In this episode of HoldCo Builders, I’m joined by Chris Sparling, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Tiny. Chris has helped acquire and scale more than 30 internet businesses and has deep insights into capital allocation, due diligence, deal structuring, and the psychology of long-term investing. We talk about how Tiny was built, the story behind acqu…

In this episode of HoldCo Builders, I sit down with Jude Goodrick, Head of Capital Markets at Mainshares—a fast-growing platform that's quietly reshaping small business acquisitions. Mainshares helps acquisition entrepreneurs find the capital they need to buy real, cash-flowing businesses. Jude has seen hundreds of deals and works directly with ope…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so This week, we’re joined by Kim Rosenstock (DYING FOR SEX) to explore how a complicated protagonist with a simple goal drives interesting, rich, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Through the lens of her deeply personal and genre-blending show, which she co-created with Liz Meriwether, Kim share…

Is this the most underappreciated rollup in Europe? In this episode, we dive deep into HomeServe — the unsexy plumbing and HVAC company that quietly evolved into a $2B revenue giant and was eventually acquired by Brookfield for $6B. But this isn't just a story about boilers and leaky taps. Joining us is Alex Prokofjev, co-founder of RollUp Europe. …

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so What’s it like to collaborate creatively with your spouse — and still want to have dinner together after? This week, we’re joined by Joe Forte, screenwriter (Firewall) and longtime writing partner (and husband!) of Meg LeFauve. We talk candidly about the unique dynamics of working with your life pa…

Neil Twa is a veteran e-commerce operator and investor who’s built and exited multiple 8-figure physical product brands. He raised $100M to launch an Amazon aggregator — and then walked away before deploying a single dollar. Now, Neil is a partner at Patriot Growth Capital, where he focuses on acquiring businesses in the $5M–$50M range and backing …

Private equity firms made over 80x their money on Mister Car Wash. How? In this episode, Mikk is joined by Pavel Prokofjev from Rollup Europe to dissect one of the most extreme boom-and-bust rollup stories in recent memory. At its peak, Mister Car Wash was a private equity dream: 40% EBITDA margins, 3-year paybacks, and a shift from transactional t…

Join TSL Workshops: https://tslworkshops.circle.so When you’re pitching — whether it’s on studio IP or your own original idea — what sets you apart is your take. But what does that actually mean? This week, Jac Schaeffer (WandaVision, Agatha All Along) breaks it down. For Jac, a great take starts with the emotional core — “what is the deep down” th…

In this special roundtable, we’re joined by three working screenwriters — Nic Curcio, Kristen Tepper, and Julia Yorks — who have each built successful writing careers while also growing authentic, engaged followings online. We talk candidly about the growing pressure for writers to maintain a social media presence. From expanding your network to at…

My guest today is Mark Rossano, Co-Founder & CEO of C6 Capital Holdings, a firm focused on building real-world solutions in energy and agriculture infrastructure. In this episode, we explore Mark’s journey from Morgan Stanley and global oil trading to building a holding company that owns hydroelectric power plants and sustainable fertilizer compani…

What if the real edge in investing isn’t another framework or deal structure—but how you learn? In this solo episode of HoldCo Builders, I break down a mental model that quietly powers the world's top capital allocators, HoldCo founders, and hedge fund managers. Inspired by the teachings of Alix Pasquet (Prime Makaya Capital), we explore why the hi…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslwokshops.circle.so Trey Edward Shults is an inspiration to directors everywhere — including Jeff. His debut feature, KRISHA, was a no-name psychological drama shot in his own home on a shoestring budget under $30K. Against all odds, it won SXSW, screened at Cannes, and eventually sold to A24. KRISHA stands as a beacon…

Johannes Hock, a former private equity associate left his high-paying job to build wealth through acquisition. In 2022, Johannes and his partner acquired DFW Turf, a fast-growing artificial turf installation business. After leaving a prestigious private equity firm, he went on to review over 200 deals in just a few months, submitted 10 LOIs, signed…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.sol In this special edition of our mailbag series, we’re flipping the script. Instead of questions from newcomers, today we hear from working, professional screenwriters—people already inside the industry, navigating the real-world challenges of a creative career. From handling difficult notes to sust…

