Founders Podcast

Hosted by Ash Lonare

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159

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Founder's Podcast, This is a show where I interview proven founders and industry experts who share their stories, strategies, and insights to help you build, launch, and grow your business.

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 640 min

Why Giving Your Product Away for Free Can Skyrocket Your Business From Zero to 2 Millions

Most innovative companies embrace bold risks that many would consider reckless—like turning off revenue to fuel exponential growth. James Thornton, founder of DAS 3D, shares the counterintuitive decision that transformed his business from a niche digital creator platform to a global leader in AI-powered 3D content. Discover how giving away your product for free, not as a gimmick but as a calculated strategy, can create a thriving community, unlock new revenue streams, and accelerate growth beyond expectations.In this episode, James reveals the behind-the-scenes of DAS 3D’s radical pivot—no paywalls, no trial periods—just a commitment to removing barriers between their product and the world. You’ll learn how a freemium model built 3 million downloads, fostered loyalty from hundreds of thousands of passionate creators, and positioned DAS as an innovator in AI and virtual content. We break down the key decisions that turned risks into opportunities and explore the deep psychology behind community-driven growth.James also shares practical insights on leveraging community-first strategies, the role of AI in scaling content creation, and why human touch remains essential in an increasingly automated world. You'll discover how to build trust, cultivate a loyal user base, and use bold pivots to stay ahead of the curve—all while satisfying your customers’ needs and revolutionizing your market.This episode is a must-listen for founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators questioning the status quo. If you’re ready to challenge assumptions, harness the power of community, and turn risks into massive rewards, tune in now. The lessons from DAS 3D could redefine what's possible for your business—and show you how bold decisions drive extraordinary growth.Join us to learn why sometimes, giving everything away for free is the smartest move you’ll ever make.

June 9, 2026Episode 539 min

How Gamification Can Skyrocket Your Business to $100 Million

Most games keep players stuck in scripted, repetitive interactions. But what if AI could turn gaming into a dynamic, relational experience — a shared world where humans and AI learn and grow together? Carissa Carban, co-founder of Astro Puffs, reveals how their groundbreaking approach is redefining play through agentic AI, emotional companionship, and community-driven design.In this episode, discover how AI-powered NPCs with personalities and evolving trust are creating rich, immersive adventures that feel more real than ever before. You'll learn about the science of relationship-building in gaming, from harnessing oxytocin to fostering curiosity and community, all while maintaining ethical safeguards. Carissa shares insights into how AI can amplify human creativity instead of replacing it, emphasizing compassion over competition in the digital realm.We break down why emotional depth and social connection are the next frontiers in AI entertainment, and how Astro Puffs is pioneering this future with a multiplayer open-world game that adapts to players' personalities and stories. Plus, explore how community content creation and micro-influencer collaborations are shaping the next wave of organic growth, all without costly advertising.Perfect for founders, developers, and gamers eager to ride the wave of AI-enhanced experiences, this episode offers a glimpse into a future where play creates connection, curiosity, and compassion. If you're curious about the technological and emotional potential of AI in gaming and beyond, you won't want to miss this conversation.Join us to see how the blend of innovation, ethics, and community is setting the stage for a more human-centered digital world.Guest Credibility:Carissa Carban is a trailblazing co-founder of Astro Puffs, building the first shared world for humans and AI to play, learn, and connect. Her background combines leadership development, relational dynamics, and gaming innovation, making her a thought leader at the intersection of AI and community.

