American Dream Factory - An Innovation Collective Podcast

Think AI is just for tech bros, coders, or billionaires building robot empires? Think again.In this episode, Nick Smoot sits down with AI expert Josh Freckleton to break down what artificial intelligence really is, what it actually does today, and how "normal people" can start using it to make work easier, faster, and better.Josh went from studying the human brain to building digital ones and now he helps everyday business owners, founders, and curious creatives figure out how to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, Gemini, and Hugging Face without needing to speak “tech.”This is the plain-English, no-hype, real-world AI episode you've been waiting for.

What if the most powerful new protocol in AI wasn't being shaped in Silicon Valley… but in a basement in North Idaho?Enter ⁠Paul Swaim⁠ and ⁠Garrett Oetken⁠, two innovators who went from community college hallway conversations to becoming key architects of ⁠BitTensor⁠, a $3B+ decentralized AI network reshaping the future of work, research, and economic contribution.Garrett dropped out of college. Paul spent years as an IT leader working at one. Both found themselves in North Idaho, guided by curiosity and a shared desire to make a meaningful impact. As they got pulled into the innovation culture blossoming in Coeur d'Alene, they began to dream bigger about what they could build, and who they could become. Together, they co-founded a startup and went on to help create the leading global, merit-based AI economy that rewards contributors, not credentials.This isn't just a tech story.It's a blueprint for how small towns can birth big revolutions.Chapters04:08 The Evolution of Technology and Infrastructure09:26 Digital Transformation in Education11:50 Building Infrastructure in Rural Areas15:23 Decentralized Future and Community Ownership17:44 The Future of Energy and Nuclear Innovations30:49 Building Community for Entrepreneurship32:35 The Emergence of Blockchain and Innovation33:19 Understanding BitTensor and Its Mechanisms36:57 The Role of Miners and Validators in BitTensor40:26 Incentive Mechanisms and Competition in Subnets52:54 Monetizing Data and the Future of AI Innovation56:58 Introduction to Macrocosmos and Its Team58:11 Understanding Protein Folding and Its Applications59:43 The Future of Work and Merit-Based Protocols01:02:21 Decentralized Approaches Beyond AI01:05:47 Real-World Applications and Community Engagement01:08:14 The Role of Education in a Changing Landscape01:12:59 Building a New Future Together01:16:50 Engaging with the BitTensor Community

This episode challenges the broken narrative around the American Dream and reframes it as a mindset, not a marketing slogan. He dives into the importance of creation over consumption, the undervalued wisdom of older generations, and the truth that you're never too old (or too young) to build something of real value.Nick shares stories of his friend and aerospace legend Burt Rutan: the man who invented private space travel and is still designing planes at age 83. The episode also features a tribute to Max Faget, a high-impact inventor with no college degree who helped shape modern space capsules and inspired Rutan deep into his 90s.This episode is both a wake-up call and a love letter to dreamers, doers, and underdogs of all ages.

Before Google Maps. Before smartphones. Before Silicon Valley gave mobile a second thought — the Blumberg brothers were strapping GPS units to PalmPilots and piping real estate data through them. In this episode, Nick Smoot sits down with Brad and Eric Blumberg, the underdog inventors who quietly pioneered location-based real estate search and filed the first patents that would later shape the mobile experience we take for granted.From living a few blocks apart in Jersey to battling billion-dollar giants over the definition of “proximate,” the brothers share their wild ride through invention, patent wars, early startup life, and building trust with major partners before “startup” was even a cultural word.This one's about grit, timing, vision — and being early enough that people thought you were crazy.They were the first to hack GPS and mobile devices to make real estate location-aware.At a time when telecom was obsessed with “minutes,” they were shouting: “It's about data.”Selling a vision is often harder than building the tech.They faced deep skepticism from insiders who couldn't see the future — yet.Real innovation demands a shift in perception — and persistence when no one's clapping yet.They proved you could shop for homes on a tiny screen long before Zillow or Redfin.Innovation often starts by refusing to follow the rules everyone else takes for granted.They stuck to their vision even through lawsuits, economic downturns, and tech shifts.Progress doesn't happen in a straight line — it's messy, hard, and worth it.At the center of it all: understanding real user needs, not just market trends.Check out AstorKey, their newest innovation using encrypted, decentralized data to rethink how mortgages are done — without giving up your identity to the internet forever.

