Founder's Story

Shalin Shah joins Founder’s Story to explain why declining testosterone levels represent a global health crisis and how outdated myths, regulations, and delivery methods have held back effective treatment. He shares the science behind testosterone as a core metabolic hormone, the FDA approval of KYZATREX, and why oral therapy marks a paradigm shift in how men (and women) can age healthier, longer lives. Key Discussion Points:Shalin explains how testosterone sits at the foundation of metabolic health, influencing the brain, heart, muscle, bone, and even cellular energy. He breaks down the biggest myths around testosterone, including fears about heart attacks and prostate cancer, and explains why modern clinical data has disproven them. The conversation also explores why injections fail to match the body’s natural hormone rhythm and how oral therapy better mirrors daily physiology. Finally, Shalin discusses why consumer-driven healthcare and telemedicine are accelerating access to testing and treatment. Takeaways:This episode reframes testosterone replacement therapy as a legitimate, evidence-backed medical intervention rather than a stigmatized shortcut. Shalin emphasizes that testing is the first step, education is critical, and hormonal health must be layered on top of sleep, diet, stress management, and exercise. His core message is clear: testosterone therapy isn’t about chasing youth, it’s about restoring health, vitality, and longevity. Closing Thoughts:Shalin Shah’s perspective challenges decades of misinformation and positions testosterone as one of the most powerful biomarkers of overall health. This conversation invites listeners to rethink aging, advocate for better testing, and consider how modern medicine can help add life to years, not just years to life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Founder’s Story, Daniel Robbins sits down with Manoj Gupta to unpack why modern hiring fails so often and how AI agents are reshaping how companies evaluate talent. Manoj explains how ACHNET’s AI agent, iJupiter, unifies resumes, interviews, and assessments into a single system that helps leaders make clearer, faster, and less biased hiring decisions. Key Discussion Points Manoj breaks down the real hiring disaster most companies ignore: nearly half of employees leave within one to two years because they were never the right fit to begin with. He explains how fragmented systems, gut instinct, and rushed decisions force leaders to stitch together incomplete signals under pressure, creating costly mis-hires. ACHNET was built to solve this by designing hiring around clarity first, not speed or volume. The conversation dives into how AI agents conduct structured interviews, evaluate candidates consistently, and rank talent objectively while keeping humans in control of the final decision. Manoj argues that AI doesn’t remove the human element but removes inconsistency, fatigue, and bias from early-stage evaluation. The result is faster hiring without sacrificing quality, and a level playing field for candidates who would otherwise be filtered out. Takeaways Manoj reframes the future of hiring as a mindset shift rather than a technology shift, where clarity replaces time as the marker of quality. He explains why speed and quality are no longer trade-offs when evaluation is designed correctly from the start. For candidates, honesty and evidence of real outcomes matter more than resume fluff in an AI-evaluated world. The episode makes a compelling case that AI agents will not replace humans in hiring but will fundamentally change how humans make decisions. Closing Thoughts This episode offers a rare inside look at how AI agents are already transforming enterprise hiring from the ground up. Manoj’s perspective challenges long-held assumptions about interviews, resumes, and decision-making, pointing toward a future where people are placed where they actually belong. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Founder’s Story episode, Dr. Robert Lustig connects the dots between physical illness, mental health disorders, and societal unrest, arguing they all stem from a single neurological breakdown. He introduces the concept of the “hostage brain,” explaining how chronic stress, dopamine overload, and environmental changes have disabled the brain’s natural brakes, leaving the amygdala in a constant state of threat. Key Discussion Points Dr. Robert Lustig explains that today’s physical illness, mental health disorders, and societal breakdown are not separate crises but the result of a single neurological failure centered in the brain’s fear system. He introduces the concept of the “hostage brain,” where chronic stress and dopamine overload keep the amygdala permanently activated, destroying resilience and emotional regulation. According to Lustig, the four natural brakes on fear—reasoning, memory, intuition, and social safety—are all failing at once due to modern environmental forces. The conversation explores how ultra processed food, social media, and profit-driven technology amplify cortisol and dopamine while depleting serotonin, leaving people anxious, reactive, and disconnected. Lustig distinguishes pleasure from happiness, arguing that real well-being comes from connection, purpose, and service rather than stimulation or consumption. Takeaways This episode reframes mental illness and societal unrest as biological outcomes of environmental design rather than personal failure. Chronic dopamine stimulation lowers serotonin, increases stress damage, and erodes resilience. True happiness cannot be purchased, consumed, or scrolled into existence—it is built through connection, purpose, service, mindfulness, sleep, movement, and real food. Lustig emphasizes that purpose must extend beyond profit, stress must be actively reduced, and human connection must be restored if individuals and societies are to heal. Awareness is the first step, because problems cannot be solved until they are properly understood. Closing Thoughts Dr. Lustig’s message is clear: the crisis is not who we are, but what we have built around ourselves. Healing the brain requires changing the environment, not numbing the symptoms. This conversation challenges listeners to rethink pleasure, technology, success, and connection—and to reclaim the conditions that allow humans to thrive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this recorded episode of Founder’s Story, Aurora Winter joins Daniel Robbins to deliver a masterclass on storytelling, neuroscience, and why the right words at the right time can change the trajectory of a business, a book, or an entire career. Key Discussion Points Aurora shares the moment she realized storytelling wasn’t a “nice-to-have” but a revenue-defining skill—when seven carefully chosen words took a business from stalled to $3 million in a single week. She explains how the brain processes messages in three stages, why most founders mistakenly start with logic, and how pattern interrupts capture attention without triggering fear. The conversation explores why stories sell while data merely informs, how credibility and authority function neurologically, and why books, podcasts, and YouTube are becoming critical legacy assets as AI reshapes discovery. Aurora also dives into imposter syndrome, fame versus service, myth-busting as a messaging tool, and why practicing your message may be the highest-ROI activity a founder can do. Takeaways This episode reveals that attention isn’t disappearing—it’s becoming more selective. Founders who lead with emotion, story, and clarity outperform those who rely on features and facts. Messaging must first hook the reptilian brain, then establish social proof and authority, before delivering substance. Books function as intellectual passports that unlock stages, media, and trust. Story structure is not fluff—it is strategy. And ultimately, the most powerful messages emerge when founders shift the spotlight away from themselves and onto the people they serve. Closing Thoughts Aurora Winter reminds us that businesses don’t fail because ideas are weak—they fail because the message never lands. In an era where anyone can create content, the founders who win will be the ones who choose their words with intention, practice relentlessly, and understand that a single message can quietly change everything. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seth Casden joins Founder’s Story to explain how Hologenix is delivering health and wellness through everyday textiles, why infrared science took years to gain acceptance, and how building a meaningful company requires patience, humility, and a long-term mindset. Key Discussion Points Seth explains how CELLiant technology captures the body’s natural heat and converts it into infrared energy that re-enters the body to improve circulation and recovery. He walks through the early skepticism around infrared and photobiomodulation, why scientific validation mattered more than hype, and how adoption accelerated as biohacking and longevity gained mainstream attention. The conversation also explores Seth’s personal experiences using the technology for injury recovery, sleep improvement, and even animal health—highlighting the absence of placebo effects. On the business side, Seth shares why Hologenix shifted from pure licensing to direct-to-consumer, the importance of controlling the narrative, and the leadership lessons learned from building multiple companies over decades. Takeaways This episode reinforces that real wellness breakthroughs often come from applying science quietly and consistently rather than chasing trends. Seth emphasizes that success in entrepreneurship is less about avoiding failure and more about maintaining perspective, resilience, and integrity. Separating personal identity from business outcomes allows founders to endure setbacks without losing momentum. The future of health, Seth argues, lies in integrating wellness into daily life seamlessly—without requiring people to change who they are or how they live. Closing Thoughts Seth Casden’s journey shows that longevity—both personal and professional—is built through patience, curiosity, and commitment to real value. As wellness technology evolves, the most powerful innovations may be the ones working invisibly in the background, improving lives while people sleep, move, and live their everyday routines. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amanda Marino shares her journey from child runway model and hip hop music video dancer to addiction, recovery, and ultimately founding Next Level Recovery Associates, a global concierge recovery service helping individuals and families navigate addiction, mental health, and trauma with privacy and care. Key Discussion Points Amanda Marino reflects on the contrast between early fame in the entertainment industry and the darker realities that followed, including sexualization, childhood trauma, and substance abuse. She shares how becoming a mother forced her to confront addiction, sobriety, and the identity shift that came with recovery, grief, and physical changes. The conversation explores her transition from performer to recovery professional, including her work on Intervention and why authenticity and boundaries matter when helping people in crisis. Amanda also explains how COVID accelerated both mental health challenges globally and the growth of Next Level Recovery Associates, built on customized, private, and service-driven care. Takeaways Amanda’s story shows that recovery is not a straight line and success without healing is unsustainable. True resilience comes from sitting with pain rather than bypassing it. Entrepreneurship, especially in service-based businesses, thrives when it solves a real and urgent need rather than a personal desire. Healing personal trauma can unlock the ability to help others at scale, and legacy is built not through fame but through integrity, presence, and impact on family and community. Closing Thoughts This episode is a reminder that transformation doesn’t erase the past. It integrates it. Amanda Marino’s journey proves that when healing becomes the mission, business success can follow in ways that are deeper, more meaningful, and far more enduring than fame alone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Devain Doolaramani shares how Friends In Reality evolved into a next-generation digital talent management company, representing elite creators like Brooke Monk while helping creators transition from