Mackenzie Copley’s Mission to End HIV | Ben Thinking Ep. 131

In this episode, Ben Nevares sits down with Mackenzie Copley, founder of Shine, a mission-driven startup offering cash incentives to people with HIV who take their medication consistently. With a powerful blend of data, economics, empathy, and a little bit of charisma, Mackenzie breaks down how his team is working to eliminate HIV in the U.S. through behavioral incentives and health tech.We cover:The origin of Shine and its missionHow behavioral economics is being used to improve medication adherenceLessons from running a nonprofit in D.C.The ethical challenges in health techMackenzie's journey from volunteer to presidential advisorThe dream to expand beyond HIV and take on the world's biggest problemsWhether you're interested in social entrepreneurship, health innovation, or how to build a purpose-driven company, this is a must-watch.🌐 Learn more about Shine: https://www.shineapp.co/Timestamps:0:00 – Introducing Mackenzie & Shine1:17 – The Discovery: U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)2:18 – Incentives to Take Medication5:05 – Cash Rewards for Health Outcomes7:50 – Proving Shine’s Legitimacy10:31 – Nonprofit Roots & Early Struggles14:51 – From Nonprofit to For-Profit Model18:16 – Partnering with Doctors & Clinics23:56 – Passion, Naivety & Persistence29:12 – Future Goals: Expanding Beyond HIV33:36 – Long-Term Vision: Ending Big Problems38:17 – Personal Background & Communication Style40:00 – Fitness, Training, and Podcast Beginnings44:12 – Technical Struggles of Starting a Podcast46:22 – Editing Workflows & Using AI Tools47:02 – Building a Podcast Team & Scaling Up49:25 – Balancing Breaks and Consistency50:19 – Recording Frequency & The Algorithm52:03 – Launching Shine in Las Vegas55:09 – Family, Relocation, and Long-Term Plans💬 What societal problem would you solve if you had unlimited resources? Drop it in the comments below.🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss stories from individuals changing the world.👍 Like this video if you believe technology and compassion can solve big problems.📲 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that solutions like Shine are out there!#HealthTech #StartupStory #BehavioralEconomics #ShineApp #MackenzieCopley #SocialImpact #PublicHealthInnovation #HIVAwareness #UequalsU #CashIncentives #MedAdherence #FoundersJourney #PodcastInterview #HealthcareStartup