The Puck: Venture Capital and Beyond: Recent Episodes
Jim Baer
The Puck: Venture Capital & Beyond showcases the innovative forethought that defines the venture capital world. Join us as we follow the puck and explore what this community has to offer. Listen as we have in-depth conversations, gaining insights and lessons from well-established VCs, entrepreneurs, and other leading technology experts. We will learn about their successes, challenges, and how they got to where they are today. Along the way we will discover what investors most look for in who they invest in and what to avoid when making your pitch.
We will also follow industry leaders to understand the cutting-edge technologies and trends that continue to shape our world.
In this episode of The Puck, Jim Baer sits down with acclaimed author and journalist Oliver Burkeman, whose books Four Thousand Weeks and The Antidote have reshaped how we think about time, productivity, and perfectionism.Oliver introduces ideas from his forthcoming book Meditations for Mortals, exploring how embracing our human limitations—rather than denying them—opens the path to deeper meaning and accomplishment. From the illusion of “getting on top of everything,” to the paradox of slowing down in a productivity-obsessed culture, Oliver offers insights drawn from philosophy, spirituality, and his own journey.Together, Jim and Oliver reflect on mortality, imperfectionism, and how practices like patience, Sabbath rest, and journaling can help us live saner, more fulfilling lives.
Musician turned therapist Dan Koch joins The Puck: Venture Capital & Beyond to share his remarkable journey from touring in a rock band to pioneering research on spiritual abuse. We explore how faith and psychology intersect, why polarization is so hard to overcome, and why Dan believes ‘reality itself can be the medicine.’ A conversation about healing, curiosity, and hope in a divided world.
As violence flares in Gaza and the Middle East teeters on the edge of a wider crisis, The Puck turns to Aaron David Miller — a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; a former State department analyst and negotiator in Republican and Democratic Administrations — for an unflinching look at the road ahead. In this urgent conversation, we explore the hard lessons of history, the role of U.S. leverage, the realities of Israeli and Palestinian leadership, and whether there’s any realistic path to a lasting peace after October 7th. A candid, deeply informed discussion that cuts through political soundbites to the heart of one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.
Stanford professor and financial reform advocate Anat Admati joins Jim to unpack the growing fragility in our financial system and the dangerous myths still shaping public policy. From shadow banking and corporate debt subsidies to crypto hype and post-crisis denial, Admati pulls no punches in exposing the deep structural flaws threatening American capitalism.They discuss why financial regulations continue to fall short and what real reform would look like. Admati explains how public anger after 2008 was hijacked by dangerous narratives, why crypto's promise is largely a mirage, and how shadow banking adds new layers of systemic risk. She makes the case for genuine accountability—in both government and the private sector—and warns of the moral cost of allowing “profitable misconduct” to persist.This is a candid conversation about fragility, power, truth—and what it will take to rebuild a system that actually serves society.
Journalist and author John B. Judis joins Jim to unpack the political chaos of our time—from Trump and Sanders to shifting class loyalties, cultural divides, and the fragile state of democracy. Is a new political order emerging—or are we just stuck in a dangerous loop?
David French returns to The Puck for a wide-ranging, deeply thoughtful conversation about the state of American democracy, the risks of authoritarianism, and the spiritual costs of political polarization. A New York Times columnist and former National Review editor, French unpacks the dangerous allure of strongman politics, reflects on Israel’s evolving strategy in the Middle East, and explores how each of us can preserve trust and truth in chaotic times.We talk about why institutions feel broken, how Trump uses public spectacle as a shield against accountability, and what it means to live with faith and courage in a disorienting moment. From LA protests to global power shifts, from misinformation to moral resilience—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
To mark our 100th episode and launch of Season 9, Jim Baer sits down with Jeffrey Rosen—President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, host of We the People, and author of The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America.In this rich and timely conversation, Rosen explores how ancient moral philosophy shaped the Founders' vision of happiness—not as pleasure, but as virtue. Together, we examine how this wisdom can help us navigate today’s polarized world, restore purpose to leadership, and reconnect with practices of self-mastery, deep reading, and spiritual discipline.Rosen also shares his personal journey, the impact of Stoic philosophy, and his unexpected path into songwriting. A profound and inspiring dialogue for anyone seeking meaning, clarity, and civic renewal.
Stanford psychology professor Greg Walton returns for his second appearance on The Puck to discuss his new book, Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts. Three years after our first conversation, Greg rejoins the show to reflect on how our world has changed—and how subtle, science-backed interventions can help us find common ground and foster belonging.From reducing recidivism among formerly incarcerated youth to encouraging empathy across political divides, Greg explores how grace, discomfort, and deep listening can drive meaningful transformation.
On this episode of The Puck: Venture Capital & Beyond, Jim Baer sits down with Kristian Rönn—climate tech founder, AI ethicist, and author of The Darwinian Trap—to explore how humanity can escape destructive evolutionary forces and build a future rooted in shared values, long-term thinking, and spiritual renewal. A conversation about risk, responsibility, and hope at the edge of history.
