Failing Up

In this episode of Failing Up, I sit down with Vanessa Rissetto, CEO and co-founder of Culina Health — a registered dietitian, founder, mother, and certified badass — to talk about what she learned while battling breast cancer while raising $10M to build her company. This is a conversation about resilience, systems that fail us, and what real health actually looks like when the stakes are life-or-death.We unpack the uncomfortable truths about modern healthcare: – The hidden biases inside the medical system – Whether “automated doctors” and AI should replace human care – How obesity actually evolved (and what GLP-1s get right — and wrong) – Why your microbiome diversity matters more than you think – And why holistic health beats over-medicating every timeFollow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:00 – Experiencing breast cancer8:00 – Biases in the medical field14:00 – Are automated doctors the future?17:00 – Obesity, GLP-1s, and metabolic health24:00 – Why microbiome diversity matters34:00 – Holistic health vs. over-medication50:00 – Speed round: health facts vs myths55:00 - Thanks Vanessa for joining! #podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship #technology #ai

Claire sits down with John Gillen — Co-Founder of True Capital and host of Milk Road Macro — for a conversation about responsibility, resilience, and staying optimistic when the world feels cynical. From New York City’s budget crisis to the pressure of speaking out on public issues, John shares why he chooses eternal optimism — even when it’s unpopular.We talk about:- why leaders have a responsibility to speak- how politics affects everyday life more than we admit- the danger of becoming jaded- why the hardest thing to protect isn’t money — it’s your mindsetFollow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449Timestamps:0:00 - Zohran’s budget problem in NYC11:00 - Responsibility to speak on issues16:30 - Operating with Eternal Optimism30:00 - Don’t let life harden you39:00 - Are we all too jaded?

Biohacking promises better focus, stronger bodies, and longer lives—but where does optimization turn into obsession?In this episode, Anthony from Feel Better Lab breaks down what biohacking actually is, what’s worth doing, and where the ethical line starts to blur. From olive oil and breathwork to concentration studies and the question of living forever, this is a grounded conversation on upgrading the human system without losing your humanity.Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id17714584491:00 - Olive Oil3:00 - Where Anthony’s love for biohacking came from11:00 - How biohacking has changed throughout the years15:30 - Biohacks that are worth it18:30 - Anthony’s concentration study25:00 - Breathework/Sound science30:00 - the line of ethics in biohacking38:30 - Would you live forever if you could?48:00 - Will biohacking make us “stronger?”#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship

In this episode of Failing Up, I sit down with John Gillen, Co-Founder of True Capital, to talk about love, grief, ambition, and endurance. We explore why marrying for “logistics” is a trap, the real psychology behind heartbreak, how to tell whether ambition comes from passion or avoidance, and why love doesn’t have to be romantic to be meaningful.Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449TIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Introduction01:00 — Marrying for love and potential vs. “logistics”11:00 — How to parse through relationship advice18:30 — Lessons from previous relationships21:30 — You can’t shortcut your way to a purposeful life24:30 — The psychology and science behind breakup pain30:30 — “I will love again. I will live again.”35:00 — Love doesn’t have to be romantic39:45 — Building a gratitude practice48:00 — Ambition: avoidance vs. passion56:00 — Detaching from outcomes1:00:00 — You are capable of endurance and suffering1:05:00 — Grief is learning how to walk with a limp

This week I sat down with Matt Marlinski - Founder of The Manhattan Lab - New York's fastest-growing podcast studios. Matt has hosted politicians like Bernie Sanders, top podcast hosts like Chris Williamson, and produces shows for James Sexton & Anthony Pompliano. A year ago, we recorded together, and we both had no idea where everything was going. Now, we're sitting in the chairs again - one year later - talking about:- Why you don’t need to quit your 9–5 to be a creator- The difference between passion and skill- Why most creators fail before they even start- The new reality of podcasting in 2025- What it actually means to build for a small, loyal audience instead of millions- And how to grow without losing yourself in the processWatch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/CfflPh9qVlgFollow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enTimestamps0:00 — One year later: sitting back in the chair1:00 — What changed since last year4:00 — Want balance? Keep a 9–57:00 — Passion vs. what you're actually good at12:00 — Content: the good news and bad news17:00 — The evolution of podcasting21:30 — Famous people are still human27:30 — “Follow the light” philosophy32:00 — What makes a great podcast46:00 — Why you should build for a few, not for everyone47:30 — Advice For New Creators: Take A Long Road#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship

I sit down with John Gillen — Partner at True Capital and host of Milk Road Macro — to break down how modern investing is shifting from long-term wealth building to dopamine-driven risk-taking.They talk about the rise of leverage, why gambling behavior is exploding among retail traders, how automation has rewired discipline, and why the opposite of addiction isn’t willpower — it’s community. We also debate one of the biggest questions of our time: Should the government have access to your data — and where is the line between safety and surveillance?Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 — Welcome John Back To The Show1:00 — $15B of shorts liquidated3:12 — The changing culture around investing13:00 — Everything you need to know about leverage17:00 — The failure of the American educational system19:00 — The gambling addiction in stocks24:00 — Why do men gamble and most women don’t?28:00 — Why it’s better if your customer needs your product33:00 — We’ve automated our life into oblivion38:00 — The opposite of addiction is community44:00 — Debate on government privacy55:00 — Thanks John For Joining!#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship

The U.S. job market looks strong — but beneath the surface, everything’s shifting. Previous Wall Street reporter at Business Insider and Opening Bell Daily Co-Founder Phil Rosen breaks down what’s really happening behind the numbers: from “labor hoarding” ending to how AI is quietly rewriting job descriptions.In this episode, we cover:- Why companies are finally cutting after years of over-hiring- Whether AI is a short-term hype cycle or a long-term productivity revolution- The surprising jobs most at risk in the next decade- How to stand out in a market where one person can do what used to take a team- Why confidence and creativity — not credentials — are your new edgeFollow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Welcome Phil Rosen!1:00 - Labor hoarding is over4:00 - When will stocks catch up to the job market?9:00 - Is AI a fad or a long-term catalyst?13:00 - Are blue-collar or white-collar jobs more at risk?18:00 - What took a team now takes one person27:30 - How to stand out in this job market32:00 - Confidence comes from doing34:00 - Leverage the internet to showcase yourself38:00 - Thanks Phil For Joining! Like & Subscribe#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship

He caught one of America’s most dangerous spies, and now he’s warning the world about what’s coming next. Former FBI and cybersecurity expert agent Eric O’Neill spent years undercover to expose one of the most damaging double agents in U.S. history. Now, he says the next great threat isn’t coming from guns or bombs- it’s coming from AI, deepfakes, and cyber warfare. If you want to understand how the next war will be fought — and how to defend yourself in it — don’t miss this one.In this episode, Eric reveals:- How he helped take down a spy who betrayed the U.S.- The biggest cyberattacks in American history — and what we learned- How AI bots are reshaping the way we think and the way we act- Why social media has become a national security risk- What truth looks like in the age of disinformation- The rise of “romance fraud” and how to protect yourselfEric’s Book: Spies, Lies & CybercrimesWebsite: ericoneill.netInstagram: @ericoneill.officialFollow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enWatch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/zar5Fw7wMnoTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:30 - Taking down a spy who betrayed the U.S.05:30 - The U.S.’s worst cyberattacks and how we’ve adjusted11:30 - How equipped is the U.S. to deal with cyber attacks?20:00 - Why are other governments creating bots?25:00 - Social media is a net negative31:00 - Put your mind in a state of boredom34:00 - How to find the truth in the age of deepfakes41:00 - Countries should police their own cyberspace44:30 - “Romance fraud” and how to stay safe from it56:00 - Thanks Eric for joining the show! Like & Subscribe#FBI #SpyHunter #Cybersecurity #Deepfakes #AI #CyberWar #Espionage

Steve LeVine, editor of The Electric and writer at The Information, joins to unpack how the U.S. became dangerously dependent on China and what it would take to unwind that relationship.We cover everything from the forgotten origins of this dependence to the geopolitical choke points defining the next global conflict — minerals, semiconductors, and influence across Africa.Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome Steve LeVine To The Show!1:00 — How the U.S. became so dependent on China4:45 — The downside of $100,000 H-1B visas10:55 — How “Not In My Backyard-ism” paralyzed American industry15:00 — Is decoupling from China even possible?20:00 — China’s dominance in Africa vs. the U.S.30:00 — Why rare earth minerals matter most32:30 — How China plans to outmaneuver the U.S. in semiconductors37:00 — Why China has America in a chokehold46:00 — The U.S. administration’s aggressive trade stance50:00 — The real path to U.S. independence from China1:07:00 - Thanks For Watching! Like & Subscribe#podcast #geopolotics #china #failure #success #entrepreneurship #technology #ai

Dating today is broken. In this episode, Dini, co-founder of AI matchmaking app Sitch, joins Failing Up to talk about how we got here — from OkCupid to Hinge to whatever comes next and why it might finally be time to reinvent dating altogether.We explore the paradox of choice, the gender wars,  what healthy conflict resolution in relationships look like, and why so many people chase chemistry over compatibility. Dini explains how AI could reshape human connection by removing ego, bias, and the endless swiping culture that’s left so many people burned out and disillusioned.Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome Dini To The Show!1:00 - Dating Today - paradox of choice4:00 - We had OkCupid, then Hinge, and now ????7:00 - B2B AI SaaS your love life?12:00 - Compatibility & Connection18:30 - The gender wars22:00 - What guys vs girls do wrong (expectations and practices)31:00 - Why is there a stigma attached to dating coaches?38:00 - Couples should always have separate bathrooms40:00 - What we all misunderstand about love and what’s really important46:00 - The keys to good conflict resolution50:00 - Thanks For Watching! Like & Subscribe

In this episode of Failing Up, John Gillen joins Claire Barthelemy for a deeply human conversation about losing faith in politics — and finding balance in life. We what it means to stay grounded in a divided world, the cost of being the “sane voice,” and how forgiveness, gratitude, and listening can rebuild both our personal and collective sanity.From the chaos of political discourse to the quiet lessons of love and self-awareness, this conversation reminds us that balance isn’t found in certainty, it’s found in understanding.Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enWatch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/IZSD7xVO5hUTimestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 1:00 – Zohran and the repercussions of winning as mayor of NYC 11:00 – The alternative realities of the right & left 21:30 – Fallout after Charlie Kirk from both sides 25:00 – Appreciating both sides of the spectrum 27:00 – Listen to understand 31:00 – The consequences of trying to be the sane voice 37:00 – Individualism vs collectivism 39:30 – 69% of young adults ending relationships due to “toxicity” 44:30 – You can’t love someone into changing 51:00 – Balancing self-love & relationships 54:30 – The importance of boundaries 1:00:00 – Forgiveness as alleviating revenge 1:05:00 – Gratitude & joy for the little thing#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship #politics

David Hoffman is the Co-Founder of Bankless, one of the most influential media platforms in the crypto ecosystem. In this episode, we cover everything from the evolution of crypto cycles and Trump’s influence on the digital asset space to the mental health toll of online criticism, the philosophy behind content creation, and what it means to "be the best at something in the world."We also dive into how David broke into the crypto space, the emotional spiral that led him to discover Ethereum, and why podcasting is one of the last remaining forms of true human conversation online.Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome David Hoffman To The Show! 2:00 - Effective Pattern Matching and how it relates to crypto4:00 - The difference in crypto cycles (BS is gone)5:46 - David’s take on presidential grifting and what Trump has done for crypto12:00 - How the Bankless podcast stays objective when reporting information19:00 - The lost art of podcasting26:00 - How David got into crypto to begin with28:30 - David’s advice to students graduating who aren’t sure of what they want to do with their career35:00 - Dealing with internet trolls44:00 - Dating in New York47:00 - Be the best at something in the world48:00 - Thanks For Watching! Like & Subscribe#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship #technology #ai

