Best A Strategic Partner o Podcasts (2025)

1
SPAC Sponsors & D&O Coverage: What You Need to Know 1:59

1d ago1:59

1:59

As securities litigation involving SPACs continues to rise, SPAC sponsors are increasingly finding themselves named in lawsuits. In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, Mike Blankenship and Chaz Churchwell break down what sponsors need to know about D&O (Directors & Officers) insurance in this shifting legal environment. Chaz shares recent litigation …

1
SPAC Guest Spotlight: Chaz Churchwell 1:23

2d ago1:23

1:23

🎙️ SPAC Guest Spotlight — Meet Chaz Churchwell From the U.S. Army to the boardrooms of public companies, Chaz Churchwell has spent nearly two decades helping leaders manage risk with precision and integrity. A U.S. Army Reserve veteran and founder of Churchwell Insurance Agency, Chaz brings an unwavering sense of purpose to executive liability insu…

1
What is a Serial SPAC Sponsor? 1:00

3d ago1:00

1:00

What separates one-off SPAC sponsors from those who build lasting platforms? In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, Mike Blankenship speaks with James Graff, a veteran sponsor with over 14 years in the space, about what defines success in today’s market. James explains that long-term sponsors don’t treat SPACs as opportunistic vehicles—they treat the…

1
SPAC Guest Spotlight: James Graf 2:09

6d ago2:09

2:09

In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, co-host Mike Blankenship sits down with James Graff, CEO of Graff Global Corp and a veteran SPAC sponsor who’s been active in the space for over 14 years. James shares how he transitioned from a 20-year career in investment banking to leading SPAC transactions—having now participated in eight as a sponsor or dir…

1
Why are SPACs Gaining Traction Again in 2025? 1:52

6d ago1:52

1:52

After the historic SPAC boom of 2020–2021 and a cooling period that followed, 2025 is seeing renewed interest in the SPAC model. In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, Mike and Derek discuss why the market is turning back to SPACs as a viable capital formation pathway. Many SPACs from the boom years ultimately liquidated, returning billions in capita…

1
SPAC Guest Spotlight: Derek Kearns 0:26

7d ago0:26

0:26

Derek is a Partner at Centri Business Consulting and the leader of the firm’s SEC, Financial Reporting & SPAC Practice. He has more than 25 years of accounting experience in both public and private industries. He joined Centri in September 2020 and has focused on Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations, recurring public com…

1
Sponsor Compensation Explained 1:18

8d ago1:18

1:18

While the promote is often the most discussed form of compensation for SPAC sponsors, it’s not the only one. In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, we take a closer look at additional forms of sponsor compensation that may exist around a transaction. Private placement warrants, expense reimbursements, success fees, or even advisory roles post-close a…

1
How Do SPAC Co-Sponsors Work? 1:31

9d ago1:31

1:31

Co-sponsorships are becoming more common in the SPAC world—but are they effective? In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, we explore how co-sponsor structures are being used to combine financial backing with operational depth. When roles are clearly defined and trust is strong, co-sponsors can complement each other—pairing institutional capital with …

1
What Challenges Cause SPAC Sponsors to Fall Short? 1:25

10d ago1:25

1:25

Not every SPAC reaches the finish line, and sponsors face a wide range of challenges along the way. In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, we explore patterns we’re seeing in the market that could impact a sponsor’s ability to successfully complete a transaction. From sourcing high-quality deals to managing the timing of the de-SPAC process, several …

1
How Do Sponsors Structure a SPAC? 1:22

13d ago1:22

1:22

Launching a SPAC starts long before the IPO hits the market. Sponsors make foundational decisions that shape the deal’s structure—and its reception by investors. In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, we explore the key elements that go into structuring a SPAC. From unit composition and warrant coverage to IPO size and trust account terms, each choic…

1
What Do PIPE Investors Look for in a SPAC Sponsor? 1:37

14d ago1:37

1:37

In the SPAC process, securing a PIPE—Private Investment in Public Equity—is a key step in bringing a deal across the finish line. PIPE investors not only provide essential capital but also help validate the target company’s value and strengthen market credibility. Today’s PIPE investors perform rigorous diligence and seek transparency from sponsors…

1
What Investors Often Look for in SPAC Sponsors 1:20

15d ago1:20

1:20

This episode outlines five characteristics frequently seen among SPAC sponsors in the market today. These include having a verifiable track record in M&A, IPOs, or public markets; committing personal capital alongside aligned economics; and maintaining a clear sector focus or strategic thesis. We also discuss the importance of transparent governanc…

