Best Steven Aigner Podcasts (2025)

1
The First Customer - Mastering the Zero Harm Baby Formula with President and CEO Adam Dakin 28:42

7d ago28:42

28:42

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Adam Dakin, President and CEO of Keriton. Adam’s entrepreneurial journey starts with selling hats and t-shirts in college before building multiple venture-backed startups and leading health tech investments at DreamIt Ventures. When Keriton’s investors seek new leadership, Adam steps in with a plan t…

1
Michael Chernow - An INSPIRING Story of Conquering Addiction & Lessons from 20+ Years of Sobriety | EP071 1:23:14

9d ago1:23:14

1:23:14

Michael Chernow — restaurateur, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and founder of Kreatures of Habit — joins us for a brutally honest conversation about addiction, recovery, discipline, and building a life worth living.From running some of New York City’s most iconic restaurants to hitting rock bottom with drugs and alcohol, Michael’s journey is a ma…

1
The First Customer - Turning Broken Systems into a Thriving Software Business with Paul Byrne 23:11

14d ago23:11

23:11

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Paul Byrne, President of Razoyo, a Texas-based custom software development company. Paul shared how growing up in an entrepreneurial family in Wichita, Kansas—where his mom ran a fabric shop and his dad tinkered with tech ventures—planted the seeds for his own journey. We discussed how the concept of…

1
Balancing Comedy with Anxiety and Doing Stand-Up in the Sauna with Comedian David Stickle | EP070 1:19:43

17d ago1:19:43

1:19:43

In this episode of Who Thought We’d Be Here?, stand-up comedian David Stickle gets honest about the messy, uncomfortable, and hilarious process of becoming a comic. He opens up about how terrifying his early sets were, what it’s like to bomb in front of a crowd, and why anxiety still shows up before every performance — no matter how many times he’s…

1
The First Customer - Resilience, Niches, and the Long Game in Fintech with Founder Nicky Senyard 21:36

21d ago21:36

21:36

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Nicky Senyard, CEO and founder of Fintel Connect. Nicky shared the journey behind Fintel Connect—a digital acquisition platform that helps financial institutions across North America grow their customer base through affiliate marketing. She explained how the platform acts like the “plumbing” between …

1
The First Customer - Matchmaking in the Age of Neural Nets with Co-Founder Eric McHugh 20:29

28d ago20:29

20:29

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview serial entrepreneur Eric McHugh once again! Eric dives into his latest venture, dataing.io, an AI-powered matchmaking app built to challenge the typical swipe-based dating model. He shares how the Web3 space supports his builder mindset and leads to the creation of Hold On Labs, a platform that launc…

1
The First Customer – Bootstrapped, Burned Out, and Building Back Smarter with Keilian & Prags 27:54

1M ago27:54

27:54

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Keilian Knudsen and Prags Mugunthan, co-founders of Pangea.ai. Keilian and Prags explored their journey from university roommates in Scotland to building a global tech talent platform. Keilian described how growing up in Switzerland with an American mother and Norwegian father gave him a multicultura…

1
How to Heal Beyond Sobriety & Embrace your Journey with Accountability (Back on the Deck) | EP069 45:51

1M ago45:51

45:51

In this stripped-back solo episode, your favorite co-hosts return to one of their original recording spots — but they’re not the same people they were when they started. It’s a full-circle moment, and what follows is an open, emotional conversation about growth, fatherhood, sobriety, and self-work. They reflect on the idea that quitting drinking di…

1
The First Customer - Turning a High-Risk Market into a Scalable Business with Aubrey Amatelli 26:08

1M ago26:08

26:08

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Aubrey Amatelli, Founder and CEO of PayRio—the first payment provider focused exclusively on alternative medicine. Aubrey shared how her roots in Silicon Valley and a traditional finance career at JP Morgan eventually led her to launch PayRio, combining her passion for cannabis and her expertise in p…

1
The MOST Masculine Thing You Can Do: OPEN Up Your Heart & STOP Hiding From Yourself w/ Federico Fridman | EP068 1:11:45

1M ago1:11:45

1:11:45

In this powerful and heart-centered episode, we sit down with Federico Fridman, co-founder of Cacao Lab, to explore how plants, fatherhood, and men’s work transformed his relationship with himself and the world around him. Federico shares how ceremonial cacao went from a personal healing practice to a thriving business built with his sister and roo…

