In this episode, we delve into Carey's extensive professional journey. He discusses his roles as the co-founder and managing director of BankTech Ventures, a strategic investment fund for community banks, highlighting its approach and challenges. Our discussion touches on banking transformation, the unique value of community banks, and the applicability of blockchain in financial systems. Carey also elaborates on Operate, a venture studio he co-founded, which focuses on partnering with passionate founders to support and de-risk their startups. Carey also has a podcast worth checking out called Operate that we’ll link to in the show notes. Carey also reflects on personal challenges, the importance of quality partnerships, and more. Carey's insights are invaluable, and it’s inspiring to hear about his innovative efforts in transforming industries and supporting founders.

Today, we have a special guest, my friend and advisor, Brett Brewer. We're privileged to present a rare, insightful interview with one of the most esteemed and influential figures in the Los Angeles tech market and beyond. In this episode, we explore Brett's journey through entrepreneurship and investing, his impact on the tech community, and his various philanthropic initiatives, such as co-chairing Alliance Charter Schools and LA Tech Cares. Brett wasted no time; at age 17, he started doing real estate deals. During the dot-com boom of the late '90s, he founded Intermix Media, which owned and catalyzed MySpace, leading to its landmark acquisition by News Corp. After the MySpace sale, Brett took the helm at AdKnowledge, grew it to $300M in revenue in two years, and subsequently sold the business. Brett's story is inspiring—he took his winnings and expertise and reinvested them back into the LA tech market by co-founding Crosscut Ventures with Brian Garrett and Rick Smith in 2008. Over the past 15 years, Crosscut has invested in over 175 startups, profoundly shaping LA's tech landscape. The interview is great, so stay tuned for Brett’s memorable “Brettisms”—pearls of wisdom that stick with you long after you hear them.

In this episode, Amber and I explore our experiences in the tech industry, Amber's startup, Geoloqi, which Esri acquired, and our collaboration while we were both at the firm. Amber’s main focus in recent years is Calm technology, a type of information technologywhere the interaction between the technology and its user is designed to occur in the user's periphery rather than constantly at the center of attention. In 2015 O’Reilly published her book 'Calm Technology”. This episode is all about the need for human-centered design in technology, and celebrating Amber’s launch of the Calm Tech Institute.

Today, we chatted with Paul Ollinger, an early Facebook executive turned full-time stand-up comedian and podcaster. This episode is chock full of wisdom and practical advice, and it’s one of my favorite episodes I’ve done in a while because it’s so honest and funny, too. Paul shares his journey from the corporate world to the comedy stage and beyond. He discusses the importance of authenticity in comedy and life. Paul reflects on leaving Facebook for a more fulfilling path, emphasizing the value of “enoughness” and avoiding regret. Paul’s Podcast, “Crazy Money,” is a must-listen. His guest roster is a who’s who of pop culture. He advocates for living on one’s terms and raising the torch to pursue truth. I hope this conversation with Paul inspires you as much as it did for me.

We chatted with my dear friend Brady Brim-DeForest, CEO of Formula.Monks, the tech services division of Media Monks, and the first-time author of the book “Smaller is Better.” In this episode, Brady and I discussed his new book and its revolutionary approach: empowering small, autonomous teams to spearhead targeted missions. Drawing on his personal experiences, Brady offers a practical roadmap for dismantling complex problems and achieving breakthrough solutions. Get ready to hear inspiring insights on reframing failure as a launchpad for success. And how, as leaders and innovators, we must champion this mindset and create spaces where our teams are not just allowed to fail but supported and encouraged to do so.

Today, we chat with Talia Jacqueline CEO of Visceral. Talia is a communication expert passionate about empowering individuals, teams, and organizations to reach their full potential. She’s also a partner at our firm Realworld Asset Group, and is a key factor in the special culture we’re taking great care to create. Talia and I are diving deep into the transformative power of EQ, communication and personal growth. We'll explore her unique approach to helping clients become self-sufficient leaders. Get ready to hear insightful discussions on how unresolved past experiences can create blinkspots and hinder our success (and how to breakthrough), the magic ingredient of empathy in building self-awareness and strong teams, plus my journey with coaching and personal growth. This episode promises to be packed with valuable takeaways. So, get ready to take notes and join us as we explore the power of guides, communication, and personal growth.

We chatted with Ben Sullins, founder of Free The Data Academy. Ben and I delve into the intersection of data science, storytelling, and YouTube content creation. Ben also narrates his transition from data science to becoming a successful YouTuber, shedding light on the pivotal role of storytelling in captivating audiences. Ben recounts the unexpected shift in his channel's focus from data science to Tesla-related content, highlighting the creative challenges faced by YouTubers. Ben also contributes his perspective on using storytelling to enhance presentations in corporate settings and his move towards creating online courses and a YouTube channel dedicated to data science. This episode isn't just about conversations; it's a symphony of insights, a kaleidoscope of experiences that underscores the paramount importance of storytelling in the dynamic realm of data science.

I’m excited to share my conversation with my friend Erik Huberman-Founder & CEO of Hawke Media. We explore his entrepreneurial journeys, from growing up in Ojai to founding Hawke Media, the fastest-growing marketing agency on the US West Coast. We explore the power of emotional connection in branding, paralleling Nike's strategy, and delve into Erik’s book, "The Hawke Method,”--emphasizing the importance of awareness, nurture, and trust in brand building. We delve into the perils of client concentration, the role of in-house recruiters, the growth strategy involving mergers and acquisitions, and Hawke Ventures--a VC fund that he spun out of the agency. Additionally, we touched on the impact of AI on the economy and the importance of adaptability, networking, and resilience in business. Our conversation also covers the challenges of managing energy and balancing business with personal life.  Erik also shares his personal story of overcoming intense anxiety during a tumultuous period, highlighting the significance of empathy and self-care. Erik is one of the good guys, and the number of insights we packed into this episode is fantastic.

This week's podcast guest, Douglas Campbell, is about to blow your mind. He's a RISD grad who's not just a design mastermind, he's hacking the future with AI! We'll crack open his digital toolbox, see how he's blending tech and creativity, and dive into the magic he conjures at projectfresh.com. Remember Mindshare LA? Yeah, picture TED Talks on Playa Dust – epic vibes. We'll revisit those days, then blast off to explore the AI revolution and how it's reshaping everything from robots rewriting the rules to how we actually create. Doug's got the inside scoop, from efficiency hacks to unleashing your inner creative beast. But wait, there's more! Doug's also a non-fiction ninja, sharing his writing secrets and the course he built to turn you into a storytelling pro. Get ready for some soul-baring real talk about chasing passion, conquering internal struggles, and finding your worth beyond the paycheck. This episode is a mind-bending blend of tech wizardry, personal growth gold, and a dash of nostalgia that'll make you wanna high-five the future. (P.S. Check the show notes for the Mindshare-born Syyn Labs who built the epic Rube Goldberg machine for OK Go's "This Too Shall Pass" – 40 million views and counting!). So tune in, press play, and let Doug and Kurt take you on a wild ride you won't forget. And don't forget to check out his playground of innovation at projectfresh.com – your mind and your business will thank you!

This week, we welcome my brother, Christopher Daradics—a linguist at the University of Oregon. From his strategic post U of O's Center for Applied Second Language Studies (aka CASLS, for you acronym aficionados) to his world-hopping escapades that inspired his graphic memoir "Pocket Guide to Revolution," Christopher's a walking, talking kaleidoscope of cultures and ideas. We dive deep into the space between language, art, and the human experience – brains, hearts, and the whole enchilada. We tiptoe along the tightrope of intercultural communication, ponder the complexities of the extended mind theory, and even offer our respectful take on the Fluxus art movement (we see you, Yoko Ono – still a legend!). By the end, Christopher and I are like two John Lennons strumming air guitars to the melody of our conversation, minds melding with the wonder of intellectual kinship and, of course, a dash of brotherly harmony. So, tune in for a smart and heart-felt sing-along that'll leave you questioning the lyrics of your understanding and perhaps even whistling a brand-new tune.

This week I’m excited to share my conversation with lawyer Dave Young, Founding Partner at Cooley’s Los Angeles Office.  Cooley Law Firm is arguably the top law firm in tech and handles more than 1,000 venture capital financings each year, advising investors and companies. Dave's an expert in all things startup--from financings, IPOs, M&As, you name it. He's seen tech booms and busts, from Silicon Valley to Seattle, and knows how markets move. We explore LA's vibrant tech scene and why Cooley's model sparks success for their clients. Disclaimer: I'm just a Cooley fan, not a client! Please tune in for insights from a legal pro who's seen it all!

This week, I'm excited to share my conversation with my friend, Kris Krug. Kris Krug is a well-known professional photographer who has photographed Presidents, supermodels, rock stars, billionaires, and cultural protagonists like you and me. Kris is also a technologist and author exploring Artificial intelligence. US-born but based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. This conversation covers lots of ground and one of the highlights is us unpacking his photography process, where he chooses to rescript the violent language associated with photography for a more intimate and profound approach.  Kris and I have lived a lot of life together. I’m delighted to bring one of my favorite friends to the party.

This week, I'm excited to share my conversation with my friend and business partner, Justin Mitchell, Founder and CEO of Realworld Asset Group.  A string of auspicious events connected us and opened the door to collaboration. After working on RWA Group for a few quarters, we’re excited to inform the world that we’re open for business. RWA Group is a real estate investment group led by a seasoned management team with a proven track record of providing creative funding solutions to professional real estate developers (sponsors/operators), delivering superior risk-adjusted returns to investors. Our first product is a high-yield REIT built for accredited investors. There’s so much more to the story, and what’s so exciting is so much is still unwritten. This is also an excellent example of the Imagine a Day exercise featured in Episode 50 at work…

This week I'm excited to share my conversation with my friend, Frank Gruber - the trailblazing new media journalist, community builder, entrepreneur, and early-stage tech investor. In 2006 he co-founded TechCo (formerly Tech Cocktail) which was acquired by MVF Global in January 2018. Frank is also the author of Startup Mixology: Tech Cocktail’s Guide To Building, Growing, and Celebrating Startup Success published by Wiley. An early blogger and one of the first contributors to TechCrunch, Frank has interviewed some of the most noteworthy thought leaders from some of the most successful businesses in history. He currently hosts two podcasts, “Somewhat Frank” and “Startup of the Year Podcast”. Before his TechCo success, Frank launched products for the masses while at AOL and Tribune where he built and led product development efforts. In 2018, he co-founded Established, to assist organizations with strategy and innovation programs working with clients like NASA, U.S. SBA, Capital One, and more. Established also manages the Startup of the Year community and program which provides a unique opportunity for startups to build relationships, connect with mentors, and gain exposure.

This week, I'm excited to share my conversation with Duke Stump. Friends of the show, you know how often I mention Duke's impact on my life. I am honored to have Duke on to celebrate the milestone of the 50th episode of my show. In this special conversation celebrate his pithy "duke-isms" and remarkable journey from Swedish hockey player to Nike exec to successful entrepreneur. Duke and I collaborated during my time at LIME where he was CMO. We celebrate the re-launch of his unique online gathering called “Bonfire with Soul”. This masterclass style Socratic inquiry is a profound experience for optimistic rebels of all sizes and stages that unpacks 12 principles delivered with beliefs + stories + takeaways + burning questions. Pressing rewind, Duke's powerful "Imagine a Day" exercise first transformed my life in 2008, propelling me out of the Great Financial Crisis into a new direction with a clear vision for the future. Fast forward to now, this same “imagine a day’ exercise’ afforded me the guts and clarity to quit a high-paying job on my terms in 2022, and co-found a new business - Realworld Asset Group, a private credit fund. Anytime I've invested in learning, the ROI has been exponential. For example, I invested $12k in a real estate mastermind in 2021 which led me to meet my co-founder at Realworld. I can point to many other examples of how self-directed study has helped make my dreams come true.  Duke's Bonfire with Soul experience offers deeper insights in ways that incept, root, and bear fruit.  If you want more brightness, aliveness, energy, and impact in your day, absorb this conversation and reimagine what dreams you can make come true.

This week, I'm excited to share my conversation with my friend, Paige Craig- the Founder and General Partner at Outlander VC- which is launching its third early-stage VC fund. Paige has one of the most incredible stories of any of my friends- from growing up dirt poor outside of Sacramento, California, to getting to Westpoint, then becoming a Marine, and starting the Lincoln Group- a Private Military Company operating across the Middle East, Africa, SE Asia that he grew to 1,000 full-time headcount. After Paige sold the Lincoln Group, he transitioned into an angel investor and has 17 unicorns from early-stage investments, including Postmates,  Lyft, AngelList, Gusto, Wish, and more. Paige and the team at Outlander are finding diamonds in the rough- founders who have what it takes to win but aren’t part of the elite networks of the top schools, top cities, or social networks. Paige’s background all comes together to deliver returns that put him in the top 1% of tech investors, and I’m excited to share this honest and inspired conversation with one of the most interesting people I know.

I'm excited to share my conversation with Nicole Aimee Schreiber, a professional comedian and one of my funniest friends.  You’ll hear celebrate Nicole’s career, which includes getting passed at The Comedy Store in LA and The Comedy Cellar in NYC- which are some of the biggest achievements in professional comedy- Not only does it mean you are paid for spots, but it also means you have more opportunities than others to be seen including her name being written on the club walls.  We also empathize with the passing of Nicole’s Father, Harrold, through a very tough season through COVID and her honesty about how she’s starting to reimagine what’s next. This episode is Unsafe for work, and we hope you’ll appreciate the attempt to bring some levity to the party and not take ourselves too seriously while working through some real-life stuff.

I'm excited to share my conversation with one of my best friends, Jacob Tell, Founder of Oniracom- a Santa Barbara-based Creative Services Agency. In this interview, you'll hear me celebrate Jacob’s career as an innovator for over 20 years in the music industry, collaborating with artists like Jack Johnson, John Legend, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Harper, Bruno Mars, and many more. And how he’s widened the lens from music to broader markets. We empathize with the recent passing of Jacob’s Dad, Darryl, and we explore how Jacob is finding his alignment and doing his part to improve the world through his vision for District216- a pioneering psychedelic social club based in Santa Barbara, CA.

I'm excited to share my conversation with Nicole Noren, Emmy, Peabody, and Murrow, award-winning investigative producer & director for ESPN covering topics such as education, health, and social issues. In this episode, we celebrate Nicole's latest award-winning short documentary,  "Betsy & Irv" which is currently streaming on ESPN+. She is a board member for Project Experience for Youth, a non-profit that provides experiential learning opportunities to low-income students in Ventura County (CA). In this interview, you'll hear me celebrate Nicole’s career, empathize with the passing of her brother Jarrod, and share my gratitude for how she’s doing her part to make the world safer and better.

I'm excited to share my conversation with Kelly Stoetzel. Kelly spent nearly 18 years at the TED Conference - as their Head of Conferences and Content Director. She was at TED before the online video was a thing and helped grow the organization from an annual Conference to the household brand that most of us know and love today.  After TED she was Clubhouse through the Covid Pandemic as their Head of Thought Leader Partnerships. Now she’s working on a new startup as the M**anaging Director at Edelman Fossil Park & Museum- a remarkable 65-acre treasure in South NJ just outside Philadelphia.** In this interview, you'll hear Kelly share insights into the power of story, big vision, and how to foster and support grassroots initiatives like her amazing work with TEDx and how her work now aligns with her environmental mission. This interview will benefit anyone curious about the magic that happens when mission and story intersect.