HawkeTalk

In this episode, I sit down with Kaisa Levine, founder of NoseFrida and the woman behind one of the most recognizable baby products on the market.We talk about how she went from working on ambulances in New York City to launching a startup out of her garage, without any background in manufacturing, retail, or e-commerce. Kaisa opens up about how discovering NoseFrida on a trip home to Sweden sparked an idea that would lead to an international business, why she was so confident the “snot sucker” would work in the U.S., and how she scrapped her way into doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and eventually major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Whole Foods.We also discuss the emotional decision to bring on a CEO, the challenges of letting go after scaling the business, and how she’s using her time and resources now to support causes close to her heart, like wildlife rescue, foster care, and music education.If you’re building a brand from scratch, trying to solve a real problem, or wondering what it takes to go from idea to acquisition, this episode is packed with insight.In this episode: (00:00:00) Lessons from EMT work(00:05:13) Realizing new paths(00:10:02) Discovering NoseFrida in Sweden(00:16:07) Early sales and market reception(00:17:58) Breakthroughs and media attention(00:19:26) Scaling up and major retail partnerships(00:20:37) Inflection point and product expansion(00:21:19) Stepping back and selling the company(00:22:37) Overcoming business challenges(00:23:59) Current nonprofit and community work(00:27:34) Advice for aspiring entrepreneursHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Kaisa Levine is a Swedish-American entrepreneur, former EMT, and the original U.S. importer of the NoseFrida snot sucker—now a must-have baby registry staple. With no formal business training, she grew a scrappy side hustle into a household brand sold in Target, Amazon, Whole Foods, and more. After exiting the company, Kaisa redirected her energy to nonprofit work focused on animal rescue, foster care, and music education. She lives in Miami and continues to be a fierce advocate for causes that uplift families, children, and wildlife.Kaisa LevineFrida Website (formerly NoseFrida)Frida Baby on InstagramBaby on YouTubeFrida Baby on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Kaisa Levine, founder of NoseFrida and the woman behind one of the most recognizable baby products on the market.We talk about how she went from working on ambulances in New York City to launching a startup out of her garage, without any background in manufacturing, retail, or e-commerce. Kaisa opens up about how discovering NoseFrida on a trip home to Sweden sparked an idea that would lead to an international business, why she was so confident the “snot sucker” would work in the U.S., and how she scrapped her way into doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and eventually major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Whole Foods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know the only veterinarian to ever win a Nobel Prize wasn’t exactly an animal lover? In this episode I sit down with Professor Peter Doherty—a Nobel Prize-winning immunologist and veterinarian.We dive into Peter’s early career, where he aimed to improve animal health and food production—a goal many of us can relate to when thinking about making a real-world impact.Peter then walks us through his groundbreaking discovery of how CD8 T cells identify and destroy virus-infected cells—research that transformed immunology and cancer science. We follow his journey across Australia and the U.S., leading up to his Nobel Prize, awarded over 20 years after his original findings.With COVID-19 still on everyone’s minds, Peter discusses explaining vaccine development, long COVID, and the challenges of breaking down complex science for different audiences. He also shares his thoughts on public health funding and research support—issues that affect us all.Finally, Peter talks about shifting from research to writing and public engagement, including a potential book on the pandemic’s long-term effects. If you’re interested in science or curious about finding your own path, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Let’s dive in!In this episode: (0:00) Introduction and early motivation(1:01) Childhood and family background(8:57) Major discovery in immunology(15:07) T cells and vaccine research(18:03) Winning the Nobel Prize(20:52) Aging, retirement, and science communication(28:07) COVID-19 science communication(31:22) Pandemics, blame, and public perception(32:32) COVID-19 policy and vaccine development(43:19) Advice for young people and social media experienceHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Professor Peter Doherty is a Nobel Prize–winning immunologist best known for co-discovering how killer T cells recognize virus-infected cells—a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern immunotherapy. Originally trained as a veterinarian, Peter's career spanned continents, from animal pathology in Australia to influenza research in the U.S. He's authored multiple books, served as a public science communicator during COVID-19, and continues to write on science, climate change, and global health. Now 84, he remains as curious and candid as ever.Professor Peter DohertyNobel Prize Bio: nobelprize.orgBook: The Beginner’s Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize, Pandemics: What Everyone Needs to Know, and moreScience Communication Blog: Setting It Straight Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know the only veterinarian to ever win a Nobel Prize wasn’t exactly an animal lover? In this episode I sit down with Professor Peter Doherty—a Nobel Prize-winning immunologist and veterinarian.We dive into Peter’s early career, where he aimed to improve animal