Dive into the complete episode list for Personable. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Artist David Stesner: Collaborating with Lamborghini, Selling to Royal families & Butterfly Project
11 Sep 2025
01:06:59
David Stesner, a renowned photographer and artist, shares his journey from assisting legendary photographers to creating his iconic butterfly collection and building a luxury home decor brand.
David Stesner, a classically trained artist, has carved a unique path in the art world, transitioning from assisting iconic photographers like Albert Watson to creating his own globally recognized work, including his deeply personal butterfly collection inspired by life, loss, and transformation. His art, featured in prestigious galleries like the St Regis Hotel in Doha and collected by royal families, reflects a blend of fashion, nature, and emotional depth. In this episode, Stesner discusses the challenges of breaking into the competitive photography industry, the evolution from analog to digital, and the importance of networking and social media in amplifying his reach. He also shares how he balances passion and profit, culminating in the creation of David Stesner Art House, a luxury brand applying his art to home decor, making it accessible to a wider audience while maintaining exclusivity.
David Stesner’s Discusses: ◽️ Digital photography revolutionized his creative process ◽️ Capturing personality enhances portrait photography ◽️ Butterfly collection reflects life and loss ◽️ Luxury brand balances exclusivity and accessibility ◽️ Social media connected art with elites
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:46 Why art? David’s early influences 01:36 From childhood interest to professional art 04:09 Balancing passion and profit early 09:15 Assisting legendary photographers: Lessons learned 15:06 Analog vs. digital photography shift 21:10 Building rapport for emotional portraits 23:38 What separates great photographers 26:50 Misconceptions about David’s on-set demeanor 30:41 Networking for elite galleries, collectors 33:46 Emotional weight of selling art 39:49 Balancing interpretation in art creation 43:39 Artist-collector relationship dynamics 45:38 Lamborghini collaboration for luxury show 50:04 Launching David Stesner Art House 59:19 Exclusivity’s role in pricing strategy 1:02:07 David’s legacy as artist, philanthropist 1:02:47 Future exhibits and brand scaling 1:03:53 Takeaway: Passion with a backup 1:04:56 Art, business, and branding insights 1:06:41 Outro
📌 Resources
David Stesner: ◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidstesner/?hl=en ◽️ Website: https://www.davidstesner.com/ ◽️ Home Decor Brand: https://davidstesnerarthouse.com/ ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-stesner-arthouse-b19a1710
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative
Parenting Expert (Meg Faure): Screens as Toxic as smoking?! 25% women depressed post childbirth!
10 Sep 2025
01:10:15
The No 1 Parenting Expert in South Africa Meg Faure shares her journey empowering parents, blending neuroscience, and fostering curiosity.
Meg Faure, an occupational therapist and serial entrepreneur, is the co-author of eight bestselling parenting books, including Baby Sense. Raised in South Africa, she studied at the University of Cape Town and specialized in New York, focusing on neuroscience and early childhood development. She founded Baby Sense, Play Sense, Sense-IT, and Parent Sense, impacting millions globally. Now scaling her Parent Sense app, Meg supports parents in the critical first 1,000 days, driven by compassion and science.
Meg Faure discusses: ◽️ Shaping South Africa’s parenting landscape ◽️ Tackling bold entrepreneurial challenges ◽️ Transforming parenting with neuroscience insights ◽️ Scaling Parent Sense to global impact ◽️ Fueling parental confidence through curiosity
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:50 South African roots and early passion 01:42 Love for babies and childhood calling 02:25 Neuroscience shaping parenting approach 03:37 Writing Baby Sense bestseller 04:59 Radio show sparks overnight success 06:05 Impact of Baby Sense seminars 07:09 Curiosity drives lifelong career 08:12 Parenting in an information overload 10:52 Finding trustworthy parenting voices 12:19 Navigating social media’s noise 14:33 Essential advice for new parents 16:42 Emotional connection as top priority 18:12 Gut microbiome’s role in health 20:17 Sensory experiences vs. toxic screens 25:34 Supporting neurodiverse kids’ success 27:28 Resilience through failure 29:00 Nature vs. nurture’s lifelong impact 31:43 Adverse childhood events explained 34:58 Self-regulation predicts future success 38:15 Overcoming adversity with resilience 42:30 Screens as harmful as smoking 46:49 Supporting postpartum mental health 48:19 Finding purpose post-parenting 50:54 Balancing work and motherhood 53:40 Dangers of tiger parenting 56:24 Free play fuels child creativity 59:57 Parent Sense app’s innovative design 1:02:33 Insurers fund app for scale 1:04:06 Pricing strategy for global reach 1:05:51 Reflecting on slower motherhood 1:07:17 Legacy of impacting millions 1:08:24 Scaling Parent Sense globally 1:09:10 Curiosity as a parenting superpower 1:10:13 Outro
📌 Resources Meg Faure: ◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megfaure.sense/ ◽️ Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-faure/ ◽️ Parent Sense LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parent-sense/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future r
7’0 Stanley Borden (UTSA, Duke MBB) on Social anxiety, NIL & going to NBA | ACC Champion, Final 4
09 Sep 2025
01:02:26
Stanley Borden shares his journey of overcoming social anxiety, navigating NIL, and chasing NBA aspirations.
Stanley Borden, a 7’0, 241-pound former walk-on for Duke’s men’s basketball team, is now a scholarship player at the University of Texas San Antonio. Born in New York and raised in Turkey with Turkish-Portuguese roots, he transitioned from tennis to basketball at 15, later starting for Portugal’s U20 national team. At Duke, he contributed to a 2022 Final Four, 2023 ACC Tournament win, 2024 Elite Eight, and 2025 Final Four, all while earning a computer science degree with minors in computational biology and English. Honored with the ACC Top Six for Service Award for organizing a 7.8km run for Turkey/Syria earthquake relief, Stanley now pursues an MBA at UTSA while aiming for a professional basketball career. In this episode, he opens up about battling social anxiety, leveraging NIL opportunities, and defining success beyond the court, guided by values of humility, empathy, and relentless initiative.
In this episode, Stanley Borden discusses: ◽️ Growing up in Turkey, Portugal influence ◽️ Handling social anxiety at 7’0 ◽️ NIL’s impact on college basketball ◽️ Transferring to UTSA for playing time ◽️ Defining success, values, and purpose
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:50 Background and basketball beginnings 01:40 Height assumptions 03:43 Handling height-related questions 04:19 Social dynamics of being tall 04:43 Navigating perceptions in high school 06:30 Social anxiety and fame 07:23 Overcoming social anxiety 10:04 Confidence reflection 10:59 College loneliness and social media 11:32 Campus fame via Fizz app 12:40 Parasocial relationships and campus hate 17:33 Connecting with others despite fame 19:55 Basketball experience 20:51 Walking onto Duke’s team 23:05 Coach K’s involvement 25:47 Tryout experience and team acceptance 32:34 NBA aspirations 32:42 Team role and growth 34:21 Transferring for more playtime 35:55 Playing with Cooper Flagg, Jared McCain 36:26 Teammates’ personalities 39:10 Engaging with people, not ideas 41:21 Combating false narratives 42:26 Empathy for negative behavior 44:35 NIL’s impact on college sports 48:59 Reflecting on future regrets 50:04 Improving basketball skills 52:54 Balancing basketball and other pursuits 1:00:14 Being multifaceted 1:01:19 Closing reflections 1:02:24 Thanks and outro
📌 Resources Stanley Borden ◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanleysborden/?hl=en ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanley-borden-4b8909224/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indi
Personable Markets: Gold & Bitcoin Surge, Japan PM resigns, USA tariff reversal, UK fiscal shortfall
08 Sep 2025
01:08:12
This is the 2nd episode of Personable markets in which I aim to speak to a hedgefund manager, VC or Investment Banker every week on real world market events. Unfortunately, this week the hedge fund manager I was supposed to speak to dropped out at the last minute. Fortunately, a good friend of mine was able to fill the gap to join me on this week’s Personable markets episode...
Luke Sloman who is a third-year Business and Management student at the University of Exeter, currently spending his year abroad at the University of Sydney. Luke grew up in Tokyo until the age of 13 before moving to the UK for boarding school. His academic interests focus on finance-related modules, which complement his broader studies in Business and Management.
In this episode, Luke Sloman reveals: ◽️ Why Japanese PMs frequently resign ◽️ US tariffs’ impact on global markets ◽️ UK’s looming fiscal shortfall crisis ◽️ Gold and Bitcoin as economic hedges ◽️ Retail investors’ growing market influence
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:33 Japan’s political instability 01:34 UK Deputy PM resignation 01:35 Autumn budget concerns 02:19 US Fed rate cut expectations 02:49 Japanese PM resignation trends 03:10 Liberal Democratic Party dominance 05:42 Ishiba’s resignation reasons 06:03 Nikkei 225 and S&P correlation 07:08 US tariffs hit Japanese economy 08:35 Japan’s trade diversification strategy 09:07 Global stock market performance 12:27 UK’s Labour approval drop 13:00 Post-COVID economic struggles 15:57 Migration as UK voter priority 16:25 Labour’s tax hike challenges 18:02 UK’s £50B fiscal shortfall 20:55 UK’s entrepreneurial mindset gap 23:24 Simon Squibb’s startup inspiration 24:30 Harry Stebbings’ VC influence 25:30 UK’s AI potential untapped 27:27 US vs. UK entrepreneurial culture 30:20 Trump’s tariff unconstitutionality ruling 34:09 Silicon Valley Bank collapse 37:22 US $40T debt concerns 38:46 Potential financial crisis looming 42:57 Retail investors’ limited participation 46:55 GameStop retail investor phenomenon 51:37 Citadel’s trading data advantage 53:43 Gold prices hit record highs 54:14 Bitcoin’s 10x growth explained 57:20 Gold as inflation hedge 1:00:12 Bitcoin’s government-backed irony 1:03:12 Department of Defense renamed War 1:05:03 War’s economic implications 1:07:29 Strong US market performance 1:08:00 Final thoughts and outlook 1:08:48 Outro
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📌 Resources Luke Sloman: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past perf
Actor Tim McInnerny's pursuit of excellence (Blackadder, Notting Hill, Gladiator 2, GOT, One Day)
05 Sep 2025
01:00:16
Tim McInnerny shares his journey of mastering diverse roles and staying true to the craft of acting.