In this powerful episode of The Puck, Jim Baer sits down with Michelle Goldberg—New York Times columnist, author, and longtime voice of progressive political commentary—for a deep and timely conversation. They explore how the Trump era reshaped institutional norms, the growing influence of conspiracy thinking, and the failures of both political parties to inspire and govern effectively.From Goldberg’s early activism to her critiques of Gavin Newsom’s media strategy, this discussion pulls no punches. They dive into the crisis of civic trust, the role of the media and social platforms in fueling division, and what it might take to inspire a new generation of political leadership.Whether you’re left, right, or somewhere in between, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity in a chaotic time.
What if the strongest case for Christianity’s role in democracy came from an atheist?Jim Baer sits down with Jonathan Rauch to discuss Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy, and why America needs the moral backbone that Christian virtues once provided. Rauch—Jewish, gay, and secular—argues that courage, equality, and forgiveness are essential civic values we’re losing.They talk fear, demagogues, pseudo-religions, and how a more humble, and forbearing approach could help save both faith and democracy. Plus, a look at aging and purpose from The Happiness Curve.Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
In this thought-provoking episode, Jim Baer sits down with political scientist Steven Teles, professor at Johns Hopkins University and co-author of The Captured Economy and Never Trump. Together, they explore the shifting class dynamics fueling America’s political polarization and the deepening distrust in institutions—from higher education to public health.Teles unpacks the realignment of the Democratic and Republican parties, the decline of union-based class identity, and why our government struggles to get big things done. With sharp insight and a rare ability to speak across ideological lines, Teles highlights the paradox of an economy that protects the powerful while making life harder for the working class.If you care about the future of democracy, the role of universities, or how we might rebuild public trust—this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Navigating a New World with Michael LindIn this episode of The Puck, Jim Baer sits down with acclaimed writer and policy thinker Michael Lind, co-founder of New America and author of Hell to Pay: How the Suppression of Wages is Destroying America. Together, they explore the global economic shifts, the U.S. political realignment, the dangers of intellectual gridlock, and the implications of Cold War II with China. Lind offers a wide-ranging, provocative analysis—from the future of the middle class and productivity growth to the challenges facing both major political parties. If you're looking for sharp insight into where the world—and America—might be headed, this is a must-listen.
On this episode of The Puck, host Jim Baer sits down with Aswath Damodaran, renowned NYU finance professor and the “Dean of Valuation,” for a deep dive into the current economic landscape.Damodaran breaks down the market’s recent volatility, the looming risk of a recession, and why the U.S. has been able to defy macroeconomic gravity for so long. He explores the impact of globalization’s decline, the role of risk capital, and the evolving influence of AI and Big Tech on markets. From the challenges of government inefficiency to the realities of investing in turbulent times, this episode offers a sharp, data-driven perspective on what lies ahead.Is the U.S. government running an unsustainable economic experiment? Can AI and technology continue to carry the economy? And what should investors do in a world of increased volatility? Tune in to hear Damodaran’s take on where we’re headed—and why adaptability is more crucial than ever.🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud.
On this episode of The Puck: Venture Capital and Beyond, host Jim Baer sits down with Republican pollster and political strategist Patrick Ruffini, co-founder of Echelon Insights and author of The Party of the People: Inside the Multiracial Populist Coalition Remaking the GOP. Ruffini shares his insights on the shifting political landscape, the rise of a multiracial working-class coalition within the Republican Party, and what this realignment means for future elections.They discuss why Trump’s economic populism has resonated with minority voters, how the GOP has become the party of the working class, and what both parties must do to stay competitive in an evolving electorate. Looking ahead to 2028, they explore whether figures like J.D. Vance can carry the torch and how policy, bureaucracy, and economic realities will shape the next four years.Tune in for a data-driven, big-picture look at where American politics is heading.🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Gary Gerstle, author, professor, and historian with a focus on “Political Orders.” His most recent book, “The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order,” came out in 2022, and explores the larger trends in political thinking which make up a consensus, oftentimes a consensus we take for granted. Their conversation covers classical liberalism, neoliberalism, and… where we are right now. You don’t want to miss this clarifying discussion.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Frank Furedi, author, social commentator, and Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent. Frank is a free speech absolutist and has been a longtime critic of what he and others call “The Culture Wars.” They discuss Frank’s background, his academic work, and how he formed his worldview.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Jai Das, President and Partner at Sapphire Ventures. They cover Jai’s history as a developer, the Sapphire origin story, and Jai’s current read of the financial landscape. Their conversation explores what sets successful companies apart, and what’s next for Sapphire, including their groundbreaking AI investment initiative. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!
In this illuminating episode of The Puck, Jim sits down with Greg McKeown, the bestselling author of "Essentialism" and "Effortless." McKeown shares his journey from London law student to influential thought leader, revealing his groundbreaking philosophy of achieving more by doing less. Through engaging stories—ranging from Silicon Valley successes to Norwegian polar expeditions—McKeown explains how success often leads to "the undisciplined pursuit of more," and offers practical tools for moving from chaos to clarity. The conversation weaves together practical productivity advice with deeper insights about limitlessness, the power of true listening, and the art of making extraordinary progress without extraordinary strain
Once again, we have the privilege of hosting world-renowned economist Sir Paul Collier. Paul and Jim discuss the vast changes in the world economy since Paul was last on the show in 2022. They cover inflation, geopolitical conflict, and of course Paul’s new book, Left Behind: A New Economics for Neglected Places. Give us a listen and let us know what you think.
Media entrepreneur and Hidden Forces host Demetri Kofinas returns to The Puck to discuss the evolution of technology, security, and social dynamics since last year when he was on. From the siloing of our media ecosystems to the relationship between innovation and regulation, Demetri shares a nuanced perspective on how emerging technologies are reshaping global politics and international conflicts. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!
Jim sits back down with Shomik Dutta, co-founder and managing partner at Overture VC, who is on the cutting edge of climate tech. They catch up and discuss how the VC and climate space has changed in the last 18 months. Don’t miss it!
On this episode, Jim interviews economist Doug Holtz-Eakin, president of the American Action Forum, to explore the current slate of economic issues facing the United States. Drawing from his extensive experience in academia and government, Holtz-Eakin offers his perspective on topics ranging from sustainable economic growth and fiscal policy to past financial crises, monetary policy, housing markets, and potential economic risks. Their conversation provides valuable insights into the complexities of economic policymaking and the massive potential of market-based solutions – a fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Greg Lukianoff, president and CEO of The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, an organization focused on the legal defense of free speech. Greg is the co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure with Jonathan Haidt. Most recently Greg co-authored The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust and Threatens Us All—But There Is a Solution with Rikki Schlott. In 2022, FIRE announced an expansion initiative into off-campus free speech advocacy and legal defense. His conversation with Jim covers the current slate of student protests all around the country. You don’t want to miss it.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with non-theist chaplain Devin Sean Moss. Devin has done significant work as a podcast host and producer on the subject of death and dying. Their conversation covers belief, fundamental goodness in the world, and of course, a vast exploration of our collective understanding of death. A deeply moving conversation that you don’t want to miss.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Stephen M. R. Covey, author, motivational speaker, and all-around expert on the subject of leadership. Their wide-ranging conversation covers his background, how he built his leadership practice, and, of course, his relationship with his father, the late Stephen R Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. You don’t want to miss it!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with renowned physician, scientist, and author of the New York Times bestseller “Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself,” Dr. William Li. Dr. Li is a lab scientist and vascular biologist, who has built a career studying our relationship to food. Their conversation covers Dr. Li’s research, his background, and some practical advice about how diet can impact your long-term health.
Frank Bruni is a contributing Opinion writer at The New York Times. He has been both a White House correspondent and the chief restaurant critic. He is the author of four New York Times best sellers: a 2022 reflection on illness, aging and optimism, "The Beauty of Dusk"; a 2015 examination of the college admissions frenzy, “Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be”; a 2009 memoir, “Born Round,” about the joys and torments of his eating life; and a 2002 chronicle of George W. Bush’s initial presidential campaign, “Ambling Into History.” In the summer of 2021, he became a professor of journalism and public policy at Duke University. His newest book is called THE AGE OF GRIEVANCE.
Larry Summers is on the show this week!Jim sits down with renowned economist Larry Summers to talk recent US financial history, the current state of the national debt, some unintended consequences of Quantitate Easing, and much much more. In addition to serving as Secretary of the Treasury under Bill Clinton and the Director of the National Economic Council under Barack Obama, Summers was President of Harvard University, and, in a Puck Podcast first, was portrayed (albeit briefly) in the 2010 Academy Award winning film, The Social Network. A fascinating conversation with a fascinating guest.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Dr. Tommy Wood, neuroscientist, researcher, and athletic performance consultant to talk about the human brain. They cover the relationship between diet and brain health, long-term cognitive function, and the real-world, practical steps you can take to keep your brain and avoid cognitive decline. You don’t want to miss it!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Navneet Govil, Executive MP and CFO of SoftBank Vision Fund. Their wide ranging conversation covers Navneet’s background, the history of SoftBank, the current state of the investment market, and the role of AI in today’s world. You don’t want to miss it!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Ash Beckham, a self-described Accidental Advocate and author of Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Become an Everyday Leader. After Ash gave a 2014 TEDx Talk focused on “coming out of your individual closet” and opening up, she became a sought-after speaker and authority on initiating difficult conversations. She talks Jim through her background, polarization, and offers advice on how to engage with those with whom you may not agree. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Professor William Egginton, author of The Rigor of Angels – Borges, Heisenberg, Kant, and the Ultimate Nature of Reality. Their conversation covers the similarities underpinning both New Atheism and Religious Fundamentalism, accepting the reality of discomfort between different mindsets, philosophical paradox, the benefits of reason and evidence-based-arguments. You don’t want to miss it!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Peter Berg, Managing Partner of M12, Microsoft’s venture arm. Their conversation covers M12’s history, the relationship between M12 and Microsoft as a whole, and thecurrent state of investing and AI.You don’t want to miss it!