Ornelle Cherazi, known online as @NelNourish, joins me to share her powerful story — from modeling to culinary school to becoming one of Canada’s most magnetic food creators.We talk about what it was like growing up between Uganda, Rwanda, and Canada, and how being a model with an obsession for health led her into the world of food, but not in the way you’d expect. Nel opens up about recovering from orthorexia, what culinary school really teaches you, the power of tasting everything, and what it takes to actually go viral and stay there.She also drops honest takes on gym culture, food trends, dealing with online hate, and why being yourself is still the best growth strategy. This one is for anyone building a brand, chasing creativity, or healing their relationship with food.Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Welcome Nel Nourish!1:00 – Growing up in Uganda, Rwanda, and moving to Canada3:00 – Going from model to chef: why she pivoted8:00 – Real takeaways from culinary school13:00 – “You have to taste everything”18:00 – Orthorexia: being too healthy can hurt20:00 – “Your body isn’t stupid”: healing through intuition24:00 – How Nel handles internet hate26:00 – Going viral: how to do it and how to stay there33:00 – The best kind of creator is just being yourself37:00 – Her favorite recipe right now (and why it matters)#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship #technology #ai

Louis Reggiero — founder of Nothing’s Off the Table, a podcast about overcoming addiction — lost over $100,000 in a single night in Vegas. But that wasn’t the rock bottom. It took him 10 years to get 1 year of sobriety.In this episode, LJ shares how addiction nearly destroyed his life — and how fatherhood, faith, and the gift of desperation helped him start healing. We also talked about: — Gambling as emotional escape — Why honesty was the turning point in his recovery — How to rebuild trust in relationships damaged by addiction — The impact of having a child while in recovery — Unconditional love, relapse cycles, and second chances — Why society is addicted to gambling — and not talking about itIf you’re six feet above ground, you still have a shot. This episode proves it.Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enWatch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/MJc2AtTQCfwTImestamps:0:00 - Welcome Louis To Failing Up!2:00 - Losing 30K-100K Per night in Vegas as escapism6:45 - How addiction affected LJ’s Family9:00 - It took 10 years to get 1 year of sobriety once he wanted to be sober for himself16:00 - No longer running away from the truth19:00 - How can you build trust in a relationship with an addict26:00 - How having a child changed his addiction29:30 - The gift of desperation33:00 - How unconditional love helped shape LJ44:00 - Society’s gambling epidemic52:00 - If you’re 6 feet above ground, you have another chance#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship #addictionrecovery #recovery #addiction

John Gillen left BlackRock to launch his own crypto fund — but this episode goes way beyond markets.We talked about the political shift around crypto, why it shouldn’t be a partisan issue, and whether Bitcoin could realistically hit a $50 trillion market cap.John also opened up about his personal philosophy — on time, consciousness, free will, and the emotional complexity of modern relationships.We also explored: — The Christian model for forgiveness — How betrayal fractures trust and identity — The role of emotional intelligence in both connection and conflict — Why good friends can change how you love — Whether time is a real phenomenon — or just a perceptual biasA wide-ranging, thought-provoking episode that blends crypto, consciousness, and self-awareness.Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enWatch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/sl_esZYeF2ETIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome John Gillen To Failing Up? 2:00- Working at Blackjack versus being an entrepreneurship in crypto6:00 - Is what the Trump administration for crypto permanent or reversible?8:00 - Why John thinks crypto should not be a “partisan issue”11:00 - Crypto/Blockchain uses in real time13:00 - Bitcoin market cap predicition: 50 trillion (is this viable)?16:00 - Time is real but it is a cognitive perceptual bias21:30 - Consciousness and how other religious teachings can be applied towards consciousness26:00 - the Christian Model for forgiveness29:27 - Betrayal trauma is like your head getting smashed into glass because the wounds go in all different parts of yourself35:18 - It takes a lot of violence to be this gentle41:00 - How to maintaining integrity while dating45:00 - Where John thinks emotional intelligence comes from46:30 - Good friends show you how you should be treated in a relationship49:00 - Two people look at a painting, one cries, one asks “what time is lunch?”#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship #technology #ai

