30 Years in 30 Minutes

What does it take to turn a so-called “cringe” idea into a billion-dollar company?In this episode of 30 Years in 30 Minutes, host Michael Oved sits down with Lindsay Kaplan, co-founder of Chief, the premier executive network for women, to unpack how she saw opportunity where others saw embarrassment. From her early days in publishing and brand storytelling, to helping build Casper into a breakout direct-to-consumer giant, to ultimately co-founding Chief and scaling it into a $1B company, Lindsay shares the real lessons behind modern entrepreneurship.This conversation dives deep into founder mindset, storytelling as a business weapon, building powerful networks, choosing the right co-founder, raising venture capital, and why great entrepreneurs don’t chase trends — they redefine them. Lindsay explains how embracing discomfort, leaning into “uncool” industries, and understanding human psychology helped her build brands that people actually care about.If you’re an aspiring founder, operator, marketer, or investor looking to understand how billion-dollar companies are really built — this episode is a masterclass in vision, conviction, and execution.🎧 Listen now to learn how Lindsay Kaplan turned a “cringe” idea into a category-defining company.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

Real Estate’s most influential person didn’t start with money, power, or connections — he didn’t even speak the language.In this episode, Amir Korangy, founder of The Real Deal, reveals how rejection, lawsuits, and being told “no” by every bank forced him to build his own path — and ultimately the most powerful media platform in real estate.Amir shares how getting shut out of major newspapers pushed him to start his own publication, how early technology let him compete with giants, why he got sued in his first year of business, and the mindset that kept him going when failure felt inevitable. He breaks down how influence is actually built, why owning a niche matters more than capital, and how The Real Deal became the industry’s most trusted — and feared — voice.If you want to understand how power, media, and influence are really created, this episode is required listening.🎧 Watch the full episode now — and let us know who we should interview next. by emailing [email protected]'t forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What makes a great founder? Why do some startups become category-defining companies while others disappear? In this episode, Rick Heitzmann reveals the mental models, pattern recognition, and non-obvious signals he’s used to back Pinterest, Airbnb, Riot Games, DraftKings, and more. Part 2 goes deeper into founder psychology, pitch strategy, market timing, and the traits that predict generational success. This is one of the clearest breakdowns of venture decision-making you’ll ever hear.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

Before Rick Heitzmann became one of the most legendary venture capital investors alive, he was a college student taking strange risks, betting on himself long before he bet on founders. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Rick reveals the early decisions, failures, and unexpected moments that shaped the mindset behind his rise.From growing up with teacher parents, to running Georgetown’s student body, to taking wild career leaps that gave him responsibility far beyond his age—Rick shares the foundational lessons that transformed him into the VC and startup kingmaker he is today.This episode is the origin story behind a world-class investor: how he learned to take asymmetric risks, why your 20s should be for learning, and the overlooked traits Rick looks for in future founders and operators.If you’ve ever wondered how legendary investors are made—not born—this is your blueprint.Stay tuned for Part 2, which drops next week, where we delve into the stories behind Rick's best investments and his advice to founders and investors. Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What if the corporate job everyone hated became the spark for a global media brand?In this episode of 30 Years in 30 Minutes, Michael sits down with the creator behind one of the fastest-growing business comedy channels on the internet — a finance-bro-turned-entrepreneur who transformed Excel jokes, office misery, and corporate pain points into a massive online empire.We break down the viral formula behind his billions of views, how he engineered explosive growth across TikTok and Instagram, the real way the algorithm works, how to turn ideas into consistent content, why “consistency” is overrated, and the hidden revenue model most creators never see coming.If you’re an entrepreneur, content creator, or side-hustler trying to build something from nothing, this episode gives you the playbook for virality, growth, and monetization — straight from someone who lived it.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What if the greatest startup manual ever written wasn’t by a billionaire—but by God?In this episode of 30 Years in 30 Minutes, mega-entrepreneur Mark Gerson, founder of Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG) and United Hatzalah, reveals the hidden lessons of entrepreneurship buried in the Torah.Mark argues that the Bible is the ultimate startup playbook—a guide to building not just companies, but character, purpose, and long-term success. He shares how ancient wisdom predicts modern business truths, from leadership and risk-taking to discipline, service, and wealth creation.You’ll learn:Why the Torah contains timeless principles for founders and leadersHow faith and discipline can outperform luck and timingWhy love, purpose, and business follow the same lawsHow biblical frameworks still drive success in today’s worldFrom founding GLG to proving that modern data confirms divine wisdom, Gerson’s journey bridges startups and scripture—showing that the most powerful business advice on earth was written 3,000 years ago.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

