This Dude Started Something

In this NYE 2025 episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Dan O’Toole, Founder & CEO of Arrive AI — the company reinventing how packages are delivered in an autonomous world.Dan shares how he:Beat Amazon, the U.S. Postal Service, and Big Tech to a critical patentBuilt a company through crowdfunding instead of VCTook Arrive AI public on NasdaqCreated the “mailbox 2.0” powering drones, robots, and autonomous deliveryMaintained control while scaling a massive investor baseThinks about AI, infrastructure, and execution at scaleThis episode is a masterclass in thinking big, moving fast, and executing before anyone else.If you’re an entrepreneur, founder, inventor, or just obsessed with how the future gets built — this one’s for you.Ticker: $ARAI Exchange: Nasdaq Arrive AI is publicly traded. Nothing in this episode is financial advice — this conversation is for educational and informational purposes only.🔗 How to Connect with Dan & Arrive AIArrive AI Website: https://arriveai.comFollow Arrive AI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arriveai/Dan O’Toole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-otoole-3b6a4631/

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, Oliver and Brayden sit down with Aravind Krishnaswamy — a world-traveling photographer and longtime Google engineer whose breathtaking images have appeared on TVs around the world through Google’s featured photos program.When he’s not building the future of technology, Aravind is deep in the wild capturing rhinos in South Africa, gorillas in Rwanda, and bears in Alaska — moments that blend art, patience, and adventure. The trio dives into how he balances life at Google with creative passion, how AI is reshaping photography, and why emotion still beats perfection in every image.They also explore Aravind’s behind-the-scenes stories — from photographing a chest-beating silverback to explaining how his photos ended up on millions of screens. Whether you’re into photography, creativity, or the intersection of art and tech, this episode will make you see your camera (and your world) differently.📸 Explore Aravind’s stunning work:Website: akimagery.comInstagram: @akimagery

In this episode, we talk with up-and-coming filmmaker Jake Apgar about what it really takes to bring ideas to life. From making films in high school to directing his first full-length feature, Jake shares how storytelling, teamwork, and emotional honesty matter more than flashy equipment or big budgets. We cover how AI is creeping into the industry, which directors inspire him, why some popular films fall flat, and how you can start creating with whatever you have. If you’re a creative, a builder, or just someone figuring it out—this one’s for you.

What do World War II, American history, and luxury watches have in common? RT Custer. He’s the founder of Vortic Watches, a company that revives antique pocket watches and turns them into one-of-a-kind wristwatches that can survive the apocalypse—and look good doing it.In this episode, RT breaks down how he built a 7-figure business out of history, scaled American manufacturing, and created something truly timeless. From buying up estate-sale treasures to surviving on spreadsheets and SBA loans, this is one of the coolest stories we’ve ever heard. He even got sued by one of the industry giants!If you’ve ever wanted to start something unique, build something real, or just make your grandpa’s old watch sexy again… this one’s for you.We apologize that we've been quiet for a bit… Oliver just made the move to NYC, and Brayden has been DJ'n. Big changes, big energy, and even bigger episodes coming your way. Kicking it off with one of the coolest founders we’ve ever talked to.

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Sean Cook, the founder of the TEA app — a revolutionary platform giving women a safer, smarter way to navigate the dating world. Sean shares how a personal experience with his mom led him to build TEA, why the current dating app landscape is broken, and how his platform empowers over 600,000 women through honest reviews, background checks, and anonymous community support. We dive into building a mission-driven tech company, protecting users at scale, and what the future of dating safety looks like. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to change an industry — this is the conversation you need to hear.Learn more about TEA:🌐 Website: www.teaforwomen.com📱 App Store: Download TEA on IOS📲 Google Play: Download TEA on Android📸 Instagram: @theteapartygirls

