Podcast appearances and mentions of Frank Gruber

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   The After-Work Happy Hour Is Dying Apple News – The Cut - Remote work, shifting priorities, and social fatigue are changing workplace culture.   CNBC 2025 Disruptor 50 List - CNBC Article    OpenAI Expands Into Meetings, Docs, and Cloud Storage - TechCrunch article   AI-Designed Drug Shows Promise - Bloomberg article   Small Funds, Big Wins - James Heath VC – Substack World's Tallest 3D-Printed Building - Tom's Hardware First Mushroom Casket Burial in the U.S. Happens in Maine - Portland Press Herald   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Sarah Evans, who is a Partner and Head of PR at Zen Media. She is also a professional moderator and tech host.   Get Involved! Founders, investors, startup teams, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs), and innovators, we invite you to join the Established Network, our digital hub where creativity, capital, and collaboration collide. https://established.network    As part of the Established Network, we also host the Monthly Innovation Circle, with some great featured speakers and we'll continue hosting these events on the third Thursday of every month. Sign up today at: est.us/TheMIC2025   Watch the episode on the Established YouTube Channel at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube   Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us    Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/   Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com   Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs    Connect with us on Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber) and (Simon Kahan IG: @SimonKahan) discuss the following topics:   Sesame Street Heads to Netflix - the iconic PBS show is heading to Netflix under a new licensing deal.   OpenAI x Jony Ive's Mysterious AI Device - OpenAI is teaming up with Jony Ive — the design genius behind Apple's most iconic products — to build a totally new kind of AI-first device.   Rock-it Cargo's $1B Live Events Logistics Deal - the company that handles logistics for massive global tours and sporting events — just got acquired in a $1 billion deal.   Should the Penny Be Retired? - It costs almost 3 cents to make a 1-cent coin — and the U.S. Mint is finally rethinking whether the penny still makes sense.   Napster Reboots as a $1.5B AI Music Startup - Napster is back — but this time, it's a $1.5 billion AI-powered music company.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) discuss the following topics:   OpenAI Changes Course Will Remain A Nonprofit - OpenAI will remain under the control of its nonprofit despite previous plans to convert fully to a for-profit model; its business division will instead become a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) overseen by the nonprofit.   Inside Starbase: Elon Musk's Town - Starbase was officially incorporated as a city after a 212–6 vote, with most voters being SpaceX employees or their relatives; no traditional campaigning occurred.   Why Chobani's Founder Hamdi Ulukaya Is Investing $1.2B in A State of the Art Dairy Farm in Upstate New York - Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya is investing $1.7 billion in two major U.S. manufacturing expansions: $1.2 billion for a new facility in Rome, New York, and $500 million to expand the company's Idaho plant.   ChatGPT Users Are Developing Bizarre Delusions - AI chatbots like ChatGPT are fueling delusional beliefs in some users, who claim to receive sacred missions or mystical revelations, often worsening preexisting mental health issues.   Elizabeth Holmes's Partner Has a New Blood-Testing Startup - Billy Evans, partner of convicted Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, is raising funds for a new diagnostics startup named Haemanthus, which aims to revolutionize health testing starting with pets and eventually humans.   Do you sit on the floor? - Sitting and moving from the floor regularly strengthens lower-body muscles and balance, which can help prevent falls—a major health risk for older adults, according to longevity expert Dan Buettner.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Isaiah McPeak, the CEO of Green Pants Studios (www.greenpantsstudio.com). He is a master at helping people sharpen their ideas, communicate more effectively, and launch winning products. He is an author, debater, product strategist, and startup leader.   Get Involved! Founders, investors, startup teams, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs), and innovators, we invite you to join the Established Network, our digital hub where creativity, capital, and collaboration collide. https://established.network    As part of the Established Network, we also host the Monthly Innovation Circle, with some great featured speakers and we'll continue hosting these events on the third Thursday of every month. Sign up today at: est.us/TheMIC2025   Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us    Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube   Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com   Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs    Connect with us on Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Joshua Baer, the Founder & CEO of Capital Factory, Austin's premier startup hub connecting founders with mentors, investors, and talent. The interview took place in front of a live audience down in Austin at the Established House.    Get Involved! Founders, investors, startup teams, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs), and innovators, we invite you to join the Established Network, our digital hub where creativity, capital, and collaboration collide. https://established.network    As part of the Established Network, we also host the Monthly Innovation Circle, with some great featured speakers and we'll continue hosting these events on the third Thursday of every month. Sign up today at: est.us/TheMIC2025   Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us    Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube   Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com   Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs    Connect with us on Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Amy Jo Martin, who is a bestselling author, speaker, and founder who has worked with some of the biggest brands and athletes in the world, and she's all about helping people design lives they love.    The interview took place in front of a live audience down in Austin at the Established House.    Get Involved! Founders, investors, startup teams, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs), and innovators, we invite you to join the Established Network, our digital hub where creativity, capital, and collaboration collide. https://established.network    As part of the Established Network, we also host the Monthly Innovation Circle, with some great featured speakers and we'll continue hosting these events on the third Thursday of every month. Sign up today at: est.us/TheMIC2025   Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us    Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube   Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com   Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs    Connect with us on Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) discuss the following topics:   TechCrunch sold again - TechCrunch has been sold again – Yahoo has sold the tech news site to private equity firm Regent for an undisclosed amount.   23andMe Files For Bankruptcy, what does that mean for the security of your genetic data? - 23andMe is filing for bankruptcy – The genetic testing company has struggled financially due to its one-time purchase model and declining sales. It is now seeking a buyer, and co-founder Anne Wojcicki has stepped down as CEO but hopes to repurchase the company.   Banning Lab Grown Meats - Mississippi bans lab-grown meat – The state unanimously passed a bill prohibiting the cultivation and sale of cell-derived meat, with penalties including fines and jail time. Similar bans have been enacted in Florida and Alabama, with other states considering restrictions.   Bill Gates on AI and jobs - In a recent interview, Bill Gates discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce, including AI's role in medicine and education, potential job disruptions, etc.    Your AI lover will change you - The normalization of AI lovers is imminent, with AI-powered chatbots and virtual companions becoming more interactive, personalized, and emotionally engaging. This could fundamentally reshape human relationships.   YouTube Shorts - YouTube Shorts is a short-form video experience for creators. Frank started to upload some videos this past week to test it out with a couple of videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@FrankGruber/shorts    Sunnier Days For Sesame Street? - Sesame Workshop is facing financial struggles – The nonprofit behind Sesame Street is losing its lucrative HBO contract, worth $30–$35 million per year, and dealing with lost government grants, creating a projected $40 million deficit.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   The Established Network's Monthly Innovation Circle kicked off on March 20th with some great featured speakers and we'll be hosting a new one on the third Thursday of every month. The next one is set for April 17th at 3pm ET. Sign up at: est.us/TheMIC2025    Frank got a chance to talk with Jenny Fielding, an investor from Everywhere Ventures, about her new book Venture Everywhere. Check out the interview here: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/0135-jenny-fielding-on-venture-everywhere-and-investing-in-global-startups    PepsiCo buys prebiotic soda brand Poppi for nearly $2 billion – will this make the M&A market pop right open for other startups? - PepsiCo's $1.95 Billion Deal: PepsiCo acquired prebiotic soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion, which includes $300 million in anticipated cash tax benefits, resulting in a net purchase price of $1.65 billion. Google to Acquire Cybersecurity Company Wiz for $32 billion - Alphabet, Google's parent company, has agreed to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for $32 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date.   