The Fort

Jason Karp, founder of HumanCo and former hedge fund mogul, shares his transformative journey from Wall Street to wellness. He discusses America's health crisis driven by a flawed food system and corporate greed, emphasizing the need for reform. Karp highlights the importance of eating closer to nature and contrasts U.S. food standards with those in Europe. The conversation also delves into the rising role of psychedelics in mental health treatment, showcasing their potential for healing trauma and reconnecting individuals with themselves.

Hunter Pond, the founder of Vandelay Hospitality Group, embarked on a wild culinary journey after dropping out of law school. He shares insights on launching East Hampton Sandwich Co. with just a $20K investment and no prior experience. The discussion covers the balance of creativity and discipline in restaurant management, the significant role of square footage in success, and strategies to combat inventory theft. Pond also highlights the evolving landscape of dining, particularly the impact of delivery services and cashless transactions.

Hiten Samtani, founder and editorial director of ten31, shares his insights on the unpredictable world of commercial real estate journalism. He discusses the importance of bold storytelling and building trust with sources while maintaining an unfiltered narrative. Hiten reflects on his transition from a decade at The Real Deal and the challenges of launching a niche media company. They delve into the complexities of engaging diverse audiences and the unique dynamics of major vs. frontier markets, along with tips for gaining media attention in an ever-evolving industry.

Jason Baxter, Co-founder of Fostr AI, discusses the urgent need for businesses to effectively implement AI. He highlights the current chaotic state of AI adoption, where many companies struggle with experimentation and disjointed tools. Baxter introduces Fostr AI’s innovative solutions, including creating a 'digital twin' for businesses to align AI with their strategic goals. He explains how Fostr simplifies AI onboarding, reduces risks from siloed tools, and enables central control across teams, making AI integration smoother and more impactful.

Paul Hedrick, the Founder of Tecovas, unveils the captivating story behind the leading Western wear brand known for its exceptional quality and unique retail experience. He shares the journey from consultancy to establishing Tecovas, emphasizing the role of radical hospitality in building brand loyalty. Paul reveals how they navigated challenges during COVID-19 and adapted their retail strategies. He also dives into the importance of maintaining brand integrity while exploring future ventures that resonate with personal passions.

Steve Cockram, an inspirational communicator and co-founder of GiANT, shares insights on the importance of self-awareness in building strong relationships. He discusses why successful people often struggle with personal connections and offers strategies to mend these bonds. Cockram highlights the impact of emotional intelligence and the need for understanding personality differences, emphasizing that true influence comes from meaningful connections rather than wealth. His latest venture, the 'Relationship Revolution,' is revolutionizing how we engage with others.

Kyle Bass, Founder and CIO of Hayman Capital Management, shares insights on predicting the 2008 financial crisis and the risks posed by global powers like China, Russia, and Iran. He discusses Texas as a burgeoning economic powerhouse, driven by innovation and favorable policies. Bass emphasizes the revival of American manufacturing, particularly in defense tech, and the importance of connecting innovators with military needs. He critiques U.S. foreign policy and highlights the pressing need for legislative measures to protect national interests amid foreign investments.

Morgan Housel, a bestselling author and finance expert, dives into the psychology of money and investing. He reflects on a life-altering skiing tragedy that reshaped his understanding of risk. The conversation highlights the complexities of wealth, emphasizing that financial success often comes at personal costs. Housel explores the interplay of anger and humor in online discourse, along with the pivotal role behavior plays over mere knowledge in investing. He also discusses teaching kids about money, advocating for resilience over feelings of inadequacy.

Kevin Lavelle, CEO and co-founder of Harbor and founder of Mizzen+Main, dives into his entrepreneurial journey. He shares the inspiring story behind launching the world’s first performance dress shirt and the challenges of building a successful brand. Lavelle discusses the intricate dynamics of celebrity partnerships, including memorable moments with athletes like Phil Mickelson and J.J. Watt. He also reveals the innovative vision behind Harbor, a new product aimed at enhancing nighttime parenting with professional support.

Jesse Tinsley, a founder and CEO of Employer.com, has scaled multiple HR tech companies into a $500M+ enterprise. He shares insights on his rapid acquisition of Bench, detailing a swift and strategic process amidst crisis. Jesse discusses his ambitious bid for TikTok, emphasizing the need for talent density in building successful teams. He delves into navigating acquisitions, highlighting the importance of operational integration and fostering a mission-driven culture. His experiences illuminate the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship in the tech landscape.