Tim McInnerny rose to prominence as a versatile actor, uniquely playing two leading roles in the iconic Blackadder series - Lord Percy Percy and Captain Darling - while building a career spanning theater, film, and television. From his early days in school plays to starring alongside legends like Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench, Tim has balanced comedy and drama, appearing in projects like Notting Hill, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator 2. A graduate of Oxford University, where he studied English Language and Literature, he honed his craft through the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, always prioritizing truth and authenticity in his performances.
In this episode, Tim McInnerny discusses: ◽️ Discovering acting through a reluctant school play debut at 14 ◽️ Balancing ambition with humility in a competitive industry ◽️ The importance of truth and collaboration in acting ◽️ Navigating the emotional depths of roles like Iago and Hamlet ◽️ Lessons from a 40-year career in theater, TV, and film
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:31 Tim shares school play start 02:09 Acting clicked for Tim early 04:36 Harvey contrasts modern acting motives 05:04 Harvey asks about role competition 05:24 Tim on theater, luck’s role 08:08 Tim’s first London play 09:19 Harvey cites passion-driven acting 11:23 Balancing uniqueness with director’s vision 12:19 Tim on collaboration, script’s role 15:29 Tim’s chameleon-like acting approach 16:20 Tim on accessing self for roles 18:36 Harvey references Game of Thrones 19:42 Tim on controlling role immersion 21:08 Harvey asks about disconnecting roles 23:21 Tim discusses playing Iago 25:24 Harvey relates to life balance 26:25 Tim praises Harvey’s self-awareness 27:01 Tim chose university over drama 29:42 Tim on Oxford theater opportunities 31:33 Harvey shares dyslexia, camera issues 33:02 Tim on Blackadder comedy 36:36 Tim defines humor as wit 38:04 Blackadder’s serious comedy process 40:38 Challenges with Shakespeare’s comedy 41:01 Humor from character truth 47:00 Harvey asks about inspirations 48:31 Tim on Redgrave, Dench, Holm 54:17 Harvey asks about legacy 54:38 Tim values kindness as legacy 55:35 Harvey asks about unasked questions 57:34 Acting as self-examination privilege 58:43 Harvey thanks Tim, recalls meeting 1:00:05 Harvey reflects on deep talk 1:00:11 Outro
📌 Resources Tim McInnerny: ◽️ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0570570/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is no
Legendary Scooter rider Will Judy on pursuing Greatness, 30,000+ Fans & Overcoming Fear
05 Sep 2025
01:07:12
Will Judy, a former top scooter rider, shares his journey of building a 24,000-follower community and thriving as a data scientist.
Will Judy rose to prominence as a professional scooter rider, amassing over 24,000 Instagram followers through skill-driven video edits that garnered tens of thousands of views. He earned brand sponsorships for U.S. travel and signature skateboard parts in his name. Alongside his scootering career, he graduated magna cum laude from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in applied mathematics, earning Dean’s List and merit scholar honors. He now maintains a 4.0 GPA in a Master’s in Data Science at the University of Texas and works as a data scientist in marketing analytics.
In this episode, Will Judy discusses: ◽️ How scootering built lifelong discipline ◽️ Growing a 24,000-follower community ◽️ Balancing passion with academic success ◽️ Lessons from overcoming social pressures ◽️ Transitioning to a data science career
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:32 Will explains why he started scootering 01:24 Growing up active in Seattle 02:02 What drove Will to excel 02:10 Joy of landing new tricks 02:32 Building friendships at skate parks 03:47 Scootering as a unique skill 06:07 Key life lessons from scootering 07:11 Gratitude from diverse friendships 08:46 Common misconceptions about scooter riders 09:15 Lack of corporate sponsorships 10:59 Will’s shift to community focus 12:50 Supportive parents enabled balance 14:08 Choosing college over full-time scootering 16:23 Describing high-stakes scootering jumps 16:27 Risks of advanced scootering moves 17:41 Finding unique spots for tricks 19:22 Parallels to career risk-taking 20:55 Incremental steps for skill mastery 21:48 Patience in achieving big goals 24:32 Embracing discomfort for personal growth 25:39 Benefits of sticking with passions 27:54 Handling negative comments online 32:55 Building a loyal fan base 35:25 Quality over quantity in relationships 37:35 Impacting kids’ life choices positively 42:51 Staying true to scootering roots 46:05 Pursuing music as a passion 51:24 Love for puzzles and problem-solving 53:51 Landing data science job serendipitously 57:10 Legacy in music and sustainability 1:01:39 Future: Music, career, and balance 1:06:51 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
How Andrea Bartolucci created a wine empire! | Madonna Estate (2nd oldest winery in Napa California)
04 Sep 2025
00:55:56
Napa Valley’s Andrea Bartolucci pulls back the curtain on the hidden truths of winemaking, family business, and what it takes to thrive for a century.
Andrea Bartolucci is the proprietor of Madonna Estate and Madonna Vineyards, Napa’s second-oldest vineyard, founded by his Italian immigrant grandfather in 1922. A third-generation vintner, he’s led the family business to focus on organic, high-quality wines, producing 50,000 gallons annually. Now he’s confronting winemaking myths—from why passion trumps profit to how quality grapes, not branding, define great wine.
In this episode, Andrea Bartolucci reveals: ◽️ The SHOCKING prohibition-era winery survival trick! ◽️ Why he stuck with family vineyards! ◽️ The secret to Napa’s best wines! ◽️ How crop insurance saves disaster losses! ◽️ The mindset to outlast Napa competitors!
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:21 Three generations of Bartolucci winemaking 01:24 Surviving prohibition by selling grapes 01:54 Growing up with wine culture 02:10 Life in Napa’s vineyards as a child 03:47 Expanding from 24 to 275 acres 04:31 Quality vs. quantity in winemaking 04:52 Why good grapes make great wine 05:50 Differentiating Chardonnay and Pinot Noir 06:43 Matching grapes to Napa’s climate 07:11 Family legacy: Why kids joined winery 09:45 How vineyards grow under strict regulations 12:10 Producing 50,000 gallons with 120 acres 13:16 Custom crush: Boosting winery income 13:33 Family meetings for winery’s future 16:20 Crop insurance against fires, frost 18:09 Choosing wine: It’s all about taste 19:34 Napa’s cost barrier to new vintners 20:39 Passion drives Andrea’s winery devotion 22:59 Biggest regret: Staying too conservative 23:15 Tractor mishap: A childhood memory 27:04 Why wine doesn’t age forever 28:32 Speeding up wine aging risks 30:08 Location drives Napa wine quality 34:11 Branding vs. real wine quality 35:57 Competing in Napa’s crowded market 37:42 Upgrading barrels for better flavor 40:08 Winemaking mirrors raising daughters 42:57 Farming reality: Nature controls outcomes 44:52 Frost challenges in vineyard history 47:27 Organic farming since 1976 49:08 Grandfather’s advice: Accept gifts gratefully 51:39 Core value: Treat others fairly 52:44 Doubling down through adversity 53:06 One message: Find your passion 53:50 Reliving daughters’ birth moments 54:13 Legacy: Fairness and respect 54:55 What’s next for Andrea 55:12 One takeaway: Love your work
📌 Resources Andrea Bartolucci: ◽️ Website: madonnaestate.com ◽️ Instagram: instagram.com/madonnaestate
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risk
One Chowdhury raised $2.6m to take down $300bn Salesforce!! (Duke Dropout!)
04 Sep 2025
01:06:53
Duke dropout One Chowdhury pulls back the curtain on the lies we believe about startups, success, and what it really takes to challenge a $300B giant like Salesforce.
One Chowdhury is the CEO of Octolane, a Y Combinator-backed startup that raised $2.6M to build the first self-driving AI CRM. A self-taught coder who left Duke University to pursue his vision, he learned the pain of manual CRM entry during his internship at Mintlify. Now he’s confronting startup myths - from why focus trumps talent to how AI can transform sales workflows, freeing reps from tedious data entry.
In this episode, One Chowdhury reveals: ◽️ The SHOCKING Salesforce flaw reps hate! ◽️ Why he ditched Duke for startups! ◽️ The AI trick outsmarting CRM giants! ◽️ How Octolane’s $2.6M raise happened fast! ◽️ The mindset to beat impossible odds!
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:32 One’s discovery of Salesforce’s flaws 01:15 The emotional spark: Sales reps’ struggles 02:18 What Salesforce does and why it fails 02:47 Pain of manual CRM data entry 03:30 Why One chose to target Salesforce 04:51 Skepticism from others about his vision 05:06 Overcoming the “impossible” mindset 05:52 Silicon Valley’s hustle: Key lessons 06:30 Mintlify’s influence on One’s approach 07:17 Downsides of startup life exposed 10:33 Mintlify internship: Building AI products 11:50 Learning to ship fast, iterate later 12:46 Octolane’s self-driving AI CRM vision 14:20 How Octolane automates sales workflows 15:45 Early challenges: Gaining customer trust 18:06 Why focus beats shiny AI distractions 21:58 Coding as a superpower for all 23:15 High school project with 300,000 users 25:11 Why Duke was the right choice 26:10 Cultural shock at Duke University 30:34 AI tools like Cursor and Lovable 31:15 Can non-technical founders succeed? 33:00 Grit and discipline fuel Octolane’s rise 36:49 Biggest hurdle to beating Salesforce 39:11 Staying focused for a 10-year mission 40:30 Why Salesforce isn’t the real threat 42:40 Spotting real AI startups vs hype 44:15 Net Revenue Retention: The success metric 46:30 How One raised $2.6M so fast 48:00 Y Combinator’s role in Octolane’s growth 49:30 AI’s real-world impact on sales 58:49 Balancing AI rewards with safety 1:03:13 One’s legacy: Inspiring bold action 1:03:41 Next goal: Switch 100 companies 1:04:14 One’s advice: Focus and agency 1:06:51 Final reflections & takeaways
📌 Resources One Chowdhury: ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coffeewithone/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
This is the 1st episode of Personable markets in which I aim to speak to a hedgefund manager, VC or Investment Banker every week on real world market events. In this episode I speak to...