brand deals to long-term, scalable businesses. Drawing from years inside the creator economy, he explains why digital creators have replaced traditional celebrities in the eyes of younger audiences and how that shift is reshaping marketing, commerce, and influence. Key Discussion Points Devane breaks down how celebrity has shifted from red carpets to phone screens, explaining why Gen Z recognizes TikTokers and YouTubers more than traditional actors. He shares why creators don’t need massive followings to launch successful products—only a deeply connected core audience—and why trust is built through engagement, not fame. The conversation explores the two-year process of building Brooke Monk’s upcoming product, emphasizing quality, storytelling, and patience over rushed launches. Devane also reveals how creators should think like operators, not influencers, expanding beyond platforms into real businesses. He closes by explaining why LinkedIn has become an unexpected but powerful channel for creators to build credibility, partnerships, and long-term value. Takeaways Creators are businesses, not just personalities. Trust and community drive sales more than audience size. The best creator brands come from products creators genuinely use. Digital talent has surpassed traditional celebrities in influence for younger generations. Long-term success comes from thinking beyond platforms and building real companies. Closing Thoughts This episode highlights a quiet but massive shift happening in real time: creators are no longer just marketing tools—they’re founders, operators, and brand builders. As Devane shows, the future belongs to those who treat influence as infrastructure, not attention, and who build with intention rather than chasing quick wins. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Founder’s Story, Daniel sits down with Stanford’s Dr. David Spiegel to unpack hypnosis with a level of clarity most people have never heard. Dr. Spiegel explains why hypnosis is not a loss of control, but an increase in control, and walks through the three core components that make it work. They explore how hypnosis differs from meditation, how it can help with stress and insomnia in real time, and the brain science that shows what changes during hypnosis. Dr. Spiegel also shares the origin story that made him commit his career to hypnosis, including a first patient experience that worked so fast it shocked an entire hospital. Key Discussion Points: Daniel and Dr. Spiegel unpack the biggest misconception about hypnosis, explaining why it is not a loss of control but a way to enhance it through focused attention, dissociation, and the ability to try being different. Dr. Spiegel contrasts hypnosis with meditation, highlighting why hypnosis works faster for people with racing minds and high stress. They explore how hypnosis can help break habits by focusing on what you are for rather than what you are fighting against, including real-world examples with smoking, stress, and eating behaviors. The conversation also dives into sleep, showing how calming the body first can quiet the mind and interrupt anxiety loops. Dr. Spiegel closes by explaining the brain science behind hypnosis, including how it turns down the internal alarm system and restores a sense of control. Takeaways: Hypnosis is not mind control, it is a trainable skill for better self control. The three pillars are focused attention, dissociation from unhelpful sensations and thoughts, and the ability to try being different by quieting rigid self narratives. For habit change, focus on what you are for, not what you are against, and use intermittent positive reinforcement by making choices that create immediate self respect rather than deprivation. For stress and sleep, start from the body up, calm the fight or flight response, and create distance from your worries by placing them on an imaginary screen. Brain imaging supports these experiences by showing reduced threat signaling and increased executive control during hypnosis. Closing Thoughts: This episode reframes hypnosis as a practical tool you can use in minutes, especially when stress is peaking and your mind feels impossible to quiet. Dr. Spiegel’s approach makes the science accessible, the techniques usable, and the impact feel immediate. If you have ever struggled with sleep, anxiety, pain, or habits, this conversation offers a way to regain control using a skill your brain already has. Use code FOUNDER20 for 20% off yearly or lifetime access to Reveri https://reverihealth.app.link/founder Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Founder's Story conversation, Peter Ashton breaks down the science, strategy, and soul behind Veyra—a trading platform designed to close the wealth gap by giving everyday people the same predictive tools that have been exclusive to Wall Street's elite for decades. Through personal stories of transition, loss, discovery, and a bold vision for 2026, Peter reveals why the future of trading isn't about chasing algorithms—it's about understanding the mathematical laws that govern markets. Key Discussion Points: Peter distinguishes mathematical intelligence from AI—while AI predicts based on patterns, mathematical intelligence uses unchanging laws to compress data and project market outcomes with remarkable accuracy. He discovered a NASA scientist who modified 1980s aerospace missile identification systems for trading, and after initially losing money, learned traders simply want automation or clear buy/sell signals. Veyra's unconventional structure includes 9-10 co-founders (including a CEO who raised $130 billion) united by making "the unwealthy wealthy," and six months in they've built a distribution network of 550,000 subscribers positioning them for billion-dollar valuation with just 15-20,000 customers at $499/month. Peter reveals all major financial firms still run on 1965 infrastructure, creating massive opportunity for Veyra's modern "rails" built for algorithmic trading. Takeaways: Mathematical intelligence operates on unchanging laws rather than probabilities, offering higher accuracy than pattern-based AI. The most powerful technology isn't always new—1980s NASA systems become more relevant with modern computing power. Strategic partnerships and distribution channels accelerate growth faster than traditional lead generation when targeting underserved markets. The simplest products win: complexity is the enemy of adoption when people just want clear signals or full automation. Closing Thoughts: Peter Ashton proves revolutionary disruption doesn't require brand new technology—it's about reimagining proven systems for different markets. With nine co-founders who spent careers making the rich richer now united to make the unwealthy wealthy, Veyra represents a fundamental shift toward democratized wealth-building tools. As AI competition intensifies, focusing on mathematical foundations rather than trendy algorithms may prove prescient. The question isn't whether the technology works—it's whether people will embrace institutional-level trading intelligence now available at their fingertips. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Founder’s Story conversation, John Yirku shares the realities of first responder life—the trauma that accumulates silently, the memories that haunt long after the sirens fade, and the emotional cost families often bear without ever being asked. Through personal stories, including the moment he realized he wasn’t okay, John explains why communication is the lifeline to healing and how his four-pillar system helps responders reconnect with themselves and the people they love. Key Discussion Points: John begins by breaking down the biggest misconception about first responders: the public sees the action, but never the aftermath. He explains how trauma “stacks” over years when responders refuse to talk, believing vulnerability is weakness. John reflects on the moment he drifted into a traumatic flashback while playing with his grandson—an experience that forced him to confront how trauma impacts not only responders but their families. He shares how communication with his wife, who also served, became a critical part of their healing and partnership. John outlines his four pillars—Recognize, Reach Out, Respond, Rebuild—and tells stories from the field, including saving a coworker’s life and the silence that often speaks louder than words. He also discusses why he wrote his book and why first responders must learn to say “I’m not okay” without shame. Takeaways: John’s message is clear: responding to trauma is not weakness, it’s survival. Healing begins with recognizing emotional changes, reaching out before the weight becomes unbearable, and allowing others in. Communication saves relationships, presence heals unseen wounds, and vulnerability creates connection. First responders aren’t just allowed to ask for help—they must. And the lessons apply to anyone carrying heavy emotional burdens, uniform or not. Closing Thoughts: John’s story is a powerful reminder that bravery is not just running into danger—it’s the courage to face what comes afterward. His work and his book offer a path forward for first responders and families searching for hope, connection, and understanding in the moments when the sirens finally stop. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stuart White traces We Are Our World’s origin to a powerful scene on a Hawaiian beach that reframed how he thinks about access, dignity, and everyday generosity. He explains how WAOW’s model works (discounted products + automatic donations), why trust matters (Forbes Top 100 rotation each December), and how transparent cashback and referrals can turn giving into a repeatable habit. Key Discussion Points: The spark: watching a young, wheelchair-bound child light up when he touched the ocean—and realizing many want to help but lack an easy on-ramp. Stuart connects that emotion to a practical system: shoppers buy brand-name goods at a discount; WAOW donates 5–10% of the price to the customer’s chosen charity, with no added cost to the buyer. He highlights why simplicity beats guilt and why using the Forbes Top 100 list builds credibility without forcing shoppers to research nonprofits. On the ops side, he shares brand appetite for new sales channels, the plan to expand product categories, and how WAOW’s cashback (bank transfer allowed) and referral (earn up to ~10%) mechanics keep people returning—because the more you shop, the more is donated. He reframes “greed is good” into “a side hustle with a heart”: creators and everyday buyers can earn while amplifying impact. Stuart closes with a holiday promo and a custom Founder’s Story code to reward your audience and funnel more dollars to charity. Takeaways: Impact scales when it’s frictionless: remove cost from the giver, add trust to the destination, and people will participate. Curation matters—tying donations to an authoritative list lowers decision fatigue. Transparency builds momentum (let shoppers withdraw cashback, don’t lock them in). Growth is a function of story + simplicity: make the act of giving indistinguishable from a normal purchase, and you can turn thousands of casual shoppers into a sustainable funding engine for top charities. Closing Thoughts: WAOW’s pitch is disarmingly simple: shop like normal, and money moves to causes—automatically. If more founders designed profit engines that default to giving, we’d normalize impact as part of everyday commerce, not an afterthought. Special Offer for Founder Story Listeners: Shop on We Are Our World, post about your purchase on social media, write a review, and receive a 5% Founder Story coupon code for your next order—saving you a total of 15% while supporting charity. Use this link: weareourworld.com/ref/@foundersstory1 to enter the site and ensure that you recieve the coupon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Founder’s Story episode, Eric Bellinger dives deep into the early roots of his career, from recording voicemail songs for friends to becoming one of the most respected artists and songwriters in R&B. He shares stories from the studio, life on tour, how TikTok and AI are reshaping music, and why staying humble keeps him grounded while performing worldwide. Key Discussion Points: Eric opens up about his upbringing in church, how faith shaped his ambition, and the wild origin story of being discovered through a friend’s answering machine. He reflects on nostalgia, virality, and why artists focus too much