Podcast – Dan Caruso

The Bear Roars

The Bear Roars is hosted by three-time decacorn entrepreneur and venture investor Dan Caruso. Colorado Innovators, the Bandwidth revolution (associated with Dan’s book), and DeepTech are areas of focus. The purpose is to celebrate innovators, inspire listeners, and spark conversations within the innovation community.

Latest Episodes:

Colorado Innovators: Gregg Spiridellis, co-founder of JibJab Studios, founder and CEO of Moments

February 5th, 2025

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Gregg Spiridellis, a digital media pioneer who went from Wall Street to reshaping online entertainment. Gregg co-founded JibJab, the viral content studio behind This Land and Elf Yourself, which dominated the early internet era with political satire and personalized videos. After two decades of innovation in digital storytelling, he and his brother launched StoryBots, a modern-day Sesame Street that became a Netflix hit and featured celebrity guests like Snoop Dogg, Jay Leno, and Scarlett Johansson.

Now, Gregg is turning his focus to AI and mental wellness as Founder & CEO of Moments, an AI-driven journaling platform designed to make therapy more effective.

Dan and Gregg cover:

– His leap from Goldman Sachs to launching JibJab in 1999

– Creating viral internet sensations before YouTube even existed

– How This Land catapulted them onto The Tonight Show and Sundance

– Bootstrapping through the dot-com bust and reinventing digital content

– The evolution of StoryBots and the strategy behind selling to Netflix

– Why AI-powered journaling is his next big bet with Moments

– His move to Boulder and the energy of its entrepreneurial community

Gregg’s story is a masterclass in creative entrepreneurship, adaptability, and building businesses that stand the test of time.

Learn more about Moments at ⁠https://www.getmoments.app/⁠

🔗 Want to be a guest on The Bear Roars? To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest, email us at contact@loudbearproductions.com.

📖 Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom Reserve your copy now: dan-caruso.com/book

Bandwidth: Bill LaPerch, Former CEO of AboveNet

February 4th, 2025

The Bear Roars Special edition series Bandwidth serves as a platform to celebrate the people and stories of Dan’s book, Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom. The story covers the epic journey of the creation of the Internet Backbones, the building of the early competitive fiber networks in the 1990s, the Bandwidth Boom, Bust, and Resurrection, ending in 2020 when Dan’s company, Zayo, was sold.

Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom is available now! Reserve your copy now: https://dan-caruso.com/book/

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Bill LaPerch, former CEO of AboveNet and a telecom veteran who played a key role in shaping the industry’s digital infrastructure. Bill’s career spans the rise of competitive fiber networks, the telecom boom, the WorldCom collapse, and the rebirth of the industry post-dot-com bust.

Bill shares how his path started at West Point and led him to the 101st Airborne before jumping into telecom at MCI. He gives an insider’s view of WorldCom’s downfall, the internet bubble’s frenzy, and what it took to navigate AboveNet through bankruptcy and back to success. Dan and Bill discuss the evolution of fiber networks, why dark fiber became essential for major enterprises, and how the lessons from the past still apply in today’s AI-driven digital infrastructure world.

If you’ve been part of the telecom world, are curious about its history, or want to understand the forces shaping digital infrastructure today, this episode is a must-listen.

To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email us at contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Bandwidth: Kevin O'Hara, Co-founder and CEO of Congruex

January 29th, 2025

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Kevin O’Hara, Co-founder and CEO of Congruex, a leading telecommunications company dedicated to advancing digital connectivity. Kevin shares his fascinating career journey, starting with his time in Alaska working for Kiewit, a pivotal role that set the stage for his future in the telecommunications industry. The conversation takes a personal turn as Kevin recalls his transition to MFS, where he hired Dan—a significant move that showcased his willingness to take a chance on unconventional talent.

Together, Dan and Kevin reflect on their shared history, including memories of influential colleagues like the late Royce Holland and Jim Crowe, who played key roles in shaping the telecommunications landscape.

The duo dives into the driving motivations that led them to spearhead Level 3, a revolutionary company that redefined the digital infrastructure space. They also explore the future of digital infrastructure, highlighting the transformative potential of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing.

