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The Burnouts with Phoebe & Sophia

Author: Phoebe Gates & Sophia Kianni

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As former Stanford roommates and now business partners, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni share their experience as startup founders and the complexities of being young professionals—from financial literacy, social impact, and navigating networking (ever been hit on through LinkedIn?). With exclusive access to top experts, they offer an inside look at their chaotic lives alongside career insights from their network of thought leaders. Watch The Burnouts pursue their dreams while trying to keep their lives from going up in flames. Will they burn out? We’ll find out.
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Makeup artist, mogul, author, hotelier—Bobbi Brown has built more than one empire (and reinvented herself along the way).In this episode of The Burnouts, Bobbi sits down with Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni to talk about what it really takes to build an iconic brand, sell it for millions, and then start all over again. From mixing her first lipstick with a chemist and cold-calling agencies out of the Yellow Pages, to selling Bobbi Brown Cosmetics to Estée Lauder and later launching Jones Road Beauty, Bobbi shares the unfiltered version of how she built—and rebuilt—her career on her own terms.She opens up about confidence, burnout, and building businesses with her husband and family. Plus: the 25-year non-compete that changed everything, why “retirement” is not in her vocabulary, how she clapped back at viral TikTok criticism (and won), and the simple beauty rules she swears by for every generation.Also: how she accidentally went from makeup artist to hotel owner, why she still cold-DMs influencers, and her #1 piece of advice for young women chasing their dream career.🔍 CHAPTERS00:00 – Starting Bobbi Brown Cosmetics06:30 – Reinventing beauty around natural looks09:20 – Vogue covers, Naomi Campbell, and early breaks12:00 – Building a billion-dollar brand with Estée Lauder20:00 – Family, partnership, and working with her husband27:20 – Selling for $74M and the 25-year non-compete30:00 – Going viral with Jones Road Beauty on TikTok34:30 – Personal brand, social media, and DMs that changed everything40:00 – Jones Road’s growth and what’s next46:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs (luck vs. hard work)51:00 – Hiring, culture, and leading a scrappy team57:00 – Self-care, health, and why she’ll never retire🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniBobbi Brown🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn📲 Download the Phia app.Subscribe to The Burnouts for exclusive conversations with today’s top founders and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by former Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, this isn’t just another founder podcast—it’s untold conversations and the unfiltered reality of what it takes to build your dream career in your 20s. Guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and more visionaries defining the brands—and blueprints—of our time. Whether you’re dreaming big or building now, these are the conversations that will show you how it’s done (and what no one else tells you).🔔 Subscribe now to get the blueprint for building your dream career Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Fashion legend, entrepreneur, and cultural icon—Tommy Hilfiger has spent over four decades shaping global style, from bell-bottom jeans in upstate New York to a fashion empire sold in more than 100 countries.In this episode of The Burnouts, Tommy Hilfiger sits down with Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni to share his incredible journey: growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, opening his first jean shop at 18, going bankrupt in his twenties, and betting everything on a disruptive billboard campaign that put his name alongside Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.He opens up about the viral Snoop Dogg SNL moment that made Hilfiger logos a worldwide phenomenon, reinventing his brand when it began to plateau, and building one of America’s most successful lifestyle companies through bold collaborations with Beyoncé, Aaliyah, Gigi Hadid, Zendaya, and Lewis Hamilton. Plus: the challenges of balancing creativity with business, why manifestation has guided him from the start, and how AI is set to transform the future of fashion.Tommy also gets real about resilience, reinvention, and family—sharing the lessons he learned from bankruptcy, the importance of finding smart business partners, and his journey raising children with autism while scaling a global brand.Whether you’re dreaming of launching a fashion label, building a lifestyle brand, or simply learning from one of the most iconic designers of our time, this conversation is packed with lessons, raw honesty, and timeless inspiration.Chapters00:00 – From dyslexia to dreaming big02:00 – Opening People’s Place at 1804:00 – The “4 Great Designers” billboard controversy06:00 – Bloomingdale’s rejection & Snoop Dogg’s viral rugby shirt08:00 – Bankruptcy, resilience, and rebuilding in NYC10:00 – Reinventing the brand with European influence12:00 – Why young creatives need business partners16:00 – Fragrance licensing and going public19:00 – Global expansion & international success21:00 – Dressing musicians, Beyoncé, Aaliyah & early influencer marketing24:00 – Collaborations with Gigi Hadid, Zendaya & Lewis Hamilton28:00 – Fashion + AI and the future of creativity30:00 – Manifestation, resilience & creative process34:00 – Family, autism advocacy, and staying grounded🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniTommy Hilfiger🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn📲 Support What We’re BuildingPhoebe and Sophia aren’t just your hosts—they’re the founders of Phia, a new fashion-tech app helping shoppers find the best prices across retail and resale. Download the app, try it out, and help us grow this