STARTUP or SHUTUP! : Startup Playbook for Founders & Creators

Jason VanDevere shares his experience with silent retreats and how they have shaped his perspective and goals. He discusses the impact of silent retreats on his clarity, goal-setting, and overall happiness, emphasizing the shift from self-focused goals to others-focused goals.TakeawaysSilent retreats provide clarity and perspectiveShift from self-focused goals to others-focused goalsChapters00:00 The Impact of Silent Retreats

The conversation emphasizes the importance of cultivating empathy and understanding others' perspectives, highlighting its impact on various aspects of business and life.TakeawaysCultivate empathyUnderstanding others' perspectivesChapters00:00 Cultivating Empathy for Success

The conversation delves into the challenges of overcoming self-doubt and ageism in the online business world, highlighting the journey of empowerment and resilience.TakeawaysOvercoming self-doubtEmpowering older professionalsChapters00:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Ageism in Online Business

A rapid-fire interview with a nail technician covering personal preferences, industry trends, and elevator pitch for her salon.TakeawaysNail technician preferencesIndustry trendsElevator pitch for salonChapters00:00 Personal Preferences and Rapid Questions

The conversation delves into the use of social media for marketing and brand promotion, highlighting the impact of Instagram on booking success. It also explores the role of happy clients as promoters and the influence of community in client engagement.TakeawaysSocial media as a marketing toolLeveraging happy clients for promotionChapters00:00 Marketing, Community, and Brand

Thinking about how to start a nail business in Chicago? In this episode, Owner Nasjali Cruz of NBN Nails (NBN Chicago) breaks down exactly how she built a bookings-driven studio in Lakeview—covering Gel-X, structured gel, acrylic, pricing strategy, policies that prevent no-shows, marketing that fills the calendar, and when to expand beyond nails.What you’ll learnStep-by-step: turning nail skills into a real nail tech businessServices to offer (Gel-X, structured gel, acrylic) and how to position eachPricing & timing: setting rates by time blocks, complexity, and product costPolicies that protect profits (deposits, cancellation/no-show)Chicago marketing: IG/UGC, reviews, and local partnerships that actually bookHiring & standards for a consistent client experienceSmart expansion (adjacent beauty services) and the KPIs to watchAbout the guestNasjali Cruz, owner of NBN Nails (NBN Chicago), opened her a Lakeview studio at age 18 & is known for structured gel, Gel-X, acrylic, and a polished client experience.Book NBN Chicago:nbnchicago.glossgenius.comAbout this showStartup or Shutup! spotlights real founders building real businesses—tactics you can use this week. Subscribe for more nail salon owner interviews, small business marketing, and how-to episodes.Keywordsstart a nail business in Chicago, nail salon Chicago, nail tech pricing, Gel-X Chicago, structured gel Chicago, acrylic nails Chicago, how to start a nail salon, nail tech marketing, booking policies no-show, small business podcastHashtags#NailBusiness #ChicagoNails #GelX #StructuredGel #AcrylicNails #NailTech #NailSalonOwner #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #StartupOrShutup

🚀 Startup founders, side-hustlers, and builders: this episode features Andrew Ackerman—entrepreneur, author, and startup strategist—breaking down what actually moves the needle from idea → execution → traction.We talk about startup success, entrepreneur mindset, business strategy, product-market fit, fundraising basics, customer discovery, and the real-world decisions founders face when building under pressure. If you’re searching for practical advice on how to start a business, how to validate an idea, or how to grow a startup, this one’s for you.📘 Andrew’s book (recommended): Entrepreneur’s Odyssey: An Approach to Startup Successhttps://www.amazon.com/Entrepreneurs-Odyssey-Approach-Startup-Success/dp/1032883545/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0🌐 Learn more about Andrew:https://www.andrewbackerman.comWhat you will learn in this episode:How to avoid “busy work” and focus on traction-driving actionsA clear framework for idea validation and early customer discoveryCommon mistakes founders make with MVPs, messaging, and positioningHow to think about go-to-market when you don’t have a big budgetThe mindset shifts that separate wishful thinking from repeatable execution

