The Bear Roars

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Brad Feld—venture capitalist, author, and longtime Colorado ecosystem builder—for a candid conversation about innovation, acceleration, and the future that’s already here.They dive into the implications for leaders, educators, and policymakers, exploring why access and experiential learning will determine who thrives in the years ahead. Dan introduces his idea of the “super professional,” and Brad expands on how critical thinking and curiosity—not fear—will separate those who lead from those who get left behind.The conversation moves from macro to deeply personal as Brad shares how he’s applying these ideas in his own life and work. He reflects on the Give First philosophy that shaped Techstars and Foundry Group, the power of mentorship, and why giving without expectation remains his guiding principle in an age defined by exponential change.Learn more about Foundry: https://foundry.vc/Buy Brad's Book "Give First: The Power of Mentorship": https://a.co/d/jhC1JBKOrder Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/bookTo nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com

In this engaging discussion, Pat Lynch, Executive Managing Director at CBRE Data Center Solutions, shares insights from his extensive career in digital infrastructure. He dives into the transformative effects of AI and quantum computing on data centers, and recounts the exhilarating rise and fall of the bandwidth boom. Pat reflects on the importance of discipline amidst power constraints and highlights the evolving landscape of data center demand. With a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes, he emphasizes both the lessons learned and the promising future of the industry.

Dave Schaeffer, Founder and CEO of Cogent Communications, shares his journey through the telecom collapse of the early 2000s. He discusses how Cogent strategically acquired distressed networks like PSI Net for bargain prices, transforming crisis into opportunity. Schaeffer explains their focused approach on high-density buildings, operational tactics to cut installation costs, and the discipline of sticking to pure network architecture. His insights on leveraging the chaos of the telecom crash reveal a unique perspective on resilience and innovation in the industry.

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with Nick Forster — Founder & Host of eTown — for an intimate look at how music, community, and purpose have intertwined throughout Colorado’s creative evolution.Nick recounts hitchhiking to Colorado as a teenager in the 1970s, stumbling into Boulder’s live music scene, and helping define it through his work at the Denver Folklore Center and the formation of the bluegrass band Hot Rize. From late-night gigs at the Colorado Coal Company to international tours and a Bluegrass Hall of Fame induction, Nick’s journey traces the heart of Boulder’s musical DNA.He shares how a tour through Europe ultimately inspired the creation of eTown, a nationally syndicated show built on connection, sustainability, and civic spirit. Nick and Dan discuss how eTown Hall became a solar-powered community hub, how the arts can revitalize local economies, and why Boulder must reinvest in its creative infrastructure.They also dig into the emerging Boulder Roots Music Festival, the impact of Sundance’s arrival, and how bringing artists, entrepreneurs, and audiences together can spark a new cultural renaissance on the Front Range.Learn more about eTown: https://www.etown.org/Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/bookTo nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com

Join Bryan Dayton, an award-winning bartender and founder of Half-Eaten Cookie Hospitality, as he shares his journey from bartending at Juanita’s to launching successful concepts like Oak and Acorn. Bryan discusses his innovative cocktail philosophy, focusing on low-ABV options and the role of local initiatives in Boulder’s dining scene. He dives into the challenges of building a regenerative beef supply chain and the excitement surrounding the arrival of Sundance, which could reshape the community’s hospitality landscape.

In a captivating conversation, Horace Zona, Managing Director at DigitalBridge and veteran dealmaker, shares his insights on the dynamic world of telecom and digital infrastructure. He recounts pivotal transactions like AboveNet and Zayo, revealing the strategy behind price discovery as both art and science. Horace discusses competitive bidding, the importance of building relationships with investors, and how the current AI and robotics wave mirrors the late '90s boom. His tales from the boardroom highlight the skill of navigating complex negotiations and fostering long-term partnerships.

Seth Levine, co-founder and Partner at Foundry, is a key figure in Colorado's venture landscape, shaping its startup ecosystem. He discusses his journey from telecom in the 1990s to the rise of collaborative ventures post-dot-com bust. Seth highlights upcoming opportunities in defense tech, quantum research, and advanced energy, emphasizing Colorado's unique role in these areas. He also addresses the balance between local and outside capital, dives into AI's impact on GovTech and healthcare, and shares insights on the state’s ambitions as an innovation hub.

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Judge Andy Hartman—a Boulder District Court judge appointed in 2013, former Big Law partner, and devoted civic leader.Andy reflects on his journey: from chairing the Colorado litigation practice at Cooley LLP and serving as general counsel for Keen, to being appointed to the bench by Governor Hickenlooper in 2013. He’s handled felony criminal cases, civil disputes, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, mental health, and treatment court cases.  Dan and Andy explore how he shaped legal education by serving as the first Director of Experiential Learning at CU Law, teaching there for 12 years and serving on the Leeds Business School’s Deming Center Venture Fund board.  Andy shares how Boulder has evolved and how civic engagement, trust in the justice system, and community institutions like Sundance underscore the evolving role of the bench in a polarized era.Learn more about Colorado’s 20th Judicial District: https://www.coloradojudicial.govOrder Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/bookTo nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Chris Pearson—CEO of Agile Space Industries, for a wide-ranging conversation on propulsion, defense tech, and Colorado’s rise as a space hub.Chris explains how falling launch costs and the explosion of mega-constellations are transforming the space economy, why propulsion and mobility in orbit are critical to both national security and commercial growth, and how Agile is meeting the moment with thrusters built through advanced additive manufacturing.They dive into Agile’s roots in Durango as a propulsion test company, its expansion into full engine design and production, and the upcoming Tulsa facility that will help ease one of the industry’s biggest choke points. Learn more about Agile Space Industries: https://agilespaceindustries.com/Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/bookTo nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com

Molly Bloom, bestselling author and former poker entrepreneur, shares her riveting journey from high-stakes games to personal redemption. She reveals the adrenaline-fueled chaos of running underground poker for billionaires and facing threats from organized crime. With candor, Molly discusses pivotal moments of choice and resilience, including her transformative dive into meditation. She reflects on the challenges of navigating family relationships during legal battles and the catharsis of seeing her life story adapted for the screen, underscoring the power of authenticity and risk.