community from the ground up.About The BurnoutsThe Burnouts brings you raw, unfiltered conversations with today’s top founders, creators, and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, the show goes beyond the headlines to share the real stories, lessons, and mindsets that define your 20s.Past guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and other visionaries redefining the brands—and the blueprints—of our time.Subscribe now for the insider playbook to build your dream career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Danish-born model, blogger, and entrepreneur Anine Bing went from selling her secondhand clothes online to building one of the fastest-growing contemporary fashion houses in the world. With 40+ retail stores, a global online presence, and a signature rock-and-roll yet timeless aesthetic, Anine has redefined what it means to be a creative founder in fashion.In this episode of The Burnouts, Anine Bing sits down with Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni for an intimate, unfiltered conversation about her entrepreneurial rise — from moving to Milan at 14 to model, blogging before Instagram was a thing, and launching her brand out of a Los Angeles garage while raising two kids.She opens up about the early hustle of packing orders by hand, finding confidence amid constant naysayers, and building a brand that puts authenticity and creativity above quick money. Anine shares stories of her viral fashion moments (like Kendall Jenner’s Coachella bralette), bringing Kate Moss into her campaigns, navigating burnout, and raising venture capital while staying true to her vision.Plus: how she blends fashion with music (including her upcoming album Chapter Two), her creative process behind collections, the power of founder-led marketing, and why her ultimate mission is to empower women through timeless design and self-belief.Whether you’re a fashion lover, aspiring founder, or just seeking the motivation to follow your gut and block out the noise, this episode is packed with lessons on resilience, creativity, and building a brand that lasts.👜 SHOP ANINE BING'S FALL COLLECTIONChapters00:00 – Anine Bing joins The Burnouts01:00 – Leaving Sweden at 14 to model in Milan03:00 – From blogging to selling her secondhand clothes online07:00 – Starting a fashion brand out of a garage while raising kids09:00 – “Fuck the rest”: dealing with naysayers and self-doubt11:00 – The creative process: mood boards, playlists, and designing the Anine Bing woman13:00 – Why retail presence still matters in the digital age15:00 – Raising kids while building a global brand18:00 – Burnout, balance, and finding self-care as a founder22:00 – From Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Kendall Jenner: viral celebrity fashion moments24:00 – Founder-led marketing vs. personal branding26:00 – Music as therapy and the making of Chapter Two29:00 – Taking VC funding and scaling globally32:00 – Iconic pieces: denim, blazers, boots, and beyond35:00 – Mistakes, resilience, and why you can’t give up🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn📲 Support What We’re BuildingPhoebe and Sophia aren’t just your hosts—they’re the founders of Phia, a fashion-tech app helping you find the best prices across retail and resale. Download the app.About The BurnoutsThe Burnouts brings you raw, unfiltered conversations with today’s top founders, creators, and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, the show goes beyond the headlines to share the real stories, lessons, and mindsets that define your 20s.Past guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and other visionaries redefining the brands—and the blueprints—of our time.Subscribe now for the insider playbook to build your dream career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
He got booed for saying “f*** Steve Jobs.” He built a media empire out of his dad’s liquor store. And now, Gary Vaynerchuk—better known as Gary Vee—is the brutally honest voice redefining what success really means.In this episode of The Burnouts, entrepreneur and bestselling author Gary Vee joins hosts Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni for a raw, unfiltered conversation about money, ambition, and why patience—not hustle—is the ultimate flex.Gary opens up about how growing up as an immigrant kid shaped his obsession with work, why he thinks making $100K can be “making it,” and why kindness beats IQ when it comes to leadership. Together, they unpack why Silicon Valley glorifies the wrong heroes, why social media isn’t dying anytime soon, and why most young founders are chasing clout instead of building real businesses.He also shares the hidden strength behind VaynerMedia—the Chief Heart Officer who keeps the company together—the “convenience always wins” rule shaping the future of AI and shopping, and the exact moment he realized millions wouldn’t make him happier.This isn’t motivational fluff—it’s a masterclass in long-term thinking from someone who’s seen it all. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on the right path, Gary Vee will change the way you measure success.Chapters00:00 – Who is Gary Vee?06:10 – Why most influencers will fail (and the rise of live shopping)08:10 – The key to a successful business: eliminating friction10:05 – Why Gary Vee said “F*** Steve Jobs”: EQ over IQ in leadership14:44 – The best marketing strategy for the AI consumer era21:38 – Why chasing clout isn’t worth it24:10 – The simple ask that drives real business growth30:44 – Gary’s advice for building your dream career🔗 FOLLOW GARY VEEInstagramTikTokYoutube🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn📲 Support What We’re BuildingPhoebe and Sophia aren’t just your hosts—they’re the founders of Phia, a fashion-tech app helping you find the best prices across retail and resale. Download the app.About The BurnoutsThe Burnouts brings you raw, unfiltered conversations with today’s top founders, creators, and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, the show goes beyond the headlines to share the real stories, lessons, and mindsets that define your 20s.Past guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and other visionaries redefining the brands—and the blueprints—of our time.