
KindredCast
KindredCast brings you news, views and insights from the world of media, technology and everything in between. Produced by and curated by Kindred Media and powered by global merchant and investment bank LionTree, the show features in-depth conversations with other industry leaders. You'll get the inside scoop on the dynamics driving media and tech, insights into the future and even some life lessons.
Latest episodes

Jun 5, 2025 • 23min
Listen on Purpose: Leveling Up Your Leadership - and Followship - with James Turk
Join Rachel Kraus and Caryl Stern as they examine the intersection of purpose and business. In this episode, our hosts hear from James Turk, CEO & Founder of The Turk Group. With more than 25 years of experience developing leaders at companies such as Spotify, Squarespace, and Goldman Sachs, James helps people move from managing tasks to truly inspiring others. Tune in to hear insights from James’s recently published book, “The Giving Game: Becoming The Leader That Others Want To Follow.”This podcast is for information purposes only. The opinions and views expressed in this material are solely the participant’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. This material should not be copied, distributed, published, or reproduced, in whole or in part, or disclosed by any recipient to any other person without the express written consent of LionTree. The information contained in this material does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation from any LionTree entity to the recipient with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, and LionTree is not providing any financial, economic, legal, investment, accounting, or tax advice through this material or to its recipient. Neither LionTree nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this material and any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) is expressly disclaimed. LionTree does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions set forth in this material.Third-party content may be published on LionTree pages in response to this material. Such content is not reviewed by LionTree before it is displayed and LionTree cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such content. The opinions and views expressed by the authors of such third-party content are solely the author’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. LionTree reserves the right to remove, alter or edit any third-party content published on LionTree pages. LionTree expressly disclaims any liability (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) arising out of, or in connection with, the access or use of any social media platform or LionTree page. Use of a social media platform or LionTree page is at your own risk.Securities of any investment funds managed by LionTree are privately offered to selected investors only by means of each such fund’s governing documents and related subscription materials. Listeners and viewers should not assume that companies identified in this audio and/or video are representative of all investments made or recommended by LionTree on behalf of each firm’s clients. An investment with LionTree is speculative and involves significant risks including the potential loss of all or a substantial portion of invested capital and the lack of liquidity of an investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.For further information, please see: https://liontree.com/disclaimer/. If you have questions, please go to https://liontree.com/ and select “Contact.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 19, 2025 • 33min
Finding Opportunities in Moments of Uncertainty with Blackstone’s Lionel Assant
LionTree’s Louis Kenna is joined in the company’s UK office by Lionel Assant, Global Co-Chief Investment Officer of Blackstone. Lionel came to Blackstone in 2003, four years prior to the firm going public; in that time, their AUM has risen from ~$27 Billion to around $1.1 Trillion. Executing on 70 plus strategies across four divisions, Lionel details how Blackstone’s scale enables them to make bold investments, and, via their long-standing involvement with Impetus, to apply time-tested Private Equity methodology to effect social good.This podcast is for information purposes only. The opinions and views expressed in this material are solely the participant’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. This material should not be copied, distributed, published, or reproduced, in whole or in part, or disclosed by any recipient to any other person without the express written consent of LionTree. The information contained in this material does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation from any LionTree entity to the recipient with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, and LionTree is not providing any financial, economic, legal, investment, accounting, or tax advice through this material or to its recipient. Neither LionTree nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this material and any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) is expressly disclaimed. LionTree does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions set forth in this material.Third-party content may be published on LionTree pages in response to this material. Such content is not reviewed by LionTree before it is displayed and LionTree cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such content. The opinions and views expressed by the authors of such third-party content are solely the author’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. LionTree reserves the right to remove, alter or edit any third-party content published on LionTree pages. LionTree expressly disclaims any liability (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) arising out of, or in connection with, the access or use of any social media platform or LionTree page. Use of a social media platform or LionTree page is at your own risk.Securities of any investment funds managed by LionTree are privately offered to selected investors only by means of each such fund’s governing documents and related subscription materials. Listeners and viewers should not assume that companies identified in this audio and/or video are representative of all investments made or recommended by LionTree on behalf of each firm’s clients. An investment with LionTree is speculative and involves significant risks including the potential loss of all or a substantial portion of invested capital and the lack of liquidity of an investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.For further information, please see: https://liontree.com/disclaimer/. If you have questions, please go to https://liontree.com/ and select “Contact.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 7, 2025 • 38min
Listen on Purpose: Arguing Joyfully with Raj Vinnakota