Founder and People Ops leader Abby Gates (Sproutwise) joins Startup or Shutup! with host Colin Fraley to show early-stage teams how to hire their first employees, build a 10-day onboarding plan, and turn values into an operating system that scales. We cover fractional HR vs. project support, lightweight performance cycles, compensation basics for seed/Series A, and scrappy recognition rituals that actually boost retention. Plus: our Rapid Fire round, a not-so-fun fact on the VC funding gap for diverse founders (and what People Ops can do about it), the Michigan founder lens on talent, and Abby’s candid Shutup Moment—the toughest lesson she now teaches so you don’t repeat it. Perfect for solo founders, startup CEOs, and first-time hiring managers who need practical playbooks, not fluff.

In this powerful episode, host Colin Fraley sits down with Carol Tice, an award-winning business journalist turned online entrepreneur, to unpack how getting fired became the best thing that ever happened to her.Carol shares how she transformed her career setback into a multimillion-dollar success story — building a 1,500-member paid community for freelance writers, scaling it to nearly $6 million in revenue, and selling it for life-changing money. From there, she hit the road in an RV with her husband and launched her latest venture, Community Growth Academy, helping coaches, creators, and consultants build thriving paid communities of their own.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:How getting fired can spark your greatest entrepreneurial breakthroughThe secret to building a loyal, paying community onlineThe behind-the-scenes story of scaling and selling a membership businessHow to balance freedom, travel, and business on the roadWhy Gen Z is leading the next wave of crowdfunding and solopreneurship🎧 Whether you’re a solopreneur, podcaster, creator, or startup dreamer, this episode will remind you that sometimes getting fired isn’t the end — it’s your invitation to finally build something of your own.✨ Supported by PeerFounder:If you’ve ever wanted to start your own business but didn’t know where to begin, PeerFounder helps you get your first yes and your first $500 to start or grow your idea — no credit checks, no gatekeepers. Pay it back successfully and unlock $2,500, then $7,000 to really launch your vision. Join now for lifetime access as one of the first 1,000 users at PeerFounder.com.

Rob Finlay is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author of Beyond the Building and Hey, Dad…, a life-advice book inspired by his journey as a father of four. Over the past 25+ years, he’s built and successfully exited four companies, pioneered debt optimization strategies in commercial real estate, and founded Thirty Capital and Defease With Ease, helping advise billions in transactions. Today, Rob’s focus spans AI, data analytics, leadership, and sustainable agriculture — proving that business success and long-term impact can go hand in hand.In this episode of Startup or Shutup!, host Colin Fraley dives deep into Rob’s entrepreneurial journey — from scaling in volatile markets to balancing profit with purpose. Conversation Breakdown:Rob’s early spark for entrepreneurship and lessons from multiple business exitsThe evolution of commercial real estate and how AI is transforming the industryWhat sustainable agriculture taught him about patience, resilience, and leadershipThe story behind his bestselling books Beyond the Building and Hey, Dad…His “Shut Up Moment” — the leap that changed everythingWhy legacy and impact drive his decisions more than ever beforeTune in to learn how Rob combines innovation, leadership, and sustainability to build a legacy that truly goes beyond the building.🎙️ Sponsored by PeerFounder.com — the free-market crowdfunding platform empowering entrepreneurs to launch, fund, and grow their business on their own terms.

In this episode of Startup or Shutup!, host Colin Fraley sits down with Ken Barton — a former Chicago volleyball teammate turned real estate investor and now tech founder of Offa, the Seed-stage app connecting investors to off-market properties faster (think Tinder for real estate deals). Ken shares how he went from buying his first property in Orlando to spotting major pain points in the real estate market, building Offa, launching in the app stores, and preparing for his Seed round. We dive into the biggest challenges so far, the vision for Offa’s growth, and what it takes to turn frustration into innovation.If you’re interested in real estate investing, proptech, or the journey of launching a Seed-stage startup, this conversation is packed with insights and energy.This episode is sponsored by PeerFounder.com — where founders fund their ideas and funders support them with optional cash returns.