❤️‍🔥 Subscribe now for the insider playbook to build your dream career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Global pop icon Ava Max went from a first-generation immigrant household to topping charts in over 20 countries with hits like “Sweet but Psycho,” “Kings & Queens,” and “Maybe You’re the Problem.” With over 70 billion streams and a signature fearless style, Ava is rewriting what it means to own your power in the music industry.In this episode of The Burnouts, Ava Max joins Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni for a raw, unfiltered conversation about her rise to stardom — from moving to LA at 14, surviving predatory industry environments, and nearly quitting music, to finding her voice, building her sound, and creating a global pop phenomenon.She opens up about the grind behind her success, the trauma and resilience that shaped her, and the inspiration behind her new album, “Don’t Click Play." Ava shares stories of losing her voice at the peak of her breakout hit, navigating fame while staying grounded, and why protecting her energy has become her top priority. Plus: what it really takes to build a lasting career in pop, the pressures of being “always on,” and her vision for a future stadium tour.Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a longtime fan, or just looking for motivation to keep going when life knocks you down, this episode is filled with lessons on persistence, self-belief, and embracing your unique voice.🎶 STREAM AVA'S ALBUM "DON'T CLICK PLAY"Chapters00:00 – The moment Ava Max walked into our studio…01:00 – From Virginia to LA: the bold move that changed everything04:00 – The brutal reality of chasing a dream at 1407:00 – Five years of rejection… and the one “yes” that changed her life09:00 – “My vocal cords exploded” — what really happened at the height of her first hit11:00 – The night the Max Cut was born (and why it changed her career)13:00 – Finding her sound: the secret to songs that empower millions16:00 – What going viral really feels like (and why it’s not always what you think)19:00 – Behind the curtain: the exhausting truth about touring22:00 – The business of pop: labels, teams, and staying in control24:00 – Why she disappeared from social media (and how she’s coming back stronger)26:00 – Stadium tour dreams and a secret creative project you haven’t heard about28:00 – How Ava Max turns doubt into fuel30:00 – “Don’t Click Play”: the album that almost never happened🔗 FOLLOW AVA MAXInstagramTikTokWebsite🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn📲 Support What We’re BuildingPhoebe and Sophia aren’t just your hosts—they’re the founders of Phia, a fashion-tech app helping you find the best prices across retail and resale. Download the app.About The BurnoutsThe Burnouts brings you raw, unfiltered conversations with today’s top founders, creators, and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, the show goes beyond the headlines to share the real stories, lessons, and mindsets that define your 20s.Past guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and other visionaries redefining the brands—and the blueprints—of our time.Subscribe now for the insider playbook to build your dream career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Model, creator, comedian, and Forbes Top Creator—Haley Kalil has lived a thousand lives (from science labs to Sports Illustrated covers to viral comedy).In this episode of The Burnouts, Haley Kalil sits down with Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni to share her rollercoaster journey: trading biomedical science for beauty pageants, paying her way through college, breaking into modeling without an agent, and then going viral overnight to build a multi-million-dollar creator career.She opens up about navigating divorce, escaping an abusive relationship, reinventing herself through comedy, and betting everything on content creation. Plus: how she made her first $50k/month off YouTube shorts, why brand deals aren’t always the answer, and the financial realities (and taxes) of being a top digital creator.Haley also gets real about the stigma of divorce, the pressure successful women face while dating, her viral “Billionaire Boyfriend” series, and what it really takes to stay authentic while scaling a $6M+ creator business.Whether you’re dreaming of a career in content, modeling, or building your own creator-led brand, this conversation is packed with lessons, raw honesty, and plenty of laughs.Chapters00:00 – From biomedical science to beauty pageants04:30 – Winning Miss Minnesota & paying for college with scholarships06:00 – Sports Illustrated open casting call via Instagram10:00 – Early modeling days & mental resilience12:00 – Viral apartment tour → pivot to content creation15:00 – Betting everything on YouTube & posting 5x a day19:00 – Hitting $50k/month in ad revenue22:00 – The viral “Billionaire Boyfriend” series24:00 – Divorce stigma, healing, and rebuilding29:00 – Going from red carpets to Oscars & Met Gala33:00 – Social media backlash & accountability37:00 – Advice for creators on finding your voice41:00 – Monetization: ad revenue vs. brand deals46:00 – Staying authentic in partnerships48:00 – The true costs of creator life (taxes, management fees)50:00 – What’s next for Haley🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniHaley Kalil🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn📲 Support What We’re BuildingPhoebe and Sophia aren’t just your hosts—they’re the founders of Phia, a new fashion-tech app helping shoppers find the best prices across retail and resale. Download the app, try it out, and help us grow this community from the ground up.About The BurnoutsThe Burnouts brings you raw, unfiltered conversations with today’s top founders, creators, and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, the show goes beyond the headlines to reveal the real blueprint for building power in your 20s.Past guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and more visionaries redefining the brands—and the blueprints—of our time.Subscribe now for the insider playbook to build your dream career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
