This Dude Started Something

JT (J.T. 126) joins This Dude Started Something to break down the moment he pressed the $1,000,000 button on Beast Games Season 2 — the most watched unscripted show on Amazon Prime Video.We dive into: • What it felt like to eliminate his entire team • The real story behind the Mia drama • Behind-the-scenes secrets from MrBeast’s production • Strong vs Smart strategy • What happens after you win $1,000,000 • Life as a law enforcement officer turned reality TV starSeason 1 of Beast Games hit over 50 million viewers in 25 days — and Season 2 just changed the game.JT explains why he took the million, how he handled the backlash, and what MrBeast is really like off-camera.Comment on IG: Would YOU have pressed the button?#Beast Games, Beast Games Season 2, MrBeast, Mr Beast Amazon Prime, JT Beast Games, JT 126, 1 million dollar button, MrBeast million dollar challenge, Beast Games interview, Mia Beast Games, Beast Games drama, MrBeast reality show, Amazon Prime Beast Games, pressed the button Beast Games, Beast Games season 2 episode, MrBeast behind the scenes, law enforcement on Beast Games, This Dude Started Something podcast

Jack Bunker didn’t start a brand in college. He started one in high school — and not an easy one.In this episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Jack Bunker, founder of Blow It Gum, a liquid-core caffeine gum built to do one thing: make a boring product loud again.Please note: This episode was recorded at 1:00 AM and may include some spontaneous tangents.Jack walks us through how a random moment at school turned into a real consumer brand, why he built the brand before the product, and how he spent months hunting for a chemist while most kids his age were playing Fortnite.“I wanted to find something boring that everyone uses every day and just try to make it cool.”From giving away 70% of his first shipment, to DM’ing athletes and artists nonstop, to literally running business meetings out of an 18-passenger van in his high school parking lot, Jack breaks down what it actually takes to go all-in early.“It was me and ChatGPT versus the world.”We also get into:Why Blow It Gum uses a liquid core for faster caffeine absorptionHow caffeine hits through your gums in 5–10 minutesBootstrapping vs. raising money (and why Jack held onto equity)Marketing through chaos, giveaways, and bold contentJumping out of helicopters… for brandingTurning learning curves into leverageAnd why Jack is stepping away for two years — on purpose“Even if it all goes to sh*t, I’ll never lose the learning experience.”This episode is part startup case study, part brand breakdown, part unfiltered founder brain. If you’re into consumer brands, DTC, marketing, or just hearing what it looks like when someone actually sends it early — this one’s for you.

In this NYE 2025 episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Dan O’Toole, Founder & CEO of Arrive AI — the company reinventing how packages are delivered in an autonomous world.Dan shares how he:Beat Amazon, the U.S. Postal Service, and Big Tech to a critical patentBuilt a company through crowdfunding instead of VCTook Arrive AI public on NasdaqCreated the “mailbox 2.0” powering drones, robots, and autonomous deliveryMaintained control while scaling a massive investor baseThinks about AI, infrastructure, and execution at scaleThis episode is a masterclass in thinking big, moving fast, and executing before anyone else.If you’re an entrepreneur, founder, inventor, or just obsessed with how the future gets built — this one’s for you.Ticker: $ARAI Exchange: Nasdaq Arrive AI is publicly traded. Nothing in this episode is financial advice — this conversation is for educational and informational purposes only.🔗 How to Connect with Dan & Arrive AIArrive AI Website: https://arriveai.comFollow Arrive AI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arriveai/Dan O’Toole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-otoole-3b6a4631/

On today’s episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Luke Porada — a third-generation donut kingpin better known across Michigan as The Yeast Beast.Luke wakes up earlier than anyone we’ve ever met just to make your morning taste better. But behind the sugar, glaze, and perfect rings is a wild entrepreneurial story. From taking over his family’s shop during COVID, to dealing with crazy customers, donut thieves, city drama, and the science of baking in different weather — Luke gives us the real behind-the-scenes of running a generational business.We talk legacy. We talk yeast. We talk donut diggers. This episode is hilarious, insightful, and unexpectedly inspiring.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to run a donut shop — this is the one.📢 FOLLOW OUR GUESTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetex99/Donutville USA: www.donutvilleusa.com🎧 FOLLOW USThis Dude Started Something Instagram: @thisdudestartedsomething