on numbers instead of getting in front of the right person. Eric talks openly about the resurgence of R&B, his experience touring with Jagged Edge and Lloyd, and what it feels like hearing his songs played in public. He breaks down the difference between performing vs. writing hits, the global evolution of music, his creative chemistry with legends like Chris Brown, and the emotional connection with fans. He also speaks on fame, humility, the business of modern music, and how collaborations, shows, brand deals, and features create real financial freedom for artists today. Takeaways: Eric emphasizes that virality isn’t everything — one right person can change your life. He urges artists to focus on craft, ownership, and understanding their contracts. Success comes from relentless consistency, global thinking, and staying open to technology like social media and AI. He reminds creators to stay humble, be present with fans, plant seeds internationally, and take full responsibility for their careers rather than finding someone to blame. Above all, the journey is spiritual, personal, and fueled by gratitude. Closing Thoughts: Eric’s story is a reminder that roots matter, faith matters, and authenticity always wins. His perspective blends wisdom, humility, and hard-earned lessons that every artist and entrepreneur can learn from. This conversation will leave listeners inspired, nostalgic, and ready to dream bigger. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nicolas Bivero, CEO & Co-Founder of Penbrothers, breaks down the biggest misconceptions founders have about outsourcing and reveals why global teams only succeed when built with intention, clarity, and cultural intelligence. With 20+ years scaling ventures across Asia — including nearly a decade building companies for a 170-year-old Japanese multinational — Nicolas shares the hidden realities of building distributed teams, the human challenges behind remote work, and the mindset required to retain world-class talent at scale. Key Discussion Points: Nicolas explains how outsourcing has shifted from “cheap labor abroad” to a strategic superpower — but only for founders who truly understand the roles they’re hiring for and the cultural dynamics that go with them. He stresses why outsourcing fails when founders just want “a warm body,” and why clarity, structure, and expectations matter more than cost savings. Nicolas details the Hypercare Framework — bridging cultural gaps between founders and Filipino talent — and how companies collapse when they underestimate the human side of remote work. He also shares his early career story: moving to Japan for martial arts, unexpectedly joining a Japanese corporation, and being the only foreigner in the entire company with zero guidance on day one. That journey eventually brought him to the Philippines, where he discovered extraordinary untapped talent and built Penbrothers into a 5,000+ team operation. Nicolas opens up about the challenges of scaling — from lacking coworking spaces in 2014 to handling remote teams across far-flung islands — and how weak infrastructure, power outages, and typhoons create real-world obstacles most founders never plan for. Takeaways: Outsourcing only works when founders understand the role, the expected outcomes, and the cultural nuances required to onboard talent effectively. Without clarity, remote teams fail quickly. With the right partner, global hiring becomes a competitive advantage — unlocking better skills, better time-zone coverage, and a better cost structure. Nicolas emphasizes that Filipino talent is deeply underestimated globally; behind the stereotypes lies a diverse, highly educated workforce capable of powering some of the world’s fastest-growing companies. He also highlights a bigger mission: how creating meaningful, well-paid jobs in the Philippines can change entire families and communities for generations — allowing people to stay home, avoid migration, and build a life with dignity and opportunity. Closing Thoughts: Nicolas Bivero’s story is a reminder that global teams succeed not because of cost, but because of culture, clarity, and long-term commitment. Outsourcing is not a shortcut — it’s a strategy, and when done right, it transforms not only companies, but lives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Daniel and Kate sit down with Dr. Roman Yampolskiy, one of the world’s leading researchers on AI safety, superintelligence, and the existential risks no one in Silicon Valley wants to talk about. His work has been featured by BBC, MSNBC, New Scientist, and dozens of global outlets — and his message is simple: we are racing toward something we don’t understand. Roman explains why today’s AI models already outperform top PhDs, why governments are pushing for speed over safety, and why the next generation of AI might quietly outgrow human control long before anyone notices. This is not sci-fi. This is the inside view from someone who has spent two decades studying how intelligent systems break, behave, and escape oversight. He also shares the personal story behind his obsession with AI risk, how he rose from an immigrant student to a world authority, and why fame has become a “productivity curse” for researchers sounding the alarm. Key Discussion Points: Roman opens with the truth that underpins his entire career: the people building AI don’t actually understand how it works — and they’re not slowing down. He explains how the U.S. government conflated “AI safety” with political correctness topics, entirely missing the existential-risk conversation and accelerating the race with no guardrails. He breaks down why “losing control” won’t look dramatic — the world may appear normal for years as a superintelligence quietly secures resources, learns human behavior, and waits. He explains why AI trained on human data inherits not only our brilliance but our flaws, why Sam Altman understands the risks but can’t slow down, and why AGI is already partially here depending on your definition. Roman dives into job loss, economic abundance, and whether anyone should still go to college. He shares how AI agents differ from tools, why they’re inherently dangerous, and the real threat behind humanoid robots (hint: it’s not their physical bodies). He explores global competition between the U.S. and China, the inevitability of AGI’s rise, and why cooperation is never as simple as people imagine. Daniel steers the conversation into Roman’s personal journey — the sci-fi spark that led him into AI, how cybersecurity pulled him into safety research, and why rising fame has actually damaged his productivity. Roman reveals the bizarre messages he gets from conspiracy theorists and explains the ethical nightmare ahead: If AI becomes conscious, do we owe it rights? Takeaways: Humanity is racing toward a future it doesn’t fully comprehend. While AI may create abundance, cure disease, and automate nearly every job, it also introduces unprecedented existential risks — ones we are not structurally or politically prepared for. Roman emphasizes that controlling superintelligence remains an unsolved problem, and failing to solve it could make humans “irrelevant by default.” Yet he remains hopeful: with enough time and caution, we can still build systems that elevate humanity instead of replacing it. Closing Thoughts: Roman’s wisdom lands as both a warning and a call for clarity. The future of AI isn’t just about innovation — it’s about survival, alignment, and responsibility. And in a world sprinting toward intelligence we can’t undo, voices like his are not optional — they’re essential. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff explains how Promescent grew from a single PE treatment pioneered by Dr Ronald Gilbert into a full spectrum sexual wellness brand trusted by physicians and consumers. We unpack the medical data behind PE, the credibility strategy that won over leading urologists, and the retail playbook that carried Promescent from Target to national footprint. Key Discussion Points:Jeff recounts meeting Dr Gilbert, trying the product, investing, and then stepping in after Dr Gilbert’s death with a mission to give him a lasting legacy and provide for his family who retain twenty percent of the company. He outlines universal CEO traits, passion, work ethic, and listening to customers, that translated from semiconductors to sexual wellness. Jeff distinguishes clinical PE from recreational use cases and introduces the arousal or orgasm gap, noting men average about six minutes of penetration while women often need about eighteen, which informed a dual track strategy, medical and mainstream intimacy. He details Promescent’s credibility moat, IRB certified trials, endorsements from leaders in sexual medicine, and heavy physician sampling to overcome fears of transfer and numbing. We discuss stigma, why PE is often physiological rather than purely mental, and how porn driven expectations distort reality for young people. Jeff explains the constraints of marketing intimacy products on major platforms and how that pushed the team toward education, expert voices, and retail execution. He walks through the shelf by shelf grind that started with Target, then expanded to Walmart, CVS, Wegmans, HEB, and Meijer, plus a broadened product line of lubes, supplements, and devices built from direct customer feedback. Finally, Jeff shares the plan to partner with a billion dollar strategic to scale distribution, his commitment to remain an advocate post exit, and the emails from customers that prove the human impact. Takeaways:Clinical credibility compounds, real trials and named physician advocates create a defensible edge that advertising cannot buy. Listening beats guessing, product roadmaps built from patient, partner, and clinician feedback travel faster than founder intuition alone. Define segments clearly, serve both clinical PE and enhancement seekers with different messages that meet the same outcome, better intimacy for both partners. Normalize the conversation, reduce shame by naming the physiology and resetting expectations that have been warped by porn, then teach technique and tools that actually help. Distribution is a milestone not a finish line, getting on the shelf is step one, outperforming and expanding facings is where brands are made. Closing Thoughts:This is a founder story about purpose, promise, and proof. If you or a partner struggle in silence, know there are science backed options and a growing community of clinicians who can help. Learn more at Promescent and explore the education resources Jeff’s team has built to make intimate wellness accessible and effective. Special Viewer Access: Tap the link below for an exclusive Promescent discount curated for our audience. https://www.promescent.com/founders15 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Founder’s Story episode, Daniel sits down with Dr. Mark Sherwood of The Functional Medical Institute, one of the nation’s most respected longevity and wellness doctors. Dr. Sherwood takes us through a remarkable life journey — from being an adopted kid no one believed in, to becoming a professional baseball player, to risking his life daily on SWAT operations, to now leading a global movement helping people live to 120 with strength, clarity, and purpose. Key Discussion Points: This episode begins with Mark unpacking why longevity has become a cultural obsession — and how the trauma of recent years has forced society to confront death in a way we never have before. Drawing from years of studying human biology, ancient records, and current data, he explains why humans should be able to live to 120, and why our healthspan is collapsing far earlier than it should. Mark breaks down the three pillars of true longevity straight from the transcript:• Eat intentionally — real food, nutrient-dense, information-rich, not calorie-rich• Move purposely — daily movement as medicine, “the only day you shouldn’t move is the day you’re dead”• Live at peace — eliminating chronic stress, disconnection, negativity, and reclaiming hope He shares deeply personal stories from his time on SWAT — including witnessing death in front of him — and how those moments reshaped his beliefs about fragility, purpose, and the urgency of healing. One of the most powerful moments is Mark recalling his mother’s suicide and how it taught him that most battles are internal, not physical. This experience shaped his mission to help people rewire their mindset before they attempt to fix their bodies. The