The word “trauma” seems to be everywhere. As part of our three-part series on mental health, we wanted to dive into the concept. George Bonanno is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University's Teachers College and internationally recognized for his pioneering research on human resilience in the face of loss and potential trauma. On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Professor Bonanno to discuss his book, The End of Trauma How the New Science of Resilience Is Changing How We Think About PTSD. Their conversation covers the origins of our conception of trauma, the modern phenomenon of labeling things “trauma,” and the power of resilience. As always, let us know what you think.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Dr. Joshua Coleman. Dr. Coleman is an author and psychologist who specializes in contemporary families, particularly on the topic of estrangement. Their conversation covers Dr. Coleman’s research history, his most recent book, Rules of Estrangement, and how to heal intergenerational divides. You don’t want to miss it!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with author and columnist for the Washington Post, Henry Olsen. Henry specializes in global politics with a particular focus on America and populism. Their wide-ranging conversation covers the roots of the modern populist movement, when Henry first noticed this shift, and where we are now. Henry’s insight allows us to use the lessons of the past to tell us more about the present.
This week, Jim has Professor Christopher Miller on the show to talk about something we all interact with but very rarely think about: microchips. Chris’ new book is called Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology. Their conversation covers the history of microprocessors, the current geopolitical implications of chip technology, and most importantly, what’s next.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Neil Howe, author, historian, and one half of the team, along with Bill Strauss, behind the Strauss-Howe generational theory initially explored in their books Generations and The Fourth Turning. As the title of his new book suggests, The Fourth Turning is Here. We thought, what better time to have Neil on the show? The subtitle of his new book is “What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End.” Give the episode a listen, and, as always, let us know what you think.
Earlier this summer, Jim sat down with Demetri Kofinas, media entrepreneur, financial analyst and the Co-Editor and host of Hidden Forces. Hidden Forces is a multimedia educational platform exploring the underlying forces that drive the most powerful changes we see in the world. Jim and Demetri discuss the current state of the economy and political discourse, as well as how Demetri shaped and continues to shape his own perspective, and sharpen his critical thinking approach.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Martin Gurri, author – visiting research fellow at George Mason University and former CIA analyst who specializes in the relationship between politics and media. Their conversation touches on many topics, including Martin’s most recent book, The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with author, educator, and astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tysonto discuss one of Jim’s favorite books of last year, Starry Messenger. Their wide-ranging conversation touches on Tyson’s personal journey to astrophysics, the current state of the American education system, and, of course, as someone who studies the stars, what compelled him to write a book about the happenings here on Earth. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Curtis Chang, author of the book The Anxiety Opportunity, and host of the Good Faith podcast. Their wide-ranging conversation covers the nature and roots of anxiety, aspects of spiritual practice, and the role of religion in modern society.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Valeria Martinez of VamosVentures, an LA based VC fund for early-stage tech-enabled companies with a focus on LatinX and diverse founding teams. Valeria speaks about her background in the consulting world, the importance of diversity within the investing space, which VamosVentures portfolio companies she is most excited about, and how investment can help combat challenges that disproportionately affect LatinX communities in the US. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with life coach and Somatic Experiencing practitioner Sarah Baldwin to talk about the relationship between our nervous system and past experiences. They cover trauma, mental health, breath work, and attachment theory, while also diving into how – physically – our childhood experiences impact our lives today.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Meera Clark of Redpoint Ventures, a firm focused on investments in seed, early, and growth-stage companies. They discuss Meera’s background, the current work Redpoint is doing, and Meera’s Substack called The Conscious Consumer.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with John Andrew Entwistle, founder and CEO of Wander, a young but rapidly growing proptech startup looking to challenge Airbnb. Over the course of their conversation, they talk about work-life balance, building community, how he got into the property business in the first place, and the current state of venture funding.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Shomik Dutta, former member of the Obama White House and managing partner of Overture VC, a firm focused on sustainable energy and climate tech. Shomik discusses the current state of innovation in sustainable energy through the VC lens, the improvements in material science, and the relationship between government and the private sector.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Mark Sherman, managing partner at Telstra Ventures, a venture firm focused on the emerging technology space. While the episode was recorded before the collapse of SVB, their conversation does touch on AI, lighthouse leaders, and the potential for downturns in the economic cycle. A prescient conversation that you don’t want to miss.
On this week’s episode, we have Professor Brad De Long of the University of California, Berkeley. Professor DeLong is an economic historian, as well as a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Department of the Treasury during the Clinton Administration. In light of the recent financial upheaval, we at The Puck felt that a certain amount of historical perspective could benefit our listeners.A fascinating trip through financial history that you don’t want to miss.
On this week’s episode, we sit down with Joe Dormani, founding principal investor at TR Ventures, the investment arm of Thomson Reuters. In light of the recent advances in AI and the collapses of SVB and Signature, we thought it would be very prescient to revisit this conversation. A really interesting discussion considering the current financial landscape.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Rana Foroohar, author, business columnist, associate editor at the Financial Times, and global economic analyst with CNN to discuss her most recent book, Homecoming: The Path to Prosperity in a Post-Global World. Their conversation covers the current financial situation, crypto, the era of globalization and a growing movement toward economic localization.A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Vanessa Bennett – author, holistic psychotherapist, facilitator, and podcast host – as the two discuss mental health in the digital age. Bennett and her partner John Kim recently published the book It’s Not Me, It’s You, about breaking the blame cycle and strengthening relationships, and have also released an accompanying podcast series. Vanessa and Jim then talk about how Vanessa built her business from the ground up, the positive sides of media, spirituality, and where she thinks the puck is going.
On this week’s special episode, Puck host Jim Baer is now the guest. Interviewed by former producer, Caitlin Lalezari, Jim answers any and all questions you may have about the current state of the economy – we cover inflation, Quantitative Easing, and the potential of a coming recession. A fascinating conversation about what Jim is seeing as a boots-on-the-ground financial professional.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Mike Green, financial strategist and portfolio manager at Simplify Asset Management and lifelong student of the market and market structure. In addition to his traditional finance background, Mike is a public speaker and financial media voice who looks at societal factors and their potential to impact our collective economic futures. They touch on the current state of the US economy, population growth (or lack thereof), and intergenerational attitudes towards politics. A fascinating conversation that you don’t want to miss.
On this week’s episode of The Puck, Jim sits own with Andrea Lamari Walne, partner at Manhattan Venture Partners, a venture firm focused on redefining liquidity options in the private market.MVP works with some of the largest private start-ups in the world to provide a secondary marketplace for employees to extract money from their business before they had traditionally been able to do so.She and Jim discuss Andrea’s journey as a founder, the current state of the American economy, and the regulatory intricacies that come with developing a new mechanism of shareholder compensation.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, author, clinical psychologist, and professor at the City University of New York. They discuss her newest book, Future Tense Why Anxiety Is Good for You Even Though It Feels Bad, and the current mental health crisis facing young Americans today. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!
On the 50th episode of The Puck, Jim sits down with Courtney McCrea, co-founder and managing partner at Recast Capital, a firm focused on investing in emerging founders in the venture space. Courtney explains how Recast invests in funds that are early in their own journeys, and the many things she’s learned in her decades in the business. They talk record fundraising over the last two years, the possibility of an economic downturn, and the increase in diversity in the venture world. She offers practical advice, such as encouraging investors to be cautious about their reserves, and the massive federal investment in the venture space. A really interesting conversation you don’t want to miss!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Matt Cohen, Founder and Managing Partner at Ripple Ventures. An operator turned investor, Matt started Ripple Ventures in 2018 to bring his “operator-first” mindset to the early stage investing world. He and Jim discuss his background as a public market investor, and his hands-on approach to investing. At Ripple Ventures he also runs “The Tank,” an incubator space that helps connect Founders to the advisors and mentors they need to bring their ideas to life as well as hosting the Tank Talks podcast where he interviews leaders in the startup space about company building and VC investing. An interesting conversation you don’t want to miss!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Tyler Norwood, managing partner at Antler, a global firm focused on early stage investment. He talks Jim through his background, from moving to Vietnam directly after his college graduation, to his work in the fashion e-commerce space, eventually getting what he calls “a real world MBA,” launching Antler across Southeast Asia. He speaks about how he and his team connect founders and investors, untimely working their hardest to put young companies in a position to succeed.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Anna Barber, Partner at M13 and head of their Launchpad program. Their wide-ranging discussion touches on the shifting landscape in today’s economy, how different values between generations influence the workforce, and inflation. Anna thoughtfully reflects on how to be a more considerate investor, and how her passions for addressing climate change, income inequality and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in LA’s Tech community influence her decision-making processes.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with British Economist Sir Paul Collier to discuss the current state of Capitalism, and walk our listeners through historical reactions to economic crises around the world. He speaks about his working class upbringing, compares the 1840s and 1930s to today, and speaks about using the lessons of the past to inform the present.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Melissa Weintraub, co-founder and executive director of Resetting the Table, an organization dedicated to dialogue across political divides. Their conversation touches on Melissa’s professional roots working on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, growing up in a very politically red community, and how we can all do a better, healthier, job of communicating with one another.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Cyrus Sigari of Up Partners, a venture firm at the forefront of transportation innovation. He speaks about his lifelong love of aviation and the journey of starting his firm centered around mobility. Cyrus and Jim discuss drone capabilities and taking cues from birds, sustainability related to technology, the massive benefits of AI in the transportation space, and inspiring the next generation of innovators. You don’t want to miss it!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with David French, political commentator, senior editor of The Dispatch, and co-host of the Good Faith podcast. Their wide-ranging discussion covers the current US political climate and what he calls the ‘new culture war,’ the fundamental differences in thinking between liberals and conservatives, and the possibility of unity in today’s polarized world. A fascinating, nuanced discussion that you don’t want to miss!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Neil Sequeira, founder and managing director at Defy, an early-stage venture fund focused on emerging high-potential investments. Neil walks Jim through his history in the corporate VC world, weathering downturns in the economy, and working towards positive change in consumer financial services. They talk about blockchain, the market, and a more socially conscious workforce. A stimulating conversation you don’t want to miss.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with author and journalist Christopher Leonard to discuss his new book, The Lords of Easy Money How the Federal Reserve Broke the American Economy. Chris has spent his career writing about powerful institutions on behalf of the public and his new work examines how FED policy over the last fifteen years has shaped our current financial landscape. From Quantitative Easing, to Income Inequality to Asset Inflation, he covers it all. A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Jordan Nof, co-founder of Tusk Venture Partners, a firm whose expertise in the regulatory space has made them a valuable partner to such companies as Bird, Lemonade, and FanDuel. Jordan walks Jim through the founding of the firm, his background in a more traditional investing space, and how Tusk’s experience with technology regulation makes them a strategic partner for many investors.
This week, Jim sits down with Grant Miller, founder and CEO of Replicated, a company built around a new way to package software. Grant walks Jim through how Replicated allows software vendors to scale the delivery of applications in a way that’s more portable, letting companies more securely protect their data by bringing applications to them. They talk about bringing a unique product to the marketplace, paving the way for the cloud, fostering a team mentality while working remotely during COVID, and raising capital over Zoom. An interesting conversation you don’t want to miss!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Adriana Saman of Clocktower Ventures, a Southern California based venture fund focused on investing in the future of financial services. She walks Jim through her background in investment banking and how the experience informs her work in the fintech space. She talks about the future of fintech as beyond simply vertical, Clocktower’s mission to be the best co-investor in the world, and how more creative sourcing strategies are integral for more diverse hiring within the industry.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Scott Painter, founder and CEO of NextCar, a major disruptor on the sales side of the auto industry. Scott has devoted much of his career to solving the problem of car ownership – updating the model, reducing the headache, and making the marketplace more efficient. He and Jim discuss his journey from 1-800 Car Search to today, bringing a subscription model to car ownership, and how NextCar is leveraging dealer inventory in order to bring down customer acquisition cost.
On this week’s episode, Jim speaks with writer and social entrepreneur Shaylyn Romney Garrett about how we got to where we are today. Author of The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again, Garrett covers a wide range of topics including income inequality, polarization, and social isolation. She highlights similarities between the Gilded Age and now and discusses how the standard narrative of the 20th century is in fact a misrepresentation. A fascinating discussion that you don’t want to miss!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Michal Cieplinski, CBO of Pipe, a groundbreaking financial platform revolutionizing the way companies are funded. They discuss Pipe’s beginning, working strictly with Software as a Service companies before expanding into the larger marketplace. Their in-depth conversation explores how Pipe is reinventing debt and creating a new type of asset class.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Maury Blackman, CEO of Premise Data, an innovative AI-driven decision engine geared toward collecting data that can help decision makers respond more effectively to real world events. Maury walks Jim through how Premise curates a network of data collection, working with members of the gig economy, all the while blending the human and technological sides of data collection. They talk about operating at scale, working with the US Government, and the ever-important pillar of user experience. You don’t want to miss it!
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Ryan Falvey, the co-founder and managing partner of Financial Venture Studio, and a pioneer in the fintech space. Ryan walks Jim through his background in mobile banking and payment platforms, discussing the massive upheaval at play in the financial sector – everything from a more curated financial experience to the changes in access to loans and the shift in the mortgage market. A fascinating and informative conversation. You will definitely want to tune in.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Erik Tarczynski, the founder of Contrary Capital, a venture fund focused on future leaders in engineering and design. Their conversation touches on the Contrary origin story, how Eric scouts, evaluates, and supports talent, and operating remotely long before COVID-19. Eric has some interesting ideas about work/life balance, mental health innovation and how to build a community focused on the next generation of venture tech. This is not to be missed!
Transcript available at: https://www.cmbginc.com/thepuckepisode31
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Will Schmitt of Miroma Ventures, the investing arm of The Miroma Group, an international firm focused on growth stage consumer brands and media platforms. Will walks Jim through his finance oriented background building models and doing financial diligence, and how working with food and beverage companies informs his work today. He talks about Miroma’s position as a long term strategic marketing partner, and the generational changes happening before our eyes in in consumer purchasing behavior.
On this week’s episode, Jim sits down with Elizabeth Edwards of H Venture Partners for a fascinating discussion covering a variety of topics, including the power of diverse lived experience in the venture world, the benefits of gender parity in finance, and investing in the consumer space through companies like Peloton. Their conversation covers Elizabeth’s background, including her time in M&A at Deloitte, as well as the role transparency plays in the founding and success of new companies. This episode is not to be missed!
On this week’s episode, Jim is joined by Kristina Serafim, managing director at Verizon Ventures. They touch on a wide range of topics, including Kristina’s background as an engineer, co-founding companies that eventually got acquired, and investing in state of the art technology like 5G and vertical AI. Kristina discusses how Verizon’s ecosystem provides resources to young companies beyond simply capital, and walks us through the new industrial revolution of 5G/ AI, helping to create smart cities, advancing interactive technology in healthcare and expanding our experience of live events in the post pandemic era.
This week, Jim speaks with Brad Feld, author of the recently published The Entrepreneur’s Weekly Nietzsche, as well as co-founder of Foundry Group, a tech-focused venture fund located in Boulder Colorado. Brad and Jim discuss how Brad accidentally became a venture capitalist, gender and racial equity in the venture world, and setting aside bias as a leader. They then move onto the advantages of Zoom meetings over old-school IPO roadshows (especially during the fundraising stage) and Brad’s experience with philosophy and bringing stoicism to entrepreneurship.
This week, Jim sits down with Vern Howard, co-founder and CEO of Hallo, the digital events platform transforming the job fair market. Over the course of their conversation, Vern talks Jim through the the difficulties students face getting into the right rooms and the science behind finding applicants the proper job fit. Vern shares his experience relocating the company to LA from San Francisco right before the pandemic, working remotely, and speaks about other founders and CEOs he admires.
On this week’s episode, Jim talks with Sean Harper of Westlake Village BIOPartners about Sean’s experience working on the front lines of the medical technology industry. They discuss Sean’s background as a more traditional medical practitioner, his move into drug discovery, and how he and his partners run their current fund. Sean shares his views on biology as an engineering based discipline, accepting uncertainty in the state of biology today, and the near limitless opportunities for innovation in biotech as we move into the 21st century.
Today, in a very special episode of THE PUCK, our guest is… host Jim Baer! That’s right -- after three seasons of asking the questions, Jim will now occupy the hot seat himself. In a wide-ranging conversation guided by PUCK producer Caitlin Lalezari, Jim takes us on a deep-dive, starting with his childhood, and covering his legal background, culminating in his own personal opinion on… where the puck is going. Without spoiling too much, this is not a conversation you want to miss!
William Quigley is back in the second of our two-part series on the present state and future of cryptocurrency. After their first episode touched on blockchain in the global marketplace and our current financial structures, William and Jim spend time talking about blockchain as a secure record, the ease of auditing an un-editable database, the advantages of the lack of gatekeeping in the crypto marketplace, and the difference between Ethereum and Bitcoin. After diving into Augmented Reality, William stuns Jim with the possibilities of living in an AR world.
William Quigley, Tether co-founder and Crypto pioneer, returns to the podcast in the first of a two-part series about the present state and future of cryptocurrency. He and Jim discuss the advantages of blockchain and a global commodity, how crypto might integrate with our current financial structures, and Bitcoin as a finite resource. William also clears up some misconceptions about crypto and whether Bitcoin can really be considered “currency.”
Brian Garrett, co-founder of Crosscut Ventures, talks with Jim about the strategies he employed while building one of Southern California’s preeminent venture capital firms and what he learned as co-founder of one of the earliest funds to base itself in LA. They touch on the talent migration, the kind of founders he likes to back, and the ways COVID has impacted every aspect of life, from meeting entrepreneurs remotely, to conducing diligence, to how we consume media and entertainment.
Aubrie Pagano and Ryan Freedman, partners at Alpaca VC, join Jim for a thoughtful discussion about the benefits of bringing diversity into the venture ecosystem and the actions they are taking to support this. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities inherent to working remotely, and the long-term effects this year may have on an the ever-changing financial landscape.
In today’s episode, Jim sits down with Richard Duncan, economist and author of such books as The Dollar Crisis: Causes, Consequences, Cures; The Corruption of Capitalism: A strategy to rebalance the global economy and restore sustainable growth; and The New Depression: The Breakdown Of The Paper Money Economy. Richard currently produces a video newsletter called Macro Watch that analyzes trends in the global economy and discusses how these trends are likely to impact the financial markets, which can be found at https://www.richardduncaneconomics.com.
Special offer for PUCK listeners, enter the discount code: "Puck" at checkout for a 50% discount off a Macro Watch yearlong subscription.
In Jim’s first remote episode, he sits down with Andre Gharakhanian and Gaurav Mathur, founders of Silicon Legal Strategy, a boutique law firm providing targeted, bottom-line-oriented advice to technology startups, innovative entrepreneurs and seasoned investors. Over the course of their conversation, they touch on the current state of the financial world, the rewards of mentorship, and the challenges of running a business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donald S. Lee is a partner in the corporate transactional group at LKP Global Law. Don takes us through his experience moving from litigation to corporate law, as well as working with entrepreneurs and representing investors. He shares his thoughts on reaching across the aisle in a divided political climate, the many ways to access capital, and how he built out his practice with a focus on the early-stage technology world.
Polina and Filipp Chebotarev, the brother-sister founding team of Cambridge SPG, share their journey starting in real estate and then transitioning into multiple investment sectors. They talk about the newest innovations in the food and beverage industry and the cutting-edge technology that is changing the future of the ‘better for you’ investment space, all with an emphasis on social impact and value creation.
