Social Currency with Sammi Cohen

James Reinhart, co-founder and CEO of ThredUp, a leading resale marketplace, shares his journey from education to fashion entrepreneurship. He reveals how the innovative 'Clean Out Kit' revolutionized secondhand shopping. James discusses the importance of partnerships with major retailers and how AI is transforming resale logistics. They also dive into the shifting consumer attitudes towards sustainable fashion and the future of the resale market, tackling misconceptions about the secondhand economy and the impact of live shopping trends.

Ever thought about splurging on $33 toilet paper? You're not alone! Explore the rise of aesthetic utility, where everyday items become luxury statements. From pricey olive oil to beautifully packaged basics, discover how brands are turning essentials into symbols of status. This trend reflects a cultural shift, driven by social media and a desire for micro luxuries. Find out how these small indulgences are reshaping our shopping habits and what it means for the future of retail.

In this engaging conversation, Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute, shares her journey of launching a successful direct-to-consumer home essentials brand. She reveals the challenges of early growth and the importance of customer trust, especially during chaotic times like COVID. Ariel discusses her unique approach to product development through consumer insights and the strategic transition from online to brick-and-mortar retail. She also touches on the emotional aspects of solo entrepreneurship and emphasizes the need for authentic decision-making and community support.

Dive into the wild tale of Juicero, a startup that raised $120 million to fix a non-existent problem with a $400 juicing machine. Discover founder Doug Evans' ambitious vision and the initial excitement from Silicon Valley investors. But the hype fizzled when a viral video exposed the juicer's unnecessary features. This debacle serves as a lesson in the startup world about the dangers of over-engineering and validating actual consumer needs. It's a cautionary tale wrapped in humor and insight!

Tyler Denk, CEO of Beehiiv and a key player from Morning Brew, shares his journey of building successful newsletters. He discusses growth tactics that emerged from his time at Morning Brew and how he's positioning Beehiiv in the competitive landscape. Tyler reveals the importance of authenticity in content creation and explores the evolving role of AI tools like DinkBot for enhancing reader engagement. He also highlights the advantages of being a single founder and offers insights on monetization avenues for creators in the digital media landscape.

Celebrity brands are everywhere, but why do some soar while others flop? Discover the crucial role of authenticity and trust in building a brand that lasts. From Kim Kardashian's Skims to Hailey Bieber's Rhode, successful ventures share a smart approach to branding. Meanwhile, see why Blake Lively's beauty line and Katy Perry's beverage struggle to gain traction. It's not just celebrity status that matters; the right product and genuine connection with consumers can make all the difference in a saturated market.

Sophia Kianni, the youngest UN advisor in U.S. history and founder of Climate Cardinals, teams up with Phia co-founder Phoebe Gates to explore a revolutionary approach to secondhand shopping. They share their journey from Stanford dorm brainstorming to launching a tech-driven platform aimed at making resale seamless and sustainable. The duo discusses targeting Gen Z shoppers, the importance of radical transparency in fashion, and how their backgrounds empower their mission for a greener planet. Their insights into consumer identity and mindful buying are particularly compelling.

 Buy now, pay later is everywhere. Maybe you've seen it when you were buying a Sephora haul, or deciding that you deserve to splurge on your DoorDash delivery, but what’s the truth behind the trend? Today, Sammi answers the question: is BNPL just a shiny new version of the old school layaway, gamified for the TikTok generation? Or is it more dangerous? Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 The Allure of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) 01:00 How BNPL Works 01:42 The Popularity… and Risks 06:40 Economic and Social Implications of BNPL 09:11 The Financial Realities of BNPL 12:42 BNPL and Your Credit Score 15:55 Pros, Cons and the Future of Payments All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC.  *APY as of 6/30/25, offered by Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Rate subject to change. See terms of IRA Match Program here: public.com/disclosures/ira-match. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ankur Jain, Founder and CEO of Bilt Rewards, discusses his innovative approach to transforming rent into rewards, making homeownership more attainable for younger generations. He shares insights on navigating regulatory challenges and successfully raising $250 million to fund his vision. Ankur reflects on his time at Tinder and explores the unique financial behaviors of Gen Z and Millennials. Plus, he recounts the extraordinary experience of hosting his wedding at the Great Pyramids of Giza, blending romance with adventure.

Mel Robbins didn’t invent self-help—but she might’ve made it viral. From courtroom stress to content queen, Mel turned panic attacks into a personal brand empire, built on bite-sized truths like the Five Second Rule and Let Them. Her strategy? Simplicity that scales, relentless experimentation, and showing up as exactly herself. In today’s episode, Sammi breaks down how Mel went from anonymous anxiety to global influence—and what her journey teaches us about brand-building in the era of oversharing. Whether you want to grow your platform or just get your butt out of bed, Mel’s story is full of real, replicable takeaways. Follow Sammi on Instagram here Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter here Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 The Power of Bite-Sized Wisdom 00:30 Who Is Mel Robbins (and Why Is She Everywhere)? 05:10 The Five Second Rule: TikTok Therapy in Disguise 07:24 Let Them: Simplicity as a Business Strategy 10:07 The Mel Media Machine: How She Experiments Her Way to the Top 11:54 Lessons in Authenticity, Attention, and Algorithms 13:27 What You Can Steal From Mel’s Playbook All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC.  *APY as of 6/30/25, offered by Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Rate subject to change. See terms of IRA Match Program here: public.com/disclosures/ira-match. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices