Rags to Riches Podcast: Recent Episodes
Caden
I'm on a mission to hear the stories of extremely successful self made entrepreneurs, public figures, and businessmen to find out what exactly sets them apart from the general population.
In episode 8 I talk to former Indianapolis Indiana mayor Greg Ballard. Greg is one of the biggest underdogs we have had on the show thus far. He grew up poor in Indianapolis and went to college at Indiana University. After college he entered the marines and spent 25 years in the service. Things got interesting for Mayor Ballard after he left the marines. He never had any political aspirations, but some friends talked him into running for office. The only problem was that he was a nobody with no money and few connections. Despite this he still pulled off the biggest Indianapolis election upset in history and made national headlines. Tune in to hear more about Mayor Ballard’s life, how he pulled off the upset, and some special advice he has for the listeners.
In episode 7, I talk to Modern Stoa founder Sky King. Modern Stoa helps the top 1% of podcasts monetize their shows. They do this by connecting the podcasts with companies that want to place ADs on their shows. Part of their services also includes growing the podcast itself. Sky's company is most notable for growing the Joe Rogan Experience. Sky's company is still in the start up phase but is growing traction because of their recent sucess with Rogan. This episode will give you a first hand account of what the early stages of a tech startup are like and the lessons he's learned along the way. We will also hear how sky started the company and what podcasting as a business is like. Tune in for more!
In episode 6, I talk to entrepreneur and investor Scott Jones. Scott is most known for inventing the version of voicemail that we use today but also has many other achievements. He helped found the entertainment metadata company Gracenote, the Eleven Fifty Coding Academy, and numerous other technological innovations including robot lawn mowers, new search engines, and tech to help people fly. Scott's entrepreneurial background began as a kid when he charged neighbors to tour a haunted house he set up in his basement. Scott met his co-founder when he was at MIT and started to create the technology for voicemail when he was still in college. Tune in to hear how Scott grew his company and made an impact on the world.
In episode 5, I talk to Driehaus emerging markets portfolio manager Chad Cleaver. Chad grew up in Lafayette Indiana and credits his trading skills to his competitive background in sports while growing up. Chad started as an analyst at the Fed and eventually worked his way up to the prestigious role at Driehaus. Â Chad became interested in emerging markets when he traveled abroad for the first time to meet his wife's family. I think everyone listening to this episode will find it especially interesting. Chad was just a kid from Indiana that worked his way up to an elite position dominated by ivy leagues. Chad also talks about the ins and outs of portfolio management, trading advice, and whats going on in the markets. Tune in to learn more!
In episode 4, I talk to Nantucket Bike Tours Founder, Handlebar Cafe Founder, and Nantucket Select Board Member Jason Bridges. Jason has a true rags to riches story. He suffered severe brain damage from a car accident when he was 16 and had to completely relearn how to live a normal life. He struggled through his late teens and early twenties until he discovered his calling: Emotional Intelligence or the study of interpersonal relationships. To make up for his deficiencies in school smarts he dedicated himself to mastering social situations. Jason's passions led him to start several successful businesses on Nantucket island that are centered around social interaction and building relationships. His social intelligence also won him a seat on the Nantucket Select Board, or Nantucket's 5 person board that acts in unison as a mayor. Jason has tons of valuable advice on emotional intelligence, building valuable relationships in the business world, and reading social interactions. Tune in to find out more!
In episode 3, I talk with Recovery Force founder Matt Wyatt. Matt grew up on a farm in Hancock County Indiana and went to college at Ball State. Matt earns a spot on the show because he has started several companies in the medical field that range from spinal implant manufacturing to compression wrapping. Matt has lots of cool stories and great advice when it comes to failing, starting a company with little money, and raising money with angle investors. Matt also has some great leadership and teamwork advice from his experience being a CEO, President, and Founder. Tune in to hear his whole story!
In episode 2, I talk to Crawfordsville Indiana Mayor Todd Barton. Mayor Barton has a very interesting story. He started out as a sewer worker that opted out of going to college. He then joined the fire department and worked his way up to Fire Chief all while working towards a college degree and supporting a family. After serving as Fire Chief, he decided to run for Mayor of Crawfordsville, which at the time was a dying town with tens of millions of dollars in debt, businesses fleeing in troves, and a declining population. Mayor Barton is now into his third term and Crawfordsville is a thriving community. Stay tuned to hear Mayor Barton's story, how he was able to turn Crawfordsville around, and his advice on leadership and problem solving.
In episode 1, I talk to successful Entrepreneur and business man Glenn Cleland. Glenn is a no bs guy that has never accepted failure as an option. Glenn's dad died when he was 11 and his sister passed away when he was in his early 20s. He and his brother were both in the military and his brother was killed while fighting in Vietnam. To further stack the cards agaynst him he was a college drop out working in a low pay factory job when he decided to purchase a battery company based out of a shack in an elderly Muncie Indiana Man's back yard for a few thousand dollars. Tune in to hear what he is able to grow the battery business into and some of his other fascinating business ventures.