

Open Residency
Open Residency
Hosted by Mark Brazil, co-founder of IKONICK, Open Residency dives deep into the minds of true operators—the individuals who are the last line of defense in their business. Each conversation offers a glimpse into the operator’s playbook, sharing real-world insights from those who’ve navigated the toughest challenges in business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a leader, this podcast is a must-listen for actionable lessons.
Episodes
Mentioned books

43 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 35min
Dan Koe - How To Get Ahead Of 99% Of People in 2026
Join writer and entrepreneur Dan Koe as he explores future-proof skills essential for success in an AI-driven world. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability through learning to think and earn, rather than just specializing. Koe discusses the significance of taste, narrative, and trust as competitive advantages, and how creators can turn their unique perspectives into thriving personal brands. He also shares insights on avoiding burnout, crafting impactful stories, and the promising potential of cohort-based models to enhance community learning.

95 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 2h 20min
Mark Manson - When Quitting Is the Smartest Business Move
Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and co-founder of the AI startup Purpose, dives into the intricacies of pain and purpose. He shares insights on how suffering is self-created, the importance of momentum over motivation, and what truly makes enduring relationships thrive. Manson critiques common dating mistakes, emphasizes the value of creativity in boredom, and explains how AI can reshape personal growth. His refreshing take on authenticity and compatibility challenges conventional views on love and success.

34 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 2h 9min
Sean Frank - E-Commerce Masterclass: How to Build, Scale & Win in 2026
Sean Frank, CEO of Ridge, shares insights from his successful consumer accessories brand. He reveals how Ridge manages to spend $100K daily on ads while maintaining operational discipline. The conversation dives into the importance of simplicity in marketing, the power of organic content, and the structure of Ridge's massive content machine. Sean also discusses the common pitfalls that founders face, the significance of internalizing marketing skills, and why disciplined frameworks can help scale without outside capital.

8 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 55min
George Heaton - The Clothing Brand That Should’ve Died, But Became a Cult
George Heaton, co-founder of Represent and creator of the 247 activewear line, shares his journey of resilience amid a two-year trademark battle that nearly sank his brand. He discusses how maintaining momentum during the lawsuit fueled Represent's growth, revealing the importance of product discipline and community engagement. George emphasizes his personal brand flywheel, the power of authenticity, and the success of strategies like pop-up shops to build loyalty. He also touches on the challenges of footwear design and the financial strategy behind selling a stake in the company.

14 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 43min
Simon Molnar - Why Stores Are Struggling — and How to Reinvent Them
Simon Molnar, founder of Flagship.ai and former Afterpay operator, delves into the overlooked potential of brick-and-mortar retail. He explains why 83% of shopping occurs in stores despite a lack of data, and introduces the innovative 'money map' that provides granular revenue insights. The conversation covers how technology enhances visual merchandising, the importance of hiring for humility, and the art of building strong teams. Molnar also shares insights from his time at Afterpay and emphasizes customer service as a key growth driver.

15 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 54min
Joel Kocher - This $200M CEO Discovered What Cardiologists Won't Tell You
In a captivating discussion, Joel Kocher, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO of Humann, shares insights from his journey in redefining cardiovascular health with a focus on nitric oxide, which he dubs the 'miracle molecule.' He challenges common misconceptions about heart health and emphasizes the importance of thorough clinical trials. Joel also reflects on leadership lessons gained from icons like Michael Dell and Steve Jobs, advocating for adaptability and team growth as cornerstones of success. His vision for Humann positions it as a leading brand in cardiovascular wellness.

235 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 20min
Robert Greene - Ego Traps, The Art of Control, & How to Stay Irreplaceable
In this engaging discussion, Robert Greene, a bestselling author renowned for works like The 48 Laws of Power, delves into the psychology of power and strategy. He explains how concealing intentions fosters aura and influence, and why formlessness triumphs over rigidity in business. Greene shares insights on reputation as capital, the dangers of chasing attention, and strategies to recover from reputational damage. He also emphasizes treating your twenties as a crucial apprenticeship and reveals themes from his new book, The Sublime, shaped by a near-death experience.

71 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 52min
Roberto Nickson - Why 99% of Creators Will Be Replaced by AI (And How to Be the 1%)
In this engaging discussion, Roberto Nickson (RPN), a successful creator and AI strategist, shares insights on building a high-margin creator business. He reveals how to generate $1.5M as a solo creator, emphasizing quality over views in brand partnerships. Roberto also discusses the rise of AI in content creation, the importance of storytelling, and innovative tools for creators. Discover why audio beats visuals and learn how to navigate the shifting landscape of social media as he provides actionable tips to remain relevant in an AI-driven future.

246 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 2h 24min
Sahil Bloom - Why You're Playing The Wrong Game in Life
Sahil Bloom, a writer, investor, and author of the bestselling book The 5 Types of Wealth, shares transformative insights on success and personal growth. He discusses redefining wealth beyond financial metrics, emphasizing the importance of relationships and time. With concepts like the '15 more times' mindset and life razors, he inspires listeners to focus on what truly matters. Sahil also touches on mastering public speaking, the significance of setting boundaries, and how to cultivate mental wealth through meaningful connections.

362 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 50min
Oren John - The Most Valuable Marketing Conversation You’ll Watch in 2025
Oren John, a creative operator and content strategist, combines deep marketing expertise with a knack for compelling content creation. In this lively discussion, he shares frameworks for engaging short-form content and the importance of balancing quality with quantity. Oren explores the dynamics of influencer marketing, revealing innovative strategies to maximize brand engagement. He stresses the need for adaptive content approaches and dives into monetization tactics, all while urging creators to focus on authentic connections over mere view counts.