To learn more about Congruex: https://www.congruex.com/ To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email us at contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Bandwidth: Neil Hobbs and Brady Rafuse, euNetworks

January 28th, 2025

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso is joined by Neil Hobbs, Partner at L5 Capital Partners and Chairman of Eu Networks, and Brady Rafuse, CEO of Eu Networks—two industry titans with careers that span continents and decades of innovation.

Neil and Brady share their incredible journeys from shaping the telecom industry in the UK at British Telecom to making waves in the U.S. at Level 3. Together, they reflect on pivotal moments like the failed BT-MCI merger, the highs and lows of the telecom boom and bust, and the transitions that led them to new leadership roles shaping the future of connectivity.

The conversation dives into how they navigated major industry shifts, built resilient global digital infrastructure, and embraced cross-continental challenges. Whether you’re curious about the history of telecom, their leadership philosophies, or the future of connectivity in Europe and beyond, this episode is a must-listen.

Highlights:

– The untold story of the BT-MCI merger and its ripple effects.

– Lessons in resilience from the telecom boom and bust.

– Neil and Brady’s evolution from Level 3 to new leadership opportunities.

– The evolving role of digital infrastructure in Europe and the U.S.

Links:

– Learn more about Eu Networks: https://eunetworks.com/about/ Explore L5 Capital Partners: https://www.lfivecapital.com/

To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email us at contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Bandwidth: Gillis Cashman, Managing Partner of M/C Partners

January 21st, 2025

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan reconnects with Gillis Cashman, Managing Partner at M/C Partners and a longtime collaborator on industry-defining ventures like ICG and Zayo. Gillis reflects on their shared journey of transforming distressed telecom assets into thriving businesses, offering an insider’s perspective on the high-stakes world of private equity and telecom innovation.

Dan and Gillis dive into pivotal moments in their careers, including bold moves like acquiring billions in assets for a fraction of their value and scaling Zayo to become a market leader. They also explore the future of digital infrastructure, from the immediate impact of AI on fiber networks to the long-term promise of quantum technology.

Whether you’re interested in the evolution of telecom, the power of strategic investments, or the technologies shaping our digital future, this episode is packed with insights and stories you won’t want to miss.

Order your copy of Bandwidth today: dan-caruso.com/book

Learn more about MC Partners: https://www.mcpartners.com/

To nominate a guest or yourself as a speaker for The Bear Roars, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com

Bandwidth: Carrie Charles, CEO of Broadstaff

January 21st, 2025

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan welcomes Carrie Charles, the dynamic CEO of Broadstaff, a company specializing in workforce solutions for the digital infrastructure industry. Together, they co-host a lively discussion, exploring their entrepreneurial journeys and the pivotal moments that shaped their careers.

Carrie shares her inspiring story of transitioning from Marine to CEO, offering a glimpse into her experiences as a woman in the traditionally male-dominated field of digital infrastructure. She sheds light on how she’s working to make the industry more inclusive and welcoming for women.

Dan discusses his new book, Bandwidth, and the personal and professional milestones that led to the creation of his company Zayo, a fiber network powerhouse. The two reminisce about their first meeting at MetroConnect and reflect on the early days of the telecom industry, offering unique insights into its evolution and what the future might hold.

Click here to learn more about Broadstaff: https://broadstaffglobal.com/about-us/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Bandwidth: Bill Barney, CEO and Founder of Asian Century Equity

January 15th, 2025

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Bill Barney to explore the evolution of digital infrastructure in Asia, the significance of the PTC conference, and personal anecdotes from their careers in the telecom industry. Bill shares insights from his time at AT&T and MCI, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships and the role of conferences in shaping industry dynamics.

Bill and Dan delve into the complexities of leadership during the tumultuous times at WorldCom and Asia Global Crossing. They discuss Bernie Ebbers’ leadership style, the rapid growth in Asia, and the challenges faced during the transition to Asia Global Crossing. The conversation highlights the impact of financial engineering on corporate stability and the unique dynamics of leadership in high-pressure environments.

