About the Guest(s): Polly Rodriguez is the co-founder and CEO of Unbound, a groundbreaking sexual wellness company that focuses on the design and manufacturing of vibrators, lubricants, and accessories. An advocate for women’s health and empowerment, Rodriguez’s entry into the sexual wellness industry was fueled by her personal experience of being diagnosed with cancer in college and facing early menopause. Following stints in governmental policy work with Senator Claire McCaskill and consulting at Deloitte, her journey led her to the startup realm with Grouper before spearheading her own venture. Under her direction, Unbound has committed to removing stigma and delivering quality products while championing female sexual health and education. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of Story in a Bottle, host Dan Maccarone sits down with a driving force in the tech, media, and entertainment industry—Polly Rodriguez, the co-founder of Unbound. Over an old fashioned, Polly shares her journey from a cancer diagnosis to the realization of sexual health needs and the inception of her own company. The conversation dives into the nuances of healthcare policy, Polly’s role in shaping a dating startup, and how her experiences led her to focus on transforming the sex toy industry. Polly discusses the challenges and triumphs of leading a sexual wellness company. She brings to light the stark disparities between the offerings of the sex toy industry and the actual needs of women. The episode not only explores Polly’s professional endeavors but also brings forth her personal challenges, her battles with cancer, and her introspections into the ever-evolving landscape of sexual identity and health. Key Takeaways: •      Polly Rodriguez’s journey from battling cancer at 21 to founding Unbound is a testament to her resilience and commitment to women’s sexual health. •      Despite the challenges and stigma, Unbound has made significant strides in mainstreaming sexual wellness. •      The episode highlights the complexity of advertising sexual wellness products and the role technology plays in sexual education. •      There’s an emphasis on the impact of societal discomfort with sex, sex education, and how businesses navigate these limitations. •      Polly’s experience with Grouper, her insights into the dating industry’s algorithms, and her passion for customer experience stand out significantly. Notable Quotes: •      “Unbound is a sexual wellness company. We design and manufacture over 30 vibrators, lubricants and accessories.” - Polly Rodriguez •      “It’s been kind of difficult to navigate to figure out that customer is a lot more price sensitive and generally, I think, less brand motivated.” - Polly Rodriguez •      “Every time I fall in love, anecdotally, it’s like when I’m not really looking for it. I’m really happy as a person, and I think that was our philosophy, and that’s why I loved so much of what Grouper was.” - Polly Rodriguez •      “less than 2% return rate. And if you’re not happy with your product, if it breaks, if you don’t like it, if anything happens, email us, no questions asked returns, we will refund you your money.” - Polly Rodriguez Resources: Tune in to the full episode for a deeper dive into Polly Rodriguez’s inspiring story. Discover more about how personal challenges can pave the way for innovative solutions in unexpected industries, and don’t miss out on other enlightening content from the series.  

In this episode of “Story in a Bottle,” host Dan Maccarone introduces us to the multifaceted life of Mark Wystrach, lead vocalist of the renowned country band Midland. Wystrach delves into his journey from growing up on an Arizona ranch, through his modeling and acting career, to his pivotal role in shaping the success of Midland. Engage in Mark Wystrach’s recollection of the band’s birth, insights into the music industry, and the synergies of Midland’s teamwork that catapulted them to stardom. Wystrach’s story is an inspiring tale of shifting gears and finding one’s true calling despite the odds. We explore his personal foray into show business, detailing his ventures on screen before embracing his passion for music. His narrative underscores the importance of dedication in honing his craft, whether it’s in front of a camera or a mesmerized crowd at Red Rocks. Throughout, Mark shares the band’s organic chemistry, their creative process, and why every performance is approached as a chance to deliver the best show of their lives. Key Takeaways: Personal Drive: Mark’s ambition to succeed in the arts and help his family underpinned his leap into acting and later, a full-fledged music career. Creative Journey: Transitioning from an acting career, Mark emphasizes the transformative process of co-founding Midland and their collaborative approach to music. Live Performances: Mark reflects on the electrifying experience of live performances and how they feed off the crowd’s energy to create unforgettable shows. Health and Fitness: As a performer, Mark discusses his commitment to maintaining fitness, flexibility, and mindfulness to tackle the physical demands of touring. Midland’s Essence: Key to Midland’s allure, according to Wystrach, is the trio’s authentic and collective efforts to resonate with fans across a spectrum of life experiences. Notable Quotes: “I’m always looking at what I put in my body because of my schedule… I’ve got young kids, so I want to be around for a long time, but I also like to have fun.” “It’s a privilege, it’s an honor, and it’s a gift… to create this thing that’s so magical. And there’s nothing like creating live music.” “I do think that you should kind of be nervous. But I also think that we’re so locked in now… it just feels like being part of a squadron.” “If you don’t learn anything, then you’re a fool. And it was all a waste of time. And luckily, I’m probably just half of a fool. And I was smart enough to learn a lot of lessons from that.” “What a job we get to do every day.” Resources: Insolito Tequila: Midland’s own tequila brand. Tune into the full episode to immerse yourself in the remarkable story of Mark Wystrach and discover more about the camaraderie, music, and the ongoing adventure that is Midland. Stay connected for more insightful episodes from “Story in a Bottle.”