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, Oliver and Brayden sit down with Aravind Krishnaswamy — a world-traveling photographer and longtime Google engineer whose breathtaking images have appeared on TVs around the world through Google’s featured photos program.When he’s not building the future of technology, Aravind is deep in the wild capturing rhinos in South Africa, gorillas in Rwanda, and bears in Alaska — moments that blend art, patience, and adventure. The trio dives into how he balances life at Google with creative passion, how AI is reshaping photography, and why emotion still beats perfection in every image.They also explore Aravind’s behind-the-scenes stories — from photographing a chest-beating silverback to explaining how his photos ended up on millions of screens. Whether you’re into photography, creativity, or the intersection of art and tech, this episode will make you see your camera (and your world) differently.📸 Explore Aravind’s stunning work:Website: akimagery.comInstagram: @akimagery

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Nguyen — founder of 40 Love, future doctor, and all-around powerhouse of a human being. What started as a high school project turned into a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting the homeless through tennis and pickleball events that bring people together, raise money, and spark real change.Sean shares how he grew 40 Love into a multi-city movement, what it’s really like working on the front lines of homelessness, how his family shaped his mission, and why he’s balancing all of this while pursuing a career in medicine.We also talk about:The early days of 40 LoveHosting events across the countryPresenting research at StanfordUsing sport as a tool for social goodWhy this generation has the power to create change🗽 We’ll be attending Sean’s next event in NYC AUGUST 10th— and you should come too! 👉 RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forty-love-nyc-pickleball-fundraiser-tickets-1502020887909Follow Sean: 📸 Instagram – @fortyloveorg 🌐 Website –https://www.fortyloveorganization.org

In this episode, we talk with up-and-coming filmmaker Jake Apgar about what it really takes to bring ideas to life. From making films in high school to directing his first full-length feature, Jake shares how storytelling, teamwork, and emotional honesty matter more than flashy equipment or big budgets. We cover how AI is creeping into the industry, which directors inspire him, why some popular films fall flat, and how you can start creating with whatever you have. If you’re a creative, a builder, or just someone figuring it out—this one’s for you.

What if you could print the ingredients of an entire drink onto the inside of a cup — and all you had to do was add water? Chris Kanik did exactly that.In this episode, Oliver and Brayden sit down with the inventor of Smart Cups, the world’s first printed beverage technology, to talk about how a lifelong comedian built one of the most sustainable innovations in the world. From stand-up stages to science labs, Chris shares how his obsession with ideas, humor, and impact led to a technology that could reshape not just the beverage industry — but global access to nutrition.They dive into his wild origin story, the science behind the cup, his passion for comedy, and why being underestimated might be the ultimate superpower.Chris Kanik Instagram - @CEODADLIFESmart Cups - https://smartcups.com

What do World War II, American history, and luxury watches have in common? RT Custer. He’s the founder of Vortic Watches, a company that revives antique pocket watches and turns them into one-of-a-kind wristwatches that can survive the apocalypse—and look good doing it.In this episode, RT breaks down how he built a 7-figure business out of history, scaled American manufacturing, and created something truly timeless. From buying up estate-sale treasures to surviving on spreadsheets and SBA loans, this is one of the coolest stories we’ve ever heard. He even got sued by one of the industry giants!If you’ve ever wanted to start something unique, build something real, or just make your grandpa’s old watch sexy again… this one’s for you.We apologize that we've been quiet for a bit… Oliver just made the move to NYC, and Brayden has been DJ'n. Big changes, big energy, and even bigger episodes coming your way. Kicking it off with one of the coolest founders we’ve ever talked to.

Season 3 kicks off with a full-throttle conversation featuring Mark Tapscott and Daniel Davey, the ex-Tesla and Lucid engineers behind Longbow Motors — the featherweight EV sports car company that just might change everything. These guys have shared meetings with Elon Musk, built Lucid’s international ops, and now they’re betting it all on a handmade electric car that’s lighter than a Miata and sexier than anything under $3 million.In this episode, we dive into:The moment Daniel had to plug a Tesla into a hotel window extension cordWhy Longbow’s first 150 Speedsters are done forever after launchHow they’re using harmonics to turn motor noise into an authentic EV soundtrackWhat they learned from Tesla’s “no d*ckheads” ruleWhy their cars are made to be stared at, driven hard, and passed down generationsThis isn’t another soulless EV. It’s the rebirth of sports cars — and it starts here.Guest SocialsInstagram - @longbowmotorsWebsite - https://longbowmotors.com/

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Sean Cook, the founder of the TEA app — a revolutionary platform giving women a safer, smarter way to navigate the dating world. Sean shares how a personal experience with his mom led him to build TEA, why the current dating app landscape is broken, and how his platform empowers over 600,000 women through honest reviews, background checks, and anonymous community support. We dive into building a mission-driven tech company, protecting users at scale, and what the future of dating safety looks like. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to change an industry — this is the conversation you need to hear.Learn more about TEA:🌐 Website: www.teaforwomen.com📱 App Store: Download TEA on IOS📲 Google Play: Download TEA on Android📸 Instagram: @theteapartygirls