conversation dives into the science of longevity — mitochondria, NAD, peptides, cold exposure, heat shock proteins, resilience-building, and the biological measurements he uses to reverse aging by decades. He reveals real patient results, including individuals in their 60s and 70s who now biologically test in their 20s and 30s. Mark also explains how he turned pain into purpose, growing the Functional Medical Institute with his wife Michele — producing books, films, and signature experiences that transform thousands of lives. Takeaways: Listeners will learn that longevity is not a luxury — it is the byproduct of daily leadership over your physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health. Mark shows how aging is not inevitable decline but a choice that begins with your actions, your beliefs, your resilience, and your willingness to confront internal battles. The episode reinforces that your mindset builds — or destroys — your biology, and that radical health is within reach if you take full ownership. Closing Thoughts: Mark’s story proves that your past does not dictate your lifespan or your health future. With intention, discipline, and a shift in identity, you can rebuild your body and mind at any age. His framework offers a hopeful, science-backed path toward living younger, longer, and stronger — not by chance, but by choice. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Daniel sits down with Raheel Retiwalla, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Boost Health AI, the company unlocking the $500B in administrative waste trapped inside healthcare’s rules, guidelines, and policies. Raheel explains how Boost Health AI structures the complex medical rules buried in PDFs so payers and providers can finally access them consistently, accurately, and in real time. He shares the pivotal moment that convinced him this was the problem worth dedicating his life to—why timing with post-COVID financial strain and generative AI made this mission possible—and how Boost Health AI is rewiring healthcare operations rather than simply speeding them up. Key Discussion Points Raheel opens with the moment that shifted his career: a JAMA–McKinsey study revealing $500B in pure administrative waste—not from delivering care but from managing care. He breaks down how the root cause is shockingly simple: healthcare rules trapped inside PDFs, guidelines, and regulations, forcing humans to manually interpret them every time a decision is made. He explains how generative AI allowed Boost Health AI to extract, structure, and validate these rules at scale, giving payers and providers instant, consistent access to the policies that govern every decision. Raheel walks through why timing mattered: post-COVID financial pressure pushed the industry to seek efficiency, and gen AI arrived at exactly the right moment. Daniel dives into the deeper challenge: healthcare cannot use black-box AI. Raheel explains why Boost Health AI is built around transparency, citations, auditability, and an open model where payers own their intelligence instead of renting it from vendors. They discuss how unlocking medical policies speeds up authorizations, reduces friction, and creates room for automation across care delivery. The conversation expands into future impact—rewiring broken processes instead of just accelerating them, shifting from reactive to proactive care, and preparing the system for AI-powered disease detection, drug discovery, and long-term population health. Takeaways Listeners learn that the most transformative AI in healthcare won’t diagnose disease—it will fix the invisible machinery beneath it. Raheel shows how Boost Health AI turns chaotic rule interpretation into structured intelligence, unlocking billions in value and reducing the delays that harm patients. This episode reinforces the importance of explainable AI, operational domain mastery, and building technology that rewires industries rather than automating old problems. Closing Thoughts Raheel’s story shows that the biggest opportunities in innovation often come from problems no one sees. Boost Health AI is proving that healthcare’s future depends on clear rules, transparent infrastructure, and AI systems that empower—not replace—human decision-makers. His journey reminds founders to look beyond the obvious, solve inefficiencies at their root, and build with transparency, courage, and long-term vision. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Daniel and Laura Elorza explore the psychology behind unconscious habits, the rise of alcohol-free culture (especially among Gen Z), and how Unconscious Moderation (UM) is helping people transform their relationship with drinking by targeting the root cause—the unconscious mind. Drawing from her clinical practice, Laura explains how hypnotherapy, journaling, and movement create deep neurological shifts and why the 90-day framework is effective for breaking long-embedded behavioral loops. Key Discussion Points Laura begins by breaking down the surprising truth that drinking habits rarely have anything to do with alcohol. Instead, she explains how ninety-five percent of our patterns originate in the unconscious—the emotional wiring shaped by past experiences, coping mechanisms, and even micro-traumas we never realized were influencing us. She outlines the three pillars inside the UM app: Hypnotherapy to bypass resistance and reshape internal narratives Journaling to access symbolic, unconscious language and slow down racing thoughts Movement to shift brain chemistry and change emotional state through physical action Laura maps out the full 90-day journey, from awareness to conscious moderation to long-term reinforcement, and explains why most willpower-based approaches fail. She also demystifies the difference between guilt and shame, why shame attaches to identity, and how trauma—big or small—creates patterns we later misinterpret as “just how we are.” Daniel and Laura go deeper into habit psychology, the cultural shift in Gen Z around alcohol, the power of micro-wins, and why slowing down is essential for self-awareness. She also shares UM’s upcoming expansions, including a drink tracker, a guided journey for Dry January, and a new partnership with Masterclass to help users shift