In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Tom Lix, CEO and founder of Cleveland Whiskey, for a fascinating conversation about how technology is revolutionizing one of the world’s oldest industries. From basement experiments that blew up hundreds of mason jars to patented production systems now scaling internationally, Tom breaks down the real story behind Cleveland Whiskey’s radical approach to aging and flavor.

Tom shares how impatience, curiosity, and amateur chemistry led to a breakthrough that turned traditional whiskey-making on its head—delivering award-winning flavor in a fraction of the time. He opens up about the early pushback from purists, how the company protects its trade secrets, and why global markets like India, Africa, and Southeast Asia represent the biggest growth opportunities for the spirits industry.

This episode dives deep into:

• The technology and IP strategy behind Cleveland Whiskey’s process
• Why blind taste tests against major brands changed everything
• How the U.S. whiskey market is contracting—and where demand is booming
• The company’s new 45,000 sq ft riverfront facility in Cleveland’s Flats district
• The pivot to concentrates and IMFL markets in India
• The role of equity crowdfunding in building a 1,700-member investor community
• What investing in spirits brands looks like today
• How Tom stays grounded while running a high-growth company (hint: two sailboats and a solo transatlantic goal)

Whether you're an investor, whiskey enthusiast, or founder looking for inspiration, this conversation offers a rare inside look at how innovation, strategy, and global trends are reshaping the future of whiskey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Chaz Berman, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Grower’s Secret, to explore one of the most ambitious developments in sustainable agriculture today.

Berman—who previously took MyPoints public at a $2.5B market cap—shares how his team spent eight years testing more than 30 materials to create a patented organic nitrogen fertilizer designed to match the power and cost of synthetic nitrogen, a $134B global industry that has supported food production for 80+ years… while also causing massive environmental harm.

Grower’s Secret has now reached its fourth pilot plant stage, ramping toward commercial production with a goal of delivering a scalable, organic alternative that doesn’t leach, doesn’t burn crops, works in extreme climates, and actually helps regenerate soil rather than degrade it. Farmers are already asking for it as fast as it can be produced.

Jeff and Chaz dive into:

• The science behind Grower’s Secret’s 80% amino-acid-based organic nitrogen
• Why synthetic nitrogen became the global standard—and the environmental crisis it created
• How this new material performs across crops, climates, and farming styles
• The company’s patent strategy and global protection plan
• A long-term roadmap that includes licensing, partnerships, and worldwide expansion
• How farmers can switch with zero new equipment or processes
• The early traction of Grower’s Secret’s StartEngine equity crowdfunding campaign
• CEO lessons from Berman’s decades of scaling companies, managing teams, and staying persistent under pressure

This episode is a must-listen for investors, founders, sustainability enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the future of global food production. Whether you're new to agriculture or deep in the impact-investing world, this conversation will change how you think about soil, farming, and the innovations shaping the decades ahead.

👉 Links to Grower’s Secret and the StartEngine campaign are in the show notes. https://www.startengine.com/offering/growers-secret

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

n this episode of Invst Guru, we explore the inspiring story behind GGirls Closet, a groundbreaking Colorado-based thrift brand centered on sustainability, community impact, and youth education. Founder Patricia Gillmore has built a for-profit model that supports nonprofits, Title I schools, and local families—while reshaping how people think about secondhand fashion.

You’ll hear how GGirls Closet became Colorado’s first hybrid thrift store, why its consignment-driven system empowers organizations with real revenue, and how community events and clothing drives have fueled impressive year-over-year growth. We also dive into the environmental urgency driving the mission, from reducing fast-fashion waste to teaching teens the value of sustainable shopping.

If you’re interested in innovative business models, social impact entrepreneurship, or the future of sustainable fashion, this episode delivers insights you won’t want to miss.

What You’ll Learn:

• How a for-profit thrift model can support schools and nonprofits
• Why sustainability and consumer education matter more than ever
• The power of community events in driving business growth
• How hybrid retail models are shaping the future of secondhand fashion

Learn more - https://invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/GGirls-Closet

Tune in for a powerful conversation about purpose-driven business, environmental responsibility, and building community through conscious retail.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Nick Apostolopoulos, founder of 619 Spirits, San Diego’s original craft distillery. Nick shares his incredible journey from a career in software development to launching a local vodka brand, navigating California’s complex alcohol laws, and transforming 619 Spirits from a small distillery into a full-scale restaurant and bar experience.