I sat down with Phil Rosen, founder of Opening Bell Daily, a leading financial newslettter for a conversation about persistence, media, and how to stand out in a noisy world.Phil spent years inside the mainstream newsroom before building one of the fastest-growing independent finance newsletters. We talked about what journalism taught him about power, the internet as a free market of ideas, and why showing up longer than everyone else might be the real key to success.We also cover:— Why in-person work is underrated— What Gen Z gets unfairly criticized for— How tech is changing the way we think and communicate— The difference between covering the Trump vs. Biden administrations— Why objectivity in media is more critical than everFollow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Welcome Phil Rosen To Failing Up!1:00 - Success is persistence - just show up longer2:30 - The internet Is the free market ideas6:00 - What Phil learned in journalism9:00 - Enthusiasm can take you very far in life personally and professionally12:00 - In person work is the best for your career14:00 - What people have wrong about Gen-Z19:00 - The pros and cons of technology24:00 - The difference between the Biden and Trump Administration reporting32:00 - the downfall of mainstream media and how to remain objective40:00 - Thanks Phil For Joining! Like & Subscribe!#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship #technology #ai

What happens when technology moves faster than our ability to understand it?In this episode, I sat down with Brett Goldstein, founder of Micro, for one of the most thought-provoking conversations we’ve had, touching on the future of robotics, the shrinking definition of humanity, and why design still clings to the past. We talk about Philosophy of who and what we build for.We also talk about: — Paradigm shifts in how we live, build, and think — Whether we should be capable of automating death — Why AI companionship might not be as far off as we think — Sprezzatura and the art of effortless mastery — Why email is actually your most powerful CRM — And the brutal truth: you can’t build with people you don’t respectFollow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome Brett Goldstein To Failing Up!1:00 - Paradigm Shifts that we are experiencing right now3:00 Skeuomorphism in design6:00 The way we define being human gets smaller as technology advances11:00 What the world looks like in 20 years with robotics and AI14:00 Should we be capable of automating death?20:00 Are we ready to accept robots and AI as companionship?21:30 - Sprezzaturra - the art of not caring (further from necessity)32:30 - Email is in fact our biggest CRM and we don’t appreciate it39:30 - You can’t be in a relationship with someone you don’t love = you can’t be in business with someone you don’t respect50:00 - Thanks Brett For Joining! Like & Subscribe#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship #technology #ai

This week I sat down with Jack Kuveke, founder of Jabroni Capital. Jack Kuveke does a little bit of everything — angel investing, content, internet chaos, and bringing humor to the business world in a Bartstool Sports style, but with a twist. In this episode of Failing Up, we talk about how comedy can actually be a powerful tool in tech and marketing, and how to know when something is genuinely worth your time.We also get into:- Who can actually hold out longer in the US–China trade war- Why Americans are addicted to debt (and dumb spending)- The broken logic of NYC real estate- How Jack prices himself, handles haters, and builds brands- What he’s working on with Jason (hint: it involves memes and money)- His take on virtue signaling, internet toxicity, and... radioactive orphan sourcesFollow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Who can hold out longer with the tariff war, China or the US10:00 - The US lives off of debt16:00 - The overpriced and trifling New York Real estate economy18:30 - We as consumers need to spend less money on dumb sh*t22:00 - Jack’s new show with Jason bringing humor to business and tech28:30 - How Jack measures whether something is worth spending his time on or not32:00 - How to market leveraging comedy36:00 - How to price yourself with sponsorships or business37:15 - How to deal with haters and self-doubt43:00 - The future of Jabroni Capital44:30 - Radioactive Orphan Sources and Jack’s opinion on the US approach to Nuclear Power59:00 - Virtue Signaling1:05 - Solving the problem of internet toxicity#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship

This week, I sat down with Asher Genoot, the CEO of Hut 8, one of North America’s largest digital infrastructure and energy providers — powering everything from crypto mining to AI compute. We talked about what it actually takes to build the infrastructure that powers the future — and why no one’s talking enough about energy when they talk about AI.Asher breaks down the tension between energy sustainability and economic growth, shares lessons from navigating the 2022 crypto crash, and explains why he joined a bankruptcy committee on purpose — just to learn.We also get into:- How energy infrastructure is central to AI and national competitiveness- Whether sustainable energy and growth can really coexist- How to make tough calls during market crashes- Why ego kills good decision-making- The mindset of a great leader during chaosFollow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Welcome Asher To Failing Up! 1:00 - Asher’s passion for finding your purpose in life and being eager to learn10:00 - Asher’s journey into energy infrastructure16:00 - Answering the question of how you allow power to be consumed in a way that is sustainable, economical?19:00 - Is there a world where we can balance economic growth and energy sustainability?23:30 - How the US can win the AI race27:00 - How we got divided as a country30:00 - Navigating difficult decisions during the 2022 crypto crash34:00 - Intentionally joining a bankruptcy committee to learn37:00 - Don’t let your ego get in the way of important decisions41:00 - What makes a good leader during turbulent times#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship

Max Barrett, co-founder of the viral media brand Friday Beers, joins us to talk about giving up on the dream of playing in the NBA, building one of the internet’s most beloved comedy platforms, and discovering a deeper mission around men’s mental health. What started as a meme page quickly turned into a cultural movement, and Max opens up about the pressure to grow while staying authentic, the emotional toll of leadership, and why he believes crying is one of the healthiest things men can do.This episode is a raw, funny, and honest look at what it means to pivot from your childhood dream, take creative risks, and lead with purpose in an era where vulnerability is often still taboo.We also dive into:- The fine line between criticism and trusting your gut- How to tell the difference between passion and talent- The story behind the birth of Friday Beers- The power of memes in building community- Why emotional health needs to be part of the conversation for menFollow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Welcome Max Brenner To Failing Up1:00 - Giving up on the dream of the NBA6:00 - When to accept criticism versus when to keep going9:30 - Finding out what you’re good at versus what you’re passionate about13:00 - When to know when to give up on your dream15:35 - Does money buy happiness?18:30 - How and why Friday Beers was born26:00 - The craft of making memes34:00 - Why Max became passionate about men’s mental health37:00 - “Friday Beers has done more for the destigmatization of men’s mental health more than any government agency has”39:30 - The fake Frat Olympics44:30 - How to improve men’s mental health50:00 - Crying is good53:30 Maintaining growth versus maintaining authenticity59:00 - Just start, make it perfect later#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship

Coco is the Founder of Amulet, an early stage recruitment firm. In this episode, she reveals the biggest mistakes people make when job hunting, how founders should approach hiring, and why job hopping isn’t always a bad thing. In this episode, she breaks down the key to making career moves with confidence, why recruitment is different for men and women, and how to treat job hunting like dating.We also get into:- The importance of maintaining and building relationships- Job search / Hiring pitfalls- How Coco found her passion for recruitment- How to figure out what you actually want to do- Why your 20s are the “defining decade”- What makes a great managerFollow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome Coco To The Show! 1:00 Approaching Women versus men differently when it comes to recruitment4:00 the importance of maintaining and building relationships8:45 Hindsight is 20/2012:30 - Coco finding her passion for recruitment15:00 - Is job hopping frowned upon or accepted?17:00 “The wrong jump is always better than staying somewhere too long”21:30 - Treating job hunting as you do dating26:00 - How to figure out what do you want to do28:17 - Your twenties are the “defining decade”32:30 - Pitfalls for hiring as a founder36:20 - How can managers be better managers!#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship

Ethan Ding, founder of TextQL, believes the biggest problem in startups isn’t talent—it’s talent dispersion. In this episode, he shares how he met his co-founder, how he discovered his co-founder was "the one," why partnerships are the key to billion-dollar companies, and why waiting to find the right people is the biggest mistake you can make.We also get into:- Why education suppresses natural talent- The line between confidence and arrogance for intelligence- Why he doesn’t believe in “Fake it Until You Make it”- How to double down on the right relationshipsHope you enjoy the episode! Please be sure to like and subscribe :)- Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=en- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08- Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome Ethan! 1:00 You’re never surprised when things go bad3:47 - Life after getting fired and transitioning into TextQL7:00 - How Ethan knew Mark, his co-founder, was “the one”13:00 - The next trillion dollar company will be a partnership21:45 - How Ethan is fighting the talent dispersion problem27:36 - A love letter to special people who don’t know they’re special29:30 - Does our education system suppress people’s “it”?34:20 - Drawing the line between embracing superiority and being arrogant38:00 - Ethan’s attitude on agency41:00 - Why Ethan doesn’t believe in “Fake it Until you Make it”43:00 - “Every day that you’re not finding your person is a day wasted”47:30 - Does the sense of “urgency to find someone” apply to romantic relationships only or time spent with family and friends?53:00 - Double down on existing relationships#podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #entrepreneurship

In the latest episode of Failing Up, I sit down with Jack Kuveke who has lived a life that most could only imagine—moving to Serbia to run an ICO, building one of the largest crypto communities in the world, becoming a millionaire the day before he turned 20, and then losing it all. In this episode, we dive deep into his unconventional journey, from attempting a hostile takeover to launching Jabroni Capital and his vision for building the Barstool of Tech.We also discuss why Jack doesn’t want to be a VC, the red and green flags of investors, and why distribution is king in today’s digital world. Plus, Jack shares how to develop your own voice on LinkedIn and why betting on people before they make it is the ultimate edge.Hope you enjoy the episode! Please be sure to like and subscribe :)Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=enListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449TIMESTAMPS: 1:30 - Early life5:00 - Moving to Serbia to run an ICO, building one of the largest crypto communities in the world7:20 - Becoming a millionaire before 20 and then losing it all11:56 - Attempting to take a hostile takeover19:23 - Why Jack doesn’t want to be a VC22:00 - How Huddle winded down25:10 - Jabroni Capital - where it came from and what it means27:00 Building the barstool of Tech32:06: How to develop your own voice for LinkedIn36:00: Distribution is king44:00 - Red and Green flags of VCs46:30 - Invest in people before they become successful49:00 - Go do things #podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success

In this episode of Failing Up, I sit down with Naomi, the Founder of Live in Your Beauty. We discussed her growing up in a home where her father was a serious drug user, as well as what it was like for her to survive domestic abuse while raising two sons as a single mother. She shares the most important lessons she's learned from the failed relationships and the most important learned in her life: Forgiveness. Despite previous experiences, she maintains a positive outlook on life. Naomi's story is a story of pain and resilience Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=en Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08 Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449 #podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #business

In this episode of Failing Up, I sit down with Patrick Finan, Founder and CEO of Block Club, a branding agency that started in Buffalo and scaled to success in NYC. We dive into the lessons Patrick learned from building a business in a smaller market, the importance of failing gracefully as a founder, and how to create a sustainable business. Patrick shares his insights on the evolving role of AI in marketing—how it’s democratizing content creation and redefining design expectations. We also discuss the advantages of working with large agencies, the resilience needed to adapt during challenging times like COVID, and why thoughtful feedback is crucial to growth. Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=en Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08 Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449 Timestamps: 2:00 - the beginning of Block Club 6:00 - Learnings from starting a business in a smaller town and scaling it globally 9:30 - The importance of failing gracefully as a founder. 16:00 - The start of the agency in Buffalo versus New York during COVID 19:42 - Advantages of working with a large agency 23:00 - Is AI going to replace Marketers? 39:00 - Focusing on building a sustainable business 46:00 - What differentiates good versus great agencies 50:20 - Pitfalls to avoid as a B2B founder when it comes to marketing #podcast #selfimprovement #failure #success #business

