In this lively episode, Tyler Balliet shares insights from his extensive experience in the wine industry, highlighting his unconventional approach to wine education and his journey as an entrepreneur. He describes his latest venture, a comprehensive wine guide titled "Rebel School of Wine," which aims to demystify the wine experience. Tyler emphasizes the importance of providing context rather than jargon, making wine more accessible and enjoyable. His narrative is filled with anecdotes about his friend Joel's innovative winery in Sonoma, the influence of celebrities like Eric Wareheim on wine marketing, and the evolution of wine distribution and consumption. Throughout the conversation, Tyler reflects on the evolution of the wine industry, contrasting traditional and modern approaches to wine marketing and education. He critiques the standard wine descriptions that dominate the industry, advocating for a more relatable and engaging method that focuses on storytelling and the historical and cultural context of wine. This approach is evident in his book, where he includes 450 illustrations to visually capture the essence of wine regions and types. Tyler also discusses the challenges and triumphs of his entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly with his event series, Wine Riot, and his transition into publishing with "Rebel School of Wine." He shares personal stories of starting out in the wine industry, the trials of adapting to digital marketing, and his philosophy on making wine education fun and accessible. His candid reflections reveal a deep passion for wine and a dedication to innovating how it's shared with the world. Key takeaways: Context is more important than jargon in wine education. Personal stories and relationships shape one's approach to wine. Innovation and adaptability are key in the evolving wine industry. Quotes: 1. "Instead of like, every other wine book is like, Mmm, the strawberries and the boysenberries. And for me, like, what things smell like or taste like... the flavors and aromas is like the least interesting part." 2. "I think we're talking about wine all wrong. I don't think consumers need to actually learn anything to enjoy it." 3. "Understanding wine really kind of like makes the experience better... if you can drink something that you feel confident about. From a science perspective, actually, it makes it taste better."

In this compelling episode of "Story in a Bottle," host Dan Maccarone welcomes Susan Rinkunas, a seasoned journalist with deep expertise in women's health and reproductive rights, for a thoughtful discussion over Michter's Old Fashioneds. Susan recounts her professional journey through the ever-evolving media landscape, from her early days at Runner's World to her significant work at Jezebel and Vice Media, where she tackled complex topics such as reproductive rights and health policy. She shares personal anecdotes about the instability and challenges of freelance journalism, especially during pivotal moments like the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and subsequent shifts in abortion legislation. The conversation takes a deeper dive into the intricacies of media operations and editorial decisions that impact content quality and journalistic freedom. Susan discusses her transitions between major media outlets, shedding light on the effects of corporate ownership and private equity on editorial content and the overall health of media organizations. Her stories highlight the tension between financial objectives and the journalistic mission to report truthfully and ethically. Susan and Dan discuss the future of journalism, touching on the growing prevalence of digital platforms and the challenges they present, such as the impact of paywalls, the ethical concerns around AI-generated content, and strategies for sustaining quality journalism in a changing economic landscape. This rich dialogue not only offers insights into Susan’s career but also explores broader questions about the direction of media and journalism. Key Takeaways: Judicial changes dramatically affect reproductive rights reporting. Editorial independence is challenged by corporate media ownership. Freelancing offers flexibility but comes with financial and professional uncertainty. The future of journalism hinges on balancing integrity with innovative monetization.