He was 20. Broke. Delivering cookies at 2AM from a chaotic college house. Two decades later, Seth Berkowitz runs Insomnia Cookies – the largest food delivery empires in America.In this episode, Insomnia Cookies founder and CEO Seth Berkowitz shares the wild origin story behind his $300 million empire. From late-night deliveries and zero funding to scaling over 250 locations, Seth breaks down exactly how he built a brand that redefined snacking, entrepreneurship, and late-night culture for an entire generation.You’ll hear:How he launched Insomnia Cookies from his college dorm at the University of PennsylvaniaThe turning point that took it from side hustle to national brandWhy finding the right niche can build lifelong customersWhat every young founder needs—but most never doThe mindset shift that separates dreamers from buildersWhether you're a college student, a startup founder, or just hungry to build something real—this episode is a must-listen.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

She had no clients, no followers, and no roadmap. But Cara Woodhouse still built one of the most recognizable interior design brands on Instagram — and turned her passion into an empire.In this episode, Cara breaks down how she went from a rejected art student to a design entrepreneur with 900K+ followers, a booming product line, a wellness-inspired real estate venture, and a debut book that redefines how we connect with our homes. She shares the truth about starting with nothing, the pain of a business breakup, how to grow on Instagram in 2024, and the mindset shift that changed everything. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling your personal brand, this episode is packed with raw lessons on:Growing a business when no one knows your nameUsing content to build trust, influence, and incomeTurning your taste into a marketable edgeThe systems every creative entrepreneur needs to scaleWhy success means choosing the right size, not the biggest oneDon't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What does it really take to lead TIME Magazine?In this episode of 30 Years in 30 Minutes, Michael Oved sits down with Nancy Gibbs – legendary journalist, bestselling author, and the first female Editor-in-Chief of TIME Magazine.Nancy shares the real secrets behind leadership, ambition, career growth, and building a life you actually want – not just chasing titles for their own sake.We dive into her journey from shy intern to the top of one of the world’s most iconic news organizations, the lessons she learned about writing, leading, and staying true to your values, and her advice for anyone looking to build a successful, meaningful career.If you're curious about journalism, leadership, storytelling, or simply how to climb the right ladder, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.🎙 Topics we cover:- How to build a meaningful career, not just a flashy one- Why curiosity is more important than ambition- The secret to leading creative teams without ego- How to survive and thrive in journalism today- Advice for young writers and future leadersDon't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

Sports executive and serial entrepreneur David Meltzer became a millionaire at 24, a multimillionaire by 32, and then lost it all, only to gain it back a couple years later. In this episode, he opens up about how hitting rock bottom led to the most meaningful transformation of his life. We talk about his early obsession with money, the moment everything came crashing down, and the mindset shift that helped him rebuild with purpose. David shares how to find happiness in the grind, the power of asking for help, and why your biggest setbacks might just be your greatest gifts. This conversation is raw, honest, and filled with lessons on wealth, humility, and fulfillment from someone who’s lived both extremes. Bio: David is the Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute; founder of David Meltzer Enterprises, Chairman of the Unstoppable Foundation; Chief Chancellor of JA Worldwide; Host of the Playbook Podcast; Executive Producer of Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch; co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing; and CEO of Steinberg Sports & Entertainment.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How did Gayle Perry rise to the top of the fashion world? What challenges did she face along the way, and what did she learn from them? What is the key to her success, and what advice would she give to those looking to have a successful career in fashion and media?In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Gayle Perry, a fashionista, personal stylist, interior designer and arbiter of all things style. She is the force behind the large and ever-growing Instagram and social media platform @gaylestyle, which boasts around 500,000 followers. She is also the creator of the #gayletuck, #gayletie and #gayleroll, style tips that help women and men look their best, feel their most confident, and be their most productive selves. She discusses never-heard-before stories of how she got her job, what her biggest regrets are, and what advice she would give to anyone looking to break into the fashion world. Listen now for an exclusive look into the illustrious career and pathway of Gayle Perry.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How did the Editor-in-Chief of Sports Illustrated rise to the top of the world's largest sports magazine? What challenges did he face along the way, and what did he learn from it? What is the key to his success, and what advice would he give aspiring journalists and reporters? In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Ryan Hunt, former Editor-in-Chief of Sports Illustrated and Lecturer at University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. Ryan discusses never-heard-before stories of how he got his job, what his biggest regrets are, and what advice he would give to anyone looking to break into journalism. He also speaks about the skills every person should develop – and how to develop them – to make them the best writers, speakers, and storytellers. Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How did Sergei Kosenko, AKA Mr. Thank You, grow from 0 to 46 MILLION followers on Instagram? How did he grow to become one of the most influential people on social media? What is the key to his success? What should content creators and aspiring social media influencers do to find online success and viral videos? Beyond that, who is the mysterious man behind the famous social media account @mr.thank.you? What are some crazy stories he has lived through during his rise to the top of social media?In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with the legendary Sergei Kosenko, the man behind the Mr. Thank You brand and social media accounts, and one of the most influential people on social media. Across all platforms, Sergei has almost 100 million followers and a billion impressions EVERY MONTH! Sergei discusses the crazy stories behind the scenes, what the key to his success is, advice he would give his younger self, and a guide on how to become the next big thing on social media!Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How did the founder of Zillow create several of the most successful companies in the world? What is the key to his success? How can entrepreneurs come up with ideas as novel as them? What is the simple recipe for success all aspiring entrepreneurs should follow?In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Spencer Rascoff, co-founder of real estate marketplace Zillow ($17 billion market cap), travel website Hotwire (acquired for $663 million), property broker platform Pacaso, venture capital firm 75 & Sunny, AI platform for small businesses heyLibby.ai; and an esteemed Harvard University Lecturer. Spencer discusses the stories behind these incredible companies, what the key to his success is, advice he would give his younger self, and a guide on how to come up with the next great idea.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