1
The First Customer - How to Build a QA Army Without Drowning in Bugs with Founder Ben Fellows 24:58

2M ago24:58

24:58

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Ben Fellows, CEO and founder of Loop QA. Ben shares how his company addresses the growing need for highly skilled, mid-to-senior QA professionals in a market lacking structured training and clear entry paths. Loop QA focuses on embedding experienced testers directly into teams at startups and enterpr…

1
How to Shift Your Life from Survival Mode to Self Love w/ Trauma Informed Therapist & Reiki Healer Katie Parent | EP067 1:16:28

2M ago1:16:28

1:16:28

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Parent, a licensed therapist and holistic healer, to explore what healing really means—beyond talk therapy and into the body, the nervous system, and lived experience. Katie shares how she combines traditional mental health practices with somatic tools, nervous system regulation, and energy work like Reiki to…

1
The First Customer - Why You Should Bet Big on Starting Over with CEO Bill Douglas 26:28

2M ago26:28

26:28

In this episode , I was lucky enough to interview Bill Douglas, CEO of Optic Wise, also known as “The Resilience Guy”. From buying his first car at 15 with money he made running a newspaper hustle, to surviving a coral snake bite and a paralyzing ski accident 30 years to the day later, Bill’s journey is a lesson in grit and perspective. He shares h…

1
From Rock Bottom to Running Marathons: How Running & Filmmaking Transformed My Life w/ Allen Wong | EP066 1:26:19

2M ago1:26:19

1:26:19

In this raw and inspiring episode, we sit down with Allen Wong — filmmaker, distance runner, and former addict — to explore how endurance sports and creativity helped him rebuild his identity from the ground up. Allen opens up about his chaotic past: growing up in a traditional Asian household, falling into addiction during his years of heavy party…

1
The First Customer – How a Detour Became a Superpower with CEO Steven Webster 22:12

2M ago22:12

22:12

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Steven Webster, CEO of asensei. Steven reflects on the importance of learning through iteration. He shares how some of the company's earlier choices—while later adjusted—were necessary stepping stones that shaped their current success. Rather than dwell on what could have been done differently, Steve…

1
How to Heal Your Trauma, Elevate Your Energy & Vibrate Higher w/ Herbalist Jess Kravit | EP065 1:05:35

2M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

In this episode, we sit down with Jess Kravit, founder of Exalted Alchemy, to dive deep into the world of herbalism, natural wellness, entrepreneurship, and energetic healing. Jess breaks down what it really means to be a clinical herbalist in a modern world that’s both disconnected from nature and hungry for authenticity. From her journey with foo…

1
The First Customer - Built Like a Startup, Written Like a Mission with Founder Gregory Shepard 25:03

2M ago25:03

25:03

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview a longtime friend and startup expert Gregory Shepard. Greg shares the story behind his new book, The Startup Lifecycle, which grew out of a four-year research project on why startups fail. With thousands of transcripts and 200,000 case studies, he saw the need to turn complex data into practical tool…

1
The First Customer - Reinventing APIs for Legacy Systems with DreamFactory CEO Terence Bennett 24:46

3M ago24:46

24:46

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Terence Bennett, CEO of DreamFactory. Terence shares his unconventional journey from a military intelligence officer to leading a developer-focused API company. He explains how his entrepreneurial parents influenced his mindset and how his military background taught him to solve problems creatively. …

1
The First Customer - Why Picking a Niche Early Can Make or Break Your Agency with CEO James Griffin 29:40

3M ago29:40

29:40

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview James Griffin, CEO of Invene. James shares how he transitioned from a self-taught coder with early entrepreneurial tendencies to leading a successful healthcare-focused software firm. Raised in an engineering-driven household in McKinney, Texas, James initially pursued biomedical engineering before s…

1
Nick Spencer - How Jui-Jitsu Saved My Life and Plant Medicine Killed my Ego 1:49:36

3M ago1:49:36

1:49:36

In Episode 064, we sit down with Nick Spencer, martial artist, business owner, and founder of Snake Hill Jiu-Jitsu, for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about healing, identity, and building something real. From military police service to managing PTSD, Nick shares how Jiu-Jitsu became not just a discipline, but a path to personal evolution. We…