About the Guest(s): Jessica Coen is an accomplished media executive with extensive experience in the digital journalism landscape. Growing up in a media-heavy household, Coen's passion for journalism was sparked at a young age, leading her to ultimately pursue a career in the field. She has held various editorial positions, including her early role as editor of Gawker and later endeavours at Vanity Fair and New York Magazine. Coen is known for her innovative approach to journalism, especially her successful pursuit of video storytelling to engage audiences. In her current role, she's focusing on reaching younger demographics through political news video content at the Recount. Episode Summary: In this episode of Story in a Bottle, host Dan Maccarone delves deep into the world of journalism with media expert Jessica Coen. The conversation unfolds over a Hendrix gin and tonic, discussing Coen's journey from her Detroit roots to the forefront of digital news. Jessica shares her early encounters with journalism, transitioning from a die-hard reader to an influential media personality. She reflects on her decision to forgo journalism school for real-world experience at Gawker, establishing a candid voice that resonated with a large audience. Her career is a testament to navigating the ebbs and flows of tech, media, and entertainment, especially as she spearheaded the launch of Jezebel and influenced the growth of Mashable. Key points in the discussion include the evolution of news consumption, the impact of social media on public engagement, and the role of video in reaching younger demographics. Coen emphasizes the importance of relatable content and the necessity of adapting to the viewer's needs in a rapidly changing media environment. Notable Quotes: "If you're passionate about getting information to audiences, you should be on video." "It's about the actual issue at hand, whether it's funding for Ukraine or woman's reproductive rights or censorship in schools." "Journalism has to kind of follow the lessons of the creator economy." "What does this election really mean? Like, let's really talk about what these platforms are." "The quickest way you fall off your high horse is when you have to do the layoffs." Resources: Tune into the full episode to hear Jessica Coen's inspiring story and gain deeper insights into the evolving landscape of journalism. Stay engaged with compelling discussions on Story and a Bottle for more perspectives from leading voices in tech, media, and entertainment.

Mike Wystrach is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background in the food and tech industries. Growing up in southern Arizona on a ranch with family ventures ranging from the restaurant business to veterinary care, Mike has a wealth of experience in managing and growing businesses. As a founder of Freshly, a food delivery company, Mike led the venture to great success, exiting to Nestlé after experiencing rapid growth and scale. With a passion for innovative solutions, he's now taking on the veterinary care sector with Petfolk, aiming to revolutionize the industry through technology and customer-centric care. Episode Summary: In this captivating episode of Story in a Bottle, host Dan Maccarone sits down with Mike Wystrach over a pint of Guinness to discuss the trials and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Mike opens up about his journey from a family-run restaurant to founding Freshly and his current venture, Petfolk. This conversation reveals the raw and real path to success that is often peppered with uncertainties and challenges, contrasting the typical narrative of overnight achievements. Mike shares key insights into how solving personal problems led to the creation of businesses that resonated with consumers. From starting Freshly in the midst of economic turmoil with just $15 in his bank account, to the eventual sale of the business to Nestlé, Mike's story is one of determination, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of visions that others may not immediately see. Key Takeaways: Embrace the journey of entrepreneurship, including the inevitable obstacles and learning experiences, as they ultimately shape the success of a business. Solving one's own problems can lead to innovative business ideas that resonate with a broader audience. Operating a business requires a balance between being unrelentingly committed to the vision and being flexible enough to adapt based on data and experiences. Achieving financial success in a venture is rewarding but is often less satisfying than the day-to-day challenges and growth experienced during the journey. Strong leadership involves recruiting capable individuals who can execute the vision and contribute to the company's growth effectively. Notable Quotes: "One of the keys to my success has always been kind of scratching my own itch." - Mike Wystrach "I always have fun on things that I think why does this not exist? Like, why does this not exist? And those are always the funnest things for me to create and build and do." - Mike Wystrach "I wasn't the expert on things. I'm a quick learner... generally can learn complex things fairly quickly. But I'm nowhere near a vet." - Mike Wystrach discussing the start of Petfolk "We're like the hair club for men commercial where the guy says, I'm not only the president I'm the first customer... I generally look at myself as the CEO, the first customer." - Mike Wystrach "Nothing works that fast... I woke up the next day, you have those orders. Then you're like, I'm going to start. You found a co-founder immediately?" - Dan Maccarone Resources: During the conversation, no specific external resources or social media handles were explicitly mentioned to be included here. Tune in to the full episode for a deep dive into Mike Wystrach's entrepreneurial mindset and the strategic decisions