From Disney Channel star to outspoken mental health advocate, Alyson Stoner has lived a life in the spotlight—and paid the price.In this episode of The Burnouts, Alyson joins Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni to open up about the truth behind child stardom, the eating disorder that forced them to step away from Hollywood, and the box of documents that changed everything they thought they knew about their childhood.They share what it was really like growing up famous, the toxic systems that exploit young talent, and the powerful tools they use today to protect their mental health. Plus: how they’re redefining success, finding purpose beyond fame, and why they named their memoir Semi Well-Adjusted.📖 Alyson’s memoir Semi Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything is out now.CHAPTERS00:00 – Growing up on Disney Channel & Missy Elliott02:15 – The moment Alyson stepped away from Hollywood05:00 – The “toddler to train wreck” pipeline of child performers06:45 – Losing childhood in the age of social media08:00 – Playing firsts on camera without living them in real life09:20 – How toxic Hollywood work environments really are10:45 – Why “exposure” doesn’t pay the bills12:00 – The hidden costs of going viral13:40 – Tools Alyson uses to shake off stress16:00 – Mind-body practices for anxiety & burnout18:30 – Why different states of mind need different mindfulness tools20:00 – Stillness vs. somatic tools for busy minds22:00 – Reading their Camp Rock diary years later24:00 – Why now was the time to write Semi Well-Adjusted25:10 – The box of documents that changed their life story27:00 – What “Semi Well-Adjusted” really means28:15 – Choosing causes and building advocacy work30:00 – Purpose as a constellation, not a North Star32:00 – Advice for navigating anxiety and depression34:45 – How to process rejection without losing yourself37:00 – Focusing on what you can control🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniAlyson Stoner🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn💙 Support What We’re BuildingPhoebe and Sophia aren’t just your hosts—they’re the founders of Phia, a new fashion-tech app helping shoppers find the best prices across retail and resale. Download the app, try it out, and help us grow this community from the ground up ❤️‍🔥 Get a Free 90 Day Trial of Movement Genius:1. Go to Movement Genius2. Choose Monthly Membership3. Use code THEBURNOUTS🕯️✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF THE PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE ✨🕯️ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Beauty founder, podcast queen, brand builder—Lauryn Bosstick turned a $50 blog into The Skinny Confidential empire.In this episode of The Burnouts, Lauryn joins Phoebe and Sophia in Austin, TX to talk about building a cult brand from scratch. From sleeping in her car during sorority rush to creating one of the world’s most downloaded podcasts, Lauryn shares how she built her brand brick by brick—with no investors, no shortcuts, and no selling out.She gets real about early burnout, building slowly with intention, and why executing (not overthinking) is the secret to everything. Plus: what makes someone a great podcast guest, how she evaluates brand deals, and the hilarious parenting trick she swears by (cookie water, anyone?)Also: foot spas, Think Week, and how not having an iPhone gave Phoebe character.🕯️✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF THE PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE  ✨🕯️CHAPTERS00:00 – From sorority dropout to brand founder02:30 – Why she launched The Skinny Confidential05:00 – Blogging 7 days a week for 3 years (with $0)10:10 – Turning down money (and why she’s proud of it)12:30 – Lauryn’s funnel: how she vets guests + brand deals16:10 – The advice she gives every 20-something brand builder17:00 – The one hire every founder should make first20:45 – Think Week, foot spas, and strategic solitude27:00 – How she uses branding tricks to parent toddlers30:00 – Personal vs public: what Lauryn won’t post online35:00 – Resourcefulness over resumes in the age of AI38:00 – The biggest mistake most creatives make🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniLauryn Bosstick🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
He’s redefined how millions think about money. But what Morgan Housel says about paychecks, wealth, and regret will completely flip your idea of what it means to be “rich.”In part 2 of The Burnouts interview, Morgan Housel joins Sophia Kianni and Phoebe Gates for a conversation that unpacks the biggest money myths we’ve been sold—from why chasing a high salary will never make you wealthy to how the American Dream became a lie our generation can’t afford.They go deep on:The psychology of feeling broke even when you’re notWhy wealth is built with ownership, not incomeWhat 90-year-olds wish they did differently with moneyHow gender impacts the way we’re taught to think about risk, equity, and ambitionAnd the real reason no amount of money ever feels like enoughAlso: MrBeast vs. the media industry, what kids actually learn about money, and why comparing yourself to others is the fastest path to lifelong financial anxiety.This is the part they don’t teach in school—and the stuff most financial “experts” get wrong.💸✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF THE LIMITED-EDITION PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE ✨💸CHAPTERS00:00 – Why most people will never feel rich3:40 – Social media, comparison, and financial anxiety7:15 – What 1,000 elderly people regret about money11:10 – The American Dream is changing—fast15:00 – College, homeownership, and economic reality19:30 – Why you won’t get rich from a paycheck23:45 – The power of equity (especially for women)27:20 – Risk, regret, and knowing when to bet on yourself32:00 – Teaching kids about money (without lectures)36:40 – Are we wired to be bad with money?40:00 – Why no one tells you this about success🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniMorgan Housel🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
