
Startup Hustle
Startup Hustle is a podcast for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs. With the mission of telling the real story of startups and entrepreneurs, topics range from funding to failure and beyond. If you want to start, own, or build a business then you're in the right place.
Latest episodes

Jan 12, 2024 • 42min
Navigating the Crowded Market Space
Join Matt Watson and Allison Cousins, Founder and CEO of Approach Dating, as they talk about navigating the crowded market space, specifically the world of online dating. Matt and Allison share their personal online dating anecdotes, highlighting the authenticity behind Approach Dating's organic approach. Together, they explore the intricacies of the online dating app landscape, shedding light on the hurdles of setting your product apart in a highly competitive industry. Matt emphasizes the significance of a robust go-to-market strategy, drawing inspiration from Allison's collaborative approach as a prime example. Tune in to this insightful discussion!
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
https://gigb.co/l/YEh5
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
https://fullscale.io
Visit the Approach Dating website:
https://www.approachdating.com
Connect with Allison Cousins:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-cousins
Discussion Topics:
Building a dating app and competing in a crowded market. (0:38)
Dating websites and their ownership. (7:46)
Dating app business model and partnerships. (11:57)
Building a dating app for singles at sports and entertainment venues. (16:47)
Hiring a CTO, dating app development, and marketplace challenges. (23:22)
Online dating experiences and strategies for connecting with potential partners. (29:13)
Differentiating a dating app in a competitive market through partnerships and unique go-to-market strategies. (34:46)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 10, 2024 • 43min
Why Building Software is Getting Easier
Join Matt Watson and Lorde Astor West, CEO and technical founder of RadHash, for an interesting discussion about building software in today's dynamic landscape. Astor talks about the concept of modules in software development so non-tech founders can build solutions on their own. They also discuss the challenges of scaling, data transfer from legacy systems, and fragmented microservices.
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
https://gigb.co/l/YEh5
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
https://fullscale.io
Learn more about Lorde Astor West:
https://radhash.ai
Discussion Topics:
Entrepreneurship, software development, and startup experiences. (0:33)
Balancing custom work and product development for a tech agency. (4:16)
Custom software development and low-code platforms. (11:49)
No-code development platform for building cloud-based solutions. (15:33)
Software development tools and ease of use over time. (22:31)
Scaling a startup's technology and managing risk. (27:36)
Balancing engineering and CEO roles, low-code development. (36:24)
Lorde Astor West encourages listeners to sign up for a beta and hit her up on LinkedIn (40:31)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 9, 2024 • 47min
Startup Tips for Non-Technical Founders
Join Matt Watson and Sean Parsons as they discuss strategies for non-technical founders navigating the complexities of managing tech startups. Hear about various challenges non-tech founders face: product development, feature planning, and the intricacies of managing technical debts. Additionally, discover the pivotal role of establishing clear relationship boundaries and fostering effective communication between founders and developers. This episode is loaded with endless insights and tips for non-technical founders!
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
https://gigb.co/l/YEh5
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
https://fullscale.io
Learn more about Sean Parsons:
https://www.seanpp.me
Discussion Topics:
Sean Parsons’ backstory (1:27)
Founders’ struggles with feature ideas (3:50)
Don’t try to build and own everything (6:29)
Product development and feature planning for a non-technical founder (10:08)
Software development challenges and technical debts (13:28)
The importance of consultants (18:14)
Communicating with software developers as a non-technical founder (19:38)
Boundaries and structures (22:53)
Authority and confidence (27:25)
Education and managing resources (31:17)
Working with a development agency versus direct hiring developers (34:06)
Sean Parsons’ Startup OS (42:41)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 4, 2024 • 42min
Saving Lives with Medical Device Startups
Join Matt Watson and Tristen Hazlett, Founder and CEO of Hinckley Medical LLC, as they explore his medical device startup journey. Listen to Tristen recount the inception of his startup right out of college and the challenges faced in developing a medical device. Gain insights into the dynamics of family collaboration within a startup, the intricacies of selling in the EMS sector, and the importance of patents.
