Founder's Club with Dez DeCosta

Hosted by Desiree "Dez" DeCosta / DeCosta Media

Business Entrepreneurship Education

RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

Welcome to Founder's Club, the podcast that delves into the captivating journeys of successful founders. Join Dez DeCosts as she uncovers the trials, triumphs, and life lessons of entrepreneurs who've navigated the challenging path to success. Each episode unravels the unique struggles and habits that have shaped these leaders, offering valuable insights and life-hacks for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether it's overcoming setbacks, priceless insight to thrive, or cutting-edge industry knowledge, Founder's Club provides a front-row seat to the experiences that mold successful founders. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of entrepreneurship and glean wisdom from those who have paved the way. (Formerly Positive AF Podcast)

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 23, 2026Episode 6526 min

Founder’s Club – Episode 65: Jonny Waite on How Reddit Is Changing Marketing, Consumer Trust & AI Search

What if the most important conversations about your brand are happening on a platform you're not even paying attention to? In this episode of Founders Club, host Dez DeCosta sits down with Jonny Waite, Co-Founder and CEO of RECHO, a marketing agency specializing in Reddit, to explore how online communities are transforming digital marketing, consumer trust, and brand visibility. Jonny discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the opportunity he recognized in Reddit, and what it takes to build a business around an underserved niche. The conversation explores why consumers increasingly turn to real discussions and peer recommendations before making purchasing decisions, and how brands can establish credibility without relying solely on traditional advertising. They also examine Reddit's growing influence on AI-powered search, including how platforms like ChatGPT can surface community discussions when people research businesses, products, and services. From building a specialized agency to navigating the future of SEO and AI-driven brand discovery, this episode explores why understanding consumer conversations is becoming essential for entrepreneurs and marketers alike. Connect with Dez Instagram: @dezdecosta Website: https://dezdecosta.com Connect with Jonny LinkedIn: Jonny Waite Website: https://recho.co Email: jonnywaite@recho.co Sales Inquiries: sales@recho.co

October 21, 2026Episode 6417 min

Founder’s Club – Episode 64: Craig Hogan on the Power of Connections, Career Growth & Success in Entertainment

Is talent enough to succeed in entertainment, or do the right connections make all the difference? In this episode of Founders Club , host Dez DeCosta sits down with Craig Hogan , an award-winning Irish dancer, actor, and choreographer, to discuss what it really takes to build a career in the competitive world of entertainment. From discovering his passion at just 12 years old to pursuing opportunities internationally, Craig shares his perspective on the importance of networking, building an independent career, and using social media to create professional opportunities. The conversation also explores the personal side of success, including the daily habits that keep him productive, how music fuels his creativity, lessons learned from trusting the wrong people, and why perseverance matters more than immediate results. “If you love what you do, the success will always follow.” — Craig Hogan Whether you're an aspiring entertainer, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this conversation offers practical insights into developing your career while staying true to your ambitions. Connect with Craig Hogan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craighogan _ TikTok: @craighogan Connect with Dez DeCosta: Website: dezdecosta.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dezdecosta Subscribe to Founders Club for candid conversations that go beyond the headlines of success.

June 8, 2026Episode 6315 min

Founder’s Club – Episode 63: Meet ANASTACYA: Artist, Entrepreneur, and One of LA's Most Intriguing Newcomers

In this episode of Founder's Club, Dez DeCosta sits down with Anastacya, an international artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose work spans multiple industries and continents. After building a reputation in Dubai and recently expanding her presence to Los Angeles, Anastacya shares the mindset, creativity, and leadership principles that have helped shape her journey. From bringing ideas to life and managing multiple teams to navigating major life transitions and staying focused amid constant opportunity, this conversation offers an inside look at how Anastacya approaches business, art, and personal growth. The two discuss where creativity comes from, how successful founders make decisions, the role philanthropy plays in a purpose-driven life, and the lessons learned through building a career across different markets and cultures. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative professional, founder, or someone looking for insight into operating at a high level across multiple disciplines, this episode delivers a thoughtful conversation about vision, execution, resilience, and what it takes to create your own opportunities. Topics discussed include entrepreneurship, leadership, creativity, philanthropy, personal development, building teams, international business, and Anastacya's next chapter in Los Angeles. Learn more about ANASTACYA at https://anastasiias.com

April 20, 2026Episode 6239 min

Founder’s Club – Episode 62: The Art of Conscious Living and Bold Creation with Oriah Mirza, On Launching Chakra Cozy Magazine

In this episode of Founder's Club, host Dez DeCosta sits down with Oriah Mirza. Oriah Mirza is the co-creator of Chakra Cozy Magazine, a seasonal conscious lifestyle publication launching at Barnes & Noble, and the co-host of The Mystics podcast with over 9 million views. In this episode, Oriah gets real about the failures that shaped her, what it takes to trust yourself through the creative process, how she manages overwhelm, and what she's learned about raising children to believe in themselves. If you're building something meaningful and need a reminder of why you started, this one is for you. Learn more about Oriah Mirza https://www.instagram.com/oriahmirza

January 15, 2026Episode 6122 min

Founder’s Club – Episode 61: Jacob Sapochnick’s Journey to Building a Global Immigration Practice

In this episode of Founder's Club, Dez DeCosta interviews immigration attorney Jacob Sapochnick! Jacob Sapochnick is based in San Diego but services clients worldwide. Jacob shares his personal immigration journey, the global mindset that shaped his career, and a pivotal case that tested every part of his legal strategy. He reflects on advising a high-level executive building a U.S. company, navigating incomplete information, and making critical pivots under pressure. The conversation also explores how immigration law requires constant adaptation to policy changes, the importance of flexible pathways to permanent residence, and what today’s immigrant entrepreneurs should understand when building companies in the United States. This episode offers real-world insight into strategy, mindset, and decision-making for founders, executives, and global talent navigating the U.S. immigration system. Learn more at: https://www.h1b.biz/

December 2, 2025Episode 6043 min

Founder’s Club – Episode 60: Sean Callagy and the Journey Toward the First Blind Self Funded Unicorn

In this episode of Founder’s Club, host Dez DeCosta sits down with Sean Callagy, the legally blind attorney, entrepreneur, and creator of the UNBLINDED Formula. Sean shares how he went from captain of the Columbia University baseball team to building Callagy Law, a multistate firm with more than one hundred team members, and how his gradual loss of vision became an advantage that shaped his urgency, focus, and purpose. Sean explains the UNBLINDED Formula, a system built on influence mastery, process mastery, and self mastery, and shows how these principles guide leadership, communication, and growth. He also discusses ACTi, his emerging AI venture that brings ethical influence into decision intelligence, and the habits and disciplines that allow him to navigate intense workloads while remaining grounded. From his belief that influence is the only human attainable superpower to his candid reflections on failure, resilience, and faith, this conversation offers a rare look into the structure behind Sean’s approach to business and life. Listeners will walk away with practical insights on truthful communication, emotional regulation, daily performance, and the pursuit of exponential results. Learn more at UNBLINDEDMastery.com

November 17, 2025Episode 5916 min

Founder’s Club – Episode 59: Redefining Divorce: Katherine Miller on Dignity, Emotional Intelligence, and Doing Law Differently

Divorce is one of the most personal, and often painful, legal experiences anyone can go through. But what if it could be handled with dignity, empathy, and even growth? In this episode of Founder’s Club , Dez DeCosta interviews Katherine Miller, founder of the Miller Law Group, shares how she’s changing the way people experience divorce. From handling high-net-worth and emotionally charged cases to training other professionals in emotional intelligence, Katherine opens up about the “aha moment” that reshaped her approach to law, the unexpected challenges of pioneering a new model, and the truths she hopes to share in her upcoming book (set for release in 2026). If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build a mission-driven business inside one of the most traditional industries, this is a must-listen. Learn more about Miller Law Group at https://miller-law.com

October 13, 2025Episode 5822 min

Founder’s Club – Episode 58: Fighting for the Injured: Romel Ambarchyan on Winning Big with a Client-First Law Firm

In this episode of the Founder’s Club Podcast, host Dez DeCosta sits down with Romel Ambarchyan, Managing Partner and co-founder of RA & Associates, a powerhouse personal injury law firm proving that personal attention and major results can go hand in hand. Romel shares how his family-owned firm has secured multi-million dollar settlements, including a recent $2.4 million case, by treating every client like they’re the only one. He opens up about leadership, growth, and the strategy behind delivering big wins. Learn more at https://www.raandassociates.com

October 8, 2025Episode 5729 min

Founder’s Club - Episode 57: Questioning the Narrative: Kent Heckenlively on Truth, Science, and Public Debate

In this episode of the Founders Club Podcast , host Dez DeCosta sits down with attorney and author Kent Heckenlively to explore big questions at the intersection of science, policy, and public discourse. Kent’s work has stirred conversation and controversy — and in this conversation he pulls back the curtain on his journey, the research that drives his convictions, and the tension between consensus and dissent in today’s world. They dive into key ideas from his writing, unpack the risks and rewards of challenging dominant narratives, and discuss how we navigate complexity when there’s no single “right” answer. You’ll come away with sharper critical thinking tools, a deeper understanding of controversy in science, and fresh perspectives on how we talk about uncertainty. To learn more about Kent’s work, visit kentheckenlivelybooks.com.

September 22, 2025Episode 5631 min

Founder’s Club - Episode 56: From Germany to the Vegas Strip — Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes with Andy Dietrich

In this conversation with Dez DeCosta, Andy takes us from his roots in Germany’s Black Forest to years in Berlin, a hard left turn to remote Alaska, and finally to the bright lights of the Vegas Strip. We get into how place shapes perspective, why humor is a powerful lens for insight, and the invisible rules that govern the choices we make when we “play the game.” What we cover: • Early influences from the Black Forest and how they shaped the tone of the book • Berlin to Alaska to Las Vegas, and the turning points that made Andy a storyteller • “Social misdemeanors,” favorite mishaps, and the lessons that stuck • How to balance humor and heart so readers laugh and reflect • Who Andy writes for, what he would tell his younger self, and what is next Grab the book and connect with Andy: andysbook.com If you like this episode, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with someone who needs a good laugh and a nudge to learn from their own misadventures.