The Bear Roars

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Gregg Spiridellis, a digital media pioneer who went from Wall Street to reshaping online entertainment. Gregg co-founded JibJab, the viral content studio behind This Land and Elf Yourself, which dominated the early internet era with political satire and personalized videos. After two decades of innovation in digital storytelling, he and his brother launched StoryBots, a modern-day Sesame Street that became a Netflix hit and featured celebrity guests like Snoop Dogg, Jay Leno, and Scarlett Johansson. Now, Gregg is turning his focus to AI and mental wellness as Founder & CEO of Moments, an AI-driven journaling platform designed to make therapy more effective. Dan and Gregg cover: - His leap from Goldman Sachs to launching JibJab in 1999 - Creating viral internet sensations before YouTube even existed - How This Land catapulted them onto The Tonight Show and Sundance - Bootstrapping through the dot-com bust and reinventing digital content - The evolution of StoryBots and the strategy behind selling to Netflix - Why AI-powered journaling is his next big bet with Moments - His move to Boulder and the energy of its entrepreneurial community Gregg’s story is a masterclass in creative entrepreneurship, adaptability, and building businesses that stand the test of time. Learn more about Moments at ⁠https://www.getmoments.app/⁠ 🔗 Want to be a guest on The Bear Roars? To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest, email us at contact@loudbearproductions.com. 📖 Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom Reserve your copy now: dan-caruso.com/book

The Bear Roars Special edition series Bandwidth serves as a platform to celebrate the people and stories of Dan’s book, Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom. The story covers the epic journey of the creation of the Internet Backbones, the building of the early competitive fiber networks in the 1990s, the Bandwidth Boom, Bust, and Resurrection, ending in 2020 when Dan’s company, Zayo, was sold. Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom is available now! Reserve your copy now: https://dan-caruso.com/book/ In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Bill LaPerch, former CEO of AboveNet and a telecom veteran who played a key role in shaping the industry’s digital infrastructure. Bill’s career spans the rise of competitive fiber networks, the telecom boom, the WorldCom collapse, and the rebirth of the industry post-dot-com bust. Bill shares how his path started at West Point and led him to the 101st Airborne before jumping into telecom at MCI. He gives an insider’s view of WorldCom’s downfall, the internet bubble’s frenzy, and what it took to navigate AboveNet through bankruptcy and back to success. Dan and Bill discuss the evolution of fiber networks, why dark fiber became essential for major enterprises, and how the lessons from the past still apply in today’s AI-driven digital infrastructure world. If you’ve been part of the telecom world, are curious about its history, or want to understand the forces shaping digital infrastructure today, this episode is a must-listen. To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email us at contact@loudbearproductions.com.

The Bear Roars Special edition series Bandwidth serves as a platform to celebrate the people and stories of Dan’s book, Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom. Head to dan-caruso.com/book for more details.  In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Kevin O’Hara, Co-founder and CEO of Congruex, a leading telecommunications company dedicated to advancing digital connectivity. Kevin shares his fascinating career journey, starting with his time in Alaska working for Kiewit, a pivotal role that set the stage for his future in the telecommunications industry. The conversation takes a personal turn as Kevin recalls his transition to MFS, where he hired Dan—a significant move that showcased his willingness to take a chance on unconventional talent. Together, Dan and Kevin reflect on their shared history, including memories of influential colleagues like the late Royce Holland and Jim Crowe, who played key roles in shaping the telecommunications landscape. The duo dives into the driving motivations that led them to spearhead Level 3, a revolutionary company that redefined the digital infrastructure space. They also explore the future of digital infrastructure, highlighting the transformative potential of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. To learn more about Congruex: https://www.congruex.com/ To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email us at contact@loudbearproductions.com.

The Bear Roars Special edition series Bandwidth serves as a platform to celebrate the people and stories of Dan’s book, Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom. Head to dan-caruso.com/book for more details. In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso is joined by Neil Hobbs, Neil Hobbs, Partner at L5 Capital Partners and former Chairman of EuNetworks, and Brady Rafuse, former CEO and Chairman of EuNetworks—two industry titans with careers that span continents and decades of innovation. Neil and Brady share their incredible journeys from shaping the telecom industry in the UK at British Telecom to making waves in the U.S. at Level 3. Together, they reflect on pivotal moments like the failed BT-MCI merger, the highs and lows of the telecom boom and bust, and the transitions that led them to new leadership roles shaping the future of connectivity. The conversation dives into how they navigated major industry shifts, built resilient global digital infrastructure, and embraced cross-continental challenges. Whether you’re curious about the history of telecom, their leadership philosophies, or the future of connectivity in Europe and beyond, this episode is a must-listen. Highlights: - The untold story of the BT-MCI merger and its ripple effects. - Lessons in resilience from the telecom boom and bust. - Neil and Brady’s evolution from Level 3 to new leadership opportunities. - The evolving role of digital infrastructure in Europe and the U.S. Links: - Learn more about Eu Networks: https://eunetworks.com/about/ Explore L5 Capital Partners: https://www.lfivecapital.com/ To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email us at contact@loudbearproductions.com.