Join Rachel Kraus and Caryl Stern as they examine the intersection of purpose and business. In this episode, we hear from Raj Vinnakota, the President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. The organization's goal is to "equip young people with the civic skills necessary to navigate a divided country and become effective leaders," and Raj's first-hand experience in the corporate and non-profit world is a case study for productive engagement. As he works with leaders and educators across the country, Raj emphasizes the importance of developing your own skill of discernment, and not assigning equal value to every piece of information you come across. An insightful chat about the potential for reducing conflict in civic spaces everywhere.This podcast is for information purposes only. The opinions and views expressed in this material are solely the participant’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. This material should not be copied, distributed, published, or reproduced, in whole or in part, or disclosed by any recipient to any other person without the express written consent of LionTree. The information contained in this material does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation from any LionTree entity to the recipient with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, and LionTree is not providing any financial, economic, legal, investment, accounting, or tax advice through this material or to its recipient. Neither LionTree nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this material and any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) is expressly disclaimed. LionTree does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions set forth in this material.Third-party content may be published on LionTree pages in response to this material. Such content is not reviewed by LionTree before it is displayed and LionTree cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such content. The opinions and views expressed by the authors of such third-party content are solely the author’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. LionTree reserves the right to remove, alter or edit any third-party content published on LionTree pages. LionTree expressly disclaims any liability (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) arising out of, or in connection with, the access or use of any social media platform or LionTree page. Use of a social media platform or LionTree page is at your own risk.Securities of any investment funds managed by LionTree are privately offered to selected investors only by means of each such fund’s governing documents and related subscription materials. Listeners and viewers should not assume that companies identified in this audio and/or video are representative of all investments made or recommended by LionTree on behalf of each firm’s clients. An investment with LionTree is speculative and involves significant risks including the potential loss of all or a substantial portion of invested capital and the lack of liquidity of an investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.For further information, please see: https://liontree.com/disclaimer/. If you have questions, please go to https://liontree.com/ and select “Contact.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 5min
Winner Takes Most with Serial Entrepreneur Fabrice Grinda
LionTree’s Antal Runneboom sits down with FJ Labs Founding Partner Fabrice Grinda, whose long and successful career in the tech space includes co-founding wireless mobile company Zingy as well as global marketplace OLX. Fabrice gives fascinating perspective into the opportunities around vertical-specific marketplaces; the process by which he and his FJ Labs partners select the hundreds of start-ups they’ve invested in; why humanoid robots and AI-powered investors are coming faster than any of us realize; and an inspiring vision for how future energy abundance will enable us to “waste energy” inventing the next cool thing.This podcast is for information purposes only. The opinions and views expressed in this material are solely the participant’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. This material should not be copied, distributed, published, or reproduced, in whole or in part, or disclosed by any recipient to any other person without the express written consent of LionTree. The information contained in this material does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation from any LionTree entity to the recipient with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, and LionTree is not providing any financial, economic, legal, investment, accounting, or tax advice through this material or to its recipient. Neither LionTree nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this material and any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) is expressly disclaimed. LionTree does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions set forth in this material.Third-party content may be published on LionTree pages in response to this material. Such content is not reviewed by LionTree before it is displayed and LionTree cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such content. The opinions and views expressed by the authors of such third-party content are solely the author’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. LionTree reserves the right to remove, alter or edit any third-party content published on LionTree pages. LionTree expressly disclaims any liability (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) arising out of, or in connection with, the access or use of any social media platform or LionTree page. Use of a social media platform or LionTree page is at your own risk.Securities of any investment funds managed by LionTree are privately offered to selected investors only by means of each such fund’s governing documents and related subscription materials. Listeners and viewers should not assume that companies identified in this audio and/or video are representative of all investments made or recommended by LionTree on behalf of each firm’s clients. An investment with LionTree is speculative and involves significant risks including the potential loss of all or a substantial portion of invested capital and the lack of liquidity of an investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.For further information, please see: https://liontree.com/disclaimer/. If you have questions, please go to https://liontree.com/ and select “Contact.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 3, 2025 • 39min
Beyond The Superstars: Hoops Legend Shane Battier on the Secret to Building Resilient Teams
