Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian: Recent Episodes
Alli Webb & Adrian Koehler
The stuff you wished entrepreneurs really talked about. Drybar founder Alli Webb joins forces with her executive coach (and boyfriend) Adrian Koehler to pull back the curtain on the entrepreneurial life—the good, the bad, and the messy. Together, they tackle the conversations people in leadership rarely have in public, interviewing other entrepreneurs and founders along the way to find out what it takes to overcome the obstacles that make most people quit. This is a study on perseverance. So, whether you're just starting out or weighed down by the stress of success, tune in. You might not be as alone as you think.
With heavy and full hearts Alli and Adrian are doing their final sign off at Raising the Bar. The heart of this conversation has always been from the beginning to meet and serve founders and share insights from building a company from the ground up. Alli and Adrian share what’s happening next on their journey to serve leaders. Take New Ground, a sought after Leadership Coaching & Training Company is the next platform for deep engagement with Alli and so many other founders just like her. Find us at the next Impact Series….www.impact.takenewground.com FIND OUT HOW JUSTWORKS CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS BY GOING TO WWW.JUSTWORKS.COM
Produced by Dear Media
Brittany Driscoll moved from an impressive career in marketing world class brands to being the CEO of Squeeze, the only place you’ll want to get a massage in the future. We know Brittany well and she’s the real deal when it comes to creating Culture, Brand, Employee and Customer experience. This episode is both one to hear about an opportunity for investment and opportunity as well as a model for how to think about building a business from the ground up. Can’t wait for you to hear Brittany.
Produced by Dear Media
Jeni Britton is a genius creator and the kindest of humans. We loved this candid conversation with our dear friend. Grab a pint of your favorite Jeni’s and enjoy the inspiration
FIND OUT HOW JUSTWORKS CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS BY GOING TO WWW.JUSTWORKS.COM
Produced by Dear Media
Yellin is a Peabody, Gracie and Emmy award-winning political journalist. She is the past Chief White House Correspondent for CNN. During recent years she has made her mark by starting News Not Noise….where she aims at giving her audience education, not a panic attack. We applaud her work and think you might love her too. Follow her at @jessicayellin
Produced by Dear Media
Dan Ilani is a solid human who has found a hole in the online dating world...how do I filter a space for the driven and healthy? His answer: Ateam, an online community for people who are focused on a full and fulfilled life. These are the folks on the trail, gym, or on the mat in the morning, reading that new self-help book, or asking for feedback from their friends. He's not your typical tech founder. Check him out.
Produced by Dear Media
John has been the bridge between beauty founders and the corporate world for decades. As the Executive Group President at Estee Lauder Companies he has increased the reach with equal parts creativity and grit. He’s an institution. Come listen for what makes it all work.
Produced by Dear Media
Claire has gone through her own journey to heal and thrive after relational heartbreak. She found that journey so vital that she spends all her time now helping women own their own process. If you or someone close to you can’t seem to stop chasing the wrong men, or can’t get back up after break up…tune in! Produced by Dear Media
Greg Scheinman has built a business around what he’s committed to for himself: Optimizing the midlife male experience via wholistic life engagement. You’ll love hearing how he landed here and his simple 7 F approach. We need more Gregs in the world. Hit him up to be inspired and educated on what’s possible for you or a stuck guy in your life.
Produced by Dear Media
Meridith Rojas is a firecracker who took her passion to help online creators generate a lifestyle of connection to their audience and is crafting new vision with Logitech as they share this same vision for supporting creators. Listen in to all that’s she’s creating. You’ll be inspired. Produced by Dear Media
Elizabeth Stein pulled off what most can’t do and almost everyone won't even try. Her boyfriend sparked her interest in healthy food and like most great entrepreneurial stories she just “tried this one thing” and look at her now. We love the presence and humility with which she operates. Enjoy! Produced by Dear Media
Jennifer Cohen is not messing around. Listen in to hear how she takes on this best selling author and educator from the fitness community takes on change, adversity, and ordering the chaos in her life. We do a deep dive into parenting, structure setting for self and others, and how to help people take positive next steps in their lives. Check her out at https://jennifercohen.com/ Produced by Dear Media
We loved the story of how Drew and Mac Anderson leveraged their individual skill-sets and partnered together to connect to their roots and become a presence in a growing category. This honest conversation will illuminate more of what’s possible in your world and might even illuminate your next business partner in your family tree.
Produced by Dear Media
Lisa Bilyeu is a force of nature. After playing the role of optimized housewife for 8 years while her husband, Tom Bilyeu, started a tech company, she owned her deepest desires to be a major player in their next startup, Quest Nutrition, which became a 1Bn company. Now she, Tom and team have gone beyond breakthroughs in nutrition and have a media company, Impact Theory, which aims to invigorate mindsets to generate appetite for growth. Her newest endeavor, Women of Impact, gets even more specific to advocate for women making courageous choices to be and do what they care about most.
Keep up with Lisa at
@lisabilyeu @womenofimpact Impact Theory - Women of Impact Digital Series New Book Coming soon! www.lisabilyeu.com.
The Ms Foundation has been generating local community solutions by empowering, educating, and funding women for almost 50 years. The stories are inspiring and the courage provoking.
Produced by Dear Media
Liya Shuster-Bier went from being neck deep at Wharton to being immersed in the chaos of her mother’s cancer journey. Little did she know that she herself would be diagnosed just years later. She took her analytical mind, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep love for people and created Alula. Listen in to hear about a platform that will give clarity and needed shortcuts during the chaotic journey of cancer. It is also a huge resource for everyone that wants to help someone on this journey and doesn’t know how to help. Find them at www.myalula.com.
Produced by Dear Media
Rea Ann Silva shares her down to earth and honest story of her journey to first become a prime make up artist in hollywood. Necessity and commitment to operational excellence led her to invent a tool that took the makeup world by storm.
Produced by Dear Media
Lisa Donovan is a breakthrough success with The Pattern: an app that mirrors your experience through life by melding psychology, astrology, and unending wonder. This conversation about the impact of astrology on our human experience is destined to open your mind to a deeper conversation about who you are, language for your experience, and how to find the love you’re looking for.
Produced by Dear Media
What’s the most impactful non-profit you’ve never heard of? 4-H. Jennifer Sirangelo, who heads “America’s largest youth development organization" shares how self-confidence in today’s youth must be earned, not learned. Produced by Dear Media
How do we make sense of death? How are we to face grief as it comes? How does facing our mortality generate a better life right now? We discuss these topics in this powerful conversation with Rabbi Steve Leder, head rabbi of Wilshire Blvd Temple and author of “Beauty of What Remains: How our Greatest Fear becomes our Greatest Gift”.
Produced by Dear Media
Heart lifting episode hearing how a tragic accident lead a tenacious man to build to a vibrant beauty business.
Get 10 percent off your first month by visiting Betterhelp.com/rtb
Get 20 percent off at Clark's Botanicals by using the promo code RAISINGTHEBAR20
Produced by Dear Media
Best selling author and branding expert Jessica Zweig joins us this week for a no very inspiring and no BS convo about how to unapologetically build your personal brand by being rigorously honest and audaciously bold.
Get 10 percent off your first month by visiting Betterhelp.com/rtb
Produced by Dear Media
The ever-brilliant and inegmatic Dave Asprey is on Raising the Bar this week to share about his new book that’s full of ways to make your approach to your own nutrition simpler and smarter.
Get 10 percent off your first month by visiting Betterhelp.com/rtb
Produced by Dear Media
Join us this week to hear how Jesse Merrill of Good Culture disrupted the boring cottage cheese market, healed his own gut and is reinventing the dairy industry.
Produced by Dear Media
In this episode we get to catch up with a rising star in the realm of men’s and women styling, Bree Jacoby. She gives us the behind the scenes and personal view of why 10 new outfits will change someone’s life, how to build a styling business, and why we should never settle.
Produced by Dear Media
From start up to IPO within 4 years, Hilary and her co-founder generated a much needed modern approach to a previously stigmatized industry. Plus, she gets very real about the internal challenges of business growth.
Produced by Dear Media.
We get behind the scenes with genius digital marketing guru, Gary Vaynerchuk, to learn about how he leverages his vulnerability and still has new ground to take.
Produced by Dear Media.
FoodCorps has spent the past decade fighting our fast food nation by connecting kids to healthy food in schools. Today the organization’s founder, Curt Ellis, lifts the lid on the current school cafeteria ecosystem, and the domino effects a bad diet has on our wellbeing and economy at large.
We discuss how school cafeterias are moving away from heat-and-serve to fresh cooking, why it’s so important to have children actively involved in menu building, and why now is the perfect time to transform our kid’s lunch trays.
This episode is sure to give you some serious food for thought as to the different ways you integrate food education into your everyday life, and we strongly encourage listeners to learn more about the great work FoodCorp is doing!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Website: foodcorps.org
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Today we’re tackling what it means to create and maintain a great relationship with the one-and-only Dan Tocchini. As a seasoned business coach and dedicated husband, his wisdom is the real deal when it comes to understanding this beautiful yet complicated thing we call love.
Dan generously shares his mastery alongside the real-life learning experiences he’s accrued cultivating the conscious-partnership so many of us crave.