He didn’t go to high school. He valeted Ferraris he couldn’t afford. Now he’s one of the most trusted money minds in the world.In this episode of The Burnouts, bestselling author and VC partner Morgan Housel joins Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni for a conversation that will completely rewire how you think about wealth, ambition, and what “enough” actually means.He shares how fear—not ambition—drove him to work two full-time jobs at 19, save every dollar like the apocalypse was coming, and obsess over flashy cars as a way to feel worthy. They unpack why most people are playing the wrong financial game, why trying to “beat the market” backfires, and why some of the richest people you know still feel broke inside.Also: dating while broke, how having a kid ended his materialism overnight, and the one expensive gift he regrets buying to impress his now-wife.This is the money education you should’ve gotten—but probably didn’t. It’s about psychology, not spreadsheets. Scarcity, not flexing. And no, you’re not the only one faking it.💸✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF THE LIMITED-EDITION PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE ✨💸Chapters00:00 — Who is Morgan Housel?02:45 – Why everyone’s playing a different money game05:20 – Dropping out + the fear that made him save08:30 – What the guy with the yellow Ferrari taught him12:55 – How becoming a dad changed his financial goals15:00 – The most common investing mistake20:10 – The dumbest flex gift he ever bought23:40 – Talking money while dating in your 20s29:00 – His current investing strategy (it’s very boring)34:30 – How to stop chasing status and start building wealth🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniMorgan Housel🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn📲 Download the Phia app to start saving money: www.phia.comSubscribe to The Burnouts for exclusive conversations with today’s top founders and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by former Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, this isn’t just another founder podcast—it’s untold conversations and the unfiltered reality of what it takes to build your dream career in your 20s. Guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and more visionaries defining the brands—and blueprints—of our time. Whether you’re dreaming big or building now, these are the conversations that will show you how it’s done (and what no one else tells you).🔔 Subscribe now to get the blueprint for building your dream career Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Legend. Disruptor. Tech’s sharpest critic. Kara Swisher doesn’t just cover Silicon Valley—she holds it accountable.On this episode of The Burnouts, Kara sits down with Phoebe and Sophia for an unfiltered conversation about building a career on her own terms (and never waiting her turn). From calling out mistakes at The Washington Post as a college student to becoming the most feared interviewer in tech, Kara shares the bold decisions, brutal lessons, and behind-the-scenes power moves that shaped her journey.She gets real about the early days of tech reporting, navigating anti-gay and anti-women environments, the importance of always asking for more (and walking away if you don’t get it), and what it really takes to own your IP in a world built by and for powerful men.Plus: Why women need to ask for more (and not wait their “fucking turn”)Come for the stories about Steve Jobs, Elon, and Succession-style media drama—stay for Kara’s hard-won wisdom on surviving, thriving, and never selling yourself short.Also: why “fuck you money” only matters if you’re willing to use it.🕯️✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF THE PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE  ✨🕯️Chapters00:00 — Who is Kara Swisher?02:30 – Getting hired by criticizing The Washington Post06:00 – Losing her dad young & finding independence09:15 – Money mistakes and financial advice for women12:30 – Learning to negotiate, ask for more, and own her IP18:00 – Walking away from Dow Jones and the New York Times21:30 – Why power makes tech moguls weird27:00 – The shrinking world of billionaires and “cashmere prisons”29:00 – On grilling Zuckerberg, interviewing Jobs, and the point of journalism32:00 – Advice for building a career in media today35:00 – Kara’s blueprint: Be useful, be entertaining, be unique🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniKara Swisher🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn📲 Download the Phia appSubscribe to The Burnouts for exclusive conversations with today’s top founders and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by former Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, this isn’t just another founder podcast—it’s untold conversations and the unfiltered reality of what it takes to build your dream career in your 20s. Guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and more visionaries defining the brands—and blueprints—of our time. Whether you’re dreaming big or building now, these are the conversations that will show you how it’s done (and what no one else tells you).🔔 Subscribe now to get the blueprint for building your dream career Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Model, investor, activist, founder—Karlie Kloss has worn a lot of hats (and a lot of couture).In this episode of The Burnouts, Karlie sits down with Phoebe and Sophia to talk about what happens when your “dream job” turns into something more. From getting scouted at 13 and walking Dior at 15, to launching Kode With Klossy and acquiring i-D magazine, Karlie shares the real story behind the headlines—and how she’s used her platform to build power on her own terms.She opens up about early burnout, learning to trust her instincts, and the pressure of growing up in public. Plus: how she used brand deals to fund a coding nonprofit, why she angel invested in tampons, and what she’s learned about failure, focus, and building a career that actually lasts.Also: how she made $10k flying economy???