Social Currency with Sammi Cohen

Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop has spent $140 million over 17 years but remains unprofitable, prompting a look into its paradox. The discussion reveals the challenges of maintaining a wellness empire, including the struggles of Goop Beauty and the surprising success of Goop Kitchen. Insights into leadership styles likened to Anna Wintour shed light on the differences between influencer appeal and corporate management. The conversation raises a provocative question: does Goop still have a place in 2025, or has its model been overshadowed?

Amy Liu, founder of Tower 28, shares her inspiring transition from corporate executive to beauty entrepreneur, diving into the real story behind her brand's success. She reveals the iconic Sephora pitch that launched her journey and the challenges faced while launching during the pandemic. Amy discusses the importance of choosing the right partners and building a supportive team culture, while also emphasizing the psychological impacts of beauty products on self-esteem. Plus, hear her insights on the perfect morning routine and engaging with the community!

Fitness is the new religion. It sounds dramatic, but look around. People used to go to church on Sundays. Now they go to Barry's Bootcamp. Instead of confession, they cold plunge.  Today, Sammi unpacks how the boutique fitness boom became a new form of secular spirituality—complete with instructors as gurus, before-and-after photos as testimonies, and $10,000 luxury wellness retreats as modern pilgrimages. But this isn’t just a cultural shift—it’s a business revolution. With the wellness market on track to hit $7 trillion by 2025, fitness has become a belief system people are willing to invest in, spiritually and financially. Whether you’re a brand builder, a wellness junkie, or just curious about why we now confess in cold plunges instead of pews, this episode dives deep into the new religion of our era: sweat. Follow Sammi on Instagram  Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter  Here’s what Sammi covers today: 00:00 Fitness Is the New Religion 00:49 The Decline of Traditional Belief Systems 01:44 How Studios Became Sanctuaries 03:14 The Trillion-Dollar Wellness Economy 04:14 What This Shift Means for Brands 05:47 How to Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do Casper and Allbirds have in common, besides redefining modern D2C brands? They all worked with branding agency Red Antler before they became household names. Today Sammi sits down with Emily Heyward, co-founder of Red Antler, the powerhouse creative agency behind some of the most iconic startups of the last decade. Emily shares how Red Antler went from a scrappy agency to the go-to partner for founders launching the next big thing. They dig into the real work of branding; how to create emotional connection, why a logo is never enough, and the mistakes even seasoned founders make when they treat branding as an afterthought. Emily also opens up about the founding of Red Antler’s VC arm, how her team vets investments, and why she thinks branding will always be human—even in the age of AI. Follow Sammi on Instagram  Subscribe to the Social Currency newsletter  Follow Red Antler’s work Here’s what Sammi and Emily cover today: 00:00 Emily Heyward’s Social Currency 01:45 The Origin of Red Antler 09:35 From Scrappy Startups to Culture-Making Brands 14:23 How to Land—and Keep—Dream Clients 18:40 When Branding Gets Messy (and How to Fix It) 24:10 Strategic Bets and the Ones That Paid Off 30:40 Building for Startups vs. Working with Giants 37:20 Breaking Down Red Antler’s Pricing Strategy 41:30 Why Red Antler Launched a VC Fund 49:23 What It Really Means to Build an Iconic Brand 54:40 Will AI Replace Branding Agencies? 1:00:36 Favorite Projects and Most Fun Collabs 1:05:22 Why Creative Breaks Are Critical 1:07:54 Crumbl, Duolingo, and What’s Trending Now 1:11:30 How to Choose the Right Branding Partner 1:20:35 How to Show Social Currency Some Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A scandal erupts in Silicon Valley as Rippling and Deel clash in an espionage saga. A corporate spy infiltrates one company, leaking sensitive data while juggling cryptic messages and burner phones. The tale thickens with honeypots, family feuds, and destroyed phones—one even met its end via axe! As RICO charges loom, the stakes escalate, revealing a world where startups will stop at nothing to outsmart each other. Whether you're in tech or just love a gripping story, this tale is a must-hear!

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.