The PTC Conference will be held on January 19-22, 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii and it is a great opportunity for people in the telecom and digital infrastructure fields to experience networking, insights, professional growth, and global exposure. Click here to learn more about PTC’25: https://www.ptc.org/ptc25/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

The Quantum Revolution: Jun Ye, NIST/JILA Fellow & Adjoint Professor of Physics

January 14th, 2025

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan dives into the quantum world with Jun Ye, Fellow at NIST, JILA, and Adjoint Professor of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder. Jun is a visionary in precision timekeeping, known for his pioneering work with optical atomic clocks. These innovations earned him global recognition, including the Yuri Milner Breakthrough Prize and the Niels Bohr Medal.

Dan and Jun explore how slowing down atoms using lasers led to unparalleled advancements in measuring time—down to unimaginable precision. They also uncover the science behind relativity, quantum superposition, and the incredible potential of time as an environmental sensor, from detecting earthquakes to mapping Earth’s gravitational shifts.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the cutting edge of physics, the future of quantum technology, or how fundamental science shapes the world around us.

Key Topics:

The creation of optical atomic clocks and their precision
How quantum mechanics and Einstein’s relativity intersect in timekeeping
Using laser-cooled atoms to revolutionize measurements
Practical applications of time sensors in understanding Earth’s dynamics

Click here to learn more about Jun Ye and the Ye Labs at JILA: https://jila.colorado.edu/yelabs/people/ye

Pre-order your copy of Bandwidth today at dan-caruso.com/book

Bandwidth: John Warta, Former CEO and Founder of Electric Lightwave, GST Telecom

January 9th, 2025

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with telecom legend John Warta to explore his extraordinary career and the transformative role he played in shaping the fiber optic networks that revolutionized the industry. From his early days as a Vietnam veteran to working with Ross Perot at EDS, John’s journey into telecommunications was anything but conventional.

John shares fascinating stories about the early days of fiber network construction, battling monopolies, and negotiating groundbreaking deals with industry giants like AT&T and MCI. He reflects on his time co-founding Electric Lightwave and GST Telecom, sharing the pivotal moments that defined these companies and the lessons he learned along the way.

As they dive into the dot-com boom and bust, Dan and John discuss the resilience required to navigate the volatile telecom landscape and the visionary thinking that drove innovation during one of the most exciting times in the industry’s history. Packed with insights and hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers a front-row seat to the evolution of telecommunications and the legacy of a true pioneer.

Listen now and join us for an unforgettable conversation.

Bandwidth is available for pre-order now for a February 4, 2025 release date – pre order your copy today! https://a.co/d/3BMxBRC

To nominate a guest or submit feedback, email us at contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Natty Zola, Partner at Matchstick Ventures

January 7th, 2025

Dan sits down with Natty Zola, Partner at Matchstick Ventures. Matchstick Ventures invests in early-stage technology companies in rapidly growing yet under-served startup ecosystems “between the coasts.” Before joining Matchstick, Natty co-founded Everlater, a travel startup backed by Techstars which eventually merged with Mapquest. Later he served as Managing Director of Techstars Boulder, guiding 63 companies through the accelerator, including transformative startups like Veho, Soona, and Tilt.

Dan and Natty discuss Natty’s entrepreneurial journey, from launching Everlater to shaping the Techstars accelerator and eventually transitioning to venture capital. They delve into the evolution of Techstars, the dynamics of building community within the startup ecosystem, and Matchstick Ventures’ unique approach to investing in high-potential founders. The conversation also explores pivotal lessons learned from working with exceptional CEOs, the art of pivoting in business, and how to foster resilience in startups. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, strategic thinking, and building businesses with a long-term vision for impact.

Click here to learn more about Natty Zola and Matchstick Ventures: https://www.matchstickventures.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Ron Garan, Former NASA Astronaut

January 1st, 2025

Dan sits down with Ron Garan, a former NASA Astronaut, author, keynote speaker, and businessman. Ron has had an extraordinary journey starting as a fighter pilot in Desert Shield and Desert Storm to becoming a NASA astronaut on the Space Shuttle Discovery and a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Ron’s published books include Railroad to the Moon, The Orbital Perspective, and Floating in Darkness.

In this episode, Dan and Ron discuss the path that led him to space, including his time as an instructor at a flight academy, where he honed his skills and learned the limits of human and machine capabilities. Inspired by the moon landing, Ron fulfilled his dream of becoming an astronaut. Ron details his remarkable experiences in space, including a six-month stint aboard the International Space Station, where he conducted spacewalks and participated in a joint mission with Russian cosmonauts. Ron and Dan touch on the question of who will walk on the moon next and what the future holds for lunar exploration.

In addition to his work in space, Ron delves into his humanitarian efforts, such as clean water initiatives in Rwanda, and the sense of interconnectedness he’s gained through these projects.

Click here to learn more about Ron: https://www.rongaran.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Bandwidth: Nick Del Deo, Managing Director of MoffettNathanson

December 18th, 2024

Dan sits down with Nick Del Deo, who currently serves as the Managing Director at MoffettNathanson, a leading independent equity research publisher. Dan and Nick’s professional paths first crossed during the Zayo IPO roadshow in 2014, when Nick was a young talented analyst reporting on Dan’s company, Zayo. Nick has grown his career analyzing telecom companies, infrastructure investments, and market trends. Nick’s insights provide a deeper understanding of where the telecom sector is headed.

Nick has an extensive background in telecommunications, having worked as a Vice President at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC, where he covered U.S. telecommunications and cable/satellite sectors.

In this episode, Dan and Nick discuss the rise and fall of the telecom industry, the future of digital infrastructure, and touch on the opportunities and challenges facing companies in this space.

Bandwidth is available for pre-order, with a February 2025 release date. Head to dan-caruso.com/book for more details.

Click here to learn more about MoffettNathanson: https://www.moffettnathanson.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Tamim Khalfa, Co-founder and CEO of Toters

December 17th, 2024

Dan sits down with Tamim Khalfa, Co-Founder and CEO of Toters. Toters is an on-demand delivery platform based in Lebanon that connects users with restaurants, grocery stores, and various retailers, providing fast and convenient delivery services. Tamim is also an Endeavor Entrepreneur and Board Member through Endeavor Lebanon. Prior to Toters, Tamim was a Management Consultant at Booz & Company and Oliver Wyman.

Dan and Tamim discuss the evolution of Toters, including its revenue streams, funding journey, and investor relationships. They also discuss the challenges faced during Toters’ growth, the impact of the economic crisis, and the resilience required to build a business in such a tumultuous setting. The conversation delves into the complexities of payment systems and the innovative FinTech solutions implemented to navigate a cash-dominated economy. Tamim also reflects on his personal journey from consulting to entrepreneurship and Endeavor’s role in supporting startups in the region. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, strategic planning, and community support in building a successful business in challenging environments.

Click here to learn more about Toters: https://www.totersapp.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Bandwidth: Stephanie Copeland, Managing Partner at Four Points Funding

December 11th, 2024

Dan sits down with Stephanie Copeland, Managing Partner at Four Points Funding. Dan and Stephanie relive the telecom era and their career journeys, including working together at Level 3 and Zayo group. This episode includes many great stories about the early bandwidth days and those influential in shaping the sector: from illegal stock swaps, accounting fraud, to larger than life characters that followed a strict ethical code.

Stephanie is currently Managing Partner at Four Points Funding. She previously worked as the President of Wavelengths, IP, Ethernet, and SONET at Zayo Group and has 20+ years of experience in the communications industry. Stephanie joined Zayo in 2012 as Senior Vice President of the European Business Unit and prior to her current role, she ran Zayo’s Ethernet Business Unit.

Bandwidth is available for pre-order with a February 4 2025 release date. Head to dan-caruso.com/book for more details.

Click here to learn more about Stephanie and Four Points Funding: https://www.fourpointsfunding.com/tea…

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Brandon Spano, founder and CEO of ALLCITY

December 10th, 2024

Dan sits down with Brandon Spano, the CEO of ALLCITY Network. ALLCITY is a content-focused sports media company that provides in-depth coverage, podcasts, and videos focused on professional and collegiate sports teams in 5 cities across the US: Denver, Phoenix, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Dallas. They also have physical bar locations in each of these cities, which offer a hub for passionate local sports fans.

