Finding Founders - podcast cover

Finding Founders

Finding Founders

A podcast about vulnerability and entrepreneurship — learn from the life stories of founders 🚀, activists ✊, and even drug lords 💊 Our aim is to inspire you and let's face it... you aren't inspired when you hear about success. Real inspiration comes from hearing someone's lowest moment, and rising with their success. Using music, sfx, and voiceover, we interview the founders of companies, movements, and even drug cartels to reveal vulnerability so you can learn from victory. I’m your host, Samuel Donner, and together with my team we aim to inspire and educate a global community of leaders.

Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Can AI Help us Speak to the Past?- #165 Heather Smith | Storyfile

Have you ever wished you could capture a memory forever? Heather Maio-Smith and her team have made this reality through thousands of recorded interviews with Holocaust survivors. After working with them to create interactive testimony exhibits, Heather was inspired to develop new technology that not only captures a memory, but allows for the most unlikely of conversations to occur, crossing the boundaries of both time and consequence. Heather’s natural curiosity and love of learning have led her...

Sep 05, 202447 min

How a Sand Castle Business Thrived in the Pandemic- #221 Janel Hawkins | Sand Castle University

Janel Hawkins was just scrolling on Craigslist looking at jobs when she noticed one hiring sand sculptors, no experience necessary. She worked there through college, but as she was going into her senior year, she decided to blow her life up. In one month she cut her lease, left a bad relationship, dropped out of college, quit her job, and moved back home to start her own sand castle sculpting business, Sand Castle University. Today Janel has a team of instructors, 335K subscribers on Youtube, an...

Aug 29, 20241 hr 22 min

From Travel Startups during Lockdown to Innovation in Mentorship- #179: Jamie Goulding | Been There

Jamie Goulding has been an entrepreneur & leader since the age of 14. He has led two start-up sales teams to success and been a top salesman wherever his career has taken him, closing more than $2 million in sales. Jamie has now turned his passion for mentoring into a new mentoring platform, BeenThere, which connects mentees with mentors around the world who have already “been there.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Aug 22, 202458 min

Shark Tank Vietnam and Building a Sustainable Company_ #186 : Marina Tran-Vu | EQUO

The Vietnam War put many people in the position to flee Vietnam. Marina Tran-Vu’s parents were one of the millions of people put into the position. Marina’s parents fled to Canada where Marina was born. As a refugee, it was hard to make a living as Marina’s mother worked hard to get their family from a basement to the back of a store to a house in a nice neighborhood in Toronto Canada. Nonetheless, her parents’ hard work paid off as Marina went to study marketing at the University of British Col...

Aug 15, 20241 hr 5 min

Herion, Punk Rock, and the Trainspotting Origin Story- #155 Irvine Welsh | Creator

This author holds the title for having written the most shoplifted novel in British publishing history. Meet Irvine Welsh, the author of the critically acclaimed novel “Trainspotting”. Famous for his harrowing depictions of heroin addicts and imbuing them with humanity, it may be no surprise that Welsh had a similar tract in life to his characters with a troubled childhood– one that caused him to move constantly throughout different places, having difficulty feeling permanent security and a sens...

Aug 11, 202437 min

Broke at 21, $15M at 23, Starting Over at 25- #220 Andrew Spira | Pineapple Investiments

Start-up millionaire nephew of former ABC chair Ita Buttrose, Andrew Spira has not had an easy life. But between the heavy drug use, childhood PTSD, and brushes with the law, he has managed to build several businesses, including a highly successful small loan business, Pineapple Funding, and a $10 million dollar real estate portfolio. But before diving into his success, let’s look at the mistakes and lessons he’s learned along the way… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic...