Celtics Sold To Private Equity-Led Group For $6.1 Billion - Biggest Sports Sale In U.S. History - The Boston Celtics have been sold for $6.1 billion, setting a new record for the highest price paid for a U.S. sports team, surpassing the $6.05 billion sale of the NFL's Washington Commanders in 2023.    NASA astronauts who were supposed to be in space for nine days returning to Earth after nine months on ISS - NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams are returning to Earth after an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).    We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Jenny Fielding.   Jenny Fielding is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Everywhere Ventures, an early-stage fund that has invested in over 300 companies across the globe. Take a look at Jenny's website here: https://www.jennyfielding.com   She is also the former Managing Director of Techstars and has mentored hundreds of founders through her work as an investor and entrepreneur.   Jenny recently authored "Venture Everywhere," a book that explores global entrepreneurship, the importance of investing in diverse ecosystems, and the mindset required to succeed as a startup founder. Her experience spans across industries, and she has been instrumental in supporting the next generation of innovators. You can order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3FyWYQX   We invite you all to join our Startup of the Year community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join   Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube     Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com   The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminates at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.   Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs  Connect with us on Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   We are hosting the Established House in Austin on Friday, March 7th, with a couple of featured conversations, a barista spinning our delightful lattes and teas and lots of opportunities to connect with one another. If you'll be in Austin, please join us! RSVP at: est.us/house25    AI Is Changing How Silicon Valley Builds Startups - The traditional Silicon Valley model of heavy fundraising and large headcounts is being replaced by AI-driven efficiency, with companies like Anysphere and ElevenLabs reaching $100M revenue with under 50 workers. Also, here is Frank's take on it: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7299885251869196288/    Mice have been genetically engineered to look like mammoths - Colossal Biosciences genetically engineered mice with mammoth-like fur by altering up to five genes, though only one matches the mammoth genome exactly. Here are some more thoughts on the animal/human hybrid topic: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/japan-approves-first-human-animal-embryo-experiments/   Digg is coming back, thanks to its founder Kevin Rose — and Reddit's success - Digg is relaunching with Kevin Rose as chair, Alexis Ohanian as an adviser, and Justin Mezzell as CEO, aiming to revive its “homepage of the internet” legacy.   A Private Space Mission Just Successfully Landed on the Moon for the First Time - Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar module became the first private company's lander to successfully touch down on the moon, landing on March 2, 2025.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) discuss the following topics:   Egg Prices Are Sky High - Avian flu is back and hitting close to home, impacting poultry farms and sending egg prices soaring.   DeepSeek Shakes Up the AI Landscape - Chinese AI company DeepSeek dethroned ChatGPT as the #1 free app on the App Store. Markets reacted sharply, despite no independent verification of DeepSeek's claims.   What to know about 'Stargate,' the $500 billion AI infrastructure project - A $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative led by OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and MGX to expand U.S. data centers.   The First Solar Data Center on the Moon - A Florida startup, Lonestar, is setting up the first-ever lunar data center.   Boom Supersonic - Boom Supersonic successfully tested its prototype jet, reaching supersonic speeds over the Mojave Desert.   Apple & SpaceX Team Up for Starlink on iPhones - Apple & SpaceX partnering to bring satellite connectivity to iPhones, which eliminates dead zones, providing coverage in remote areas.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube  As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Robert Quinn.   Robert Quinn is the founder of MakeSense Technology, a company pioneering haptic solutions that address visual problems through innovative, non-audio/visual communication technologies. The technology stems from over a decade of research in haptics, led by a team from some of the world's most renowned institutions.    Robert also serves as an honorary visiting researcher at the Manipulation and Touch Laboratory, Intelligent Systems and Networks Research Group, Imperial College London, where he continues to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in haptic technology.   Watch the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxJFW98Uivc    We invite you all to join our Startup of the Year community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join    Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us    Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/    Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube   ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminates at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us    Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us  

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   CES 2025 Recap - The annual Consumer Electronics Show brings together the latest in technology product announcements. Earlier this month Las Vegas was once again full of robotics and AI-based systems. At CES 2025, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang also unveiled several significant advancements   Two Private Space Launches In One Day - On Thursday, January 16, 2025, both Blue Origin and SpaceX conducted significant rocket launches with mixed outcomes.   TikTok Prepared for US Shutdown - TikTok was preparing to shut down its app for U.S. users on Sunday, January 19, 2025. However, the ban was short lived and TikTok is now back up and running…for now. We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us 

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Briana Warner.   Briana Warner is the CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms, a company dedicated to cultivating sustainable seaweed farming along the coast of Maine. Under her leadership, the company has become a pioneer in producing kelp-based products that benefit local communities, improve ocean health, and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture. Briana's work exemplifies a commitment to environmental stewardship, economic empowerment, and innovative entrepreneurship.   Briana's career spans diplomacy and social enterprise, including her previous role as an Economic Development Director at the Island Institute, where she focused on fostering economic resilience in coastal Maine communities.   Watch the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://soty.link/PodVid133    We invite you all to join our Startup of the Year community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join   Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/ Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Rachel Holt. Rachel Holt is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Construct Capital, a venture capital firm focused on investing in the future of transportation, mobility, supply chain, and the built world. She has a proven track record in venture capital and innovation, focusing on building and scaling companies in industries undergoing significant transformation. Rachel's previous experience includes a key role at Uber, where she was a Regional General Manager and later led Uber's U.S. and Canada Rides business. She has been instrumental in fostering innovation in transportation, leading initiatives to reshape urban mobility and logistics. We invite you all to join our Startup of the Year community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/ Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber) is joined by Sherman Williams, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at AIN Ventures, a pre-seed and seed-stage focused venture fund that invests in dual-use technology and veteran-led startups. Frank and Shermann discuss all things investing - from the importance of non-dilutive funding to the accelerating energy transition occurring around the globe.    Watch the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tw2CSBxSEI    We invite you all to join our Startup of the Year community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join   Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube …… Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their companies to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Check out Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com   The program includes in-person and virtual events, including our annual SXSW startup pitch and competition. All of this culminates at our Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced and has an opportunity at a potential investment.   Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us Connect with us on X - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Dan Berger.   Dan Berger is an entrepreneur with a strong track record in the event planning industry. He is the Founder of Assemble, a boutique chain of corporate retreat centers designed to enhance team collaboration and productivity.   Previously, Dan founded Social Tables, an event-planning software company that made waves in the industry and was acquired by Cvent for $100 million in 2018. He is also the author of the upcoming book, “The Quest — The Definitive Guide to Finding Belonging.”    Watch the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mvb3nJzq7U    We invite you all to join our Startup of the Year community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join   Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube …… Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their companies to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Check out Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com   The program includes in-person and virtual events, including our annual SXSW startup pitch and competition. All of this culminates at our Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced and has an opportunity at a potential investment.   Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us Connect with us on X - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   OpenAI unveils experimental ‘Swarm' framework, igniting debate on AI-driven automation - OpenAI introduced Swarm, an experimental framework for multi-agent AI networks that can collaborate on tasks autonomously.   Nvidia released an open-source LLM to rival GPT-4 - Nvidia, which builds some of the most highly sought-after GPUs in the AI industry, has announced that it has released an open-source large language model that reportedly performs on par with leading proprietary models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Google.   Why WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg has gone ‘nuclear' against tech investing giant Silver Lake - Matt Mullenweg, founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, is in a public dispute with WP Engine, backed by private equity firm Silver Lake, over alleged trademark violations and misuse of WordPress branding. This has resulted in lawsuits and legal threats from both sides. WordPress powers roughly 40% of all websites.    NFL Helmet Caps - NFL players are wearing Guardian Caps during practice and games to reduce head impact. These caps provide added protection by absorbing shock during collisions.   Two people communicate in dreams: Inception movie-styled sci-fi turned into reality - The most intriguing aspect is the creation of the “Remmyo” language, which allows the decoding of sounds produced in dreams. This opens the door for future advancements, including the possibility of real-time, interactive conversations during lucid dreams.   Superhuman - an email client designed to improve productivity and efficiency for users. It is primarily known for its speed, sleek interface, and powerful features that enhance the email experience beyond what traditional email clients like Gmail offer.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber) is joined by Adriana Carrig, Founder & CEO at Little Words Project, a bracelet sharing company that invites female entrepreneurs into a collaborative and uplifting digital community. Frank and Adriana discuss sisterhood, inclusive and compassionate business environments, and the value of community when creating a career.   Watch the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://soty.link/PodVid128   We invite you all to join our community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join       Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us      Subscribe to the Startup of the Year Daily Deal Flow: www.startupofyear.com/daily-dealflow   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: www.podcast.startupofyear.com   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: www.soty.link/ESTYouTube       ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminates at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us    Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us   

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   Frank was in Baltimore for the EcoMap Technologies' inaugural event, the SuperConnect conference, which aims to bring ecosystem builders from all over the country together.  Click here to read Frank's recap.    Running five days a week reduces cellular aging  Chronic stress accelerates cellular aging by shortening telomeres, potentially aging the body by 9 years, but physical exercise and stress management techniques can help mitigate these effects, as shown in a study of 63 women.   A tiny town just got slammed by Helene. It could massively disrupt the tech industry Hurricane Helene's flooding of quartz mines in Spruce Pine, North Carolina threatens to disrupt tech manufacturing, particularly microchips and renewable energy technologies, with potential shortages and price increases for sectors like automotive and electronics, and a lengthy recovery process ahead.   Open AI Raises largest VC round in history $6.6B OpenAI is raising $6.6B, the largest VC round in history, valuing the company at $157B, as it considers spinning off parts of its business to improve efficiency, support long-term AI research, and address the pressure to increase profitability while balancing ethical AI considerations in a competitive market.   CBInsights Venture Capital Q3 report is out Venture capital deal activity has slowed for the third consecutive quarter, with global market uncertainty causing a significant drop in exit value below $40 billion, cautious fundraising from limited partners, and downward trends in both U.S. and global markets as investors await interest rate cuts.   NFL Helmet Caps  NFL players are wearing Guardian Caps during practice to reduce head impact as part of the league's initiative to prevent concussions, though players have mixed reactions to the caps' comfort, and studies are ongoing to assess their effectiveness in preventing head trauma.   AI Replacing Teachers In The Classroom At UK-Based Dave Game College David Game College has introduced the UK's first AI-powered classroom, using AI to enhance student engagement and personalize learning in STEM subjects through a hybrid model where AI facilitates lessons, adapts to individual learning styles, and assists teachers by handling routine tasks and analyzing student progress.   XHab 3D — 3D printing concrete construction buildings  XHAB 3D is revolutionizing industries like automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods with next-generation 3D printing technology that enhances manufacturing speed and flexibility while prioritizing environmental sustainability, collaborating with industry leaders to offer scalable solutions and investing in continuous innovation through research and development.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Allyson Kapin.   Allyson Kapin, the Founder of Women Who Tech, Co-Founder of Rad Campaign, and a General Partner and Co-Founder at W Fund, leads grassroots movements to bolster diversity in the tech and startup sectors; she is an active investor in tech startups, especially women-led and BIPOC startups.   Her work draws global attention to significant gender bias in tech and venture capital by shaking up the culture and economy, making it exceedingly difficult for women to launch and scale startups. Her fund W Fund and nonprofit Women Who Tech provides capital and advises startups building the most innovative tech companies, ultimately closing the funding gap for good.    We invite you all to join our Startup of the Year community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join   Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube …… Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their companies to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Check out Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com   The program includes in-person and virtual events, including our annual SXSW startup pitch and competition. All of this culminates at our Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced and has an opportunity at a potential investment.   Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us Connect with us on X - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   Apple 'Glowtime' event sees iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch unveilings Apple just wrapped up an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, where it unveiled new versions of the iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch.   Founder Mode vs Manager Mode  Paul Graham distinguishes between "Founder Mode" and "Manager Mode" in running companies. In founder mode, leaders remain deeply involved in day-to-day operations, while manager mode focuses more on delegating tasks and relying on middle management.   The Silent Venture Capital & Startup Recession  The data is clear: startups and venture capital are in a recession that is as bad as the recession of 2008.   Andreessen Horowitz Is Closing Miami Office After Two Years Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) closed its Miami Beach satellite office just two years into a five-year lease due to disuse.   Mosquito Virus Dangers  As climate change progresses, there has been an uptick in diseases spread by mosquitoes, such as West Nile virus, dengue fever, and Zika, posing more significant health threats globally.   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us  

This week, we have “The Navy Colt,” the 1946 pilot or audition episode of Johnny Fletcher. The proposed series was based on the Johnny Fletcher stories by Frank Gruber and featured his characters Sam Cragg and Johnny Fletcher. Find more on The Beginner's Guide to Pulp Fiction at https://brickpicklemedia.com/pulpguide/.