In this episode of "Story in a Bottle," host Dan Maccarone pours over the career journey and personal anecdotes of Carol Ray Hartsell, an influential figure in the comedy and digital media landscape. The introductory conversation sets an intimate tone, reminiscing about the tight-knit New York comedy circuit that shaped her early career. Hartsell shares her experiences moving from Alabama to New York, immersing herself in the city’s vibrant artistic culture, and producing critically acclaimed comedy shows. Hartsell delves into the making of her directorial debut, "Love Reconsidered," the challenges faced during production, and the serendipitous connections that led her to direct the film. The conversation also covers her tenure at "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and her role in propelling the digital content of "Full Frontal with Samantha Bee," highlighting the nuanced differences in producing digital content for varied audiences. These insights reveal the dynamic and ever-evolving world of late-night comedy from a creator's perspective. Notable Quotes: "If you're this afraid to do it, just fucking do it." – Hartsell on deciding to direct her first film. "It's like, well, you could. It was actually easy to do at Ucbe’s because they had tech and they did a lot of the work for you." – Hartsell explaining the beginnings of her show "Lasers in the Jungle." "As long as I'm still working and doing this stuff, I don't need the stress of going to a theater that doesn’t want me there." – Hartsell on continuing her writing and producing career. "It felt like a little bit more of a ghost town." – Hartsell on shooting "Love Reconsidered" in the Hamptons during the off-season. "Marriage can fail, love can't." – Hartsell speaking about her and Sean Crespo's screenplay, "Divorce Cruise."

Brian Stelter is a prominent media personality known for his astute analysis and critique of the media industry. He started his journey with the creation of a Goosebumps fan site and then founded a highly impactful blog, TVNewser. His career took a significant turn when he joined CNN and hosted "Reliable Sources," becoming one of the youngest hires at The New York Times. Stelter is also an author, with books such as "Top of the Morning" reflecting deep insights into television and media operations. Episode Summary: In this candid conversation on "Story in a Bottle," host Dan Maccarone unearths the intricate tapestry of Brian Stelter's media journey. From humble beginnings to becoming a CNN host and critic of media practices, Stelter's narrative is entwined with the evolving landscape of news media. Initially, Stelter shares memorable anecdotes from his formative years, including his adventures in early-web fan sites and blogging. This eventually led to his influential role at The New York Times and his deep dive into the competitive world of morning TV shows. The discussion transitions smoothly into the dynamics of modern journalistic standards and the interplay between media and politics against the backdrop of monumental events like the Trump presidency and the rise of Fox News. The episode culminates with introspective reflections on Stelter's departure from CNN, his ongoing contributions as a media consultant, and his aspirations as a father. Listeners are treated to a profound exploration of the complexities inherent to balancing professional integrity with personal progression. Key Takeaways: Brian Stelter's early fascination with media led to creating one of the leading Goosebumps fan sites and the TVNewser blog. Stelter emphasizes the intertwined nature of the media and political realms, particularly in the context of the Trump era and its impact on news coverage. His tenure at CNN's "Reliable Sources" and the decision to transition from full-time hosting to consultancy and freelancing provides significant insights into the changing media landscape. Reflecting on being a target of right-wing media, Stelter shares his experiences of dealing with criticism and public attacks. As a father orchestrating a major life transition, Stelter prioritizes family while freelancing allows him to maintain his voice within the industry. Notable Quotes: "I wanted someone to be doing it... I thought to myself, I should blog this." "That was a very clear dividing line. Yeah, before Trump, we used to tape the show on Fridays..." "Fox News is a political machine. Donald Trump is a creature of the media." "It's like nobody cared, right? And so, yes, a thousand Twitter trolls would reply to him and say, yeah, Stelter sucks. But nobody in the real world, nobody in my real world cared." Resources: Brian Stelter's social media profiles (Not explicitly mentioned) New York Times website (Not explicitly mentioned) CNN's "Reliable Sources" archives (Not explicitly mentioned) Engage deeply with Brian Stelter's revealing narrative of the media landscape by listening to the full episode. Don't miss out on further enlightening content from "Story in a Bottle" - tune in for thought-provoking discussions that shed light on the media's intricacies from those who shape it.