Trust us, you’re going to want to take notes on this one!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Dan on LinkedIn: Dan Tocchini
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Lori and Chris Harder are the ultimate power couple goals. Their intentional approach has helped them manifest a successful romantic and business relationship that has inspired us in so many ways.
We go behind the scenes of their partnership and learn about the different tools they employ to show up as the best possible version of themselves. Plus, Lori unveils her exciting new beverage venture, Lite Pink, which has propelled their relationship to new heights.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out their amazing podcasts, The Chris Harder Show and Earn your Happy.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Earn your Happy
- The Chris Harder Show
- Instagram: @drinklitepink
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Today we’re joined by Brian Larrabee, the founder of Good City Mentors, a Los Angeles-based non-profit that partners high-achieving professionals and creatives with struggling high-schools through hourly mentor sessions with their students.
This community-based initiative has sprouted into a well-oiled machine, attracting some of the world’s biggest brands to invest in the future generation of heroes. Today, they have 400 volunteers spread across 15 schools, and they’re growing stronger every day.
We can’t wait to get involved, and we hope the feeling is mutual!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Support: goodcitymentors.org
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Today we’re weighing in on diets, and the new meal routine we’re currently trying out of size: The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss.
Covid seems to have had a yo-yo effect on everyone’s routine, so fingers crossed this new regime has sticking power!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- The 4-Hour Body
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Hinge has boldly positioned itself as a different kind of dating app, which replaces engagement metrics and retainment stats for real connection and authenticity. They don’t want you to use the app more — they want you to never have to use it again.
We dig into Hinge’s unique algorithm, which intentionally sidesteps the soul-destroying cycle of speed-swiping and ghosting. Justin reveals how Hinge has evolved from a dating app to a modern love expert service, and why the business of love beats any other day job.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Instagram: @hinge
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
It’s high time you all met Alli’s new business partner, Meredith Quill. It’s her first time on this podcast, but most certainly won’t be the last.
Together, they’ve launched a hand-crafted jewelry collection, Becket + Quill, inspired by Meredith’s grandma’s decadent jewelry box from childhood. We reveal how Alli went from fangirl to business partner, working side-by-side with Meredith to restructure the marketing elements of the independent label. They share their visions, roadblocks, and the creative process it took to get them to both reach the point they’re at today.
It’s an exciting time for everyone here because the website launched on February 1st, just in time for Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Website: becketandquill.com
- Instagram:@meredithlquill
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Love’s in the air! We’re approaching our 16th month together, and February has us all in amor-mode, so we thought we’d share our new relationship ritual with you all.
It’s been super-helpful for us to get into the habit of expressing what we’re grateful for every night and bring important subjects we tend to sweep under the carpet to the surface. Communication is crucial to all relationships — business and personal — and this has proved to be a great tool for us to both feel seen and valued.
Try it out for size and tell us if it works for you!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
It’s no secret that Adrian and Alli met through Three Day Rule, the matchmaking service for those who are ready to date more intentionally. And today, we’re going to pull back the curtains and show you what that was like, for us and for the people who matched us together.
We’re joined by Talia Goldstein, the founder of Three Day Rule, and Rebecca Macias, the matchmaker who personally orchestrated our connection. We talk about the current dating climate for singles, defining partnership non-negotiables, and dismantle the ‘stigma’ attached to hiring a matchmaker to find the relationship you want.
We’re so grateful to Three Day Rule for their incredibly intuitive process which bought us — and thousands of others — so much joy.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Interested in trying out Three Day Rule? When you sign up, tell them that “Alli Webb / Raising the Bar” sent you!
- Website: www.threedayrule.com
- Instagram: @threedayrule
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Ariel Kaye joins us today to discuss how she turned a creative hobby into Parachute – a multi-million dollar blissful bedding brand.
Aside from creating the world's most ‘instagrammable’ interiors, Ariel has spent the last six years carefully cultivating a small and mighty team with thriving community culture. We discuss the uphill battles to getting a business off the ground, growing pains, staff onboarding approaches, and the brand’s exciting vision for the future.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Website: www.parachutehome.com
- Follow:@parachutehome
- Buy Ariel’s book, How to Make a House a Home
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Mother Nature takes on a whole new meaning with this week’s inspiring guests, Amira Diamond and Melinda Kramer, co-founders and co-directors of Women’s Earth Alliance.
This groundbreaking community-centric organization unites women of all ages and creeds from around the world to tackle micro and macro environmental issues together. Their success shows us all how society thrives when we collectively invest in women to spearhead change from the ground up.
It’s an honor to have them join us for their 15th anniversary to educate us and our listeners on some of the 250 grass-roots projects they’ve already launched in 22 countries across the world.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Get involved: womensearthalliance.org
- Instagram: @womensearthalliance
- Facebook:facebook.com/womensearthalliance
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Today we’re talking about how to extract the silver linings from the good, the bad, and the ugly days that we all experience during times of uncertainty.
It sure is a non-linear process, but finding the lessons, navigating the solutions, and asking help from loved ones is our go-to medicine to soothe those daily triggers.
We see you out there guys. Keep up the good work!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Power by name, powerhouse by nature, Katherine Power, is a female-entrepreneur with a knack for spotting trends and building beautiful brands that are accessible to all.
She shares the inspiration behind her most recent ventures in wellness and wine, and how she’s re-writing the beauty and beverage rulebook for the millennial mindset.
Prepare to feel inspired!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Merit, Versed and Avaline
- Who What Wear
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Adrian and I love to learn about people who live iconically, which is why we’re super excited to talk to Garnie Nygren, co-founder of Serenbe, a wellness community connected to nature on the edge of Atlanta.
Garnie shares the story behind the unique ecosystem her family created, the importance of community living, and the brand’s sustainable growth plans for the future.
Here’s to using land in innovative and inclusive ways that do not cost the earth!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Learn more: serenbe.com
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Today, we ponder the questions we can all ask ourselves in moments of crisis, so we can crawl out of the pity mindset and reframe the situation. It’s easier said than done, and some days are easier than others, but what have you got to lose?
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Baseball legend and all-around great guy Alex Rodriguez, aka A-Rod, joins the table today to talk about how he approaches the two professional pillars in life—business and baseball—with grace and gratitude.
We also dig into one of our favorite go-to topics, blended families. With A-Rod being generous enough to share how he and his partner, J-lo, navigate a modern family household.
Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, you’re bound to learn something from this humble hero who’s managed to stay unbelievably grounded (and just so nice!) while being in the public eye.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Instagram: @arod
- Three Day Rule is a unique, high-quality matchmaking service for those that know what they want—and just can’t hack swiping anymore! We’re literal proof it works. When you sign up, tell them that “Alli Webb / Raising the Bar” sent you!
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
You probably remember Dale Moss’s face—and shocking storyline—from last year’s “The Bachelorette,” but how much do you know about Dale’s off-camera credentials?
Turns out, the guy has leveraged awe-inspiring opportunities in sports, media, and philanthropy, and has led a pretty eventful life along the way.
We cover everything! From his impressive sports, modeling, and producing career to the not-so-shiny pitfalls that crossed him on the road to success. Now, fresh off “The Bachelorette,” with a number of exciting projects in the pipeline, 2021 is already looking like a trophy year for the guy who stole Clare Crawley’s heart.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Instagram: @dalemoss
- Website:officialdalemoss.com
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Today we’re discussing how to spend quality time with your lockdown lover during the pandemic. From puzzles to inquisitive games, we’re trying everything out for size and seeing what sticks. Listen to learn what keeps us connected during COVID!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- {AND} couple question cards from @skindeep
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Off the back of his latest book release, "The Cobbler," Steve Madden joins us to talk about the professional and personal breakdowns and breakthroughs he’s experienced during his 30-year reign as The Shoe Guy. Like all of us, this year has crystalized so much for him and his approach to life, and we’re sure you’ll find some serious inspiration in our chat.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Steve Madden’s new book, The Cobbler: How I Disrupted an Industry, Fell From Grace, and Came Back Stronger Than Ever.
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
This week’s impact episode features Teresa C. Younger, president and CEO of the Ms.Foundation for Women.
She unpacks the principles behind her incredible work empowering vulnerable communities around the states. We know real change happens when we generate important and relevant conversations with the leaders making a difference where it counts. So it was a true honor to shine the spotlight on such a game-changer today.
Here’s to listening, learning, and making the world a better place.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Twitter: @msfoundation & @msteresayounger
- Website: forwomen.org
- Instagram: @msfoundation
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
We recorded this conversation right after our interview with Steve Madden, which you’ll be able to hear on Friday (1/8/21), because we were just so taken aback by how open and honest he was with every answer. Honestly, it was downright refreshing. We just don’t get enough of that these days, not just in interviews but in our personal lives.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
In a modern family set up, it’s all too easy to spiral over the traditional expectations of what a perfect holiday should look like.’ Today, we’re tackling this issue head-on and discussing the practical ways you can leave your emotional baggage at the door, whilst honoring your feelings during blended family events.