Dan and Brandon discuss ALLCITY’s story in detail, including its roots in Denver as the BSN Network and scaling the company by adding other cities. They dive into ALLCITY’s fundraising history and goals for a future Series C round.

Click here to learn more about ALLCITY Network: https://allcitynetwork.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Bandwidth: Bob Yates Part II, Building the Foundation of the Internet

December 4th, 2024

This is Part II of Dan’s sit down with Bob Yates, a prominent figure in the Boulder, Colorado community. In Part II, Dan and Bob discuss their shared history in the world of telecom in relation to Dan’s book, Bandwidth.

Bob kicked off his career as a young lawyer at Fraser Stryker LLC in Omaha, Nebraska. He got sucked into the telecom rollercoaster ride through Fraser Stryker’s work with Kiewit Construction Company, who invested in a small fiber optics company, Chicago Fiber Optics (later Metropolitan Fiber Systems). With the success of MFS, Bob’s interest in the fiber optic industry took off.

Join us as Dan and Bob discuss their career journeys, the colorful characters they encountered, and recall the energy of the boom and bust of the internet and its impact on the world. Dan’s book, Bandwidth, is available for pre-order at dan-caruso.com/bandwidthbook and will be released in February 2025.

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

The Quantum Revolution: Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion

December 3rd, 2024

Dan sits down with Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion, the world’s leading quantum-information company. Infleqtion is a trusted supplier of high-precision components for research labs and quantum machine development.

Prior to working at Infleqtion, Matthew was based in the Bay Area and was Managing Director of Maverick Ventures, the private investment arm of Maverick Capital. He was an early stage investor in private technology and healthcare companies at Maverick Ventures.

Join us as we dive into all things quantum, including atom modality, Albert Einstein’s “spooky action at a distance” aka entanglement, superposition, time keeping and more!

Click here to learn more about Infleqtion: https://www.infleqtion.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

The Quantum Revolution: Ian Dickinson, President and CEO of LongPath Technologies

November 26th, 2024

Dan sits down with Ian Dickinson, President and CEO of Longpath Technologies. Dan and Ian discuss the early days of Zayo, LongPath’s origin story, why it is important to be at the forefront of Quantum, and why LongPath is on a mission to flatten the emissions curve.

LongPath installs and maintains continuous laser line sensors to supply real-time emissions monitoring data and actionable insights for their clients, working with oil and gas operators across the energy landscape and providing expanded services to various markets. Ian has over two decades of leadership experience, excelling in business strategy and team building, transforming LongPath from a startup to a successful enterprise. His leadership focuses on strategic direction, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainability goals in the energy sector. Before LongPath, Ian held leadership roles in the energy sector, telecom and finance.

Click here to learn more about LongPath Technologies: https://www.longpathtech.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Bobby Stuckey, founder and partner of Frasca Hospitality Group

November 19th, 2024

Dan sits down with Bobby Stuckey, Founder and Partner of the Frasca Hospitality Group. Frasca Hospitality Group owns and operates five restaurants in Denver and Boulder including Frasca Food and Wine, which was awarded a Michelin star in September 2023. The name “Frasca” originates from small neighborhood gathering places in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in northeast Italy. Bobby also owns Scarpetta Wine, which crafts wines inspired by the same region.

In this episode, Dan and Bobby discuss Bobby’s career in-depth, starting at his first job in the industry bussing tables while attending NAU, to opening up his most recent restaurant endeavor, Osterica Alberico. Bobby shares exciting tidbits from his career including his most memorable guests at The French Laundry – Julia Child, Blue Man Group, and Anthony Bourdain. Dan and Bobby also discuss the people who have played integral parts in Bobby’s journey, including his wife Danette and his business partner Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson.

Dan and Bobby cover the process of becoming a Master Sommelier. Bobby is one of only 279 professionals in the world to have ever received this coveted title. Surprisingly enough, of the less than 300 Master Sommeliers, about 20 of them have come through Colorado over the years. The episode concludes with Bobby offering wine recommendations for Dan’s wife, Cindy.