They discuss the evolution of the craft spirits movement, the challenges of running a hospitality business, the upcoming 8,000-square-foot expansion, and how community partnerships have helped 619 Spirits thrive in the heart of North Park, San Diego. Nick also opens up about the WeFunder campaign supporting their next big chapter, the importance of balancing entrepreneurship and family, and what keeps him up at night as a business owner.

If you’re interested in craft spirits, entrepreneurship, or community-driven growth, this episode offers a masterclass in how to stay resilient and innovative in a competitive industry.

👉 Learn more about 619 Spirits: 619spirits.com

👉 Support their WeFunder campaign: wefunder.com/619spirits

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel interviews Mitch Raponi, the CEO and Co-Founder of Emerrx BioPharma, a startup developing next-generation drug delivery solutions for emergency medicine.

Mitch explains how their flagship product, MRX-101, uses a novel dual-chamber intranasal device that delivers naloxone with near-IV speed — a critical advancement in overdose reversal technology. He also shares insights into Emerrx’s fundraising journey, capital-efficient model, and the potential expansion of their platform into other lifesaving drugs.

If you’re interested in biotech innovation, impact investing, or startup strategy, this episode offers a rare look inside a company working to make a real difference.

Highlights include:

• The science and urgency behind faster naloxone delivery
• Emerrx’s roadmap to FDA engagement and commercialization
• Building an ethical, efficient startup team
• Leveraging crowdfunding for biotech growth

🎧 Listen now and discover how science, innovation, and compassion are coming together to fight the opioid epidemic.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Invst Guru episode, Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel talks with Samreen Arshad, founder of Samreen’s Vanity, about her mission to bring South Asian representation to the forefront of the beauty industry.

Samreen opens up about her journey from the automotive world in Detroit to becoming a beauty founder and influencer. She explains how her brand stands apart by focusing on multi-use products, quality European manufacturing, and a deep understanding of representation and inclusivity.

Hear how she navigated:

• Saying “no” to Costco to protect brand integrity
• Surviving tariff shocks and funding challenges
• Pivoting fundraising toward community and family office investors
• The future of beauty retail through direct-to-consumer and live shopping

A raw and motivating story for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone passionate about purpose-driven business.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel talks with Christian Braun, founder and CEO of HobbyDB, the community-powered platform cataloging every collectible ever made. With 3,000 volunteers and 780,000 members, HobbyDB combines the depth of Wikipedia with the precision of an eBay price guide—creating a living, searchable record of humanity’s collectibles.

Christian reveals how HobbyDB grew through crowdfunding, why data accuracy is central to trust in collecting, and how the platform balances community curation with commercial opportunity. From ancient coins to Hot Wheels, HobbyDB is on a mission to document the small artifacts that define our culture.

You’ll learn:

• How HobbyDB’s volunteer-driven model mirrors Wikipedia’s success
• Why collectibles are a massive, untapped investment category
• How trust, taxonomy, and technology fuel the platform’s growth
• What HobbyDB’s five crowdfunding rounds taught them about community ownership
• Why the future of collecting lies in authenticity—not NFTs

📲 Visit hobbydb.com or download the HobbyDB app to explore their universe of collectibles.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When dog owner and finance professional Sandy Stinson got tired of spending Saturdays cleaning her backyard, she invented PooPail — a two-in-one pet waste system that lets owners clean and store pet waste with ease.

What started as a personal solution became a viral crowdfunding success, generating $560,000 in 30 days on Kickstarter.

In this Invst Guru episode, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel dives deep into Sandy’s journey from concept to production, navigating manufacturing challenges during COVID, and how GoodWag continues to innovate with new products for pet owners everywhere.

This conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, creative problem-solving, and building a business that truly solves a problem every pet owner understands.

👉 Learn more at www.goodwag.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel talks with D. Alexis Samuels, CEO and founder of Finlitx, about a bold new frontier in financial education.

Finlitx is creating fully immersive, 4D “flying theater” experiences and the world’s first Museum of Financial Literacy, designed to make learning about money as exciting as a theme park ride — and as impactful as a life lesson.

Through partnerships with Microsoft, NYU, Pixar, and LEGO, Finlitx integrates neuroscience, data analytics, and storytelling to reshape financial literacy for families, students, and communities.

Discover how these innovative experiences are bridging the gap between education and entertainment — and how Finlitx’s ecosystem of cafes, courses, and interactive exhibits is building the foundation for a more financially empowered world.

🎧 Available now on all major platforms.

🌐 Learn more: finlitx.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel talks with Shaikh Tofazzel Hossain, founder and CEO of InfiniCell Energy, about the breakthrough aluminum-ion battery technology that could change how the world stores and uses energy.

Dr. Hossain, a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, reveals how InfiniCell’s proprietary chemistry achieves ultra-fast charging, non-flammable performance, and compatibility with existing lithium manufacturing lines — all while being safer, more sustainable, and supply-chain resilient.

From electric vehicles to AI data centers, InfiniCell’s innovation is positioned to meet the exploding demand for reliable, high-performance energy storage. Dr. Hossain also discusses the company’s B2B commercialization strategy, its first customer partnership with Greenpoint XR, and the vision behind their WeFunder equity crowdfunding campaign that opens investment opportunities to everyday investors.

If you’re passionate about clean tech, EV innovation, or the next big leap in battery science, this conversation delivers a front-row seat to the future of sustainable energy.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

• Why aluminum-ion could outperform lithium in speed, safety, and cost
• How InfiniCell’s design leverages existing manufacturing infrastructure
• The challenges of scaling battery innovation in a risk-averse market
• What the next decade of EVs and energy storage will look like

💡 Discover how InfiniCell plans to power the next wave of electrification—one fast-charging, fire-safe cell at a time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Maya Palatnik and Neta Golani, co-founders of Tahiro, the company behind Brain Protect — a breakthrough supplement designed to prevent neurodegeneration before it starts.

From personal stories of family members battling dementia to years of research in nanotechnology and neuroscience, Maya and Neta share how they built Tahiro into a wellness brand focused on prevention, education, and empowerment.

They discuss:

• The scientific innovation behind Brain Protect and its nano-Omega-5 delivery system
• Why brain care must start early — often before age 35
• How Tahiro built a loyal base of long-term customers through science-backed wellness
• Their decision to raise capital through Reg CF crowdfunding to grow a community of health-conscious investors

👉 Visit invest.tahiro.com to learn more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel speaks with Dr. Jacques Jospitre, psychiatrist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of SohoMD, a pioneering mental health company blending AI technology and functional medicine to transform psychiatric care.

Dr. Jospitre reveals how SohoMD’s integrative approach goes beyond symptom management to uncover the root causes of mental health issues—combining psychiatry with nutrition, endocrinology, and data-driven insights. Now, with over a decade of clinical experience and a proprietary care model, SohoMD is developing an AI-powered Clinical Decision Support system designed to help clinicians nationwide deliver more effective, affordable, and personalized mental health treatment.

Tune in as they discuss:

• Why traditional psychiatry is failing to meet modern mental health needs
• How functional medicine and data science can unlock better patient outcomes
• The role of AI in supporting clinicians and improving efficiency
• SohoMD’s vision for the future of digital behavioral health
• Why they’re opening their WeFunder campaign to everyday investors who believe in mental health innovation

🎧 Whether you’re an investor, clinician, or simply passionate about the future of healthcare, this episode offers a powerful look into the intersection of AI, medicine, and human wellbeing.

🔗 Learn more or invest at: wefunder.com/sohomd

#SohoMD #MentalHealth #AI #FunctionalMedicine #Psychiatry #HealthcareInnovation #Wefunder #Investing #InvstGuru #JeffFuzzyWenzel 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Erin Norman, CEO and founder of The Share Project, a groundbreaking platform reshaping how films are made, funded, and shared.

After two decades in the film industry — from assisting A-list stars like Jamie Foxx to producing independent films on Apple TV and Peacock — Erin saw firsthand how Hollywood’s system left most creators behind. Now, she’s leading a movement to fix it.

🎥 The Share Project is a global online platform built for filmmakers, by filmmakers — where everyone involved in a project, from the PA to the producer, shares in the profits. With tools that connect creators worldwide, automate backend profit sharing, and even help fund new projects through the Community Greenlight initiative, Erin’s team is building the future of a fair, connected creator economy.

💡 In This Episode:

• How The Share Project is rewriting the rules of Hollywood’s financial structure
• Why profit sharing matters for every filmmaker, not just the stars
• The platform’s unique backend tech and global collaboration tools
• How “Community Greenlight” helps fund new films democratically
• The future of the creator economy and film industry post-2023 strikes
• Insights from Erin’s journey as a filmmaker turned founder

🎬 Visit theshareplatform.com to learn more or join the movement.

💰 Check out their WeFunder campaign to invest in the future of film creation.

#InvstGuru #TheShareProject #EquityCrowdfunding #FilmIndustry #CreatorEconomy #Hollywood #Filmmakers #JeffFuzzyWenzel 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Damian Meak, founder of Yawdie — the Jamaican-inspired fast-casual restaurant shaking up the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry.

Damian shares how his Jamaican roots inspired him to create what he calls “the Jamaican Shake Shack — Shake Shack with flavor.” From humble beginnings in Flatbush, Brooklyn to expanding into arenas, airports, and cloud kitchens, Yawdie is bringing bold Caribbean taste and modern tech-driven systems to the mainstream food scene.

🌴 In This Episode:

• How Yawdie was born from Jamaican heritage and NYC hustle
• The 4-part expansion model: street-side, mall kiosks, arenas & cloud kitchens
• Using technology to scale quality and customer experience
• The immigrant entrepreneur mindset and lessons from five businesses
• Insights into Yawdie’s $500K seed round and future franchise potential

🍔 Learn how Damian is turning flavor, culture, and systems into a scalable restaurant empire — one jerk burger at a time.

👉 Visit yawdieq.com to explore their menu and story.

🎙️ Subscribe to Invst Guru for more founder stories and insights into the next generation of startups changing the world.

#Yawdie #InvstGuru #JamaicanFood #StartupStories #JeffFuzzyWenzel #FoodEntrepreneur #RestaurantStartup #Crowdfunding

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Trung Pham, founder and CEO of RYSE, to explore how his company is transforming the smart home industry—one window at a time.

RYSE builds intelligent, retrofit IoT devices that automate existing blinds, curtains, and shades—no replacement required. Trung shares how a personal frustration sparked a billion-dollar idea, leading to a patented line of smart window automation products now featured in luxury homes, hotels, and retail stores like Best Buy.

💡 In This Episode:

• How Trung turned a simple idea into a global smart home brand
• Why RYSE’s retrofit design dominates the $50B window automation market
• The challenges of hardware startups and IP protection on Amazon
• Integrating with Google, Alexa, and Apple for true AI-powered automation
• RYSE’s vision to follow in the footsteps of Ring and Nest
• How community investors helped fund RYSE through equity crowdfunding

📈 Key Stats:

• $15M+ in cumulative revenue
• $5M projected for this year
• 29+ team members, 10+ patents and grants
• Supported by a $4M clean tech grant

🎯 Learn how Trung Pham is building the future of AI-driven home automation while empowering investors through community ownership.

👉 Visit https://helloryse.com or https://invest.helloryse.com to learn more.

#InvstGuru #SmartHome #IoT #RYSE #JeffFuzzyWenzel #EquityCrowdfunding #HomeAutomation #TechInnovation #StartupSuccess

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Bobby DeMars, founder and CEO of Blind Barrels — the first and only double-blind whiskey tasting experience changing how people discover and enjoy craft spirits.

🍀 In This Episode:

• How Blind Barrels became the world’s first double-blind whiskey subscription
• Why gamification and data are reshaping the tasting experience
• The journey from indie filmmaker to whiskey entrepreneur
• How Blind Barrels scaled to 4,000+ members across 44 states — with zero debt
• Their next frontier: tequila, rum, gin, and the restaurant model revolution
• Lessons on marketing, growth, and staying grateful as a founder

🔥 Whether you’re a whiskey lover, startup investor, or subscription business founder, this conversation dives deep into innovation, community, and the power of blind discovery.

👉 Learn more at www.blindbarrels.com

📩 For accredited investors: email SayWhiskey@BlindBarrels.com

🎙️ Podcast: Invst Guru

👤 Host: Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel

💡 Guest: Bobby DeMars, Founder & CEO of Blind Barrels

#Whiskey #BlindBarrels #Startup #SubscriptionBox #Crowdfunding #Investing #Bourbon #Tequila #InvstGuru #JeffWenzel #Entrepreneurship #WhiskeyTasting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Michael Machat, founder of Vampire Corp, the company behind the legendary Vampire® and Dracula® brands in wine, spirits, coffee, and chocolate.

What began as a spark of imagination after reading Dracula has become a 30-year journey of brand building, legal mastery, and entrepreneurial persistence. Michael shares how he turned a gothic fantasy into a thriving business empire — complete with award-winning wines from Napa Valley, premium vampire tequila, and absinthe cocktails that win gold medals.

💀 In This Episode:

• How Michael secured global trademarks for Vampire and Dracula
• The wild backstory of bringing “Vampire Wine” to life from Transylvania to California
• The rise of Vampire Spirits, including tequila, vodka, and absinthe RTDs
• What it takes to manage national distribution and alcohol compliance in 40+ states
• Why Vampire Corp’s crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder is creating a new kind of investor–customer community
• Insights into building a lasting consumer brand that’s both fun and premium

🍷 Whether you’re a fan of bold brands, gothic aesthetics, or great business stories, this episode delivers a masterclass in creativity, trademarks, and timeless marketing.

👉 Learn more:

https://vampire.com

https://wefunder.com/vampire.spirits

#InvstGuru #VampireWine #DraculaWine #JeffFuzzyWenzel #VampireCorp #EquityCrowdfunding #Wefunder #Entrepreneurship #WineBusiness #VampireTequila #GothicBranding #BrandStorytelling

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with filmmaker Marine Assaiante, producer of A Dream for Amy — a new female-led vampire horror feature film raising funds on Wefunder.

From indie film financing to horror distribution strategy, Marine shares how her team turned a chilling metaphor for narcissistic parenting into a gripping cinematic story — and how everyday investors can join the journey for as little as $100.

🎥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How A Dream for Amy redefines the vampire genre with a strong female cast and creative direction
• The realities of independent film fundraising and ROI potential for small-budget horror movies
• Why horror is one of the most profitable genres for streaming and theatrical distribution
• The power of community-driven filmmaking through crowdfunding
• How A Dream for Amy plans to engage fans through film festivals, self-distribution, and Q&A events

👻 About the film:

A Dream for Amy follows a young woman’s desperate attempt to save her friend from a vampiric mother, blending psychological depth with gothic horror. Filmed in New York’s Beacon and Bronx neighborhoods, it’s a dark exploration of manipulation, control, and empowerment.

💡 Support the project on Wefunder:

👉 wefunder.com/adreamforamy

📲 Follow the journey:

Instagram — @adreamforamy_vampiremovie

LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marine-assaiante-4b429935/

🎙️ About Invst Guru:

Hosted by Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel, Invst Guru spotlights founders and creators raising capital through equity crowdfunding on platforms like Wefunder, StartEngine, and Republic.

#ADreamForAmy #InvstGuru #JeffFuzzyWenzel #MarineAssaiante #Wefunder #IndieFilm #HorrorMovies #Crowdfunding #FemaleFilmmakers #VampireMovie #IndependentFilm #WomenInFilm #FilmInvestment #EquityCrowdfunding

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel welcomes Sona Shah, CEO and co-founder of Neopenda — a groundbreaking medtech startup tackling one of the world’s most urgent problems: preventable newborn deaths.

After witnessing healthcare inequities firsthand in Kenya, Sona left her career in engineering to create a wearable vital signs monitor designed specifically for low-resource hospitals. Today, Neopenda’s technology is helping nurses in 40+ hospitals across Kenya monitor and save newborns in real time — with recognition from the United Nations, World Health Organization, and global investors.

Sona shares the decade-long journey of designing for impact, navigating complex regulatory systems, and scaling across emerging markets. She also opens up about the emotional and mental resilience needed to lead through uncertainty — and how staying grounded in mission-driven work fuels her as a founder.

🎙️ What You’ll Learn:

• The origin story of Neopenda’s life-saving wearable monitor
• How to design healthcare technology for real-world impact
• The challenges and rewards of scaling medtech in emerging markets
• The power of saying “no” and staying focused on your mission
• How to invest in innovation through Neopenda’s WeFunder campaign

🌍 Learn more at: www.neopenda.com

#InvstGuru #Neopenda #SonaShah #JeffFuzzyWenzel #GlobalHealth #ImpactInvesting #MedTech #StartupFounders #HealthcareInnovation #WeFunder #SocialImpact #StartupStory

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Adam Zec, CEO and Co-Founder of MyStandard, a groundbreaking Web3 platform that’s reshaping how people own, share, and profit from their personal data.

Adam shares how MyStandard empowers individuals to take control of their digital identities—turning data into a personal asset instead of a corporate product. Built on blockchain technology, MyStandard allows users to decide when, how, and with whom their data is shared—while getting paid for it.

From tackling bias in hiring and creating a transparent system for employers and candidates, to building a decentralized infrastructure that keeps users’ data secure, this episode dives into the mission to return power to the people in the data economy.

🎧 In this conversation:

• The origin story of MyStandard and how it began with a fight against hiring bias
• How users can earn real money for sharing verified data
• The role of blockchain in creating true data privacy and trust
• Why big tech and staffing platforms should be paying attention
• What’s next for MyStandard and the future of data ownership

Join Jeff and Adam as they explore how decentralization is disrupting traditional tech and giving individuals a voice—and a paycheck—in the new data economy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.