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Aubrie Pagano. Aubrie Pagano is a General Partner at Alpaca VC, a venture capital firm investing in the people, products, and platforms reimagining the real world. Before joining Alpaca VC, Aubrie co-founded Bow & Drape, a fashion-tech startup that was acquired by Winn Brands in 2019. She is passionate about supporting founders and shares her journey from being a startup founder to becoming a venture capitalist. This interview covers what it takes to transition from entrepreneurship to venture capital, the challenges and opportunities in choosing where to invest, and how to maintain a balance between personal and professional life. We invite you all to join our Startup of the Year community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/ Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube …… Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their companies to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Check out Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com The program includes in-person and virtual events, including our annual SXSW startup pitch and competition. All of this culminates at our Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced and has an opportunity at a potential investment. Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us Connect with us on X - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber) is joined by Natalia Talkowska and Rohit Bhargava.    Natalia Talkowska is the Founder of Natalka Design, a high-stake visual consultancy that provides communication tools to enable leaders to communicate and engage with their audiences so that they can take action. Rohit Bhargava is the Founder and Chief Trend Curator of the Non-Obvious Company, a network of experts that aims to help leaders, organizations, and individuals develop habits to see what others miss.   This interview covers what it takes to think outside of the box and to see conventional practices and techniques in a new light. The group discusses marketing, identity, networking, and more.   We invite you all to join our Startup of the Year community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join       Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us      Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/    Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube       ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their companies to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes in-person and virtual events, including our annual SXSW startup pitch and competition. All of this culminates at our Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced and has an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us    Connect with us on X - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   The Automated Lawn Care Robot from OtO - OtO has released  an automated lawn care robot that is smart, easy to set up, and eco friendly. Say goodbye to watering your own lawn the old fashioned way.    Is Yard Work Considered Exercise - Activities like mowing, raking, and digging engage multiple different muscle groups. But does it count as “Exercise”?    VCs Continue to Invest in AI - With a Concentration in Fewer Ventures - Investments in generative AI startups remain strong even as generative AI startups are not yet profitable, with investors taking long-term strategic bets despite potential market bubble risks.   TechStars Annual Innovation Survey Reveals Entrepreneurial Optimism - TechStars Second Annual Survey reveals optimism among entrepreneurs even in the midst of challenging market conditions    An Unprecedented July in the US Presidential Race - Following a disastrous debate performance, Joe Biden is out of the 2024 Presidential Race and Kamala Harris is in. In the midst of this, former President Donald Trump survives an assassination attempt.    What happened with CrowdStrike?  - A faulty update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike led to massive disruptions, affecting approximately 8.5 million devices globally, including those used by airlines, hospitals, and more.   Open AI is Launching SearchGPT - ChatGPT creators Open AI will be releasing SearchGPT, a search engine built from the ground up to utilize the power of Artificial Intelligence. The search engine market  could get a lot more competitive.     We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber) is joined by Ali Sabti, CEO of automated lawn servicing company OtO (https://otolawn.com).    We invite you all to join our community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join       Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us      Subscribe to the Startup of the Year Daily Deal Flow: www.startupofyear.com/daily-dealflow   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: www.podcast.startupofyear.com   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: www.soty.link/ESTYouTube       ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminates at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us    Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   This Smiling Robot Face Made Of Living Skin is an Absolute Nightmare Fuel - Researchers have been exploring the attachment of actual living skin to robots, moving beyond traditional artificial surfaces.   A Seaweed Crop Finds a Spot in Maine Waters - Atlantic Sea Farms CEO Briana Warner talks about the new moves to cultivate seaweed in the U.S., from ocean to plate.   Waymo Robotaxis Now Open To All In SF - Waymo has removed the waitlist for its San Francisco robotaxi service, allowing anyone to download the app and immediately hail a ride.   GPS Threats - Researchers report that more than 60,000 commercial flights have experienced bogus GPS signals this year, posing significant risks to navigation and safety.   Utah Governor Declares Phone-Free Fridays - The initiative aims to foster real-life connections by reducing screen time and increasing face-to-face interactions among Utahns.   Harvard Scientists Claim Aliens Are Living Among Us - Harvard scientists claim aliens could be 'walking among us' and it's freaking people out (Good)   The Conor Cawley Comedy Special - https://youtu.be/GdkXyEBfcE8?si=ewPg-ZvmyF__igSA    The Rubik Cube turns 50 - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/science/rubiks-cube-puzzles.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber) is joined by Aron Kansal of SimpleTix (www.simpletix.com/) and Vikram Bodas from Occom Ventures (www.occomventures.com/).    Aron Kansal is the founder of SimpleTix, an online ticketing product for attractions, festivals, concerts, museums, and more. They have all the functionality of Eventbrite with a no-contract policy, instant payouts, and a very intuitive user experience.    Aron is a Startup of the Year Alumni from our days as Tech Cocktail / Tech.Co, as SimpleTix showcased at our winter mixer in Washington, D.C. in February of 2012.   SimpleTix was recently acquired by Occom Ventures, a private equity fund led by Vikram Bodas, Ian Whitney and Bo Gibson. The firm purchased a majority stake in the company.   We invite you all to join our community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join       Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us      Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/    Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube       ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminates at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us    Connect with us on X - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   12th Annual Startup Ecosystem Report - The GSER, powered by the world's most quality-controlled dataset on startup ecosystems, analyzes data from over 4.5 million companies across 300+ entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems.    Swiss Startup Connects 16 Human Brains To Create Low Energy Biocomputer - FinalSpark's bio-computer, which integrates living brain cells (organoids) into its design, consumes significantly less energy than traditional digital processors, using about a million times less power.   Fisker Files for Bankruptcy - Fisker Group Inc., founded by designer Henrik Fisker, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware District Court, following numerous issues with its Ocean SUV, including recalls and lemon law lawsuits.   Rivian just got a $1B Convertible Note from Volkswagen in a deal related to developing their software - Volkswagen Group will invest $1 billion in Rivian as part of a broad software development deal, which could expand to $5 billion. This includes creating a joint venture with a 50-50 partnership to develop and grow technology.   