From the Ground Up

Oilstainlab co-founder Nikita Bridan joins From the Ground Up to discuss how his company is reinventing high-performance vehicles with a modular, powertrain-swappable design. He shares insights on breaking industry norms, the challenges of launching an independent car brand, and the future of automotive innovation.

AI is streamlining dentistry, and Miles Beckett is leading the charge with Flossy. In this episode of From the Ground Up, Beckett shares how his journey from plastic surgery to AI-driven healthcare led to the creation of Fiona, an AI receptionist that automates scheduling, reduces missed calls, and improves patient experience. Tune in to learn how AI is transforming dental practices and what it me...

Decentralized finance needs stability, and Kevin Rusher is making it happen with RAAC. In this episode of From the Ground Up, Rusher tells John how his background in finance led him to develop a one-to-one backed NFT model that brings real-world assets — like real estate, gold, and treasuries — onto the blockchain without the regulatory headaches. Tune in to learn how RAAC is bridging traditional...

How can Web3 domains revolutionize digital identity? On From the Ground Up, host John Boitnott sits down with Alice Shikova, marketing lead at SPACE ID, to discuss how blockchain-based identities are shaping the future. Shikova shares her unconventional path into crypto, the game-changing potential of Web3 domains, and SPACE ID’s work in authentication, security, and AI integration. From MetaMask...

John Boitnott chats with Alex Smereczniak, founder of Franzy, about his journey from college-side hustle to revolutionizing franchise buying. Franzy uses data and AI to make business ownership more accessible, changing how people navigate franchising. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of owning a business.

John Boitnott talks with Tad Phelps, CEO of Fintech, about how the company is revolutionizing operations in the retail and alcohol industries. They explore Fintech’s innovative solutions, its approach to industry challenges, and its role in helping businesses adapt to change. Tune in for insights into leadership, growth, and the future of retail technology.

John Boitnott chats with Jenna Chamra, Chief Customer Officer of Provoke Solutions, about the transformative role of AI in modern workplaces. They explore how Provoke’s groundbreaking AI platform, Nova, is helping companies overcome technical debt, streamline operations, and empower teams to focus on creative innovation. Jenna shares insights on the future of work, the importance of upskilling, an...

Curious about chicken excellence and what it takes for someone to be an exceptional farmer? Then don't miss this episode of From the Ground Up, where host Join Boitnott delves into the world of poultry farming with guest Mike Charles, the CEO of La Belle Patrimoine.

Explore the world of egg production with Ruud Zanders, poultry farmer and founder of Kipster. In his interview with John Boitnott, he discusses the sustainable and ethical practices that Kipster has implemented. Learn about the plight of roosters, how land and food can be used more efficiently, and more.

John Boitnott interviews Murray Newlands about the current state of AI and the trends and challenges in the industry. Murray discusses the dominance of the Bay Area in AI due to its ability to raise funds and the presence of big tech companies. He also talks about the importance of the application layer in AI and the potential disruptions in various industries. Murray highlights the need for start...

John Boitnott sit down with PR maven Fiona Scott of Scott PR. Learn about the art of authenticity and get lessons from someone who has been on both sides of the fence.

John Boitnott interviews Anne Ahola Ward, the CEO of CircleClick Media, known as the "Mother of Startups." Anne shares her background as a web developer and SEO expert and discusses her passion for helping startups grow through marketing strategies. Tune in to learn more about her expertise and the problems she addresses in the startup world.

John Boitnott sits down with Adriel Tam, CEO of AdvisorCheck, to discuss how his platform is reshaping transparency in the financial advisory industry. Unlike traditional matchmaking sites that sell consumer data, AdvisorCheck connects people with financial advisors without compromising privacy. Tam acknowledges the mixed reactions to transparency but believes it's essential for helping consum...

John Boitnott catches up with venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and startup advisor Alex Gold. This short and sweet deep dive looks into the world of entrepreneurship, and it even touches on the Burning Man experience.

John Boitnott engages in a conversation with Zain Lakhani from Lightci. Lakhani dives deep into the company's diverse portfolio, serving giants like Google, Apple, and Coinbase. The discussion centers around the integration of AI, the urgency of climate technology, and the art and science behind running and selling a business. Gain valuable insights from a company that's shaping products,...

John Boitnott speaks with Christelle Rohaut, the visionary CEO of Codi. They delve into the changing landscape of the commercial real estate market and the transformative role of Codi in offering private office spaces. As the traditional nine to five shifts, Rohaut sheds light on the future of leases, city responses, and the lessons learned from the WeWork saga. Join the conversation to explore th...

In the premiere episode of From the Ground Up, host John Boitnott sits down with Dr. Rolf Illenberger, CEO of VRdirect. Together, they navigate the evolving world of VR, its intersection with the metaverse, and the role of AI in this dynamic. Dr. Illenberger shares his insights on the future of VR and the potential impact of Apple's latest VR headset on the industry. Dive in to understand the...