Grab a drink and join the laughter as Roy Wood Jr. shares his remarkable evolution from a journalism student to a comedy connoisseur. Our guest doesn't hold back, offering an insider's look at The Daily Show's dynamic post-Trevor Noah, and giving us the lowdown on his decision to branch out creatively. You'll be in stitches as Roy divulges the trials and tribulations of merging comedy with sports commentary at ESPN, and you might just find yourself nodding in agreement with his candid reflections on the necessity of staying true to one's voice while serving up satire that cuts to the core of social issues. Roy's journey is more than just punchlines; it's a masterclass in personal growth and comedic finesse. He traces his roots from Birmingham's comedy clubs to the glittering lights of LA and New York, spilling the beans on how the cities' comedy communities differ in their camaraderie and competition. Roy doesn’t shy away from the gritty details, highlighting the peaks and pitfalls of navigating the stand-up scene, comedy competitions, and the elusive dream of sitcom stardom. His anecdotes are not only a testament to his resilience but also a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to crack the code of the comedy business. Ever wondered how to tread the tightrope of humor in sports and politics without falling off? Roy's got you covered. He uncovers the delicate art of delivering jokes that resonate with fans and foes alike, and the unique challenges that come with each territory. From athletes' sensitive egos to the battlefield of political satire, Roy examines how to craft comedy that's both intelligent and impactful. So pull up a chair, because this episode isn't just entertaining—it's an enlightening glimpse into the mind of a comic genius who masterfully balances the weight of words with the levity of laughter.   - Roy Wood Jr. switched from journalism to comedy, inspired by figures like Stuart Scott and Jenny Moose. His work at ESPN and on The Daily Show combines journalism, comedy, and sports. - His parents influenced his comedy and public discourse, teaching him to blend humor with impactful points. His father's focus on civil rights and his mother's encouragement to speak out were key influences. - Wood Jr. explored the comedy scenes in New York and Los Angeles, noting their differences. Competing in shows like Showtime at the Apollo and Last Comic Standing significantly boosted his career. - He transitioned from stand-up to TV acting and writing, gaining insights from his role in "Sullivan & Son" and selling sitcom scripts. He highlighted the differences between TV and movie narratives. - Wood Jr. tackled comedy in sports and politics, stressing intelligent humor that promotes critical thinking. He shared insights from The Daily Show, focusing on the balance between humor and respect for serious issues.

Renowned chef Sang Yoon shares his journey from fine dining to opening the Helms Bakery, discussing challenges in culinary creativity, dietary restrictions, and childhood dreams of opulence. He reminisces about his culinary pursuits from California to Paris, camaraderie in the industry, and the transition to casual dining. Memories of winning best burger in America, facing culinary adventures on cooking shows, and the community impact of the restaurant business are also highlighted.

Join host Dan Maccarone as he interviews Lauren Tousignant, former editor of Jezebel, delving into the challenges of digital media, Jezebel's shutdown, and resurgence. They discuss managing editorial integrity with profitability, combating online trolling, covering anti-abortion movements, and the evolution of journalism in the polarized media landscape. Lauren shares childhood dreams, navigating college publications, and her journalistic journey from the New York Post to Jezebel, offering insights into the complexities of media industry and advocacy journalism.

Nolan Bushnell shares his journey from selling strawberries to creating Atari and Chuck E. Cheese, emphasizing his innovative mindset and focus on education through gaming. The episode explores his early entrepreneurial ventures, the impact of parenting on education and his transition from arcade games to education. Bushnell discusses the creation of Pong, gamifying education, and the challenges of updating curriculum to embrace entrepreneurship.

About the Guest(s): Alexa von Tobel is a highly-driven founder and financial expert best known for her pioneering work in the financial technology sector. She’s the founder and former CEO of Learnvest, a personal finance company that was acquired by Northwestern Mutual. Alexa’s relentless pursuit to make financial understanding accessible has led her to author several books, including “Financially Fearless” and a kid’s book, “Rebel Girls: Money Matters.” Her latest endeavor, Inspired Capital, finds her on the venture capital scene, investing in other innovative founders with big ideas. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Story in a Bottle, host Dan Maccarone engages with Alexa von Tobel over several glasses of Chardonnay. Alexa dives into her journey from art-fencing entrepreneur as a child to revolutionizing personal finance with Learnvest. The conversation provides a raw look at the trials and tribulations of standing up a disruptive fintech startup and the road leading to its eventual acquisition. Alexa also discusses the inception of her venture fund, Inspired Capital, which focuses on early-stage, generalist investments. From discussing the success and mindset required to back transformative ventures to understanding the intricates of raising a venture fund, the episode is a treasure trove of experiences. With marriage-like mergers and the significance of education in finance, Alexa outlines a life dedicated to impact. Key Takeaways: •          Alexa’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited early in her childhood, culminating in the creation of Learnvest and its mission to democratize financial planning. •          Even after a successful exit, Alexa’s passion for building has led her to venture capital with Inspired Capital — seeking to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. •          Her decision to write a children’s book on financial literacy underlines her lifelong commitment to educating people on managing their finances. •          The episode touches upon the evolution of Learnvest from a content site centered on women and finance to a comprehensive financial planning platform. Notable Quotes: •          “Learnvest, I really love investing my core. I am somebody who is really thoughtful about how do we make great financial decisions.” •          “I think social media is the one that’s, like, a third rail for us. And so there’s this great professor at NYU, Jonathan Hate, who’s talking all about the impacts, like, the data-driven impacts.” •          “It’s New York City. And so I love to think, know, New York City is an underdog. We’re in so many ways a capital of the.” •          “I became a certified financial planner. I was like, if I’m going to do this, I got to do it right.” Resources: •          Alexa von Tobel’s book: “Financially Fearless” •          Her book focussed on tech and finance: “Financially Forward” •          Kid’s book on financial literacy: “Rebel Girls: Money Matters” Tune in to the full episode to hear the complete narrative of Alexa von Tobel’s entrepreneurial journey and her insightful views on investing and finance. Be sure to catch more episodes from Story in a Bottle for compelling conversations with leading voices in tech, media, and entertainment.

About the Guest(s): Eric Friedman is a seasoned professional with deep roots in the New York startup scene. His illustrious career includes significant Union Square Ventures, Foursquare, and Expa Labs roles. At Union Square Ventures, Friedman was at the forefront of identifying and investing in high-potential startups, such as Foursquare, where he was one of the earliest employees and contributed to its growth in multiple capacities. As the head of Expa Labs, he leveraged his vast experience to propel one of the most successful accelerators in New York City. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to found Go Fractional, a platform designed to foster a community for fractional executives to find work and share collective wisdom. Episode Summary: In this Story in a Bottle episode, host Dan Maccarone delves into the expansive New York tech ecosystem with guest Eric Friedman, whose journey weaves through some of the city’s most influential startup ventures. Friedman shares his unique experiences from Union Square Ventures to his pivotal role at Foursquare and his leadership at Expa Labs. The conversation highlights Friedman’s latest venture, Go Fractional, which aims to revolutionize the concept of executive employment by harnessing the untapped potential of elite, high-caliber talent seeking fractional work. As Friedman unravels the rationale behind fractional work, the dialogue shifts to the multifaceted challenges and revelations accompanying finding and trusting this specialized group of executives. Listeners are treated to a deep dive into the intricate world of startups and venture capital through the lens of a seasoned insider. Notable Quotes: “It is much easier to embrace behavior than create behavior.” - Eric Friedman “If everyone would just do this, it’s going to work. And I’m like, great. How do you get the first person to do that?” - Eric Friedman “You could do it in three weeks versus three months.” - Eric Friedman “The goal of hiring someone is to hire someone smarter than you.” - Eric Friedman “I feel like you should be a paid spokesperson for gofractional.” - Dan Maccarone Resources: Go Fractional Website: Go Fractional (URL not mentioned in the transcript, derived from context) Join us for the entire episode to explore the transformative ideas and inspiring stories shared by Eric Friedman. Stay tuned for more engaging content from Story in a Bottle, where tech, media, and entertainment leaders open up over their favorite beverages.