The University of Denver's Entrepreneurship Podcast: Recent Episodes
Entrepreneurship@DU
The Entrepreneurship@DU podcast features conversations with University of Denver students and alumni who share their entrepreneurial journeys, strategies, and perspectives. Each interview provides a glimpse into the lives of these innovators, creatives, and problem solvers. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiring careers of founders, artists, and other up-and-coming disrupters.
In this podcast episode of the Entrepreneurship at DU podcast Joshua Ross interviews Mohammad Mahoor, a professor at DU's Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science. Mahoor discusses his transition from academic research to entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on his work in artificial intelligence and robotics to create social robots. These robots, such as Ryan, are designed to assist older adults with dementia and children with special needs. He emphasizes the challenges and rewards of balancing multiple roles, from academia to business, and shares insights on how interdisciplinary collaboration and AI advancements are driving innovation in his field.
Noah Ryan joins the Entrepreneurship@DU podcast to discuss his journey from college student at the University of Denver to successful content creator and entrepreneur. He shares insights on building an authentic online presence, the challenges and opportunities in the digital content space, and strategies for monetizing a social media following. Noah offers advice on career development, emphasizing the importance of acquiring diverse skills and adapting to new opportunities rather than solely pursuing passion. Whether you're a student, professional, aspiring content creator, or an entrepreneur, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the importance of creating genuine value for an audience while maintaining personal authenticity in the digital age.
Dive into the future of work with John Winsor, University of Denver alum and expert on Open Talent. In this episode of the Entrepreneurship@ DU podcast John shares his entrepreneurial journey from magazine publishing to disrupting the advertising industry, and offers invaluable insights on navigating the evolving landscape of work.
On this episode, host Joshua Ross sits down with Andre Janusz, a University of Denver alum whose unconventional path took him from corporate America to founding Logan House Coffee Company - a Denver-based coffee roaster with multiple local shops.
In this episode, host Joshua Ross sits down with Chennelle Diong, an entrepreneurial University of Denver alum and the founder of GoodLove Foods, a gluten-free consumer packaged goods company. Chennelle delves into her journey of starting a business in the gluten-free industry, explaining what gluten is and the rising demand for gluten-free products. She shares her motivation behind launching GoodLove Foods and the company's approach to positioning itself for long-term growth in the rapidly expanding gluten-free market.
In this episode, host Joshua Ross sits down with Ashley Thomas and Art Saltarelli from the University of Denver's Office of Technology Transfer. They discuss the mission and work of this important office, which supports innovation and entrepreneurship across the university community.
In this episode, host Joshua Ross engages in a fascinating discussion with Ben Burgert, the entrepreneurial founder of Ben's Cycles and a University of Denver alum. Burgert shares his profound passion for bicycles and the inspiration behind establishing his business, which specializes in restoring and selling classic bikes, allowing cycling enthusiasts to experience the charm and nostalgia of vintage bicycles.
In this episode of the E@DU podcast, host Joshua Ross has a conversation with Caroline Creidenberg, the innovative founder of Wedfuly and University of Denver alum. They explore her journey of building a successful wedding business, adapting and pivoting through a global pandemic, her experience pitching on Shark Tank, and finally the reasons behind her decision to sell Wedfuly.
In this podcast episode, join Joshua Ross for an interview with Josh Berlo, vice chancellor for athletics and Ritchie Center operations at the University of Denver, and Niko Blankenship, director of athletics communication, as they delve into the profound impact and importance of name, image and likeness (NIL) in collegiate athletics. Learn how this rule change has impacted college sports by enabling student-athletes to earn money through their name, image and likeness.
In this episode of the E@DU podcast, we sit down with Robert McIntosh and Jonny Boyarsky, the innovative minds behind Literally Helping Startups. Unlike typical investors or mentors, Robert and Jonny have embarked on a unique journey with a clear mission: to assist founders in growing their startups, navigating adversity, and securing funding. Throughout our discussion, they provide insight on successful strategies for startups, focusing on how to find product-market fit and engaging with the right target markets. Whether you're an entrepreneur or an established business professional, this episode offers valuable perspectives on fostering growth and success in the ever changing world of startups.
Episode 18 was recorded live in front of an audience of 150 students, faculty, entrepreneurs and innovators on the University of Denver campus. Two amazing individuals, DU alumni and investors, Caroline Gash and Bill Powell discuss how to unlock capital for startups seeking funding. They share their insights and advice on how to pitch your business to investors, how to navigate the investment landscape, and what investors are looking for in a startup.We cover the following topics in this episode: -How to pitch your business to investors -How to navigate the investment landscape -What investors are looking for in a startup -The dos and don'ts of fundraising -Lessons from successful first-time entrepreneurs -How to overcome the fear of failure -The importance of networking This episode is for you if you are: -A first-time entrepreneur-Curious about starting a business -Looking to raise money for your business -Interested in learning more about the investment landscape -Want to hear from experienced investors
60% of restaurants fail in the first year fail and 80% fail within five years. What is the secret to Pete Newlin and his partner Jean-Philippe’s success? On episode 16 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we sit down with Pete Newlin, co-founder of Gastamo Group & Birdcall, to discuss the restaurant business, hospitality, Pete’s entrepreneurial journey from DU to successful restauranteur. Pete and his partner Jean-Philippe are the founders of several successful Denver based restaurants such as Birdcall, Park Burger, Homegrown Tap & Dough, Perdida, Lady Nomada & Park & CO. If this was not enough, they have started a music festival, Denver Deluxe. Don't miss out on this episode, as it transforms the way you apply life design to entrepreneurship, your career, and to provide insight as to how to make smart choices and prioritize tasks to support your broader life goals.
On our first episode of season two, we have, not one but, two amazing guests—Laura Louise Broady and Bob Kumagai providing their expertise and experience on life design; designing a life that provides opportunity for, both, personal and professional success; for those who want to take agency over their life. Don't miss out on this episode, as it transforms the way you apply life design to entrepreneurship, your career, and to provide insight as to how to make smart choices and prioritize tasks to support your broader life goals.
On episode 14 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Jon Niermann, co-founder and CEO of Loop TV. Niermann worked for the Walt Disney Company for over a decade, working his way up the ladder and eventually serving as President of Disney Asia. With years of corporate experience under his belt, Niermann left his C-Suite roles in pursuit of entrepreneurship. His current venture, Loop TV, has found success in the "out-of-home" streaming market. In September 2022, the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange
On episode 13 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Janney Carpenter and John Sebesta, two experts in the Social Entrepreneurship field. Both Carpenter and Sebesta have several years of experience working first-hand with social enterprises, which are businesses and organizations that leverage market forces to address social issues. As the world's problems become more complex, subjects like environmental sustainability and social justice are being incorporated into more and more organizations, whether they take form as nonprofits, for-profit businesses, or B Corporations.
On episode 12 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with David Painter and Davis Mawer, the filmmakers behind "The Bird of Paradise." What started as a Capstone project in DU's Film program has "spread its wings" as an award-winning short film at several festivals, including winning the first-ever Student Production Award in the Heartland EMMY Chapter. This episode explores the parallels between self-started film and theatre productions, as Kevin Douglas also shares insights from his theatre company Two Cent Lion.
On episode 11 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Ryan Mclean, co-owner of Mountain Crust. This fast-growing food truck business is redefining the "pizza party" by providing full catering services for events such as weddings, graduations, and more. The Mountain Crust brand has become synonymous for both great service and a fun, laid-back atmosphere where employees party alongside the guests.
On episode 10 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Clare Whetzel, Founder of Illegal Oats. With sustainability and nutrition at the forefront of the business model, Illegal Oats made a splash in the "insect protein" industry, creating delicious granola treats infused with indetectable mealworm powder. In just a few years, Illegal Oats has become a staple of Denver's farmers markets.
On episode 9 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Luca Gacy, Founder and CEO of ICEBOX Controllers. ICEBOX creates customizable gaming controllers designed for durability and ergonomics. In its pre-launch stage, the company is already generating buzz within the competitive Esports community.
On episode 8 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Hannah Nia and Luke Lopatofsky, who are members of the Pioneer Venture Group (PVG). PVG is a student-run venture capital firm that invests real money in new startups, giving students a hands-on opportunity to work with new startups in the seed-funding phase.
On episode 7 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Sheila Schroeder, Leif Soederberg and Zyann Rodgers, 3 of the 5 filmmakers behind Breaking the Turfgrass Ceiling. This documentary webseries is part of DU F.I.L.M., an experiential learning initiative that provides professional filmmaking opportunities for DU students.
On episode 6 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Ryan Evans, co-founder and CEO of Bruz Beers. With a commitment to Belgian beers (including guided beer tours through Belgium), this Denver-based taproom has made a name for itself in the competitive craft brewery scene.
On episode 5 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Imani, Jackson and Hudson, who all took part in DU's Israel interterm course. From December 3 — 10, E@DU students and faculty traveled to Israel, one of the world's leading innovative hubs, for a week of academic and cultural immersion. Students can learn more about our interterm courses by contacting Joshua Ross, DU's Director of Entrepreneurship.
On episode 4 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Anna Zesbaugh, founder and CEO of Hooch Booch. Founded in the summer of 2020, this kombucha company brings a prohibition-era, speakeasy twist to the kombucha marketplace
On episode 3 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Eli Bucksbaum, an artist who sells original and commissioned paintings on Instagram.
On episode 2 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Calli Garcia and Zak Mbereko, the co-founders of Kairos Customs. Kairos creates personalized artwork for shoes, enabling customers to wear their hearts on their "sole."
On episode 1 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Zach Macaffer and Colin Ricker, the co-founders of NuRange Coffee. NuRange strives to create cold brew coffee, with a focus on "quality over snobbery."