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
https://gigb.co/l/YEh5
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
https://fullscale.io
Learn more about Hinckley Medical LLC:
https://hinckleymed.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 3, 2024 • 46min
Managing Software Projects
Join Matt Watson and Alex Polyakov, CEO of Project Simple, as they talk about managing software projects. Listen to their entertaining discussion about conflicts between product development and engineering needs. Gain insights into effective productivity tracking and strategies for market persuasion. Plus, unravel the complexities of technical debts.
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
https://gigb.co/l/YEh5
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
https://fullscale.io
Learn more about Project Simple:
www.projectsimple.ai
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 2, 2024 • 47min
How to Build Your Startup's Waitlist
Join Matt Watson and Josh Ledgard, Founder of KickoffLabs, as they discuss crafting a killer startup waitlist. Josh tells Matt how KickoffLabs evolved through customer feedback and insights. Explore the pivotal role a waitlist plays in generating diverse buzz for your offerings, unraveling the secrets of strategic product and service launches.
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
https://gigb.co/l/YEh5
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
https://fullscale.io
Learn more about KickoffLabs:
https://kickofflabs.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 28, 2023 • 41min
Raising Capital Lessons, Big Pharma & Patient Support
Join Matt Watson and Luke Buchanan, CEO of Redi.Health, for an exciting conversation about navigating the pharmaceutical industry as a startup founder. Uncover the challenges and triumphs of navigating the big pharma industry, patient support, and the nuances of pre-product fundraising for VC-backed startups. Gain valuable insights on managing growth, investing in talent, and building a team poised for success. 🚀
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
https://gigb.co/l/YEh5
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
https://fullscale.io
Learn more about Redi.Health:
https://www.redi.health
Hear about all of the Top Columbus Startups:
https://link.chtbl.com/Columbus
Read about the Top Columbus Startups as featured in Inc.:
https://www.inc.com/inc-masters/columbus-startups-to-watch-in-2024.html
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 27, 2023 • 46min
A Medical Device-to-Market Journey
Join Lauren Conaway and Bradford Holden, CEO of Resilient Lifescience, as they discuss the intricate journey of bringing a medical device to market. Together they address the pressing issue of the opioid crisis and shed light on Resilient Lifescience's contributions to mitigating it. They delve into the challenges inherent in launching wearable medical devices, underscore the significance of customer engagement, and explore the unique blend of challenges and excitement of being a founder.
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
https://gigb.co/l/YEh5
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
https://fullscale.io
Learn more about InnovateHER KC:
https://innovateherkc.com
Learn more about Resilient Lifescience:
https://www.resilient.bio
Listen to Startup Hustle's Top Pittsburg Startups episode:
https://link.chtbl.com/pitts
Read the feature on Inc.com:
https://www.inc.com/inc-masters/pittsburgh-startups-to-watch-in-2024.html
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 26, 2023 • 44min
API Security
A lively conversation about the importance and challenges of IT and API security, including the motivations behind hackers targeting vaccine development. Lessons learned from founding multiple companies and the evolution of FireTail, an API security solution. Benefits and challenges of running a business in Virginia, optimizing for different user groups, and lessons for entrepreneurs on learning and adapting.

Dec 26, 2023 • 50min
Why Women Need to Put Themselves Forward for Leadership
Join Lauren Conaway and Kelly Sievers, Managing Director of Women’s Capital Connection, as they discuss why women should actively pursue leadership roles. Kelly and Lauren navigate the challenges that women encounter in the business and leadership realms. They demystify the concepts of gender equity, diversity, and equality, shedding light on their indispensable role in every business. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the vital importance of embracing diverse perspectives as a pathway to success.
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
https://gigb.co/l/YEh5
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
https://fullscale.io
Learn more about Women’s Capital Connection:
https://womenscapitalconnection.com/home
Learn more about InnovateHER KC:
https://innovateherkc.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.