Astronauts stranded in space due to multiple issues with Boeing's Starliner — and the window for a return flight is closing - NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, originally scheduled to return on June 13, are now stranded on the ISS indefinitely due to issues with Boeing's Starliner, with the earliest return date pushed to June 26.   Introducing a new section called Pebbling - https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/star-psychologist-adam-grant-pebbling-secret-stronger-relationships.html    ESports Coming To the Olympic Games - https://sports.yahoo.com/olympic-video-games-know-olympic-142926997.html    4 Signs Your Body Is Telling You It's Time to Take a Break - https://time.com/6977883/what-does-stress-feel-like/?linkId=466794915    George Strait Concert Breaks US Attendance Record Held Since 1977 - https://www.fox44news.com/news/local-news/george-strait-concert-breaks-us-attendance-record-held-by-rock-band-since-1977/    Olympic Swimming Trials Pool Assembly Was Impressive - https://stories.purdue.edu/purdue-innovation-takes-the-lead-at-olympic-swimming-pool-projiect-in-lucas-oil-stadium/    A Comprehensive Guide To ALL 63 National Parks in the United States - Detailing unique features, historical significance, and activities available in each park. One other thing to watch out for is quicksand…   How to Survive Quicksand by How To Survive - Check out the video on YouTube!   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) and joined special guest Jesse Middleton from FlyBridge, who is focused on investing in early-stage AI companies.   The group discussed all things AI and FlyBridge's new AI Index: https://www.flybridge.com/ai-index which monitors the largest AI players in the space. Jesse also talked about what he looks for when investing in AI companies and mentioned some of the AI companies he has been working with, including Splice (https://splice.com/innovation), Talktastic (https://talktastic.com), MelodyArc (https://melodyarc.com), Arcee AI (https://www.arcee.ai), and more.    The guys also talked about Apple's huge jump into the AI game. Read the article here: It's Official Apple Is Jumping AI at its WWDC event this week.   Lastly, Frank leaves listeners with a final thought related to Roger Feder's “Tennis Lessons” at his commencement address at Dartmouth College. His lessons were as follows:  Effortless is a myth; It's only a point, let me explain; and  Life is bigger than the court.    We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:   A Billionaire-Backed Texas Stock Exchange Is In The Works—Here's What To Know - The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), founded in 2023 and owned by TXSE Group Inc., aims to be a fully electronic national securities exchange.   IKEA Is Hiring Roblox In-Game Workers - Ikea is launching "The Co-Worker Game," a virtual store on Roblox, on June 24 and hiring ten paid workers to operate it.    Apple Is Fixing Parental Controls - According to a report in the WSJ, Apple is fixing one of the software's worst bugs—an apparently obscure one that would let kids see the worst parts of the internet despite settings to prevent that.   Elon's Supercomputing in Memphis - Elon Musk is opening a major facility for his AI company, xAI, in Memphis, representing the largest private sector investment in the city's history.   Boeing's Starliner spacecraft lifts off for first crewed flight - NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched on Boeing's Starliner capsule for its first crewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS), seven years past the original target date.    For those of you interested, here is a video of everything that happened on the most recent SpaceX launch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-L-WZrnpBA   Dengue Fever is in the USA - Historically, it occurred every three to four years, now seen annually.   Frank is testing Sensate, a device created to enhance one's ability to handle stress. It uses vibrations and sounds to reduce stress in just ten minutes, lowering depression. They are currently raising funding via crowdfunding here: https://wefunder.com/sensate    Frank also adds a shout-out to his barber/recording artist, J Spin, who is based in Wells, Maine - https://www.youtube.com/@BenchParty    Today marks the last episode of Wheel of Fortune with host Pat Sajak as he is retiring from the show - Sajak began his career as a DJ on Radio while serving in Vietnam before transitioning to broadcasting. You can view his first episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHeadCEOYDs   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber) is joined by Ann Shoket, Founder of New Power Media and CEO of TheLi.st, a private community of innovators and entrepreneurs devoted to helping each other network, succeed, and thrive in a competitive environment.    In this interview, Ann discusses loneliness, the role networking holds in today's competitive environment, and the importance of creating a highly curated, highly valuable community for female entrepreneurs.   We invite you all to join our community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join       Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us      Subscribe to the Startup of the Year Daily Deal Flow: www.startupofyear.com/daily-dealflow   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: www.podcast.startupofyear.com   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: www.soty.link/ESTYouTube       ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminates at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us    Connect with us on X - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us   

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan), and Jamilah Corbitt (X: @JamilahCorbitt) chat about the following topics:   OpenAI & Apple - Apple is close to finalizing a partnership with OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT into iOS 18, aiming to introduce advanced AI capabilities to the iPhone.   OpenAI vs Her - Scarlett Johansson has accused OpenAI of using a voice resembling hers for its AI assistant, Sky, without her consent. Johansson's claim has led to legal threats and significant public backlash.   Elon Musk plans xAI Supercomputer - Elon Musk's AI startup xAI, plans to build a supercomputer to power the next version of its AI chatbot, Grok.   Elon Musk raised $6B in funding for xAI by Valor, a16z, and Sequoia - Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, raised $6 billion in a Series B funding round.   Big changes for college athletes - In a historic shift, the NCAA has agreed to a new revenue-sharing model, allocating over $15 billion to athletes over a 10-year period.   Singapore Airline Flight Experiences Terrible Turbulence - A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore hit severe turbulence, resulting in one death and 30 injuries.   Woman Married an AI Hologram - Unique Ceremony: Spanish-Dutch artist Alicia Framis plans to marry an AI hologram, AILex, this summer in a groundbreaking union, highlighting the evolving nature of human-robot relationships.   The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens by Anne Kuo (https://amzn.to/3KtJSDD) - From constructing coops to rearing chicks, you'll learn everything you need to know to make sure your chickens stay happy and healthy all year round.   Continuing our research on chicken coops, we are focusing on finding the best and most technologically advanced movable chicken coop and run for the 11 chickens that Frank is currently raising in his garage. He provided information about the Omlet Eglu Cube Coop & Run (https://www.omlet.us) and the Smart Coop (https://smart.coop.farm).   We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Caonsalv (X: @noreaster) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) chat about the following topics:   The 6th birthday of our company, Established! Read our post about it: https://www.startupofyear.com/blog/estturnssix    What actually happens when you mow your lawn? - Mowing grass too short can cut the tops off of flowering plants, which can make it hard for pollinators to feed and rest and nest   OpenAI's ChatGPT has launched 4o or “omni” - launched the first of its kind - OpenAI introduced a major upgrade to ChatGPT with the new GPT-4o model, also known as Omni.   Google's Project Astra - Project Astra, showcased at Google I/O, is a real-time, multimodal AI assistant that identifies objects, locates items, reviews code, and more.   Apple is going to enter the generative AI market - Apple's top software executives decided to overhaul Siri after testing OpenAI's ChatGPT.   Google is going to start putting AI results first in Search thus causing a stir by those that rely on those search engine rankings to get found - Google announced the introduction of A.I.-generated answers, called "A.I. overviews," at its annual developer conference.   