Two-time NBA champion and Duke University mainstay Shane Battier checks in with LionTree’s resident sports expert, Alex Michael, to share his philosophy on what makes teams - and businesses - great. Shane discusses his experiences under Duke’s renowned Coach K (most recently lionized on “The Bear”), and reflects on the importance of the “glue guys” who help all of their colleagues shine. This podcast is for information purposes only. The opinions and views expressed in this material are solely the participant’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. This material should not be copied, distributed, published, or reproduced, in whole or in part, or disclosed by any recipient to any other person without the express written consent of LionTree. The information contained in this material does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation from any LionTree entity to the recipient with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, and LionTree is not providing any financial, economic, legal, investment, accounting, or tax advice through this material or to its recipient. Neither LionTree nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this material and any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) is expressly disclaimed. LionTree does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions set forth in this material.Third-party content may be published on LionTree pages in response to this material. Such content is not reviewed by LionTree before it is displayed and LionTree cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such content. The opinions and views expressed by the authors of such third-party content are solely the author’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. LionTree reserves the right to remove, alter or edit any third-party content published on LionTree pages. LionTree expressly disclaims any liability (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) arising out of, or in connection with, the access or use of any social media platform or LionTree page. Use of a social media platform or LionTree page is at your own risk.Securities of any investment funds managed by LionTree are privately offered to selected investors only by means of each such fund’s governing documents and related subscription materials. Listeners and viewers should not assume that companies identified in this audio and/or video are representative of all investments made or recommended by LionTree on behalf of each firm’s clients. An investment with LionTree is speculative and involves significant risks including the potential loss of all or a substantial portion of invested capital and the lack of liquidity of an investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.For further information, please see: https://liontree.com/disclaimer/. If you have questions, please go to https://liontree.com/ and select “Contact.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 39min
“There’s Nothing to Celebrate Until We Exit” with Apollo’s Reed Rayman
Reed Rayman, a Partner at Apollo Global Management specializing in tech and media investments, shares insights from his impressive 15-year career. He discusses the dramatic growth of Apollo, highlighting how assets surged from $30 billion to $700 billion. Reed delves into navigating investment strategies during the pandemic and the complexities behind significant deals, like Yahoo's carve-out from Verizon. He also explores the disruptive potential of AI in private equity and shares a lighthearted lightning round revealing his personal interests.

Dec 16, 2024 • 39min
Listen on Purpose: How To Tell Your Own Story with Amoofy's Luis Duarte
Join Rachel Kraus and Caryl Stern as they examine the intersection of purpose and business. In this episode, they hear the colorful life story of Luis Duarte, a serial entrepreneur whose career has taken him from facing down gun-toting cartel members to founding Amoofy - which stands for “A Moment of You” - a platform that enables you to document and share your family’s history ethically and privately, while owning 100% of your data. Luis shares enlightening tales of inspiration and iteration.This podcast is for information purposes only. The opinions and views expressed in this material are solely the participant’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. This material should not be copied, distributed, published, or reproduced, in whole or in part, or disclosed by any recipient to any other person without the express written consent of LionTree. The information contained in this material does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation from any LionTree entity to the recipient with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, and LionTree is not providing any financial, economic, legal, investment, accounting, or tax advice through this material or to its recipient. Neither LionTree nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this material and any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) is expressly disclaimed. LionTree does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions set forth in this material.Third-party content may be published on LionTree pages in response to this material. Such content is not reviewed by LionTree before it is displayed and LionTree cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such content. The opinions and views expressed by the authors of such third-party content are solely the author’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. LionTree reserves the right to remove, alter or edit any third-party content published on LionTree pages. LionTree expressly disclaims any liability (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) arising out of, or in connection with, the access or use of any social media platform or LionTree page. Use of a social media platform or LionTree page is at your own risk.Securities of any investment funds managed by LionTree are privately offered to selected investors only by means of each such fund’s governing documents and related subscription materials. Listeners and viewers should not assume that companies identified in this audio and/or video are representative of all investments made or recommended by LionTree on behalf of each firm’s clients. An investment with LionTree is speculative and involves significant risks including the potential loss of all or a substantial portion of invested capital and the lack of liquidity of an investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.For further information, please see: https://liontree.com/disclaimer/. If you have questions, please go to https://liontree.com/ and select “Contact.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 2, 2024 • 46min
From 15 Minutes to 50 Years - Powering The Next Generation of Music Stars with Mellomanic’s Andy Apple
Andy Apple, CEO of Mellomanic, shares his journey from music blogger to innovating fan engagement in the music industry. He discusses how Mellomanic transforms artist-superfan relationships through interactive listening parties and exclusive experiences. The conversation dives into the evolution of music fandom, emphasizing how social media has shifted fans from passive observers to active participants. Andy also explores the role of AI in music creation and distribution, shaping future opportunities for artists and creators alike.