Stephen Roberts who is the founder of Orgueil Capital (an investment vehicle with its North Star to quintuple capital over the next 8-9 year period) & Former Partner at the Hedge Fund Horseman Capital.
In this episode, Stephen Roberts reveals: ◽️ The SURPRISING reason Hang Seng is one of 2025’s top indexes ◽️ Why Nvidia’s sky-high valuation could impact markets ◽️ His Secret to spotting China’s undervalued tech giants ◽️ The impact of Trump’s Fed pressure ◽️ The HIDDEN power of retail investors shaking markets
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:36 Hang Seng's Overlooked Surge 02:54 Alibaba's Cloud Computing Success 03:35 China's Geopolitical Investment Risks 05:00 U.S. Policies Create Global Opportunities 06:19 Nio's Strong China Performance 06:40 China's Online Shopping Trend 07:25 Misconceptions About China Media 09:19 AI Investment Beyond Nvidia 09:58 Nvidia's Competition Risks Exposed 10:49 DeepSeek's Sudden AI Launch 11:43 Mag 7's Continued AI Focus 12:31 Trump's Green Light for Tech 13:57 U.S.-China Trade Deal Prospects 14:39 China's Strength Against Trump 17:18 Trump's Growth Agenda Detailed 19:08 State vs. Fed Relationship 20:55 Fed Holding Rates Spitefully? 21:32 Presidents' Views on Rates 22:58 Rates Conversation Overemphasis 24:21 Finding Market Opportunities Elsewhere 25:49 Consumer Sentiment in U.S. 28:19 GameStop Retail Pump Phenomenon 30:10 Monitoring Retail Investor Sentiment 32:49 Citadel's AI Transcript Analysis 35:47 Nvidia's Singapore Revenue Risks 38:24 AI's iPhone Moment Evolution 40:08 Banks Benefiting from AI 41:08 LP's Long-Term Investment Strategy 44:08 Hedge Fund Failure Rates 45:18 S&P 500's High Risks 47:20 Equal-Weighted S&P Considerations 48:51 Mag 7 Distraction Warning 48:57 Key Trade Recommendations 49:39 Bitcoin's Government Hedge Role 50:56 Defense Stocks Like Palantir 55:02 Luxury Consumer Trends 57:16 Gambling Sector Regulatory Risks 58:25 Luxury's Global Bull Trend 59:05 Hedge Funds on Social Media 1:00:09 Podcasting's Structural Growth 1:00:53 Avoid U.S.-Centric Mindset 1:01:18 Final Market Themes Outlook 1:01:48 Key Risks in Next Months 1:03:08 Outro
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📌 Resources Stephen Roberts: ◽️ Orgueil Capital: https://www.orgueilcapital.com/our-story
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative o
Basketball Phenom's SECRET To Keep Winning! What It Takes To Get To The Top! (USA World Champion)
31 Aug 2025
01:03:08
Duke basketball phenom Jadyn Donovan pulls back the curtain on the lies we believe about talent, success, and what it really takes to make it at the highest level
Jadyn Donovan is an elite basketball defender and two-time FIBA World Cup gold medalist (U17/U19). The Duke star earned 2025 ACC All-Defensive Team honors while leading the Blue Devils to the NCAA Sweet 16. A former McDonald's All-American who maintained Academic All-ACC status. Now she’s confronting NCAA myths— from why she tracks defensive stops as points scored to how natural talent not enough at the highest level
In this episode, Jadyn Donovan reveals: ◽️ The SHOCKING last-minute twist that almost kept her from Duke ◽️ The defensive "basketball calculus" only elite players understand ◽️ How her FBI-level film study creates UNFAIR advantages ◽️ The 2 CRUCIAL plays that ended Duke's 2025 championship hopes ◽️ Why her academic focus remains UNTOUCHED by NIL distractions
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:42 How Jadyn First Fell in Love with Basketball 02:03 The Game That Made Her Realize She Could Go Far 03:27 Being a Young Girl in Basketball & Defying Expectations 05:16 How Duke Entered the Picture (Her Recruitment Story) 06:26 Almost Going to Notre Dame Instead 07:10 What Jadyn Thought Duke Would Be Like vs. Reality 08:31 Why the “Sisterhood” at Duke Is So Special 10:01 Why People Stay at Duke Instead of Transferring 11:11 What Coach Kara Saw in Her Game 12:46 Behind the Scenes: Competing for a Spot Every Week 15:08 Feeling Pressure & How She Became More Free 17:25 How She Stays Disciplined When No One's Watching 19:03 Why She Refuses to Cut Corners 20:13 Breaking Mental Limits & Growing From Year 1 to 2 22:02 Her First Game at Duke & Early Season Highs and Lows 23:33 Biggest Differences Between High School & College Ball 25:06 The “Baby Jadyn” vs. “Mature Jadyn” Mindset Shift 26:35 Becoming One of the Top Defenders in the ACC 27:26 Her Step-by-Step Defensive Strategy & Scouting Process 29:13 Do Players Really Stick to Their Habits in Games? 30:05 What’s the Real Goal of Defense? 31:38 How She Actually Stops Elite Players 33:27 Playing Alongside NBA Prospects Like Cooper Flagg 35:55 Her Honest Take on the WNBA & Making a Living 37:10 The Power of NIL & Players Like Angel Reese 38:09 The Inequality Between Men’s and Women’s Attention 39:58 How She Turns Lack of Support Into Motivation 40:13 Building a Brand Like Caitlin Clark 43:55 Her Honest Take on NIL’s Impact (Good & Bad) 46:51 Learning to Trust the Right People 48:22 What She’s Learned About Money & Investing 50:23 Would She Stay in College Longer Just for NIL? 51:55 Will Duke Women’s Basketball Win a National Title? 52:42 Where Her Fierce Mindset Comes From 54:26 Biggest Misconception About Her 54:47 What She’d Do Differently If She Started Again 55:11 Best Advice She’s Ever Received 56:31 What Happiness Means to Her 58:35 What’s Her Purpose in Life? 59:39 Biggest Life Lesson So Far 1:00:35 How She Deals With Adversity 1:01:21 What’s Next for Jadyn 1:01:54 How She Wants to Be Remembered 1:02:38 Final Reflections & Takeaways
The Market Experts: Quant AI has made Billionaires! Now Retail Investors Can Do It Too! (OpenQuant)
28 Aug 2025
01:08:52
From Apple’s Touch ID to a $650M hedge fund–and from Vietnamese medtech to $80M in DeFi–Makoto Tominaga & Quoc Anh Ngo expose why retail trading is rigged, and how their AI platform OpenQuant is rewriting the rules of crypto, equities, and real estate investing.
Makoto Tominaga is a quant strategist at a $650M hedge fund and former Apple engineer who helped develop Touch ID security. Quoc Anh Ngo (QA) built medical rehab devices in Vietnam before creating DeFi protocols that secured $80M in deposits. Together, they're founding OpenQuant - an AI platform bringing institutional-grade trading tools to retail investors across crypto, stocks and real estate.
Makoto & QA reveal: ◽️ Why 95% of traders fail—and how their AI cracks the code ◽️ From Apple’s biometrics to DeFi security—the hidden link in financial safety ◽️ The $80M DeFi disaster that rewrote their rules for risk ◽️ Why VC money is a trap—and their unconventional funding blueprint ◽️ "Institutional tools break for retail"—Makoto’s law of real-world finance
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:23 How Makoto and QA Met 02:33 Why Makoto Joined Forces with QA 05:10 Taking on Hard Problems with AI and Finance 08:20 Why Not Keep the Edge to Themselves? 10:50 Building a Win-Win Business Model 12:27 What Is OpenQuant? (Beginner Explanation) 15:56 How Funds Build Strategies Step-by-Step 17:54 Why Funds Miss Big Opportunities 20:08 How AI Supercharges Research and Strategy 22:44 Helping Everyday Investors Avoid Risky Mistakes 23:44 6 Big Questions from Harvey 25:53 Do All Users Get the Same Info? 27:25 Can Makoto and QA See Everyone’s Trades? 30:12 Privacy and Ethics of Trade Data 32:05 Why Give Risky Tools to Non-Experts? 35:16 Will Hedge Funds Lose Their Edge? 37:08 What Risks Should Users Be Aware Of? 39:33 Why OpenQuant Helps, Not Harms 40:53 Quant vs. Gut Investing – Which Is Better? 44:13 What People Don’t Understand About Crypto 47:53 Rapid Fire: What Drives Makoto and QA 50:50 What Motivates Them 52:13 Best Advice They’ve Received 55:20 How They Handle Stress and Uncertainty 57:07 Questions They’re Rarely Asked 1:01:03 Why Take Big Risks 1:03:20 Final Takeaways for the Listener 1:08:26 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
ONLY 0.1% Make It Into Citadel Securities! Their Chief People Officer REVEALS What It REALLY Takes!
22 Aug 2025
00:51:09
Citadel Securities’ Chief People Officer, Alex DiLeonardo, reveals how the firm spots outliers early, evaluates talent with surgical precision, and ties every employee’s work directly to CEO-level goals.
Alex DiLeonardo is the Chief People Officer at Citadel Securities, where he leads global talent strategy across recruiting, development, and performance. He previously served as Chief Talent Officer at Activision Blizzard and was a partner at McKinsey & Company, with earlier experience at JPMorgan Chase and Deloitte. Alex holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business and Heinz College, and lectures at Harvard, Wharton, and other global business schools on aligning people systems with business performance.