Aug 01, 202453 min

Why He needs 10,000 Calories a Day...- #219 James Webb | Competitive Eating

James Webb is a competitive eater from Australia who has completed over 400 food challenges and consumes as much 10,000 calories a day. As the #1 competitive eater in Australia and #5 in the world, James has learned how to navigate eating large amounts of food while maintaining his health, especially after recovering from Guillain-Barre syndrome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 25, 20241 hr 14 min

Becoming Hot Dog Eating World Champion- #218: Patrick Bertoletti | Competitive Eating

Patrick Bertoletti‘s ability to eat large amounts of food took him from an insecure teen to the high-competition circuit of professional eating. He competed in 47 contests in one year at the height of his Major League Eating career, from state fairs to the stage of America’s Got Talent, where he repulsed judge Heidi Klum by consuming 120 eggs. He’s competed against a bear on Nickelodeon, been ranked as high as No. 2 in the world, and has more world records than any other competitive eater, but l...

Jul 18, 202442 min

Why A Famous Comedian Still Bags Groceries - Josh Johnson | Comedian

You just heard Josh Johnson recalling the moment where his worst nightmare came true: after finally stepping away from his safety net, he found himself jobless with the rug yanked out from under him. Now well known for his performances on Conan and Comedy Central, his tours with Trevor Noah, and a 2020 Emmy nomination, Josh has come a long way from his first script writing experience on the Tonight Show. Although this all seemed like a sudden rise to success there’s a lot of history behind these...

Jul 11, 202454 min

How a Magic Trick got 21M Followers- Sean Sotaridona | Creators

Watching as he racked up tens of thousands of new fans over the course of the day, Sean Sotaridona let out a sigh of relief he didn’t even know he was holding. This success, this new and unexpected online stage, was what he had been looking for all his life. It only took him 16 years to find it. Going by the username SeanDoesMagic, Sean’s masterful magic tricks have garnered more than 21 million followers on TikTok and 5.44 million followers on YouTube. From networking with meme accounts over In...

Jul 04, 202431 min

Chilling with Will Smith, Becoming a CamBoy, & 1M+ on YouTube- #217: Kevin Langue | @KevinLangue

From dreams of being in the NBA to personal assistant of multiple Hollywood stars, then a waiter, and finally becoming a YouTube sensation, Kevin Langue’s career path has been anything but conventional. Known for his genuine and fun-filled content, Kevin has always stayed true to being himself on and off camera. Now, with around a decade’s worth of experience in fostering an audience and creating a brand for himself, Kevin is keeping his focus on authenticity and creativity by setting ambitious ...

Jun 27, 20241 hr 23 min

Chasing Ghosts, YouTube Stardom, & Selling Shows to Marvel- #216: Joshua Ovenshire | TheJovenshire

Imagine being launched into YouTube stardom within hours… From his first channel playing video games with friends to joining SMOSH and co-hosting Smosh Gaming, Josh Ovenshire, better known as Joven, quickly became a pivotal figure in YouTube Gaming Channels. Smosh Gaming showed there was an audience for friends just having fun playing games. In consuming loads of content, Joven became a skilled storyteller selling shows to Marvel, ArcadeCloud Cartoon, and even making a puppet show for Dungeons &...

Jun 20, 202457 min

How this Ballet Prodigy Became a YouTube Icon- #215: Mari Takahashi | AtomicMari

Mari Takahashi’s first video for SMOSH, a YouTube sketch comedy channel, wasn’t immediately met with praise. And this gig was far on the side – she had a legitimate career as a professional ballet dancer. Youtube stardom wasn’t even a consideration… but eventually she’d have to make a choice. Today Mari has a large digital media presence, has won 2 Streamy Awards, produced shows like Smosh Pit Weekly, Maricraft, and Operation: Open World, and amassed over 2 billion collective views. Today, she’s...

Jun 13, 20241 hr 20 min

The Viral King of New York (1.3B+ Views)- Caleb Simpson | Creators

It’s not every day Barbara Corcoran slides into your dms, but for Caleb Simpson this was suddenly the new normal. Now, if this name is sounding familiar at all, it’s because you’ve probably met Caleb before….on your For You page. Known for his casual house tours and the signature question “how much do you pay for rent,” Caleb has amassed over 7.1 million followers on TikTok and 2 million YouTube subscribers in the past few years. Traveling from house to house in New York to LA, Tokyo, and Hong K...

