In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Karl Franz Williams, founder and CEO of Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Company, to unpack what it really takes to build a beverage brand rooted in culture, craft, and consumer demand.

Karl shares how Uncle Waithley’s started as a house-made ginger beer behind the bar at his Caribbean rum bar and evolved into a nationally distributed adult non alcoholic beverage now carried in over 200 Whole Foods locations across the East Coast. What began as a solution to a missing mixer turned into a platform for showcasing authentic Caribbean flavors that rarely make it onto U.S. shelves.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why the adult non alcoholic beverage category is growing so quickly?

• How Caribbean flavors like ginger, scotch bonnet, sorrel, and thyme create real differentiation?

• The role of mixology and hospitality experience in product development.

• How taste, trial, and repeat drive retail success more than hype?

• The realities of beverage manufacturing, minimums, and distribution.

• Scaling from one Whole Foods store to hundreds through velocity and reorders.

• Fundraising strategy and why growth capital matters in beverage.

• What investors should actually look for in consumer brands?

🔗 Learn More About Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Company

Visit https://unclewaithleys.com to explore the full product lineup, brand story, and where to find the beverages in stores and online.

Explore more: 

https://wefunder.com/uncle.waithleys.beverage.company

This episode is for founders, operators, investors, and anyone interested in how authentic products scale in crowded consumer categories. It’s an honest look at beverage entrepreneurship, cultural storytelling, and the slow, disciplined work behind overnight success.

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This episode explores the independent film project We Could Be Heroes through the lens of Regulation Crowdfunding. The discussion focuses on the story’s origin in gaming culture, the creative vision behind the script, and the production approach centered on disciplined scope and execution.

Listeners hear how the filmmaking team approaches character-driven storytelling, audience alignment, and modern distribution paths across digital platforms. The episode also addresses the realities of independent film economics, including competition for distribution, audience uncertainty, and long time horizons.

This conversation is informational only. No investment terms are discussed. If the project is associated with an active Regulation Crowdfunding campaign, all investments must occur through the official offering page hosted by a registered intermediary. Prospective investors should review the Form C and complete risk disclosures before making any investment decision.

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Feeding tube dislodgement affects families and caregivers long after hospital discharge, yet securement methods have changed little over time. In this episode, we examine Ezalife, a medical device company developing the Button Huggie, an FDA registered product designed to stabilize gastrostomy buttons in home care settings.

We discuss the clinical problem Ezalife aims to address, the founder’s background in pediatric surgery, internal clinical study findings, early commercial activity, and the challenges of scaling within regulated healthcare markets. The conversation also explores reimbursement uncertainty, hospital adoption dynamics, and the realities of early stage medical device companies raising capital through Regulation Crowdfunding.

This episode is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or a solicitation to invest. If Ezalife is conducting a Regulation Crowdfunding offering, all investments must be made through its registered funding portal after reviewing the company’s official SEC filings and risk disclosures.

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

Caring for a child with a feeding tube is not just a medical challenge. It is an everyday emotional and logistical burden for families. Dislodged tubes, emergency room visits, interrupted sleep, and constant anxiety are part of daily life for many parents.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel speaks with the team behind Ezalife, a pediatric medical device company focused on solving one very specific but deeply impactful problem. Keeping feeding tubes secure so kids can move, play, and live more normal lives.

Ezalife developed a simple, FDA-exempt securement device that helps reduce accidental tube dislodgement and gives parents peace of mind at home, at school, and on the go. What started as a pediatric surgeon’s idea has grown into a company working to establish a new standard of care for children with G-tubes.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The real daily challenges families face when caring for children with feeding tubes.

• Why small medical problems often lead to big emotional stress?

• How a simple product can prevent unnecessary ER visits?

• Why Ezalife chose a direct-to-consumer approach before hospital adoption?

• How parent-to-parent advocacy drives growth in pediatric healthcare?

• The realities of building and manufacturing a medical device.

• Fundraising, crowdfunding, and the path to broader hospital and insurance adoption.

This episode is for parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, medtech founders, and investors who want to understand how thoughtful design and patient-first thinking can make a meaningful difference in real lives.

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

Women’s soccer is growing at an unprecedented pace, yet many talented athletes still fall through the cracks between youth, college, and professional play. The system rewards short-term performance but often fails to support long-term development, wellbeing, and access.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel explores how TLH Reckoning is building a new model for women’s soccer that prioritizes people, community, and sustainable growth.

The conversation dives into the real challenges facing women’s sports today, including limited access to capital, broken development pathways, and the lack of infrastructure in non-metro and rural regions. You’ll hear how TLH Reckoning is addressing these gaps by creating a holistic ecosystem that supports athletes on and off the field.

This episode covers:

⚽ Why the traditional youth-to-college-to-pro pipeline leaves many players behind?

⚽ How community-based teams can unlock access and long-term loyalty?

⚽ The importance of player care, including mental health, workload management, and advocacy.

⚽ Why women’s sports represent a powerful investment opportunity, not a charity case?

⚽ How facilities, academies, and local partnerships drive sustainable growth?

⚽ What success looks like beyond wins, losses, and headlines?

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in women’s sports, impact-driven entrepreneurship, community ownership, or the future of athletic development.

Whether you are an investor, founder, athlete, parent, or fan, this episode offers a grounded and thoughtful look at how women’s soccer can be built differently and built better.

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

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Ian D. McNeill, founder of Ingeni, to explore a bold vision for the future of personalized health.

Ingeni is building a platform that gives everyday people control over their health using AI, genetics, wearables, and smart recommendations gathered from real time data. Ian explains how his personal experiences with athletic training, glucose spikes, aging parents, and family health challenges shaped the mission behind Ingeni.

You’ll hear how Ingeni is working with major retailers and independent pharmacies to deliver a new kind of wellness experience, one that connects consumer data to personalized recommendations, supplements, in home tests, smart devices, and actionable insights. 

This episode explores:

🔹 Why the healthcare system is broken and why consumers must take more control?

🔹 How AI models, genetic testing, and wearables create a 360 degree view of health?

🔹 Why major retailers want Ingeni as a new revenue source and engagement tool?

🔹 How Ingeni keeps user data private using a proprietary LLM and HIPAA compliant systems?

🔹 The challenges of scaling quickly when a retailer can add tens of thousands of users overnight.

🔹 How GLP 1 support, chronic care use cases, and family health are driving early adoption?

🔹 Why curated marketplaces and in home testing represent the next chapter in wellness?

Ian also shares how Ingeni plans to enter the insurance market, the KPIs investors should watch, and the role strategic fundraising plays in launching with their first major retail partner.

Ian Jeff Studio Settings

This is a must listen episode for anyone interested in healthtech, AI, wellness, consumer health, chronic care, personalized insights, or digital retail innovation.

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

This episode explores CyberGlobal’s approach to delivering cybersecurity services through a distributed model. You learn how the company pairs a central security operations structure with regional operators who manage customer relationships. We break down the market problem, the service framework, and the operational factors that shape this type of business.

The conversation also covers strengths and challenges, including execution demands, training needs, and competition in the security services market.

This episode is for listeners who want a clear look at a growing cybersecurity model and the factors that influence performance and scale.

This content is informational only. It is not investment advice. If CyberGlobal is engaged in fundraising, all official information appears on its designated Reg CF portal.

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

Biotech is booming, but access to certified wet labs and affordable space remains one of the biggest barriers for early stage founders. In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Dr. Anton Dormer, founder of Biolabshare, to explore how he is building a new kind of biotech incubator that blends real estate, innovation, community, and startup support into one ecosystem.

Born from Anton’s own entrepreneurial challenges, Biolabshare aims to give biotech innovators a place to work, live, collaborate, and scale. With a ground up lab development underway on family land in Huntsville, Alabama, Biolabshare is designed to serve as an affordable, full service launchpad for life science startups.

You’ll hear how Biolabshare focuses on:

🔬 Certified wet labs that meet NIH and BARDA standards.

🏢 A real estate model that includes co living for founders.

🧪 Incubator support for up to 20 companies working in biotech, diagnostics, and health AI.

🎓 University partnerships that bring trained interns into the ecosystem.

📈 Startup equity opportunities that generate long term investor returns.

🌱 Affordable access to lab space, equipment, and mentorship.

🏗️ A two phase construction roadmap designed for rapid expansion.

💰 A path to liquidity through company graduations, exits, and a future public listing.

Anton also shares the risks, regulatory challenges, and opportunities shaping the biotech industry today, plus how founders can accelerate discovery when they have the right ecosystem behind them.

Whether you're a biotech founder, real estate investor, student, or someone fascinated by how life science innovation actually happens, this episode gives you a ground level view into a powerful new model for building the future of health and technology.

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In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Mel Sautter, co-founder of MVP Kids, to explore a powerful mission: helping parents and educators raise confident, emotionally intelligent, and character-driven children.

What began as a personal moment with Mel’s young daughter quickly evolved into a 10-year journey of developing books, curriculum, characters, and a soon-to-launch animated series designed to shape children from birth through age 12.

You’ll hear how MVP Kids created:

✨ A unique 16-character universe that represents diverse personalities and learning styles.

✨ A comprehensive “character Bible” built with child psychologists and educators.

✨ A zero-agenda approach focused on universal virtues, not political or religious narratives.

✨ A structured learning pathway that builds emotional intelligence, social skills, and resilience.

✨ An upcoming animated series created with storytelling legend John Semper.

✨ A global partnership network that unlocks streaming, licensing, merchandising, and distribution opportunities.

Mel also explains how MVP Kids protects its intellectual property, works with top animation studios, and builds trust with families in a digital world filled with overstimulation and hidden agendas.

For investors, Mel breaks down how children’s education brands generate revenue through international broadcasting, licensing, merchandise, curriculum, and character-driven ecosystems.

This episode is perfect for:

✔️ Parents.

✔️ Educators.

✔️ Investors.

✔️ Animators.

✔️ Anyone passionate about raising strong, empathetic, resilient kids.

If you want to understand how meaningful children’s content is created and why it matters, this conversation delivers clarity, heart, and real vision for the future.

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

🎙️ Episode Description

In this episode, we explore Tahiro, a cognitive wellness company working to bridge scientific research with consumer health products. We discuss the market forces shaping the brain health sector, the company’s use of nano-formulation techniques, and the challenges early-stage wellness brands face in standing out in a crowded field. We also review both the bullish and bearish factors observers often consider when evaluating emerging companies in this space.

This conversation is designed to offer context, not conclusions. We look at what the company reports publicly, how it frames its research, and where uncertainties remain, including the gap between preclinical data and human outcomes.

Disclaimer:

This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice or an offer to invest. Invst Guru does not recommend or endorse any securities. If Tahiro is conducting a Regulation Crowdfunding campaign, all investment activity must occur through the registered funding portal that hosts the offering, where official documents, risks, and disclosures are available.

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

Cybercrime is growing at an unprecedented rate and small businesses have become the number one target. In this episode of Invst Guru, we take a deep dive into how modern cybercriminals operate, why their strategies are evolving faster than ever, and how Cyberglobal is fighting back with full scale protection and AI powered tools.

You will learn:

🔐 Why human error remains the biggest gap in cybersecurity ?

⚠️ The real scams happening right now including banking update fraud and email breaches.

🤖 How AI is being used by both cybercriminals and cybersecurity teams ?

🛡️ Why small and medium sized businesses can no longer ignore cybersecurity ?

🏢 How Cyberglobal supports businesses ranging from local offices to enterprise giants ?

📊 The growth strategy behind their franchise model and partnership network.

💸 Why the company chose community backed fundraising and how the capital fuels expansion?

🌍 The bold 2030 vision to reach 200 global locations and beyond.

This episode breaks down complex cybersecurity concepts into simple, relatable examples including home security analogies, real world cyber scam stories, and a behind the scenes look at Cyberglobal’s operations.

Whether you are a small business owner, an investor, or simply someone who wants to understand how to stay safe in a digital world, this conversation delivers clarity, insight and a powerful look into the future of cyber defense.

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

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Brian Direen, the entrepreneurial force behind OGI Coffee, a company redefining how the world experiences cold coffee. From patented extraction techniques to world-first shelf-stable espresso minis, OGI Coffee is pioneering a new way to enjoy premium coffee anytime, anywhere.

Brian shares how his global business background, combined with a moment of travel frustration, inspired a product built for today’s fast-paced, customization-obsessed coffee culture. You’ll hear how OGI’s zero-additive espresso minis deliver fresh-brewed flavor for up to nine months, why younger generations prefer cold coffee, and how the brand is using TikTok Shop, influencers, and premium natural retail to scale rapidly.

We also dive into OGI’s equity crowdfunding strategy, their path to hitting $1M/month in revenue, and their long-term vision to build a $100M+ brand in one of the world’s fastest-growing beverage categories.

In This Episode:

• The invention of shelf-stable cold espresso minis

• Why cold coffee dominates for Gen Z and Millennials

• The powerful role of customization in modern coffee culture

• How OGI built scalable manufacturing from scratch

• The brand strategy behind minimalist, Instagram-ready packaging

• Equity crowdfunding and building investors into brand ambassadors

• Revenue targets, production capacity, and growth projections

If you care about CPG innovation, coffee trends, crowdfunding, or brand building, this episode delivers an energizing deep dive into a company brewing something truly new.

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

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with filmmaker and actor Mark Elias to explore the creative and entrepreneurial engine behind his new comedy-crime feature, We Could Be Heroes. The film follows a young gamer whose stolen console ignites a sharp, irreverent adventure—one built to resonate with gamers, indie film lovers, and multi-generational audiences alike.

Mark shares the origins of the story, the moment the idea refused to leave his head, and how he developed a script that’s drawing comparisons to titles like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and The Nice Guys. He breaks down what it takes to produce a high-value feature on a lean budget, how he assembles top-tier talent, and why smart visual storytelling doesn’t require millions of dollars—just creativity, precision, and the right team.

Listeners will also learn:

🎮 Why gaming culture and e-sports partnerships could expand the film’s global reach

🎥 How Mark balances passion with commercial strategy in indie filmmaking

💼 What investors should know about film ROI, distribution timelines, and revenue streams

🌍 How modern distribution—from streamers to vertical platforms—is reshaping indie film economics

🎬 Why this project is designed to build a long-term investor and fan community through WeFunder

Whether you’re a film lover, an investor, or a creator looking for insight into the evolving entertainment landscape, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and behind-the-scenes perspective.

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

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

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.