In this episode, Nick Smoot sits down with Susan Paley, the powerhouse behind the early days of Beats by Dre. Before Beats became a global icon, it was Susan — employee one, founding CEO — who brokered the partnerships, built the business model, and turned the brand from an idea into a global force.Susan shares how she navigated the chaos of startup life at the highest stakes, made the deals that fueled a cultural movement, and why simplicity is the hidden lever behind every great company. From early internet ventures to hardware innovation, her career is a blueprint for building in uncertain environments.Today, Susan leads Beacon, where she has pulled together the best minds in global hardware manufacturing to help the next generation of founders build faster and smarter. We also dive into her perspective on innovation, leadership under pressure, and how places like Coeur d'Alene are becoming new frontiers for bold builders.If you want to understand what it takes to create real momentum — and survive the pressure — this is a conversation you will not want to miss.Highlights:How Susan built Beats into a company with no map, no playbook, and no safety netLessons in deal-making: why listening wins and aggression losesWhy hardware matters again — and how Beacon is helping founders scaleHow Build_ Coeur d'Alene is laying the groundwork for 100 new companiesThe mindset required to build when the rules are being written in real timeWant to meet Susan in person?She will be live at Build_ Coeur d'Alene on April 30 and May 1, sharing more stories, lessons, and energy with the builders of North Idaho. Request your invite today at [Build_ Coeur d'Alene].Chapters00:00 The Love for Volleyball11:14 The Evolution of Sports and Gaming14:17 From Chicago to LA: A Journey into Film17:11 The Internet Boom and Early Innovations20:13 Navigating the Audio Industry26:15 The Art of Deal-Making33:20 Life in Los Angeles: A Dual Perspective34:39 The Traffic Dilemma in LA37:01 Resilience and Reinvention in Los Angeles41:24 The Evolution of Beats by Dre47:46 Lessons from the Beats Experience51:17 Empowering the Next Generation of Hardware Entrepreneurs56:55 Unlocking Hidden Innovations in Research

In this episode, Nick Smoot sits down with Javis Cornett, Audience Development Director at Hagadone Media, to announce a groundbreaking partnership between Build_ and The Coeur d'Alene Press. This isn't just a media collab. It's the birth of a modern business community—where local news, startups, mentorship, and creativity converge to reshape the future of North Idaho.Whether you've got a dream project, a big idea, or you're just looking for your tribe—this episode lays out how the new Build_ membership gives you the tools, access, and support to actually build it.

In this inspiring and wide-ranging episode, Nick sits down with Julian Guthrie, a Pulitzer-nominated journalist, bestselling author, and now AI startup founder, who calls Hayden, Idaho home.Julian opens up about:Her path to the San Francisco Chronicle, covering the tech boom, interviewing billionaires and astronauts, and telling underdog stories that matter.How her deep empathy, resilience, and pursuit of excellence shaped her storytelling and life choices.What she learned from Larry Ellison about Kaizen and how that daily discipline drives her today.Her leap from journalism to tech with the creation of Alphy and HarmCheck, a tool using AI to reduce harm in digital communication.Why she believes leadership can be powerful and kind, and how she's leading with authenticity rather than aggression.This is a conversation about words, power, purpose and why story matters more than ever.

Welcome to The American Dream Factory, where we don't sugarcoat reality — we design for it. In this spicy solo episode, Nick Smoot serves up a no-BS framework for building better systems, companies, communities, and lives by embracing one hard truth:

Nick sits down with Tom Lucas and Morgan Dixon, co-founders of a startup that brought together an unlikely team—a 15-year-old, a 75-year-old, and PhDs—united in their mission to partner with disabled inventor Robert Brady to develop a tool for the hard of hearing and ultimately save a marriage.This episode explores:• How personal struggles fuel innovation• The power of intergenerational collaboration• The realities of launching, pivoting, and shutting down a startup• Lessons in mentorship, legacy, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship00:01 - Introduction• Nick introduces the episode and guests• The unusual partnership between a teen and a senior entrepreneur01:23 - Robert Brady: The Inventor Behind It All• A single amputee, later a double amputee, but an unstoppable innovator• How his parents' communication struggles led to a startup idea• The emotional moment he revealed they were on the verge of divorce02:38 - Merging Two Startups into One Mission• Robert's speech-to-text tool for the deaf• Morgan's text-to-speech tool for the blind• How their ideas naturally aligned04:03 - The Birth of a Startup• The Coffee & Concepts community rallies to solve a real-world problem• The minimum viable product: Early prototypes and key decisions• Tom's insights from his manufacturing background07:05 - Building the Solution• Moving beyond phone-based solutions to real-time room transcription• Innovating with color-coded text for better clarity• Beta testing in medical and senior care settings10:44 - Morgan's Journey: A 15-Year-Old Founder's Perspective• Learning business fundamentals from seasoned entrepreneurs• Navigating mentorship while contributing as a peer• How this experience shaped his future in research and AI14:53 - Startup Realities: Highs, Lows & Lessons• The challenges of scaling a niche technology• The emotional weight of mission-driven startups• Why building together is often more valuable than the final product18:16 - Robert's Passing & The End of the Startup• How his death led the team to dissolve the company• Honoring his legacy by supporting his family• The impact left on each team member21:07 - Lessons in Legacy & Innovation• Nick's framework: Listen → Launch → Leap → Legacy → Legend• Why Robert became a ‘legend' in their community• The power of showing up, raising your hand, and solving real problems22:39 - The Value of Project-Based Friendships• Why mentorship isn't about age—it's about shared purpose• How working together builds deep, lasting connections• Rethinking friendship as mutual contribution rather than passive support25:23 - Final Reflections• The importance of taking action even when you don't have all the answers• How entrepreneurship fosters self-discovery and purpose• The unexpected impact of a small act—Robert helped Morgan set up his first email, a habit that lives on in every message he sendsMemorable Quotes:

In this urgent talk, Nick dismantles the illusion that most jobs in the recent past are actual sources of meaning and purpose. With AI and automation rapidly replacing traditional labor, he argues that we must stop clinging to outdated notions of work and instead embrace the next phase of human potential: creation. For too long, society has placed meaning in the exchange of money rather than the work itself—convincing us that our jobs are valuable because they allow us to provide for others or find fleeting personal happiness. But the work itself was rarely soulful; it was simply a means to an end. Now, as robots take over scaled production, logistics, and even knowledge work, we have an opportunity—and an obligation—to return to what makes us truly human. Smoot lays out a vision where innovation, problem-solving, and creation become the backbone of our economy, where communities gather not around employment but around the act of building a future filled with beauty and value. It's time to let the robots have the jobs. Our role is far greater: to shape the future itself through soulful work that matters.About Nick SmootNick is an entrepreneur, strategist, and founder dedicated to redefining the systems that shape our economic, social, and civic lives. As a founder of build_, he has pioneered new models that transform cities into thriving hubs of creativity and innovation, unlocking the full potential of their residents. His work has influenced governments, universities, and Fortune 500 companies, helping them navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI, automation, and human-centered economic development. His book Better explores how we can reclaim purpose through strategic community gatherings, appreciative inquiry, and behavioral psychology. Smoot is on a mission to move humanity beyond the outdated model of jobs and into an era where creation is not just an economic driver—but our birthright.