Oct 28, 2024 • 56min
An Ethical Model for AI Music Creation with Jen Music AI’s Shara Senderoff
In this episode, LionTree’s James Lindsay gets the lowdown on Jen Music AI from co-founder and music industry vet Shara Senderoff. Earlier this year, Jen launched an ethically-trained AI music platform for text-to-music creation, and Shara details the platform’s commitment to transparency, compensation and copyright identification. It’s a glimpse at how content creators can utilize generative AI to enhance their vision, and their profits. The episode includes some original Jen Music AI tracks created by Shara as well.Find and rate KindredCast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. For more content, follow KindredCast on YouTube. This podcast is for information purposes only. The opinions and views expressed in this material are solely the participant’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. This material should not be copied, distributed, published, or reproduced, in whole or in part, or disclosed by any recipient to any other person without the express written consent of LionTree. The information contained in this material does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation from any LionTree entity to the recipient with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, and LionTree is not providing any financial, economic, legal, investment, accounting, or tax advice through this material or to its recipient. Neither LionTree nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this material and any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) is expressly disclaimed. LionTree does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions set forth in this material.Third-party content may be published on LionTree pages in response to this material. Such content is not reviewed by LionTree before it is displayed and LionTree cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such content. The opinions and views expressed by the authors of such third-party content are solely the author’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. LionTree reserves the right to remove, alter or edit any third-party content published on LionTree pages. LionTree expressly disclaims any liability (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) arising out of, or in connection with, the access or use of any social media platform or LionTree page. Use of a social media platform or LionTree page is at your own risk.Securities of any investment funds managed by LionTree are privately offered to selected investors only by means of each such fund’s governing documents and related subscription materials. Listeners and viewers should not assume that companies identified in this audio and/or video are representative of all investments made or recommended by LionTree on behalf of each firm’s clients. An investment with LionTree is speculative and involves significant risks including the potential loss of all or a substantial portion of invested capital and the lack of liquidity of an investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.For further information, please see: https://liontree.com/disclaimer/. If you have questions, please go to https://liontree.com/ and select “Contact.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 8, 2024 • 42min
How to Nurture Your Personal Brand with Digital and Savvy’s Maha Abouelenein
Today, join LionTree Managing Director Rosie Kurmaniak as she engages in an illuminating conversation with communications guru Maha Abouelenein (https://www.mahaabouelenein.com/). Over her three decade career, Maha has crafted strategies for global corporations, startups, governments and CEOs, as well as managing comms for major tech companies in the Middle East. She’s just published her first book, “7 Rules of Self-Reliance: How to Stay Low, Keep Moving, Invest in Yourself, and Own Your Future,” (https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Self-Reliance-Moving-Invest-Yourself/dp/1401978665), and in her conversation with Rosie she gives a masterclass in how entrepreneurs and executives alike can develop their personal brands and “put deposits in other peoples’ trust banks.” It’s a conversation that is equal parts practical and inspirational.Find and rate KindredCast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. For more content, follow KindredCast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can hear our radio show on SiriusXM Business Radio, channel 132 and on United Airlines. And you can find all of Kindred Media’s podcasts and subscribe to our daily newsletter, “Take a Break with Kindred Media,” here (https://kindredmedia.com).This podcast is for information purposes only. The opinions and views expressed in this material are solely the participant’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. This material should not be copied, distributed, published, or reproduced, in whole or in part, or disclosed by any recipient to any other person without the express written consent of LionTree. The information contained in this material does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation from any LionTree entity to the recipient with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, and LionTree is not providing any financial, economic, legal, investment, accounting, or tax advice through this material or to its recipient. Neither LionTree nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this material and any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) is expressly disclaimed. LionTree does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions set forth in this material.Third-party content may be published on LionTree pages in response to this material. Such content is not reviewed by LionTree before it is displayed and LionTree cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such content. The opinions and views expressed by the authors of such third-party content are solely the author’s personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LionTree or its affiliates. LionTree reserves the right to remove, alter or edit any third-party content published on LionTree pages. LionTree expressly disclaims any liability (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever) arising out of, or in connection with, the access or use of any social media platform or LionTree page. Use of a social media platform or LionTree page is at your own risk.Securities of any investment funds managed by LionTree are privately offered to selected investors only by means of each such fund’s governing documents and related subscription materials. Listeners and viewers should not assume that companies identified in this audio and/or video are representative of all investments made or recommended by LionTree on behalf of each firm’s clients. An investment with LionTree is speculative and involves significant risks including the potential loss of all or a substantial portion of invested capital and the lack of liquidity of an investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results.For further information, please see: https://liontree.com/disclaimer/. If you have questions, please go to https://liontree.com/ and select “Contact.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.