Click here to learn more about Frasca Hospitality Group: https://www.frascahospitalitygroup.com/ and click here to learn more about Scarpetta Wine: https://www.scarpettawine.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

The Quantum Revolution: Corban Tillemann-Dick, founder and CEO of Maybell Quantum

November 12th, 2024

Dan sits down with Corban Tillemann- Dick, Founder and CEO of Maybell Quantum, building the tools needed to usher in the quantum future. This episode dives deep into the Quantum industry. Interested to learn more about topics such as why quantum is more important than AI, when quantum computers will be solving meaty critical problems, the scaling path of Quantum, and how Maybell’s innovations will support the industry with scaled infrastructure? Then this episode is a must watch and listen. Corban brings his extensive knowledge of Quantum computing and Quantum technology to the conversation, one you can’t miss!

Corban’s company Maybell builds the infrastructure to power the quantum revolution. Corban has helped Maybell transform the industry as it transitions from research to commercial applications. His emphasis on user-centered design has made complex quantum technologies more accessible, performant, and reliable. Prior to founding Maybell, Corban was a Partner at the Boston Consulting Group, leading their SaaS innovation and quantum computing efforts. Corban holds more than a dozen patents and studied mechanical engineering and economics and the US Air Force Academy and Johns Hopkins University.

Click here to learn more about Maybell Quantum: https://www.maybellquantum.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Bob Yates, Community Leader and Former City Council Member

November 7th, 2024

Dan chats with Bob Yates, a prominent figure in the Boulder, Colorado community. Bob has 40 years of experience leading companies, civic organizations, and nonprofits. He is known for his leadership and deep commitment to public service through local engagement. With a background in law and business, overlapping with Dan at Level3 communications, Bob brings a unique blend of expertise and practicality to his work in the community, balancing the needs of a rapidly growing city with the values of its residents. A former Boulder City Council member, Bob has been a vocal advocate for sustainable growth, environmental preservation, and the economic vitality of the region.

In this episode, Dan and Bob dive into his life after Level 3, commitment to public service, the Boulder mayoral race and his return back to the nonprofit space with CU Boulder.

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General

November 5th, 2024

Dan sits down with Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. Weiser was previously the dean of the University of Colorado Law School and the founder of Silicon Flatirons, a CU Boulder organization that focuses on the intersection of law, innovation and entrepreneurship, and public interest. Early in his career, he was part of the federal initiative that shaped the Telecom Act of 1996. Phil and Dan’s discussion covers all these topics, including a specific focus on how to have civil discourse on sensitive topics such as Roe versus Wade.

Join us as we dive into Silicon Flatirons, civil discourse in the current political climate and the importance of bi-partisan legislation.

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Dr. Stefanie Johnson, Associate Professor at CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business

October 31st, 2024

Dan sits down with Dr. Stefanie Johnson, Director of the University of Colorado Boulder’s Center for Leadership and Associate Professor at CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, to dive into her valuable insights on leadership and management. Stefanie’s role with the Center for Leadership is aimed at fostering the next generation of leaders. With a strong commitment to advancing the field, Stefanie has secured federal and other grant funding to support her extensive research on leadership dynamics. She has also pioneered several innovative leadership development programs at CU, aimed at fostering the next generation of leaders.

In addition to her academic contributions, Stefanie is the author of Inclusify, a book that explores the transformative leadership skills that distinguish the best leaders. Through her work, she highlights the common traits shared by exceptional leaders and provides a framework for cultivating inclusivity and effectiveness in leadership practices.

In this episode, Dan and Stefanie cover a range of topics, from Stefanie’s journey and passion for leadership to the impact of AI on students and professionals throughout their careers.

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Seth Sternberg, founder and CEO of Honor

October 29th, 2024

Dan sits down with Seth Sternberg, Founder and CEO of Honor, a company revolutionizing home care by providing high-quality care for older adults and supporting the caregivers who make it possible. With a background that spans from tech innovation to improving the aging experience, Seth is passionate about using technology to make life better for millions.

Hailing from Silicon Valley, Seth co-founded Meebo, which was acquired by Google in 2012. At Google, he served as Product Management Director, first for Google+ and later at X. He led the team that launched Google Sign-In, enabling users to log in to third-party websites using their Google accounts. Join us as we dive into a wide range of topics, including Seth’s entrepreneurial journey and the care economy.