For those of you out there in the same position as us and feeling stuck, know that it’s very much possible to blend—and be merry—during the holiday season.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
When Dr. Harold Lancer was around eight years old, he fell backwards into a vat of boiling water. And if comic books have taught us anything, he had two choices: become a superhero or a super villain. He opted for the former. So, over the next 18 months, he watched the local doctor clean his wounds, and he witnessed how the skin could heal itself with very minimal scarring, with a little pampering. Today, Dr. Lancer is known as the dermatologist to the stars and his skin products are available all around the world, but his minimal approach to skincare — one that doesn't involve invasive procedures, instead leveraging your skin’s natural renewal and repair process — was inspired by this healing journey.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- lancerskincare.com
- Instagram: @drlancerrx
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Dawn Wilcox is the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for Children's Hospital Los Angeles — and she is just as remarkable, beautiful, important, and amazing as the work she does to help make a difference for the families that need the hospital. And Dawn spent much of her career before working at the children’s hospital working as the middle-man between companies and charities, essentially connecting the people who have money to the people they can help, but she chose to work at CHLA so that she could see the impact that her work created. Dawn is a model impact leader and represents exactly why we want to highlight not just the most successful entrepreneurs but also the leaders who are making the biggest difference in our communities.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
- Want to figure out how your business can do more good? Send Dawn on email: corporatesponsorships@chla.usc.edu
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dawnmwilcox/
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
You don’t have to work with Adrian for very long before you find out how important being on time is when you’ve made the agreement to meet with him — because it’s not about being late, it’s about keeping your word.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Colleen and Jason Wachob were both killing it in their careers, but their high-stress careers were also slowly killing them. So, they decided to create the company that they needed: mindbodygreen.
Mindbodygreen has since become one of the leading brands in the health and wellness industry, offering news, science-backed research and advice, functional nutrition coaching, and some of the highest-quality supplements on the market. They believe in a holistic approach to health — one that incorporates the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, and environmental aspects of well-being — because neglecting any one aspect of our health can throw the whole system out of whack.
We talk about launching the business out of their apartment, how they’re trying to connect soul and science, and how the business has grown to include more than just digital content.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Save 15% on your first order of mindbodygreen's line of science-backed supplements. Visit mindbodygreen.com/raisingthebar and enter code RAISINGTHEBAR15 at checkout. This offer is valid through December 31, 2020.
- mindbodygreen.com
- Colleen on IG: @colleenwachob
- Jason on IG: @jasonwachob
- “The Three Marriages” by David Whyte
- “We Need A COVID Reality Check: An MD Shares His 5 Reasons Why”
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
David Duroche is one of the most fascinating people we’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking to, on or off the podcast. He is currently the Executive Director of The Other Side Academy — but the journey that brought him there is incredible, including nearly two decades in jail. We don’t want to spoil anything else, it’s that good.
Now Dave is trying to give other people the second chance he was given at The Other Side Academy, a two-year Life Skills Academy where men and women can come to learn about honesty, accountability, integrity, hard work, and self-respect: all the traits that will insulate them from a life like the one Dave had and enable them to become the kind of person Dave is today.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- www.theothersideacademy.com
- Watch: “Reformed Criminals Reforming Criminals | Dave Durocher | TEDxSaltLakeCity”
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-durocher-772b60132/
- "The Fabric of Character" by Nancy Sherman
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Most of us spent a lot of 2020 working from home… with everyone else we live with also working or going to school from home. It’s great to be able to spend more time with the people we love most — but it certainly comes with some challenges! We’ve had to learn new ways to work, and new ways to work together, and we wanted to share some of these tips because, even after the health crisis is over, work is probably never going to be the same as it was before. These new skills will be critical moving forward.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Courtney Nichols-Gould is the Co-Founder & Co-CEO SmartyPants, a leading preventative healthcare brand that values family, authenticity, and a core commitment to our collective well-being. Since launching in 2010, SmartyPants has led the industry in making ingredient choices focused on quality and transparency and wrapping them in a delicious gummy. And since the first bottle sold in 2010, they’ve made a 1-for-1 nutrient grant to Vitamin Angels for every bottle sold to help get life-changing supplements to those in need around the world.
We love everything they’re doing over there, and oh boy do we love Courtney. There aren’t a lot of Founder/CEOs who are willing to talk about their problems, mistakes, and transformation so openly — but Courtney is so committed to growth that she doesn’t let her ego silence these difficult-but-important conversations.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- smartypantsvitamins.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/courtney-nichols-gould-3b77582/
- Instagram: @smartypants
- Twitter: @smartyhealth
- "'I Used To Lead From Fear,' Says Founder of SmartyPants Vitamins"
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
We were sitting in our kitchen a couple weeks ago when Adrian pulled up this video for us to watch. It went over Scott Harrison’s journey, how he got clarity on his mission to bring clean water to the world, and why he started charity: water to accomplish that goal. 14 later, charity: water has raised over $496 million and funded over 59,000 water projects in 29 countries, providing water for over 11 million people with clean, safe drinking water once all those projects are done. That’s such an incredible impact, but Scott is just getting started.
There are still 785 MILLION people around the world who don’t have access to clean drinking water, with thousands of children dying each day as a result. That sucks. But here’s the silver lining: we know how to help every single one of them. It only costs $40/month to give one person clean water, the systems are in place to do it through charity:water and other organizations, and we just need more resources. So, if you’re able to, we strongly encourage everyone to join The Spring and do what you can to solve this problem.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- www.charitywater.org
- “The Spring - The charity: water story”
- Join The Spring
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scottharrison1/
- "Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World" by Scott Harrison
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Scuffles, kerfuffles, bickering: this is just a short list of things that should be left out of all of your text messages and emails. Whether this is in your personal relationships or your business, problems need to be addressed directly through a transparent and compassionate conversation. You’re not going to figure anything out over text, so you’re just wasting your time.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
A lot of us see cooking as something that we have to get out of the way (or outsource to someone else); it’s a utilitarian action that we need to get over with so that we can enjoy tasty food or just nourish our bodies (we see you, Soylent folks). But cooking can be the key that unlocks the community in our homes, and our guest is really focused on making it a little easier to connect with our families and nourish our souls over a tasty, healthy meal.
Catherine McCord is the Founder of One Potato, a meal delivery service that offers pre-prepped organic ingredients, family-friendly menu options, and even special child pricing. One Potato is currently available in eight states, but it’s growing in spite of the pandemic, or maybe in part because of what One Potato offers to people who have a little more time, want to be a little more healthy, and are craving a lot more human connection.
Catherine truly believes in bringing families together by cooking together, but fair warning: after listening to this episode you WILL want to cook with your family (and you will be hungry).
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- One Potato
- Instagram: @weelicious
- Facebook: facebook.com/weelicious
- Twitter: @weelicious
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catherine-mccord-0133018
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Michael P. Davidson is one of the most fascinating people on earth, and no matter how cynical you are, we don’t think it’s even possible to hear him talk and not feel inspired about what’s possible. Michael is the CEO of Gen Next, a modern institution comprising a social enterprise membership organization, a venture philanthropy foundation, and a political action committee. Gen Next endeavors to shape ideas and empower an influential community of forward-looking civic leaders to build a future that is free, just, and prosperous for future generations.
He’s already had an incredible impact on our lives and on thousands of others’ lives, and we’re so happy we’re able to share this next-level impact maker with all of you.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Gen Next
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelpdavidson
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
We recently enjoyed a little staycation in Malibu to celebrate our first anniversary and we had a surprising experience that we want to share with everyone. We stayed at the Malibu Surfrider, which was awesome and we could do a whole episode on that too, but that's not actually what surprised us on this trip. (We knew it’d be awesome.) We want to tell you about the few minutes we spent in a high-end headshop. This probably isn’t the story you expect to hear from a headshop, and we didn’t expect to be there ourselves, but we were absolutely blown away by how the person behind the counter built a connection with us in just a few moments.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
A Himalayan Mother SCOBY entered GT Dave’s home back in 1993, about 20 years before kombucha started to grow as a wellness trend in the Western world. They started brewing their own fizzy, fermented tea… and, honestly, it was kinda weird at first. But when his mom was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer — and then beat that cancer — GT started to take a closer look at this ancient Eastern brew. And the more GT learned, the more he knew that he had to make kombucha more accessible to everyone, everywhere.
GT first started brewing and bottling kombucha when he was only 15 years old, two years after they received that SCOBY, and this endeavor has since grown into the incredible GT’s Living Foods brand. They still brew and bottle the kombucha in the exact same way, though: small batches, allowing nature to do what it does best.
We learn all about this transformative experience in GT’s life, why he decided to drop out of high school (and why it was a good thing), how his unique spiritual upbringing has influenced the way he does business, and leaning into a path of service.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- GT’s Living Foods
- Instagram: @gtdave3
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Rich Orosco is a natural visionary and impact leader with a commitment to service, and as part of serving his community, he became an integral part of creating Adrian’s favorite Major League Soccer (MLS) team in the country: Los Angeles FC (LAFC). His dedication to service is infectious, and we know you’re going to be inspired by this conversation.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Instagram: @lafcrich
- Check out LAFC
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
We recently had an experience at a restaurant we went to for the first time that was… less than ideal. So, we’re going to share what went down, where it went wrong, and how you can make a better first impression on your customers.
