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Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
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- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
10,001 - 25,000 - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
25,001 - 75,000 - Active Followers
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5,001 - 15,000
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* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
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Recent episodes
How MERIT Grew To $200M in Only Five Years | #39
Apr 29, 2026
Unknown duration
The Fundraising Playbook: Build FOMO & Close Fast | #38
Apr 22, 2026
Unknown duration
The Brand Turnaround Playbook & Other Marketing Tips | #37
Apr 15, 2026
Unknown duration
How a Life Coach Completely Changed My Life | #36
Apr 8, 2026
Unknown duration
How Perelel Became the Brand Every Woman Is Talking About in Prenatal and Hormone Health | #35
Apr 1, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/29/26 | How MERIT Grew To $200M in Only Five Years | #39 | MERIT Beauty grew from launch to over $200 million in sales in just five years, without a hero product, heavy discounting, or chasing marketing trends. In this episode, the CMO shares how they built a minimalist beauty brand for millennials and Gen X by rejecting industry playbooks and focusing on trust, pricing psychology, and diversified marketing. From launching during COVID to engineering risk across platforms, this is a masterclass in modern brand building. If you are building a business or leading a team, this conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons.This Hot takes big stakes episode is sponsored by: dtcmvp, shopify's modern expert network. Qualified brand leaders can discover vetted tools, get compensated for their time, and give feedback to founders and avoid the traditional sales pitch. For vendors, it's a great way to meet brands where they are, get feedback on what youre building, and improve your company. From intro to insights, dtcmvp handles everything. Together - brands and saas startups can improve the industry faster.https://dtcmvp.com/ http://Hirodiapers.com/natalieMore Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Aila Morinhttps://www.instagram.com/ailamorin/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ailamorinMore on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 4/22/26 | The Fundraising Playbook: Build FOMO & Close Fast | #38 | Raising money is not just about a pitch deck, it is about psychology, momentum, and strategy. In this episode, we break down what really happens during a fundraising round, from shifting your mindset to building FOMO and closing with urgency. We share tactical advice on structuring your 90-day raise, managing investor energy, and positioning yourself as the opportunity, not the beggar. If you are preparing to raise capital, this is the honest playbook founders rarely talk about.This Hot takes big stakes episode is sponsored by: dtcmvp, shopify's modern expert network. Qualified brand leaders can discover vetted tools, get compensated for their time, and give feedback to founders and avoid the traditional sales pitch. For vendors, it's a great way to meet brands where they are, get feedback on what youre building, and improve your company. From intro to insights, dtcmvp handles everything. Together - brands and saas startups can improve the industry faster.https://dtcmvp.com/ http://Hirodiapers.com/natalieMore Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 4/15/26 | The Brand Turnaround Playbook & Other Marketing Tips | #37 | Oli Walsh shares his journey from launching a fashion agency at 23 to scaling Aritzia from $250 million to $1 billion in revenue. He breaks down the real mechanics of brand turnarounds, including how Gap rebuilt cultural relevance through a full 360 transformation. This conversation dives into growth strategy, collaboration, leadership, and why most brands focus on the wrong things. If you want to understand modern brand building at scale, this episode is a masterclass.This Hot takes big stakes episode is sponsored by: dtcmvp, shopify's modern expert network. Qualified brand leaders can discover vetted tools, get compensated for their time, and give feedback to founders and avoid the traditional sales pitch. For vendors, it's a great way to meet brands where they are, get feedback on what youre building, and improve your company. From intro to insights, dtcmvp handles everything. Together - brands and saas startups can improve the industry faster.https://dtcmvp.com/ http://Hirodiapers.com/natalieMore Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Oli Walshhttps://www.instagram.com/oliwalsh/https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverwalshMore on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 4/8/26 | How a Life Coach Completely Changed My Life | #36 | What does a life coach actually do, and how is it different from therapy or business coaching? In this episode, we break down the real-life impact of working with a life coach, from overcoming overwhelm to creating better systems at home and work. We share practical tools like time and energy audits, mantras, mindset shifts, and learning how to say no. If you are a founder, parent, or anyone feeling stretched too thin, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways.This Hot takes big stakes episode is sponsored by: dtcmvp, shopify's