June 2, 2026Episode 437 min

5 Ways to Skyrocket Revenue by 800% Overnight

Most founders focus intensely on marketing, but overlook the game-changing power of operational excellence. What if a simple shift in focus could boost your revenue by nearly 900,000 dollars in just a few weeks? Cassandra reveals how prioritizing employee satisfaction, streamlining processes, and smart automation can unlock exponential growth and make your business truly stand out in 2026.In this episode, you’ll discover why 70% of new businesses rely heavily on referrals built on reputation and how operational tweaks can multiply those referral flows. Cassandra shares eye-opening stories, including how a manufacturing firm’s internal efficiencies tripled output and slashed employee turnover, and how automating influencer content creation saved thousands of dollars while boosting engagement. We break down the critical disconnect between marketing and operations, showing how neglecting the latter leaves enormous growth potential on the table.You’ll learn which metrics matter most to operational health: turnover rates, employee training ROI, and order processing speed, plus how to identify and fix leakage points in your customer funnel. Cassandra emphasizes the importance of creating a culture that embraces change, with process champions who drive adoption from the trenches, not just leadership. Her practical advice is perfect for founders in tech, manufacturing, or service industries eager to grow sustainably without just chasing marketing wins.If you're tired of chasing more leads without addressing underlying operational gaps, this episode is your blueprint for smarter, faster scaling. Cassandra’s insights challenge the conventional wisdom, showing that operational mastery not only enhances customer experience but also dramatically reduces costs and staff churn. Ready to turn your business into an unstoppable growth engine? Hit play and start building operational resilience today.Cassandra is a business growth strategist with extensive experience transforming companies through process automation and team engagement. She specializes in helping founders unlock hidden potential within their operations to achieve sustainable, scalable success.

May 26, 2026Episode 347 min

Unlock 40% More Profit with This One Strategy

Most founders overlook a simple yet powerful shift that can boost profit by 40% and it has nothing to do with adding new features. If you're stuck in the cycle of product obsession and struggling to turn customers into loyal advocates, this episode is your game-changer. Bradley Rausch reveals his proven four-step sales system that transforms every client touchpoint into a predictable revenue stream, from onboarding to advocacy and ascension.You'll discover the critical importance of first 72 hours how emotional shifts in safety, clarity, momentum, and identity can turn new clients into raving fans. Bradley shares concrete systems used by eight-figure SaaS companies, including the secret to increasing profitability with minimal extra spend. Get insights into the overlooked "client success sequence" that dramatically shortens sales cycles and maximizes lifetime value, all driven by simple, scalable automation and human touchpoints.We break down the four core sales phases Bradley developed after years of working inside top consulting firms: initial sale, onboarding, advocacy, and ascension. You’ll learn how to embed these stages into your customer journey, use AI-driven automation to enhance client experience, and leverage strategic referral asks at the perfect moment. This isn’t just theory Bradley shares real-world examples, including how a platform using early engagement and personalized follow-ups achieved a 30% reply rate from new signups.Why does this matter? Because the biggest risk losing clients and the biggest opportunity turning those clients into revenue-generating assets are right after the sale. Failing to optimize this phase means leaving money on the table. But by implementing Bradley’s system, you can build emotional equity with your clients, reduce churn, and create a self-sustaining cycle of referrals and repeat sales.If you’re a founder, SaaS CEO, or startup enthusiast eager to grow profit without increasing ad spend or complex funnels, this episode is your roadmap. Perfect for those serious about customer success, scalable automation, and predictable revenue growth. Tune in now and start turning every client interaction into a profitable, loyalty-building moment that changes your business forever.

May 19, 2026Episode 245 min

From Zero to Millions Users and Microsoft Acquisition

Unlock the blueprint behind one of the most successful open source tools used by millions—created by a founder who reveals how strategic product design, community engagement, and smart partnership can turn a simple framework into a tech giant.Imagine building a tool so foundational that it caught the attention of Microsoft—yet remained open source, thriving on community support rather than traditional revenue models. Peter Swimm, the mastermind behind botKit, shares candid insights into transforming a small plugin for Slack into a platform powering hundreds of thousands of teams worldwide. He discusses how they navigated open source challenges, leveraged community growth, and ultimately attracted a six-figure acquisition by Microsoft—proving that product-led growth and community influence can create immense value without heavy marketing spend.In this episode, you’ll discover:The story behind botKit’s rise, from niche startup to enterprise essentialStrategies for viral growth in open source projects, including leveraging corporate partnerships and organic community supportHow open source can be a powerful growth engine, not just a cost centerWhy community management and transparency matter more than you think in scaling your projectPractical tips on branding, naming, user onboarding, and boosting adoption among diverse audiencesPeter also shares his lessons on navigating deals, the importance of staying flexible as a founder, and why building a product for the community can inherently lead to lucrative opportunities. Whether you’re a developer, entrepreneur, or aspiring open source creator, this episode offers proven tactics for turning your ideas into impactful, widely adopted tools.If you're dreaming of making a product that becomes an industry staple or simply curious about the untapped potential of open source for growth, this conversation with Peter Swimm is packed with insights you can't afford to miss.Perfect for anyone looking to harness product-led growth, scale a community-driven project, or understand the strategic power of open source this is your playbook for turning a small idea into a global phenomenon.

May 12, 2026Episode 143 min

1 Billion View With one Simple Strategy

Most companies are still using outdated methods for live streaming that fail to capture the massive audiences they crave. What if there’s a revolutionary way to engage millions — and even billions — with just one video? In this episode, John Petrocelli reveals how he built a streaming empire that delivered live experiences for giants like Coachella, Grammy, and the Oscars—and how you can do the same.Discover the fascinating journey behind a billion-view live stream engine, from working with Prince to helping brands like Coca-Cola and AT&T connect with huge audiences in real time. John shares the core strategies that turned his passion for live content into a profitable, lean business operating with a core team of just a few people. You’ll break down how attention spans are dropping to just eight seconds, and the proven tactics to keep viewers glued for 30 minutes or more through interactive experiences, polling, and authentic engagement.We break down three game-changing topics: the early failures and successes in the live streaming industry, the rise of e-commerce live shopping on platforms like TikTok, and what the future holds for remote, virtual, and in-person live content in a world increasingly leaning towards isolation. Plus, John shares insights on how startups and established businesses alike can secure their first 10 clients and unlock explosive growth in the live video space.Why does this matter? Because the barrier to reaching audiences worldwide has never been lower—and the monetization opportunities from live streaming are soaring. Whether you’re a founder, a marketer, or an aspiring entrepreneur, learning to harness the power of live content today can create a lasting impact for your brand and open doors to new revenue streams.This episode is perfect for anyone looking to innovate in live video, e-commerce, or digital marketing. John’s proven strategies, incredible storytelling, and future-facing insights will spark your next big idea and show you how to lead in this booming industry.Visit bulldogdm.com or connect on LinkedIn to learn more from John himself—an industry pioneer with a passion for turning live streams into global phenomena.Why this works:This description hooks listeners immediately by promising a groundbreaking method for capturing massive audiences, sparking curiosity for the behind-the-scenes journey. It dives into concrete examples, specific tactics, and future trends, ensuring relevance for entrepreneurs, marketers, and tech enthusiasts. The emotional appeal combines opportunity and urgency, motivating the audience to hit play and tap into the explosive potential of live streaming.

May 5, 2026Episode 1047 min

How AI is Transforming the Fashion Industry - $140 Billion Opportunity

Most entrepreneurs believe perfect language and polished resumes are the secrets to success—until Anya Cheng flips that notion on its head. With a story born from 500 failed applications and a relentless quest for resourcefulness, she built Taylor AI, a groundbreaking platform that combines data-driven fashion, AI styling, and circular retail to revolutionize how busy men dress. Anya's journey proves that embracing imperfections, persistent experimentation, and unearthing unique data can turn weaknesses into multi-million-dollar opportunities.You'll discover how Anya's challenging background and bold mindset led her to create a logistics-free, flexible wardrobe solution for time-starved professionals. Get an inside look at how her innovative use of AI, curated data, and strategic partnerships with over 150 fashion brands is transforming the global rental market—reducing waste, lowering carbon emissions, and boosting confidence. We break down the real impact of leveraging customer feedback, why she chose to go B2C despite industry doubts, and the powerful model that balances sustainability with profitability.Anya shares specific tactics for acquiring early customers—like creative "lean start" approaches and cost-effective marketing tricks that launched her business from a simple Shopify page to multi-million revenue. You'll also learn her secret for building authentic relationships, understanding customer needs beyond the surface, and scaling through SEO-driven flywheels. As she reveals her vision for the future of fashion infrastructure and AI’s role in making everything more efficient and sustainable, it becomes clear: success belongs to those willing to challenge norms and resourcefully turn setbacks into breakthroughs.This episode is essential listening for founders, innovators, and anyone ready to rethink failure, harness data’s power, and create disruptive solutions that matter. Whether you're navigating your own startup or seeking inspiration to embrace your imperfections, Anya's journey offers invaluable lessons on resilience, originality, and the future of sustainable fashion.Anya Cheng is a seasoned entrepreneur and product leader, known for blending AI, fashion, and sustainability to redefine industry standards. She’s a TED speaker, professor, and award-winning innovator behind Taylor AI—a platform transforming wardrobes and supply chains worldwide.

April 28, 2026Episode 942 min

Simple Piece of Plastic Behind a $95 Invention on SpaceX and Fighter Jets

Most entrepreneurs think complexity is the key to success—Rob Yonover proves otherwise. His simple, incredibly effective survival device is used on fighter jets, space missions, and in life-threatening emergencies worldwide. Yet, what truly sets him apart is his relentless pursuit of a better, safer world with a piece of plastic and biomimicry, not high-tech jargon. In this episode, discover how the power of simplicity can revolutionize safety and make a real difference in countless lives.Rob shares the astonishing journey from a volcano scientist in Hawaii to a life-saving inventor whose small orange streamer can mean the difference between life and death at sea. You'll learn how perseverance, strategic media outreach, and owning barriers to entry—like patents and military approvals—transformed his invention into a global safety staple. We break down exactly how he secured military endorsements, negotiated multi-million dollar licenses, and built a brand against tough odds, all without spending a fortune on advertising.This episode is packed with practical insights: the importance of product-market fit, crafting an irresistible story, and how to get featured on major media like Shark Tank, Dragon’s Den, and YouTube's biggest viewership. Rob discusses the challenges of selling safety in the consumer market, how to target your ideal customer, and the mindset needed to stay motivated through decades of skepticism. Whether you’re a founder, inventor, or simply curious about turning a simple idea into a life-saving enterprise, this episode offers a blueprint for impact-driven innovation.Why does it matter? Because safety doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or high-tech to save lives. It just needs to be effective, protected, and promoted strategically. Rob’s lessons on barriers to entry, licensing, and storytelling can help you navigate a crowded market and build solutions that truly stand out—and stick around. Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful difference, this episode shows that sometimes, the simplest ideas are the most profound.Get inspired by a scientist turned inventor who proves that simplicity, persistence, and strategic marketing can change the world. Tune in for a masterclass in invention, resilience, and the profound impact one small idea can have on millions of lives. If you've ever dreamed of creating a product that saves others—and yourself—this episode is your must-listen guide.

April 21, 2026Episode 839 min

The Truth About Book Publishing in the Age of AI

Most entrepreneurs and founders underestimate the power of chaos—until they learn chaos is a ladder. Dan Curran, a seasoned startup mentor and thought leader in storytelling and publishing, reveals how embracing disorder unlocks hidden opportunities and propels you to success.In this episode, Dan shares the twin quotes that drive his approach: "In chaos, there is fertility," and "Just because you believe something is true doesn’t make it so." These insights push founders to question assumptions, find patterns amid chaos, and turn turmoil into growth—whether through startups, content creation, or publishing. We delve into how chaos fuels creativity, resilience, and innovative thinking—an essential mindset for anyone navigating today’s volatile business landscape.You’ll discover:Why expertise now outperforms audience size on social platforms, and how thought leaders can convert authority into recurring revenue streams.The future of publishing in an AI-driven world, and why traditional publishing models are broken—and how AI can fix them.Practical strategies for entrepreneurs to repurpose content into scalable, evergreen assets, turning decades of knowledge into a living library.The real lessons learned from successful (and not-so-successful) fundraising efforts, and why understanding your numbers is critical for sustainable growth.Dan’s simple yet powerful habit of tackling five key tasks each day—empowering you to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.Whether you’re early-stage founder, aspiring author, or seasoned entrepreneur, this episode provides timeless wisdom for thriving amidst chaos. Dan Curran's insights not only challenge conventional thinking but also arm you with practical tools to leverage disruption, build trust, and turn chaos into your greatest advantage. If you’re ready to rethink strategy, grow faster, and unlock your true potential, this episode is your playbook.Connect with Dan for more insights on storytelling, publishing, and scaling at dan@chapters.io or find him on LinkedIn as Dan Curran.Prepare to see chaos as your biggest ladder — the next step in your journey to breakthrough success.

April 14, 2026Episode 753 min

How to Get 4 Million Followers in a Day

How to Get 4 Million Followers in a DayMost entrepreneurs build their businesses from the top down—focusing on products, websites, and funnels—only to find they have no distribution, no following, and no way to connect. Kendall Berg flipped that script entirely. Her controversial, raw approach to content creation propelled her from just three followers to over 4 million views on a single video, turning her into a social media powerhouse and multi-six-figure business owner in just months. What if the key to rapid growth isn’t perfect branding or polished funnels, but daring to be authentic and provocative from day one?In this episode, Kendall shares how she capitalized on controversy—embracing hate comments and polarizing opinions—to skyrocket her audience and attract paying clients. You'll discover her counterintuitive strategies for building viral content, including repurposing across multiple platforms, leveraging humor and honesty, and maintaining consistency even when no one’s watching. She breaks down the importance of understanding your unique strengths—be it translation, rapid learning, or relationship-building—and how these soft skills become the secret sauce for standing out in a crowded market.We break down her unconventional journey: from almost zero planning to organic growth that led to her signing her first clients in hours, not weeks. Kendall reveals why having an email list early on—despite no website or product—created the foundation for her success. She emphasizes the power of showing up authentically, embracing rejection, and focusing on solving real problems for real people—principles that apply whether you're in corporate, freelancing, or building your own startup.Why does this episode matter? Because if you’re stuck trying to "get it right" before you start, or afraid of offending someone, you're missing the point. Kendall’s story proves that taking bold, imperfect action—challenging norms and saying what no one else dares—can propel you faster than any traditional advice. The window to build a scalable, impactful business is wide open for those willing to break the rules.Perfect for aspiring founders, content creators, and entrepreneurs feeling the pressure to commercialize—Kendall’s insights will shift your perspective from chasing perfection to unleashing authentic influence. Ready to flip the silence into a formidable audience? Hit play and learn how daring to be controversial can be your best growth hack.Guest credibility: Kendall Berg is a social media strategist turned successful business coach. Her viral videos and unconventional growth strategies have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs unlock their true potential and build brands with impact.Why this works: The opening hook immediately challenges conventional startup wisdom, creating curiosity about her counterintuitive methods. The story builds intrigue by illustrating her rapid ascent, backed by tangible metrics (millions of views, followers, clients). Key insights are highlighted with specific tactics—controversy, repurposing, soft skills—appealing directly to listeners eager to replicate her success. The emotional angle—boldness, authenticity, rejection—connects deeply with entrepreneurs seeking real, actionable advice. Overall, the description promises transformation through provocative storytelling, compelling the audience to hit play.