Best Curtis Cates Podcasts (2025)

1
The Revenge of the Grimms, or: An Episode That’s Best Served Cold 59:19

23d ago59:19

59:19

In this episode we dish on the Grimm’s secret obsession with revenge, and solve the mystery of the stepmother switcheroo once and for all PART 1 [04:32] - In which we learn that the Grimms are running a blue light special on sexual reassignment surgery PART 2 [11:54] - In which we read a troubling bible story, repeat a cliché that’s anything but wo…

1
The Grimms Meet a Bond Villain, or Game of Dominos 1:02:00

2M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

The Grimm brothers challenge Goldfinger to a high stakes game of dominos. Nobody wins but somebody orders a pineapple pizza and history starts repeating itself. Dominos fall, Richie Havens sings, and the Grimm boys show their true color(s) PART 1 [03:51] In which we quote some experts, and boldly go where none of them have gone before PART 2 [08:17…

1
Hans and Franz meet Fritzi-Willi, or it’s Party Time, Biatches! 1:29:25

2M ago1:29:25

1:29:25

In Ep.40 the Grimms try making literary magic and pull everything but the kitchen sink out of their, um, hats. Consider it an act of Bogus Pocus. Part 1 [02:38] - In which we complain about the Grimms’ complaining, but then we cut to the chase, and name the guy who got their peppers hot in the first place... we also introduce his wife — who was kno…

1
The Eternal Wisdom of Virgil Sollozzo, or: How to Make a Killing in Real Estate. Alotta Killing. 59:31

4M ago59:31

59:31

In Ep.39 the Grimms write a clunky, cranky op-ed piece and raise the ghost of Virgil Sollozzo Part 1 [11:16] - In which we find the Grimms embellishing the truth, and sneaking some personal complaints into the story… complaints that only you and I were supposed to hear Part 2 [17:58] - In which we debate the meaning of belief in turtles and end up …

1
All You Need Is Love, Right? 49:02

11M ago49:02

49:02

In Ep. 38 we learn a new catchphrase, there's more talk about baked goods, and the Grimms pitch us a few balls and strikes Part 1 [04:49] - In which we do some clock watching, and try to guess what’s really being sold in the Vatican bakery shop Part 2 [14:44] - In which we repeat ourselves, and hear something very scary, and very new, and very scar…

1
Tagg Henderson on BNP Media's 90 Day Pivot From Print to Digital (and more) 43:32

12M ago43:32

43:32

My guest this week is Tagg Henderson, co-CEO of BNP Media, a b2b media company operating in a variety of different niches. In this 40 minute conversation, we talked about how the business got its start, the 90 day pivot from print to digital that happened during 2020, the various revenue streams including advertising, events, research, and continui…

1
Phillip Jackson Talks About the Money Business Models at Future Commerce 1:00:45

1y ago1:00:45

1:00:45

My guest this week is Phillip Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Future Commerce. In this hour long conversation, we talked about how the brand got its start, the various revenue streams across advertising, subscriptions, learning, insights, and events, why they can accomplish all of this with a very lean team, and where he sees the brand going from he…

1
Curtis Cord on Delivering Value With Olive Oil Times 36:58

1y ago36:58

36:58

My guest this week is Curtis Cord, the founder and editor in chief of Olive Oil Times. In this 35 minute conversation, we talked about how the business got its start, its expansion into launching the NY World Olive Oil Competition, its education business where it holds sommelier courses in New York and London, and why he feels so passionately about…

1
Eric Hoffman on Growth of Hoffman Media Up and Down the Funnel 51:56

1y ago51:56

51:56

My guest this week is Eric Hoffman, CEO of Hoffman Media, a publisher that publishes a number of publications targeting women and southern living. We talked about how the business first got its start, why they charge what they do for subscriptions, the five figure experiences business they have, and so much more.…

1
The Check's in the Mail, or: Wake the F*** Up! 1:14:19

1y ago1:14:19

1:14:19

In Ep.37 we smell something fishy, meet a member of the Illuminati, and discover the source of the famous imposter syndrome Part 1 [07:37] - In which we're told: the check's in the mail Part 2 [26:59] - In which we hear a dead German poet talking poetry, and a dead German philosopher talking smack... we have reason to mention the Illuminati, and a …

