Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life

In Episode 7, Dan and Natalie sit down with Darlene Fiske, a PR and communications expert who helps luxury hospitality and wellness brands shape their stories and connect with audiences. As the founder of The Fiske Group and Swell, the Agency, Darlene has spent years mastering the art of storytelling, brand strategy, and media relations. She shares her career journey from Yellowstone National Park...

In Episode 6, Dan and Natalie sit down with JP Singh, an attorney, entrepreneur, and former neuroscience researcher, to talk about mentorship, career strategy, and how to create your own opportunities. From working with renowned neuroscientist David Eagleman to launching his own practice, JP shares how he used his three-step formula— add value, demonstrate competence, and ask for what you want —to...

Join us for Episode 5 of Uncharted as we sit down with mother-daughter duo Laura Masters and Savannah Ringard for a powerful conversation on mentorship, personal growth, and forging your own path in life. Savannah shares her journey of stepping away from traditional education to travel the world, while Laura offers insight as both a mother and a mentor on the importance of trusting the process. Sa...

In founding_up's Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life Season 3, Episode 4, Dan, Natalie, and Leon sit down with Marcus Metzger , Executive Director of HICAM and lifelong “maker.”  From building forts and coding websites as a kid to running a 15,000-square-foot creative incubator in NYC, Marcus shares how embracing curiosity, resilience, and mentorship shaped his journey. They dive into the power of ha...

Season 3, Episode 3, with Tim Donohue—Through candid stories about failure, resilience, and mentorship, Tim highlights the importance of building a strong foundation of values like teamwork, discipline, and respect. He encourages young listeners to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and to stay curious and adaptable in the face of life’s transitions. Tim also discusses the pivotal role ment...

In this inspiring episode of Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life , we sit down with Rick Archer, co-founder of Overland Partners and a pioneer in designing spaces that transform lives. Rick shares his amazing journey—from his early love for art and architecture to pivotal moments of self-discovery and creating some of the most meaningful projects in the world. Whether it's the iconic Lady Bird J...

In this powerful kickoff to Season 3, we sit down with Jeremy Jenson, founder and CEO of Encore Search Partners a nationally renowned executive search firm. Jeremy shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to leading a multi-million-dollar business. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons he’s learned about failure, mentorship, and building a life of purpose. Whether you’re looking for...

In the Season 2 finale of Uncharted with Mike Millard, we sit down with Mike Millard—venture capitalist, mentor, and founder of Pitch-A-Kid—to explore the art of navigating challenges, embracing failure, and creating meaningful impact. Mike shares his journey from corporate strategy to venture capital, offering insights into the power of mentorship, building resilience, and thinking big. Whether y...

In this episode of Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life, we sit down with Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW), to explore his remarkable journey in shaping one of the world's most iconic festivals. From SXSW's grassroots beginnings in Austin to its evolution as a global showcase of innovation, creativity, and collaboration, Hugh shares invaluable less...

Join us for an illuminating conversation with Dr. Ann Kelley, PhD psychologist, author, educator, and co-host of the acclaimed, Therapist Uncensored podcast. In this episode, Ann shares her journey from reluctant beginnings in psychology to becoming a thought leader in attachment and secure relationships. Drawing from her upcoming book, “Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in an Insecure World” (Apr...

Welcome back to Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life. Each episode we dive into the journeys, mindsets, and experiences of industry trailblazers, game-changers, and out-of-the-box thinkers. Ned Lavelle, co-founder of Pinthouse Pizza is our guest this episode. Ned is a powerhouse entrepreneur with a fascinating journey that spans the military, tech, and Austin’s thriving craft beer scene. We’ll be cove...

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions about mental health and references suicide and/or self-harm. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or calling a helpline: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Remember, help is available, and you are not alone. This episode is Season 2 Episode 8, and Jenni...

In Season 2 Episode 7, hosts Dan Dillard, Natalie Peyton and Dr. Leon Vanstone chat with Scott Thomas, entrepreneur and marketing agency co-owner, about his winding career path. From early ambitions to current ventures in the private equity world, Scott offers valuable lessons on career pivots, resilience, and the importance of networking. Tune in for a mix of life lessons, laughs, and inspiration...