🕯️✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF THE PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE ✨🕯️CHAPTERS00:00 — Who is Karlie Kloss?02:15 – Getting scouted at 1304:10 – Saving every dollar (even mid-Fashion Week)06:30 – Modeling as a means, not the end09:20 – Using social media as a business tool11:00 – Starting Kode With Klossy15:10 – Investing in women-led companies18:45 – Mistakes, pivots, and building something real24:00 – Why she uses her dinner parties to fund reproductive rights29:20 – Reimagining i-D for the next generation33:00 – Advice for young women entering fashion35:00 – Letting go of the pressure to have it all figured outFOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniKarlie Kloss🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn📲 Download the Phia app: www.phia.comSubscribe to The Burnouts for exclusive conversations with today’s top founders and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by former Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, this isn’t just another founder podcast—it’s untold conversations and the unfiltered reality of what it takes to build your dream career in your 20s. Guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and more visionaries defining the brands—and blueprints—of our time. Whether you’re dreaming big or building now, these are the conversations that will show you how it’s done (and what no one else tells you). 🔔 Subscribe now to get the blueprint for building your dream career Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
From teen drama star to angel investor, Sophia Bush joins Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni for an unfiltered conversation about building wealth, walking away from toxic systems, and making purpose profitable.In this episode of The Burnouts, Sophia reveals how a surprise $10,000 angel check into Uber kickstarted her investment journey—and how that single move led to millions. She opens up about the real economics of being a young actress, fighting for equal pay on One Tree Hill, and the dark side of working in Hollywood. Sophia also shares what it means to build power as a woman in business: launching inclusive salons, shaping the future of femtech, and helping fund America's first women-founded bank.She breaks down the difference between angel investing and venture, gives practical advice for women who want to build wealth without gatekeeping, and explains why doing good and doing well should never be mutually exclusive.Also: The best financial advice she’s ever received. 🕯️✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF YOUR ORDER ON THE LIMITED-EDITION PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE → https://go.shopmy.us/p-18806798 ✨🕯️ 🔍 CHAPTERS1:20 – From aspiring heart surgeon to unexpected actress6:45 – The economics of young Hollywood13:00 – Building an inclusive salon in Detroit17:20 – Investing in Uber with $10K20:45 – The power of sweat equity25:30 – Femtech, abortion access & why periods matter30:15 – Talking money without shame34:00 – The group chat every woman needs 🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniSophia Bush 🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagram TikTok LinkedIn📲 Download the Phia app to start saving money.Subscribe to The Burnouts for bold, raw interviews with the thinkers, athletes, and founders redefining ambition. Hosted by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni—former Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders—each episode dives into the unpolished truths of building a life and career that matters. This isn’t another founder podcast. It’s what building something in your 20s actually sounds like—unfiltered, in-progress, and a little bit chaotic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Heiress, icon, mogul, mom—and the original influencer.In this episode of The Burnouts, Paris Hilton gets real with Phoebe and Sophia about turning a catchphrase into a global brand, the pain behind her activism, and why being underestimated was her greatest advantage.She opens up about creating the “dumb blonde” persona as a form of power, testifying before Congress as a survivor, and why she believes angel numbers (and small-town nerds) are the secret to everything. Plus: what it’s like running 30 businesses, parenting with purpose, and building 11:11 Media to bring it all together.This isn’t the Paris Hilton you think you know.Also: DJ paychecks, ADHD superpowers, and how to spot a fragile man. 🕯️✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF YOUR ORDER ON THE LIMITED-EDITION PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE  ✨🕯️ 🔍 CHAPTERS1:45 – Inventing the “Paris Hilton” character5:00 – ADHD and the art of doing everything9:40 – Playing dumb, trademarking “That’s Hot”13:15 – From survivor to Capitol Hill18:00 – Why she’d never date a guy from LA20:45 – Paris' obsession with angel numbers24:00 – Advice for building a brand 🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniParis Hilton 🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedIn📲 Download the Phia app to start saving money: www.phia.comSubscribe to The Burnouts for bold, raw interviews with the thinkers, athletes, and founders redefining ambition. Hosted by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni—former Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders—each episode dives into the unpolished truths of building a life and career that matters. This isn’t another founder podcast. It’s what building something in your 20s actually sounds like—unfiltered, in-progress, and a little bit chaotic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