About the Guest(s): Bea "B." Arthur is an innovative entrepreneur with a robust history in the tech and mental health sectors. She's the founder of two mental health startups that strive to make therapy more accessible. Her journey encompasses a variety of roles, including a domestic violence counselor, therapist, and founder. Her experiences extend to the media landscape with features on major platforms discussing failure, entrepreneurship, and mental health advocacy. Additionally, B. Arthur has been recognized by Bumble as one of their 100 most inspirational women. Episode Summary: In this captivating episode, host Dan McElroe sits down with B. Arthur, a trailblazer in the tech and mental health industries. Arthur delves into her personal and professional voyage, shedding light on the trials and triumphs along the way. With refreshing candor, Arthur recounts the challenges of starting her mental health-focused companies and how her appearance on Shark Tank played a vital role in her entrepreneurial journey. Listeners are treated to a raw reflection on the realities of founding startups, with Arthur openly discussing the peaks and valleys that have marked her path to success. She emphasizes the importance of mental wellness, her commitment to democratizing therapy, and the transformative power of meaningful conversations. Insights into the dynamics of therapy, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the future aspects of her endeavors are thoroughly explored. Key Takeaways: B. Arthur's candid sharing of her struggles and the eventual closing of her first startup provides a real look at the founder's journey. Transitioning from in-person to online therapy, Arthur was a pioneer in introducing therapy through video and later through voice and text. Her experience on Shark Tank significantly impacted her business, establishing a broader audience. Arthur emphasizes the value of therapy and coaching, highlighting her commitment to promoting accessible mental health care. The episode touches on the evolving perception of mental health care and the challenges faced by founders in the tech space. Notable Quotes: "The right talk at the right time can make all the difference." "Trouble is always temporary." "It was my origin story. So for five years, I did Pretty Padded Room, which became In Your Corner." "It's so good to me as a practitioner in the space, as somebody who has a therapist and a coach and an acupuncturist and two boyfriends, I really want to feel good." Resources: B. Arthur's Forbes contributions: Forbes B. Arthur on Fox News: Fox News B. Arthur's TEDx talk: TEDx Your Mom Cares: Your Mom Cares Tune into the full episode to hear B. Arthur's inspiring narrative and gain invaluable insights into the intersection of mental health care and technology. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions and stories in future episodes.

