Grit Daily Startup Show

Pierre Aurimond, founder and CEO of FlexMode, is building a sports-based community platform designed to help professionals connect in the real world. In this episode, he explains why traditional networking is losing relevance, how Miami's wellness culture inspired FlexMode, and why shared experiences create stronger connections than social apps ever could. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, community building, and the growing demand for meaningful offline interaction in a digital-first world.

Janese Murray, founder of Inclusion Impact Consulting, breaks down why performance alone is not always enough for women of color navigating corporate spaces. She explores executive presence, personal brand, mentorship, sponsorship, perfectionism, and the pressure to code-switch without losing oneself. This conversation offers a grounded look at how professionals can build influence, manage the internal critic, and move through work with more strategy and self-belief.

Brian Fielkow, author of Make Safety Happen, explains why safety is much bigger than compliance and why strong defenses often create stronger growth. Drawing from leadership roles in trucking, logistics, and risk-intensive industries, he shares how culture, trust, and operational discipline can become competitive advantages. The conversation explores everything from acquisitions and employee retention to AI's changing role in coaching and workforce engagement.

Anthony Vinci, CEO of Vico, joins the podcast to explain how AI-powered forecasting can quantify uncertainty and help people make better decisions. Drawing from his background in intelligence and investing, he shares how predicting probabilities—not certainties—can shape everything from global policy to everyday life choices.

Sid Dobrin joins the podcast to discuss his book The Not So Perfect Machine and why artificial intelligence is already shaping daily consumer life in ways most people never see. He explains how AI influences shopping, media, scams, pricing, trust, and decision-making, while offering practical ways people can regain control.

In this episode of the Grit Daily Startup Show, host Phillip Lanos sits down with Canadian-born aviation technology pioneer and global business executive, Louis Bélanger-Martin. As a seasoned entrepreneur who spends nearly six months of the year in the air, Louis shares his three-decade journey of transforming the commercial passenger experience. From co-founding DTI Software to eventually leading acquisitions that formed Global Eagle Entertainment—a $650 million integration of media and satellite services—Louis has consistently shaped how the world stays entertained at 40,000 feet.

In this episode, Luke McEndarfer, president and CEO of The National Children’s Chorus, shares how a childhood love of singing grew into leading one of the country’s major youth choral organizations. The conversation explores music education, access, leadership, classical music’s need for renewed public connection, and programs like Project Unison at Compton High School. McEndarfer also reflects on building a national nonprofit from its earliest stages and why music remains one of the most powerful ways to bring young people back to themselves and each other.

MC Leo explains why the future of AI depends on the infrastructure most people never see. He shares how AurCore is helping data centers and enterprises modernize their networking systems for speed, control, and scalability. This episode looks at the real bottlenecks in AI growth and why open infrastructure may be the key to solving them. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Munawar Karim has spent decades working at the edge of physics, aviation design, and global infrastructure, tackling problems most have long set aside. In this episode, his work spans from a breakthrough approach to electron stability to aircraft innovation and energy proposals shaped as much by politics as by engineering. It’s a conversation about persistence, big ideas, and what it takes to keep moving forward when the world isn’t ready to listen. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

In this episode, Phillip Lanos speaks with PSQ Productions founder Mark Entner about building a large-scale events business that operates at the intersection of public partnership, private execution, and community experience. Entner shares how PSQ Productions grew from entrepreneurial ambition into a major live-events operation, managing venues, festivals, and concerts while navigating trust, logistics, and city relationships. The conversation explores why successful events are ultimately about more than production, they are about creating places where people can gather, celebrate, and feel connected. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

In this episode, Phillip Lanos speaks with Freehold Group CEO Brendan McDermott about how retail design, fabrication, and installation shape the way consumers experience major brands in the real world. McDermott explains how experiential marketing extends far beyond pop-ups, touching everything from flagship stores and cultural activations to in-store beauty concepts and seasonal retail moments. The conversation explores what it takes to scale those experiences across the country while preserving brand consistency, operational discipline, and a strong internal team culture. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