Jun 06, 202450 min

How One Woman Funds 700 Artists- #214: Jan Williamson | 18th Street Arts Center

Jan Williamson is a dedicated artist and community leader who’s transformed Southern California's art scene over three decades. As the executive director of the 18th Street Arts Center, she has grown the organization into the region's largest artist residency center, supporting nearly 700 artists. She’s co-founded environmental art initiatives and led 18th Street through reinvention with new programs and significant grants. Active in her community, Jan serves on Santa Monica's Art Commission and...

May 30, 202437 min

This Artist Professionally Makes Shit Art- #213: Sean Andrews | Shit Art Club

This project, Shit Art Club, started from creative expression in high school. But from a high school rebellious art project, it grew into a thriving artistic community in Downtown Los Angeles. Dedicated to genuine creative expression, Shit Art Club rejects conventional form and function, embracing authenticity and anarchy. The collective invites everyone to join their creative crusade, fostering a space where beauty and discord coexist harmoniously. Their journey from a paint-soaked backyard to ...

May 23, 202446 min

How This Actor Created a Successful Woodworking Shop- #212: Eric Clem | LA Woodshop

Despite thinking his career was shattered by his injury, Eric Clem continued to follow his passion for woodworking. In 2010, Eric was able to mix his love for archery and woodworking through Bowyer Brooklyn, where he sold handcrafted bows and arrows to the people of New York. He would eventually move to Los Angeles where he realized his dream of sharing his craft with others, as he opened the doors to LA Woodshop, a haven for aspiring artisans seeking to carve their own path in the world of wood...

May 16, 202450 min

How a Food Blog Led to LA’s Largest Open Air Food Market- #211: Zach Brooks | Smorgasburg LA

Midtown Lunch was a hit but we’ll come back to that later… because before Zach Brooks was looking for hidden gems in food he was looking for gems in music. Zach’s career would go from radio to food blogging, to eventually becoming the general manager at Smorgasburg where he operates the largest open-air food market in LA county. But let’s find where this love of food started and go back to his childhood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

May 09, 20241 hr 3 min

From Penniless to Premier: Shaping LA's Top Photography School- #210: Julia Dean | Projecting L.A.

So if you don’t know Berenice Abbott was a famous photographer known for capturing New York's transformation from low-rise to skyscraper-filled in the 1930s. Julia’s apprenticeship with this renowned photographer was just the beginning. Despite facing financial constraints, Julia's determination propelled her forward as she traversed the landscapes of the United States, capturing the essence of societal shifts and cultural nuances through her lens. Settling in Los Angeles, her passion for street...

May 02, 20241 hr

How a Pandemic Pivot Made $5,000,000 a Month- #209: Adam Pisk | BruntWork Outsourcing

Amidst Covid lockdown disruptions, Adam Pisk navigated the challenge of keeping his Manila-based business running. Recognizing opportunities, he swiftly spearheaded the development of an online store for a major Supermarket, followed by a similar success with one of Australia's leading fashion retailers. With years of Global Sales experience at other companies, Adam co-founded Bruntwork, propelling it into a $5 million MRR business within just three years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Apr 25, 202423 min

How to Start a 1000+ Person Run Club- #208: Justin Shields | Venice Run Club

From raising $60,000 to support social justice to founding the Venice Run Club, a run club with 1000+ runners, to the Abbot Kinney One Race, Justin Shields has always been successful in creating inclusive environments that connect people to the community. Justin continues to make his mark on Venice, one stride at a time, but let’s go back to where this race starts in Berkeley California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Apr 18, 20241 hr 19 min

How Atheists Find Community- #207: Evan Clark | Atheists United

The realization that religion could prevent its followers from getting life saving medical attention, was something that shocked Evan. And this was yet another reason that he felt drawn to “atheism,” a word that he first discovered in a dictionary years before. Later, Evan would attend California Lutheran College which inspired him to create a Secular Student Alliance. Through this, he was able to create a community for students like himself who did not feel connected to religion. Springboarding...