Entrepreneurs waste countless hours doing everything themselves — but delegation is the real growth hack. In this episode of Startup or Shutup!, host Colin Fraley sits down with Renee Hastings, CEO of Executive Help Now! and host of Renee Speaks, to uncover how she scaled a virtual assistance agency that helps leaders free up time, grow faster, and even launch successful podcasts. Sponsored by PeerFounder.com.Episode BreakdownIntro & Renee’s Origin StoryBuilding Executive Help Now!Delegation & Scaling for FoundersPodcasting & Media OpsFun Fact BreakShutup MomentFuture of Work & Final Insights💡 Interested in being a guest on the show? Click here to apply!

In this episode of Startup or Shutup!, host Colin Fraley sits down with Melinda Jackson, founder of Melinda Jackson Public Relations, to talk about building a PR agency rooted in authenticity, earned media, and organic storytelling.From her upbringing in North Carolina, to breaking into the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, Melinda shares her journey of burnout, reinvention, and creating a PR firm that champions clients she truly believes in.You’ll learn:How authenticity is becoming the new metric for PR successActionable PR tips for solopreneurs, side-hustlers, and founders on a budgetThe importance of balancing mental health with entrepreneurshipMelinda’s lessons in starting and scaling her own agencyA “Shut Up! Moment” story you won’t want to missThis episode is sponsored by PeerFounder.com — the launchpad for solopreneurs, creators, and dreamers ready to crowdfund their business ideas. PeerFounder’s crowdfunding launches October 1st!📌 Learn more about Melinda here:Website: melindajacksonpr.comInstagram: @melindajacksonprLinkedIn: Melinda Jackson🎙️ Interested in being a guest? Click Here!

How Dinora Built Luxuria: Chicago Nightlife, Beauty Business & Trans Latina EntrepreneurshipWhat does it take to build a nightlife empire rooted in beauty, identity, and community?In this episode of Startup or Shutup!, Colin sits down with Dinora — a trans Latina powerhouse, professional beautician, and cofounder of Luxuria Productions, one of Chicago’s most vibrant queer nightlife collectives.From growing up first-gen in a Mexican immigrant household to stepping into her truth as a trans woman, Dinora takes us on a powerful journey of resilience, reinvention, and radical joy. She opens up about breaking into the beauty industry, carving out her space in nightlife, and what it really takes to go from working for someone else to building your own table.💄 From brushes to business🌙 From behind the scenes to headlining the scene💥 And from hesitation to her “Shutup moment” — this episode is a must-listen.🧠 We cover:Growing up first-gen and trans in AmericaNavigating the beauty industry as a trans LatinaStarting Luxeria and claiming space in nightlifeEntrepreneurship, funding, and staying true to your visionWhat’s next for the future of nightlife in 2025Dinora’s shutup moment that changed everything✨ Follow Dinora: @TheRealDinora📲 Follow the show on IG & TikTok: @startuporshutup.pod🎧 New episodes every other Tuesday.If you're building something bold — or even thinking about it — this episode is your permission to start.

In this episode of Startup or Shutup!, host Colin (@NurseColin) sits down with global travel entrepreneur Vincent Wong — founder of Chubit Travel and VYVEM Tours — to unpack his inspiring journey from Brooklyn to Colombia. Vincent shares how he turned his personal passion for travel into a full-time business, what it takes to run international companies, and why Medellín changed his life.We talk entrepreneurship, leadership, culture shock, concierge-level service, and making big bets on your dreams — even in a pandemic. If you’ve ever dreamed of launching a business in another country, this is your roadmap.→ Powered by @PeerFounder — where creators and solopreneurs fund their next big idea.🎧 Topics covered include:Vincent’s entrepreneurial journey from NYC to MedellínFounding Chubit Travel and launching VYVEM Tours during a global shutdownWhat it’s like building and managing teams across bordersCreating luxury travel experiences in a crowded marketCultural values learned from ColombiaVincent’s personal “Shutup!” moment when everything was on the lineHow to start a travel business from scratchMistakes, mindset, mentorship, and meaningful growthRapid fire round: window vs aisle, dream destinations, and $500 startup ideasWhat's next for Vincent — and why he’s not done yet📲 Tag us when you listen:@NurseColin | @vincentwong | @PeerFounder | @StartuporShutup.pod🛫 Subscribe, share, and support the dreamers building their future from the ground up.#StartupOrShutup #TravelEntrepreneur #MedellinBusiness #ChubitTravel #VYVEMTours #PeerFounder #NurseColin #LatAmBusiness #FounderStories #Solopreneurs #GlobalEntrepreneurs