Click here to learn more about Honor: https://www.honorcare.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Mario Ciabarra, founder and CEO of Quantum Metric

October 22nd, 2024

Dan sits down with Mario Ciabarra, Founder and CEO of Quantum Metric and one of Colorado’s Endeavor Entrepreneurs. Mario has been at the forefront of shaping the digital experience landscape, helping some of the world’s largest brands unlock customer insights and optimize their success. With a passion for data-driven decision-making and a visionary approach to problem-solving, Mario has revolutionized how companies understand their customers in real time. More than anything, Mario defines Quantum Metric’s success by how he can continuously invest in its employees because at the end of the day, it’s people that are Quantum Metric’s greatest legacy.

Mario has a lengthy DevOps and entrepreneurial background, previously founding DevStream, Intelliborn, Rock Your Phone, & others.

Join us as we dive into his entrepreneurial journey, the future of digital transformation, and what it takes to lead in a constantly evolving tech world.

Click here to learn more about Quantum Metric: https://www.quantummetric.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Steve Halstedt, founder of Centennial Ventures

October 15th, 2024

Dan sits down with Steve Halstedt, known as the father of venture capital in Colorado. Steve founded Centennial Ventures in 1982, which he led through several successful funds over 35 years. Steve shares stories about the early days of Cable TV, the bandwidth industry, and wireless networks, all areas where he was a pioneering investor. Zayo Group was among his most successful investments.

Before starting Centennial Ventures, Steve was president of Daniels & Associates, an investment bank focused on the cable TV industry, and a leadership team member at its parent company, Daniels Properties, Inc. He also worked as an investment manager at Travelers Insurance and served as a combat engineer platoon leader and assistant operations officer in the U.S. Army during Vietnam.

In this episode, learn more about Steve’s venture journey, the many chapters of investing, and wise words for those looking to break into venture capital.

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Samantha Alexander, co-founder and CEO of bitewell

October 8th, 2024

Dan sits down with Sam Alexander, CEO and Co-Founder of bitewell, the nutrition intelligence company on a mission to improve the world’s health through food. Sam has built a platform that connects consumers to healthier food options tailored to their unique dietary needs, making personalized nutrition more accessible. Her background in marketing and entrepreneurship, coupled with her passion for health tech, has driven bitewell’s mission to make informed food choices easier. As a podcast guest, Sam shares insightful perspectives on the intersection of technology, wellness, and the future of food, offering practical tips for anyone looking to improve their relationship with what they eat. Sam brings experience from Bridgewater and Estee Lauder companies and a passion for food’s impact on health. In this episode, Sam shares more about why she started bitewell, the FoodHealth Score and her passion for Food As Medicine.

Click here to learn more about bitewell and the FoodHealth score: https://www.bitewell.com/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Pete Burridge, Founder and CEO of Greenhouse Scholars

October 1st, 2024

Dan sits down with Boulder Colorado Innovator Pete Burridge, the Founder and CEO of Greenhouse Scholars. An entrepreneur his entire career, he has been a part of starting seven companies. Pete founded Greenhouse Scholars in order to create a Whole Person program that makes a broad and lasting impact by helping students to become community leaders that create change that will last through the generations. He believes that each of us is accountable to give back to the community. In this episode, Pete shares his love for Colorado, his entrepreneurial journey and the impactful work of Greenhouse Scholars.

Click here to learn more about Greenhouse Scholars: https://greenhousescholars.org/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Steve Kaplan, Professor & Kessenich E.P Faculty Director at University of Chicago School of Business

September 25th, 2024

Dan sits down with Steve Kaplan, Neubauer Family Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance and Kessenich E.P. Faculty Director at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Professor Kaplan co-founded the entrepreneurship program at Booth, including the Edward L. Kaplan New Venture Challenge, which has launched companies like GrubHub and Braintree/Venmo and created over $8 billion in market value. A leading scholar in private equity and venture capital, Steve shares insights on his work at Chicago Booth, his research on private equity and corporate finance, and what makes a successful CEO.

