The University of Denver's Entrepreneurship Podcast

Hosted by Daniels College of Business

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Latest episode

Apr 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Entrepreneurship@DU podcast features conversations with University of Denver students and alumni who share their entrepreneurial journeys, strategies, and perspectives. Each interview provides a glimpse into the lives of these innovators, creatives, and problem solvers. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiring careers of founders, artists, and other up-and-coming disrupters.

Listen to episodes

34 recent

April 29, 2026Episode 7

Entrepreneurship in Action: A Global Immersion in Guatemala

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship at DU Podcast, Director John Sebesta sits down with students and faculty to reflect on a recent global immersion course in Guatemala. Stepping beyond the classroom, participants worked directly with organizations creating real impact on the ground, including Friendship Bridge, local businesses, and community partners. The conversation explores what it means to see entrepreneurship, social impact, and business ethics in action, from navigating expectations versus reality to engaging in real client work. Along the way, they share the moments that challenged their perspectives, deepened their understanding of business as a force for good, and continue to shape how they think about impact long after the trip ended.

February 23, 2026Episode 627 min

From DU Classroom to Kickstarter: How Alum MK Barlow is Redesigning the Bra Industry

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship at DU podcast, Director John Sebesta sits down with DU alum and founder MK Barlow to trace her journey from student entrepreneur to launching her company, Flaunt Bra, on Kickstarter. Inspired by a deeply personal experience and validated through research with hundreds of women, MK shares how she’s tackling the overlooked issue of breast asymmetry with a customizable bra designed for real bodies. The conversation explores the power of experiential learning, the vulnerability of building a mission-driven brand, and how DU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem helped transform an idea into a venture poised for launch

December 16, 2025Episode 539 min

Inside a Student-Run Venture Fund: The Pioneer Venture Group Story

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, host Joshua Ross sits down with members of the Pioneer Venture Group (PVG) - the University of Denver’s student-led venture investment fund - to explore how students gain hands-on experience investing real capital into early-stage startups. Joining the conversation are faculty advisor Dr. John Sebesta and managing partners Conner Sieck and Jack Ingalls, who share the origin story of PVG, its mission, and how the fund operates as an experiential, interdisciplinary learning lab for both undergraduate and graduate students. The discussion explores how PVG sources deals, conducts due diligence, and makes investment decisions, emphasizing the importance of judgment, founder fit, and learning through real-world risk.

November 19, 2025Episode 456 min

The Future of Research in Higher Education: Insights from Naomi Boyd & Melissa Ak...

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, host Joshua Ross sits down with Dean Naomi Boyd and Dr. Melissa Akaka from the Daniels College of Business to explore how research is evolving in higher education and the impact and opportunities of becoming an R1 institution. Together, they discuss the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and societal impact in expanding what “quality research” means in today’s world. The conversation highlights how Daniels faculty are bridging academic scholarship with real-world challenges, connecting research to business practice, and preparing students to think critically and creatively. Boyd and Akaka share how data, partnerships, and technology -including artificial intelligence - are impacting how research is used, applied, and shared beyond the University of Denver campus.

October 21, 2025Episode 355 min

Teaching in the Age of AI: A Conversation with Professors Aaron Duncan & Michael ...

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, host Joshua Ross sits down with DU professors Michael Myers and Aaron Duncan to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education. Together, they explore how AI is transforming the way students learn, faculty teach, and universities prepare graduates for an evolving workforce. The conversation dives into creating psychological safety in the classroom, integrating AI, and the importance of collaboration between students and educators. Myers and Duncan share how they are rethinking assignments, assessment, and engagement to help students build curiosity, adaptability, and critical thinking skills in an AI-driven world.

September 23, 2025Episode 2

Futureproofing Innovation with Eric Schneider

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, host Joshua Ross sits down with DU alum Eric Schneider, founder of Futureproof Studios. Eric shares how his background in art and design fueled a career at the intersection of creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship, and why he believes curiosity and user-centered thinking are essential for innovation.

August 19, 2025Episode 1

Ethan Whitson: Building The Guide Network

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, host Joshua Ross welcomes DU alum Ethan Whitson, founder of The Guide Network, a platform built to help outdoor guides streamline operations and grow their businesses. What started as a marketplace to connect customers with guides quickly evolved—through trial, error, and customer feedback—into a full-service software solution now used by guides from solo operators to high-end lodges.

July 22, 2025Episode 11

Distilling the Locke + Co Journey

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, host Joshua Ross sits down with DU alums Owen Locke and Rick Talley, co-founders of Lock & Co. Distilling. What started as a garage experiment between two lifelong friends has grown into a gold-medal-winning whiskey brand rooted in Colorado tradition.

June 16, 2025Episode 1028 min

How DU Students Are Growing an Innovation Community

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, host Joshua Ross sits down with University of Denver students Gina Parker and Charlie Peterson to talk about building community through entrepreneurship on campus. Gina and Charlie share their experiences leading and growing Pop-Up Palooza, a signature event that brings students, alumni, and the Denver community together to showcase student ventures. They discuss how the event has evolved and how it fosters creativity, connection, and an inclusive entrepreneurial culture at DU. The conversation also explores their leadership in Launchpad (formerly the DO U Entrepreneurship Club), lessons learned from starting a business, and how entrepreneurship has shaped their mindset and personal growth. Gina and Charlie reflect on the skills they’ve gained, the importance of getting involved, and their vision for building an even stronger innovation community and ecosystem on the University of Denver campus.

April 22, 2025Episode 8

From Cookbook to Movement: The Story of Cocina Libre

In this episode of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, host Joshua Ross sits down with Dr. Julia Roncoroni — psychologist, University of Denver professor, and co-founder of Cocina Libre Collective. What started as a cookbook highlighting immigrant chefs has blossomed into a movement: dinners, workshops, a documentary, and now a podcast — all rooted in storytelling, culture, and the universal language of food. Julia shares powerful stories of resilience, discusses the barriers immigrants face in the food industry, and offers insights into building mission-driven businesses from lived experience. Noah shares his journey from growing up in Missouri to serving in the Marines, including his firsthand experience during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He discusses how these life-changing experiences shaped both his perspective and the mission behind Pentilla. The episode dives into how Noah and his co-founder are building a vodka brand that also focuses on community, adventure, and giving back to veterans. Noah reflects on lessons learned in entrepreneurship, balancing school, business, and personal life.

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The University of Denver&#039;s Entrepreneurship Podcast