Episodes

Brendan Strzelczyk turned a childhood passion for coding Flash games into Cobalt Commerce, a powerhouse e-commerce agency serving an incredible roster of clients. In this episode, Brendan unpacks the real drivers behind e-commerce success, revealing why so many drop-shipping stores fail and what established brands can do to scale. This episode is a masterclass for any entrepreneur who wants to understand how to build a business on a foundation of solving real problems, leveraging data over gut f...

In a world that praises hustle culture, Neel Tulsyan is building a different kind of operating system—one for our emotional clarity. In this episode, Neel, the founder of AurePsi Systems, shares his journey from a personal struggle during the pandemic to creating a technology-driven mental wellness company. He reveals how a simple conversation with ChatGPT sparked the idea for an app that helps people turn reflection into real-world change through simple, powerful systems. This episode is a mast...

In an age where AI and "vibe coding" allow anyone to build a world-class app from a simple prompt, what truly separates a successful business from a forgotten project? In this thought-provoking Solo Sunday, Brian dives into a paradox of the modern era: we have more incredible tools and software than ever before, but we also have more with zero users. He explains why the age-old pursuit of "innovation" is no longer the key to success. Drawing on a personal story from his first agency in 2012, Bri...

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely and confusing journey, especially when navigating major inflection points like raising capital or planning an exit. In this episode, Geoffrey Boyce, founder of ForFounder, reveals why surrounding yourself with a trusted community of peers isn't just a nice-to-have—it's your most critical strategic advantage. He breaks down how tapping into the "been there, done that" wisdom of other founders can help you avoid costly mistakes, stay sane during high-stakes negotia...

Shain Noor, a software engineer with a background at NASA and Elon Musk's The Boring Company, joins the show to pull back the curtain on building Silvia, his AI-powered personal CFO. Shain reveals how he and his co-founder scaled Silvia from a simple idea to over 12,000 users and $30 billion in connected assets with just a four-person team. This episode is a masterclass for any entrepreneur on how to leverage user feedback, prioritize features, and use AI to solve complex real-world problems. Tu...

In this episode, Brian sits down with J. Harte Nielson, the founder and CEO of Ario Health and a true entrepreneur's entrepreneur. Harte shares his journey from the research lab to building 17 SaaS products, revealing how he consistently identifies massive problems and takes decisive action to solve them. This conversation is a masterclass in leveraging cutting-edge technology like AI not as a scary unknown, but as a powerful tool to accelerate growth, build trust, and unlock value trapped withi...

Get ready to step into the future with Adam Hopkins, a veteran founder, inventor, and CEO who is pioneering the next frontier of technology: digitizing the sense of touch. In this episode, Adam breaks down how his company, Sensetics, is developing the hardware and software to allow us to feel digital objects and experiences. This conversation goes far beyond a cool tech demo; it’s a masterclass in identifying groundbreaking opportunities at the intersection of science and business. For any wantr...

In this powerful episode, Romie Montpeirous, founder of Leadership From The Heart, reveals why the journey from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur begins with one critical step: leading yourself. She unpacks the concept of the "identity shift," explaining how seeing yourself as a leader is the prerequisite to becoming one. This isn't just fluffy mindset talk; Romie provides the tangible steps to break free from the self-imposed barriers and stop waiting for the permission that will never come. Thi...

Do you ever hesitate to share your latest project, launch, or creation, worried it will come off as “shameless self-promotion”? In this Solo Sunday episode, Brian pulls back the curtain on a text message he received from a fellow entrepreneur that completely reframed this common fear. It’s a message that inspired him to get behind the mic (even while under the weather) and issue a call to arms for every entrepreneur who is building something to serve others. Brian breaks down the insane double s...

In a world saturated with marketing gimmicks and AI-generated fluff, how do you genuinely connect with your ideal clients? George Linville, a lifelong entrepreneur and the co-founder of Outkeep, breaks down why email is still the highest-ROI channel for B2B businesses and reveals how to master it in today's complex landscape. This episode is a masterclass in modern, trust-based marketing that cuts through the noise. George explains why most email campaigns fail and provides a clear, actionable f...

In this episode, we sit down with Zeyno Dodd, the co-founder of AlgiSense, who is pioneering a technology that could change healthcare forever. Zeyno shares her incredible journey from being a self-proclaimed "engineer maker" obsessed with solving puzzles to becoming an entrepreneur tackling one of humanity's most subjective experiences: pain. She breaks down how her team is using EEG data and ethical AI to create an objective way to measure pain, moving beyond the outdated "1 to 10" scale. For ...

Tired of sales feeling like a slot machine where you just pull the lever and hope for the best? In this game-changing episode, sales expert Jonny Holsten introduces the BridgeSelling System, a practical framework designed to turn your chaotic sales conversations into a repeatable, predictable assembly line. Jonny breaks down why most sales processes fail and provides a clear path to shorter sales cycles, higher close rates, and less frustration. This episode is packed with value for any founder ...

