Straight To It

Over the past two years, we’ve been lucky to interview over forty amazing leaders, from the worlds of sports, entertainment, food, healthcare, social impact and technology. After many conversations with these entrepreneurs and new ones you will hear from soon, I’m happy to announce a new, short-form version of Explain it to me like I’m a ten year old. In this case, I focus entirely on helping foun...

In this episode, I interview Alden Mills, a Navy SEAL, founder of Perfect Fitness and author of Be Unstoppable and Unstoppable Teams. When Alden was diagnosed with asthma at age 12 and told he couldn't do anything athletic, he focused even more on fitness and eventually became a collegiate rower and a Navy SEAL. Alden shares incredible stories about his time in the SEALS; how with $25,000 left in...

In this episode, I interview Ross Greenburg, CEO of Ross Greenburg Productions and former President of HBO Sports. Ross has won 56 Emmys and 8 Peabody Awards as the producer of many amazing sports documentaries and movies, including Miracle, Hard Knocks, and 61*. We discussed Ross' love of sports, the stories behind some of his legendary shows and how the TV and movie industries have evolved in th...

In this episode, I interview Chris Voss, the former FBI lead hostage negotiator, founder of the Black Swan Group and author of Never Split The Difference. He also teaches a Masterclass about Negotiation. Chris is a really smart and incredible person. In the interview, we discuss his career and do an hostage role play -in which Chris handily defeated me. He also talks about strategies you can use i...

In this episode, I interview Ryan Springer, a Founding Partner of Midnight Ventures and Founder of High Desert Cactus Vodka. Midnight Ventures is an awesome VC fund investing in the future of wellness. High Desert Cactus Vodka makes Vodka from the cactus! We discuss some of the unique wellness products Ryan has invested in, his journey, and how he sees the wellness industry evolving. I hope you en...

In this episode, I speak with Pat Burt, the Mayor of Palo Alto, CA. With a population of over 60,000, Palo Alto is home to Stanford University and countless technology companies. Mayor Burt is a champion of sustainability who has helped turn Palo Alto into one of the greenest cities in the country. Mayor Burt is serving in his third term and has been on the City Council for over a decade. We look...

In this episode, I interview Maria Kim, CEO of REDF. REDF is a venture philanthropy that invests in businesses that are dedicated to providing employees a second chance, including homeless or formerly incarcerated individuals. Maria talks about how REDF works, some of the businesses they support, and how we can build a more inclusive economy. 

In this episode, I interview Mona Lisa Wallace, Founding Partner of the law firm Wallace & Graham. Mona has dedicated her career to obtaining justice for people harmed by corporate giants. We discuss the case against Smithfield Foods, which is described in detail in the amazing book Wastelands by Corban Addison - it is truly a must read! I really enjoyed talking to and learning from Mona, and...

In this episode, I interview Tom Costley, the founder of Overland Summers, an adventure group that takes kids on amazing trips to places like Yellowstone, the Swiss Alps and Iceland. Overland has had 40,000 kids go through its program over 40 years. Tom founded Overland with his wife, Liz. We discuss the story of Overland, the challenges and how Overland works. I really hope you enjoy this convers...

In this episode, I interview Eren Harris,  Admissions Manger at Prep Scholar and Founder of True North Academix. Eren has over 10 years of experience in college counseling. We discuss what makes a good application, how to find the right college for you and the future of college admissions. I learned so much from Eren and really enjoyed our conversation!

In this episode, I interview Nolan Bushnell, the Founder of Atari and Chuck E Cheese. Nolan also founded 20 other businesses and has plans for many more. We get to hear Nolan share the story of Atari along with his thoughts on the video game industry, VR and the future of education. I really enjoyed learning from Nolan and I hope you enjoy this interview too!

In this episode, I interview Esther Wojcicki, a teacher at Palo Alto High School for 36 years, a California Teacher of the Year award winner and the founder of Tract and Moonshots in Education. We discuss Esther’s legendary journalism program at PALY, her work in changing schools for the better and her recent book, How to Raise Successful People. I really enjoyed talking to Esther and learning so...

In this episode, I interview Mary Lemmer, the founder of Improve and Iorio Gelato. Improve teaches employees from companies such as Google, CBS and Lyft in the art of Improv. Iorio sells artisanal gelato in 3 stores in Michigan. Mary founded Iorio when she was only 14 with her brother Nick. During the interview we discussed improv, Mary's goals for Improve and her story of starting her gelato busi...