1
How Do SPAC Sponsors Choose a Target Company? 1:22

15d ago1:22

1:22

In this episode, we explore the key factors that influence how SPAC sponsors select an acquisition target. Many sponsors focus on sectors where they have deep expertise or meaningful networks, helping them assess opportunities with greater insight. They typically look for companies with growth potential, scalability, and the operational readiness t…

1
What Are SPAC Sponsor Lockups? 1:18

17d ago1:18

1:18

In today’s episode, we break down the role of sponsor lockups in SPAC transactions. Lockups are contractual periods where sponsors are restricted from selling their shares, often ranging from 6 to 24 months post-merger. These agreements are designed to align the sponsor’s interests with the long-term success of the company, providing confidence to …

1
The Rise of Performance-Based SPAC Promotes: What to Know 1:27

21d ago1:27

1:27

In today’s SPAC market, we’re seeing more sponsors incorporate performance-based earn-outs into their promote structures. These earn-outs typically delay sponsor equity until certain milestones are reached, such as stock price thresholds, EBITDA targets, or time-based vesting. This approach is designed to better align sponsor incentives with long-t…

1
Warning Signs in SPAC Sponsors: What Investors Should Know 1:34

23d ago1:34

1:34

Backing a SPAC starts with backing the right sponsor team. But how can you tell if something’s off? In this quick episode of The SPAC Podcast, we walk through the top red flags to watch for before trusting a sponsor with your capital. From lack of skin in the game to weak M&A credentials, vague strategies, and overhyped language—these warning signs…

1
Can Anyone Start a SPAC? The Truth About SPAC Sponsors 1:29

24d ago1:29

1:29

Who qualifies to lead a SPAC? It’s a question we hear often—and the answer might surprise you. In this short episode of The SPAC Podcast, we break down who can become a SPAC sponsor and what truly sets successful sponsors apart. From private equity professionals to former CEOs, venture capitalists, and even family offices and athletes, the sponsor …

1
Skin in the Game: Sponsor Risk Capital 1:30

27d ago1:30

1:30

You might think SPAC sponsors just show up and collect a payday. But the good ones? They put real skin in the game. Most sponsors invest millions of dollars in risk capital just to launch the IPO. If they don’t close a deal in 2 years, they lose it all. That’s high-stakes conviction — not just compensation. And it’s one of the clearest ways to judg…

1
The Sponsor Promote: Perk or Problem? 1:32

28d ago1:32

1:32

Let’s talk about the SPAC ‘promote.’ Sponsors typically receive 20% of the company’s post-IPO equity. That’s the reward — or the ‘promote’ — for building the deal. But here’s the controversy: if the deal underperforms, the sponsor might still win. That’s why more deals now tie the promote to real results — like stock performance, revenue milestones…

1
SPAC Sponsor vs CEO Who’s in Charge? 1:17

29d ago1:17

1:17

Who’s really in charge — the sponsor or the CEO? Before the merger, the sponsor runs the show: raising capital, finding the target, and structuring the deal. But once the merger is complete? The CEO of the acquired company takes over. The sponsor might stay involved — maybe on the board or as an advisor — but from that point forward, the CEO drives…

1
What Is a SPAC Sponsor? 1:32

1M ago1:32

1:32

Let’s break it down — what exactly is a SPAC sponsor? A SPAC sponsor is the mastermind behind the deal. They form the entity, fund the setup, go public, and search for the private company to merge with. Think of them as the architect — designing and negotiating everything that happens before a business goes public. They’re not usually the CEO after…

1
Launch as a Public Company 1:09

1M ago1:09

1:09

“Welcome to the Public Markets” Welcome back to The SPAC Podcast. This is our final episode in the SPECIAL series — a framework covering the seven key stages of the SPAC process. We’ve walked through: S: Sponsor Setup P: Public Raise E: Evaluate Targets C: Combination Planning I: Investor Engagement A: Approval Process Now we arrive at L: Launch as…

1
Approval Process 1:01

1M ago1:01

1:01

“Shareholder Vote & Redemption Window” Welcome back to The SPAC Podcast. We’re almost at the final stage of our SPECIAL series. So far, we’ve covered: S: Sponsor Setup P: Public Raise E: Evaluate Targets C: Combination Planning I: Investor Engagement Now we’re at A: Approval Process. After marketing and regulatory filings, the deal goes to a shareh…

1
Investor Engagement (The I in the SPECIAL Series) 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

Welcome back to The SPAC Podcast. We’re nearly through our walk through the SPECIAL stages of a SPAC. We’ve already covered: S: Sponsor Setup P: Public Raise E: Evaluate Targets C: Combination Planning Today, we focus on I: Investor Engagement. The SPAC team now prepares to bring the deal to market. This begins with “wall crossing” select instituti…