Forget Marvel, forget Gotham — This Dude Started Something is bringing you a real-life superhero straight from the streets of LA. Meet Rock Hard: MMA-trained vigilante, tree crime investigator, proud owner of a $70 Amazon shield, and possibly David Goggins' tougher cousin.In this episode, Oliver and Brayden dive into Rock Hard's origin story (spoiler: no radioactive spiders involved), the strange case of LA's midnight tree-chopper, and his unfiltered beef with his wannabe arch-nemesis, Flaccid Sand. From patrolling crime scenes with a taser-baton to debating whether he'd save his hater from a burning building — this one goes from hilarious to heroic and back again.And yes — we finally answer the question: How hard is Rock Hard?

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Cameron Mauk, the founder of Backbone Coffee. Cameron shares the story behind his no-nonsense coffee company that's built for people who work hard and love coffee served black, hot, and straight to the point. We dive into the origins of the brand, the challenges of bringing high-quality coffee to the blue-collar world, and the journey of creating a product that connects with everyone from oil workers to doctors. Whether you're in work boots or just spiritually blue-collar, you’ll want to hear Cameron's insights on creating a brand that resonates with real, hardworking people. Plus, get the inside scoop on Backbone’s coffee blends and what makes them stand out from the crowd.Where to Buy: Check out Backbone Coffee’s website at www.backbonecoffee.com to purchase their signature blends and get your hands on some of the best coffee around.Follow Backbone Coffee on Socials:Instagram: @backbonecoffeeco

In this inspiring episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Jeremy George, the founder of Bucket Match AI—a platform born from a life-changing mission to complete 52 bucket list goals in 52 weeks. From cliff jumping in Hawaii to launching a startup that helps others chase their dreams, Jeremy opens up about how a low point in life led to a movement centered around purpose, passion, and action.We dive into:His TEDx talk journeyThe highs and lows of goal-chasingHow Bucket Match helps people connect and complete goals togetherWhy failing at a goal can be just as meaningful as achieving itAnd the deeper impact of doing what truly matters—before it's too lateWhether you're into skydiving, learning guitar, or just cooking the perfect eggs (yes, we went there), this episode will make you want to stop scrolling and start doing.

In this eye-opening episode of This Dude Started Something, Oliver and Brayden sit down with seasoned patent attorney Austin Bonderer, a man with over 700 issued U.S. patents and more stories than your average legal thriller. Austin pulls back the curtain on the chaotic world of intellectual property—where billion-dollar ideas are born, stolen, or buried.We kick things off with the basics: what is a patent and why does it matter? But things quickly spiral into everything from patent trolls buying bankrupt portfolios to sue tech giants, to how you can literally patent a grape, and even how a simple idea like adding food coloring to white powders got patented.The guys also get real about how AI and ChatGPT are accidentally killing people’s chances at protection just by asking the wrong questions online. You’ll learn why it’s not just about the idea—it’s about who files it first, why “patent pending” doesn’t mean you’re safe, and how the U.S. law still struggles to keep up with tech.Brayden pitches a few (hilarious) product ideas like a mirror that glazes you in the morning and a dog collar that translates barks into sass, while Austin explains why even crazy ideas might actually be patentable—if you solve the right problem.We also dive into the difference between design patents, utility patents, plant patents, and the wild world of trademark law (yes, you can TM your podcast name, but not “Deez Nuts”—Brayden asked).If you’ve ever dreamed of inventing something, starting a business, or just wanted to know how IP law works without falling asleep—this is the episode for you.

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, Oliver and Brayden sit down with filmmaker, drone pilot, editor, and co-founder of Appian Media, Craig Dehut. Craig and his team are on a mission to bring biblical history to life through stunning documentaries filmed on location across Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and more.Appian Media creates high-quality, biblically accurate video content that’s completely free and accessible to anyone around the world. From the story of Jesus to the seven churches of Revelation and the path of the Exodus, Craig shares how they bring scripture off the page and into real landscapes that make the Bible feel tangible, real, and relevant.The guys dive into:The wild story of how Appian Media started with a Kickstarter campaignWhat it’s like filming in war-torn countries with a camera crew and dronesNavigating international permits and nearly getting gear confiscatedCraig’s favorite spiritual “wow” moments while standing where Jesus once walkedThe real impact these documentaries have had—especially with young people and new believersHow visual storytelling and new formats (like short-form video) are shaping the future of faith-based contentThey also get into drone licenses, traveling light, creating curriculum for schools, vertical video headaches, and why Appian Media might just become the Marvel Cinematic Universe of the Bible.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to turn biblical storytelling into a career—or how faith and filmmaking can change lives—this episode is for you.Where to Find Craig & Appian MediaWebsite: appianmedia.org YouTube: Appian Media on YouTube Podcasts: Search “Appian Media” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Shorts: @AppianMedia Want to connect directly? Use the contact form on their website—it goes straight to Craig and the team.Where to Find Us📲 Follow the podcast: @ThisDudeStartedSomething on Instagram 💬 DM us if you’ve got someone we should interview next or if you started something.