In this insightful episode of Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life, hosts Natalie Peyton, Dr. Leon Vanstone, and Dan Dillard welcome Marc Nathan, a renowned "super connector" and business development expert. Marc shares his journey from aspiring architect to a key player in Austin’s startup ecosystem, specializing in connecting startups, individuals, and investors. Marc reveals how he discovered his p...

In this episode of founding_up’s: Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life hosts Dan Dillard, Natalie Peyton, and Dr. Leon Vanstone sit down with entrepreneur and advisor Gregg Alvarez to explore the uncharted waters of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and personal growth. Greg shares insights from his journey, from his unexpected start in the military to his success in the internet industry and angel invest...

It’s Season 2 Episode 4! In this inspiring episode of founding _up’s Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life, we sit down with SaulPaul, a three-time Grammy-nominated artist, entrepreneur, and founder of the SaulPaul Foundation. SaulPaul opens up about his incredible transformation from a troubled youth to a globally recognized musician with a message. He shares the pivotal moments that shaped his life,...

In Season 2 Episode 3 of Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life hosts Dan Dillard, Dr. Leon Vanstone, and Natalie Peyton are joined by Luke Goetting, a dynamic mentor and creative agency owner, to explore the evolving elements of the modern workforce. With Gen Z rapidly becoming a significant part of the employment landscape, this episode explores the challenges and opportunities of bridging generationa...

In Season 2 episode 2 of Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life, hosts Dan Dillard, Natalie Peyton and Dr. Leon Vanstone discuss the unpredictable paths that shape our careers and lives. Tim Hines, a global keynote speaker, marketer, and author, shares his story of resilience and reinvention. After being laid off six times, Tim transformed each setback into an opportunity to start something new, eventua...

We’re back! It’s season 2 of Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life and co-hosts Natalie Peyton, Dan Dillard and Dr. Leon Vanstone welcome special guest, Mike Giordano, a seasoned entrepreneur in the private aviation industry. This episode takes listeners on a journey through Mike's career, from his early days on Wall Street to his current role managing a fleet of private jets. With humor and candid ins...

In the highly anticipated Season 1 finale of Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life , the crew wraps up an incredible season with a bang, featuring special guest Donald Harris, a gaming industry veteran and the founder of ATX Game Makers. This episode gets into the heart of mentorship, the importance of emotional balance, and the powerful impact of community building. Hosts Natalie Peyton, Dr. Leon Van...

In this episode of Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life , we sit down with Jeremy Sweet, a successful CPA, business owner, and mentor, to explore his unique journey. From an uncertain start in college to becoming the founder of his own CPA firm, Jeremy shares how he pivoted from a career in sports to accounting, the challenges he faced as a young professional, and the critical moment when he decided t...

In this episode of Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life , we sit down with Holly Deshields, Director of Consulting at McGuire Woods Consulting and a seasoned lobbyist with a deep-rooted passion for politics. From her early days of organizing election polls in the fourth grade to her current role in shaping policy and advocating for meaningful change, Holly shares her remarkable journey in the world of...

In Episode 9 of Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life, co-hosts Dan Dillard, Dr. Leon Vanstone and Natalie sit down with Kwame Walker, a lobbyist and lawyer from McGrath Woods Consulting. Kwame shares his unique path from aspiring basketball player to influential lobbyist, shedding light on the unexpected turns that shaped his professional life. This episode offers valuable insights for Gen Z listeners...

On episode 8 of Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life , co-hosts Dan Dillard, Dr. Leon Vanstone and Natalie Peyton sit down with Joseph Kopser , a distinguished leader, mentor, and entrepreneur with an incredible journey from 20 years in the military to the helm of successful startups. Joseph is also a proud father of three daughters and has a passion for Gen Z people.  He shares his insights on the po...

Welcome to Episode 7 of Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life with Dr. Molly Beth Malcolm. In this episode, co-hosts Dan Dillard, Natalie Peyton, and Dr. Leon Vanstone sit down with Dr. Molly Beth Malcolm, the Executive Vice Chancellor of Operations and Public Affairs for Austin Community College District. Dr. Malcolm shares her extensive background in education, politics, and community service, offeri...