Nick Smoot sits down with Brigadier General (Ret.) Blaine Holt for a deep-dive conversation on global power shifts, economic collapse, and the future of entrepreneurship. Blaine shares firsthand insights from his time working with NATO, dealing with Russia and China, and witnessing the hidden mechanics of war and diplomacy. They explore what comes next in a world where traditional systems are crumbling, and how entrepreneurs, investors, and community builders can prepare for the next chapter. From the military-industrial complex to open-source defense tech, from DeFi to local innovation ecosystems—this episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about the future of business, geopolitics, and human flourishing.Click here to learn more about build_ Show Notes:Introduction (00:00 - 02:13)Introduction to the American Dream Factory PodcastThe mission of Build Cities and why this conversation mattersGuest introduction: Brigadier General (Ret.) Blaine HoltBlaine's background: NATO, global conflicts, entrepreneurship, and defense innovationSetting the stage: How geopolitics, economic shifts, and technology impact communitiesFrom the Battlefield to the Boardroom (02:14 - 10:58)Blaine's military journey: Learning leadership through war and diplomacyThe question that changed everything: "Towards what?"—Blaine's realization about the long-term impact of warWhy community-building was key in Kyrgyzstan and how he applied cultural intelligence to diplomacyThe intersection of military leadership and entrepreneurshipNavigating Global Superpowers: Russia, China, and the U.S. (10:59 - 23:58)Blaine's direct experience being in the crosshairs of both Russian and Chinese interestsThe intelligence game: Psychological warfare, strategy, and negotiationStory: How Blaine “moved into” a Russian commander's head rent-freeThe role of soft power and economic influence in global conflictsThe Neocon Agenda and The Business of War (23:59 - 41:51)The hidden incentives behind war and the military-industrial complexWhy some people “never want the wars to stop”The shift from traditional power structures to a decentralized global economyThe economics of war vs. the economics of innovationThe Coming Economic Collapse and New Business Models (41:52 - 55:00)The “apocalyptic Passover” Blaine sees comingWhy the collapse of fiat currency is likely inevitableThe rise of decentralized finance (DeFi), crypto, and new trade structuresHow startup founders and entrepreneurs can navigate the transitionEntrepreneurship, Innovation, and Defense Tech (55:01 - 1:10:00)Blaine's work in hypersonics, advanced materials, and drone manufacturingWhy open-source defense technology is the futureThe role of AI, robotics, and quantum computing in reshaping industryHow startup founders can position themselves for the coming shiftThe Future of Communities and Collaboration (1:10:01 - 1:27:00)Why building local and regional innovation ecosystems is the way forwardThe importance of bonded and bridged communitiesHow cities can prepare for the unbundling of global economiesThe role of software and technology in creating resilient, decentralized systemsFinal Thoughts and Takeaways (1:27:01 - 1:50:03)Why Blaine is bullish on the future despite the challenges aheadLessons from history: The parallels between Rome, China, and the modern worldHow entrepreneurs can turn crisis into opportunityParting words: "If there's one thing we can all do, it's manage our little neighborhoods and add more beauty and value to the world."

If you knew you'd live past 100 how would that change the way you plan your money, your career, and your purpose?EnterCurtis Estes, the financial visionary redefining how we prepare for a world where 120 is the new 60.As a top financial planner and the genius behind theAnti-Retirement Club (ARC), Curtis has built a thriving community of forward-thinkers who refuse to let outdated financial models dictate their future.In this episode, Curtis unveils his revolutionary120-Year Wealth Plan, blending cutting-edge longevity science with innovative financial strategies to help people thrive—physically, socially, and financially—for the long haul.From wealth creation to health optimization, Curtis shares his blueprint for ensuring you don't justlive longer—youprosper.If you believe the future belongs to those who plan for it, this conversation will change the way you think about money, aging, and what it truly means to live well.About Curtis: Curtis is an author, community leader, financial planner, and longevity entrepreneur. As a hyper connector, Curtis is one of the "people to know" in L.A. For free assessments and his booksvisit here.About build_: build_ is an global community that connects local entrepreneurs and creatives to each other.Learn more.00:00 Curtis's Journey to Financial Planning17:03 Building a Personal Brand in Financial Services24:56 The Power of Connection and Community31:44 Creating a Personal Board of Advisors38:57 Exploring Longevity and Its Impact on Financial Planning41:20 The Quest for Longevity: Health and Quality of Life43:06 Building Community: The Anti-Retirement Club44:28 Financial Security in the Age of Longevity46:25 Exploring the Future of Health and Technology49:27 Faith and Longevity: Balancing Beliefs and Science54:12 The Business of Longevity: Strategies and Opportunities56:21 Creating a Longevity Fandom: Engaging Communities01:03:10 The 90-10 Strategy: Value Creation and Implementation01:09:54 Gamifying Longevity: Making Health Fun01:12:21 The Journey of Personal Branding and Content Creation01:19:47 Exploring Passion and Profit01:21:13 Building Community and Accessing Opportunities