Dan Maccarone interviews Tristan Snell, discussing his experiences in law, technology and politics. They cover Snell's legal battle with Trump University and his video platform startup. Snell describes how his experiences have influenced his approach to politics and legal battles and highlights his transition from high-stakes legal cases to the fast-paced tech startup environment. Key Takeaways: - Tristan Snell played a pivotal role in the investigation and lawsuit against Trump University, leading to significant legal repercussions for the institution. - His startup, Snakt, aimed to pioneer the social video space and came close to acquisitions by big names like Twitter. - The COVID-19 pandemic played a critical role in determining the future of Snakt, with funding and operations coming to a standstill. - Snell has built a substantial following on social media, leveraging his insights into politics and law while ensuring authenticity and resonance with his audience. - Despite the optics of a traditional legal career, Snell's pursuit of a startup dream illustrates a non-linear path filled with learning, risk-taking, and a balance between professional endeavors and passion projects. Resources: Tristan Snell's Book: "Taking Down Trump" Tristan's Twitter: @TristanSnell  Join us for a fascinating deep dive into the mind and stories of Tristan Snell by listening to the full episode. With topics ranging from unparalleled legal battles to the thrills of startup life and a strong political stance, this conversation offers insights and lessons applicable well beyond their fields. Stay tuned for more enriching content in upcoming episodes of "Story in a Bottle." Timestamp Summary 0:00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest, Tristan Snell 0:01:58 Inspiration behind writing the book "Taking Down Trump" 0:05:19 Influence of Roy Cohn and his playbook on Trump's tactics 0:08:56 Increasing willingness to go up against Trump and the hope for justice 0:09:48 Experience of writing the book and finding a publishers 0:13:01 Tristan's approach to writing his book 0:14:00 Tristan's family background and moving around 0:15:34 Influence of growing up near Washington D.C. 0:17:14 Tristan's various nerd interests 0:17:55 Running for student council positions 0:19:26 Attending Princeton University 0:21:28 Considering law school 0:22:11 Motivations for going to law school 0:22:06 Interning at the White House and working on a campaign 0:25:39 Veep comes closer to reality in depicting the White House 0:29:10 Importance of understanding public perception and avoiding the echo chamber 0:30:46 Lessons learned from the corporate law experience 0:33:46 Tristan Snell reflects on his experience at the New York AG's office and the importance of perfectionism in law. 0:35:09 Discussion on the ongoing cases against Trump and the potential outcomes. 0:37:19 Anticipation of upcoming developments in the New York fraud case and the second E. Jean Carroll trial. 0:38:38 Analysis of the immunity issue and potential arguments in the DC case. 0:39:32 Introduction to Tristan Snell's role as an assistant AG in the New York AG's office. 0:40:15 Initial thoughts on the Trump case and the perception of Trump as a con artist. 0:41:46 Tristan Snell's realization of the extent of the harm caused by Trump's actions in the Trump University case. 0:43:11 Discussion on the emotional impact of hearing the victims' stories and the financial losses they suffered. 0:43:53 Introduction to the topic of the Trump mentorship program 0:45:58 Timeline of the investigation and lawsuit 0:46:40 Decision to leave law work and join a startup 0:47:53 Snacked's goal to be a social video platform 0:49:20 Highlights of Snacked's success and achievements 0:50:39 Memorable moments of user engagement on the platform 0:51:50 Product collaboration with YouTube star Philip DeFranco 0:52:21 Challenges of working together in a startup partnership 0:53:24 Struggles and fears as a startup CEO 0:54:16 Joining the startup full-time with limited funding 0:54:59 Challenges of starting a new social platform 0:55:37 Twitter's potential acquisition of the company 0:57:13 Difficulties and worst parts of the startup journey 0:57:33 The decision to start a side legal practice 0:59:29 The benefits of having a side hustle 1:00:47 Transitioning from snack to starting a legal practice 1:01:50 The impact of Covid on snack's closure 1:06:48 Learning from content creators and implementing strategies for success 1:07:21 Viners used to pull down posts that didn't meet their metrics within minutes. 1:07:49 Social media allows for more flexibility and amendability compared to legal filings. 1:08:03 Authenticity is important on social media. 1:09:19 Tristan Snell doesn't get nervous about posting opinionated content. 1:09:33 Comments provide real-time feedback, but Snell avoids reading them.