modern expert network. Qualified brand leaders can discover vetted tools, get compensated for their time, and give feedback to founders and avoid the traditional sales pitch. For vendors, it's a great way to meet brands where they are, get feedback on what youre building, and improve your company. From intro to insights, dtcmvp handles everything. Together - brands and saas startups can improve the industry faster.https://dtcmvp.com/ http://Hirodiapers.com/natalieMore Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Alex Taylorhttps://www.instagram.com/perelelhealth/https://perelelhealth.comMore on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 4/1/26 | How Perelel Became the Brand Every Woman Is Talking About in Prenatal and Hormone Health | #35 | Alex Taylor shares the raw, unfiltered journey of building a women’s health company from scratch. From burnout and an autoimmune diagnosis to bootstrapping through a pandemic while pregnant, she reveals what it really takes to launch in a crowded category and raise $27 million. This episode dives into fundraising realities, subscription strategy, retail positioning, and the mindset required to win when the odds are stacked against you. A masterclass in grit, branding, and playing the long game.This Hot takes big stakes episode is sponsored by: dtcmvp, shopify's modern expert network. Qualified brand leaders can discover vetted tools, get compensated for their time, and give feedback to founders and avoid the traditional sales pitch. For vendors, it's a great way to meet brands where they are, get feedback on what youre building, and improve your company. From intro to insights, dtcmvp handles everything. Together - brands and saas startups can improve the industry faster.https://dtcmvp.com http://Hirodiapers.com/natalieMore Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Alex Taylorhttps://www.instagram.com/perelelhealth/https://perelelhealth.comMore on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 3/26/26 | How Much To Pay Yourself As A Founder, And Five Ways to Make Supplementary Income | #34 | Founder compensation is one of the most asked and least discussed topics in startups. In this solo episode, I break down real 2025 salary data, what bootstrapped and VC backed founders actually pay themselves, and the formula I used at every stage of growth. I also share the uncomfortabletruth about the first three years and how to diversify your income without hurting your company. If you are building a startup and wondering what you should earn, this episode gives you clear benchmarks and actionable guidance.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 3/18/26 | How a Linkedin DM led to the $400M sale of Beyond Yoya with Co-Founder Michelle Wahler | #33 | Michelle Wahler built Beyond Yoga from the ground up with no outside funding and a mission rooted in body positivity and inclusivity. What started as a wholesale activewear brand grew steadily and profitably for 16 years before Levi’s acquired it for over $400 million. In this episode, she shares the full story, from early design days and financial setbacks to negotiating the deal and navigating life after exit. If you are building a brand, thinking about selling, or dreaming of bootstrapping something meaningful, this conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons.Get your copy of Bootstrap Empire at http://bootstrap-empire.com This Hot takes big stakes episode is sponsored by: dtcmvp, shopify's modern expert network. Qualified brand leaders can discover vetted tools, get compensated for their time, and give feedback to founders and avoid the traditional sales pitch. For vendors, it's a great way to meet brands where they are, get feedback on what youre building, and improve your company. From intro to insights, dtcmvp handles everything. Together - brands and saas startups can improve the industry faster. https://dtcmvp.com/More on Michellehttps://www.instagram.com/michelle.wahler/https://www.instagram.com/beyondyoga/https://beyondyoga.comMore Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 3/11/26 | The 10 Tools You Actually Need to Run a Business | There are thousands of tools out there promising to grow your business, but most of them will drain your budget and lock you into contracts you regret. In this episode, we break down the tools we actually use across finance, ecommerce, social media, and wholesale. We share lessons from overspending, signing long contracts, and cleaning up a bloated tech stack. If you are starting or scaling a business, this will save you time and money.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 3/4/26 | Clean, Cool, and Profitable: Scaling a Modern Skincare Brand w/ Allison Mcnamara of Mara Beauty | #31 | Allison McNamara, founder and CEO of Mara Beauty, shares how she transitioned from entertainment host to building an award-winning clean skincare brand powered by algae. She breaks down landing Sephora, scaling without traditional VC funding, influencer marketing strategies that actually convert, and what sustainability really means in beauty. This episode is packed with tactical advice for founders navigating retail, profitability, and growth. If you are building a brand or thinking about starting one, this conversation is a masterclass.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on AllisonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarabeauty/Website: https://themarabeauty.comMore on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 2/25/26 | Things You WON’T Learn In Business School | #30 | What are the real lessons you will never learn in business school? In this episode, we break down the unfiltered truths about building a brand, from mastering distribution and prioritizing repeat customers to embracing speed over perfection. We talk about how a founder’s role constantly evolves, why longevity beats hype, and what it really takes to survive the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. If you are building a company or thinking about it, this is the advice we wish we had on day one.More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