In this episode, Phillip Lanos speaks with five-time Emmy Award-winning producer and Digital Rights Network founder Neil Mandt about the emerging fight over who controls the digital layer of the physical world. Mandt explains why augmented reality is no longer a futuristic concept, but a present-day business, legal, and property rights issue that could reshape real estate, advertising, media, and commerce. The conversation explores how Digital Rights Network aims to build the infrastructure for a new layer economy, where ownership, licensing, and trust will define the future of AR. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Tony Pinedo shares how leading inside a youth correctional facility reshaped his understanding of leadership, trust, and human potential. Drawing from decades of experience, he explains why empathy, non-judgmental curiosity, and intentional presence are the true foundations of influence. This conversation explores how integrating values across work and life can transform culture, performance, and personal fulfillment. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Phillip Lanos and Sharon Wood explore the intersection of gaming, family connections, and memory enhancement. Sharon shares her journey from marketing in the gaming industry to creating products that foster joy and dignity for individuals with fading memories. They discuss the importance of relationships, the science behind gaming, and the innovative approaches being taken to enhance quality of life through interactive experiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for cross-generational connections and the potential of technology to bring families closer together. Connect with Sharon Wood:  https://happypeoplegames.com Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Greg Whalen, CTO of Prove AI, explains why many enterprises are stalling with generative AI by treating it like traditional software and postponing the hard parts like observability, debugging, and governance. He breaks down what “observability” actually means in AI systems, why outcome-based metrics matter more than chasing black-box explanations, and how Prove AI helps teams collect the right telemetry to reach production safely. The conversation also explores agentic workflows, human oversight, and why technical leaders need to change how their organizations operate if they want gen AI to deliver real value. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Will Cady, founder of HEAL MVMNT and former Reddit creative strategist, joins the show to explore why technology is advancing faster than the moral frameworks needed to guide it. He explains how his organization helps leaders align community, culture, and purpose so companies can scale without losing their humanity. Cady also shares why keeping a “human in the loop” is essential in the AI era and how defining a clear north star enables businesses to grow with intention rather than drift off course. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Van Camp and Carlson join Phillip Lanos to unpack the moment when fast-growing businesses outgrow basic tax prep and start needing real cash flow visibility, risk strategy, and proactive advisory support. They break down why many CPAs default to familiar year-end moves, how liquidity becomes a hidden failure point, and what owners should look for in an advisory team as complexity rises. The conversation also introduces 831B structures as a framework for enterprise risk management, and explains how the right planning mindset can help protect both what a company has built and what it is trying to become. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

This episode spotlights Himanshu Rathore, the operations leader behind Teleperformance Thailand’s remarkable rise as a global talent hub. Listeners will hear how people-first leadership, multicultural collaboration, and crisis-tested resilience shaped one of the company’s strongest success stories. It is a compelling look at what modern operational excellence truly requires. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Startups want enterprise clients. Sanjay Chadha explains why most aren’t ready. In this episode, the SAV Associates managing partner breaks down how cybersecurity, internal controls, and compliance frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001 unlock trust, credibility, and million-dollar deals. If you're building, scaling, or selling to large organizations, this conversation might be the most important one you hear all year. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Based Trading Cards founder Alladan Flinn joins the show to reveal why physical collectibles still matter in a world drowning in digital noise. He breaks down how true scarcity, intentional design, and cultural storytelling can revive a hobby and teach people more about value than any textbook. This episode dives into collectibles, economics, craftsmanship, and the movement Flinn is building one card at a time. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Robert Brooks has lived through nearly nine decades of history, from the segregated streets of 1940s Pittsburgh to the battlefields of Vietnam and beyond. A decorated Army officer, minister, and author of The Journey, he reveals how one guiding principle, staying calm and dispassionate, helped him overcome prejudice, loss, and chaos with grace. Tune in to discover the timeless wisdom behind a life built on resilience, composure, and quiet strength. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

What happens when childhood nostalgia meets cutting-edge electric design? Tim Seward, Chief Design Officer of ONYX Motors, is reinventing what it means to ride—turning urban commutes into cultural experiences. Tune in to discover how he built a movement around freedom, style, and the thrill of getting lost. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

What happens when the people running the world start to burn out? Drs. Denise and Louis Joseph, founders of the Open Sea Institute, work with billionaires, founders, and high performers to restore balance without slowing their ambition. In this conversation, they reveal what really drives elite performers, why success can feel lonely, and how true mental resilience is built from the inside out. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

What if your child’s doodle could become a keepsake they hug every night? In this episode, visionary creator Fam Mirza and partner Keri Mirza reveal how Draw Pillows turned one simple family moment into a movement that’s inspiring creativity and connection in homes everywhere. It’s a story of passion, purpose, and the magic that happens when imagination meets entrepreneurship. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Adam Bergman traded a secure career in tax law to build a company that helps people take control of their retirement money and invest it in what they actually understand. In this episode, he reveals how IRA Financial grew to manage over $4 billion in assets by opening doors beyond Wall Street. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your retirement money work harder, this conversation shows you how the smartest investors are doing it. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Actor-turned-entrepreneur Oliver Trevena shares the journey of building Caliwater, the cactus water brand reshaping the wellness beverage market. From the struggles of launching during COVID to scaling into thousands of stores, his story highlights resilience, sustainability, and authentic brand building. Discover how Caliwater is redefining hydration for adults, kids, and families alike. Host: Phillip Lanos | philliplanos.com | Strategic Media & AI Operations Lead

Dom Kwong, co-founder and CEO of Damon Inc., shares how he’s redefining two-wheeled mobility with cutting-edge safety and intelligence technology. From his roots in radio engineering to leading a company that blends software, sensors, and rider experience, Kwong discusses the future of motorcycles and mobility. This episode explores entrepreneurship, innovation, and how Damon is shaping safer, smarter rides for the next generation.

Jonathan Lowenhar of Enjoy The Work joins the Grit Daily Startup Show to get real about the moment every successful founder dreads — when the job changes from building the product to building the company. He breaks down why most first-time CEOs feel like imposters, how to pick the right path for your business, and why enjoying the grind is the ultimate competitive edge. If you’ve ever thought, “Am I even doing this right?” this episode is your new playbook.

Join us as Harish Chandramowli, founder of Flaire, takes us behind the scenes of fashion tech. He shares how he went from cybersecurity engineer to building software that keeps fashion brands running on time and on budget. It’s a lively conversation about startup lessons, real-world fashion challenges, and why collaboration is powering the future of the industry.

In this episode of the Grit Daily Startup Show, Voxify founder David Duguan shares how his company is using AI to transform voice communications for small businesses. He discusses his entrepreneurial journey from Ghana to launching an AI-powered platform that now handles over 20,000 calls weekly for clients across multiple industries. Listeners will hear how Voxify is making advanced voice technology accessible, affordable, and impactful for everyday businesses.

In this episode of the Grit Daily Startup Show, author and physicist Norman Stewart discusses his new book Freed from the Iron Grip of Frost, which explores the science and history behind climate change. Stewart breaks down the greenhouse effect, the role of clouds and water vapor, and why understanding the physics matters as much as the politics. Listeners will gain a clear, evidence-based perspective on one of the most debated topics of our time.

Join host Jordan French on the Grit Daily Startup Show as he sits down with Marcus Weller, founder of Vibe and creator of DeepInvent, the first AI capable of inventing and patenting on its own. Discover how Weller is using brain-inspired cognitive models to transform the way startups, inventors, and enterprises generate intellectual property. If you're building in tech, this episode is your blueprint for what innovation looks like in 2025.

Ovie Faruq left the world of high finance to launch Rekt, a crypto-powered drinks brand turning heads across Web3 and retail. In this episode, he breaks down how NFTs, community, and a token economy built a sellout product in record time. Hear how REKT became a successful beverage and a blueprint for the future of brand loyalty.

Discover how DiffuseDrive is tackling AI’s most overlooked challenge: high-quality, high-diversity data for physical systems like robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles. CEO Balint Pasztor joins Grit Daily to explain how diffusion models are transforming synthetic data into lifelike experiences that accelerate performance and reduce development time from years to hours. Whether you’re building in defense, logistics, or advanced robotics, this episode reveals how the future of physical AI is being generated — one pixel at a time.

CJ Konstantinos joins the Grit Daily Startup Show to unveil Peoples Reserve, a mortgage platform that lets users borrow against their Bitcoin instead of selling it. He breaks down how cross-collateralizing real estate and crypto enables lower rates, less risk, and more financial freedom. For Bitcoin holders ready to unlock their wealth without letting go, this episode is essential listening.

Jeeva AI CEO Gaurav Bhattacharya joins the Grit Daily Startup Show to unpack how his company reached $5 million in revenue just seven months after launch, without a marketing team. He breaks down how agentic AI is reshaping sales workflows, replacing repetitive SDR tasks with intelligent automation. From pricing strategies to product-market fit, this episode dives deep into how AI is becoming the new sales co-founder.

Founder and CEO of Glīd, Kevin Damoa, joins the Grit Daily Startup Show to unveil how his hybrid rail-road technology could revolutionize freight logistics. From reducing port congestion to improving rail safety and cutting emissions, Damoa explains how Glīd is tackling inefficiencies at every step of the supply chain. It’s a bold look at the future of transportation—and why rail might just be the next big thing in tech.

Astrologer Bernie Ashman joins the Grit Daily Startup Show to unpack why 2025 could be a breakout year for invention, intuition, and transformation. With decades of experience reading charts for entrepreneurs, creatives, and even tech founders, Ashman shares how planetary shifts like Pluto in Aquarius and Uranus in Gemini could shape business and personal growth alike. It's a fresh perspective on timing, cycles, and the unseen forces that drive innovation.

Miles Beckett has never been one to follow the script, from YouTube’s early days to healthcare SaaS, and now, AI-powered dental tech with Flossy. In this episode, he shares how solving real-world problems, not chasing hype, has kept him building companies that actually scale. It's a conversation about grit, precision, and why sometimes, the “boring” markets are the biggest opportunities of all.

Jesse Frimpone joins the show to break down how he turned side hustles into a tech-driven e-commerce education platform. He shares how Prestige Knowledge helps everyday people use AI, automation, and TikTok to launch scalable online businesses. From flipping RGB lights to running multiple digital storefronts, Frimpone’s journey is packed with insight and strategy.

Jeff Mahony, CEO of NEFT Vodka, joins the Grit Daily Startup Show to share how the brand is redefining vodka through sustainability, design, and a return to sipping culture. From its unbreakable barrel packaging to its clean, two-ingredient recipe, NEFT is challenging everything we think we know about vodka. Mahony also dives into his tech roots and how blockchain innovation intersects with his approach to building better products.

Discover how Wendy Glavin helps professionals and entrepreneurs unlock their hidden strengths by looking to their past. In this episode, she shares her unique “Decoding Your Value” approach, showing how transferable skills and continuous learning can lead to career reinvention and startup success. Whether you're navigating a job loss, shifting industries, or building a business, Glavin’s insights offer a fresh perspective on growth and opportunity.

Rachel Rey, founder of Prestige Consulting, joins the show to discuss luxury real estate investment in Switzerland and the UAE, highlighting opportunities in stable, high-growth markets. She shares insights on how investors can navigate foreign ownership regulations, capitalize on wellness-integrated properties, and secure long-term financial gains. Plus, an exclusive look at her new Swiss tea brand, Rel Cha, blending sustainability with health-conscious living.

Join host Jordan French as he sits down with Thomas Ruble of Nirvana Finance to explore a groundbreaking approach to cryptocurrency stability. Ruble discusses how Nirvana’s algorithmic market-making removes human interference, ensuring a decentralized asset with a built-in price floor. Discover how this innovation challenges traditional crypto market dynamics and could reshape the future of digital finance.

Evan Floersch, CEO of the Texas Ranchers, joins Jordan French on Grit Daily Startup Show to break down the explosive growth of Major League Pickleball and why now is the best time to invest in the sport. From building a franchise with celebrity investors to shaping pickleball’s future as a mainstream phenomenon, he shares how the Texas Ranchers are making waves both on and off the court.

Michael Farb, CEO of Boatsetter, joins Jordan French on Grit Daily Startup Show to discuss how his platform is making boating more accessible and profitable for both renters and owners. He breaks down the growing demand for on-the-water experiences, the impact of peer-to-peer rentals, and how Boatsetter is reshaping the boating industry. Tune in for insights on the future of boat sharing, safety measures, and the business opportunities emerging in this space.

Water quality is under increasing scrutiny, but Spout Water is redefining access to clean drinking water by harvesting it directly from the air. In this episode of Grit Daily Startup Show, founder Reuben Vollmer sits down with host Jordan French and shares how his experience with water scarcity led to the development of a high-tech countertop water harvester that offers a sustainable, self-sufficient alternative to municipal water. Tune in to learn how this breakthrough technology is shaping the future of water access and quality.

On this episode of Grit Daily Startup Show, host Jordan French interviews Darryl Kelly, CEO of Aspect, about his mission to modernize the 52-year-old company while centering humanity in its workplace solutions. Kelly discusses how Aspect leverages AI and innovative design to empower employees, enhance customer experiences, and address challenges in an increasingly complex customer journey. The conversation highlights Kelly’s unique leadership style, which blends creativity, intentionality, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections through technology.

In this episode of The Startup Show, Mark McQuade, CEO of Arcee, delves into how his company is redefining enterprise AI with smaller, specialized language models. He discusses the importance of model ownership, cost efficiency, and the shift toward agentic systems capable of task automation. McQuade also shares insights on building sustainable AI businesses, emphasizing the need for revenue-driven strategies over pure tech innovation.

Catherine Seys, director of Excurio, joined John Biggs on the Grit Daily Startup Show to discuss their groundbreaking immersive VR expeditions that let users explore historical and cultural worlds like ancient Egypt or Impressionist Paris in shared, free-roaming environments. With nearly two decades of expertise in immersive tech, Excurio has mastered blending cutting-edge technology with rich storytelling, creating accessible and engaging cultural experiences. Seys also highlighted the company’s plans to expand its offerings, improve VR interactions, and open its platform to other creators.