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Cameron Mauk, the founder of Backbone Coffee. Cameron shares the story behind his no-nonsense coffee company that's built for people who work hard and love coffee served black, hot, and straight to the point. We dive into the origins of the brand, the challenges of bringing high-quality coffee to the blue-collar world, and the journey of creating a product that connects with everyone from oil workers to doctors. Whether you're in work boots or just spiritually blue-collar, you’ll want to hear Cameron's insights on creating a brand that resonates with real, hardworking people. Plus, get the inside scoop on Backbone’s coffee blends and what makes them stand out from the crowd.Where to Buy: Check out Backbone Coffee’s website at www.backbonecoffee.com to purchase their signature blends and get your hands on some of the best coffee around.Follow Backbone Coffee on Socials:Instagram: @backbonecoffeeco

In this eye-opening episode of This Dude Started Something, Oliver and Brayden sit down with seasoned patent attorney Austin Bonderer, a man with over 700 issued U.S. patents and more stories than your average legal thriller. Austin pulls back the curtain on the chaotic world of intellectual property—where billion-dollar ideas are born, stolen, or buried.We kick things off with the basics: what is a patent and why does it matter? But things quickly spiral into everything from patent trolls buying bankrupt portfolios to sue tech giants, to how you can literally patent a grape, and even how a simple idea like adding food coloring to white powders got patented.The guys also get real about how AI and ChatGPT are accidentally killing people’s chances at protection just by asking the wrong questions online. You’ll learn why it’s not just about the idea—it’s about who files it first, why “patent pending” doesn’t mean you’re safe, and how the U.S. law still struggles to keep up with tech.Brayden pitches a few (hilarious) product ideas like a mirror that glazes you in the morning and a dog collar that translates barks into sass, while Austin explains why even crazy ideas might actually be patentable—if you solve the right problem.We also dive into the difference between design patents, utility patents, plant patents, and the wild world of trademark law (yes, you can TM your podcast name, but not “Deez Nuts”—Brayden asked).If you’ve ever dreamed of inventing something, starting a business, or just wanted to know how IP law works without falling asleep—this is the episode for you.

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, Oliver and Brayden sit down with the Morrstedt family — a father who walked away from the traditional 9-to-5 to build a content-first lifestyle with his Gen Alpha kids. Together, they’re redefining what it means to grow up in a digital world.This isn’t your average “kidfluencer” story. We dig into how and why these kids don’t have phones, the power of teaching entrepreneurship early, and what it takes to raise builders instead of consumers. From launching merch and brainstorming meme coins to tackling the dark side of content like ragebait, short-form addiction, and AI, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and unfiltered Gen Alpha perspective.If you’re a parent, creator, entrepreneur, or just wondering what the next generation is really about — this is the episode you can’t miss.Because Gen Alpha isn’t just watching the world — they’re already reshaping it.

This week on This Dude Started Something, we sat down with the band behind the ultimate windows-down, scream-the-lyrics, feel-good anthem: The Mowgli’s. With almost 500 million Spotify streams, they’ve defined a generation of good vibes — and they’re officially making a comeback.In this episode, Josh, Katie, Andy, and Matt open up about their roots in the Southern California garage scene, how their love for live performance turned into a national movement, and what it's like to look back on the wild journey that made them the soundtrack to so many people's lives.We dive into how their breakout hit San Francisco went from a local jam to a global anthem, how the band formed (spoiler: love story included), and what it’s really like to write, tour, and evolve as a creative group. You’ll also hear about their musical philosophy, why they believe collaboration > isolation, and how they’re approaching this next era of music with more excitement than ever before.And yes — we got the exclusive: The Mowgli’s are officially releasing new music starting this April, with a fresh rollout of singles and a renewed spirit.This episode features their iconic song "Say It, Just Say It" as both the intro and outro — a full-circle moment we couldn't be more stoked about.👉 Follow The Mowgli’s on socials:📸 Instagram: @themowglisMusic Platforms - The Mowglis🎧 Stream their music on all platforms!Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6AGUQK1EWK6nvN4pLIDQDQ?si=wGGI1WoPRsmIEJUh-3_u0g🔥 And don't forget — our brand new merch just dropped! Rep This Dude Started Something wherever you go. Check it out on our page. @thisdudestartedsomething

