Entrepreneurial Thinkers with Rob Ryan

What happens when culture, community, emerging technology and storytelling collide? Vocal Leaders like Marisa happen, that’s what! In this vibrant conversation, Rob sits down with creative powerhouse Marisa "Ritzy P" Estrada Rivera to explore the power of diverse voices in media and the rise of podcasting within Latino communities. They chronicle her vast career, from the evolution of mu...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob — a deep, honest, and hopeful reflection on where we are, where we’ve been, and the powerful people lighting the way forward. Yes — the title is intentional. And yes — we are nine months into an administration that increasingly echoes authoritarian regimes of the past. But history shows us something important: progress always wins. Thi...

What do you do if you don’t see success stories that look like you? You forge your own path! In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob visits with local LA powerhouse, Amiah Sheppard, a passionate advocate and Leader for student entrepreneurship programming at USC’s Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and a renowned “storytelling/pitch” coach to entrepreneurs across the world through S...

This week, we’re diving deep into something that’s been weighing heavily on my mind: the rise of the “attention economy” and the erosion of real expertise. In a world where virality often trumps value, and followers are confused for wisdom, we’re asking some big questions: When did being seen become more important than being qualified ? How did our societal obsession with clicks, likes, and soundb...

Ever wonder how your local grocery store is quietly becoming smarter, faster, and better at learning your personal needs? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with Ileana Gonzalez, Director of Emerging Technology and Innovation at 120 year old, family owned Retail giant, H-E-B from San Antonio, Texas, to explore how technology, culture, and community are reshaping retail from...

Welcome back to another powerful Friday session of Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob, where we slow it all down before heading into the weekend — and today, there’s a lot to unpack. This week’s episode takes you on a full-spectrum ride — from the heartbreaking Supreme Court decision on race-based detentions in Southern California, to America’s addiction to political violence and guns, and the season wr...

What if technology rooted in the arts could save lives—and AI could help rebuild a more functional society? In this inspiring and insightful episode, entrepreneur and creative visionary Kyiana Williams shares her powerful journey from the arts to civic technology. She and Rob discuss how platforms like her companies, e.e.r.s. and Entertwine, are bridging the gap between creativity and employment a...

Hey hey, it’s us—Hi! Back again to wrap the week with you, from sunny Los Angeles, where summer lingers while autumn creeps in elsewhere. In this special extended episode, we dive deep into the realities shaping our world—from political chaos and cultural uncertainty to the hopeful power of entrepreneurial thinking that continues to fuel our pragmatic optimism. This week, we sat down with our bril...

What if losing a limb didn’t mean losing your independence? How many prosthetic (artificial limb) patients do you think there are in the world? In this eye-opening episode from Morelia, Mexico, Rob sits down with Francisco Valencia, CEO of Prothesia, to uncover how cutting-edge technology—like AI-driven design plus inclusive innovation and some entrepreneurial thinking about an industry that’s not...

This week’s episode is a heartfelt and thought-provoking reflection sparked by a powerful conversation with Adriana Eguía, Chairperson of the Tijuana Economic Development Corporation. From the vibrant spirit of Tijuana to the broader struggles we face across borders, Rob dives deep into the critical topics shaping our world today—immigration, global trade, economic uncertainty, and the urgent need...

Is Tijuana a forgotten immigrant town, or North American economic powerhouse? What do you get when culture, talent, and global business collide at the border? In this episode, Rob and Adriana Eguia, Chairperson of the Tijuana Economic Development Corporation, take us inside the fast-changing economic and entrepreneurial landscape of Tijuana. Once known mainly for its location as the northwestern g...

This week, we’re diving deep into what just might be one of the most powerful forces driving impact and innovation: curiosity . Joined by the incredible Allison Byers , CEO of Scroobius and a true expert in Venture Capital equity and accessibility, we explore what it means to think entrepreneurially about the biggest challenges facing our world today—and how our own natural curiosity can unlock ne...

A Broken Investment environment is an “Everyone” problem! What if the next big idea never gets off the ground — simply because the founder (maybe you?) doesn’t look like a ‘typical’ entrepreneur? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with Allison Byers, founder of Scroobius, to unpack the hidden barriers in startup funding and how to think differently about this reality. From...