1
Kat Craddock on Acquiring Saveur and Building the Brand 38:11

1y ago38:11

38:11

My guest this week is Kat Craddock, the editor-in-chief and CEO of Saveur, a publication that she acquired from Recurrent Ventures a little over one year ago. In this episode, we dove into how the deal happened, how she financed it, why they reintroduced a print product, and so much more.By Jacob Cohen Donnelly

1
Richard Lander on 25 Years of Building Citywire 43:56

1y ago43:56

43:56

My guest this week is Richard Lander, Director at Citywire, a UK-based media company that serves the asset management and wealth industries. In this 40 minute conversation, we talked about the various parts of the business, why the pandemic ultimately killed the print business, their events model, the various ways they generate revenue from licensi…

1
Sebpo’s Todd Handy on Outsourcing Tips for Media Companies 36:22

1y ago36:22

36:22

This week we have a special edition of the AMO Podcast with Todd Handy, the chief revenue officer at SEBPO, a leading global outsourcing partner that serves the advertising, media, and technology industries. In this discussion, we dig into how companies should properly think about outsourcing, the scale, save, and succeed framework, how to overcome…

1
Jim VandeHei Talks About Everything Axios, Past and Future 1:04:26

1y ago1:04:26

1:04:26

My guest this week is Jim VandeHei, co-founder and CEO of Axios. In this hour long conversation, we talked about the importance of advertising for the main business and why they never paywalled that, the company’s expansion into niche subscriptions, events, local news, entertainment, and software, how they've structured the team to build these vari…

1
Andrew Perlman Talks About the Growth of Recurrent 47:26

1y ago47:26

47:26

My guest this week is Andrew Perlman, co-founder and CEO of Recurrent. In this 45 minute conversation, we talked about the firm’s M&A strategy, their thesis on content to commerce and the various revenue sources, how they are thinking about platforms cutting into traffic to publisher sites, and how they’ve structured the teams with various GMs acro…

1
Andy Cates on Why Non-Profit The Daily Memphian Must Be Self Funding 54:35

1y ago54:35

54:35

My guest this week is Andy Cates, the President and founding Chair of Memphis Fourth Estate, a 501(c)(3) that launched and operates The Daily Memphian. In this conversation, we talked about why The Daily Memphian care so much about reaching break even on operating revenue versus purely fundraising, the inherent challenges they have raising money fr…

1
Stephanie Kaplan Lewis Talks About Bootstrapping Her Campus Media Over the Last Decade 46:26

1y ago46:26

46:26

My guest this week is Stephanie Kaplan Lewis, co-founder and CEO of Her Campus Media, a network of brands that serve college students across thousands of colleges. In this conversation, we dug into the early days of the business, the various advertising products they take to market, how they think about the inevitable graduation of their audience, …

1
Isaac Saul on Building a Truly Independent Tangle 1:03:00

1y ago1:03:00

1:03:00

My guest this week is Isaac Saul, founder of Tangle, a media company that tries to summarize the best arguments from across the political spectrum. In this hour-long conversation, we talked about the brand's exceptional free to paid conversion rate, where they are exploring advertising and events, the major headwinds the brand and all political med…

1
Ellen Hyslop Talks About the Various Stages of Building The Gist 49:23

1+ y ago49:23

49:23

My guest this week is Ellen Hyslop, co-founder of The Gist, a fan-first sports media brand based out of Canada (but serving the United States). In this episode, we talked about the early days of the business, what sorts of growth tactics they used when first starting versus what now works, how their user onboarding impacts the types of content that…

1
C'mon Baby, Light My Fire 1:02:23

1+ y ago1:02:23

1:02:23

In Ep.36 we rub some sticks together, light a campfire, and roast some heretical marshmallows Part 1 [07:07] - In which we learn why Ed Sullivan didn’t want Jim Morrison singing his full-throat version of Light my Fire on live TV Part 2 [26:44] - In which Rudolph the Red-Nosed reindeer shows up on New Year’s Eve and separates the party goers from t…

1
Brian Van Heuverswyn of Active Interest Media on Building for Enthusiast Audiences 39:26

1+ y ago39:26

39:26

Brian Van Heuverswyn is the chief operating officer at Active Interest Media, a portfolio of enthusiast brands, including Power & Motoryacht, Fine Gardening, Woodsmith, and so many more. In this conversation, we talk about how AIM came to be, the most recent Taunton Press acquisition, the move toward digital, and so much more.…

1
Scott Jamieson Talks About Building Annex Business Media 52:42

1+ y ago52:42

52:42

Scott Jamieson is the CEO (COO when recording) of Annex Business Media, a network of b2b publications headquartered in Canada. In this episode, we talked about how Annex came to be along with him finding himself running the business, how the brands of Annex are stronger when united, and how they have made the transition from being predominately pri…

1
Mitch Bettis on the Various Brands of Arkansas Business Publishing Group 1:02:54

1+ y ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Mitch Bettis is the owner and President of both Arkansas Business Publishing Group and 360 West Magazine in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In this episodewe discuss how he came to own Arkansas Business, how the business has evolved from generating predominantly print revenue to diversified sources, the various consumer and b2b brands that he owns, and…

1
Thank Goddess it's Friday!!! 50:21

1+ y ago50:21

50:21

In Ep.35 we let the cat out of the bag, and Hansel gets a lesson in the missionary position Part 1 [08:28] - In which we let the cat out of the bag, give her a nice old Nordic name, and before you know it, hooray, it’s Friday! Part 2 [33:27] - In which we discuss the missionary position on Easter Sunday, and discover a funky medieval connection bet…

1
We Gotta Have More Cowbell!!! 33:39

2y ago33:39

33:39

In Ep. 34 we visit Switzerland and India, and find that we all need more cowbell Part 1 [03:20] - In which we see how the head is often clueless concerning what the heart knows, and what the heart wants... and what it wants is: Swiss cheese??? Part 2 [23:43] - In which Hansel tells a little white lie… we go scouring the internet in search of the tr…

1
Runes and Rosaries and Rude Awakenings, or: Time to Make the Donuts 29:56

2y ago29:56

29:56

In Ep. 33 we have one hell of an early wake-up call, and wish we were all back in West Virginia??? Part 1 [05:43] - In which we have cause to mention the Anabaptists, and, uh oh, it’s time to make the donuts Part 2 [22:26] - In which we have real teamwork... and, some historic subterfuge Part 3 [26:35] - In which nostalgia plays an interesting part…

1
The Power of Plan B 24:26

2y ago24:26

24:26

In Ep. 32 Hansel takes a well deserved snooze while we contemplate the difference between Plan A and Plan B Part 1 [04:40] - In which we do some late night thinking about Plan A Part 2 [08:43] - In which we do some more thinking about Plan A, and find out what Plan B is all about Part 3 [17:59] - In which the Grimms bring up a famous little point o…

1
Talking Heads or Plastic Jesus & Velvet Elvis 58:55

2y ago58:55

58:55

In Ep. 31 we spill the beans on Hermes Trismegistus, the Magic 8-Ball, and Hansel's Strange Uncle Albert Part 1 [03:34] - In which we spill the beans on Hermes Trismegistus and find out what kind of hat he doesn't wear Part 2 [15:51] - In which we read the most infamous passage in Antiquity, and find out what Hermes Trismegistus has to do with mowi…

1
Hansel and the Real Doctor Faustus 52:56

2y ago52:56

52:56

In Ep. 30 we find the real Doctor Faust, John Oliver, and a Renaissance MeToo movement, all hidden within the symbolism of Hansel's Moon Rocks Part 1 [03:34] - In which we meet the real Dr. Faustus and find out he was the Julia Child of Renaissance magic Part 2 [15:51] - In which we learn about the connection between AI, the Magic 8 Ball, and a cou…

1
Sam Parr on Launching and Growing Hampton 45:23

2y ago45:23

45:23

Sam Parr is the co-founder, a highly vetted membership community for entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs. As he articulates it, Hampton has the ability to one day become a $100m+ business. In this episode, we talked about why he felt there was an opportunity here, how they admit new members and build the monthly core groups, and his advice for operat…

1
The Great Revelation, or: Lutheran Stew on a Plate 26:21

2+ y ago26:21

26:21

In Ep. 29 we get hold of a super-early draft of Life of Brian, a former pimp and gangbanger regales us with his exploits, and we order pizza but end up with a messy plate of stew, instead. Part 1 [08:04] - In which the all time greatest game of Simon Says gets its due Recognitions. Part 2 [14:40] - In which we hear about the origins of Pizzagate fr…

1
The world’s longest game of telephone, or: gospel gossip 33:50

2+ y ago33:50

33:50

In Ep. 28 we get an apology from a Vatican PR specialist, we meet the guy who invented Simon Says, and we do some “Fair and Balanced” reporting on what’s gospel and what’s not. Part 1 [05:03] - In which we listen in on a game of Vatican telephone, hear about the earliest Marvel comic book ever written, and pick up some titillating bit of gospel, er…

1
That's a Bozo No-No or: Welcome to Camp Simon 35:13

2+ y ago35:13

35:13

In episode 27 we go on a magical mystery tour through the dark tunnel of Theurgy, looking for the real Simon Magus Part 1 [09:05] - In which we finally meet the Cumean Sibyl and learn about her travel agency business Part 2 [20:49] - In which we get to choose a summer camp, the Vatican, um, "opens the books," and we get to play a game of telephone …

1
Hansel and Gretel meet Rocky and Bullwinkle or: The Emerald Tablet goes Flying 52:53

2+ y ago52:53

52:53

In E. 26 we stick our noses deeper into the magical darkness of Hermeticism, get deeper insight into the Emerald Tablet, and find a new connection between Hansel's Moon rocks and Hermes Trismegistus: in Sweden Part 1 [11:15] - In which we fall asleep while reading the Emerald Tablet, and find ourselves dreaming about some furry cousin of Rocky the …

1
Hello, Numen! 42:46

3y ago42:46

42:46

In E. 25 we hit a fairytale fashion show, get a new urge to go chasing rabbits, and then we say hello to the numen Part 1 [02:11] - In which we watch Hansel trying to make enough coin to keep everyone’s shit together Part 2 [16:24] - In which we hit a fashion show of fairytale couture and end up giving three cheers for the designer Part 3 [22:24] -…

1
Apples and Oranges and Oreos 56:38

3y ago56:38

56:38

In episode 24 we take a whole lotta measurements, mix apples and oranges and oreos, and eventually have to flip a coin Part 1 [01:58] - In which we flip a coin and come up with a new definition for AI Part 2 [25:49] - In which we dabble a bit in astrology and alchemy, and end up tossing our moon rocks into a pond Part 3 [32:41] - In which we say a …

1
He's on a Mission From God 39:56

3y ago39:56

39:56

In episode 23 we bring back some moon rocks and get a lesson in Alchemy 101 Part 1 [05:01] - In which we turn on the projector and watch some home movies of a moon landing, and then we find out that our intuition is on a mission: to Chicago Part 2 [23:13] - In which we get a lesson in Alchemy 101, and…um…phew…! *transcripts and links for each episo…

1
A Grimms Grimoire 30:06

3y ago30:06

30:06

In E.022 we have a Medieval Mr. Rogers Moment as Hansel gets himself ready to make some real magic Part 1 [06:59] - In which we watch the little brother escape all conscious control; we send Penn and Teller up the tree, and then we get ready for some real magic when the Grimms hand us a Grimoire Part 2 [20:08] - In which the Grimms give us a Mediev…

1
I got a funny feeling about this 49:27

3y ago49:27

49:27

In E. 021 we find out that the left hand knows exactly what the right hand is up to Part 1 [07:20]: In which we hear about the Yin and Yang of Hansel and Gretel, and spend a few sleepless nights trying to figure out what GRACE has to do with insomnia Part 2 [20:23]: In which we find out that the Grimms put out a contract on the first Frau Holzhacke…

1
DIY Coffin Carpentry 1:00:42

3y ago1:00:42

1:00:42

In episode 20 we break out the philologic toolbox and end up with a casket of real fairytale gold Part 1 [04:54] - In which we find Socrates moonlighting as a Taxi Driver Part 2 [14:30] - In which we go metal detecting in a library and find that our breadcrumb trail is leading us on a detour to Italy Part 3 [29:29] - In which we take a little cruis…

1
Tim Hartman on GovExec's Rapidly Growing Business 50:26

3y ago50:26

50:26

Earlier this month, Tim Hartman, CEO of GovExec, and I took the stage at Omeda's Idea Exchange to do a live recording of the podcast. This is the outcome of that conversation. We talked about what it was like closing on the GovExec deal only days after the Covid-19 lockdowns had taken place. We also talked about how the company has acquired and int…

1
Steak Tartare & Blood Sausage 50:20

3y ago50:20

50:20

In episode 19 we attend one of those dinner theater thingy-s where we catch a show, and get served a heaping portion of steak tartare with a side of blood sausage Part 1 [05:23] - In which we find out that there are a helluva lot of cannibals among us — and not ALL of them are zombies Part 2 [15:37] - In which we board the Time Machine and get ours…

1
Chris Ferrell on The Incredible Growth at Endeavor Business Media 42:52

3y ago42:52

42:52

Chris Ferrell is the founder and CEO of Endeavor Business Media, a b2b media company growing unbelievably quickly. His original goal? Hit $100 million in revenue. When that happened years faster than anticipated, he set a new goal: hit $100m in EBITDA. In this episode, we talked about how they have grown through acquisition, how they force all acqu…

1
Alexis Grant on Launching They Got Acquired 36:33

3y ago36:33

36:33

Alexis Grant is the founder of They Got Acquired, a recently launched publication that covers digital companies acquired in the $100k to $50m range. In this conversation, we dug into the early decisions Alexis made when launching, how sponsorships took the business by surprise, and how they are planning to really monetize the business.…

1
Dan Runcie on Putting His CEO Hat on With Trapital 48:10

3y ago48:10

48:10

Dan Runcie is the founder of Trapital, a publication dedicated to the business of hip hop. In this conversation, we discussed how he had to put his CEO hat on to make the decision to shut the paid subscription down versus listening to the emotional side, how he thinks about the brand evolving in connection with him, and where he sees the business g…

1
I Gotta Lot on my Conscience 1:26:45

3y ago1:26:45

1:26:45

In episode 18 we take a close look at the bearded lady, visit one of Al Capone’s favorite hangouts, and find the historic typo responsible for everyone’s bad conscience Part 1 [06:17] - In which we join a mob, walk through some celebrity’s split-level house, and then finally get to see the bearded lady, up close and personal Part 2 [23:33] - In whi…

1
Scott Gerber on What Goes Into a Great Professional Community 47:52

3y ago47:52

47:52

Scott Gerber is the co-founder and CEO of Community.co, which partners with media companies to create high-priced professional communities. In this conversation, we discussed what goes into making a great community, why it has become such a big buzzword in the market today, and how people should think about growing.…

1
Arsalan Arif on Loving What He Does at Endpoints News 51:13

3y ago51:13

51:13

Arsalan Arif is the co-founder and publisher of Endpoints News, a media company that covers the massive biopharma world. During this episode, we discussed the unique subscription they offer, the various events products they bring to market, and why his advice to media operators is not to get into media unless you really love it.…

1
Adam Ryan on Building a Creator First Workweek 59:09

3y ago59:09

59:09

Adam Ryan is the co-founder and CEO of Workweek, a new media company that brings together creators in different industries. During this episode, we discussed how the business got started, the long-term vision for the business, why new entrants into the newsletters space will likely never be able to compete with Morning Brew or The Hustle and so muc…

1
So what's the story, Ritchie? 50:58

3+ y ago50:58

50:58

In episode 17 we hit the jackpot by dumpster diving, get ourselves one helluva fancy box, and then attend not one, but 3 barbecues, one of which is guaranteed to give us all goose bumps Part 1 [08:24] - In which we find that the gingerbread in our story is not only missing a key ingredient: Selbstwertgefühl, it had a weird, bitter substitute baked …

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