What shit bugs you? Send us a DM on Instagram and we might talk about it in a future episode!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Gabby Bernstein changed Alli’s life... and that’s really not hyperbole at all. Her book “Super Attractor” shifted her perspective in a time when she was feeling stuck and desperately needed that little nudge towards a different mindset. Adrian, on the other hand, is relatively new to the world of Gabby Bernstein. So we ended up approaching this interview from two sides — a fangirl and an entrepreneur who is just always looking for better ways of living, working, and thinking — and we think the end result is really something special. This is like a lesson in manifestation for practical, tactical thinkers.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Gabbybernstein.com
- Instagram: @gabbybernstein
- Facebook: facebook.com/gabriellebernstein
- Twitter: @gabbybernstein
- “You Are the Guru”
- “Super Attractor”
- “Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles”
- "No-Drama Discipline" by Dr. Dan Siegel
- “The Whole-Brain Child” by Dr. Dan Siegel
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Cindy Montanez is the CEO of TreePeople and a record-breaking change-maker: at 25, she was elected as the youngest mayor and councilmember of her hometown of San Fernando, and at 28, she made history by becoming the youngest woman elected to the California State Legislature, where she became a champion for the environment, sustainable urban planning, and social justice. Cindy continues to dedicate herself to climate justice, now furthering the TreePeople movement and helping to transform the landscape of LA for the greener.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- treepeople.org
- Twitter: @CindyMontanezLA
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cindy-montanez-0902a620
- “Top 22 Benefits of Trees”
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
“I’m sorry you feel that way.”
Has anyone ever said that to you? Have you ever said that to someone else? Business, personal, just walking down the street talking to a stranger: no one ever wants to hear that.
What shit bugs you? Send us a DM on Instagram and we might talk about it in a future episode!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
You probably all know who Mark Cuban is — a star of “Shark Tank,” a billionaire entrepreneur, and a rockstar investor — but we wanted to uncover a side of Mark that you won’t see on TV. From how to get your pitch noticed to “Sharknado” to why Mark won’t be your mentor, we cover a whole lot in this conversation.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- Mark Cuban’s blog: blogmaverick.com
- Twitter: @mcuban
- Facebook: facebook.com/markcuban/
- gettingthingsdone.com
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot is one of the most impactful leaders in the country—and you’ve probably never heard of her. Now the CEO of Feeding America, she was a top tier international leader at Walmart before she decided to dedicate her life to making sure kids are fed.
Claire is truly what we’d call an impact leader. She’s taken all of her skills, intellect, power, and ambition that she picked up in the corporate world and aimed it at the social sector to make the most good for others. Feeding America is part of a network of over 200 food banks across the United States.
Get your tissues ready, because tears are going to be shed as she shares her wonderful and personal story.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- feedingamerica.org
- linkedin.com/in/clairebabineaux-fontenot
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
As business leaders and mentors, Alli and Adrian have seen just about every strategy for launching, scaling, marketing, selling, and leading a business. Some of it works, some of it doesn’t — and some of it bugs the shit out of us. So, we’re going to do these “Shit That Bugs Us” episodes to call out these all-too-common tactics and strategies that drive us nuts. Our goal isn’t to complain, although we will, but to help other people identify their blind spots and ways they can do better.
And we’re starting with a classic: the ol’ bait n’ switch!
What shit bugs you? Send us a DM on Instagram and we might talk about it in a future episode!
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
You probably know Guy Raz from hosting one of the most popular podcasts ever, NPR’s How I Built This. You might even have started following Alli because you heard her on the show. But we don’t think you’ve ever heard Guy like this.
We feel so attached to the guests on How I Built This because Guy is able to extract genuine human stories from people who we sometimes see as superhuman — the entrepreneurs and innovators behind some of the biggest brands in the world — allowing us to understand them as people, not public figures of brands. What’s so extraordinary about entrepreneurs, How I Built This reveals, is that they’re so ordinary.
And Guy Raz is no different. He doesn’t have the best connections in the world and he wouldn't describe himself as the best interviewer in the world. He’s just an ordinary guy — with a hell of a lot of curiosity.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Resources:
- www.guyraz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guy.raz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NPRGuyRaz/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/guyraz
- Listen to Alli’s episode of How I Built This
- “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck
Raising the Bar with Alli and Adrian is a production of Crate Media
The stuff you wished entrepreneurs really talked about. Drybar founder Alli Webb joins forces with her executive coach (and boyfriend) Adrian Koehler to pull back the curtain on the entrepreneurial life—the good, the bad, and the messy. Together, they tackle the conversations people in leadership rarely have in public, interviewing other entrepreneurs and founders along the way to find out what it takes to overcome the obstacles that make most people quit. This is a study on perseverance. So, whether you're just starting out or weighed down by the stress of success, tune in. You might not be as alone as you think.
Connect with us on Insta:
- Alli: @alliwebb
- Adrian: @adrian.k
Michael and Alli sit down with Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein, presidents of Baby2Baby, a group that provides low-income children with diapers, clothing, and basic necessities. Known for its stylish galas and A-list ambassadors (Jessica Alba and Drew Barrymore, among others), Baby2Baby has become one of L.A.'s most high-profile philanthropies! Kelly and Norah discuss the inception of Baby2Baby, the "diaper divide," and how everyone can help children living in poverty. Learn more at baby2baby.org
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Produced by Dear Media
You can thank Emily Current and Meritt Elliott for the boyfriend jeans in your closet. After making the jump from styling to designing, they started Current/Elliott and became denim darlings of the fashion world. Since selling their line, the ladies have expanded their brand into home decor and launched The Great, a multi-category line that embodies their trademark "whimsical Americana" aesthetic. The duo joined Alli and Michael to trace their early styling days to how they're building their current label.
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Produced by Dear Media
Anine Bing has become the go-to designer for models and actresses off-duty since leveraging her social media platform into a namesake label. Like all great founder stories, the Danish-born model and former rock 'n' roll singer launched her fashion line from the garage of her Los Angeles home. Now, she's opening brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S. and Europe. Anine sat down with Alli and Michael to discuss building a business with your spouse, and how she turned Insta-fame into a brand. Get 20% off your first order when you use promo code bar at trycaliper.com/bar.
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Produced by Dear Media.
Chriselle Lim is one of those OG influencers who joined YouTube in 2010 and now counts 3.2 million followers across social media with a staff of 13 people in her downtown L.A. office. What sets her apart, though, is how she's been able to translate that following into a diverse business portfolio. The Korean-American influencer, who started the popular blog and YouTube channel The Chriselle Factor, has gone on to found the branded content studio CINC studios, a namesake fashion label, and Bumo, a digital and physical community for Millennial parents. Chriselle joined Michael and Alli to share how she went from personal stylist to famous multihyphenate, the daily rigors of being a mom-slash-influencer-slash-entrepreneur, and creating the first co-working center with fully-licensed childcare. Keep up with her at @chrisellelim and don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
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Produced by Dear Media
Dubbed "the disso queen" by TMZ, Hollywood divorce attorney Laura Wasser has represented everyone from Ashton Kutcher to Kim Kardashian to Stevie Wonder. In her 20+ years practicing Family Law in Hollywood, the one thing she’s certain of is that all is fair in love and war. While known for handling high-profile, high-net-worth dissolutions, Laura is also the founder of It's Over Easy, an online divorce platform that gives divorcing couples an accessible and affordable resource to dissolve their marriage. She joined Alli and guest host Adrian Koehler to discuss her rise to the top of family law, life during and after a breakup, and her work to substantially reduces the pain, stigma, and cost of divorce. Keep up with Laura at @laurawasserofficial and itsovereasy.com. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS. If you enjoyed this episode please don't hesitate to subscribe and rate us!
Produced by Dear Media
Katerina Schneider was four-months pregnant when she set out to raise money for her subscription-based vitamin company aimed at delivering clean, science-backed, vegan-certified multivitamins made for women, by women. Since it's founding in 2015, Ritual has sold more than 1 million bottles of vitamins to become the first direct-to-consumer brand in the vitamin supplement industry. Founder and CEO Katerina joins Raising The Bar to talk fundraising while pregnant, being a "habit company," traceable ingredients and radical transparency, and raising $40.5M to date. Keep up with the brand at ritual.com and @ritual. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS. If you enjoyed this episode please don't hesitate to subscribe and rate us!
Produced by Dear Media.
Midland Shop is known for its curations of ethically-made, artisan, quality goods. With two locations in Los Angeles, Midland now has its eye on ramping up its e-commerce division and expanding beyond the coastal market. And while co-founder Paige Appel jokes that this is her third career (she was in film and event planning before Midland blossomed), the shop is ready as ever to learn how to scale the brand to a larger, online market. Alli sat down with her longtime BFF Paige to hear all about Midland's evolution. From fertility and divorce to friendship and business, Paige and Alli reflect on how they've changed as moms and entrepreneurs, the personal hurdles they've overcome, and the tools and resources that have helped them get through it. Keep up with Paige at @midland_shop and @paigeappel. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS. If you enjoyed this episode please don't hesitate to subscribe and rate us! Produced by Dear Media.
In just 48 months, founder and CEO Michelle Cordeiro Grant flipped her “leisurée” (lingerie and leisure) startup and sold the fledgling company for $85 million. As a former Victoria's Secret executive, Michelle realized that the $13 billion lingerie category in the U.S. alone was dominated by this one brand with one point of view. So she decided to create an inclusive, digital brand to redefine what comfort and sexiness meant to the Millennial woman. Michelle joined Raising The Bar to talk about LIVELY's meteoric three-year rise, the power and persuasion of brand ambassadors, inclusivity playing a big role in the company's identity, and how body positivity is at the forefront of everything they do. Keep up with Michelle at @the_michellegrant and @wearlively. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS. If you enjoyed this episode, don't hesitate to subscribe and rate us!
Shop all the amazing looks at www.wearlively.com !
Produced by Dear Media.
Though Ramy Brook Sharp's high school wasn't too happy about her shortening her skirts and restyling her jeans, this was the beginning of Ramy's self-trained foray into fashion designing. Fast-forward to 2010 and she's creating prototypes of six tops and one dress and debuting them at a trunk show at her sister’s home in New Jersey. This eventually leads to Bergdorf Goodmans placing their first order. Since then, Ramy Brooks has become a national fashion label known for its signature use of silk fabrics, lively colors, and sophisticated silhouettes, and day-to-night solutions in women’s wardrobes. Ramy visits Raising The Bar to dish up all her secrets on fashion designing, from how she nabbed high-end retailers like Saks and Bloomies to running a flagship store on Madison Ave. and focusing on e-tailers like Shopbop and Revolve. Keep up with Ramy at @ramybrook and @ramybsharp. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS. If you enjoyed this episode, don't hesitate to subscribe and rate us! Produced by Dear Media.
Executive coaching is at the forefront of business culture today. From founders in the startup stage to senior executives at multinational corporations, more people in leadership positions are seeking out "coaches" to help them take their performance to a new level, and Adrian Koehler has been involved at every stage of the business ladder. Adrian coaches executives and entrepreneurs in the art and science of personal engagement for themselves, their teams, and clients. He joins Alli and Michael to break down all the questions swirling around his industry, when to hire an executive coach, and his circuitous journey from healthcare professional to executive coach and everything in between. Learn more at takenewground.com and follow Adrian on LinkedIn and Instagram. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS. If you enjoyed this episode please don't hesitate to subscribe and rate us! Get a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS free postage AND a digital scale without any long-term commitment. Just go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the top of the homepage and type in 'Bar'.
Produced by Dear Media.
Though it's been decades since Gabby Reece first started out as a pro-beach volleyball star and Nike's first female spokesperson, the 6' 3” powerhouse hasn't slowed down. As a wife, mother, author, business entrepreneur, and fitness professional, Gabby is taking her influence to new heights with a podcast called "The Gabby Reece Show," all about life's biggest questions and obstacles. Gabby meets up with Alli and Michael to talk about life as a teenage model, what it was like during the era when her Nike shoe outsold the Air Jordan, as well as raising kids and building businesses with her pro-surfer husband Laird Hamilton. Keep up with her at @gabbyreece. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Produced by Dear Media.
In 2012, two years after its first store opened, Drybar announced that it had closed $16 million in financing with private equity firm Castanea Partners. Since then, Drybar has raised more than $50 million in venture capital to date. And just last month, Drybar sold its product line for $255 million in cash to Helen of Troy, a consumer group with a portfolio that includes OXO, Braun, and Hot Tools. It's been a long journey, and there's no one better to discuss the ups and downs of Drybar's money story than Steve Berg, Castanea's managing partner. Steve catches up with Michael and Alli to discuss the early days of raising money at Drybar, finding new investments and working with beauty companies, and his new firm called Stride Partners. Plus, he answers the most common money questions Alli's gets from entrepreneurs in her DMs. Learn more @castaneapartners. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! Produced by Dear Media.
Sali Christeson spent a decade in the Bay Area's fin-tech scene where she struggled to find clothes that were bold, practical, and professional. In 2016 she founded Argent, a workwear company for women focused on function and style. As CEO, Sali has one goal in mind—to tackle the workwear-joy gap. Today, Argent has raised $4 million in seed money and gained fans from Hollywood to Capitol Hill. Pieces feature functional elements like reversible suits, media and stylus pockets for everything from credit cards to lip gloss, microfiber pocket bags (for cleaning glasses and iPhones), and even belt clips for ID badges. Sali sat down with Alli to talk about gender inequality in the workplace, revving up marketing and partnerships in 2020, and the pros and cons of the DTC business model. Learn more @argent and @salichristeson. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Produced by Dear Media.
It's been 10 months since Squeeze opened their books to usher in the next generation of affordable massage studios and begin #TheFeelGoodRevolution. But it all hasn't been oohs and aahs. Co-founder and CEO Brittany Driscoll rejoins the podcast to break down the real struggles (and rewards) of starting a business from the ground up and making sure it flourishes. Alli and Brittany sit down to swap personal stories about how their lives have changed since opening Squeeze, life lessons learned along the way, and what's in store for 2020 and beyond. Keep up at @britdrisc and @squeeze. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! Produced by Dear Media.
Kelly Leveque is the woman who Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba, and Busy Phillips turn to when they need help balancing blood sugar and demanding schedules. Kelly unveils to Alli and Michael the inner workings of her consulting business and how she went from mapping genomes for oncologists to staking her claim as one of Hollywood's most sought-after nutrition experts. Plus, she shares her secret wellness and diet tips, including the ones she uses as Alli's health coach.
Founded in 2012 by painter Chelsea Neman Nassib, Tappan is a slick, modern platform for emerging artists to display and sell their work online. Since its launch in 2012, Tappan has successfully democratized the art scene for a digital generation, fostering the careers of emerging artists by giving them an online platform to sell their work, tell their story and reach collectors worldwide. Chelsea caught up with Michael and Alli to talk about how she went from student to Millennial founder, setting out to create a platform to connect collectors to emerging artists around the globe, and the breaking down barriers within the insular art world. Keep up at @tappancollective and @chelsea\_nn\_. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! Get 45 days of Acuity Scheduling absolutely free - no credit card required - by going to acuityscheduling.com/bar !
Go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in BAR to get a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS free postage and a digital scale. No long-term commitments or contracts.
Produced by Dear Media.
After a successful career in the infomercial industry, founder and CEO Steve Schulze turned his attention to the nascent juicing trend and opened the first Nekter Juice Bar in 2010. Today, the all-natural juice and smoothie franchise boasts more than 150 locations in 15 states and has grown in revenue to over $40 million. Steve sat down with Alli and Michael to explain how a fresh product and franchise model have helped it expand, tech innovation and partnerships at Nekter, and running a business with your ex-spouse. Keep up at @nekterjuicebar and @steve_schulze_official. Don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! Use coupon code " " for $10 off your first box at www.fabfitfun.com
Produced by Dear Media.
Moms all over the world have the Caden sisters to thank for normalizing post-pregnancy shapewear. It all started in 2008 when Lori Caden's sisters were sick of hearing complaints about the new mom's post-baby belly. So Lori, Jodi, and Kari developed the first doctor-recommended, postpartum compression wrap, the Belly Bandit. Thanks to its list of die-hard celeb fans like the Kardashian sisters, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Alba and more, Belly Bandit products now include C-Section Recovery Undies, Belly Wraps, and Mother Tucker Leggings and are sold in over 1,000 retailers and 86 countries. The Caden sisters joined Michael and Alli to talk about Belly Bandit's 10 years in the maternity industry, helping women feel their best before, during and after pregnancy, and the power of women-focused, solutions-based business. Learn more at @bellybandit and bellybandit.com. Don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Use coupon code " " for $10 off your first box at www.fabfitfun.com
Get 45 days of Acuity Scheduling absolutely free - no credit card required - by going to acuityscheduling.com/bar.
Produced by Dear Media.
Emily Schuman has built a thriving lifestyle company on the coattails of Cupcakes and Cashmere, a website she created just 10 years ago. As an OG fashion blogger, she walks Alli and Michael through her career's trajectory, from making the tough decision between staying at AOL or diving headfirst into her burgeoning blog (spoiler alert: she took the risk) to eventually licensing products and launching an e-commerce platform. She maps out the do's and don'ts of building a personal brand and how to lean on social media, properly. Check out more of Emily at: @emilyschuman @shopcupcakesandcashmere cupcakesandcashmere.com
Entrepreneur Rich Finck could sell ice to an Eskimo, literally. That's because his company Kentucky Straight Ice specializes in handcrafted, stunningly clear, luxury beverage-ice. A family-owned company based in Louisville, KY since 2015, Kentucky Straight Ice is designed to enhance the "on the rocks" experience for Bourbon, Scotch, Whiskey, and the entire premium spirits class. Rich visited Alli and Michael to talk all things Kentucky bourbon and how he came up with his crystal-clear business idea, the science behind Kentucky Straight Ice's trademark freezing and melting process, and why companies are spending boatloads on ice cubes. Learn more at @kystraightice and kentuckystraightice.com. Don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
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Supergoop! founder Holly Thaggard is the queen of sunscreen. She never intended to build a $40-million company sold in Sephora, Nordstrom, and Bluemercury until a close friend of hers was diagnosed with skin cancer. In 2007, she launched her brand with the goal of creating an SPF that everyone would want to wear every single day. With sunscreen is at the forefront of Supergoop!, Holly's mission is to prevent skin cancer and premature aging with her products. She met up with Michael and Alli to talk about her first career as a professional harpist, challenges she faced creating an FDA-regulated product, and disrupting the sunscreen industry. Keep up with Holly @hollythaggard and @supergoop. Don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
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Produced by Dear Media.
The Giving Keys are repurposed key necklaces stamped with inspirational words like FEARLESS, HOPE, STRENGTH, and COURAGE. When the wearer of the key encounters someone else who needs the message—they are encouraged to give it away and share their “pay-it-forward” story. Seen on celebrities like Taylor Swift and Nina Dobrev, the Giving Keys is not your average accessories brand in Los Angeles. That's because founder Caitlin Crosby started the company to employ those transitioning out of homelessness to make and assemble their products. Caitlin met up with Alli and Michael to talk about ending homelessness through employment, why "STRENGTH" is their all-time best-selling word, and when she knew it was time to turn her side gig into a full-blown social movement. To get involved, reach out to caitlin@thegivingkeys.com and keep up at thegivingkeys.com and @thegivingkeys. Don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! Get 45 days of Acuity Scheduling absolutely free - no credit card required - by going to acuityscheduling.com/bar !
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Sugar Paper, Los Angeles's premier goods shop and custom letterpress stationery company, was born in 2003 when college pals Chelsea Shukov and Jamie Grobecker started designing custom letterpress cards after graduation as a hobby. Now, Sugar Paper is carried in 1,500+ shops around the world and has storefronts in Brentwood, Newport Beach, and Marin. With a commitment to bespoke, local, and hand-made pieces, the Sugar Paper brand has won over celebrities from Reese Witherspoon to Zac Efron and earned them partnerships with brands like Target, J. Crew, and Goop. Chelsea and Jamie stopped by to tell Alli and Michael why handwritten notes are still thriving in the digital age, how their business is like a marriage, and what's next for the ever-growing stationery company. Keep up with Chelsea and Jamie at @sugarpaperla and sugarpaper.com, and don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! Go to Mejuri.com/rtb, you’ll get free shipping on orders over one hundred dollars!
Explore the virtual world of SPARKED on ulta.com/sparked.
Produced by Dear Media.
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Engagement ring company the Clear Cut has sold millions of dollars in diamonds over Instagram's direct messages since launching in 2018. By creating tailor-made jewelry and demystifying the buying process for a new generation, they've disrupted an industry and paved the way to become the next Tiffany & Co. Co-founders Olivia Olivia Landau and Kyle Simon, who met as students at the Gemology Institute of America (aka GIA) and married this year, have grown their business 100% quarter-over-quarter since quitting their day jobs to take on the Clear Cut fulltime. Olivia, a fourth-generation jeweler, and Kyle, a fair-trade diamond mining alum, joined Alli and Michael to talk about how their booming business, the power of organic growth and engagement on Instagram, and redefining a luxury market. Keep up with them @theclearcut and theclearcut.co, and don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Free shipping on orders over $100 at mejuri.com/rtb !
Produced by Dear Media.
Maya Brenner’s eponymous jewelry line first caught the public’s attention more than 20 years ago, while the jeweler was still creating pieces out of her studio apartment and working full-time as a social worker. Specializing in fine, 14K gold jewelry, Maya Brenner Designs boasts a slew of celebrity admirers, including Meghan Markle who first revealed her relationship with Prince Harry thanks to Maya's Asymmetrical Letter Necklace's "MH" initials. The LA-based jeweler caught up with Michael and Alli to talk about the brand's many successful collaborations, moving to Los Angeles and starting from scratch, and the transformative power of a necklace. Keep up with Maya at mayabrenner.com and @mayabrenner, and don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Ignite your curiosity and discover SPARKED in select Ulta Beauty stores! Explore the virtual world of SPARKED on ulta.com/sparked
Produced by Dear Media.
Five years ago, Nick Molnar had a theory that recession-scarred Millennials would prefer to spend their own money and spread their purchases across a series of payments rather than use a loan or credit card. His Australian company Afterpay—which operates similarly to a layaway system where consumers buy a product and pay it off in four installments—has since spread to the U.S. and is now worth billions. The 29-year-old co-founder global chief revenue officer visited Alli and Michael to talk about his start as the number-one seller of jewelry in Australia on eBay, why Afterpay has resonated with debt-ridden, credit-averse young consumers, and how he's tackling international growth and scale. Keep up with Nick at @afterpayusa and @molnarnick, and don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Talia Goldstein officially started her matchmaking company Three Day Rule in 2010, but she’s been setting people up since she was in high school. Today, Three Day Rule employs 50 matchmakers who arrange dates in 10 major cities in the U.S. These matchmakers combine tech with human intuition, meeting with each of their clients and potential matches in person and using facial-recognition software to help improve the search. Founder Talia joined Raising The Bar to share how she went from office matchmaker to CEO, raising money for a startup while pregnant, and how she's found matches for hundreds of clients, including top executives, entrepreneurs, and celebrities. Learn more at threedayrule.com and @threedayrule. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! Ignite your curiosity and discover SPARKED in select Ulta Stores. ᐧ
For years, Cassie Hughes and Gabrey Means were rivals in the cutthroat world of corporate publicity campaigns, trying to outdo each other with store launches, press events, and stunts, all before experiential marketing was barely a standard marketing practice. The competition ended one day over a bottle of wine, as Cassie and Gabrey realized they could build the agency they longed for but never found. Since starting Grow in 2001, Gabrey and Cassie have built Grow from a two-person consultancy into an award-winning agency that counts Google, Target, Sephora, Levi’s, Nike, and more as clients. The two marketing whizzes sat down with Michael and Alli to talk about what makes their strategies unique, how to execute an experiential event, and why brands are engaging in the culture more than ever before. Learn more at grow-marketing.com, and don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! ᐧ
As a lifelong amateur baker, Laurel Gallucci had to remove gluten, dairy, and refined sugar from her diet when she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's. She had to re-learn how to eat, and applied this newfound knowledge to her love of baking. Eventually, Laurel teamed up with her partner Claire Thomas to create Sweet Laurel Bakery, an Instagram and marketing phenomenon that has lead to two cookbooks and brick-and-mortar bakeshop in the Palisades Village. Tune in to hear Laurel discuss the origins of Sweet Laurel (hint: branding came before business) and how her business is presently scaling to cater to its rapidly growing, niche fan base. Keep up with Laurel at @sweetlaurelbakery, and don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Death, disease, and...spray tanning? All of these things led Katie DePaola to leave her 9-to-5 job and grow her company Inner Glow Circle into a globally recognized training program for coaches and entrepreneurs. Katie's journey to entrepreneurial independence took many twists and turns since IGC's founding in 2015, but she's turned her greatest challenges into her greatest opportunities and says her business is what saved her life. Michael and Alli hear Katie's story and find out how Inner Glow Circle teaches and empowers women to work for themselves. Keep up with Katie at @innerglowcircle and @itskatiedepaola, and don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Produced by Dear Media.
Don't ask Jen Gotch how to describe her 11-year-old business Ban.do. What began as a hair accessories company has evolved into a lifestyle brand that can be found at more than 3,000 department stores and boutiques around the world and count Starbucks and Taylor Swift as collaborators. Jen has evolved, too. As a co-founder, chief creative officer, mental health advocate, and now, author, Jen joined her old pals Michael and Alli in front of a Ban.do-clad live audience at the Grove to get real about mental health (duh), creative entrepreneurship, and how her brand can stand for more than just fun. Keep up with Jen at @jengotch and @shopbando. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
When Justin Miller and Tom Simon pitched their bake-at-home cookie mix on Shark Tank, they may have tricked Alli into eating their dog treats (made from human-grade ingredients) but that didn't stop a bidding war. Alli beat out fellow Shark Kevin O'Leary—offering them $50,000 for 30% of the company—and committed to helping the duo with branding, marketing, and scaling. Justin and Tom caught up with their investors to relay what's happened since Shark Tank, how Alli and Michael come into play, and what's on the horizon for Zookies Cookies. Keep up with the brand at zookiescookies.com and @zookiescrittercookies. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Produced by Dear Media.
Year & Day is changing the way people shop for tableware. With its modern, minimalist dishes, flatware, and glassware at attainable prices, the year-old, direct-to-consumer startup has already made fans out of Eva Chen and Mandy Moore. Founder and CEO Kathryn Duryea, a Stanford MBA who previously worked in brand management at Tiffany & Co., wants to do for tableware what Warby Parker has done for eyewear or Parachute Home has done for bedding: offer a defined aesthetic at reasonable prices. Kathryn met up with Alli and Michael (and newly-minted Year & Day devotees) to discuss the intersection of curation and marketing, rethinking the upscale homewares category for Millennials, and the renaissance—not death—of brick-and-mortar retail. Keep up with the brand at yearandday.com and @yearandday. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Produced by Dear Media.