Nick and Jamie jam about the future of work, venture capital, overlooked startup ecosystems, and more. Check out Jamie and his work at Parallel 18. Join us over at build_ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Relocation to Puerto Rico 07:25 Investment Ecosystem in Puerto Rico 09:59 Government-Backed Venture Capital 12:46 Bridging Cultures in Venture Capital 15:41 The Anthony Bourdain Analogy 18:21 Rise of the Rest and Community Engagement 21:04 Experiences at Revolution and WeWork 24:06 Building Startups in Sacramento 31:57 Innovative Engagement in Sports and Community 36:49 The Journey to Innovation and Entrepreneurship 41:03 Building Innovation Centers in Rural Areas 44:13 Social Entrepreneurship and Community Impact 51:06 Cultural Insights and Economic Opportunities in Puerto Rico 54:15 Overcoming Obstacles in Puerto Rico's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 58:52 The Importance of Community and Culture in Business 01:03:45 The Evolution of Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship 01:09:15 Building with Empathy and Understanding 01:16:55 Strategies for Startups to Gain Market Traction 01:21:47 Introduction to Jamie and Parallel 18 01:22:41 Building a Community in Puerto Rico

In this conversation, Nick Smoot talks with Lenny Mendonca as they explore the themes of decentralization, community empowerment, and the evolution of economic systems. They discuss the importance of local governance, the role of innovation in economic growth, and the challenges posed by AI and automation. The conversation also touches on universal basic income, the need for civic engagement, and the future of education and economic mobility. Mendonca emphasizes the importance of community conversations and the need to listen to each other to create opportunities for all. Check out Build_ for more Takeaways Decentralization is key to empowering local communities. Economic systems are evolving and need to adapt to new realities. The financial sector is undergoing significant changes. Transitioning to government service can provide valuable insights. California's economy is diverse and complex. Innovation is crucial for sustainable economic growth. AI and automation will reshape the future of work. Universal basic income is a topic of debate and consideration. Entitlements and safety nets need to be rethought for effectiveness. Civic engagement is essential for community building. Chapters 00:00 Lenny's Journey: From Farm to Civic Leadership 06:05 Navigating Education: Harvard to Stanford 08:41 McKinsey & The Financial Sector: Early Career Insights 11:33 Transitioning to Government: A New Role 14:39 California's Economic Boom: Lessons from the Past 17:10 The Challenges of Rapid Growth: Infrastructure and Inequality 20:10 AI and Automation: The Future of Work 22:50 Universal Basic Income: A Controversial Solution 25:43 Rethinking Safety Nets: A Systems Approach 28:20 Progressive Federalism: A Path Forward 31:11 The Role of Meaningful Work in Society 33:57 Restructuring Systems for Community Engagement 36:52 The Promise of Innovation and Collaboration 47:21 The Narrative Around Immigration and Crime 48:16 Innovation and Positive Narratives in AI 50:59 Civic Responsibility and Moral Backbone 51:59 Changing Incentives for Positive Outcomes 55:07 Community Engagement Through Local Businesses 01:00:28 Bridging Political Divides 01:05:19 Listening and Engaging with Communities 01:08:56 Rethinking Education and Economic Mobility 01:11:50 Decentralizing Decision-Making in Democracy 01:17:09 Stories of Community Renewal 01:24:17 The Importance of Progressive Federalism 01:26:38 Building New Systems for Democracy and Economics