1
The First Customer - Closing Inventory Gaps With A Tech Platform with Bevz Co-founder Jason Vego 25:36

3M ago25:36

25:36

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jason Vego, co-founder and CEO of Bevz, a digital platform helping mom-and-pop liquor and convenience stores go online and manage inventory. Jason shares how growing up with an entrepreneurial father planted the seed for his own ventures, including an early attempt to build software for dog groomers.…

1
Bryce Eckwall - How to Conquer Your Overthinking & Build a 6 Figure Creative Business | EP063 1:49:43

3M ago1:49:43

1:49:43

In this powerful and unfiltered episode, the hosts sit down with Bryce Eckwall, founder of Q29 Productions, for a deep conversation about the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, healing, and self-worth. The episode opens with a behind-the-scenes look at how real conversations are sparked—before the mics even turn on. The trio discusses th…

1
The First Customer - Positioning Yourself To Win in a Cutthroat Industry with Founder Brett Tiagwad 21:33

3M ago21:33

21:33

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Brett Tiagwad, founder and CEO of Elevated Angles. Brett shares his unconventional path from finance to drone media. After a challenging personal journey, including recovery and the loss of his mother, Brett found solace and inspiration in flying drones. What started as a therapeutic hobby quickly be…

1
"Steve Strong: Rebuilding from Rock Bottom & Healing Reality Through Tabletop RPGs" | EP062 1:30:46

3M ago1:30:46

1:30:46

This week we sit down with Steve Strong of the Dungeons in the Attic podcast for a deeply honest conversation about personal transformation. Steve opens up about his experiences with trauma, mental health, and the emotional weight he carried from childhood into adulthood. We explore how stubbornness shaped him, how tabletop role-playing games becam…

1
The First Customer - How Dissatisfaction Can Fuel Business Growth with Founder Christian Espinosa 20:48

3M ago20:48

20:48

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Christian Espinosa, founder and CEO of Blue Goat Cyber. Christian shares his experience of growing up in poverty with an unstable home life, seeking structure in the Air Force, and eventually transitioning from a successful freelancing career to launching his first company, Alpine Security. Christian…

1
The First Customer - How to Stick with Your Vision and Resilience with Co-founder and CEO Dori Yona 20:57

4M ago20:57

20:57

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Dori Yona, Co-founder and CEO of Simple Closure. Dori shares his entrepreneurial journey, which began with a childhood influenced by his entrepreneur parents and a deep connection to Silicon Valley. He first launched a dating app in Israel, but quickly pivoted to create Earny, a consumer fintech comp…

1
"Connor Bond: Acting, Improv, Existentialism & Laughing Through the Pain" | EP061 2:01:48

4M ago2:01:48

2:01:48

This week, we're joined by actor, improv teacher, and creative soul Connor Bond for a deep, hilarious, and honest conversation about what it really means to navigate life, creativity, and identity. We talk about Connor’s journey through different seasons of growth, from teaching improv to kids to finding purpose beyond traditional career paths. He …

1
The First Customer – Mistakes, Mentors, and a Maverick Mindset with CEO Mark Wormgoor 24:34

4M ago24:34

24:34

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Mark Wormgoor, CEO and tech coach at The Maverick CTO. Mark shares that despite a successful 25-year corporate career in IT, he felt unfulfilled after reaching his long-term goal early and ultimately chose to go independent. He candidly reflects on the decision-making process behind leaving corporate…

1
"Overthinking Everything: Fitness, Fulfillment & Feeling Like a Fraud" | EP060 45:47

4M ago45:47

45:47

This episode is a vulnerable look into the tug-of-war between ambition and self-acceptance. Steve and JP explore the quiet, often overwhelming internal dialogue that comes with trying to grow—physically, mentally, emotionally—while constantly questioning if you're doing enough. From the guilt of taking a day off, to spiraling thoughts about falling…

1
The First Customer - What Most Startups Miss About Lead Gen with Founder and CEO Bert TerHart 20:20

4M ago20:20

20:20

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Bert TerHart, CEO and Founder of LeadBrain AI. Bert shares how his upbringing in a small Canadian town and the work ethic of his entrepreneurial father shaped his approach to business. From surveying frozen land with his dad on holidays to founding three companies in the tech and healthcare sectors, …

1
"Emmanuel Jimenez: Being the Rooted Man You Were Always Meant To Be" | EP059 1:51:24

4M ago1:51:24

1:51:24

In this episode, we’re joined by Manny Jimenez — a real estate agent, martial artist, and man of deep faith — for an honest conversation about identity, growth, and staying grounded in a world full of noise. Manny opens up about his personal journey, from navigating insecurities in his youth to becoming a disciplined and purpose-driven man rooted i…

1
The First Customer - Why Networking is a Developer's Best Friend with Codingscape CTO Jimmy Jacobson 23:59

5M ago23:59

23:59

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jimmy Jacobson, CTO of Codingscape. Jimmy discovered programming through his father's university lab computer, unaware it could be a career. He later pursued computer science, freelancing while working at Overstock and Zappos. Zappos’ culture encouraged risk-taking, fueling his entrepreneurial drive.…

1
"Escaping the Ego Trap & Building a Life of Abundance" | EP058 1:30:55

5M ago1:30:55

1:30:55

How many days have you lived? We kick off this episode with a little math problem to put time into perspective. Then, we reflect on the journey of this podcast, the variety of guests we have lined up, and the growing pains of figuring out what it means to turn a passion into a business. The conversation turns deep as we discuss the struggle of tryi…

1
The First Customer - Breaking into the Birmingham Tech Scene with Co-founder Will Blackburn 26:24

5M ago26:24

26:24

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Will Blackburn, co-founder of DevClarity. Will shares he's from Birmingham, Alabama, where he still resides. Although he moved to Atlanta, thinking Birmingham lacked a tech ecosystem, he returned after seeing local success stories and opportunities. Birmingham’s smaller, supportive startup community,…

1
"Taylor Lyons @ Kelta: Rediscovering Your Identity in Motherhood & the Priceless Power of Self Care" | EP057 1:27:34

5M ago1:27:34

1:27:34

In this episode, we sit down with Taylor Lyons, owner of Kelta Wellness Center, a space dedicated to cutting-edge wellness technology, including sensory deprivation tanks, meditation beds, sauna therapy, and cold plunges. Taylor shares her journey from being a school teacher to a certified yoga instructor and entrepreneur, detailing what led her to…

1
The First Customer - Embracing Open-Mindedness and Independence with CEO Tatsiana Kirimava 23:02

5M ago23:02

23:02

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Tatsiana Kirimava, CEO and co-founder of Orangesoft. Tatsiana shares that she grew up in various countries, including Poland, Belarus, and the U.S. She attributes her open-mindedness and independence to her parents, who encouraged her to make her own decisions. She highlights her ability to communica…

1
"New Levels, New Devils – Why Consistency & Accountability Still Matter To Us" | EP056 58:01

5M ago58:01

58:01

In this episode, we reflect on the challenge of maintaining consistency and accountability in both the podcast and everyday life. We share our experience in a sensory deprivation tank in preparation for an upcoming episode, while we discuss the importance of movement, yoga, and staying active—especially as Steve sets his goal to be in top shape bef…

1
The First Customer - How IT Pros Thrived by Choosing the Right Clients with Founder T Brad Kielinski 23:02

5M ago23:02

23:02

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview T. Brad Kielinski, Founder of IT Pros. Brad shared his journey from growing up in Plymouth Meeting near Germantown Academy to becoming a successful tech recruiter in Philadelphia. Inspired by witnessing his uncle and aunt’s homegrown business grow to 400 employees and his father’s inventive spirit, B…

1
"The Power of Family, Overcoming Overwhelm, & Lessons That Last a Lifetime" | EP055 52:59

5M ago52:59

52:59

In this episode, we open up about the evolving role of family in our lives and the unexpected ways it shapes us. From navigating the overwhelming nature of big life changes to learning how to be present with the people who matter most, we reflect on the moments that define us. We talk about the resistance that comes with pushing ourselves toward ne…

1
The First Customer - How To Avoid The Pain of Missed Opportunities with Founder Charles Sims 23:22

6M ago23:22

23:22

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Charles Sims, CEO and founder of Investimate. Charles shares how he grew up around innovation and leadership inspired him to build and scale ventures, starting with a paintball supply company as a child. His ability to adapt and thrive in chaos earned him the moniker "Hurricane CTO" during his tenure…