Click here to learn more about Steve Kaplan: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/faculty/…

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

The Quantum Revolution: Scott Davis, CEO of Vescent

September 24th, 2024

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Dr. Scott Davis, CEO and co-founder of Vescent, a developer and manufacturer of novel electro-optic and precision laser technologies. Vescent, which applies Nobel Prize Winning Frequency Combs technology, is a great example of a “pick-and-shovels” play in Quantum Technology. Scott is a physics trained entrepreneur with an emphasis on new technology transition from the laboratory to manufacturing. He has spent his career inventing, developing, and commercializing a wide variety of technologies. He has over 50 papers published, has co-authored two book chapters, and has twenty-seven patents pending and/or issued. Prior to starting Vescent Photonics, Scott worked in the industry as an optical engineer, served as an NRC postdoc in the laboratories of David Plusquellic at NIST in Gaithersburg MD, and obtained his Ph.D. from JILA under the tutelage of David Nesbitt. In this episode, Scott shares more about his entrepreneurial journey, practical applications of quantum technology, and his passion for the quantum ecosystem. Click here to learn more about Vescent: ⁠https://vescent.com/⁠ To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic

September 16th, 2024

Dan sits down with Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, who is designing a supersonic airliner. Blake founded Boom Supersonic in September 2014 with the goal of making high-speed travel mainstream and enabling a new world of human connection.

Prior to founding Boom, Blake held leadership roles at Amazon and Groupon and co-founded mobile technology startup Kima Labs. At Groupon, Blake held multiple executive roles, culminating in responsibility for relevance, email, and search.

In this episode, learn about the history of commercial flight, Blake’s experiences with Groupon and AWS, his past work with Boom Supersonic and the vision for the company’s future. Find out when you can travel supersonic.

Click here to learn more about Boom Supersonic: https://boomsupersonic.com/.

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Investors: Josh and Jason Chapman, Managing Partners of Konvoy Ventures

September 16th, 2024

Dan has a chat with Josh and Jason Chapman, co-founders and managing partners of Konvoy Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests exclusively in the on-line video gaming industry. With deep expertise in gaming, technology, and entrepreneurship, they have built Konvoy into a leading investor in early-stage gaming startups worldwide. Konvoy is known for its strategic insights, hands-on approach, and commitment to fostering innovation in the gaming ecosystem. Prior to Konvoy, Josh worked at BlackRock and Morgan Stanley in New York City and Jason worked in the artificial intelligence division of IBM, focusing on natural language process, machine learning, and computer vision solutions.

Josh and Jason recount their journeys to Boulder, dive into their experiences with video games, and share their insights on the future direction of the gaming industry, including how AI, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Blockchain intersect with gaming.

Click here to learn more about Konvoy: https://www.konvoy.vc/

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Mike Johnston, Mayor of Denver

September 16th, 2024

Dan chats with Mayor Mike Johnston, the 46th mayor of Denver, Colorado. Elected in 2023, he brings a background in education, law, entrepreneurship, and public service to the role. A former Colorado state senator, Johnston is known for his work on education reform and for applying an entrepreneurial approach to tackling our most vexing public sector challenges.

Before his political career, he was an educator and school principal, and he later led Gary Ventures, a nonprofit focused on social impact. As mayor, Johnston is focused on affordable housing, public safety, and economic development to build a more inclusive and sustainable Denver.

In this episode, Mayor Mike shares his vision for Denver, how AI can solve city problems, his role in ending homeless encampments and why you should bring your innovation to the city.

Click here to learn more about the Mayor and his priorities: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Mayors-Office

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

Colorado Innovators: Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Inc.

September 16th, 2024

In this episode of The Bear Roars, we sit down with former pro cyclist and Colorado native Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside, the world’s leading active lifestyle content and experiences platform. Before Outside, Robin co-founded MapMyFitness, later acquired by Under Armour, and led Helix, a consumer genomics company. In this episode, Robin shares his journey from racing bikes to building industry-shaping companies, and discusses how enjoying the outdoors is connected to your well-being.

Click here to learn more about Outside, Inc.: https://www.outsideinc.com/.

To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.

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