In this conversation, Nick Smoot and Taylor Black of Microsoft discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, its implications for the workforce, and the importance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly automated world. They explore the balance between leveraging AI for productivity while ensuring that it does not diminish the human experience. The discussion also touches on corporate responsibility, the future of work, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI technology. Takeaways: AI is transforming the way we work and interact with technology. The human element is crucial in the age of AI. Automation can lead to job displacement if not managed properly. Creativity and human connection will be key skills in the future. Understanding the ethical implications of AI is essential. AI can enhance productivity but should not replace human joy in work. The divide between haves and have-nots is a growing concern with AI. Corporate responsibility in AI development is critical. AI is a tool that should be used to augment human capabilities, not replace them. The future of work will require new skills and adaptability. Chapters 02:53 Exploring Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges 11:48 The Human Experience in the Age of AI 21:41 The Philosophical Implications of AI and Work 28:47 Cultural Perspectives and AI's Limitations 30:30 The Dual Nature of AI: Work vs Morality 32:04 Corporate Responsibility in AI Development 34:27 Catholic AI: Bridging Tradition and Technology 36:04 Understanding AI's Black Box 38:38 Expectations vs Reality: The Dance with AI 41:10 Anthropomorphizing AI: The Dangers of Trust 44:06 Raising Children in an AI-Driven World 58:32 Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI 59:52 Innovative Business Models and Rapid Exits 01:04:34 The Entrepreneurial Landscape in the Age of AI 01:09:10 Navigating Job Displacement and Workforce Transformation 01:13:43 The Future of AI: Small Models and Household Applications 01:17:44 Corporate Responsibility and Job Creation in AI 01:23:04 Security Concerns and the Ethics of AI

Back in 2015 I hosted a conference where a true innovator and friend, Burt Rutan, poked fun at modern innovation and continued to challenge us all to bring the "cowboy energy" to the world of innovation. In this talk you will hear from an AI expert who is now at Microsoft, the former COO of the world's #1 autonomous delivery company, former CEO of a self driving car company, and NYT best selling author and now AI startup founder. Watch Black Sky Sign up for more info from us

This conversation with Nick Smoot and Robert @Scobleizer was wild!

If you have ever wondered how you can build an innovation economy in a rural ag town... well then this is the podcast you do not want to miss. Liam is running one of the most successful innovation hubs in the country of Ireland and doing it in a town of 2,100 people! Please check out his work through the RDI Hub and ask for tips, tricks, and insights from the team there. They are fantastic! If you'd like to learn more about our work, get email updates, or maybe even be on the podcast, fill this out.

In this episode you will be inspired, challenged, and laugh due to the stories of The Founder and 20 year CEO of The North Face; Hap Klopp. If you want to be aware of these live events and more like them please fill out this form and we will get back to you. We are a wild community of creators who meet online and in-person to build the future together and have fun. https://forms.gle/qzvzCH8zuzFUudwB6 Reach out if you have questions, Nick@BuildCities.com and as always, go sign up at BuildCities.com. Let's go!!!

In this episode, Maria Effertz, the director of community services in the North Dakota Department of Commerce shares incredible and timely insights about the need and power of community development to boost economies. The work she is doing within the North Dakota Department of Commerce is incredible. This conversation covers policy, grassroots efforts, and the why behind community. Enjoy and please rate 5 stars.

Former Bank Executive and now... Interim Executive Director of the Spokane Symphony... Yes, that is what Russ Lee is doing in his "retirement" He took the bank he was leading through a $160M exit and now is leading a movement of music in the town he loves, Spokane, Wa. Listen as Russ tells stories of his childhood, career, and family. The honesty and humbleness of being clear about areas he wasn't good at as a young man are refreshing and insightful. Subscribe and share the episode. Check out the platform at www.BuildCities.com

In this live episode, Nick Smoot interviews Harry Amend who is a highly respected figure in education with over 41 years of experience. Throughout his career, Harry has served as a teacher, coach, counselor, principal, and superintendent, primarily in the Spokane Valley, Washington area. He played a key role in Washington's education reform during his tenure as President of the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) in the late 1990s, collaborating with the state's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Teri Bergeson, and Governor Gary Locke. Beyond Washington, Harry's leadership extended to school districts in northwest Montana and North Idaho, where he championed school reform initiatives for a combined nine years. Known for his focus on at-risk and special needs students, Harry introduced innovative programs like the "School within a School" model and the Bridge Academy dropout retrieval high schools in both states. His commitment to education earned him recognition as a finalist for Superintendent of the Year in Washington (1998) and Idaho (2007). In addition to his educational career, Harry spent 20 years as a major league baseball scout for the Philadelphia Phillies, a role that reflects his love of sports and mentorship. Now residing in Twin Lakes Village, North Idaho, with his wife Sandy, Harry enjoys spending time with their children and grandchildren, all of whom live nearby in the Spokane area.

Did you know Nick has been in the middle of gun fire, met with senators, and built and sold tech companies? This chapter dives into more of his background and how he approaches social and economic impact.