health and food production—a goal many of us can relate to when thinking about making a real-world impact. He shares how a medical researcher cousin influenced his path and how studying veterinary science in Brisbane and Edinburgh shaped his focus on infectious diseases.Peter then walks us through his groundbreaking discovery of how CD8 T cells identify and destroy virus-infected cells—research that transformed immunology and cancer science. We follow his journey across Australia and the U.S., leading up to his Nobel Prize, awarded over 20 years after his original findings.With COVID-19 still on everyone’s minds, Peter discusses explaining vaccine development, long COVID, and the challenges of breaking down complex science for different audiences. He also shares his thoughts on public health funding and research support—issues that affect us all.Finally, Peter talks about shifting from research to writing and public engagement, including a potential book on the pandemic’s long-term effects. If you’re interested in science or curious about finding your own path, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a theater-loving kid from suburban Chicago finds his true calling not on stage, but on a treadmill? In this episode, I sat down with Joey Gonzalez, Global CEO of Barry’s and one of the boldest voices in boutique fitness. His journey is wild—in the best way possible. From being the least athletic kid in a super-fit immigrant family to leading a global fitness empire, Joey’s story is all about identity, resilience, and betting on yourself.Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Joey was surrounded by sports-obsessed siblings and marathon-running parents. From secretly dreaming of the stage while eating pizza and watching TV to landing a lead role in a Chicago musical at 13, which led to a decade in film and TV. However, burnout prompted him to try Barry's workout on a whim, resulting in a significant transformation. He evolved from a client to a trainer, then General Manager, and eventually, the owner. Despite having no prior experience in operations or fitness leadership, Joey taught himself everything and worked his way into ownership.We talk about everything: stepping into your power, learning to scale a brand from two studios to 90 worldwide, what makes a great leader (hint: it’s not a title), and why he believes the most successful people don’t let fear sit in the driver’s seat. If you’re navigating a pivot, chasing purpose, or just trying to figure out your next big move… this episode is 100% for you.In this episode: (0:00) Replacing fear with focus(1:00) Growing up Latino and artistic in suburban Chicago(3:26) The audition that changed everything(10:30) Burnout, USC, and searching for what’s next(12:37) His first Barry’s class—and how it hooked him(14:01) Becoming a trainer and finding purpose(15:06) The early vision to transform lives(16:19) Climbing from GM to business leader(24:32) Building the Barry’s blueprint in NYC(31:53) Scaling to 90+ locations and counting(34:47) The mindset shift that changed everythingHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Joey Gonzalez is the Global CEO of Barry’s, the original high-intensity interval training workout that’s built a worldwide cult following. From sweeping floors to building out franchises and raising private equity, Joey has lived every chapter of Barry's story. A former actor and USC theater grad, he’s blended performance, passion, and persistence to scale one of the most recognized fitness brands in the world. He now lives in New York and leads Barry’s into its next era of growth.Joey GonzalezBarry's-WebsiteJoey Gonzalez-InstagramJoey Gonzalez-LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a theater-loving kid from suburban Chicago finds his true calling not on stage, but on a treadmill? In this episode, I sat down with Joey Gonzalez, Global CEO of Barry’s and one of the boldest voices in boutique fitness. His journey is wild—in the best way possible. From being the least athletic kid in a super-fit immigrant family to leading a global fitness empire, Joey’s story is all about identity, resilience, and betting on yourself.Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Joey was surrounded by sports-obsessed siblings and marathon-running parents. From secretly dreaming of the stage while eating pizza and watching TV to landing a lead role in a Chicago musical at 13, which led to a decade in film and TV. However, burnout prompted him to try Barry's workout on a whim, resulting in a significant transformation. He evolved from a client to a trainer, then General Manager, and eventually, the owner. Despite having no prior experience in operations or fitness leadership, Joey taught himself everything and worked his way into ownership.We talk about everything: stepping into your power, learning to scale a brand from two studios to 90 worldwide, what makes a great leader (hint: it’s not a title), and why he believes the most successful people don’t let fear sit in the driver’s seat. If you’re navigating a pivot, chasing purpose, or just trying to figure out your next big move… this episode is 100% for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the cure for a deadly disease is already sitting on a pharmacy shelf—but no one knows it?In this episode, I sat down with Dr. David Fajgenbaum, a former D1 college football player turned physician-scientist who is transforming the way we treat disease. You’ll hear how David went from chasing touchdowns to chasing cures—first for his mom, who died of brain cancer, and then for himself, after nearly dying from a rare disease that had no known treatment.David shares how he used his own blood samples, data, and sheer will to find a drug that saved his life—one that was originally made for organ transplant patients. That breakthrough led to Every Cure, a nonprofit using