In this episode of Failing Up, I sit down with Kian, the CEO and founder of Nucleus, for a deep dive into the failures of the American healthcare system and what he sees for its future. We explore whether humanoids are poised to take over key aspects of healthcare and how advancements in AI might bridge systemic gaps. We also discuss the shocking shooting of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO and what it reveals about the growing tensions against the healthcare industry. Lastly, Kian shares fascinating insights on the evolution of genetic testing, its increasing accessibility, and how it could revolutionize personalized medicine Follow Kian on X: https://x.com/KianSadeghi5 Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=en Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08 Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Welcome Kian to the pod! 3:00 - Growing up with an immigrant family 6:00 The Failure that is the American healthcare system  7:28 United Healthcare CEO Death conversation and the problems with the US healthcare system 14:43 - Kian’s theory on life expectancy 16:45 - Could one imagine a world where everything is out of pocket? 22:30 - Will AI lower healthcare expenditure in the US? 24:22 - Everyone knows the American healthcare system isn’t working 31:30 - Humanoid Doctors 35:35 - Can we live forever? 40:00 The snapshot of the perfect healthcare system 48:00 - Build-a-baby 54:00 - Kian’s odds of schizophrenia #podcast #success #failure #entrepreneur

On the latest episode of Failing Up, I host Siam, who is founder, and angel investor with a focus on immigrant founders. In the latest episode, I learn more about his journey as an immigrant, what it’s like to be in constant “survival mode,” finding strength through prolonged silence, and how he built up a Facebook group chat for immigrants from Bangladesh to 220,000 people. Subscribe on YT: https://youtube.com/@failing_up_3?si=GYCtjmtDucD9bYtL Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=en

Shahbaaz Kara-Virani is an entrepreneur, investor, and writer who previously worked at Sales Force, and then took a risk to take a company public, which ultimately failed. In the latest episode of Failing Up, we dive into his upbringing of what it's like to grow up with immigrant parents, what he would have done as the CEO of the company that went under, as well as some of the personal and professional lessons he carries in his toolbox (one of them being - hold the door open for everyone). Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=en

Tim Kotzman is a founder, entrepreneur, and host of the 'Bitcoin Treasury' podcast. In this conversation, we dive into his business failures and successes, lessons on building a successful relationship from his previous marriage, his favorite childhood memories, lessons he’s learned from his dad who passed away in college, as well as the importance of maintaining a childlike curiosity. Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=en Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08 Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449

In this episode of Failing up, I'm joined by Saba Karim, previously the head of pipeline at Techstars and now a founder of Favs. He talks about the early days in his career of moving from Australia to the US, how he's been able to master feeling a sense of community in every new city he moves to, and some of the key learnings he's had in going from being in VC to being a founder. Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=en Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08 Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449

In this episode of Clik, Reed and Connor share the early mistakes they made as founders and what led them to coming up with the idea of Clik, along with words of advice for what founders can do in the early stage. Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/failinguppp/?hl=en Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KMsmkqvycGgoXZDjoM6Py?si=6e40e75d54374c08 Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-up/id1771458449

On the first episode of Failing Up, Matt Marlinski, Founder & CEO of The Manhattan Lab shares details of the challenges he's faced in his life, including how he hit rock bottom after getting fired after 36. Today he shares his story on how he got through it, along with advice on what others can do to stay resilient through challenging times.

Failing Up flips the script on failure and dives deep into the journeys of founders and entrepreneurs as they share their most pivotal setbacks and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Failure is not a setback, but a stepping stone to success, offering insights that success often obscures.