When Amanda Goetz left her corporate gig to sculpt her own path through the entrepreneurial wilderness, she didn't just trade a desk for a dream; she crafted a multifaceted empire, painting a life that harmonizes ambition with the purest forms of self-expression. Her story isn't just a blueprint for building a personal brand that resonates across social media platforms; it's a testament to the sheer willpower of a woman determined to shape her life on her own terms, with a sprinkle of marketing magic. Drawing the curtain back, Amanda shares her journey, from the pivotal moments that prompted her shift from Ernst & Young to the founding of her wellness gummy company, and the intimate details of navigating personal milestones alongside her career. With Amanda's narrative as our guide, we knit together the vibrant threads of creating multiple revenue streams, each tailored to distinct audience personas. Her strategic approach to audience ownership, from a captivating membership community to a sponsored newsletter, reveals the careful choreography behind each source of income. As we unravel the significance of legacy and the lasting impression of public work on her children, Amanda's reflections add a profound depth to the conversation on entrepreneurship. Her story is interwoven with insights on personal growth through transitions, be it a divorce or a leap into a new job, and the importance of community in both life and business. Peering into the future, Amanda does not shy away from the raw, unfiltered aspects of her entrepreneurial experience. She embodies the "build in public" philosophy, pulling back the curtain on the wins and the stumbles alike, fostering a community rallying behind authenticity. The episode wraps with a heartening nod to the power of fractional expertise, the art of knowing when to step in and when to step out, and the ripple effects of transparency in nurturing a supportive network. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own narratives, as each story—yours included—is a brushstroke in the broader canvas of our collective journey.   (00:03) Amanda Goetz Journey as a Creator (08:15) Multiple Revenue Streams and Social Media (18:26) Growing Up, School, and Career Paths (31:44) Start a Company, Transition to New Job (35:41) Founder's Breakfast and Changing Tech Scene (41:38) Creating a Wellness Gummy Company (53:13) Navigating Challenges and Growth in Entrepreneurship (01:05:15) Transparency and Expertise in Startup Growth (01:11:22) Expressing Gratitude and Acknowledgment for Appearance

When Bitcoin started gaining traction, Mike Dudas started buying. In fact, of all the cryptocurrencies out there, bitcoin is the only one he's gone all in on. But his passion for the Blockchain and Crypto world didn't end there. IN 2018, he not only put his money where is mouth was, but his whole career, when he started The Block, the goal being to create THE destination for news in the Blockchain and Crypto world. Over Negronis at Fools Gold in New York, Mike talks about how he started his career doing business development for Disney but eventually got the bug for FinTech, leaning to early roles at Google Wallet and Braintree, eventually co-founding the mobile payments company Button. Through it all, his devotion to crypto hasn't waned - including a passion so deep that it's gotten him kicked off Twitter multiple times. he talks about all that and more.   What You’ll Learn: How you know it’s time to leave a company you founded How using Twitter as a growth strategy can be a blessing and a curse How to pivot your mission based on a quickly changing landscape How to pivot your mission based on a quickly changing landscape

The tech world is understandably frustrating and at some point, you’ve just had enough. For Katie Smith-Adair, that point came after she watched Sonar, the startup she was working for, blow up. The mobile app was part of a plethora of location-based people finding networks that permeated South by Southwest in 2012, but never really found its footing. Over a bottle of Chardonnay at Fools Gold in Manhattan, Katie talks about her experiences from waiting tables in Portland, Oregon to moving from the agency world to Microsoft and finally how she started PlaceInvaders, a culinary company that hosts unique dining events in amazing residential spaces.   What You’ll Learn: How working in the service industry makes you better in the business world The glory and fall of working for one of the hottest startups of the moment The challenge and excitement of switching industries entirely to do what you love

From music promotion to managing bars. From political strategist to startup founder. From consultant to professor. Jeremy Kagan’s gone down many roads over the course of his career. Over a variety bourbons at Fool’s Gold in New York, Jeremy talks about how his career has taken so many different turns, the emotional trauma of running your own startup and how all his experiences prepared him for his latest role as the Managing Director at the Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center at Columbia Business School. What You’ll Learn: How the challenges of the music industry make you smarter in the more traditional business world How to persevere when your startup isn’t moving at the pace it needs for success Why business school can actually be useful for an entrepreneur