The DESPAC Podcast

In this episode, host Chaz Churchwell is joined by Seth Farbman , CEO of VStock Transfer, for a deep, practical discussion on the role transfer agents play in DESPAC transactions and ongoing public-company operations. Seth shares insight from decades in capital markets, explaining how transfer agents serve both issuers and shareholders, why communication failures create real financial risk, and ho...

In this episode, host Chaz Churchwell is joined by Elliot Goldstein of Federal Filings, a veteran EDGAR agent and capital markets operator, for a detailed conversation on the realities of SEC filings during DESPAC transactions. Elliot explains how filings are prepared, why formatting and XBRL tagging create risk, and where private companies consistently fall short when transitioning to public-comp...

In this episode, we are joined by Long Long , a veteran SPAC sponsor and capital markets operator, for a deep discussion on what truly drives successful DESPAC transactions. Long shares his journey from corporate finance to leading SPACs and explains why many deals fail long before they ever reach the market. From lack of internal coordination and unrealistic expectations to poor governance and we...

In this episode, host Chaz Churchwell is joined by securities attorney Morris Zarif , founder of Zarif Law Group, for a deep conversation on legal readiness, governance discipline, and the hidden risks private companies face when pursuing a DESPAC transaction. Morris brings more than a decade of capital markets experience and breaks down what he consistently sees go wrong for targets that wait too...

In this final episode of The DESPAC Podcast Go Public Series, host Chaz Churchwell and SPAC attorney Michael Blankenship of Winston & Strawn walk through the last step of the Go Public Framework: C – Continuing to Evolve . Public companies operate in a dynamic environment where regulations shift, risks change, and shareholder expectations intensify. Long-term viability depends on continuous ad...

In this episode of The DESPAC Podcast Go Public Series, host Chaz Churchwell and SPAC attorney Michael Blankenship of Winston & Strawn break down the seventh step of the Go Public Framework: I – Institutionalizing Discipline . Institutional discipline is the foundation of long-term public-company success. It includes regulatory compliance, governance structure, transparent reporting, investor...

In this episode of The DESPAC Podcast Go Public Series, host Chaz Churchwell and SPAC attorney Michael Blankenship of Winston & Strawn walk through the sixth step of the Go Public Framework: L – List and Launch . Listing day is the milestone many founders anticipate. But far from being just a celebration, it is a coordinated, highly visible event that sets the tone for how the market views you...

In this episode of The DESPAC Podcast Go Public Series, host Chaz Churchwell and SPAC attorney Michael Blankenship of Winston & Strawn break down the fifth step of the Go Public Framework: B – Building Market Trust . Building market trust is one of the most important requirements for a successful DESPAC transaction. It is not enough to structure a strong deal. The market must believe in the co...

In this episode of The DESPAC Podcast Go Public Series, host Chaz Churchwell and SPAC attorney Michael Blankenship of Winston & Strawn break down the fourth step of the Go Public Framework: U – Undergoing Diligence . Diligence is the phase where every detail of your business is examined. This review includes legal compliance, financial accuracy, internal controls, risk disclosures, governance...

In this episode of The DESPAC Podcast Go Public Series, host Chaz Churchwell and SPAC attorney Michael Blankenship of Winston & Strawn unpack the third step of the Go Public Framework: P – Positioning the Deal . Positioning determines how the market will perceive your company, your credibility, your economic structure, and your partnership fit. This step defines the trajectory of the entire DE...

In this episode of The DESPAC Podcast Go Public Series, host Chaz Churchwell and SPAC attorney Michael Blankenship of Winston & Strawn dive into the second step of the Go Public Framework: O – Organizing Advisors . This conversation explains why selecting the right advisory team is one of the most important decisions a private company will make when pursuing a DESPAC transaction. From legal co...

In this episode of The DESPAC Podcast Go Public Series, host Chaz Churchwell and SPAC attorney Michael Blankenship of Winston & Strawn take a deep look at the most important part of the DESPAC process: G – Getting Ready . The discussion explains why internal readiness determines deal speed, valuation outcomes, and investor confidence. Michael breaks down the essential components that SPAC team...

In this kickoff episode of The DESPAC Podcast, host Chaz Churchwell welcomes Michael Blankenship of Winston & Strawn to unveil the Go Public Framework, a complete end-to-end system for private companies evaluating a DESPAC transaction. The conversation covers every stage of the public-ready journey, from internal preparation and assembling your advisory bench to positioning your valuation, nav...

Most podcasts talk about SPAC deals. This one talks about what happens after. In the debut episode of The DESPAC Podcast, host Chaz Churchwell sits in the guest seat as Executive Producer Josh Wilson leads a conversation on why this show was created and who it is built for. Chaz explains how working closely with SPAC teams and public companies exposed a hard truth. Many private companies enter SPA...

The DESPAC Podcast gives private company leaders the guidance, structure, and truth they need to approach SPAC and DESPAC transactions with confidence. Hosted by Chaz Churchwell, the show focuses on the real work required to become a disciplined public company. Each episode cuts through confusion and delivers practical insight from operators, CFOs, auditors, attorneys, bankers, SPAC sponsors, PIPE...