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan reconnects with Gillis Cashman, Managing Partner at M/C Partners and a longtime collaborator on industry-defining ventures like ICG and Zayo. Gillis reflects on their shared journey of transforming distressed telecom assets into thriving businesses, offering an insider’s perspective on the high-stakes world of private equity and telecom innovation. Dan and Gillis dive into pivotal moments in their careers, including bold moves like acquiring billions in assets for a fraction of their value and scaling Zayo to become a market leader. They also explore the future of digital infrastructure, from the immediate impact of AI on fiber networks to the long-term promise of quantum technology. Whether you’re interested in the evolution of telecom, the power of strategic investments, or the technologies shaping our digital future, this episode is packed with insights and stories you won’t want to miss. Order your copy of Bandwidth today: dan-caruso.com/book Learn more about MC Partners: https://www.mcpartners.com/ To nominate a guest or yourself as a speaker for The Bear Roars, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with telecom legend John Warta to explore his extraordinary career and the transformative role he played in shaping the fiber optic networks that revolutionized the industry. From his early days as a Vietnam veteran to working with Ross Perot at EDS, John’s journey into telecommunications was anything but conventional. John shares fascinating stories about the early days of fiber network construction, battling monopolies, and negotiating groundbreaking deals with industry giants like AT&T and MCI. He reflects on his time as a founder of Electric Lightwave, sharing the pivotal moments that defined the companies he was at and the lessons he learned along the way. As they dive into the dot-com boom and bust, Dan and John discuss the resilience required to navigate the volatile telecom landscape and the visionary thinking that drove innovation during one of the most exciting times in the industry’s history. Packed with insights and hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers a front-row seat to the evolution of telecommunications and the legacy of a true pioneer. Listen now and join us for an unforgettable conversation. Bandwidth is available for pre-order now for a February 4, 2025 release date - pre order your copy today! https://a.co/d/3BMxBRC To nominate a guest or submit feedback, email us at contact@loudbearproductions.com.

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan welcomes Carrie Charles, the dynamic CEO of Broadstaff, a company specializing in workforce solutions for the digital infrastructure industry. Together, they co-host a lively discussion, exploring their entrepreneurial journeys and the pivotal moments that shaped their careers. Carrie shares her inspiring story of transitioning from Marine to CEO, offering a glimpse into her experiences as a woman in the traditionally male-dominated field of digital infrastructure. She sheds light on how she’s working to make the industry more inclusive and welcoming for women. Dan discusses his new book, Bandwidth, and the personal and professional milestones that led to the creation of his company Zayo, a fiber network powerhouse. The two reminisce about their first meeting at MetroConnect and reflect on the early days of the telecom industry, offering unique insights into its evolution and what the future might hold. Click here to learn more about Broadstaff: https://broadstaffglobal.com/about-us/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Bill Barney to explore the evolution of digital infrastructure in Asia, the significance of the PTC conference, and personal anecdotes from their careers in the telecom industry. Bill shares insights from his time at AT&T and MCI, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships and the role of conferences in shaping industry dynamics.  Bill and Dan delve into the complexities of leadership during the tumultuous times at WorldCom and Asia Global Crossing. They discuss Bernie Ebbers' leadership style, the rapid growth in Asia, and the challenges faced during the transition to Asia Global Crossing.  The conversation highlights the impact of financial engineering on corporate stability and the unique dynamics of leadership in high-pressure environments.  The PTC Conference will be held on January 19-22, 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii and it is a great opportunity for people in the telecom and digital infrastructure fields to experience networking, insights, professional growth, and global exposure. Click here to learn more about PTC’25: https://www.ptc.org/ptc25/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

In this episode ofThe Bear Roars, Dan dives into the quantum world with Jun Ye, Fellow at NIST, JILA, and Adjoint Professor of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder. Jun is a visionary in precision timekeeping, known for his pioneering work with optical atomic clocks. These innovations earned him global recognition, including the Yuri Milner Breakthrough Prize and the Niels Bohr Medal.Dan and Jun explore how slowing down atoms using lasers led to unparalleled advancements in measuring time—down to unimaginable precision. They also uncover the science behind relativity, quantum superposition, and the incredible potential of time as an environmental sensor, from detecting earthquakes to mapping Earth’s gravitational shifts.This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the cutting edge of physics, the future of quantum technology, or how fundamental science shapes the world around us.Key Topics:The creation of optical atomic clocks and their precisionHow quantum mechanics and Einstein’s relativity intersect in timekeepingUsing laser-cooled atoms to revolutionize measurementsPractical applications of time sensors in understanding Earth's dynamicsClick here to learn more about Jun Ye and the Ye Labs at JILA: https://jila.colorado.edu/yelabs/people/yePre-order your copy of Bandwidth today at dan-caruso.com/book

Dan sits down with Natty Zola, Partner at Matchstick Ventures. Matchstick Ventures invests in early-stage technology companies in rapidly growing yet under-served startup ecosystems “between the coasts.” Before joining Matchstick, Natty co-founded Everlater, a travel startup backed by Techstars which eventually merged with Mapquest. Later he served as Managing Director of Techstars Boulder, guiding 63 companies through the accelerator, including transformative startups like Veho, Soona, and Tilt. Dan and Natty discuss Natty’s entrepreneurial journey, from launching Everlater to shaping the Techstars accelerator and eventually transitioning to venture capital. They delve into the evolution of Techstars, the dynamics of building community within the startup ecosystem, and Matchstick Ventures’ unique approach to investing in high-potential founders. The conversation also explores pivotal lessons learned from working with exceptional CEOs, the art of pivoting in business, and how to foster resilience in startups. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, strategic thinking, and building businesses with a long-term vision for impact. Click here to learn more about Natty Zola and Matchstick Ventures: https://www.matchstickventures.com/ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.