This week’s episode is a deep, honest, and timely reflection on the thin line between success and failure —and how those two words show up in the lives of entrepreneurs, parents, creatives, and anyone chasing big dreams. As summer winds down and life picks up again, Rob shares a thought-provoking conversation with Lauren Gregor, founder of Rent-A-Romper, who recently sold her startup and opened up...

Is an “exit” always every startup founder’s dream? What do most exits look like? What happens when your dream business becomes someone else’s? In this heartfelt conversation, Rob sits down here in Los Angeles, with Lauren Greger, founder of Rent-A-Romper, to unpack the emotional rollercoaster of building—and selling—a startup. They dive into the real cost of chasing success, what it takes to walk...

In this warm, reflective episode recorded under the summery skies of Los Angeles, Uncle Rob dives deep into a theme that’s been following him all week: Gratitude . From unexpected blessings to navigating challenges with a clearer heart, this episode is filled with stories, insights, and powerful reminders about what it means to live and lead with intention. You’ll hear Rob reflect on the incredibl...

Who are the fastest growing entrepreneurs in the USA? How much of the USA economy is created by Small Businesses? What if the key to launching a game-changing business isn’t funding or connections—but the story behind it? In this episode, Rob sits down with his friend, storyteller and entrepreneurial ecosystem builder Jamilah Corbitt to uncover how powerful narratives can break barriers, amplify u...

Welcome back to Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob! After a short break to rest and recharge, we’re back with a powerful episode that brings together three remarkable entrepreneurial journeys — all rooted in vision, resilience, and pragmatic optimism. In this full-length special, we reflect on recent conversations with three outstanding Mexican entrepreneurs: 🔹 Gaby Estrada , Co-founder of Vexi, transf...

Has the United States abdicated it’s leadership on Clean, Green energy investment? Why is the “old world” better prepared to create the next big climate breakthroughs than the new world?? In this wide ranging and compelling conversation, Rob sits down with one of the original VC leaders in Mexico and Latin America, Fernando Lelo De Larrea, to explore how venture capital is shifting toward climate...

What if your credit card actually worked for you, not against you? Can a Mexican fintech startup take on the big bank and finance industry? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with Gabriela Estrada, CEO and co-founder of Vexi—a Mexican fintech startup that's shaking up the credit and personal finance game. Gabriela reveals how Vexi is breaking through the red tape of tra...

This week on Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob , we dive deep into the very human—and very powerful—theme of resilience . In a world full of uncertainty and transition, how do we keep showing up? How do we keep building, creating, and believing? Rob shares insights from a heartfelt and energizing conversation with Andres Friedman , Co-founder and CEO of Solfium , a solar energy company working to revol...

Why doesn’t every building, everywhere, have Solar Panels on them? What do airplanes and solar panels have in common? For Andres Friedman, the answer is everything. Join Rob as he sits down with the former Bombardier executive turned clean tech innovator to explore how his company, Solfium, is reshaping the solar energy landscape in Mexico and why he sees Mexico and Latin America as such opportune...

In this Stoppage Time episode, Rob opens up about a week filled with tension, reflection, and ultimately, inspiration. As he grapples with the pressures of growing his media platform and the disturbing federal immigration actions taking place in Los Angeles, Rob finds clarity through a deeply personal and moving conversation with Jocelyn Ramirez —a chef, author, New York Times contributor, social...

Do we buy more tortillas or hamburger buns in USA? Does everyone you know have access to healthy foods in their neighborhoods? What if the food you love could transform your health and your community? 🌱 In this really specific and insightful conversation, Rob sits down with Jocelyn Ramirez—chef, Author, CPG entrepreneur, New York Times Contributor, Activist and founder of Todo Verde—to explore ho...

This week on Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob , we’re diving deep into one powerful theme: transition . As the U.S. marks Independence Day, Uncle Rob reflects on a whirlwind week filled with personal, political, and cultural shifts. From the turbulent political landscape in America, to the evolving spirit of Los Angeles as it prepares for LA28, to the raw reality of climate disasters and immigration i...