In this electrifying episode of Startup or Shutup, Nurse Colin sits down with DJ, rapper, performance artist, and FUTUREHOOD co-founder CoolMomWallace—a Chicago-based creative force known for turning dance floors into portals.Fresh off his Boiler Room Chicago set (which Colin attended live), CoolMomWallace opens up about blending music, ritual, and queer identity to transform nightlife into something sacred and liberating. From DJing for Beyoncé in Houston to building FUTUREHOOD as a platform for culture and community, this episode dives deep into artistry, intention, and impact.🎧 What you'll hear in this episode:The origin story of CoolMomWallace and what the name meansBehind-the-scenes of his Boiler Room Chicago performanceWhat it felt like DJing for Beyoncé in her hometown of HoustonHow FUTUREHOOD is redefining queer community through musicHis multidisciplinary approach to DJing, rap, and performanceReal talk advice for emerging creatives and event organizersFull-length Boiler Room footage featured at the endIf you care about culture, creativity, or building spaces where people can actually be free—this one’s for you.🎶 New episodes drop every other Tuesday on Startup or Shutup📲 Follow us @startuporshutup.pod

When life falls apart, could sharing your story online help you heal — and help others do the same?In this powerful episode of Startup or Shutup, host Nurse Colin sits down with Marissa Wilkenson (@Rizz326), a small-town girl from Quincy, Michigan, who transformed her heartbreak into hope by sharing her raw, honest journey on TikTok. Her viral videos about self-love, mental health, and rebuilding your life have inspired thousands to start picking up their own pieces.Marissa opens up about hitting rock bottom, finding courage to be vulnerable online, and how her TikTok community became a lifeline. She shares what it really takes to fall in love with yourself again and how she’s turning her healing journey into a children’s book.If you’ve ever felt lost, broken, or like your story doesn’t matter — this conversation will show you that healing is possible, and your voice deserves to be heard.

What does it take to go from politics to platform — and turn followers into financial freedom?In this episode, Nurse Colin sits down with Milo, a former politician turned unapologetically bold content creator. They dive into his journey from campaigning to creating, how he built multiple income streams, and what people still get wrong about making money online.Milo shares the behind-the-scenes of audience building, platform risk, and staying authentic while growing a brand — plus his “Shut Up Moment” that changed everything.👀 Bonus: Colin breaks down the news of OnlyFans’ potential $1.8 billion sale and what that massive payday might mean for creators.🔥 Topics covered:Pivoting from public office to online businessMonetizing identity and building loyal communitiesCreator survival in a changing algorithm worldFinancial freedom beyond 9–5 norms🎧 New episodes drop every other Tuesday.Follow the show on Instagram and TikTok: @startuporshutup.podAnd don’t forget to tag @nursecolin (with one L — because he’s a short king 👑).

Guest: Jay MuñozThinking about starting a podcast? 🎙 In this first episode of Startup or Shutup, host Colin Fraley interviews experienced podcaster Jay Muñoz (host of Poison Touch Advice Hour and Baby Daddies) to walk through exactly how to launch your first podcast.Jay shares practical tips on:How to start a podcast with no experienceThe best podcast equipment for beginnersPodcast recording and editing basicsHow to publish your podcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and moreHow to build your podcast audience from zero📅 New episodes release every other Tuesday.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!Next up: Colin interviews Milo, a bold content creator building confidence, breaking taboos, and building his personal brand.