Are you interested in learning how event management website Eventbrite was founded? The incredible story behind the founding of payment remittance company Xoom? How to ACTUALLY pick your circle and choose your friends?  What are the best traits to develop to become a successful entrepreneur? In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Kevin Hartz, co-founder of Eventbrite (NYSE: EB), Xoom (acquired by PayPal for $1.1 billion), the venture capital firm A*, and home operating system Sauron. Kevin discusses the stories behind these incredible companies, what the key to his success is, advice he would give his younger self, a blueprint on what to look for in your friends, how to find your passion, and so much more.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

Want to learn how the incredible story behind the founding of Shazam? How the founder endured the challenges, obstacles, and naysayers along the way? What the biggest piece of advice he has to give to aspiring entrepreneurs, and what his biggets regrets are?In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Chris Barton, co-founder of Shazam. Chris tells us the key to his success, what to look for in a co-founder, how he founded and grew a Shazam, what his favorite song is, and so much more.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

Want to learn how the billionaire co-founder of Moderna started and grew his company? The keys to his entrepreneurial success? In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Dr. Robert Langer, the award-winning biotechnician who is the co-founder of Moderna, the $30 billion pharmaceutical company that developed the coronavirus vaccine. Dr. Langer tells us the key to his success, how he founded and grew a successful (biotech) startup, and, as a bonus, he gives his take on what the biggest scientific breakthrough will be over the next five years.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What do venture capitalists look for in entrepreneurs? What should you do to make your company most appealing to venture capital firms? In this episode, Sam Yagan dives into it. In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Sam Yagan, the founder of Sparknotes (the famed online study guide service), founder of OkCupid (the internationally renowned data site), and the former CEO of Match Group (the $10 billion holding company that owns Tinder, Match.com, OkCupid, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, and OurTime). Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How should you prepare yourself to start a company? What challenges should you be ready for in your entrepreneurial journey? Steve Kaufer covers it all.In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Steve Kaufer, co-founder and former CEO of TripAdvisor (the $3 billion public travel research platform that aggregates reviews about destinations, accommodations, hotels, and activities). He tells us about the successes and failures he's had on his road to founding the company, what he's learned from them, and what aspiring entrepreneurs can do now to best prepare themselves for the tumultuous journey that is entrepreneurship.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What traits do you need to make it far in politics? What is the right mindset to have in order to succeed in politics? Learn all that and more with Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.In this episode, Michael Oved and Terrence Gabel sit down with Deval Patrick, the 71st Governor of Massachusetts. He tells us how he overcame the challenges of the socio-economic conditions of his youth; he discusses the difficulties inherent to governing the state with one of the highest per-capita income in the U.S.; and he speaks about the most important elements a leader must possess and develop.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What should you do NOW to begin your poltical career? Who should you meet, what should you do, and more importantly, what did Stephen Goldsmith do?In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Stephen Goldsmith, the former mayor of Indianapolis, the eighth most populated city in the United States. Stephen discusses what he did in his youth to prepare him for taking leadership roles, how he paved the way for his numerous election wins, how he dealt with failure, and the importance of hard work and passion. He talks about what he did to get involved in politics, and what YOU can do now to get started.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How did Wendy Kopp start her world-renowned non-profit, Teach for America (which became Teach for All)? What did she do to scale it?In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Wendy Kopp, co-founder of Teach for All and Teach For America (non-profits that seek to expand educational opportunity for all, which have generated over $300 million in annual revenue and includes over 50,000 corps members and alumni, who have collectively taught more than 5 million students across the nation). She tells us about her journey to pursue social good as a career, how she founded one of the most successful non-profit organizations in the world, and what she did to spread her message and bring others to believe in it too.