200,000 downloads. A tagline that finally made people “get it.” And a few hard lessons along the way.In this episode of The Burnouts, co-founders Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni unpack the marketing experiments that helped Phia find traction—from trial reels and creator guides to AI-generated scripts and TikTok reach campaigns. They share what worked, what didn’t, and what they’re still learning about building a brand from scratch.They also talk about the power of a clear metaphor (“Google Flights for fashion”), the pressure of launching on the same day as a major podcast appearance, and why community has been their most valuable asset.Also: how Kris Jenner got involved...📲 Download the Phia app to start saving money: www.phia.com🕯️✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF YOUR ORDER ON THE LIMITED-EDITION PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE → https://go.shopmy.us/p-18806798 ✨🕯🔍 CHAPTERS2:00 – Launching Phia the same day as Call Her Daddy6:20 – Trial Reels: our low-cost growth engine8:45 – Our best-performing hook11:15 – TikTok flops, LinkedIn wins, and why Substack matters13:10 – The hack to community-building15:00 – How we use AI to write scripts that work17:30 – The SEO agency mistake we won’t make again19:10 – The "special sauce" in a marketing hire🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia Kianni🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedInSubscribe to The Burnouts for exclusive conversations with today’s top founders and culture-shaping entrepreneurs. Hosted by former Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, this isn’t just another founder podcast—it’s untold conversations and the unfiltered reality of what it takes to build your dream career in your 20s.Guests include Paris Hilton, Chelsea Handler, Kris Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and more visionaries defining the brands—and blueprints—of our time. Whether you’re dreaming big or building now, these are the conversations that will show you how it’s done (and what no one else tells you).🔔 Subscribe now to get the blueprint for building your dream career Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Olympic gold, Ivy League brains, supermodel looks—and still figuring it out.In this episode of The Burnouts, Olympic gold medalist, model, and Stanford student Eileen Gu joins Phoebe and Sophia for an unfiltered conversation about ambition, identity, and what happens after you’ve seemingly “made it.”Eileen opens up about her post-Olympic burnout, learning to sit with stillness after injury, and the pressure of being young, female, and hyper-visible on the world stage. From negotiating brand deals at 13 to being grilled about geopolitics at 18, she reflects on the emotional toll of public scrutiny—and the freedom of learning to define success on her own terms.She also shares how fashion gave her a new language for femininity, what solo travel taught her about self-worth, and why she’ll never apologize for being “the nerd who does everyone’s homework.” Also: the difference between a high-quality man and a fragile ego.  🕯️✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF YOUR ORDER ON OUR LIMITED-EDITION PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE ✨🕯️  CHAPTERS2:10 – Post-Olympic depression is real4:45 – How she accidentally went pro6:55 – Negotiating for yourself, even if you're scared10:40 – Walking Victoria’s Secret and staying true to your values13:15 – Becoming a cultural bridge—not picking a side17:35 – Why smart women scare fragile men26:00 – Glorifying suffering is not a flex28:55 – Nerd alert: physics made her a better skier35:40 – Injury, identity, and learning to rest FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniEileen Gu FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagram TikTokLinkedIn 📲 Download the Phia app to start saving money: www.phia.com Subscribe to The Burnouts for bold, raw interviews with the thinkers, athletes, and founders redefining ambition. Hosted by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni—former Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders—each episode dives into the unpolished truths of building a life and career that matters. This isn’t another founder podcast. It’s what building something in your 20s actually sounds like—unfiltered, in-progress, and a little bit chaotic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What if your side hustle made you a millionaire—and taught millions of women how to become one too?In this episode of The Burnouts, Vivian Tu (@Your.RichBFF) joins Phoebe and Sophia to unpack the story behind her Wall Street-to-TikTok glow-up, the money myths that hold women back, and how she’s rewriting financial literacy for a new generation.Vivian opens up about surviving workplace racism, being your office’s unofficial 401(k) whisperer, and building a media empire that started with one viral video—and became a New York Times bestselling book, a chart-topping podcast, and a full-time career.She also shares the real talk behind her relationship: who paid more rent, how German cockroaches accidentally fast-tracked her move-in, and why every couple should go on “dessert walks.”Also: the genius trick to automating your savings without even thinking about it.❤️✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF YOUR ORDER ON THE LIMITED-EDITION PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE  ✨❤️🔍 CHAPTERS1:02 – Why dating gets harder when women get more successful4:55 – How to actually budget (no spreadsheets, no shame)8:00 – What to do with your first paycheck13:50 – Getting pushed out of Wall Street—and finding a new path18:20 – When to quit your job for your side hustle30:55 – Talking about money in relationships (without making it weird) 🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniVivian Tu🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedin 📖 Read Rich AF🎧 Listen to Networth and Chill📲 Download the Phia app to start saving money Subscribe to The Burnouts for exclusive interviews with the thinkers, founders, and creatives shaping culture and business today. As former Stanford roommates turned startup co-founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni bring rare access and real curiosity to every guest—cutting through the noise to get to what actually matters. It’s not just another founder podcast. This is what building in your 20s really looks like—unscripted, in-progress, and surprisingly honest. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