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, Oliver and Brayden sit down with the Morrstedt family — a father who walked away from the traditional 9-to-5 to build a content-first lifestyle with his Gen Alpha kids. Together, they’re redefining what it means to grow up in a digital world.This isn’t your average “kidfluencer” story. We dig into how and why these kids don’t have phones, the power of teaching entrepreneurship early, and what it takes to raise builders instead of consumers. From launching merch and brainstorming meme coins to tackling the dark side of content like ragebait, short-form addiction, and AI, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and unfiltered Gen Alpha perspective.If you’re a parent, creator, entrepreneur, or just wondering what the next generation is really about — this is the episode you can’t miss.Because Gen Alpha isn’t just watching the world — they’re already reshaping it.

This week on This Dude Started Something, we sit down with platinum-selling artist and producer @therealjdash, the mastermind behind the viral anthem “WOP.” But J. Dash is way more than a one-hit wonder.From learning piano by ear at age 5 to producing “WOP” in his college apartment using only GarageBand, his journey blends pure talent with DIY hustle. We talk about how Miley Cyrus twerking in a unicorn onesie took his song to platinum, how he used to moonlight as a systems engineer while secretly going viral, and why he believes building wealth in the music game has never been easier.J. Dash also breaks down his ongoing advocacy for music education, including his visits to Capitol Hill to push for better funding in schools. He’s using his voice not just to make hits, but to make change.We also dive into his powerful new project, Twilight Zone, a performance series created in honor of his late sister, filmed on the world’s first 3D-printed stage in Austin, TX. And yes — he’s hitting the stage again in May with T-Pain in Jacksonville, his hometown. 🎤🔥If you’re into music, creativity, entrepreneurship, or just love an insane story, this one’s for you.Follow J. Dash:🔹 Instagram: @therealjdash🔹 Twilight Zone Project🔹 Website: jdashmusic.com

This week on This Dude Started Something, we sat down with the band behind the ultimate windows-down, scream-the-lyrics, feel-good anthem: The Mowgli’s. With almost 500 million Spotify streams, they’ve defined a generation of good vibes — and they’re officially making a comeback.In this episode, Josh, Katie, Andy, and Matt open up about their roots in the Southern California garage scene, how their love for live performance turned into a national movement, and what it's like to look back on the wild journey that made them the soundtrack to so many people's lives.We dive into how their breakout hit San Francisco went from a local jam to a global anthem, how the band formed (spoiler: love story included), and what it’s really like to write, tour, and evolve as a creative group. You’ll also hear about their musical philosophy, why they believe collaboration > isolation, and how they’re approaching this next era of music with more excitement than ever before.And yes — we got the exclusive: The Mowgli’s are officially releasing new music starting this April, with a fresh rollout of singles and a renewed spirit.This episode features their iconic song "Say It, Just Say It" as both the intro and outro — a full-circle moment we couldn't be more stoked about.👉 Follow The Mowgli’s on socials:📸 Instagram: @themowglisMusic Platforms - The Mowglis🎧 Stream their music on all platforms!Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6AGUQK1EWK6nvN4pLIDQDQ?si=wGGI1WoPRsmIEJUh-3_u0g🔥 And don't forget — our brand new merch just dropped! Rep This Dude Started Something wherever you go. Check it out on our page. @thisdudestartedsomething

In this episode, Oliver and Brayden sit down with actor Sheldon Austin to talk about the realities of breaking into the acting industry as a young performer. Sheldon shares how he went from background roles to landing parts in commercials, short films, and most notably, playing a guard on Amazon Prime Video’s Beast Games. He opens up about the audition process, how he got his agent, and the highs and lows of trying to make a name for himself in the entertainment world.We also dive deep into what it’s like working on a massive production—how he prepared for his role, what filming on set was actually like, and whether the stacks of cash were really real. But beyond Beast Games, Sheldon gets real about the acting grind, why rejection is just part of the game, and how he stays motivated.Plus, we get into his dream roles, his idea for a hilarious horror movie, and his take on whether acting is easier or harder to break into today compared to 50 years ago. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a film nerd, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is packed with laughs, insight, and some seriously inspiring moments.Guest SocialsInsta - @SheldonAustinB