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| 2/18/26 | Blood Injections, Korean Skincare, and the Beauty Trends That Actually Work w/Vanessa Lee | #29 | Vanessa Lee, founder of The Things We Do, shares what really works in modern aesthetics, and what needs to stop. From facial balancing and bio stimulators to Korean skincare innovation and private equity lessons, this conversation dives deep into beauty, business, and self confidence. Vanessa also opens up about her own surgeries, GLP-1 weight loss, and why natural enhancement always wins over trends. If you care about aging well, building a brand, or understanding the future of skincare, this episode is a must watch.Get your copy of Bootstrap Empire at http://bootstrap-empire.comThis Hot takes big stakes episode is sponsored by: dtcmvp, shopify's modern expert network. Qualified brand leaders can discover vetted tools, get compensated for their time, and give feedback to founders and avoid the traditional sales pitch. For vendors, it's a great way to meet brands where they are, get feedback on what youre building, and improve your company. From intro to insights, dtcmvp handles everything. Together - brands and saas startups can improve the industry faster. https://dtcmvp.com/Explore more about The Things We Do at https://thethingswedo.co and follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thethingswedo.co/ for insider beauty tips and updates.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 2/11/26 | Demystifying Writing A Book & How to Sell it to a Publisher | #28 | What does it actually take to write and publish a business book? In this episode, Natalie breaks down the full journey from idea to pitch to landing a publisher and preparing for launch. She shares how she structured the book, navigated the publishing process, handled preorders and marketing, and balanced writing with running a company and being a mom. If writing a book has ever felt overwhelming or out of reach, this conversation makes the process clear and actionable.Get your copy of Bootstrap Empire at http://bootstrap-empire.com This Hot takes big stakes episode is sponsored by: dtcmvp, shopify's modern expert network. Qualified brand leaders can discover vetted tools, get compensated for their time, and give feedback to founders and avoid the traditional sales pitch. For vendors, it's a great way to meet brands where they are, get feedback on what youre building, and improve your company. From intro to insights, dtcmvp handles everything. Together - brands and saas startups can improve the industry faster. https://dtcmvp.com/Get 25% off Valentines Day Flowers https://urbanstems.comMore Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 2/4/26 | How Beautyblender Revolutionized Makeup (and Built a Category) with Rea Ann Silva | #27 | The Beautyblender is one of the most recognizable makeup tools in the world, but its origin story is rarely told. In this episode, founder Rianne Silva shares how she created the iconic pink sponge out of necessity while working on early HD television sets as a single mother. She breaks down the struggles, mistakes, knockoffs, and mindset that helped her build a category-defining brand while keeping full ownership. This is a raw look at what it truly takes to build something from nothing.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on BeautyblenderInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/beautyblenderWebsite: https://beautyblender.comMore on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 1/28/26 | How to Raise Money and Not Give Away Any Equity With Natalie Holloway Of Bala | #26 | Raising money without investors sounds impossible, but this episode breaks down exactly how it was done. From having only a few thousand dollars left to needing $40,000 for production, this is a real behind the scenes look at choosing Kickstarter over traditional funding. We talk through fear, strategy, and the practical decisions that made the launch work. If you are thinking about crowdfunding, this episode is a must watch.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 1/21/26 | How Superordinary Cracked TikTok Shop w/ Julian Reis | #25 | Julian Reis shares how he went from investment banking to building Skin Laundry into a global laser facial brand with 68 locations. He breaks down the early mistakes, pricing lessons, and why scaling too fast almost killed the business. Julian also reveals how Super Ordinary predicted the rise of social commerce years before TikTok Shop took off. This episode is packed with real founder lessons on brand building, fundraising, and the future of commerce.