simple blog. They share why writing with authenticity matters, how patience pays off when building an audience, and why staying true to your own voice is important.Key Takeaways:00:12 – How 37signals' marketing started organically with a blog02:53 – Authenticity is a must when writing07:02 – Patience is key to growing an audience08:18 – Don’t let algorithms dictate your content13:08 – Make time to write while your ideas are fresh16:21 – Marketing is simply transferring enthusiasm22:22 – Audiences want to see behind the curtainLinks and Resources:Record a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson sit down with host Kimberly Rhodes to field a fresh round of listener questions. They share perspectives on when coding assistance makes sense, finding a co-founder to compliment your skills, business succession planning, and more.Key Takeaways:00:17 – When AI coding tools help vs. when they get in the way05:44 – Does start-up success require a co-founder?10:02 – Small business succession planning15:46 – Honing the skill of coming up with new product ideas21:41 – New ideas are often just solving existing problemsLinks and Resources:Record a video question for the podcastBooks by 37signalsSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X