In this episode, Alex reveals: ◽️ How Citadel Securities identifies high-potential talent and gives them direct project ownership from day one ◽️ Why every employee’s goals are explicitly tied to CEO-level business outcomes ◽️ How AI and automation are reshaping performance management - without losing the human touch ◽️ What makes HR in hedge funds radically different from Fortune 500 companies ◽️ His “capital I” career model - and why nonlinear growth beats fast promotions
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:42 Becoming Chief People Officer 03:07 People as competitive advantage 03:43 Culture that attracts talent 05:52 Early career growth opportunities 06:45 What talent really wants 10:48 Career as an “I” shape 11:24 Culture from top and bottom 13:43 Values: winning, meritocracy, learning 15:06 Culture vs. performance balance 16:31 Citadel Securities vs Citadel hedge fund 17:14 Graduate recruiting & training programs 18:45 Why Harvey chose Goldman Sachs 21:22 Resume proxies and candidate fit 23:20 Balancing established vs startup culture 24:28 Unique top-down project assignments 25:53 Talent insights from a headhunter’s son 27:31 Strategy amid fast-changing markets 30:20 Living meritocracy: goal ownership 34:19 Avoiding credit-stealing and accountability 35:48 Why share knowledge publicly? 36:58 Leadership beliefs unlearned 38:02 Competitive intensity & mental health 38:32 Values supporting performance 39:18 Assessing potential, long & short term 39:30 AI as an enabler, not threat 40:00 Common HR misconceptions 40:09 Advice for aspiring Chief People Officers 41:36 Question not asked enough 42:31 Favorite restaurant & cycling passion 46:51 Foot off the pedal? Restlessness 48:16 What’s next & desired legacy 49:39 Key takeaway for listeners 51:01 Outro
📌 Resources Alexander DiLeonardo ◽️ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderdileonardo/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
EXCLUSIVE With Tiger Woods CEO: “Being Liked ≠ Success. Respect Is Everything!” (Former NBA Exec)
20 Aug 2025
01:00:12
From the NBA to leading Tiger Woods’ foundation, Rick Singer reveals why earning respect, not popularity, is the key to leadership, how elite athletes build lasting influence, and what most CEOs get wrong about impact.
Rick Singer is the former President and CEO of the Tiger Woods Foundation, where he led global education, youth development, and philanthropic strategy for one of the most iconic athletes of all time. Prior to that, he held senior roles at the NBA, IBM, and KemperSports Management, and served as a marketing professor at Duke University. With a career spanning elite sports, corporate leadership, and education, Rick brings hard-earned insights into influence, branding, and building trust at the highest level.
In this episode, Rick revealed: ◽️ Why being respected, not liked, is the trait top performers and great leaders prioritize ◽️ What it was like working directly with Tiger Woods - and how Tiger built trust without words ◽️ The leadership lessons CEOs can borrow from elite athletes and coaches ◽️ How to build a high-performance team culture without micromanaging ◽️ The most common mistake young professionals make when trying to lead early in their careers
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:03 Rick’s start in nonprofits 02:46 Poll EV question on nonprofits 03:55 Why Rick chose nonprofit work 05:57 Paying nonprofit workers better 07:06 Measuring nonprofit success 09:24 Fundraising and impact metrics 10:33 Comparing nonprofit to business 11:09 Working with Tiger Woods 13:41 Growth at Tiger Woods Foundation 16:53 Why Rick left the foundation 17:28 Deal making nonprofit vs for-profit 19:17 Rick’s time at IBM 23:24 Digital impact on sports 24:04 AI vs crypto/metaverse 27:33 Balancing profit and passion 30:05 Why sports marketing works 32:29 NBA vs IBM marketing 35:09 Handling backlash (Bud Light) 38:51 Marketing & evolving values 40:47 Importance of values 44:13 Aligning culture and values 49:28 Rick’s key personal values 51:39 Misconceptions about Rick’s work 52:26 Unlearning: being liked vs respected 53:16 Advice for college grads 54:33 Best advice Rick received 55:30 Question Rick hasn’t been asked 56:53 What’s next for Rick 58:00 Rick’s legacy 58:31 Rick’s message: patience 59:36 Outro
📌 Resources Rick Singer ◽️ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-singer-9a44037/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Meet the Hall Of Fame Advisor to the NFL, Ryder Cup AND NASCAR! SportsMediaAdvisors CEO Reveals All!
15 Aug 2025
00:48:07
Doug Perlman breaks down the media rights gold rush, why private equity is flooding into sports, and how NIL is transforming college athletics—drawing from deals across the NFL, Ryder Cup and NASCAR.
Doug Perlman is the Founder and CEO of Sports Media Advisors, a boutique advisory firm specializing in media rights, strategy, and transactions across professional sports. Since launching SMA in 2009, he has advised major leagues, teams, media networks, and private equity firms on high-value broadcast and digital rights deals. Previously, Perlman served as EVP of Media at the NHL and later as President of IMG Media North America. He began his career at Proskauer Rose LLP. A Sports Business Journal “Forty Under 40” Hall of Fame inductee, Perlman holds a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and a BA from Duke University.
In this episode, Doug Perlman revealed: ◽️ The founding story and core services of Sports Media Advisors (SMA) ◽️ How private equity firms are increasingly investing in sports, from major leagues to emerging ones like pickleball ◽️ Building trust through long-term relationships and handling failures in the sports industry ◽️ Strategies for maintaining a lean team while handling high-quality clients and deals ◽️ The evolution of NIL in college sports, from initial ideals to pay-for-play realities and future settlements
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:56 How Doug got started in sports 02:31 Someone Doug worked with at IMG 03:00 What Doug’s company does 05:33 Are sports teams too expensive now? 06:04 What other sports people are investing in 07:13 How Doug got big-name clients 07:38 Why people trust Doug’s company 09:09 How Doug keeps strong relationships 10:09 What Doug does when something goes wrong 11:39 Doug’s first big deal 13:30 How Doug learned new skills 16:21 Doug’s dream client 18:27 What keeps Doug excited about work 20:53 Why his team is small 23:05 What NIL is and why it matters 26:39 Why NIL is tricky 29:46 Will people still like college sports? 31:44 What the Olympics can teach us 33:29 Why sports is like buying juice 35:08 How Doug knows what something is worth 37:20 Doug’s tips for making deals 39:34 Why hard work matters 42:09 A question Doug doesn’t get often 42:54 Doug’s best advice ever 45:12 One big lesson from Doug 46:29 Host shares his thoughts 47:34 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Meet the Genius HedgeFund Manager Who NEVER Lost Money! (Worked For Steve Cohen & Michael Platt)
12 Aug 2025
01:07:57
Lia Forcina shares how she went from a newspaper job ad to managing $100M+ - revealing what she learned from Steve Cohen, why AI is killing junior roles, and the “3-unit rule” that’s kept her profitable every single year.
Lia Forcina is a partner and portfolio manager at LGR Capital in London. She previously held roles at BlueCrest Capital, SAC Capital (now Point72), and Morgan Stanley. Lia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (110/110 cum laude) and a Master’s degree in Statistics and Econometrics from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.
In this episode, Lia Forcina revealed: ◽️ How a random newspaper ad and a bar conversation launched her into Morgan Stanley ◽️ The ski accident that forced her out of banking - and into a trading desk that changed everything ◽️ What it was really like working under Steve Cohen and Mike Platt - and why their intensity isn’t for everyone ◽️ Her “3-unit rule” for cutting losses - the risk strategy that’s kept her profitable every single year ◽️ Why AI is wiping out junior roles - and how it’s forcing portfolio managers to evolve fast
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:45 How Lia got her job 05:30 Her work now and before 06:40 Working at SAC and meeting Steve Cohen 09:15 Why learning from older people helps 11:57 When to stop losing money 15:50 What keeps her working hard 18:00 How AI helps her work 20:57 Using AI her way 22:35 How she checks success and risk 25:17 Her secret: cut losses fast 26:41 Advice for new investors 29:11 Why Steve Cohen and Michael Platt are special 31:26 How to tell real ideas from noise 33:28 Why hedge funds beat banks 35:39 Can anyone be a great investor? 37:00 How to learn investing alone 39:41 Her view on tariffs 42:49 Her thoughts on AI changing jobs 45:33 Her worry about no AI rules 47:02 Investing US vs Europe 50:15 Biggest growth areas 52:36 Wrong ideas about her 53:21 Best advice she got 54:41 Question she’s not asked 55:28 Why she has strong opinions 56:45 Her thoughts on cancel culture 58:07 Personal story about honesty 1:01:44 Her message: talk to each other 1:04:34 What she wants next 1:05:53 How she wants to be remembered 1:06:45 Her biggest lesson: handle pain 1:07:16 Outro
📌 Resources Lia Forcina ◽️ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-forcina-17352459
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
The $100M FOUNDER (Ex-Goldman): One Pivot Saved Us, Execution Built Us, Bad Hires Nearly Broke Us
07 Aug 2025
00:49:19
Dylan Robbins shares how one strategic pivot scaled Lucra to $100M+, why second-time founders have an edge and why flawless execution still trumps big ideas.
Dylan Robbins is the Founder and CEO of Lucra Sports, a gamification technology company valued at over $100M. Lucra powers competitive experiences across consumer and B2B platforms. Before founding Lucra, Dylan worked at Goldman Sachs and AQR Capital Management. He previously co-founded Lifetime Vintage (acquired in 2023) and Verre Vert. He holds a B.S. in Economics from Duke University and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
In this episode, Dylan reveals: ◽️ Why startups are "10% idea, 90% execution" (and his 1,500-idea testing system) ◽️ Why second-time founders have an edge (even after failed ventures) ◽️ How Duke/Stanford shaped his journey (and why peers over coursework) ◽️ His "life is short" philosophy with daily phone reminders ◽️ Why company culture beats profits: "If my team loves work, we've won"
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Dylan’s background: Duke, Stanford, Goldman 03:15 - How Lifetime Vintage started 04:24 - Writing down one idea every day 06:02 - Working with his wife 07:38 - What separates successful founders 08:40 - How COVID boosted the business 10:15 - Life after selling his company 11:42 - Staying motivated as a founder 15:00 - Who shouldn’t be an entrepreneur 16:57 - What Lucra started as 18:30 - Realizing the bigger opportunity 20:26 - The pivot to B2B 21:57 - Bootstrapping vs raising VC 23:59 - Focusing vs constantly changing 25:04 - Balancing innovation with execution 28:39 - Managing ambition and life balance 30:04 - Second-time founder advantage 31:12 - How to build credibility 33:20 - What success means to Dylan 35:01 - Creating a great startup culture 38:33 - Rapid-fire Q&A starts 38:33 - Best advice he’s received 38:53 - A question he’s never asked 39:14 - What he loves about startups 39:45 - What happiness means to him 40:23 - His personal philosophy 41:14 - Compartmentalizing stress 42:19 - Handling uncertainty 42:55 - Lessons from entrepreneurship 44:14 - A day he’d relive 45:35 - Knicks vs baby debate 46:10 - What’s next for Dylan 47:00 - How he wants to be remembered 47:42 - One takeaway for listeners 48:22 - Host’s closing thoughts 49:00 - Final thanks 49:18 - Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Meet The Brothers Representing England: Be Obsessed OR Someone Takes Your Spot! (RWC Winner's Sons)
06 Aug 2025
01:04:20
Charlie and Jack Bracken, sons of World Cup winner Kyran Bracken, reveal how rejection, rivalry, and relentless training shaped their rise through Saracens and England’s youth ranks.