E15: Dave Young, partner and co-founder of the Santa Monica office of the Cooley Law Firm, is one of the top VC lawyers in Los Angeles. Dave gives us a unique and valuable perspective on the Southern California VC community. He discusses early stage seed funding and what he has learned working with young companies as well as weathering the dot-com bubble of the early 2000s, digital media, and what makes LA an attractive city for VCs.
Minnie Ingersoll, VC and partner at TenOneTen Ventures, takes us on a journey through her long career in Tech, both as a VC and as a product manager. Starting out in the early days at Google, Minnie discusses how her experience with the global giant informed her current work at TenOneTen and SHIFT. She shares her views on the online car industry, the importance of resilience as an entrepreneur, and the larger social responsibility of tech companies as they continue to inform how we live and communicate with one another.
David Waxman, managing partner of TenOneTen, engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about the various applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in our day to day lives. Machine learning, one form of the broader term AI, touches our lives in ways that we have come to take for granted in the last decade. From understanding voice recognition with Alexa and self-driving cars, to exploring different ways that machine learning can influence the media we consume and dictate our navigation, join us as David and Jim’s discuss it all.
Eva Ho, entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, shares her incredible story starting with growing up in Mozambique and coming to the US as a refugee at an early age. Co-founder and general partner at Fika Ventures, Eva walks us through her early years after college and how she eventually forged her path into the world of venture capital. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Eva is avid in her service to others. Working with multiple non-profits to create positive systemic change and address issues such as homelessness and educational access, Eva is doing her part step by step in making the world a better place.
Gil Elbaz is an investor and entrepreneur best known for co-founding Applied Semantics (acquired by Google in 2003) and founding Factual. A pioneer of natural language technology and vocal believer in the vast potential of data accessibility, Gil starts at the beginning describing his early fascination with data. He takes us through his different entrepreneurial pursuits and then gives us some practical applications of how information-sharing technologies are changing the world.
Rahul Sonnad, founder of Tesloop and serial entrepreneur, briefly discusses his early days as a software developer at Microsoft and Adobe, and his transition into his first companies. Rahul offers practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing details about the future of autonomous driving and Tesloop’s galvanizing role in that arena. Our conversation leads to the blockchain and tokenization opportunities in Rahul’s business model, conveying the many valuable applications in this innovative space.
Matt Kozlov, managing director at Techstars, shares with us his journey from his early career at Yahoo and Sony Entertainment, later starting a mobile gaming company, and eventually making a shift into venture capital. Matt found his way to Techstars, a leading nationwide startup accelerator, and discusses the bold and transformative programs that the accelerator works on.
Michael Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of Science, quickly walks us through his entrepreneurial beginnings starting and selling his own companies, later becoming the CEO of MySpace, and his experience founding the venture firm Science, Inc. Mike discusses in detail Science Blockchain, a Reg D private offering fund that provides a model for investment funds seeking to invest in and leverage the benefits of blockchain technology, explaining the ICO process, how their tokens work, and the fascinating opportunities that applications of the blockchain create.
Steven Dietz, veteran VC and current CEO of Level 4 Fleet Services, has been one of the leading investors in the automotive industry for well over a decade. Listen as Steven gives us a snapshot into the world of self-driving cars, sharing insights into the types of changes that could await our streets, communities, industries, and more.
Part II of William Quigley’s interview jumps into his explanation of decentralization through blockchain and the age of smart contracts, along with clarifying some of the metrics of valuation that have been used to measure these currencies.
William Quigley, a leader in the blockchain and cryptocurrency uprising, breaks down in clear terms the value, strengths and weaknesses of bitcoin and cryptocurrencies more broadly. William traces lessons learned and the path that led him into the world of crypto, sharing how the emergence of such currencies have seamlessly fit into his company, OPSkins, a marketplace for digital goods. William also gets into the role and benefits that cryptos could have with global e-commerce giant, Amazon.
Listen as Howard Ko, principal at Morpheus Ventures, enlightens us with his perspective of the LA ecosystem and discusses disruptive technologies such as the Hyperloop, autonomous vehicles, and more. Howard, a VC with a strong foundation in operations, shares his opinions of what he looks for when evaluating investments, and the kinds of teams he keeps an eye out for.
Learn from LA VC veteran, Rick Smith, as he reminisces about the trials and tribulations of starting a fund in the midst of the great recession, and the passion that kept him and his team going to build one of the leading funds in Los Angeles today
Mark Mullen from Double M Partners and Bonfire Ventures imparts stories and lessons he learned while working for the father of cable, Bill Daniels, prior to his successful career as a venture capitalist. Mark discusses his focus as a B2B investor, what he looks for in the people he invests in, specific areas where he is investing, and the unique qualities of the Los Angeles ecosystem.
Jim Armstrong from March Capital shares insightful stories about his path to becoming a venture capitalist. Armstrong takes us through his experience starting out with Idealab, reflects on lessons from Overture and its sale to Yahoo, describes being at the ground level of Paypal, and talks about the evolution of Southern California as a tech hub.