1
Combination Planning For SPACS (The C in SPECIAL) 1:12

1M ago1:12

1:12

“Planning the Business Combination” Welcome back to The SPAC Podcast. We’re continuing our SPECIAL series — covering the lifecycle of a SPAC from formation to public company. So far, we’ve explored: S: Sponsor Setup P: Public Raise E: Evaluate Targets Now it’s time for C: Combination Planning. When a suitable target is found, the SPAC team enters i…

1
E: How SPAC Sponsors Evaluate Targets 1:12

1M ago1:12

1:12

E: Evaluate Targets. Once capital is raised, the search for an acquisition begins. Sponsors typically have 18–24 months to identify and close a deal. During this period, the team evaluates private companies that meet their stated criteria. This involves outbound sourcing, inbound deal flow, advisor relationships, and proprietary networks. Targets a…

1
How SPACs Go Public 1:09

1M ago1:09

1:09

P: Public Raise (IPO) Welcome back to The SPAC Podcast. We’re continuing our walk through the SPAC process using the SPECIAL framework — seven key stages that define how a SPAC works. Last episode, we covered S for Sponsor Setup. Today, we’re diving into the second letter: P — Public Raise. With the sponsor team in place, the next step is to take t…

1
S is for Sponsor 0:56

1M ago0:56

0:56

Welcome back to The SPAC Podcast. In this series, we’re breaking down the seven stages of the SPAC process using the mnemonic SPECIAL — one letter at a time. In this first stage, S stands for Sponsor Setup. Every SPAC starts with a sponsor. Sponsors are the founding team — often investment professionals or former operators — who form the SPAC, cont…

1
What is a SPAC? 1:36

1M ago1:36

1:36

Welcome to The SPAC Podcast. Before we dive into our SPECIAL series, let’s answer the obvious question: what is a SPAC? A SPAC is a Special Purpose Acquisition Company — a publicly traded shell corporation created for the purpose of acquiring a private business and taking it public. SPACs raise capital through an IPO without a specific acquisition …

1
This is The SPAC Podcast (Pre-Production) 1:21

2M ago1:21

1:21

Welcome to The SPAC Podcast — where capital meets conversation. This show is your front-row seat to the world of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, or SPACs. We explore the structures, stories, and strategies behind this powerful financial vehicle — from IPO to de-SPAC and beyond. We’re currently in pre-production for the official launch of the…

1
How to Give Your Staff Superpowers with Patient Self-Service 18:12

9M ago18:12

18:12

A recent survey found staffing challenges, including hiring and turnover, to be the top challenge for specialty healthcare practices. If alleviating staffing challenges at your practice is a priority, tune in to see how you can break the cycle. Cory Kirspel, Chief Technology Officer at Clearwave, joins us to share what Ophthalmology practices are d…

1
The Changing Reimbursement Landscape for Retina Practices and How to Keep Up 41:26

11M ago41:26

41:26

Take a listen to the latest episode of ASOA EyeTalks Radio, presented by ASOA Gold Strategic Business Partner, SamaCare. ASOA chats with 30+ year revenue cycle management expert Erin Bishop, RCM COE Manager at EyeCare Partners, and 25+ year medical technology veteran Kip Theno, VP of Provider Partnerships at SamaCare about challenges retina practic…

1
How to Know If You Are a P.O.W.E.R.F.U.L. Leader 8:43

1+ y ago8:43

8:43

Commit to building empowered relationships that achieve mutually rewarding goals. Nurture healthy interdependence with your staff, your family/friends and community to live/work with a shared sense of wholeness, safety, and purpose.

1
Mentoring And Today’s Marketplace 7:52

1+ y ago7:52

7:52

Mentoring helps build relationships. When you have a new employee joining your team and they have a mentor at work, they have started a working relationship with their mentor that will help them through the transition into your practice culture. This episode is sponsored by ASOA Platinum Strategic Business Partner:…

1
Perspective—Ain’t Raining? We Ain’t Training 7:30

1+ y ago7:30

7:30

What had started as a slow painful drought became a torrential downpour of applicants. This shift taught us to be both careful about what we wished for and grateful for answered prayers.

1
Quiet Quitting—Is It Happening? What Should You Do About It? 7:48

1+ y ago7:48

7:48

Quiet quitting is not as straightforward as one might think. It’s worth considering the real cost: one’s physical and mental health. If you go against your natural inclinations to perform your job in a manner that feels positive, you’d be better off working where you are celebrated, not just tolerated. As a leader, though, you must keep your team e…

1
Administrator-Physician Relationship, Episode 9: Leadership 28:25

2y ago28:25

28:25

What makes a leader in ophthalmic administration? Do managers make good leaders? And do good leaders make good mentors? Angela, Patti, and Carrie lead the discussion on leadership in this episode. This episode of EyeTalks Radio is sponsored by ASOA Diamond Strategic Business Partner:

1
Administrator-Physician Relationship, Episode 8: Boundaries 23:49

2y ago23:49

23:49

Setting good boundaries at work can help preserve job satisfaction, increase productivity, reduce burnout, and can set an example for others. Poor boundaries can create confusion, disappointment, and conflict. Angela, Carrie, and Patti talk about boundaries in this episode. This episode of EyeTalks Radio is sponsored by ASOA Diamond Strategic Busin…

1
Administrator-Physician Relationship, Episode 7: Reality 31:39

2y ago31:39

31:39

Reality versus perception. Contrasting leader and staff experiences. Common perception gaps and how to close them. In this episode, Angela, Patti, and Carrie keep it real about reality. This episode is sponsored by ASOA Platinum Strategic Business Partner:

1
Administrator-Physician Relationship, Episode 6: Humor 24:46

2y ago24:46

24:46

Angela, Patti, and Carrie talk about the benefits and potential drawbacks of humor in the workplace, and how good humor can make good leaders. This episode is sponsored by ASOA Gold Strategic Business Partner:

1
Administrator-Physician Relationship, Episode 5: Complimentary Work Ethic 24:48

2y ago24:48

24:48

Work hours. Accountability. Completion of tasks. Loyalty to the vision. Pulling a fair share of responsibility. In this episode, we are talking about work ethic.

1
Administrator-Physician Relationship, Episode 4: Common Vision 22:07

2+ y ago22:07

22:07

Your vision for your organization should be its guiding purpose; the ideal that your mission and values are built towards. In this episode, Angela, Patti, and Carrie discuss how they created a common vision for their organizations with their physicians.

1
Administrator-Physician Relationship, Episode 3: Respect 23:01

2+ y ago23:01

23:01

R-E-S-P-E-C-T—It’s not just a song, it’s a two-way street. In this episode, Angela, Patti, and Carrie discuss the elements of respect, how to earn it, how it’s earned, and how it’s maintained.

1
Administrator-Physician Relationship, Episode 2: Communication 26:13

2+ y ago26:13

26:13

In today’s episode, Angela talks with Patti and Carrie about COMMUNICATION. It is so important to identify and develop clear and positive communication between you and your providers, and we’ll hear how this team has accomplished it.

1
Administrator-Physician Relationship, Episode 1: Introduction 14:52

2+ y ago14:52

14:52

ASOA's EyeTalks Radio podcast presents its new limited subseries, The Administrator-Physician Relationship. Join host Angela Casazza, MHA, PMP, COE, Executive Director of Lexington Eye Associates Inc. (and ASOA's Board of Directors ABC Liaison), Patti Barkey, COE, CEO of Bowden Eye & Associates (and ASOA's Board of Directors President Elect), and C…

1
Hybrid Telemedicine Visits Here to Stay 7:21

2+ y ago7:21

7:21

During the public health emergency, hybrid visits have proven so successful that some practices plan to use them long-term. Using the hybrid visit model may help you endure some of the challenges while delivering safe, high-quality care.

1
Preventing Broken Business Relationships 9:04

3y ago9:04

9:04

We must commit as much time to building these key relationships as we commit to improving our business processes. Proactively investing in building good relationships is a much better use of your time and energy than experiencing the dissolution of a once amicable partnership. This episode of EyeTalks Radio is sponsored by ASOA Platinum Strategic B…

1
How to Maximize Your Optical Revenue 7:45

3y ago7:45

7:45

Follow these steps and the oft overlooked or siloed optical department might be a nascent goldmine for clinic revenue and customer happiness. This episode of EyeTalks Radio is sponsored by ASOA Diamond Strategic Business Partner:

1
Litigation: A (Mostly) Avoidable Nightmare 8:25

3y ago8:25

8:25

Despite best efforts, your physician may still face litigation at some future point. No one wants to be facing a lawsuit, but you can help your physician—and practice—survive. This episode of EyeTalks Radio is sponsored by ASOA Diamond Strategic Business Partner:

1
Dry Eye in Practice…..Gotta Squeeze a Few Lemons to Make Lemonade 36:03

3y ago36:03

36:03

An interview with Jim Sluck, Vice President at TearCare Marketing and Matt Jensen, CEO of Vance Thompson Vision, Sioux Falls, SD and beyond on the topic of activating dry eye in practice. This episode of EyeTalks Radio is presented by ASOA Diamond Strategic Business Partner:

Podcasts Worth a Listen

A Strategic Partner O Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide