Straight To It

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...

In this episode, I interview Shadi Bakour, the CEO and Co-Founder of Pathwater. Shadi founded Path in 2015 with two friends, Ali and Amir. We had a great conversation about how he started Path, how his business works, and the future of reusables. If you like to purchase Pathwater, here is the link . I enjoyed our conversation a lot and hope you do too! 

In this episode, I interview Kim Behrman, an advisor, writer and employment officer at the International Rescue Committee (IRC). She talks to us about her experiences working with refugees in Africa, as well as the current Ukrainian refugee crisis. She shares both lessons learned, and thoughts about the future. I hope you learn as much as I did from this episode! Here is a link to the IRC where yo...

In this episode, I interview Grant Behrman, the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Behrman Capital. This is an inspiring story that I'm sure you will love hearing as much as I did. 

I recap the past five episodes with Spencer Thompson, Kellee James, Dennis Littky, Michel Nischan and Peter Bencivenga - Enjoy! 

In this episode, I interview Peter Bencivenga, the founder and CEO of Datacation, which uses data from school districts to help improve the performance of schools. Peter is the President of Operoo, which enables thousands of schools around the world to manage operational tasks on a single platform. He tells the story of Datacation and shares his vision for the schools that run better. I really enj...

In this episode, I interview the founder of Wholesome Wave and Wholesome Crave, Michel Nischan. WW is a non-profit that helps people gain access to healthy food, and WC is a company that sells affordable and delicious plant-based soups, while supporting Wholesome Wave with a portion of its revenues. Michel has won numerous awards as a Chef, published multiple bestselling cookbooks and founded a re...

In this episode, I interview Dennis Littky, the founder of Big Picture Schools and College Unbound. With 150 schools around the world, BPS  focuses on educating one student at a time and helping students get real world experience. Dennis tells about how he came up with the ideas for BPS and CU, the challenges he's faced along the way, and his amazing vision for education. I particularly love...

In this episode, I interview Kellee James, the founder and CEO of Mercaris, a company helping organic food pricing become more transparent. Kellee worked at the World Bank and the Chicago Climate Exchange prior to starting Mercaris. She tells the story of building the company, helps explain the agriculture supply chain, and shares her long-term vision for the industry. I really enjoyed our convers...

In this episode, I interview Spencer Thompson, the Founder and CEO of Prelude. He explains cybersecurity to us through his unique perspective. He teaches us about the modern day threats of cyberattacks and his vision for the industry. I really enjoyed talking to Spencer and learned a lot. I hope you enjoy our conversation.