Charlie and Jack Bracken are professional rugby players for Saracens and sons of Kyran Bracken, England’s 2003 World Cup-winning scrum-half. Both brothers began at St Albans Rugby Club and progressed through the Saracens academy while representing England at age-grade levels.
Charlie, a scrum-half, made his Saracens debut in 2022 and has 14 England U20 caps. Jack, a wing/fullback, made his U20 debut in 2024 with a hat-trick and went on to win the U20 World Championship. Together, they share the highs, lows, and mindset shifts that fuel their journey—on and off the pitch.
In this episode, Charlie and Jack revealed: ◽️ How backyard games with their World Cup-winning dad kickstarted their rugby obsession ◽️ The moment Jack walked away from football to chase his England dream—and delivered a U20 World Cup hat-trick ◽️ How Charlie turned Oxford rejection into motivation to double down on rugby at Loughborough ◽️ What really happens when you lose a challenge at Saracens (yes, Charlie did sing live on Instagram) ◽️ Why they believe mental toughness—not raw talent—is the “untrained 50%” that separates good from great
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:06 Charlie on starting rugby 02:26 Jack on rugby getting serious 02:55 Jack choosing rugby over football 04:00 Charlie on school and rugby 05:19 Are players born or made? 07:01 Saracens culture explained 08:49 Jack joining Saracens rebuild 10:27 Jack’s big game in Championship 11:19 Charlie’s path to main team 13:08 Charlie choosing England over Ireland 15:22 Charlie improving kicking skills 17:59 Charlie’s passing stats 18:35 Playing for England feelings 20:42 Jack’s England youth and World Cup 22:16 Importance of mental strength 24:02 Need for mindset training 25:08 Staying strong after bad games 27:31 Hard work inspiring others 29:23 Handling pressure in games 30:54 Focusing on present moment 32:36 Henry Pollock’s impact 35:16 Rugby’s future growth 37:15 Talking about being outgoing 38:52 Saracens dice roll punishments 41:37 Balancing university and rugby 43:39 Plans after rugby 45:56 Legacy and how to be remembered 47:52 Questions they wish asked 49:18 Habits they had to change 50:50 Messages on gratitude and life 52:07 Motivational questions between brothers 55:20 Rugby idols they admire 57:36 Goals to join first team 58:58 Long-term rugby dreams 59:13 How they want to be remembered 1:00:12 Key takeaways for listeners 1:03:17 Final thoughts 1:04:10 Outro
📌 Resources Charlie Bracken ◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charliebracken9/?hl=en-gb
Jack Bracken ◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbracken_/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best
Ladi Built Nigeria’s 7th Biggest Bank, While Others Chased Wall St! (The Lesson That MADE $5Bn!)
01 Aug 2025
01:06:17
While others pursued Wall Street, Ladi Balogun built Nigeria’s 7th largest bank - unpacking how he scaled to 15M customers, navigated CEO term limits, and built a $5B institution by betting on Africa’s financial future.
Ladi Balogun is the Group Chief Executive Officer of FCMB Group Plc, a leading Nigerian financial services holding company operating in banking, asset management, pensions, and fintech. From 2007 to 2017, he served as CEO of First City Monument Bank, overseeing its expansion from 200 staff to over 15 million customers, the acquisition of Finbank, and the launch of UK operations. He previously worked at Citi in New York and Deutsche Bank in London, and today leads digital banking platform Rova while chairing FCMB Pensions and Credit Direct. His focus is scaling inclusive finance across African markets.
In this episode, Ladi reveals: ◽️ How leaving manufacturing led to building Nigeria’s 3rd largest bank—and why others missed the moment ◽️ Why “strategic naivety” was his secret weapon in scaling from 200 to 10,000 employees ◽️ How Nigeria’s CEO term limits forced him to think bigger—and launch a financial ecosystem ◽️ How digital banking became a lifeline for millions during economic instability ◽️ The single infrastructure reform he believes could ignite a 9% GDP explosion across Africa
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:10 Harvard MBA benefits 03:40 FCMB bank overview 05:30 Banking business segments 06:39 Investment vs commercial banking 07:33 CEO career path 09:20 Specialist vs generalist 11:19 Bank growth story 12:15 Team and naivety 14:06 Early goals: survival 15:40 Niche market focus 17:30 Digital banking strategy 19:55 CEO term limits Nigeria 20:17 Nigeria as headquarters 22:00 Customer growth figures 22:59 Balancing optimism and realism 25:53 Risk and return basics 27:23 What customers want 30:10 Providing certainty to clients 32:51 Role change: CEO to group 34:50 Leadership from sidelines 36:36 Culture of excellence 2.0 39:00 Leadership style evolving 40:53 Nigeria safety and community 43:15 Corruption realities 48:43 Nigeria investment returns 50:46 Growth obstacles 55:45 Handling high interest rates 58:32 AI’s impact on Africa 1:00:52 Future plans 1:02:54 Legacy hopes 1:03:50 Key takeaway 1:05:47 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
“This Is One Of The Most Important Times In Human History” — Vimo CFO (Ex-Lime, Morgan Stanley MD)
30 Jul 2025
01:04:28
Former Morgan Stanley MD turned startup CFO explains why the rise of AI marks a once-in-a-generation shift—and how it’s forcing Wall Street and Silicon Valley to collide like never before.
Ted Tobiason is CFO of Vimo and former CFO of electric scooter pioneer Lime. A Wall Street veteran, he served as MD at Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank leading their Tech ECM divisions, following early career roles at Bear Stearns and Robertson Stephens. He holds a Princeton degree and Columbia MBA, and plays lead guitar in The Dirty Spoon Band.
In this episode, Ted Tobiason reveals: ◽️ Why banking analysts today work smarter (but face different challenges) than the 90s "all-nighter era" ◽️ How managing bankers is like coaching NBA playoffs - energy strategy matters more than hours ◽️ Government tech’s $1 trillion opportunity everyone’s ignoring ◽️ The "hot rock" theory of market bubbles - and what it predicts about AI ◽️ Why he’ll take curiosity over credentials every time when hiring
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:46 Breaking into Investment Banking 02:12 Why He Stayed in New York 03:10 Is Banking Still Worth It? 05:48 Why Banking Is a Black Box 06:40 What It Takes to Succeed in Banking 10:15 How Good Managers Prevent Burnout 12:00 Moving from Banking to Tech 15:12 What Tariffs Actually Do 16:07 Why China Won on Manufacturing 19:40 Is AI Real or Just Hype? 21:14 How AI Compares to Crypto and NFTs 25:48 How to Spot Real vs Fake Trends 28:53 Purpose vs Profit at Lime 32:48 What Vimo Actually Does 36:47 Why States Choose Vimo 39:51 What Ted Does as CFO 44:08 How to Win Big Deals 46:21 The Craziest IPO Story 48:36 How Real Investors Avoid Hype 50:26 What Makes a Good Banker 54:42 Why Humility Beats Ego 57:45 What’s Next for Ted 59:00 How He Thinks About Legacy 1:02:19 Final Takeaway 1:03:43 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Build the CULT, Then The CODE - How SCRAN’s 22-YO Couple Are Changing Food Apps Forever!
25 Jul 2025
01:08:22
Two 22-year-old founders reveal how they’re risking everything to build Scran, the TikTok-inspired app revolutionizing London’s dining scene before Big Tech takes over.
Maisie Roberts and Bertie Kinnings, UX Design graduates from Loughborough University, co-founded Scran, a Gen Z restaurant app combining TikTok-style discovery with booking. Maisie’s AI design expertise (Itsu, Orgueil Capital) powers Scran’s recommendation algorithm, while Bertie’s VR/AR background (BMW, Goldsmiths) shapes its immersive experience. They're building up Scran's socials to grow worldwide, balancing cutting-edge tech with viral appeal.
In this episode, Maisie and Bertie reveal: ◽️ The hidden UX flaw in OpenTable that made their app inevitable ◽️ The 3-word test for Scran-approved restaurants (and why vibes = reviews) ◽️ Why they’re exploiting the second-mover advantage in social dining ◽️ Their WhatsApp guerrilla tactic for building a beta tester army ◽️ How Hinge’s UI inspired their swipe-worthy restaurant discovery
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:31 Bertie’s story: UX, VR and Trackman 01:31 Maisie’s story: jewelry, UX and AI bootcamp 02:54 How they turn ideas into real, usable designs 05:20 What is Scran 05:57 The Gen Z problem they’re solving 07:02 Starting fast and why it mattered 08:54 Building as a couple 10:46 Their biggest early mistake 12:56 What success looks like for Scran 14:35 How the app works: content, bookings, community 16:30 The WhatsApp hotline and early fanbase 17:20 Trends vs substance 18:52 Their biggest challenge: team, funding, tech 21:10 Who inspires them: Hinge, WeWork, TikTok 23:33 How they actually build: Figma to dev 24:31 Is university worth it in 2025 28:29 Why they’re staying in London 30:38 UK vs US mindset: support vs doubt 32:57 Misconceptions about them 34:34 Posting online: fear and doing it anyway 36:48 Social media helped build confidence 39:38 Their brand strategy: be real, not perfect 43:44 What they’d do differently 48:38 Using Instagram to get partnerships 50:03 What Scran Approved really means 54:30 How they avoid short-term hype 56:05 The Scran badge idea 59:58 What’s next: MVP and beta launch 01:03:17 Long-term vision and legacy 01:05:40 Final takeaway from Maisie 01:06:16 Final takeaway from Bertie 01:07:12 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Riya SOLD 30,000+ BOOKS By Writing For Two AUDIENCES: SMART For Parents, SILLY For Kids!