Ray Kurzweil's SXSW Speech: Can You Live 500 - At SXSW 2024, Ray Kurzweil, renowned futurist and Director of Engineering at Google AI, delivered a captivating speech titled "The Singularity is Nearer: Five Years to Radical Life Extension." He presented a compelling argument that significant advancements in medical technology within the next five years could potentially extend human lifespans to 2035 and beyond.   Daniel Ek's Next Act: Full-Body Scans For The People - The company says its full-body scans can detect the onset of a host of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as skin conditions. It calls its scans, which cost 2,500 Swedish krona (about $230), “a health check for your future self.”    Scientists About to Test Medicine to Grow New Teeth - Japanese scientists are starting the world's first clinical trials of "tooth regrowth medicine."    The first portrait of King Charles - I see lots of things in it. What do you see?    Life update - Frank and Jen have bought six little chicks that are about three weeks old, and they are currently raising them on the Kennebunkport ranch. So now they need a coop and run. If you know or work at one of the following companies, Nestera (https://nestera.us), Omlet (www.omlet.us), or Smart Coop (https://smart.coop.farm), please do get in touch with us.    On Sunday, May 12, Jerry Seinfeld accepted his honorary degree at Duke University but faced an unexpected turn of events. He said, “I totally admire the ambitions of your generation to create a more just and inclusive society. I think it is also wonderful that you care so much about not hurting other people's feelings in the million and one ways we all do that every second of every day.”  The comedian continued, “It's lovely to want to fix those things, but — all caps, but — what I need to tell you as a comedian, do not lose your sense of humor. You can have no idea at this point in your life how much you're going to need it to get through.” See it here: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/jerry-seinfeld-duke-university-speech-154355065.html    We have also started dropping our episodes onto YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber) is joined by Becky Center, CEO of crowdfunding behemoth Indiegogo. In this interview, we discuss the growth and development of Indiegogo, the expansion of crowdfunding, and how to handle partnerships, success, and failure in an ever-changing economy.    We invite you all to join our community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join       Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us      Subscribe to the Startup of the Year Daily Deal Flow: www.startupofyear.com/daily-dealflow   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: www.podcast.startupofyear.com   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: www.soty.link/ESTYouTube       ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource.     Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminates at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us    Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) chat about the following topics:   We talk a lot about ChatGPT, but what about Anthropic - Anthropic was founded in 2021 by seven former employees of OpenAI, including siblings Daniela Amodei and Dario Amodei, the latter of whom served as OpenAI's Vice President of Research.   Musician Randy Travis is using AI in a good way - Randy Travis, who suffered a stroke in 2013, used AI to clone his voice for his new song, "Where That Came From."   SNL's skit about Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCfNpjeAFaA    Speaking of Mushrooms - Magic Mushrooms, while typically made with the federally illegal substance ‘psilocybin', are being produced legally now with ‘Amanita Muscaria' by a company called PolkaDot. Their products can be found in over 5,000 gas stations and smoke shops around the US.    First time scientists have restored brain cells - Scientists develop a method to restore brain cells affected by Timothy syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The method, using a “Antisense Nucleotide”  allows clusters of human neurons carrying the Timothy syndrome mutation to develop normally.    Bioengineered Houseplant Helps Remove Harmful Air Pollutants - Engineers at “Neoplants” designed a houseplant that is supercharged with billions of pollution-eating bacteria.   Give $7K to 'every baby that's born in America' - Bill Ackman proposed giving every child born in America a $7,000 investment account. The account would be created at birth, funded by the U.S. government, and restricted from withdrawals, remaining tax exempt.   Frank also tested the Atlantic Coast Tide Clock, which is the essential item to stay connected to the ocean, no matter where you are. This white and navy blue Atlantic tide clock is what you need for a perfect coastal living decor.    We have also started dropping our episodes onto YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo X: @noreaster) explore the following topics:   Life Below The Sea in the MIT Reader by James Powell - Our understanding of the resiliency of life has made leaps in bounds in a short amount of time. One can even extrapolate this resiliency to think about life on other worlds beyond our own and how methods to survive might be even stranger and more unknown than we can realize.    NASA picks three companies to help Drive around the Moon - The startup companies are Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab, which are set to design a next-generation lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) fit for moon travel and autonomous robotic exploration.   Generative A.I. Arrives in the Gene Editing World of CRISPR - As much as ChatGPT generates poetry, a new A.I. system creates blueprints for microscopic mechanisms that can edit your DNA.    Musicians Take A Stand Against AI - A coalition of over 200 musicians, including high-profile names like Nicki Minaj, Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, and Noah Kahan, have signed an open letter cautioning against the irresponsible use of AI in music.    Rich Americans Acquiring Second Passports - The rich are getting multiple passports and citizenships to hedge instability. Increasingly, wealthy Americans are seeking second passports, citing concerns over political and economic instability in the United States.    Tricks to Living a Long Life - The average life expectancy in the US is 76.4 years, with over 70,000 Americans reaching 100 in 2023. Blue Zones, regions with exceptional longevity, have ten times more centenarians than average.   We have also started dropping our episodes onto YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber) is joined by Gary Kusin, Co-Founder of GameStop and Laura Mercier Cosmetics, former President and CEO of Kinkos, and author of his new book “Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling up from Gamestop to Laura Mercier.”     Be sure to check out Kusin's new book, “Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling up from Gamestop to Laura Mercier.” You can order it here: www.GaryKusin.com.   We invite you all to join our community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join       Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us      Subscribe to the Startup of the Year Daily Deal Flow: www.startupofyear.com/daily-dealflow   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: www.podcast.startupofyear.com   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: www.soty.link/ESTYouTube       ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource.     Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminates at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us    Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us 

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber) introduces a panel of entrepreneurial experts as they discuss the emergence of AI and how to utilize this new tool in support of entrepreneurial endeavors. This panel, which took place at the Established House at SXSW 2024, and features insight from:   Sherrod Davis, Co-Founder and CEO of Ecomap Technologies Nicola Corzine, Founding CEO and Executive Director of the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center Ryan Groves, CEO and Founder of Slyngshot, a platform that helps new and aspiring entrepreneurs launch their big ideas Brittany Sickler, Director of Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development at the US Small Business Administration   We invite you all to join our community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join       Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us      Subscribe to the Startup of the Year Daily Deal Flow: www.startupofyear.com/daily-dealflow   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/    Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube      ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource.     Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminate at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.est.us    Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us 