In this episode, I interview Shizu Okusa, the CEO and Founder of Apothékary, a new type of medicine that uses herbs and mushrooms to substitute for caffeine, alcohol and even CBD. Shizu founded the company in 2019 after working at Goldman Sachs and building a juice business. We discuss her story, the culture of medicine in the U.S., and her vision for the future of the pharmacy! And use code Expla...

In this episode, I interview Andrew Remlinger, Co-Founder of Sourse, a chocolate vitamin company that sells products to improve energy, skin and even mood. Andrew founded his company in 2020 with his wife, Jenne Moore, and Modern Family actor, Sarah Hyland. In the interview we discuss the supplement industry, the story of Sourse and how the chocolates are made. I really enjoyed speaking with Andre...

In this episode, I am very lucky to have Jordan DeCicco with me, the co-founder of Super Coffee. Jordan, as a student athlete, founded Super Coffee in his dorm room to find a healthy and delicious energy drink. Now he runs Super Coffee with his two brothers Jim and Jake. So far, they have energized over 400,000 people and were featured on Shark Tank. He talks to us about the story behind Super Cof...

In this episode, I interview Shane Battier, a two time NBA champion. As a college player at Duke, he won the NCAA championship and won the National College Player of the year award in 2001. He then went on to be selected 6th overall in the NBA draft and has played for the Grizzlies, Rockets, and Heat. After making the playoffs in 10/13 seasons in the NBA he retired. He now runs his foundation, the...

In this episode, I interview David Karr, Founder of Guayakí Yerba Mate. They sell powerful teas that can boost your energy, mood, and health. The Yerba mate is a plant native to the South American Rainforest and has been enjoyed as tea for centuries by its inhabitants. He was introduced to Mate by his friend Alex. David loved it so much he decided to start a business selling mate and the rest is h...

In this episode, I interview Ryan Black, the CEO and Founder of Sambazon, a company that sells sustainable açaí products including bowls, bites and smoothies. He explains the meaning of Triple Bottom Line, Sambazon's strategy to help make the world a better place by helping communities in the Amazon rainforest and protecting land by harvesting sustainably. He also shares with us the story behind s...

In this episode, I interview Vernon Davis, a Former NFL Tight End and Super Bowl Champion. He played for 14 years with the 49ers, Broncos and Washington. Vernon talks about his journey to the NFL, the highlights of his football career and his current work as an actor. He also shares with us his advice on how to become excellent. I had an awesome time speaking with Vernon and hope you enjoy the epi...

In this episode, I interview Benjamin Smith, the CEO and Founder of Disco. Disco is a Men's skincare brand with natural and effective products like eye sticks, facial masks and body wash for men. Ben shares with us how he started Disco and developed his product, as well as his mission and goals for the business! I really enjoyed doing this episode and I hope you enjoy listening!

In this episode, I interview Shawn Nelson, the Founder and CEO of Lovesac, a public company with over $500 million in sales in 2022. Lovesac sells incredibly comfortable Lovesacs, chairs that are stuffed with foam, and Sactionals, couches that can change shape. He discusses starting Lovesac, the amazing story of his first big order, and being on a reality show with Richard Branson and winning $1,0...

In this episode, I interview Milton Reynolds, a DEI consultant and scholar. Milton has focused his 30-year career on the study of Eugenics and Racism. I was so lucky to interview Milton - he shared so many interesting and unique points throughout this episode. Milton talks to us about Eugenics, the history behind it, Racism and his work as a consultant. Lastly, he tells us about his hopes for the...

In this episode, I talk to Mansoor Shams, a Muslim Marine veteran dedicated to educating people about Islam and combating Islamophobia. We discuss Islam, Mansoor's experience in the Marines, what he has done to fight Islamophobia, and how we all can help stop Islamophobia and create a better world. I personally learned so much from Mansoor and think you will enjoy this conversation as much as I di...

In this episode, I interview John Cullen, John has had a long and interesting career in broadcasting, radio, and investing. John served as the CEO of DMX, a supplier of music to restaurants, bar, gym, and other locations. He was also the CEO of Andrew Harper, which supplies travel reviews and bookings. He also owned hundreds of radio stations with Steve Hicks. John brings so much wisdom to this co...