❤️✨ USE CODE "BURNOUTS15" FOR 15% OFF YOUR ORDER ON THE LIMITED-EDITION PHLUR X THE BURNOUTS CANDLE  ✨❤️What if heartbreak was the beginning of your empire?In this episode of The Burnouts, entrepreneur and creative director Chriselle Lim sits down with Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni to unpack how she went from TikTok’s “rich mom” to co-owning Phlur, a $100M+ fragrance brand.From the ashes of burnout and divorce, Chriselle rebuilt her life—and helped reshape how fragrance is built, branded, and sold. She shares the story behind Missing Person (the perfume with a 250K waitlist that changed everything) and how reinvention became her real superpower. Also: the bamboo tree metaphor that will stick with you forever.📲 Download the Phia app to start saving → www.join.phia.com🔗 FOLLOW USPhoebe GatesSophia KianniChriselle LimPhlur🔥 FOLLOW THE BURNOUTSInstagramTikTokLinkedin 📲 Download the Phia app to start saving money while you shop today.About The BurnoutsAs former Stanford roommates turned startup founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni are building more than a business—they’re building a bold new conversation. The Burnouts dives into the chaos of creation, covering everything from personal reinvention and product meltdowns to friendship, finances, and fear. With top guests like Kris Jenner, Danielle Guizio, and Whitney Wolfe Herd, this is your behind-the-scenes playbook for building on your own terms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What if your first investment was a $400 tax refund and a tape measure? In this episode of The Burnouts, fashion founder Danielle Guizio sits down with Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni to talk about turning side hustles into global brands, learning leadership the hard way, and why your iPhone might be your most powerful marketing tool.Danielle opens up about recovering from surgery, walking garbage bags of orders to USPS, and getting duped on TikTok. She shares the strategy behind her $2M Black Friday breakthrough, why she still fits every sample herself, and how she built a viral fashion empire with no design experience, no car, and no connections—just a deep belief that she could figure it out.Also: negotiating in Chinatown at 13, selling out with zero ads, and what she really looks for in a résumé (hint: it’s not your school).Chapters1:10 – $400, no car, and a dream5:45 – Getting duped and going viral anyway10:12 – Negotiation school and hiring red flags13:48 – Why she still works the retail floor16:00 – Instagram as your magazine21:35 – How she got Kylie Jenner and Dua Lipa in her clothes24:18 – What she actually looks for in a hire28:55 – Advice for every girl with a side hustleFollow usPhoebe GatesSophia KianniDanielle Guizio & the Guizio brandFollow The BurnoutsInstagramTikTokLinkedinSubscribe for more raw, unfiltered convos with iconic leaders, founders, and disruptors who are building what’s next (and burning down what’s not).📲 Download the Phia app to start saving money at www.join.phia.comAbout The BurnoutsAs former Stanford roommates turned startup founders, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni are building more than a business—they’re building a bold new conversation. The Burnouts dives into the chaos of creation, covering everything from VC pitches and product meltdowns to friendship, finance, and fear. With top guests like Danielle Guizio, Kris Jenner, and Whitney Wolfe Herd, this is your behind-the-scenes playbook for building on your own terms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What if the next billion-dollar startup isn’t built by 1,000 employees—but by 30, powered by AI? In this episode of The Burnouts, Bumble founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd sits down with Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni to talk about building lean, trusting your gut, burning out, and why she believes AI will totally reshape how companies scale.Whitney opens up about hiring mistakes that nearly broke Bumble, the myth of hustle culture, why listening to “grown-ups in suits” set her back, and how legacy tech is holding companies hostage. She shares her evolved vision for Bumble, her personal burnout recovery, and why she now swears by smaller teams, smarter tech, and protecting your energy like it’s cash.Also: surprise-and-delight growth hacks, ego death, and what she really thinks about ROI-driven marketing.Chapters1:02 – She built Bumble. But at what cost?5:11 – Why hiring “adults in suits” backfired8:42 – Scaling smart: fewer people, better results13:08 – AI, apps, and the future of building16:30 – Burnout, ego death, and coming back stronger22:14 – Bumble’s early growth hacks (inflatable bees, anyone?)27:49 – Friendship-first is the next dating revolution30:45 – Mentorship, motherhood & knowing when to say noFollow us:Phoebe GatesSophia KianniWhitney Wolfe HerdFollow The Burnouts:InstagramLinkedinTikTokSubscribe for more raw, unfiltered convos with iconic women and disruptors who are building what’s next—and burning down what’s not.Download the Phia app to start saving money at www.join.phia.comAbout The BurnoutsAs former Stanford roommates and now business partners, Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni share their experience as startup founders and the chaos of building something new—covering everything from pitching VCs to maintaining friendships, decoding financial literacy, and finding power in female-driven storytelling. With candid conversations and top guests (like Kris Jenner and Sara Blakely), The Burnouts is your go-to for smart, hilarious, and sometimes chaotic advice on how to build your career on your own terms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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