from doom-scrolling to intentional learning. Takeaways Listeners will learn that successful change has nothing to do with discipline and everything to do with awareness, emotional rewiring, and nervous-system alignment. Laura shows how small, consistent actions create lasting transformation, why trauma shapes habitual behavior, and how UM’s integrated approach helps people create identity-level change. Her insights highlight the importance of conscious decision-making, compassionate self-talk, and understanding the stories your unconscious mind has been running for years. Closing Thoughts Laura’s work is a reminder that most of what holds us back isn’t conscious—it’s inherited patterns, emotional shortcuts, and outdated coping strategies running on autopilot. Unconscious Moderation offers a new model that empowers people to rewire their inner world, create healthier habits, and choose how they want to feel rather than reacting from old programming. It’s a powerful pathway toward self-awareness, long-term change, and a more intentional life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this Founder’s Story episode, Daniel sits down with Dannika Warburton to trace one of the most unconventional paths into the world of capital markets—from working underground in Western Australian mines to running IR for some of the most ambitious small-cap companies in Australia. Dannika shares how early experiences inside mining operations became the unexpected foundation for her IR firm, how toxic leadership shaped the culture she vowed never to repeat, and how she built Investability during COVID and scaled it from one client to forty-five in just twelve months. Key Discussion Points: Dannika opens by describing the surreal years she spent working underground in a large gold mine during university breaks—an experience that shaped her understanding of the natural-resources sector that dominates Australia’s small-cap landscape. She walks through her transition into investment banking, sales and trading, and the pivotal moment when a toxic IR agency pushed her to launch Investability with a commitment to better culture and better service. Drawing from over A$1 billion raised across the small-cap ecosystem, she explains the biggest mistake founders make when pitching: obsessing over numbers instead of crafting a narrative that investors can actually remember. She breaks down the power of the “rule of three,” why most CEOs overcomplicate their story, and how Investability helps founders communicate to both institutional analysts and everyday retail investors without losing clarity. Dannika also opens up about the hardest chapter of her journey—when ten employees resigned in one month—forcing a painful but necessary restructure that ultimately strengthened the company. She talks about overcoming limiting beliefs, how neuroscience and the “alter ego effect” rebuilt her confidence, and why intuition is a founder’s most underrated asset. The conversation closes with a deep dive into leadership, culture, communication, and the future of investor storytelling—why video is becoming the new investor deck, why attention is the new currency, and why companies that master media creation will win in the next decade. Takeaways: Listeners will learn why great IR is not about financial modeling—it’s about clear communication, earned trust, and narrative simplicity. Dannika demonstrates how culture determines client outcomes, why transparency eliminates negative sentiment, and how founders can avoid the traps of information asymmetry. Her story is a reminder that resilience is built in the darkest moments, that intuition deserves more respect, and that being a good human is still a competitive advantage. Closing Thoughts: Dannika’s journey—from mines to markets—shows that the most powerful founder stories are forged in unexpected places. Her perspective challenges founders to simplify their message, communicate with intention, and lead with integrity. The companies that embrace storytelling, new media, and alignment—not balance—will be the ones that thrive in the future of capital markets. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this Founder’s Story episode, Daniel sits down with Blake Niemann, who went from tinkering in a tiny Jersey City apartment to building Levels into an eight-figure clean-protein movement found in every major retailer in America. Blake shares the decade of discipline, the maniacal focus, and the philosophy that allowed him to beat billion-dollar incumbents without investors, shortcuts, or hype ingredients. Key Discussion Points: Blake opens up about the early days—working a full-time tech sales job while building Levels to three million in revenue entirely solo. He breaks down how he spotted a “sleepy” protein category stuck in outdated bro-science branding and rebuilt it with minimal ingredients and purposeful nutrition. He explains why Levels avoided paid ads until they hit three million, how customer reviews snowballed into category dominance, and why big corporations couldn’t move fast enough to stop him. Blake reveals the hard truths about retail risk, cash discipline, building under pressure, and why most founders fail because they romanticize entrepreneurship instead of embracing the suffering. He gives an unfiltered take on AI, the future of education, and why he believes college is becoming obsolete for future founders. Takeaways: Listeners walk away with a blueprint for building a category-leading brand with no outside capital and no shortcuts. Blake shows how brutal consistency creates breakthroughs, why obsessing over product quality beats marketing hacks, and how to weaponize your disadvantages into advantages. His story is a reminder that entrepreneurship is earned over a decade, not bought in a course—and that the ability to outwork, out-focus, and out-wait the competition is still the ultimate edge in business. Closing Thoughts: Blake’s journey proves that in a world of hype, the founders who win are the ones who stare down the giants, stay on mission, and build brick by brick—even when nobody is watching. His story will resonate with anyone chasing a dream that feels too big, too competitive, or too impossible. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.