In this first solo episode of Season 2, Oliver and Brayden take listeners behind the scenes of This Dude Started Something, pulling back the curtain on their guest outreach strategy. From DMing reality TV stars and business moguls to tracking listener locations in real time, this episode is packed with hilarious banter, unpredictable conversations, and raw insights into how they’re growing the podcast.Along the way, they explore insane guest ideas, debate the ethics of subwoofer-induced destruction, and even attempt to contact the CEO of Xbox. Will they land a dream guest? Or will their messages go unread forever? Find out in this chaotic yet entertaining episode! *Also as soon as the EP ended we got in contact with Connor from Love on the Spectrum, we are now working with Netlfix to get him approved!! Hoping we can make it happen!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thisdudestartedsomething/Website - https://thisdudestartedsomething.com/

In this special episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with childhood icon and Hollywood veteran Alexander Gould, best known as the voice of Nemo in Finding Nemo and Shane Botwin in Weeds. From the moment his voice echoed through minivans, living rooms, and theaters worldwide, Alexander became a part of millions of childhoods. But what happens after you grow up from being one of the most famous animated characters of all time?Alexander takes us on a deep dive into his early start in Hollywood, reminiscing about his experience auditioning for Finding Nemo at just five years old and the long three-year process of recording the movie. He shares behind-the-scenes insights into how Pixar animated the film around his voice, how he recorded his lines alone without ever meeting his co-stars in the studio, and the unexpected call that led him to land the role of a lifetime.We also explore his time on Weeds, where he played Shane Botwin for eight years, growing up alongside his character in one of television’s most daring and darkly comedic dramas. Alexander reflects on the challenges and perks of being a child actor, the reality of being recognized in public, and how his experiences shaped his outlook on Hollywood, fame, and life itself.But where is Nemo now? Alexander has since pivoted from acting full-time to working as a software engineer and entrepreneur, founding a company that uses tech to track security guards and even developing his own Minecraft-inspired space game. We discuss how he transitioned from philosophy major to coder, his thoughts on AI in Hollywood, and whether he would ever return to acting full-time—or even voice an adult Nemo in a potential Finding Nemo 3.Of course, we couldn’t let Alexander go without having some fun—so we put our acting skills to the test and re-enact a brand-new Finding Nemo scene, complete with an AI-generated script! This episode is packed with laughs, nostalgia, and incredible insights. Whether you grew up watching Finding Nemo, binging Weeds, or are just curious about the life of a former child star turned tech entrepreneur, this one’s a must-listen!🎤 Big thanks to Alexander Gould for joining us! Follow him on Instagram and keep up with his latest projects—whether in tech, acting, or the Minecraft-in-space game we’re all now waiting for!🚀 Pixar, if you’re listening… It’s time for Finding Nemo 3! 🐠🎬Insta: @alexandergouldreal

Today on This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Scott Taube, the genius behind Bad Cards for Good Golfers, a hilarious, unpredictable card game that’s shaking up the golf world. What started as a way to add some chaos and competition to a round of golf has turned into a massive business, with Scott selling tens of thousands of decks, partnering with major brands like Liquid Death and the PGA Tour, and racking up millions of views on social media.In this episode, Scott shares the behind-the-scenes journey of taking a simple idea and making it viral, his wild Shark Tank audition experience, and how leveraging social media marketing has helped him grow a loyal community of golfers and content creators. We also talk about the power of making a product that people actually want to share, and why getting started—even before you have it all figured out—is the key to building something big.And this isn’t the last time you’ll be seeing us together—This Dude Started Something will be collabing with Scott on some epic golf course content soon! Be sure to follow him on Instagram and TikTok (@badcardsforegoodgolfers) to see how he’s turning golf into the most fun, unpredictable game out there.If you’ve ever had a crazy idea and wondered if it could turn into something huge, this episode is for you. Hit play, take notes, and get ready to start something.