Toni Ko was just 25 when she founded the affordable beauty brand NYX Cosmetics. With $250,000 in seed money from her parents, the Korean-born entrepreneur started out small, with makeup pencils, but made $2 million in sales her first year. After selling the company in 2014 to L'Oreal for reportedly $500 million, Toni knew retirement wasn't what came next. She sat down with Alli and Michael to swap entrepreneurial war stories and share how she revived her sense of self post-acquisition with a sunglass company, real estate investments, and venture firm for women-led companies. Keep up with Toni at @tonikokoko. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Produced by Dear Media.
It Cosmetics has been a true disruptor in the cosmetics industry since its launch in 2008. After years of hustling on QVC and landing shelf space in Sephora and Ulta, founder Jamie Kern Lima sold her problem-solving makeup line of 300 products to L'Oreal for a reported $1.2 billion in 2016 and stayed on as CEO, making her the first female CEO in L'Oreal's 108-year-history. Jamie sat down with Michael and Alli to reveal how she started testing makeup to help cover up her rosacea, investing in women-led businesses, and the origins of Drybar and It Cosmetic's collaboration, the Lash Blowout Mascara. Keep up with Jamie at itcosmetics.com and @jamiekernlima. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! Produced by Dear Media. Producedᐧ
Rachel Pally's Cali-cool maxi dresses have been photographed on everyone from SJP and Beyoncé to Jennifer Aniston and Katy Perry, but it was a stint at a university costume department and a chance encounter in DTLA's Chinatown that truly changed everything for her. Since founding the eponymous clothing line in 2002, Rachel's made it her mission to make flattering clothing for women of all sizes, including plus-size and maternity-wear. The native Angeleno continues to support her local economy by designing and manufacturing in her hometown. Michael and Alli caught up with Rachel to find out all about the brand's origin story, growing up with entrepreneur-parents (who founded Gymboree), and how the designer is scaling her growing retail business. Keep up with Rachel at rachelpally.com and @rachelpally. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Sophia Rossi has been a babysitter, an assistant, a TV producer, a founder, a CEO, and now...city councilwoman? But that's for the future. As a former producer onMTV's The Hills and The City, Sophia went on to co-found HelloGiggles (alongside BFFs Zooey Deschanel and Molly McAleer) and sell the media company to Time Inc. in 2016. Today, the 36-year-old entrepreneur keeps good company among L.A.'s glitterati and is focusing on her spice company called Hi Note. She met up with Alli and Michael to dish on her Hills days as a young producer, choosing an internship over college, and what the next steps are after selling a company for millions of dollars. Keep up with Sophia at @rivfifi and don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! Produced by Dear Media. ᐧ
The made-in-LA success of Clare Vivier's handbags and accessories company is going international. Since starting Clare V. in 2008, Clare has translated buzz into business growth and cornered the accessories market through online, wholesale, and brick-and-mortar retail (she just opened her 9th store). With a signature brand of Cali-Parisian chic and affordable luxury, Clare has ventured beyond handbags into clothing, footwear, jewelry, and beauty. Today, she employs 70 people and continues to design and manufacture exclusively in L.A. Clare sat down with her friends Alli and Michael to talk about her pivot from journalism to fashion, strategizing collaborations and partnerships, and how social media and social justice play a key part in her business. Keep up with Clare at clarev.com and @clarevivier. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Produced by Dear Media.
When "Shark Tank" investors Alli Webb and Mark Cuban made an $80,000 gamble on national television, they were not only buying into Shower Toga but also its feisty and fearless founder, Kressa Peterson. Shower Toga—a wearable, water-resistant garment that allows users to strip and wash off while keeping their modesty in check—is touted as a saving grace after beach days, obstacle races, music festivals, and even emergency events and elderly assistance. Kressa visited Alli and Michael to dish behind-the-scenes Shark Tank moments, why Shower Toga is so much more than a "glorified garbage bag," and how her breast cancer diagnosis kickstarted her second act as an entrepreneur. Learn more at showertoga.com and @shower_toga. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
The original Lip Scrub—loved by early supporters Gwyneth Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon—was never meant to kickstart Sara Happ's beauty career. She just whipped up a product in her kitchen one cold winter to combat chapped lips. With her scrub, she had stumbled into a blank space in the beauty industry—lip scrubs and lip care—and said goodbye to her job at ESPN to become a full-blown entrepreneur. Sara talks with her longtime friends Alli and Michael about gaining a cult following and becoming known as the "Lip Expert," why she's focusing on doing one thing well like another familiar brand (ahem, Drybar), and how she's ready to scale the business. Learn more at sarahapp.com and @sarahapp. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
A fitness studio, but for your mental health. This is the idea behind U-Nify, an early-stage company offering affordable workshops led by therapists, life coaches, spiritual leaders, and wellness experts. U-Nify wants to lower the barrier of entry and make mental health a part of the everyday wellness routine, just like going to the gym or meditating. Alli and Michael sat down with U-Nify founders Sandra Kusnnir and Kevin Lehtinen to offer the budding entrepreneurs advice on honing their elevator pitch, finding investors, and opening a brick-and-mortar in Los Angeles. Learn more at unifylosangeles.com and @unifyla. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Ashley Merrill launched Lunya in 2014 with a conviction that women's sleepwear was overdue for a fresh, modern perspective. As an MBA student wearing her husband's old clothes like pajamas, Ashley realized that although people will spend one-third of their lives in bed, sleepwear still tended to be the most undervalued part of a wardrobe. So, she set out to create a new brand of luxury PJs that were both stylish and functional. Today, Lunya (a play on "lugna," the Swedish word for relaxation) is an entirely self-funded sleepwear line made from sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics. Ashley sat down with Alli and Michael to talk about building a business in service of women, her bid to take over the pajama industry, and innovating the tech-bed game with her FDA-regulated "cooling" fabric. Keep up with Ashley at @ashley__merrill and @lunya.And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Alli lives out her country girl fantasy and visits Nashville to interview Karen Fairchild, one-fourth of the Grammy Award-winning band, Little Big Town. Together, Alli and Karen find similarities between running a business and running a band, from deal-making and leadership to public performances and building a national brand. They also touch on the gender disparities within the country recording industry, the songwriting process, and country culture. Keep up with Karen at @karenfairchild and @littlebigtown. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! ᐧ
Jaime Schmidt, founder of Schmidt’s Naturals, created her award-winning natural deodorant when she was pregnant and concerned about the widespread use of unnatural ingredients in deodorant. So she created a better alternative for herself and others. From farmers' market tables, her products—which came to include soaps and toothpaste—stormed the shelves of CVS, Walmart, Costco, and Whole Foods. By 2017, when Schmidt sold her company to Unilever for an undisclosed amount, Schmidt's Naturals was in more than 14,000 stores in over 30 countries, with year-over-year growth of 300 percent. Alli and Michael caught up with Jaime to find out how she turned her hobby into a global company, and why she’s now now investing in fellow entrepreneurs. Keep up with Jaime at @jaimeschmidt22, @schmidtsnaturals, and @colorinvests. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
You can thank Emily Current and Meritt Elliott for bringing boyfriend jeans into your closet. After making the jump from styling to designing, the two started Current/Elliott and became denim darlings of the fashion world. Since selling their namesake line in 2011, Emily and Meritt have expanded their brand into home decor (with an ongoing partnership at Pottery Barn) and launched The Great, a multi-category line that embodies their trademark "whimsical Americana" aesthetic. The designer duo joined Alli and Michael to trace their early styling days to how they're building their current lifestyle label. Learn more at emilyandmeritt.com and @emilyandmeritt. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Michael and Alli sit down with Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein, co-presidents of Baby2Baby, a non-profit organization that provides low-income children ages 0-12 with diapers, clothing, and other basic necessities every child deserves to start life off right. Known for its stylish galas and A-list ambassadors (Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, and Drew Barrymore, among others), Baby2Baby has become one of L.A.'s most high-profile philanthropies since its founding in 2011. Kelly and Norah discuss the inception of Baby2Baby, the sobering "diaper divide," and how everyone can help children living in poverty. Learn more at baby2baby.org and @baby2baby. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! ᐧ
Alexa von Tobel dropped out of Harvard Business School in 2008 to start LearnVest, the online financial planning service designed for the average American that sold in 2015 to Northwestern Mutual. Today, she is the founder and managing partner of Inspired Capital and the *New York Times*-Bestselling Author of "Financially Fearless" and "Financially Forward." Alexa caught up with Alli and Michael to break down her entrepreneurial journey and the latest trends in venture capital and financial technology. Keep up with Alexa von Tobel at @alexavontobel. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! ᐧ
Inspired by a lightbulb moment to create "the Drybar for nails," Sarah Gibson Tuttle ditched her NYC finance career to take a risk and open Olive & June, the Instagram-perfect nail salon. Now, after opening three shops, her focus is on democratizing nail-care with Olive & June's line of at-home manicure products. Sarah sat down with Michael and her BFF Alli to relive her early days with one salon and zero business plan, how she and Alli came to work together, and why Olive & June's is tackling the national at-home market. Keep up with Sarah Gibson Tuttle at @gibsontuttle and @oliveandjune. Don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Anine Bing has become the go-to designer for models and actresses off-duty since leveraging her social media platform into a namesake label in 2012. Like all great founder stories, the Danish-born model and former rock 'n' roll singer launched her online fashion line from the garage of her Los Angeles home. Now, she's expanding to children's wear and opening brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S., U.K, and Europe. Anine sat down with Alli and Michael to talk about the origins of her laidback Scandinavian style, the growing pains of building a business with your spouse, and how she turned Insta-fame into a global brand. For more in the know with @aninebing and @aninebingofficial. Don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us! ᐧ
Brooklyn Decker has made a name for herself on the pages of Sports Illustrated and Netflix's "Grace and Frankie," but now her mission as a tech co-founder is to help women digitize and simplify their closets. She sat down with Alli and Michael to talk about Finery—a virtual closet that generates outfits, styling inspo, and sale alerts— and how the app is saving users time and money with items they already own. Learn more at @brooklyndecker, @yourfinery, and finery.com. And don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Chris Williams is the founder and CEO of Pocket.watch, a digital-first studio that creates global franchises from the YouTube stars and characters loved by Generation Alpha (kids born in 2011-2025). Chris stops by the studio to talk to Alli and Michael about "kidfluencers," monetizing an online audience, and the future of kids' entertainment. Launched in 2017, Pocket.watch has raised $21 million in funding to develop and launch children’s media brands and spin-off content into books, merchandise, live events and shows for streaming services like Hulu and Amazon. Learn more about Pocket.watch at pocket.watch, and don't forget to follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar and subscribe and rate us!
