Colorado Innovators

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Bryan Leach, the founder and CEO of Ibotta—a Denver-based marketing platform that helps brands engage millions of consumers.

Bryan shares how watching his father build a public company sparked his own entrepreneurial journey. After relocating to the U.S., Bryan eventually founded Ibotta and led the company through the challenges of scaling a high-growth business—all the way to ringing the bell on the New York Stock Exchange in April 2024, a rare achievement in today’s tough IPO climate.

From his unique vantage point, Bryan discusses what it takes to build a resilient company culture, recruit and retain top talent, and stay true to a long-term vision amid the short-term pressures of public markets. He also reflects on the evolving promise of the American dream, the power of education and networks in shaping opportunity, and why fostering community is essential for lasting impact.

This episode offers candid insights on scaling with purpose, leading through volatility, and the grit it takes to take a company public when the odds are stacked against you.

Learn more about Ibotta: https://home.ibotta.com/

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

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

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Bobby Stuckey, Master Sommelier and co-founder of Frasca Hospitality Group, to explore what it really means to lead with hospitality—and why that mindset has never mattered more.

Originally recorded before his latest accolade, we’re re-releasing this episode to celebrate a major milestone: Frasca Food and Wine was just named Outstanding Restaurant at the 2025 James Beard Awards. It’s one of the foundation’s top honors, and a fitting recognition for Bobby’s decades-long commitment to excellence.

In this conversation, Bobby shares the story behind building Frasca and its sister restaurants—including Pizzeria Alberico and Tavernetta—and how his time at iconic spots like The French Laundry and The Little Nell shaped his obsession with world-class service. From the influence of Friulian culture to the grit it takes to lead a hospitality team, Bobby pulls back the curtain on what makes Frasca not just special, but enduring.

Dan and Bobby also talk about Scarpetta Wine, the discipline of sommeliers, and what it takes to create experiences that feel effortless but are anything but. At its heart, this episode is about care, community, and why showing up the right way—every day—still matters.

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

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

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Chris Erickson and Adam Burrows—founders of Range Ventures and two of the most influential early-stage investors shaping Colorado’s tech future.

Chris and Adam reflect on how their years as operators—building companies like ApartmentList and scaling HomeAdvisor—shaped their approach to venture capital. Their conversation paints a picture of Colorado’s startup scene where a “give-first” culture, rich tech talent, and ambitious founder community create fertile ground for innovation.

From personal war stories to macro trends, Chris and Adam reflect on how grit, timing, and real empathy for founders drive their investing philosophy. They also offer a behind-the-scenes look at launching a fund during a time of seismic change—and why building community is core to their long-term bet on Colorado.

Whether you’re a founder, operator, or investor curious about what’s next in venture, this episode offers a rare window into how a new generation of VCs is backing companies—and ecosystems—from the ground up.

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

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

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with Katie Stanton—founder of Moxxie Ventures and former executive at Yahoo, Google, and Twitter—for a deeply insightful and personal conversation about career, conviction, and catalyzing innovation.

Katie traces her path from early product roles at Yahoo Finance and Google to her pivot into public service with the Obama administration. She shares vivid stories of helping scale Twitter globally, co-founding #Angels to tackle gender disparity in tech, and eventually founding her own venture firm, Moxxie Ventures.

Dan and Katie also explore how AI, healthcare, and climate innovation are reshaping the startup landscape—and why founders who “live in the future” are the ones to watch. This episode is packed with founder insights, reflections on meaningful leadership, and Katie’s signature blend of warmth and wisdom.

Learn more about Moxxie Ventures here: https://www.moxxie.vc/

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

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

In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with Jim Packer—President of Worldwide Television and Digital Distribution at Lionsgate—for a sweeping conversation on the past, present, and future of content.

Jim’s career spans from his scrappy start delivering hand-addressed resumes to Disney studios, to leading global content strategy at some of the most storied names in Hollywood—including MGM and Lionsgate. Along the way, he’s helped shape how we experience film and television across traditional media, streaming platforms, and now AI-enhanced environments.

The two dive into the seismic impact of AI on media production and content curation—from sound editing to predictive performance modeling for thousands of titles. Jim also shares how old TV classics are being remastered and reborn thanks to cutting-edge upscaling technology, and how platforms like YouTube are reshaping long-form storytelling and fandom.

This episode is filled with real industry wisdom, lessons from media’s most iconic leaders, and an insider’s take on how the entertainment business is being reinvented in real time.

Learn more about Lionsgate here: https://www.lionsgate.com/

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

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