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakesMore on Julian ReisInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/superordinaryco/https://www.instagram.com/skinlaundryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianreisWebsite: https://superordinary.cohttps://www.skinlaundry.comMore on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 1/14/26 | 10 Habits That Quietly Compound Into Massive Success | #24 | What actually separates successful founders from everyone else? In this episode, we break down 10 real habits that consistently show up in people who build lasting, high growth companies. From trusting your gut and validating early to learning when to say no and playing the long game, these lessons are practical, honest, and hard earned. If you are building a business or thinking about starting one, this episode is for you.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 1/7/26 | From Beauty Exec to Founder at 40, Amy Liu’s Tower 28 Playbook | #23 | Amy Liu, founder and CEO of Tower 28, shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of building a bestselling beauty brand from scratch. From raising money fast and breaking into Sephora to formulating sensitive-skin-safe products that actually work, Amy breaks down what it really takes to win in a crowded market. This episode dives into failure, brand, leadership, and balancing motherhood while scaling a fast-growing company.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on AmyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyliu_t28/Website: https://www.tower28beauty.comMore on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 12/18/25 | The Truth About GLP-1s: What No One’s Talking About | #22 | GLP-1 is everywhere, but most people do not actually understand what it is or how it works. In this episode, we break down the science behind GLP-1, how it affects appetite, metabolism, inflammation, and more, and why it is not just about weight loss. Becca, founder of Evolv, shares how she built a prescription-free oral GLP-1 alternative, the stigma around weight loss solutions, and what the future of metabolic health could look like. This conversation blends science, entrepreneurship, and real-world application in a way that finally makes sense.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Evolv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvlife/Website: https://evolvlife.com/ More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 12/10/25 | Couples Therapy Meets Shark Tank: Building An Iconic Fitness Brand | #21 | Co-founders Max and Natalie Holloway share the real story behind Bala, from a napkin idea to a design- driven fitness brand with celebrity fans. They unpack their Shark Tank moment, the pandemicsurge from $2M to $16M, the inventory whiplash that followed, and the brutal reset from 30employees to just three. You will hear how they manage lenders, keep their marriage strong, andsplit product and marketing to move faster. Candid lessons on optionality, sustainable growth,and why smaller daily goals beat big vanity targets.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 12/3/25 | How Chillhouse Went from a Tiny NYC Nail Salon to a Cult Beauty Brand in Target and Walmart | #20 | Founder Cyndi Ramirez breaks down how she turned Chillhouse from a small New York “third space” into a fast-growing nail brand now carried at Target and Walmart. She shares the early PR and partnership strategy, why franchising didn’t fit, and how press-on nail art became the breakout product during lockdown. Cyndi opens up about a costly Paris expansion, what it taught her about focus, and how she’s mapping a three-year plan to become a legacy nail brand. If you care about brand, margins, and distribution strategy, this is your masterclass. More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on ChillHouseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chillhouse/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 11/20/25 | Our Biggest Mistakes Growing a Business to 10 Figures in Revenue (& What We’d Do Differently)| #19 | Nat & Lana compare battle scars from growing to eight and nine figure revenue, then surviving the fallout. They break down fundraising runways, hiring too fast, firing too slow, founder FOMO, short term debt, and why focus wins. You will hear practical frameworks for repeat business, unit economics, delegation timing, IP protection, and geographic expansion. If you are building now, this is the unfiltered playbook of what not to do. More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 11/13/25 | This Episode Will Change Your Life: The Founders of Branch Basics on Non-toxic Living | #18 | Allison Evans and Kelly Love share the origin story of Branch Basics, the non-toxic cleaning brand built on education first. From a personal health crisis and a mentor’s hard-won wisdom, to shutting down a seven-figure business to reformulate transparently, they explain what “clean” should really mean. You will learn how everyday products can add to your body burden, what ingredients to avoid, and practical first steps to detox your home. This is a candid playbook on wellness, product integrity, and scaling a mission-driven brand.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Branch BasicsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchbasicsWebsite: https://branchbasics.comMore on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/ | — | ||||||
| 11/6/25 | How to Manifest Your Dream Life and Business | #17 | Natalie and Lana swap their most woo-woo wellness practices and what actually helped. We cover the exact “detox bath” they use when they feel a cold coming on, a vision-board story that led to a real Walmart buyer call, and why co-sleeping won out after years of bedtime battles. We also get into supplements, sound baths, raw-milk debates, and managing anxiety with boundaries and mantras. If you want practical takeaways from crystals to ClassPass, this one is packed.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/00:00 Cold open, why we love “woo” in LA 00:43 The detox bath we use when we feel sick 01:51 Tapping, not getting sick, and potato bracelets 04:08 Vision boards that led to real results 05:13 Walmart buyer call after daily journaling 07:26 Where we’re woo in life vs business 08:25 Breastfeeding stance and early newborn choices 09:59 Homeopathy and the kid-vitamin routine 11:07 Sound baths, gongs, and crystals for kids 12:27 Mornings without the phone, sanity restored 15:43 Flight-or-fight, anxiety, and boundaries 17:05 Supplement philosophy, fragrance-free home 19:43 Beef organs, creatine, and feeling toned 21:12 Raw milk hot take and why 22:34 Moderation with kids and real life 23:01 Why we chose co-sleeping and how it works 26:02 Tarot, psychics, and a near-acquisition call 28:51 Starter kit: bath, journaling, sound baths 29:57 Water, filters, and glass debate 31:09 Cotton over synthetics, especially for kids and workouts 34:15 Mantras for time and calm, final hot takes | — | ||||||
| 10/30/25 | Loren of Sweet Lorens on Beating Cancer, $120M in Revenue and Building a Cookie Empire | #16 | Founder Loren Castle shares how a health scare pushed her to reinvent the classic chocolate chip cookie with clean ingredients, then turn that recipe into Sweet Loren’s, a national brand. She breaks down the gritty early years, from farmers markets and a toaster oven in Whole Foods demos to scaling factories, packaging, and distribution. We dig into the allergen free pivot, whytaste still wins, pricing and margins, and the leadership moves that unlocked profitable growth. If you are building in CPG, this is a masterclass on product market fit, retail, and team.More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Loren Castle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenbcastleLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loren-brill-castle/Website: https://sweetlorens.com/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/00:00 Intro, why this story matters00:40 The diagnosis, mindset shift to health and food03:18 Learning nutrition, cooking, fixing the cookie05:07 Iterating hundreds of batches, real feedback07:50 Quitting the job, contests and early validation09:26 Farmers market tests, writing the business plan10:19 Bakery vs CPG, choosing scale and freedom11:34 Whole Foods buyer meeting, picking cookie dough14:01 The seven month sprint to launch15:17 Toaster oven demos, winning customers in store19:09 Trade shows and factory upgrades to scale20:37 Publix and Kroger wins, going nationwide21:23 Customer messages point to allergens22:24 Allergen free launch, instant top seller23:43 Packaging, taste first, callouts second25:03 Selling into different retailers, moms as gatekeepers27:43 Less sugar line, listening to data and demand31:27 Pricing, margins, and competing on quality32:57 From solo grind to profitable, lean team35:27 Remote systems, hiring only rock stars36:28 Covid bump, brand awareness and new packaging38:24 Hiring a president, unlocking founder leverage40:17 Staying in vision and growth, avoiding burnout45:00 Final playbook, how to build a lasting food brand | — | ||||||
| 10/23/25 | 5 Things Every Founder Must Do Before Launch | #15 | Before you build, pressure-test your idea the smart way. In this episode, we cover validating the problem, sizing the market, unit economics, stress-testing your time and finances, running a minimum-effort MVP, and checking competitors. You will hear practical tactics like using Reddit to find real pain, building a waitlist and pre-selling with Stripe, and plotting a quick competitor map. We wrap with two hot takes, be naive enough to start, and plan enough to execute. More Hot Takes Big StakesInstagram: www.instagram.com/hottakesbigstakes/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hottakesbigstakes/More on Natalie Holloway:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/natalieholloway/“Bala” Instagram: www.instagram.com/bala/“Balacize” Instagram: www.instagram.com/balacize/Substack,“Working Out in Heels”: natalieholloway.substack.comBook a 1-on-1 Call: intro.co/NatalieHollowayMore on Lana Elie-Meyers:Personal Instagram: www.instagram.com/lanaelie/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-elie-875b383a/00:00 Intro, why this matters for new founders 00:32 Tip 1, Validate the problem, not the idea 01:16 Signals that the problem is real, emotion and willingness to pay 02:48 Tip 2, Size the market, top-down vs bottoms-up 04:26 Unit economics sense check and payback logic 05:26 Tip 3, Stress-test your time and finances 07:18 Support systems, partners, housing, and tradeoffs 08:22 Tip 4, Run a minimum-effort test, landing page and list 09:23 Pre-selling with Stripe, early prototypes, and social proof 11:18 Start socials early and build with your audience 12:15 Tip 5, Pressure-check the competition and find your moat 14:44 Hot takes, be naive enough to start vs plan enough to execute 15:36 Closing thoughts and next steps | — | ||||||
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7 placements across 6 markets.
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7 placements across 6 markets.