Apr 11, 202453 min

How a Test Tube Clitoris was Bioengineered by This Artist- #206: Jiabao Li | Endless Health

Jiabao’s bioengineered clitoris is just the tip of what she’s capable of as an artist, designer, inventor, and professor. From a stint at Harvard to China’s 30 under 30 to TED talks on how technology mediates how we perceive reality, Jiabao’s multi-disciplinary approach to life flows into her art. She’s able to pull from her experience at Apple, founding experience of three companies, and numerous art exhibitions to bring innovative and unusual ideas to life. However, Jiabao Li was not always an...

Apr 04, 202436 min

Working with Bezos, Rejecting Zuckerberg, and Creating the Future of Security- #205: Dave Selinger | Deep Sentinel

Redfin had become a multi-billion dollar company, and that’s not all Dave Selinger has been involved in. He has stories of hacking into the early internet, working with Jeff Bezos, being unimpressed with a young Mark Zuckerberg, and eventually creating his own security company, Deep Sentinel. But let’s take it all back to the beginning to growing up in Oregon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 28, 20241 hr 18 min

How to Make $100,000 in 100 Days- #204: Niyc Pidgeon | Unstoppable Success

Niyc spent many years perfecting her businesses, driven by a dual pursuit of personal fulfillment and financial success. Enduring personal trauma and health challenges, Niyc never let hardship stop her for too long, as she continuously worked towards her ultimate goal. Today, she is a motivational speaker and coach with a focus on positive psychology. With 7000+ current students and an impact on millions of people, let’s dive into how this all started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...

Mar 21, 20241 hr 15 min

How I Got 50% Stronger with 1 Injection- #203: Dylan | Minicircle

Dylan has navigated through many unexpected twists and turns, transitioning from professional Super Smash Bros commentator to martial artist, and now, a pioneering figure in the realm of biohacking. Through the follistatin gene therapy, Dylan not only experienced a physical transformation but also a renewed sense of vitality. As he continues to fine-tune his body, Dylan’s journey serves as an example for athletes seeking a safer, more sustainable path to peak performance. Learn more about your a...

Mar 14, 202426 min

Why This Guy Travels with DMT- #202: Jacob | Minicircle

In the exploration of boundary-pushing biohacking, Jacob immerses himself in unconventional self-care. From his ventures with everyday supplements like fish oil to unusual psychedelics like toad venom, Jacob is driven by curiosity and experimentation. Today we go through his treasure trove of substances used for self-optimization, mood balancing, and just personal fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 07, 202434 min

The Weird Habits that Make You Immortal- #201: Ryan Rossner | Minicircle

Ryan’s home is a space dedicated to unlocking the secrets of longevity. From altitude generators to plunging into ice-cold waters to using a Petco heating lamp, every endeavor is a step toward extending human potential. Calculated and precise, Ryan is not afraid to balance risk with reward. With biohacking at the center of his day-to-day, we delve into his routines and his focus on longevity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 29, 202448 min

How to Hack the Body like a Computer - #200: Alec | Minicircle

Alec is a hacker. But he’s not just hacking computers, he also hacks the human body. From his early explorations into biohacking and biology, Alec became one of the founders of the Biohack ATX club and eventually took part in the Minicircle gene therapy. With a journey marked by curiosity and experimentation, we discuss what brought Alec into the biohacking world and tour Kuya, a sanctuary where science meets the soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 22, 202436 min

The Injection that Extends Life - #199: Dr. Dan | Minicircle

Dr. Dan’s office is a hub of innovation that is redefining healing. He employs an array of tools that help in navigating the realms of consciousness and longevity. Through it all, he advocates for a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of technology with human biology for a future where lifespan extends far beyond conventional limits. Let’s explore the types of therapies Dr. Dan offers and dive into his personal embrace of Minicircle’s follistatin gene therapy. Learn more abo...

Feb 15, 202444 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android