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How do you build a hospitality brand? How do you cultivate the perfect blend of ambiance and atmosphere? What is the story of Shake Shack? How did Union Square Hospitality Group grow to become the most successful hospitality company in the world?In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Richard Coraine, Founding Partner of Union Square Hospitality Group, a hospitality organization that has created and operated some of the most acclaimed restaurants and brands in NYC and beyond, including Shake Shack (the fast-food restaurant chain that has grown into a $3 billion publicly traded company), Eleven Madison Park, Blue Smoke, Maialino, and The Modern at MoMA. Richard shares his personal and professional insights in being Danny Meyer's Partner for 30 years, the journey of scaling their shared vision of "enlightened hospitality" into a world class brand, how they created one of America's most notable burger companies, and the lessons learned along the way.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What does it take to bootstrap a business, from scratch? How do you start a business without knowing anything? That's Abby Taylor's story. Learn it exclusively here. In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Abby Taylor, the founder of Playa Bowls, the acai bowl franchise that has grown into 200+ stores nationwide. She tells us how she founded Playa Bowls, what she did to grow the company from its humble beginnings as an umbrella stand in New Jersey to the fruitbowl empire it is today, and the art of creating an aesthetically pleasing product. She does all that, while teaching us how to successfully bootstrap a company, with no resources.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What does it take to climb the corporate ladder? How do you successfully get promoted in a big corporation? What traits do you need to do that? Learn from the best, in this episode. Michael Oved sits down with Bob Cecere, the former CFO and COO of Barings North America (currently a $347 billion global investment firm). Bob shares how to climb the corporate ladder, how to continuously get promoted within an organization, and how to be a value-add to a firm.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

Ever wonder how Shazam was founded? What did it take to build Shazam? In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Philip Inghelbrecht, the cofounder of Shazam (the application that can identify music based on a short sample played using the microphone on the device, which was later acquired by Apple for $400 million). Philip discusses what he did in his youth to prepare him for entrepreneurship, how he founded Shazam, where the name came from, the first song he Shazamed, and his advice to the next generation.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How did Mike Cassidy sell a start-up for $500 million in 500 days? Learn from the start-up master himself. In this episode, Michael Oved and Terrence Gabel sit down with serial entrepreneur Mike Cassidy, the founder of over five successfully acquired companies: Apollo Fusion, Ruba, Xfire, Direct Hit, and Stylus Innovation (all sold for a combined value of over $800 million). He tells us how he founded and sold a company for $500 million in 500 days, and so much more!Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How was KAYAK founded? In spite of the billion-dollar company's success, what does its founder wish he did in his 20s? Learn that – and more – with Paul English.In this episode, Michael Oved and Terrence Gabel sit down with Paul English, the founder of KAYAK (the travel metasearch engine KAYAK, which sold for $1.8 billion to Priceline, and which was later acquired by Booking Holdings for $2.1 billion). Where did the name KAYAK come from? How can one develop the skills of an entrepreneur as a young adult – in college and as a young professional? And what are the most important lessons he learned on his entrepreneurial journey? You’ll learn all that – and more – on this episode of “30 Years in 30 Minutes.”Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How do you build a product that fits the needs of your customers? What do you need to ensure that your product is right for your client-base? How do you make sure you have product-market fit?In this episode, Michael Oved and Terrence Gabel sit down with Sarah Leary, founder of Nextdoor (the free and private social network for neighborhoods that went public at a $4.3 billion valuation). She speaks about how to find product-market fit, how to partner with talented cofounders, the art of the pivot, and the importance of resilience.Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.