Kelly Leveque is the woman who Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba, and Busy Phillips turn to when they need help balancing blood sugar and demanding schedules. Kelly unveils to Alli and Michael the inner workings of her consulting business and how she went from mapping genomes for oncologists to staking her claim as one of Hollywood's most sought-after nutrition experts. Plus, she shares her secret wellness and diet tips, including the ones she uses as Alli's health coach.
Learn more about Kelly by visiting bewellbykelly.com and @bewellbykelly.
Follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar, and don't forget to subscribe and rate us!
For years, Alli and Michael sat on their million-dollar idea to create the Goldilocks massage experience—not too pricey, not too cheap—while they were busy building Drybar. But when their VP of Marketing Brittany Driscoll needed a new challenge, their massage concept was reborn. This is the story of how Brittany, Alli, and Michael launched Squeeze, the on-demand massage chain and app disrupting the self-care industry.
Learn more about Squeeze by visiting squeezemassage.com or on @squeeze.
Keep up to date with Brittany's entrepreneurial journey on @britdrisc.
Follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar, and don't forget to subscribe and rate us!
Emily Schuman has built a thriving lifestyle company on the coattails of Cupcakes and Cashmere, a website she created just 10 years ago. As an OG fashion blogger, she walks Alli and Michael through her career's trajectory, from making the tough decision between staying at AOL or diving headfirst into her burgeoning blog (spoiler alert: she took the risk) to eventually licensing products and launching an e-commerce platform. She maps out the do's and don'ts of building a personal brand and how to lean on social media, properly. Check out more of Emily at: @emilyschuman @shopcupcakesandcashmere cupcakesandcashmere.com Follow @alliwebb for #BTS of Raising The Bar, and don't forget to subscribe and rate us!
Alli and Michael are back and better than ever with a brand new group of entrepreneurs you will not want to miss! Season 2 begins March 29th!
Before Jammcard, a job platform for musicians didn’t really exist. So after working as a drummer for years and recognizing the need for it, Elmo decided to build it himself, and he told us all about it.
We also answered listener questions about pitch decks, whether to go to business school, whether Dry Bar plans to expand internationally, and social media.
This is the last episode of this season of Raising the Bar. But you can still reach out to us! If you have questions for us, you can DM Alli on Instagram (@alliwebb), or email us your questions at RTB@wondery.com.
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This episode features Platefit founders Rachael Blumberg and Yuval Chiprut.
Platefit is a boutique exercise company that provides classes designed around the use of Power Plates. The plates, originally developed to help Russian cosmonauts recover after spending time in zero gravity, vibrate to increase muscle contractions during workouts.
Rachael and Yuval met while teaching exercise classes at the same gym, eventually becoming business partners -- and life partners, too. Today, they are married and co-own three stores. They talked to us about expanding their business and about the value of investing in public relations.
If you have questions for us, you can DM Alli on Instagram (@alliwebb), or email us your questions at RTB@wondery.com.
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This episode features Hedley & Bennett founder and CEO Ellen Bennett.
When Ellen was working as a chef in restaurants, she couldn’t believe bad the aprons were. They were ill-fitting, poorly constructed, and everyone hated wearing them. So she decided to reinvent them.
Now, thousands of chefs and makers wear her handcrafted aprons. To Ellen, a well-made apron can change the way you look and feel while you work.
If you have questions for us, you can DM Alli on Instagram (@alliwebb), or email us your questions at RTB@wondery.com.
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This episode features Girls Auto Clinic founder Patrice Banks.
Patrice had a great job as an engineer when she decided give it all up to become a mechanic and open a female-run shop. Her goal? To educate and empower women through their cars.
If you have questions for us, you can DM Alli on Instagram (@alliwebb), or email us your questions at RTB@wondery.com.
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This episodes features Create & Cultivate’s Jaclyn Johnson! Jaclyn noticed women entrepreneurs needed a space to gather to create their dream careers and her business was born! She’s seen it all, from building a wildly successful festival, going through a business partner breakup and captivating those ever-elusive 'millennials'. After that, we’re answering more of YOUR questions. You can DM Alli on Instagram (@alliwebb), or email us your questions at RTB@wondery.com.
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HelloFresh - For $20 off your first three HelloFresh boxes, visit HelloFresh.com/BAR60 and enter promo code BAR60.
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This episode features Barry’s Bootcamp CEO Joey Gonzalez. Joey first fell in love with the high-intensity fitness studio as a customer. He worked his way up the Barry’s ladder, going from instructor to manager to partner and finally, to CEO.
Joey talked about how he deals with competition, why hiring good people is crucial to success, and what it’s like being married to another CEO. After we talk to Joey, we’re answering your questions and direct messages. You can DM Alli on Instagram (@alliwebb), or email us your questions at RTB@wondery.com
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Quip - Go to GetQuip.com/BARand get your first refill pack free!
Wix - Build your beautiful website today! Just go to Wix.com to get started.
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This episode features two guests. First, we talked to Itika Oldwine, founder of Oldvine Florals, a high end flower shop in Los Angeles. She talked to us about the decision to go out on her own, how she moved her business from her house to a store, and how former NBA basketball player Matt Barnes became one of her investors.
Then, we talked to Talmadge Lowe, co-founder of Hi-Lo Liquor, a craft liquor store also here in Los Angeles. He told us what makes his store unique and why it’s nice to have your co-founder be a rocket scientist.
We also told you what we’re obsessed with lately.
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This episode features designer Joy Cho. Her lifestyle brand, Oh Joy, grew from a tiny blog into a successful business with a huge following. She talked about developing brand recognition, why she’s hesitant to expand her business, and how she set herself up for her first million-dollar year. After that, we’re answering your questions and direct messages. You can DM Alli on Instagram (@alliwebb), or email us your questions at RTB@wondery.com.
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This episode features celebrity chef Johnny Ray Zone, the founder and operator of Howlin’ Rays, a Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant in Los Angeles. Howlin’ Rays is so popular, Johnny’s main problem early on was dealing with long lines (seriously, it was hours.) We learned that Nashville hot chicken was invented as a revenge plot, about Johnny’s storied past as a chef and LA’s top restaurants and why he doesn’t want to expand so stop asking! After that, we answered a listener question and told you what we’re obsessed with lately. If you have a question for us, you can DM Alli on Instagram (@alliwebb), or email us your questions at RTB@wondery.com.
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On today's episode, Hillary Kerr is joining us. She’s the cofounder of Clique Brands, which has three brands - Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. We're also here to answer your question, including one we get asked all the time - what are you obsessed with? Short answer: It's a lot. Have a burning question? You can DM Alli on Instagram (@alliwebb), or send your questions to RTB@wondery.com.
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This episode features celebrity chef Curtis Stone. He’s had a ton of success, including television shows, cookbooks, and famed LA restaurants, Maude and Gwen. He talked about Anthony Bourdain, his worst kitchen disaster and taught us a new business mantra. After that we’re answering your questions and direct messages. You can DM Alli on Instagram (@alliwebb), or send your questions to RTB@wondery.com.
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It’s our dad! They may have raised us, but for years Alli and Michael's parents ran a chain of clothing stores in South Florida, Flip’s. It was a family business, and they grew up watching this business grow. And - Alli goes out to Venice Beach and explores Abbot Kinney in “Out With Alli.”
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When Alli Webb and Michael Landau started Drybar 8 years ago, they had no idea what would happen, but that’s the life of every entrepreneur. Risk everything and you could gain… or lose… everything. So they’re talking to business owners of all kinds - moguls and beginners alike - including Sarah Michelle Gellar. When she started FoodStirs in 2014, she had no idea what would happen, and even for Sarah Michelle Gellar, it hasn’t been an easy road. This is Raising The Bar.
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