23 Jul 2025
01:04:41
Riya Jain who turned her childhood health struggles into a movement reveals how to transform personal pain into purpose and build a business that changes lives
Riya Jain is the founder and CEO of The Land of Can, a children's media company she launched in seventh grade to create empowering books and resources about health topics like food allergies, anxiety, and ADHD. Her company has sold over 30,000 books, partnered with 500+ schools, and earned her $30,000 from Duke University’s Startup Showcase. While studying at Duke, Riya continues to expand The Land of Can, developing new educational materials to help children overcome limitations and embrace their potential.
In this episode, Riya reveals: ◽️ How a middle school lunch table moment exposed the flaws in kids' educational books ◽️ Why food allergies and anxiety are surprisingly similar – and what doctors miss ◽️ How COVID accidentally made her a media sensation (and why the Today Show’s rejection backfired) ◽️ Why the Today Show passed on her viral idea (and how it backfired on them) ◽️ The brutal feedback from her toughest critics: 8-year-olds
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:44 What is The Land of Can? 01:14 Riya’s story 02:50 Why she wanted to help others 04:27 How the first book became a real project 06:37 Publishing during COVID & early traction 07:52 Explaining complex topics to kids 09:32 How worry vs anxiety is taught 10:41 Children’s books vs academic writing 12:17 Why even adults learn from these books 13:28 What makes a children’s book exciting 15:25 Why kids give the best feedback 16:32 The power of the first impression 17:45 How to create a great hook 18:47 Marketing to both kids and parents 20:10 How The Land of Can fits her career 22:44 Why she sees this as a full-time future 23:24 What she needs to scale the business 25:07 Is being young an advantage? 27:04 Why seasoned entrepreneurs want to help 28:58 What it’s like being a young CEO 30:26 Her leadership style 31:11 How to Motivating a team 32:42 How she defines leadership 34:30 What she'd tell her younger self 36:53 How she stays grounded through highs & lows 39:17 What she's had to unlearn 43:33 Message to the world 47:25 How she stays confident with her allergy 50:01 How to be yourself without offending others 56:35 What makes a good story 58:48 What’s next for Riya 1:00:46 What she wants her legacy to be 1:02:03 Takeaway 1:03:20 Final thoughts
📌 Resources Riya Jain ◽️ Land of Can: https://thelandofcan.com/ ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riyajain-/ ◽️ Website: https://www.riyajain.org/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
The NFL Insider (Jaguars/Bucs): What CEOs Can STEAL From Super Bowl-Winning Coaches!! (No 1 Author)
18 Jul 2025
01:03:33
From NFL sidelines to global stages, Nathan Whitaker, bestselling author and ex-NFL insider, unleashes lessons on why character outshines athleticism, how Super Bowl legends like Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden forged winning cultures, and why embracing your role—on the field or in the boardroom—sparks unstoppable resilience and success.
Nathan Whitaker, #1 New York Times bestselling author and former NFL executive, draws on his Super Bowl-winning experience with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars to deliver bold insights on leadership, team culture, and resilience, bridging sports and business with lessons from co-authoring books with Tony Dungy and Tim Tebow. He now speaks to organizations about leadership, team culture, and resilience, drawing on his experiences in professional sports and business.
In this episode, Nathan reveals: ◽️ How Super Bowl-winning teams evaluate talent beyond physical stats (and why character trumps athleticism every time) ◽️ The leadership secrets behind Tony Dungy’s quiet dominance and Jon Gruden’s fiery intensity ◽️ Why NFL scouts always visit the strength coach first when assessing draft prospects ◽️ How to spot a "Do Not Draft" player (and why teams still ignore these red flags) ◽️ What Warren Sapp taught him about locker room leadership (hint: it’s not what fans saw on TV)
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:44 Why law after sports? 01:09 Early academic and sports background 02:24 How law shaped storytelling 04:36 Transition to football administration 06:28 Leadership lessons from NFL coaches 08:39 Different leadership styles observed 10:04 What scouts look for: metrics vs. character 13:41 Importance of character and team fit 16:03 Duke Final Four inbounding story 17:41 Consequences of “bad egg” players 20:36 Warren Sapp and locker room culture 23:41 Born vs. made success debate 26:40 Mindset for success: control the controllables 28:31 Michael Jordan’s persistence story 30:29 Value of trying even if you fail 33:14 Why Nathan shares knowledge and writes books 36:59 Daily habits of high achievers 39:44 Coaching vs. CEO leadership differences 43:50 Thoughts on NIL in college sports 46:59 Questions Nathan wishes to be asked more 49:31 Being great in your current role while growing 51:36 Favorite story: Stacey King and knowing your role 54:26 Audience reactions and impact of talks 57:48 What’s next for Nathan? 59:35 Desired legacy and how to be remembered 1:00:47 Key takeaway: practicing gratitude 1:02:38 Final reflections on leadership and growth 1:03:00 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
THEY LIED TO YOU ABOUT DEMOCRACY! Expert's Warning On America’s Hidden Divide (And How To Fix It!)
16 Jul 2025
01:03:25
Seth Radwell exposes the lie behind America’s political divide - and the urgent fix before it’s too late.
Seth David Radwell is the Harvard-trained CEO (Proactiv, Scholastic) who revealed how America's founding clashes created today's crisis. His award-winning book the American Schism dismantles political myths. Now he works with leaders worldwide to combat polarization before he believes democracy collapses.
Seth explains: ◽️ The hidden 18th-century origins of America's political divide—and why history keeps repeating itself ◽️ How 40 years of failed economic policy created the MAGA movement's explosive rise ◽️ Why social media algorithms are designed to make us hate each other (and how to opt out) ◽️ The forgotten 1920s solutions that actually reduced polarization—and could work today ◽️ Why "compromise" became a dirty word—and how to reclaim it as democracy's superpower
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⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:49 What Is the American Schism? 02:32 Why the Founding Fathers Disagreed 04:38 Adams and Hamilton’s Vision for America 06:01 Jefferson and Franklin’s Vision for America 07:35 How These Two Sides Created U.S. Politics 08:39 Why Division Feels Worse Today 09:43 How Farmers Fought Back in the 1890s 11:54 What the Gilded Age Teaches Us Today 13:47 Globalization and the Decline of U.S. Towns 15:49 Who Won and Who Lost in the New Economy 17:42 How Democrats Shifted to Culture Wars 19:36 Why MAGA Became an Identity, Not Just a Vote 20:26 The Power of Social Media in Politics 22:14 How Identity Politics Divided the Country 24:03 Why Outrage Is Good for Business 25:54 What Happened to Real Journalism 27:57 Why It’s Hard to Think Critically Today 29:40 How to Know Who to Trust 30:58 The “Secret Sauce” to Fix the Divide 32:45 3 Steps: Listen, Use Facts, Compromise 34:34 What Schools Should Really Be Teaching 36:16 What Gen Z Can Do to Help 38:01 Why America’s Global Friends Matter 39:55 Can a Common Enemy Bring Us Together? 42:55 What the Founding Fathers Would Think Today 45:06 How to Speak Without Getting Cancelled 47:12 Why the Loudest Voices Get the Most Attention 49:10 How to Break Out of Political Bubbles 51:03 Why People Don’t Want to Stand Out 52:42 How the Media Shows Two Different Realities 54:55 Why Seth Left Business to Fix This Problem 58:37 What Seth Wants His Legacy to Be 1:00:25 Final Message: Listen, Think, Compromise 1:02:25 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Today marks two years since my mother passed away from cancer
In this video I talk about grief, the lessons she taught me & how my family and I have progressed since then
In this episode, Harvey reveals: ◽️ What grief really feels like two years after losing a parent ◽️ How his family turned heartbreak into growth — from Saracens to Goldman Sachs ◽️ The two lessons his mum lived by: “Be the best you can be” and “Control the controllables” ◽️ Why inner peace matters more than external success ◽️ How to truly support someone going through grief — and what most people get wrong
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00:00 Intro – Why I record this episode every year 01:15 Carrying on my mum’s legacy 02:25 Georgie, Max, Freddie, Dad – family accomplishments 04:00 The impact of grief two years on 05:10 Realising how common loss is 06:10 You can’t replace people, but you can carry their values 07:15 Make life happen for you, not to you 08:10 How you respond matters more than what happens 09:30 What it means to live a life worth living 10:30 “Control the controllables” and “Be the best you can be” 11:40 Don’t wait to do what matters 12:50 Life isn’t permanent – go all in 14:10 The myth of “making it” 15:00 Be around people who want the best for you 16:00 Why toxic environments are dangerous 17:00 Get out of the house and do things 17:45 “Boring people get bored” 18:30 Why you should never settle 19:15 Don’t get too comfortable 20:00 Why death is a powerful motivator 21:00 Get out of your bubble – life will expand 21:45 Share your dreams with the right people 22:30 What really matters – family and presence 23:15 Don’t worry what others think 24:00 If people are watching, it means you’re doing something 24:40 Only take advice from people you admire 25:30 Do what’s necessary – even when it’s hard 26:15 No quick fixes – just consistent effort 27:00 Protect your health and mental health 28:00 Appreciate every moment – now becomes memory 29:00 Lulu Racing Foundation – carrying mum’s legacy forward 30:00 Athletes like Filip succeeding through the charity 30:45 How I remember and celebrate my mum 31:45 My memories of her vs what others say 32:30 Her influence on my growth and mindset 33:20 Values that last longer than we do 34:15 The power of building memories and taking photos 35:20 Why we must teach others what we’ve learned 36:15 Final message – Live a life worth remembering 37:00 Outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ LouLouRaceFoundation: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Private Equity CEO: How Founders WIN Deals! The #1 Trait Of Fundable Startups! (Hint: Create FOMO)
11 Jul 2025
00:49:16
A Duke Professor & Wall Street Billion-Dollar Dealmaker Reveals the truth about About Billion-Dollar Pitches, Startup Survival, and What Investors Really Want
Ed Tiryakian stands at the unique intersection of high finance, professional sports, and academia. As a former Managing Director at both Paine Webber/UBS and head of his private equity firm Argentum Group, he's orchestrated multi-billion dollar transactions while advising elite NBA and NFL athletes through his role as Chairman of Legends Sports Group. A Duke University and Fuqua School of Business graduate who now teaches entrepreneurship there, Ed brings unparalleled real-world perspective as a frequent commentator for Forbes, Wall Street Journal, and Business Journal. Now he's revealing how elite investors evaluate startups, why most founders fail at fundraising, and how college athletes are reshaping the future of professional sports through NIL deals.
In this episode, Ed reveals: ◽️ Why the NCAA's leadership failures are accelerating the death of amateur athletics through NIL payments ◽️ How first-time entrepreneurs consistently overvalue their ideas while undervaluing their potential ◽️ What Wall Street won't tell you about negotiating power dynamics in high-stakes transactions ◽️ How Coach K's financial playbook at Duke foreshadowed the NIL revolution ◽️ The uncomfortable truth about athlete compensation that both schools and players ignore
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⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:03 Is entrepreneurship for everyone? 02:01 Are entrepreneurs born or made? 03:33 Do you need Goldman Sachs before launching? 05:00 Why timing matters more than credentials 06:07 How AI is unlocking new founders 07:12 Why Ed left UBS to build Argentum 08:45 The power of deal access and flexibility 10:45 How a $3.5B deal built instant credibility 12:30 What separates good deals from bad 13:45 Management mistakes and unforeseen shocks 15:30 How to think like an investor 16:45 Investor vs founder incentives in negotiation 18:45 Why most good deals aren’t hostile 20:12 Why imposter syndrome is so common 21:27 Pitching: art vs science 23:10 Selling yourself when you don’t feel ready 24:21 Advice to first-time founders 26:08 Start now vs build credibility first 28:30 Who should you take advice from? 29:30 Why most gurus are selling you BS 37:15 NIL: athletes now making millions 41:28 The death of amateur athletics 43:50 The myth of the “free market” 45:26 Ed’s legacy 46:07 What’s next: owning a pro sports team 47:08 Final takeaway 49:09 Outro
📌 Resources Ed Tiryakian: ◽️ Duke Page: https://scholars.duke.edu/person/ed.tiryakian ◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-tiryakian-9850367/
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Omnicom Asia President: The Man Behind Apple, Tiktok & Pepsi’s Ad Campaigns ($14Bn Company)
09 Jul 2025
01:02:19
Omnicom’s Asia President Exposes the Lies About Creativity, Brand Building, and What Really Wins in Advertising Today
Sean Donovan is the disruptive force behind Asia’s largest creative collective as President of Omnicom Advertising Group, where he leads 4,000 innovators across TBWA, BBDO and DDB. The former architect-turned-consultant (40+ African banks) reinvented advertising leadership - from building South Africa’s Agency of the Decade (TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris) to co-founding OPENCO (acquired by TBWA in 2013). A Smurfit School triple-graduate (B.Sc/M.Sc/MBA) and cancer advocacy chair. Now he’s exposing advertising’s dangerous myths—from why “safe creativity” always fails to how the best brands systematically break rules.
In this episode, Sean reveals: ◽️ Why the marketing funnel is obsolete—and what replaces it ◽️ How Apple/BMW craft "defiant" campaigns that dominate culture ◽️ The dark side of social media: How algorithms flatten creativity ◽️ Client trust = Risk management: Why consistency trumps flashy ideas ◽️ Why "Your culture is defined by the worst behavior you tolerate"
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⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:06 Growing up in Ireland and moving to Asia 03:25 How Sean went from architecture to advertising 04:55 Falling in love with marketing 07:11 What advertising really means today 10:00 Why the marketing funnel is dead 12:45 Mixing brand-building and sales together 14:55 How social media changed everything 18:20 TikTok Shop and the new music industry 22:30 How algorithms are changing culture 24:45 Leading a global team during COVID 27:10 What makes a great leader 30:15 How to earn trust and take creative risks 32:35 Why teams need safety to be creative 36:10 How to find and develop talent 38:40 Balancing purpose with performance 40:55 What the future of branding looks like 43:30 How ad campaigns are actually built 48:05 What makes Omnicom unique 51:00 What success and legacy mean to Sean 54:15 Lessons from his mum about helping others 56:30 What he’s most proud of today 57:40 People misunderstand creativity 58:55 One thing all leaders should know 1:00:25 How he wants to be remembered 1:01:50 Final thoughts and outro
Additional: ◽️ The Draft (Sign up): thedraft.io ◽️ Fundraising: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
The Dark Side of Success: Psychologist Dr Aria's Warning to Top Performers
06 Apr 2025
01:06:52
Dr. Aria is a clinical psychologist who works with some of the world’s highest performers — from Oscar-winning actors and global entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 CEOs. In this conversation, we break down what true resilience means, the hidden struggles of success, and how fear can silently drive ambition. Dr. Aria opens up about grief, heartbreak, and the importance of inner peace, sharing tools to help you live with more presence, power, and authenticity.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
What It Takes to Run One of America’s Biggest Real Estate Empires — with Kushner CEO Laurent Morali
05 Apr 2025
01:09:08
In this episode of Personable, Harvey Bracken-Smith sits down with Laurent Morali, CEO of Kushner — a firm managing over 22,000 apartments and 13 million square feet of commercial space across the U.S.
From his roots in France to his rise through global banking and now leading one of the most prominent privately held real estate firms in the country, Laurent shares how he built trust, took risks, and made bold decisions during volatile markets. He opens up about:
His unconventional path to becoming CEO
What separates good investors from great ones
How Kushner navigates risk, debt, and growth
The impact of politics, headlines, and public perception
His take on housing shortages, AI in real estate, and the future of development
Laurent’s story is packed with wisdom on leadership, resilience, and long-term thinking — a must-watch for anyone interested in real estate, business, or building something that lasts.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Can You Trust the News? Nina Bull Jørgensen on Media Manipulation, its independance & the future
04 Apr 2025
01:03:12
Nina Bull Jørgensen is a seasoned journalist and communications specialist with experience spanning Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK), the United Nations, and Norad. Her reporting has taken her across the Nordic region, Afghanistan, Mozambique, and beyond — with a focus on women’s rights, freedom of speech, religion, poverty, and global development.
In this episode, she unpacks the challenges of modern journalism, the growing role of media manipulation, and what it means to maintain independence in a polarized world. Nina also reflects on her time reporting from conflict zones, representing Norway on the global stage, and how storytelling can build bridges between cultures.
Topics discussed include: – Media manipulation and public trust – Government influence on the press – The future of independent journalism – How media shapes public perception – Lessons from a career in international reporting
A deep dive into truth, narrative, and the power of storytelling in the modern age.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
I made a podcast with two of my best friends. In this episode of Personable, I sit down with Gabe Cooper and Jayden Lewis—two of the closest people in my life here at Duke. We talk about what college is really like: from imposter syndrome and roommate stories to club rejections, late-night convos, and how we’re all just trying to figure life out. Whether you're applying to Duke, already here, or just curious what it’s like to grow up in an environment full of pressure, passion, and people you’ll never forget—this one’s for you.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
How Ashley Aufderheide Became a Netflix Star Without Ever Taking an Acting Class
02 Apr 2025
01:04:49
Ashley Aufderheide is an actress on Netflix’s That '90s Show. She’s starred in films like Infinitely Polar Bear alongside Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana, and played Morgan Freeman’s granddaughter in Going in Style.
In this episode, Ashley shares how she was scouted as a toddler, her journey growing up on sets, and the realities of navigating Hollywood as a child actor. We talk about confidence, rejection, staying grounded, and why she sees acting as more than just a career — but a part of who she is.
We also dive into how Ashley balances college life at Duke with her acting career, how she prepares for emotionally intense roles, and why she’s now exploring screenwriting.
This is a conversation about passion, perseverance, and finding your identity in an unpredictable industry.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Meet the Economist Who Helped Rebuild Nations Ismail Radwan
01 Apr 2025
01:02:24
Meet Ismail Radwan — a globally respected economist who has spent over two decades shaping economies from the ground up. A graduate of Oxford and UPenn, Ismail served as Lead Economist at the World Bank for 22 years, helping rebuild post-war nations, transform healthcare systems, and guide economic policy across more than 80 countries.
Now, as Senior Director of Economics and Investment Strategy, he’s playing a key role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 — an ambitious plan to diversify the country’s economy and spark global innovation.
In this episode, we dive deep into:
Why he left the World Bank after 22 years
How to make economic theory actually work in the real world
What most people get wrong about economics
Whether democracy or autocracy enables better long-term economic decisions
His thoughts on AI, inflation, renewable energy, and the next 10 years of the global economy
Lessons from rebuilding Afghanistan, reforming India’s healthcare system, and investing at a national scale
His take on legacy, leadership, and what young professionals need to know
This is a masterclass in economics, investment, and nation-building — from someone who’s actually done it.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Katie Xu is not your average college student. She’s the President of Creator Lab at Duke University, an Investment Partner at Dorm Room Fund, and an online creator with over 100,000 followers on TikTok — all before graduating. But it wasn’t until she decided to go all in that everything started to change.
In this episode of Personable, Katie sits down with Harvey Bracken-Smith to share how she turned a gap year and a side hustle into a six-figure consultancy, what it really takes to grow on social media, and why authenticity always beats perfection.
