We're trying a new format with the pod. Let us know what you think. Today it's "who can confront Elon"? In this unfiltered and wickedly funny episode, David and Chris explore how one man’s ego—Elon Musk—has torched Tesla’s brand, stock, and reputation, all while loyal fans quietly peel logos off their cars. From a 71% profit nosedive to Cybertruck chaos, it’s a masterclass in founder risk, brand backlash, and why empathy still matters. #ElonMusk #TeslaFail #StartupPodcast #Cybertruck #TeslaStock #BrandReputation #BootstrappedFounders #StartupDifferent

What if your biggest growth block isn’t funding or strategy—but you? In this episode, we explore how ego quietly sabotages leadership and limits your team’s potential. Learn how emotional intelligence, real feedback, and a shift in mindset helped Carrie Fabris build a business helping execs lead better—without the burnout.

What happens after you exit your startup and don't want a boss again? Taylor Crane shares how that moment led to a new way of working—and a new way of thinking about early hires. We dig into product lessons, co-founder dynamics, and what fractional roles look like behind the scenes. Plus, we cover when bringing on part-time leadership is actually smarter than hiring full-time.

She quit her job, had no funding, and started fermenting cider in a garage with her husband. What could go wrong?! Hint: it's not what you think. Within a year, Alicia Hardman and her hubby were running a 10,000 sq. ft. winery with lines out the door—thanks in part to a viral swing table. But what happens when your startup grows faster than you can manage? Was all that growth a good thing?

When COVID wiped out her luxury event business, Virginia Frischkorn didn’t just survive—she reinvented. By turning her workflows into software, she launched Partytrick, a SaaS company now on track for $15M ARR. What started in crisis became a better business than she ever imagined.

Before she turned 22, Jodie Cook had worked 15 different jobs — from mystery shopping to football stadiums. That wild ride set her up for a seven-figure exit, a global digital nomad life, and her latest venture, Coachvox. In this episode, Jodie shares how early hustle shaped her entrepreneurial mindset and why AI is the next frontier for scaling personal brands.

Retail investors represent 53% of the investing market. 🤯

In this episode, we break down our chat with Jane Crowell of Particle Capital and what founders get wrong about funding. We explore smarter paths to capital, the rise of retail investors, and why founder-led sales still matter. Plus, the mindset shift that separates resilient entrepreneurs from the rest.

Tired of chasing VCs and getting ghosted? Jane Crowell drops in to share how Particle is flipping startup funding on its head—connecting founders to capital without the pitch deck circus. If fundraising feels like a full-time job, this episode shows you how to skip the grind and get back to building.