Did you know that 77% of youth do not qualify for military service due to mental and physical health issues? Did you know that 85% of employees are not engaged at work. Nick reads chapter 1 of his book, “Better” and talks about how to leverage a cities economic needs and systems to address these societal issues.

In this episode of the American Dream Factory: Ross Devol of Heartland Forward: https://heartlandforward.org/ Nick Smoot of Aesop Industries: https://www.aesopindustries.com/ Ross Devol is the president and CEO of Heartland Forward, a “think and do” tank based in Bentonville, Ark. Heartland Forward's goal is to promote regional innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems that foster job creation, wage gains and economic growth for the American Heartland. Its mission through independent, data-driven research, action-oriented convenings, such as the Heartland Summit, and impactful policy recommendations. It works with universities, colleges, the business community, public policy leaders and philanthropy to analyze resources supporting the startup community and identify workforce and talent gaps.DeVol is former chief research officer for the Milken Institute where he spent nearly 20 years, an economic think tank headquartered in California. He oversaw research on international, national and comparative regional growth performance; access to capital and its role in economic growth and job creation; and health-related topics.He has been ranked among the “Superstars of Think Tank Scholars” by International Economy magazine. Nick Smoot is a seasoned leader with 20+ years of experience driving community and economic transformation across 15 states and 7 countries. Specializing in solving complex issues in social sciences and economics, Nick has guided the development and adaptive reuse of 8 real estate campuses. Notably, he transformed a challenging campus into the highest-priced per square foot for commercial use. His passion is turning human flourishing into a core amenity in every city, company, and real estate campus. This passion has fueled the creation of award-winning systems and programs recognized by Bloomberg, the Milken Institute, SXSW, and others. Nick's unique economic model and custom programs prioritize people while delivering exceptional returns. In one city, Nick's work resulted in 350+ patents, 5 new schools, 740+ jobs, and over $360 million in funding for new companies. His initiatives led to a 160.77% increase in rent prices, a 19.1% reduction in poverty rates, and a significant rise in the city's ranking for best-performing cities. If you have questions about the American Dream Factory and Aesop Industries, please email us at info@AesopIndustries.com. We are on a mission to reignite the American Dream and get culture back on track!

In this episode Nick reads chapters 8 & 9 of his book "Better: How To Build Creative Communities That Transform The World". You will get some additional comments that are not in the book from Nick as he reads. Keep in mind, this isn't a professional reading... enjoy!

In this episode Nick reads chapter 7 of his book "Better: How To Build Creative Communities That Transform The World". You will get some additional comments that are not in the book from Nick as he reads. Keep in mind, this isn't a professional reading... enjoy!

In this episode Nick reads chapter 6 of his book “Better: How To Build Creative Communities That Transform The World”. You will get some additional comments that are not in the book from Nick as he reads. Keep in mind, this isn't a professional reading… enjoy!

In this episode Nick reads chapters four and five of his book “Better: How To Build Creative Communities That Transform The World”. You will get some additional comments that are not in the book from Nick as he reads. Keep in mind, this isn't a professional reading… enjoy!

In this episode Nick reads chapters one, two and three of his book “Better: How To Build Creative Communities That Transform The World.” You will get some additional comments in the book from Nick as he reads. Keep in mind, this isn't a professional reading… enjoy!

In this episode we hear from Scotti Schecter who leads a corporation that provides friendship and accountability to royalty, celebrities, and executives who are seeking a sober life. Scotti grew up as a child pop star, found himself on drugs, full of shame and homeless. After a long road to recovery, he is now leading a powerful platform that is helping the world get real with themselves and find a path to living the life they really seek. For more information head over to InnovationCollective.co to learn more.

In this episode I speak with Daniel about his journey through depression and how he is using Innovation Collective to help him find community and joy again. In this episode we do discuss suicide. If you need help, text or call 988. Head to InnovationCollective.co for more info

In this episode of The American Dream Factory, Nick Smoot interviews Steve Case. He is the visionary behind and the world changing company, America Online. Steve kindly joined some off the community from across the United States for an online live Q and A. In this conversation we discuss how to be a visionary, building companies, mentorship, self talk, and life purpose. For more information about Rise of the Rest visit https://revolution.com/entity/rotr/ . For more information about Aesop Industries and our other companies visit InnovationCollective.co About Steve: Steve Case is one of America's best-known and most accomplished entrepreneurs and a pioneer in making the Internet part of everyday life. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Revolution LLC, a Washington, D.C.- based investment firm he co-founded in 2005, where he partners with visionary entrepreneurs to build significant “built to last” new businesses. The mission is to establish Revolution as the premier firm outside of Silicon Valley. Steve's entrepreneurial career began in 1985 when he co-founded America Online (AOL). Under Steve's leadership, AOL became the world's largest and most valuable Internet company, driving the worldwide adoption of a medium that has transformed business and society. AOL was the first Internet company to go public and among the best performing stocks of the 1990s, delivering an 11,616% return to shareholders. Steve also ensured that AOL led the industry on issues such as making the Internet a safe place for children, bridging the “digital divide” and investing in online philanthropy. At its peak, nearly half of Internet users in the United States used AOL. In 2000, Steve negotiated the largest merger in business history, bringing together AOL and Time Warner in a transaction that gave AOL shareholders a majority stake in the combined company. To facilitate the merger, Steve agreed to step down as CEO when the merger closed. Steve's passion for helping entrepreneurs remains his driving force. He was the founding chair of the Startup America Partnership—an effort launched at the White House to accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship throughout the nation. He is also a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, was the founding co-chair of the National Advisory Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship and a member of President Obama's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness where he chaired the subcommittee on entrepreneurship. Steve is a leading voice in shaping government policy on issues related to entrepreneurship, working across the aisle to advance public policies that expand access to capital and talent. In 2010, Steve and his wife, Jean Case, joined The Giving Pledge and publicly reaffirmed their commitment to give away the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes. Steve was born and raised in Hawaii and retains active ties to his home state, but has lived in the Washington, D.C. area for more than 25 years. About Nick: Nick Smoot is the founder of Aesop Industries; a family of 4 companies focused on human flourishing by developing entrepreneurial and startup communities. Smoot developed a method for growing the startup tech scene in overlooked America while connecting large venture capitalists, national labs, and publicly traded corporations to the small market innovations. This led him to develop a multiple programs and tools for surfacing high value innovation in small town markets. Most important it built a stronger and healthier community alongside the stronger economy.

In this episode I interview 3 brothers who grew up homeschooled in between Idaho and Texas that now work for Apple, Tesla, and Amazon. They discuss their childhood, what they think is important about parenting, education, and spirituality. Come on this journey with me as you meet the Coad Brothers. To get involved with our community go to www.InnovationCollective.co

Enjoy this conversation with #Congressman #RoKhanna. He's working hard to create better on-ramps to the #AmericanDream for everyone. In this discussion we explore #capitalism, dignity, and we even touch on the issue of #UniversalBasicIncome.

In this episode, Geoff Cottrill, legendary marketing guru shares stories about his family, creativity, and passion for how brands should interact with their customers. His experience comes from years leading marketing at coke, starbucks, converse, and top golf. www.InnovationCollective.co

In this episode Nick Smoot talks with Jim and Jamie Dutcher. They are the #1 experts in the world on wolves. The interview covers what we can learn from wolves as entrepreneurs and how we can live better lives. Support their work by purchasing a #WolvesNotUnicorns hat from Innovation Collective. You can order one from our Instagram post or email us- Info@innovationcollective.co

In this episode, I interview Kiefer Stenseng who shares his story of how he found his way forward after finding himself hungover and homeless. It is people like Kiefer who have so many gifts and talents that could have gone wasted. Be like Kiefer and start to take steps towards living out your potential. If you'd like to have help finding your super power, reach out to us at Innovation Collective… we are helping people like you, build the tomorrow they want through community today. https://innovationcollective.co

Nick Smoot discusses an interview he did with Thomas Tedder, founder and ceo of Alien Gear about his successful company. Thomas shared the feeling many entrepreneurs feel when building a company... imposter syndrome. For info on the IC Venture Studio, please go to https://www.innovationcollective.co/venture-studio/

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