They dive into:
How Katie built a $370/hour creator business
The mental shift that led to her first viral video
Balancing Duke, Dorm Room Fund, and content creation
Why true fans matter more than follower count
What going “all in” actually looks like — and what it costs
If you’re a student, creator, or just someone unsure whether to follow your passion — this episode is for you.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Vijay Chattha on Turning Stories into Startups — 3 IPOs, 22 Unicorns & the Power of Attention
25 Mar 2025
01:07:48
Vijay Chattha is the Founder and General Partner of VSC Ventures, a venture capital firm born from a decade of storytelling excellence and deep-rooted relationships in Silicon Valley. Before launching the fund, Vijay built VSC, an award-winning PR and strategic communications agency that helped over 500 startups break through the noise — leading to 3 IPOs, 22 unicorns, and 46 exits.
With a unique perspective at the intersection of media, technology, and venture, Vijay champions founders who are rethinking overlooked industries and building what he calls "dirty, dusty, and dangerous" businesses — the kind that use innovation to uplift real-world work.
Through VSC Ventures, he’s backed breakout companies like Fizz, Firefly, and more. His secret weapon? A belief that storytelling isn't just marketing — it's a core business advantage. Vijay is also a frequent speaker, angel investor, and advocate for mission-driven founders using tech to solve real problems.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
What’s Moving the Markets? Lucy Baldwin, Citi’s Global Head of Research, Explains
21 Feb 2025
01:15:29
Lucy Baldwin is a Managing Director and Global Head of Research at Citi. Lucy is responsible for managing Citi’s global independent research across all asset classes.
Lucy joined Citigroup in April 2021 from Credit Suisse, where she was Global Head of Equity Sales.
Prior to Credit Suisse Lucy was at Bank of America as Head of European Equity Sales (2015-2019), and at Goldman Sachs as a Director of European Equity Research and in a variety of research analyst roles (2006-2015). Lucy started her career at Cazenove as an equity research analyst covering the building materials sector. Lucy graduated from the University of Birmingham in Economics.
Lucy serves as a member of Council for the University of Birmingham and sits on the Investment Sub-committee. Additionally, Lucy is a member of the Advisory Council for the Mossavar-Rahmani Centre for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School.
In this episode, Lucy shares insights on: AI, tech stocks, and their impact on financial markets Where investors should focus in 2025 and beyond The future of energy markets and the shift toward sustainability Global economic dynamics, US policies, and China’s position in the world economy Regulation, ethics, and the rise of cryptocurrency The importance of education and leaving a lasting legacy
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Former Barclays CEO Tim Throsby: ‘The Game Has Changed—Adapt or Fail'
14 Feb 2025
01:03:10
Tim Throsby is the Former CEO of Barclays Bank Plc and President of Barclays International, whose extraordinary career has seen him hold leadership positions at some of the most prestigious financial institutions in the world. At Goldman Sachs, he served as Managing Director and Co-Head of Equity Derivatives for Asia. At Lehman Brothers, he was Managing Director and Head of Asia and Japan Equities Division, later relocating to New York to oversee its global equity derivatives business and risk arbitrage. Tim then became President of Citadel Asia, where he worked directly under legendary investor Ken Griffin, leading the investment firm’s expansion across the region. At JP Morgan, Tim served as Managing Director and Global Head of Equities and EMEA Equities, driving growth in one of the bank's most competitive divisions. Known for his unparalleled expertise in building high-performing teams, leading through financial crises, and navigating complex markets, Tim shares invaluable lessons from over three decades at the forefront of global finance.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Olu Brown is Running for Governor of Georgia in 2026—Here’s His Vision
04 Feb 2025
00:58:42
Olu Brown is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Impact United Methodist Church and a candidate for Governor of Georgia in 2026. With experience in leadership, community engagement, and organizational development, he has worked in various capacities to support local initiatives. His campaign, Listening to Georgians, focuses on gathering input from residents to shape policies on education, healthcare, and economic development.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
From Duke PhD to 400K Followers: Dr. Aaron Dinin on Social Media, Branding, and Legacy
27 Jan 2025
00:42:14
Dr. Aaron Dinin is a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University, where he teaches entrepreneurship with a focus on social marketing and personal brand building. With a PhD in English and 400K+ followers across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Medium, Dr. Dinin blends academic insights with real-world experience. He’s the co-founder and lead developer of Rocketbolt, a published author of *The Krzyzewskiville Tales*, and a thought leader featured by The Today Show, Bloomberg, WIRED, and more. Passionate about storytelling and social media’s evolving role, he inspires others to build their legacy through authenticity and connection.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
From Stanford Dropout to $100M Startup: Teddy Solomon on Building Fizz & Disrupting Social Media
18 Dec 2024
01:06:48
Teddy Solomon is the Co-Founder and CEO of Fizz an anonymous posting app that is transforming the way college communities connect, engage and sell online. The app is operating on 240 college campuses and the team has expanded to 30 full-time staff and 4,000 volunteer moderators across schools. Fizz has raised $41.5 million across multiple funding rounds and is worth more than $100 million. Teddy dropped out of Stanford to pursue Fizz full time.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Revolutionizing Reading: Michael Gorman’s Journey from $1.6 Billion VC to Cascade Reading
04 Dec 2024
01:07:19
Michael Gorman is a seasoned venture capitalist and entrepreneur, the former Managing Director of St. Paul Venture Capital, and the founder of Split Rock Partners, an investment firm focused on technology and healthcare. He is also the co-founder of Cascade Reading, an innovative company revolutionizing text comprehension through advanced visual cues and dynamic formatting. With decades of experience managing over $1.6 billion in investments, Michael is a thought leader in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and educational innovation.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Building a $1 Billion Legacy: Keith Gill on College Sports, NIL, and Integrity
28 Nov 2024
00:53:35
Keith Gill is the Commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference, Vice Chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee for the 2024-25 season and Chair of the group for the 2025-26 campaign.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
From Duke Student to 1.3M Followers: Tulio Sasaya on Authenticity, Growth & Mental Health
23 Nov 2024
00:58:01
Tulio Sasaya, a senior at Duke University, has built an impressive social media presence, amassing 630k followers on Instagram and 690k on TikTok. Since his sophomore year, he has dedicated himself to content creation, using his platforms to explore themes of authenticity, mental health, and personal growth.
Tulio’s journey began as a way to connect with others and share his life experiences, evolving into a passion for storytelling that resonates with a wide audience. From documenting his life as a college student to discussing societal issues, his content blends relatability with an artistic edge.
As both a creator and entrepreneur, Tulio navigates the challenges of maintaining authenticity while engaging a massive audience. His success is built on disciplined planning, creative innovation, and a deep understanding of what drives connection in a digital age.
Beyond the metrics, Tulio views social media as a platform to inspire and uplift. He aims to foster genuine community and encourage others to embrace their unique stories, staying true to themselves amidst the pressures of a highly curated world.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
From MrBeast Employee to Rising YouTube Star: Athan Wright on Storytelling & Social Media as Art
20 Nov 2024
01:03:14
Athan Wright, a senior at Duke University, has dedicated himself to YouTube since his freshman year, spending four hours daily honing his craft. Formerly an employee for MrBeast, Athan is deeply immersed in the world of content creation, viewing YouTube not just as a platform but as a modern medium for self-expression and storytelling.
His journey includes filming campus dorm tours, documenting his life abroad in Japan, and even creating a mini-film within the video game Skyrim. Athan's creative approach blends authenticity, discipline, and an artistic perspective, highlighting his belief that social media can be a form of modern-day art.
Beyond his technical skills as a cinematographer, editor, and marketer, Athan excels in storytelling, romanticizing everyday experiences to connect with audiences. His time in Japan profoundly shaped his worldview, offering fresh perspectives on societal norms and personal freedom.
Athan's passion lies in balancing creativity with authenticity, staying true to himself while navigating the challenges of content creation in a highly saturated landscape. Through his work, he aims to inspire others by sharing relatable yet artfully presented narratives that resonate across cultures and communities.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
CJ Frederickson: From Paralysis and Silence to Walking and Talking – An AVM Survivor's Journey
15 Nov 2024
01:01:43
Just weeks before college, CJ Frederickson’s life took a sudden turn when an arteriovenous malformation caused a brain hemorrhage. From laughing with friends to facing paralysis and losing his voice, CJ’s journey of recovery is nothing short of extraordinary. Learn how he rebuilt his life, found purpose, and inspired others to never give up hope.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Marcel Bens is the CEO of Emil Capital Partners. He has a Masters degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Berlin in Germany & an MBA from Columbia Business School in NYC.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Here's what I learned from Leon Zhang, Daya Brown, Geoff Riley, Jonathan Mooney, Simon Johnson, Shep Moyle, Amanda Lamb, Drew Neisser, Andrew Mitson, Anastasia Garcia
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Justin Rose: Former World No.1 Golfer, U.S. Open Champion, and Olympic Gold Medalist
08 Nov 2024
01:01:40
Justin Rose is a former World No. 1 golfer who has won the U.S. Open, an Olympic gold medal, and the 2018 FedEx Cup. With 11 PGA Tour wins and 25 professional victories overall, he has earned over $60 million in prize money across his career.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
Louis Vincent Gave is the Co-Founder & CEO of GaveKal - a financial services company headquartered in Hong Kong. Its main business activities include financial research and investment management services.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
DeMari is the Season 6 Winner of Too Hot to Handle. DeMari is a graduate from Cumberland University and former stock broker at Vanguard turned social media influencer, musician and actor.
Hosted by a virtual assistant named "Lana", the show revolves around 10 adults – all of whom primarily engage in meaningless flings and are unable to form long-lasting relationships – who are placed together in a house for four weeks and must go through various workshops, all while being forbidden from any kissing, sexual contact or masturbation, with the money prize getting reduced any time a rule is broken.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn
Casey Simpson is an actor famous for his role as Ricky Harper on the Nickeldeon series Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn. He was nominated as favourite actor in 2016 & 2017 at the kids choice awards and he has 1.6 million followers on Instagram & 10+ million on Tiktok.
Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.
My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/ Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn