The Founder's Foyer with Aishwarya Ashok

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The Founder's Foyer with Aishwarya Ashok is full of hallway conversations—the space where early-stage founders, builders, and creators look for all the foundational concepts and support to grow their ideas into products. Follow this show for all things Product, Ideas, Growth.

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March 19, 2026Episode 661 hr 3 min

#66 How to Survive the Autonomous Video Revolution ft. Jonny Burger (Founder, Remotion)

In this episode, we sit down with Jonny Burger, the Founder of Remotion, to discuss the massive technological shift from manual video production to Programmatic Video. As AI and automation reshape every industry, Jonny explains why the "Traditional Editor" is being replaced by scalable, code-based video engines.The 5-Year Build: How Jonny engineered a way to treat video as a React app, moving away from 30-year-old "manual timeline" technology.The Death of Manual Workflow: Why the next two years will see a total transition from human "button-pushing" to automated video factories.From Content to SaaS: The emergence of "Video as a SaaS" and why the biggest opportunity in tech is building video-generation software.The "Vibe Coding" Revolution: How AI and LLMs are enabling a new wave of "non-developers" to build complex video-as-code systems.Scalable Architecture: Moving beyond the individual file to create systems that can generate thousands of personalized videos in seconds.If you follow AI, SaaS, and the future of automation, this conversation reveals the roadmap for the next two years of creative technology.About Jonny Burger,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-burger-4115109b/Twitter: https://x.com/JNYBGRWebsite: https://www.remotion.dev/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the host : I’m Aishwarya, a product builder obsessed with turning raw ideas into real, working tools, especially with AI in the mix. Over the last 9+ years in SaaS, I’ve shipped zero-to-one products, scaled product marketing & GTM motions, and built across MarTech automation, real-time collaboration tools, and live event tech.Today, I work hands-on as an AI-first builder & forward-deployed PM/Engineer, working closely with AI models, agents, and orchestration systems to shape next-gen AI products.You can follow me here,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/Twitter: https://x.com/aishashok14My product memos: https://aishashok.com/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Timestaps:00:00 - Trailer01:15 - Intro03:05 - Best Way to Use Remotion04:13 - Why Remotion Was Built (Before AI)07:46 - Was Remotion Only for Developers?09:40 - How AI Changed Video Creation11:52 - AI, Vibe Coding & New Creators14:02 - Setting Up Remotion16:41 - Prompting Best Practices18:37 - What Makes a Good Prompt?22:04 - Prompting vs Editing Code22:58 - Keeping Brand Colors & Style24:47 - Improving the First Output27:54 - Remixing Code & Community33:44 - Advantage of Being a Solo Founder38:23 - Prompting Mistakes to Avoid44:25 - Surprising Remotion Use Cases52:48 - User Retention & Usage Patterns58:49 - The Future of Remotion01:02:39 - OutroThe Tech Deep-Dive:

February 27, 2026Episode 6552 min

#65 He Replaced 100 Employees with AI Agents (Here's how) ft. Ryan Carson, 3x Founder & AI Builder

Is the era of massive startup teams over? In this episode, Ryan explains how he transitioned from running a company of 100+ people to operating as a solo founder powered by AI agents.We dive into the exact "AI loops" Ryan uses every night at 11:30 PM to monitor his app, solve problems, and keep the business running while he sleeps. If you've ever wondered how the smartest developers are using AI to stop writing code by hand and start operating at a "higher level," this conversation is for you.In this video, you’ll learn:The Solo Founder Shift: Why we are moving toward a reality where solo founders outpace large teams.The 11:30 PM Workflow: How Ryan uses AI loops to identify his app's biggest problems automatically.The End of Manual Coding: Why the most talented developers Ryan knows have stopped coding by hand.Skills vs. MCP: How "skills" are changing the way agents interact with software.The Reality Check: Why AI isn't a "magic shortcut" to millions, but a tool for a different kind of work.To follow Ryan Carson,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancarson/ Twitter: https://x.com/ryancarson/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the host : I’m Aishwarya, a product builder obsessed with turning raw ideas into real, working tools, especially with AI in the mix. Over the last 9+ years in SaaS, I’ve shipped zero-to-one products, scaled product marketing & GTM motions, and built across MarTech automation, real-time collaboration tools, and live event tech.Today, I work hands-on as an AI-first builder & forward-deployed PM/Engineer, working closely with AI models, agents, and orchestration systems to shape next-gen AI products.You can follow me here,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/Twitter: https://x.com/aishashok14/My product memos: https://aishashok.com/Timestamps:00:00 - Trailer00:49 - Guest Intro02:10 - How AI changed what “coding” means today.04:04 - What’s different now & how new builders should think about AI.07:34 - Why random prompting fails & what good structure looks like.11:40 - Context = Better AI Output15:32 - Compound Products & Daily AI Workflows20:10 - Making Tools & Data Work Together22:01 - Getting Past the Fear of AI25:19 - MCPs: Data vs Code Agents29:07 - Skipping Painful Integrations with MCPs31:32 - Compound Engineering (Small Wins Daily)32:25 - How to Evaluate AI Output35:52 - Being Specific ≠ Micromanaging AI40:21 - Double Down on What’s Working41:42 - Staying Updated Without Overwhelm43:37 - Can One Person Build a Company with AI?47:32 - Ryan’s 3-Step System for AI Agents51:23 - Outro

February 4, 2026Episode 641 hr 18 min

#64 How to Leverage Your Human Superpower with Improv ft. Jessia Hoffman (Founder, On Deck Workshops)

What if the real competitive advantage in an AI-saturated workplace isn’t more tools, but how human it still feels to build things together? In a world where “vibe coding” and AI copilots can translate almost any instruction into code, the leverage shifts to how clearly people communicate, how bravely they improvise in uncertainty, and how much imagination they are willing to bring into the room.Jessia Hoffman lives exactly at that intersection. As founder of On Deck Workshops and a Stanford instructor in applied improvisation, she’s spent years using improv, story, and play to help teams at companies like Google, Bloomberg, and Cisco become more connected, courageous, and creative. Her fully experiential sessions – connective games, shared rituals, and teachable moments – impactfully transform how people relate to risk, failure, creativity, and one another – which is exactly the humanness that AI can’t automate. We talk about:Why improv is actually a trainable skill, not a personality traitHow teams that fail together build stronger bonds and better products than teams that just “win”Why brainstorming fails in most companies (and how improv fixes it)The real meaning of “Yes, And” and how it unlocks thriving team cultureHow psychological safety is built in the body, not in slide decksWhy culture, not tools, is the real differentiator in an AI-saturated worldIf you’re a founder, manager, or builder navigating ambiguity, this episode will change how you think about communication, creativity, and leadership.To follow Jessia Hoffman,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessiahoffman/Website: https://ondeckworkshops.com/RESOURCES!- Want to talk to Jessia or ask her a question? Connect with her at: linkedin.com/in/jessiahoffman/- Could your team benefit from improv at your next offsite? Check out On Deck Workshops: ondeckworkshops.com- And for improv magic in your inbox, sign up for their (every-other-month) newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/598b8d6ac148/ondeckworkshops-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the host : I’m Aishwarya, a product builder obsessed with turning raw ideas into real, working tools, especially with AI in the mix. Over the last 9+ years in SaaS, I’ve shipped zero-to-one products, scaled product marketing & GTM motions, and built across MarTech automation, real-time collaboration tools, and live event tech.Today, I work hands-on as an AI-first builder & forward-deployed PM/Engineer, working closely with AI models, agents, and orchestration systems to shape next-gen AI products.You can follow me here,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/Twitter: https://x.com/aishashok14My product memos: https://aishashok.com/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Timestamps:00:00 - Trailer01:09 - Intro04:01 - What is improvisation, and how did you discover improv?07:03 - From high school to starting On Deck: your journey12:18 - Can improv be learned as a skill? The right mindset for beginners21:34 - Is improv always a team activity? Can solo improv help personal growth?29:17 - Tools & techniques used with teams at Google, Cisco, LinkedIn, etc.37:25 - How improv naturally helps people loosen up and open up41:25 - Do you use these tools in the first few minutes to make people feel at ease?44:51 - Theatre & stand-up improv: practice vs reading the room48:02 - Improv as a creative boundary to build on others’ ideas01:02:05 - Parallels between improv and working with AI as a co-partner01:06:10 - Tech is abundant, but creativity and execution still matter most01:07:56 - Quick improv exercise: “Name three things” game01:14:52 - Why human creativity is key to using AI effectively01:17:08 - Outro

January 26, 2026Episode 631 hr 2 min

#63 Growth in 2026 - The REAL IMPACT of AI on Work, Startups, and Creators ft. Casey Winters

AI is moving fast, faster than most of us expected.I went into this conversation thinking we’d talk about AI tools, models, and speed. But what it really became was a conversation about why so many of us still don’t build, even when AI feels easier than ever.In this episode, I spoke with Casey Winters, co-founder and CEO of Superme, someone who has spent years helping startups grow and guiding builders through the messy, uncertain parts of execution.What stood out to me wasn’t the tools. It was how differently he thinks about building.We spoke deeply about things I know many of us struggle with:Why most AI ideas never turn into real productsThe biggest mistake people make when building with AIWhy overthinking kills momentum in the AI eraHow MVPs look different when execution becomes cheapWhy curiosity matters more than clarityHow to use AI as a thinking partner, not a shortcutWhat I appreciated most about this conversation is how honest it felt. Just a grounded perspective on what it means to build when things are uncertain, and why starting imperfectly matters more than waiting for clarity.If you’ve been sitting on ideas, feeling overwhelmed by how fast AI is moving, or unsure where to begin, this episode might help you reframe things. It definitely did for me.To follow Casey Winters,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseywinters/Website: https://www.caseyaccidental.com/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the host : I’m Aishwarya, a product builder obsessed with turning raw ideas into real, working tools, especially with AI in the mix. Over the last 9+ years in SaaS, I’ve shipped zero-to-one products, scaled product marketing & GTM motions, and built across MarTech automation, real-time collaboration tools, and live event tech.Today, I work hands-on as an AI-first builder & forward-deployed PM/Engineer, working closely with AI models, agents, and orchestration systems to shape next-gen AI products.You can follow me here,LinkedIn: https: //www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/Twitter: https: //x.com/aishashok14My product memos: https://aishashok.com/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Timestamps:00:00 - Trailer01:08 - Intro02:19 - How growth has evolved in AI-first companies05:31 - Hype vs. compounding work in AI growth08:04 - Speed, velocity, and rapid AI release cycles10:58 - Why shipping AI features ≠ distribution14:00 - Differentiation: apps vs. core AI model companies27:40 - Pricing, monetization, and retention in AI33:13 - LLM search, brand discovery, and growth budgets41:07 - Community-led growth and discoverability45:06 - SaaS vs. consumer distribution in an AI world49:40 - Wrapper companies and fast replication55:24 - Copying vs. owning execution and taste57:09 - Superme: structuring human knowledge with AI01:02:17 - Outro

January 9, 2026Episode 621 hr 2 min

#62 You’re Using AI the Wrong Way! A Google Labs PM Reveals Why ft. Jaclyn Konzelmann, Google Labs Product Lead

This episode stayed with me long after we hit stop.I went into this conversation thinking we’d talk about AI tools, models, and speed. But what it really became was a conversation about why so many of us still don’t build, even when AI makes things feel easier than ever.In this episode, I spoke with Jaclyn Konzelmann, a Product Manager at Google Labs, someone who spends her days working on AI experiments where nothing is fully clear, roadmaps keep shifting, and the only real way forward is to build and learn in public.What stood out to me wasn’t the tools.It was how differently she thinks about building.We spoke deeply about things I know many of us struggle with:Why most AI ideas never turn into real productsThe biggest mistake people make when building with AIWhy overthinking kills momentum in the AI eraHow MVPs look different when execution becomes cheapWhy curiosity matters more than clarityHow to use AI as a thinking partner, not a shortcutShe also shared how she actually uses AI in real life, across work, side projects, writing, and even parenting, not in a polished or perfect way, but in a very human one. We discussed real workflows using tools like Gemini, NotebookLM, Mixboard, and Opal, always coming back to the same question: are we actually building, or just consuming?What I appreciated most about this conversation is how honest it felt. No hype. No pressure to “catch up.” Just a grounded perspective on what it means to build when things are uncertain, and why starting imperfectly matters more than waiting for clarity.If you’ve been sitting on ideas, feeling overwhelmed by how fast AI is moving, or unsure where to begin, this episode might help you reframe things.It definitely did for me.To follow Jaclyn Konzelmann, do check here : Jaclyn KonzelmannProduct Manager, Google LabsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclynkonzelmann/X (Twitter): https://x.com/jacaluluBlog: https://blog.jaclynkonzelmann.com/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the host : I’m Aishwarya, a product builder obsessed with turning raw ideas into real, working tools, especially with AI in the mix. Over the last 9+ years in SaaS, I’ve shipped zero-to-one products, scaled product marketing & GTM motions, and built across MarTech automation, real-time collaboration tools, and live event tech.Today, I work hands-on as an AI-first builder & forward-deployed PM/Engineer, working closely with AI models, agents, and orchestration systems to shape next-gen AI products.You can follow me here,LinkedIn: https: //www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/Twitter: https: //x.com/aishashok14My product memos: https://aishashok.com/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Trailer / Hook00:01:00 – Intro00:03:05 – AI newness in today’s world00:05:00 – How she adopted and adapted to AI models00:06:25 – Execution is cheap, creativity is the bottleneck00:07:35 – Why people hesitate to start with AI00:09:15 – How to break the fear and just begin00:11:46 – Curiosity over clarity00:15:09 – Side projects as a way to learn AI00:17:48 – Starting with ideas, not tools00:25:33 – Two important keys for building with AI00:29:30 – Building in public & learning from users00:32:40 – Mixboard: how real AI products evolve00:36:00 – From MVP to features: learning from usage00:39:20 – Using AI as a thinking partner00:42:30 – Creativity, parenting & everyday AI use00:45:50 – Opal, workflows & no-code AI building00:49:10 – AI inside teams: roles are blurring00:52:20 – The future of building with AI00:55:10 – Staying curious without losing original thinking00:58:30 – Final reflections: why starting matters01:01:20 – Outro

December 19, 2025Episode 611 hr 4 min

#61 Will AI Take Our Jobs? ⚠️The Real Answer ft. Anjan Panneer Selvam, CPTO at Acolyte Health

Everyone is racing to “add AI” to their workflow. Very few are rethinking how work itself should feel in an AI-first world.In this episode of Founders’ Foyer, I sit down with Anjan Panneer Selvam, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Acolyte Health, to unpack what AI is actually changing inside modern product organisations.This isn’t a surface-level conversation about tools. We go deeper, into how product roles are being rewritten, not replaced, and how AI kills tasks, not careers.Anjan shares how his team uses AI to run product end-to-end: recording meetings, turning insights into decisions, and aligning teams through fast prototyping instead of long PRDs. He breaks down real workflows and leadership practices that help teams move faster ,without losing judgment.You’ll hear honest insights on:Why Product Manager, design, and engineering roles aren’t dying , they’re evolvingTreating AI as a teammate, not just a toolHow judgment becomes the most valuable skill in the AI eraBuilding with prototypes first, PRDs laterCommunal learning, micro-learning, and reducing AI fear inside teamsNew frictions AI creates: choice overload, false progress and decision fatigueIf you’re a product manager, founder, designer, engineer, or builder wondering how to stay relevant , this conversation will change how you think about work, leadership, and AI.This isn’t about being faster. It’s about being clearer. 00:00 – Trailer01:12 – Setting the context and purpose of the discussion02:48 – Is AI really replacing jobs? Understanding the fear07:25 – Fear of AI in Teams and introducing it to the team13:28 – Common doubts when people start using AI17:05 – How leaders should approach AI adoption19:35 – Understanding the content/production cycle28:20 – Why dynamic documents matter.33:04 – What Makes an Idea Strong36:45 – Comparing ideas across different domains39:23 – How AI helps reduce content and work pressure43:55 – Blending creativity and technology48:18 – Content Creation with AI54:38 – New ideas emerging through AI 01:03:50 – Key takeaways and closing thoughts

December 6, 2025Episode 5950 min

#60 Are you ready for the AI Era ? ft. Raiza Martin | The Founder's Foyer with Aishwarya Ashok

⁠00:00⁠ – Trailer⁠01:10⁠ – Intro⁠04:15⁠ – Initial days of Raiza⁠07:00⁠ – Figuring out content⁠10:30⁠ – Why are people using the same prompt ?(Personalization issues)⁠12:31⁠ – Different aspects of AI⁠16:55⁠ – Voice AI & Huxe⁠20:00⁠ – Human interaction with AI⁠24:36⁠ – AI’s transformation in the podcast industry⁠28:55⁠ – Experience of building a product⁠33:00⁠ – Setting goals after creating a product⁠35:52⁠ – How to plan and build a product from scratch⁠38:55⁠ – How to rebuild, revise, and improve a product smoothly⁠41:33⁠ – The future and possibilities of AI as technology advances⁠44:16⁠ – The day after the product launch: What emotions did you go through?⁠48:30⁠ – How to view and interpret experiences.⁠50:00⁠ – OutroIn this episode, we dive deep into the world of AI, content creation, and product-building, uncovering the real stories behind innovation, From the early days of Raiza Martin, Co-Founder of Huxe, journey to figuring out content strategies, this conversation explores how creators adapt in an era where AI outputs look repetitive, templated, and predictable, and what it truly takes to stand out.We also break down the different aspects of AI, including voice AI, humanlike AI behaviour, and how our daily interactions with AI are reshaping creativity. You’ll hear insightful takes on how AI is transforming podcasts, changing workflows, and pushing creators to think differently.Moving beyond tech, we talk about the emotional and practical side of building something from scratchSetting goals after creating a productHandling rebuilds and revisionsNavigating the day after a launchSeeing experiences through a new, meaningful lensWhether you're a creator, a startup founder, or someone curious about the future of AI, this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and a fresh perspective on what’s possible in a rapidly advancing world.To follow Raiza Martin, do check here : LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/whatsaraiza/https://www.linkedin.com/in/whatsaraiza/Product Link : http://huxe.com--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the host : I’m Aishwarya, a product builder, obsessed with turning raw ideas into real, working tools, especially with AI in the mix. Over the last 9+ years in SaaS, I’ve shipped zero-to-one products, scaled product marketing & GTM motions, and built across Marketing Technology automation, real-time collaboration tools, and live event tech.Today, I work hands-on as an AI-first builder & forward-deployed PM/Engineer, working closely with AI models, agents, and orchestration systems to shape next-gen AI products.You can follow me here,LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-ashok/Twitter: https://x.com/aishashok14My product memos: https://aishashok.com/

September 21, 2025Episode 5749 min

#59 We’re Not Vibe Coding: We’re Building Real AI Products ft. Nicholas Charriere, Founder & CEO of Mocha

In this episode of The Founder’s Foyer with Aishwarya Ashok, join Nicholas Charriere, Founder & CEO of Mocha, and discover how Mocha is democratising product creation enabling anyone, regardless of coding experience, to build functional apps.Nicholas shares Mocha’s mission to empower the 99%, the transformative role of AI in app development, their unique vertically integrated approach, and the future of product building.You’ll also learn about Mocha’s viral launch, innovative marketing strategies, and insights into the evolving economics of AI tools.Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 00:55 – Welcome to Founder’s Foyer 01:10 – Why Mocha Was Started and How It’s Useful for People 07:33 – How to Build a Product for an Audience Who Doesn’t Know How to Explain Things 12:05 – A Customer Who Built a Business with Mocha 18:50 – Why “Easy” Features Like Payments Are Harder Than They Look 27:56 – AI Unlocks New Ways to Help Small Businesses 31:20 – AI Pricing Is Broken, And It’s On Purpose

September 4, 2025Episode 5845 min

#58 Why should founders treat AI like a teammate? | Claire Vo, Founder of ChatPRD.ai

In this episode of The Founder's Foyers Podcast, Claire joins us to talk about building with AI, vibe coding, and the future of product creation.We cover everything from AI tools that speed up coding to why product fundamentals never change. Claire shares how solo founders, startups, and even large organisations can use AI to move faster and why ignoring AI could make you unemployable in just a couple of years.Highlights include:1. What vibe coding really means for non-technical builders2. Why AI-powered tools are changing how products are made3. How leaders can push teams to adopt AI without fear4. Claire’s take on employability in the next 24 months5. Building in public, product intuition, and speed over perfection6. Why “fast beats right” — and how AI makes fast easierThis episode is full of practical insights, founder lessons, and future-facing advice for anyone building in tech today.00:00 - Intro01:08 – Welcome to The Founder's Foyer04:10 – What actually is vibe coding09:26 – Adaptation of AI with Product Managers & working people11:08 – The difference between leading teams and building solo13:38 – Why Claire pushed AI early in workplaces17:53 – Exploring AI tools like Cursor and Devin33:08 – Building in public and shaping AI products46:28 – The future of small AI-powered teams48:28 – Final thoughts and key takeaways

August 20, 2025Episode 5656 min

#57 Adaptability and Human Skills in the AI Era ft. Nita Singh Kaushal (Stanford & NSK Leadership)

Nita Singh Kaushal, in conversation with host Aishwarya Ashok, explores how leaders and professionals can thrive in the age of AI. She emphasizes that adaptability and curiosity now matter more than fixed expertise, and that leadership is no longer about simply knowing—it’s about navigating uncertainty with clarity and vision. While AI can accelerate output and even draft brilliant plans, it is ultimately humans who build belief, create meaning, and inspire action. Nita highlights why the real edge lies in sensemaking, communication, and trust, and how storytelling and collaboration keep us grounded in a world flooded with instant output. At its core, this conversation is a reminder that the best leaders embrace curiosity over certainty and see AI not as competition, but as a powerful companion to human judgment and values.Timestamp00:00 – Intro 01:12 - Welcome to The Founder's Foyer Podcast 04:18 – From Knowing to Navigating: How Do We Adapt in the Age of AI? 16:43 – Why AI Can’t Replace Humans and How It Supports Leadership 29:35 – Who Are We Really Building Products For? 30:04 – Designing AI Products with Human Emotions in Mind 33:52 – Beyond Workflows: How AI Can Help People See Themselves Differently in Their Roles 41:54 – Challenges of Bringing AGI into Practice & Power Dynamics of AI 50:10 – AI as a Companion, Not a Crutch 55:00 – Final Takeaways