AI to match existing FDA-approved drugs with diseases they weren’t originally designed to treat. Thousands of lives have already been saved.If you’re passionate about impact, driven by purpose, or looking for inspiration to overcome the impossible, this one’s for you.In this episode: (0:00) Effort > Results? Why hard work still matters(1:00) Growing up football-obsessed in Raleigh, NC(5:18) The dream: D1 quarterback—until everything changed(6:42) A family tragedy leads to a life mission(9:50) Creating a national nonprofit from a dorm room(14:57) Studying cancer at Oxford, starting med school at Penn(17:36) Sudden illness, misdiagnosis, and a fight for his life(21:39) "We’re out of options"—so he became the researcher(24:24) Building a new model for rare disease research(26:51) The drug that saved him—originally meant for something else(27:39) Scaling his approach to help thousands(30:48) Launching Every Cure: AI meets drug repurposing(33:37) Why pharma doesn’t pursue most cures—and how David is fixing it(36:42) What’s next: scaling impact across the globe(38:09) David’s advice for anyone chasing excellenceHawkeMediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Dr. David Fajgenbaum is a physician, scientist, author, and social entrepreneur. As a med student, he nearly died from Castleman disease—a rare immune disorder—five times before identifying a repurposed drug that saved his life. Today, he's the co-founder of Every Cure, which uses AI and medical data to find new uses for FDA-approved drugs. His book Chasing My Cure chronicles that incredible journey.Every Cure – WebsiteDavid Fajgenbaum – LinkedInChasing My Cure – Book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the cure for a deadly disease is already sitting on a pharmacy shelf—but no one knows it?In this episode, I sat down with Dr. David Fajgenbaum, a former D1 college football player turned physician-scientist who is transforming the way we treat disease. You’ll hear how David went from chasing touchdowns to chasing cures—first for his mom, who died of brain cancer, and then for himself, after nearly dying from a rare disease that had no known treatment.David shares how he used his own blood samples, data, and sheer will to find a drug that saved his life—one that was originally made for organ transplant patients. That breakthrough led to Every Cure, a nonprofit using AI to match existing FDA-approved drugs with diseases they weren’t originally designed to treat. Thousands of lives have already been saved.If you’re passionate about impact, driven by purpose, or looking for inspiration to overcome the impossible, this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes it takes losing everything to realize what you truly need to heal.  In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Krasno—a man whose life reads like a masterclass in reinvention. From playing bluegrass festivals to founding Wanderlust, one of the world’s biggest wellness movements, Jeff’s journey is proof that sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come from the hardest breakdowns. Born into a peripatetic family, Jeff’s early years were marked by frequent moves across continents and the challenges of childhood hip dysplasia, shaping him into someone with a deep curiosity and a natural resilience.As Jeff recounts his colorful path—from discovering prodigious talent that launched him into the music world to creating one of the largest wellness festivals in the world—he also reflects on the profound lessons  learned along the way.This episode dives deep into Jeff’s personal story, exploring how the breakdowns in his life—whether professional or health-related—ultimately led to breakthroughs. In the wake of his struggles, he created Commune, a digital platform dedicated to health and personal transformation, helping others connect with top experts in functional medicine, mindfulness, and personal growth.In this episode: (0:00) Introduction: Health as finding balance(5:09) Childhood travels and language learning(15:15) Meeting his wife in art history class(24:31) Starting a record label in New York(35:26) 9/11's impact and wife's yoga studio(42:57) Creating Wanderlust wellness festivals(53:36) Building Commune and leadership principles(54:39) New book on benefits of doing hard things(57:07) Embracing stress as an opportunityHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Jeff Krasno is an entrepreneur, author, and wellness advocate whose career spans music, media, and holistic health. He is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Wanderlust, the renowned global yoga and wellness festival, and co-founder and CEO of Commune, a platform offering courses, podcasts, and retreats with leading voices in well-being. A former RCA Records executive and founder of Velour Records, Jeff is also the host of the Commune podcast and author of Good Stress. Named to Oprah’s SuperSoul 100, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Schuyler—also a co-founder of Wanderlust and Commune—their three daughters, and four chickens.Jeff KrasnoWanderlust-WebsiteCommune-WebsiteCommune-PodcastJeff Krasnow-LinkedIn Good Stress-Book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes it takes losing everything to realize what you truly need to heal.  In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Krasno—a man whose life reads like a masterclass in reinvention. From playing bluegrass festivals to founding Wanderlust, one of the world’s biggest wellness movements, Jeff’s journey is proof that sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come from the hardest breakdowns. Born into a peripatetic family, Jeff’s early years were marked by frequent moves across continents and the challenges of childhood hip dysplasia, shaping him into someone with a deep curiosity and a natural resilience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.