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, Frank Gruber (http://linkedin.com/in/frankgruber) interviews serial entrepreneur and unicorn investor, speaker, and author, Paulo Andrez as we'll talk about his new book, Zero Risk Startup which comes out in May 2024. Get your copy of the book here: https://amzn.to/4aoRJgZ   We invite you all to join our community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join       Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us      Subscribe to the Startup of the Year Daily Deal Flow: www.startupofyear.com/daily-dealflow   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: www.podcast.startupofyear.com   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: www.soty.link/ESTYouTube       ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource.     Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminate at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.est.us    Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us 

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, we hear an interview with Arlan Hamilton that took place at the Established house at SXSW in Austin, Texas.  Arlan is the Founder and Managing Partner at Backstage Capital and the author of her new book “Your First Million.” What's amazing is she launched a $20M+ fund from scratch while she was homeless. She has invested in 200+ companies led by underrepresented, underestimated founders. She is the author of the bestselling book, It's About Damn Time, and the host of the popular visual podcast, Your First Million. Check this all out at Arlan's website: https://arlansfirstmillion.com    Arlan is also hosting a large event April 9th to 12th in Los Angeles. Aspiring or current entrepreneurs, investors, job seekers, and hiring managers are encouraged to check out Your First Million LIVE in LA, which is an event designed to amplify underestimated voices and talent. During the event, you'll receive the tools, resources, and connections to empower you to thrive as you work towards Your First Million! https://www.yourfirstmillion.live   We invite you all to join our community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join       Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us      Subscribe to the Startup of the Year Daily Deal Flow: www.startupofyear.com/daily-dealflow   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: www.podcast.startupofyear.com   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: www.soty.link/ESTYouTube       ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource.     Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminate at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.est.us    Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) dive deep into the innovations and controversies shaping our world.    We kicked off with a look at the Startup of the Year fast pitch competition that happened at SXSW, when 10 great early-stage companies pitched. The startup pitches were all really solid and the company that came out on top of that competition was Applied BioPlastics from Austin, Texas. Applied Bioplastics manufactures bioplastics from plant-based materials for retail, packaging, and medical industries to improve plastic recycling. See more: https://appliedbioplastics.com    We also chat about Magic Mind, the groundbreaking "mental performance shot" that's redefining daily routines everywhere. Unlike the traditional coffee fix, Magic Mind offers a sustainable boost to focus, motivation, and productivity without the dreaded caffeine crash. Don't forget to use the promo that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one-time purchases with code SOMEWHATFRANK20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/SomewhatFrank    But the tech world doesn't stop turning, and neither do we. The potential TikTok ban has everyone talking. With its Chinese ownership under scrutiny, we explore what the future holds for the app that supports around 200k American jobs. Read more HERE.    The episode doesn't shy away from the big hitters, discussing the DOJ's recent move to sue Apple over its smartphone monopoly. We'll share personal insights and the broader implications of this legal battle. Read more HERE.   In a lighter vein, we celebrate Reddit's triumphant IPO, marking the first social media company to go public in five years. What does Reddit's success signal for the market and future IPOs? Read more HERE.   However, it's not all rosy. We delve into the concerning rise in mental health issues among adolescents, correlating with the smartphone era. With insights from Jonathan Haidt's latest book, "The Anxious Generation," we ponder the societal impacts of our digital age. Read more HERE.   The real estate world is also facing a shakeup, with the National Association of Realtors' recent settlement potentially transforming commission structures and housing market dynamics. We break down what this means for buyers, sellers, and the industry at large. Read more HERE.   Lastly, we shine a spotlight on Colton Rybus's debut jazz album, "Sketches from the Heart of My Cosmos." A personal connection brings this musical journey to life, showcasing the talent and passion behind the notes. Read more HERE.   And for those seeking the fountain of youth, we share Dave Asprey's simple yet effective tips for turning back the clock. Read more HERE.   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this very special episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) talk with Garrett Graff about his book “UFO: The Inside Story of the US Government's Search for Alien Life Here – and Out There.”    For those unfamiliar, Garrett has spent nearly two decades covering politics, technology, and national security. He is also the former editor of Politico and contributor to Wired and CNN, he's written for publications from Esquire to Rolling Stone to The New York Times and today serves as the director of the cyber initiative at the Aspen Institute.    Graff is also the author of multiple books, including the FBI history The Threat Matrix, Raven Rock (about the government's Cold War Doomsday plans), When the Sea Came Alive (an oral history of D-Day), and the New York Times bestsellers The Only Plane in the Sky, and Watergate, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. Learn more about Garrett the the following link: www.garrettgraff.com    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/

On this special episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) were live with special guest Sam Jordan from the Established House at SXSW in Austin, Texas. Sam is the Head of Computing and Technology at the Future Today Institute (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samcjordan/).    The crew discussed all of the trends that they encountered during the week and SXSW, including the groundbreaking work of Colossal Biosciences and their audacious project to bring the woolly mammoth back from extinction. CEO Ben Lamm, alongside actor Seth Green, shared their vision to combat extinction and reshape our future. Discover how this Dallas-based startup is turning elephant cells into mammoth-like embryos, marking a pivotal step in de-extinction technology. Read more about their efforts on NPR.   Frank, Jen, John, and Sam also spotted a shift in travel patterns at SXSW, reflecting broader societal changes. With more weekend travelers and a split in attendance, they explored what this means against the backdrop of Americans socializing less, driven by pessimism, technology, and a surge in loneliness.   They also shined a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women, including a powerful SXSW panel featuring Megan Markle, Katie Couric, and others discussing the challenges women face in media.   The gang also discussed the legal battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI's Sam Altman, which raises critical questions about the future of AI and its impact on humanity.   Lastly, they concluded with a fascinating discussion on a simple test that could predict your longevity. Can standing on one leg for 10 seconds reveal the secrets to a longer, healthier life?    As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, we hear an interview with Corten Singer from Augmental, the winner of the CTA Foundation Pitch competition at CES 2024.   Corten is the cofounder of Augmental, which just recently launched the MouthPad, a bluetooth-enabled intraoral interface for hands-free control of your computer, smartphone, and tablet. Learn more at: www.augmental.tech    We also chat about the excitement around our upcoming event at SXSW. Join us as we host a day of events for innovators and startups at the Established House on March 10th, 2024. More details here.   