Ready to move from thinking about your business to strategically scaling it? This episode with Breven Thomas, founder of ScaleSmart Leadership, is your masterclass in smart, sustainable growth. Breven pulls back the curtain on his journey from cold-calling sales rep to building a seven-figure business, revealing the systems and mindset shifts that made it all possible. This isn't just theory; it's a practical guide to building a business that lasts. You'll learn why peer advisory groups are an e...

Are you constantly pushing forward, convinced that stopping means failing? In this episode, we tackle the silent killer of entrepreneurial dreams: burnout. Nate Hebbert, founder of Selfware Consulting, shares his harrowing journey from a top-tier software engineer to being completely debilitated by burnout, and how he fought his way back. This isn't your typical "take a vacation" advice. Nate reveals a powerful framework for managing your energy, not just your time, so you can beat burnout witho...

In a special episode recorded on the move in a Cybertruck, Brian is joined by his friend and founder of Arrowhead Strategy Group, Jarome McKenzie. Jarome shares the powerful entrepreneurial mindset he demonstrated during a 2.5-hour tennis match where he lost every single set 6-0, yet grew more confident with every game. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, revealing how to find breakthroughs in failure and why the most important work you do happens before your business day even star...

In an era dominated by AI hype, how do you move from simply talking about AI to securely and profitably implementing it? This episode tackles that exact question with Evan Glaser, founder of Alongside AI and an expert at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and business strategy. Evan demystifies the world of powerful AI agents, explaining both their groundbreaking potential and the critical security risks they pose. This isn't just a theoretical discussion; it's a practical guide for entrepre...

In an era of shiny objects and AI shortcuts, 25-year marketing veteran Scott Orth joins the show to bring us back to the fundamentals that actually grow a business. This episode is a masterclass in building a holistic digital presence, proving that a solid foundation in SEO and strategic paid ads will always outperform chasing the latest trend. Scott breaks down why simply being on Google isn't enough; you need to dominate it from every angle—organic results, maps, and ads—to truly capture your ...

In this episode, Connor O'Hearn completely reframes how entrepreneurs should view artificial intelligence. He introduces the game-changing concept of AI as a "navigation system for business"—a dynamic, layered GPS that guides you through complex decisions, rather than just being another static tool. For wantrepreneurs and entrepreneurs, this episode is a masterclass in leveraging AI to fill skill gaps, process overwhelming amounts of data, and make smarter, faster decisions. Connor’s unique jour...

Ever wonder how a niche hobby can explode into a category-defining brand with a cult-like following? Tim Seward, the founder and creative force behind ONYX Motors, joins us to share exactly how he did it. Starting as a lifelong tinkerer customizing gas mopeds, Tim leveraged his industrial design background and a breakout Indiegogo campaign to launch a brand that blends raw performance with timeless style. This episode is a masterclass in product validation, community building, and the power of a...

In this game-changing episode, we sit down with Jill Axline, Ph.D., the co-founder and CEO of Mavera, to explore the next frontier of artificial intelligence in business. Jill demystifies how her company is moving beyond basic language models to model human cognition and emotion, giving businesses a terrifyingly accurate predictive edge. This isn't just about faster answers; it's about understanding the why behind customer decisions, market shifts, and competitive movements. For any entrepreneur...

We’ve all heard the cliché: “You need to work ON your business, not just IN it.” But what does that actually mean? It’s easy to get trapped in the day-to-day grind of client work, emails, and sales calls, feeling busy but not necessarily productive. This cycle creates a growth ceiling that keeps so many entrepreneurs stuck. In this Solo Sunday episode, Brian demystifies this classic advice and gives you a tangible, actionable framework to shift from being a busy operator to a strategic visionary...

Think your small business is too insignificant to be a target for cyberattacks? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, cybersecurity expert and co-founder of Attainable Security, Martin Hiriart, reveals why small and medium-sized businesses are now the primary targets for hackers. Martin breaks down the critical, often-overlooked connection between everyday IT practices and a rock-solid cybersecurity posture. This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur who wants to move fast without le...

Are you an expert in your field but struggle to communicate your true value to clients, investors, or your team? In this episode, former health insurance executive turned consultant Mandy Geyer breaks down the art and science of influential communication. She reveals why even the most brilliant experts fail to get buy-in and provides a clear roadmap to translate complex data and ideas into compelling stories that drive action. For any wantrepreneur or entrepreneur who feels their message gets lo...

Traditional Google searches are declining by 25% as consumers turn to AI like ChatGPT and Gemini to find products, get advice, and make buying decisions. This is the next major platform shift, and if your brand is invisible to AI, it will soon be invisible to your customers. In this episode, Apurva Luty, a marketing expert from Microsoft, Meta, and Discord, reveals how this AI wave is a massive opportunity for challenger brands to get ahead. Apurva breaks down exactly how to "teach" AI models ab...