1
The First Customer - The Path from Real Estate Mogul to Wealth Tech Innovator with CEO David Snider 22:43

6M ago22:43

22:43

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview David Snider, founder and CEO of Harness Wealth. Growing up in Boston, David's early exposure to financial services and an interest in problem-solving shaped his career. After co-founding and helping grow Compass, a major real estate brokerage, he realized that navigating tax and financial complexiti…

1
"Brandon Purdy: The Healing Power of Music & Discovering Creativity in Spirituality" | EP054 1:21:45

6M ago1:21:45

1:21:45

In this episode, we sit down with musician Brandon Purdy to dive into the healing power of music, creativity, and spirituality. Brandon shares how loss and personal struggles reshaped his artistic journey, transitioning from making “hollow” music to creating songs with real meaning. We explore the importance of reconnecting with childhood passions,…

1
The First Customer - Marketing, Momentum, and Making It Work with CEO and Founder Jason Shafton 19:23

6M ago19:23

19:23

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jason Shafton, CEO and founder of Winston Francois. Jason shares his journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs in Chicago to becoming a growth and marketing consultant for tech startups. Inspired by his parents’ business ventures in high-end audio equipment, Jason developed an early passio…

1
"LMSW Nina Lugo: The Reality of Social Work, Mental Health Stigmas & Learning Coping Skills" | EP053 1:45:19

6M ago1:45:19

1:45:19

In this episode, we welcome Licensed Master Social Worker Nina Lugo, a passionate social worker making a difference in the lives of students, parents, and educators. Nina opens up about the realities of social work, shedding light on the often-overlooked emotional toll that comes with helping others navigate life's challenges. We explore how social…

1
The First Customer - Empowering Tech Founders to Build Successful Companies with Vladimir Baranov 20:28

6M ago20:28

20:28

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Vladimir Baranov, CEO and founder of Human Interfaces. Vladimir had early exposure to the turbulent Russian business climate, which made him cautious about entrepreneurship, but his experiences in the U.S. gradually changed his perspective. In college, he created a textbook-sharing platform, an early…

1
“Big News, Bigger Feelings: Life-Changing Moments & the Road to Fatherhood” Episode 052 41:19

6M ago41:19

41:19

This episode is a big one. An important one. Our most personal one yet. We told you we were gonna cry today—and for good reason. Steve is having a baby, and we dive deep into the whirlwind of emotions that come with it. Excitement, nerves, and the realization that life is about to change forever. We talk about giving up vices when major life shifts…

1
The First Customer - Why Niching Down is the Fast Track to Product-Market Fit with CEO Peter Bonney 20:16

7M ago20:16

20:16

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Peter Bonney, CEO and founder of Fastbreak RFP. Peter shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his childhood in a small town in Massachusetts. Growing up with a father who ran shoe stores and constantly engaged in side hustles, Peter absorbed key lessons in customer focus and hustle. He refl…

1
"Trusting Yourself, Taking Risks & Updates on Consistency" EP051 33:11

7M ago33:11

33:11

In this episode, we dive into the environments that fuel our best work, the luxury of staying ahead, and the mindset shifts that help us keep going. We reflect on learning to trust ourselves, overcoming perfectionism (“Perfectionism is better spelled paralysis” – Winston Churchill), and embracing where we are while recognizing how far we've come. F…

1
The First Customer - What Risk-Taking Looks Like When You Have a Plan with CEO Shae Feltz 25:53

7M ago25:53

25:53

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Shae Feltz, CEO and founder of NOTICS, an IT service provider based in Minneapolis. Shae delves into his humble beginnings in Brainerd, Minnesota, where he learned early on that working for someone else wasn’t for him. At just 16, Shae launched a mobile iPhone repair business, gaining valuable insigh…

1
"Rayvin Rey: Overcoming Scarcity, Embracing Patience, & Finding Your Soulmate” EP050 (Pt. 2) 1:21:17

7M ago1:21:17

1:21:17

In part two of our conversation with Rayvin Rey, we explore powerful insights on overcoming scarcity mindsets and embracing patience in personal growth. Rayvin shares her thoughts on finding alignment outside of relationships, balancing happiness with financial success, and breaking free from childhood beliefs about money. We discuss how physical a…

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