We invite you all to join our community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join       Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us      Subscribe to the Startup of the Year Daily Deal Flow: www.startupofyear.com/daily-dealflow   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: www.podcast.startupofyear.com   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: www.soty.link/ESTYouTube       ***  Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource.     Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com       The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminate at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.      Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.est.us    Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs and Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) dive headfirst into the future of technology and societal trends, starting with our hands-on experience with the newly launched Apple Vision Pro. This cutting-edge headset, resembling a MacBook Pro for your face, promises an immersive experience unlike any other. We discuss its coolest features, from the ability to project multiple screens to its clear view of the surrounding environment, and weigh these against its less appealing aspects, such as its public perception and hefty price tag.   We also chat again about the Established House, which is scheduled to take place on March 10, 2024 in Austin, TX. It will be a networking and collaboration space for startups, investors, and entrepreneur support organizations. For more details, you can visit the official website: https://house.established.us    But that's not all – we also bring you the latest from the GRAMMY Awards. Our reading list is just as intriguing, featuring discussions on the Enhanced Games concept, where performance-enhancing drugs are not just allowed but celebrated, and the pivotal role Toby Keith played in launching Taylor Swift's career. Plus, we explore the rise of the Introvert Economy in post-pandemic America, a shift that's reshaping our social landscape and economic activities.   And for our tech enthusiasts, we delve into Disney's VR Treadmill Holotile, a project by Lanny Smoot, Disney's most prolific inventor. This innovation could revolutionize virtual reality, offering a level of immersion previously unattainable.   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) dive into an exciting mix of celebrations, upcoming events, and groundbreaking discoveries that are shaping our world.   We kick things off with a cheerful update: Groundhog Day brought us delightful news as the groundhog didn't see its shadow, heralding an early spring! Sunshine, flowers, and celebrations are just around the corner. Catch the full excitement of this cherished holiday on our live stream recap here.   As we bask in the post-Groundhog Day glow, the anticipation builds for the Grammy Awards happening this Sunday night at 8 pm EST. We're thrilled to see performances by Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman, and we're especially rooting for Noah Kahan, nominated for Best New Artist with his hit, "Stick Season." The Established team is all buzzed up about this one, and we've got our eyes peeled on the predictions here.   But that's not all on the horizon. We're also gearing up for the America's Seed Fund Road Tours starting soon in Orlando and San Juan, Puerto Rico (https://www.americasseedfund.us/road-tour), and the excitement around SXSW. Join us as we host a day of events for innovators and startups at the Established House on March 10th, 2024. More details here.   Switching gears to a mystery that's potentially solved – the lost aircraft of Amelia Earhart might have been found in a $11 million effort by a private individual. Earhart, a fellow Purdue Boilermaker, planned much of her journey from the campus airport, and this discovery could be a historic find. Dive into the story here and here.   In the realm of technology and health, the first human has received a Neuralink brain implant, potentially revolutionizing the way we interact with technology and treat neurological conditions. The future of AI is also making waves in the smartphone industry, with Google, Samsung, and soon Apple, introducing generative AI capabilities that promise to transform our digital experiences.   Meanwhile, the digital world grapples with the ethics of AI, as explicit AI-generated images of Taylor Swift raise concerns about non-consensual content, spotlighting the urgent need for regulation.   Elon Musk's new AI venture is another hot topic, with reports suggesting he's aiming to raise as much as $6B for his startup, reflecting the immense potential and costs associated with developing generative AI.   Looking ahead to the Super Bowl, we preview what's expected to be the most expensive tickets ever for the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas. Plus, we discuss Taylor Swift's logistical race against time to perform after her Tokyo concert, and we give you a sneak peek at this year's Super Bowl commercials. Check out the story here.   We wrap up with some personal updates, including the sleek Ridge Wallet and an intriguing way to explore global radio stations with Radio Garden. Plus, a shout out to "Suits," the most streamed show of 2023.   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us   Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (@FrankGruber), John Guidos (@JohnGuidos), and Jen Consalvo (@Noreaster) talk about Jen's fantastic birthday celebration, and we're thrilled to share it with you. Special guest, Kara Comparetto, played live piano at the party, and you won't want to miss her incredible talent. Check out her live piano shows on her YouTube channel and her albums on platforms like Apple Music: https://www.youtube.com/@KaraComparetto   We dive into a crucial topic—sleep! Did you know that the average American gets less than 7 hours of sleep per night? We discuss why sleep is essential for your brain's well-being and share some basic sleep hygiene tips. Read more here: https://www.axios.com/2024/01/18/sleep-tips-expert-hours#    The Key to Relationship Success - https://fortune.com/well/article/predict-divorce-communication-style-gottman-institute/  Researchers have discovered a communication error that can predict divorce with a staggering 94% accuracy. We explore how couples can turn towards each other and improve their relationships.   FDA Approves DermaSensor - https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-fda-clears-dermasensors-ai-powered-skin-cancer-detecting-device-2024-01-17/  Host: In tech news, the FDA has approved the DermaSensor, an AI-powered skin cancer detection device. Learn how this innovative device can assist primary care physicians in identifying skin cancer with impressive accuracy.   The Future of Supersonic Travel - https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/12/x-59-quiet-supersonic-jet-from-nasa-and-lockheed-finally-rolls-out/  We delve into the world of supersonic travel, discussing NASA and Lockheed Martin's experimental X-59 aircraft, aiming to reduce sonic booms. We also touch on Boom, a company working on passenger supersonic jets.   US Tech Investment Landscape - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-07/san-francisco-bay-area-nyc-boston-dominate-vc-investment-in-us?srnd=undefined&sref=OUxLpfXr  Discover where tech investment is booming in the US, with surprising statistics on venture capital growth across different regions.   Humanoid Robots at BMW - https://www.axios.com/2024/01/23/humanoid-robots-bmw-automotive-manufacturing-figure Humanoid robots are making their way into BMW's manufacturing plants. We discuss Figure, the California company behind these robots, and their role in the automotive industry.   Stanley Cups Craze - https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/23/how-a-40-ounce-cup-turned-stanley-into-a-750-million-a-year-business.html  Stanley Cups are more popular than ever! We explore how a simple 40-ounce cup has turned into a $750 million per year business.   Apple Vision Pro - https://youtu.be/Vb0dG-2huJE?si=2nP6KYQBOpuh48UV   We round off with a glimpse into the future of tech with the Apple Vision Pro headset and its potential for spatial computing.   What We're Watching and Texting Woes - hulu.com/series/death-and-other-details-1493a676-9e14-4e6a-ace8-914b39269f56 And before we go, our hosts share what they're currently watching, including Hulu's  "Death and Other Details." Plus, we discuss the evolution of texting into an email-like form of communication and the idea of adding a "send later" feature to iMessage.   As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/