Neil Mehta built Greenoaks Capital into one of the most successful — and secretive — investment firms in the world. While most VCs chase hype, Neil built a reputation for radical focus, long-term thinking, and doing his own diligence. In this solo research episode, I break down what holdco builders, private equity investors, and traditional busines…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so BUY ROB'S BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/FILM-DIRECTORS-FIELD-MANUAL-Filmmaking/dp/1662850549 Whether you're on set or on the page, great storytelling relies on clarity, efficiency, and emotional truth. This week, veteran director Rob Spera joins us to discuss his new handbook on the fundamentals of …

My guest today is Nick Huber — entrepreneur, investor, and creator behind a $30M+ holding company spanning real estate, service businesses, and media. In this episode, we dive deep into how Nick allocates capital across multiple businesses, builds operationally lean teams, and balances short-term cash flow with long-term wealth creation. We explore…

Emily Brundige was tired of waiting around for gatekeepers to say yes. So, she stopped asking. In this candid conversation with Lorien, Emily shares how her frustration with the traditional hurry-up-and-wait pitch process pushed her to self-produce an animated short. That project — born from passion, resourcefulness, and a refusal to wait — eventua…

My guest today is Nick Keegan, co-founder and CEO of Mail Metrics, a company helping highly regulated industries—like banks, insurers, and pension providers—communicate more effectively with their customers. Nick started Mail Metrics in 2013 at just 24 years old, after serving 11 years in the Irish Defence Forces. It took 7 years to reach €1M in re…

Carla Banks-Waddles (BEL-AIR) has lived many lives as a writer. From being a valued member of multi-cam half hour rooms, to pivoting towards single cam serialized family dramas, Carla has had a wonderfully diverse career. How? She wrote her way there. Enjoy Carla's insightful, optimistic, and sometimes obsessive approach to how we can craft our dre…

In this special episode, I share transformative insights on the power of networks, heavily inspired by the wisdom of Alix Pasquet, a Managing Partner at Prime Macaya Capital Management. I dive into his framework for understanding how your network acts as both a critical competitive moat and a vital margin of safety in investing and business. Key to…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so TAKE BRENT'S CLASS: https://www.brentforrester.com/webinar Brent Forrester wasn't naturally funny, and he's the first person to admit it. And yet, when Brent was in his early 20s, he studied comedy like a science, and it has fostered one of the most successful comedy writing careers of anyone worki…

My guest today is Yuen Yung, Founding Partner at HalBar Partners, a firm focused on operator-led acquisitions. In just two years, HalBar and NCA ETA have closed 15 acquisitions totaling $270M in enterprise value, hitting their goal of 10 deals per year. We discuss: Yuen’s journey from immigrant roots to building HalBar The firm’s investment thesis,…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so You are not alone, and keep writing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna

My guest today is Jesper Søgaard, co-founder and CEO of Better Collective — a global leader in digital sports media and sports betting information, with over 400 million monthly visits, 1,200+ employees, and 20 international offices. Founded in 2004, Better Collective has grown into a powerhouse through a disciplined mix of organic growth and over …

WATCH LOS FRIKIS: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Los-Frikis/0H49M436MMS223JUKJ26Q95EKJ READ ALONG: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a3QojbCeXG11xowk5u6y-RONQhCSguwG/view?usp=drive_link Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz are the first to admit "they're not the cool kids." Their widely celebrated debut THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON was bootstrapped by g…

Meet Matthew Mathison – Co-founder and Managing Partner at MBL Partners, a firm building and investing in enduring, cash-flowing businesses. With a unique mix of Wall Street experience and entrepreneurial grit, Matthew shares how MBL identifies overlooked opportunities, partners with exceptional operators, and builds long-term value without chasing…

We are launching a brand new monthly BONUS show this Thursday in feed, hosted by our producer Jeffrey Crane Graham. Don't miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Whether you're on your billionth draft, or stuck in post on a docuseries, finding a connective THEME to tell your story is one of the most valuable ways to create a cohesive and satisfying story. Today's guest, John Henion, understands that better than anyone. His impressive career as an episodic d…

In this episode, I sit down with Pascal Levy-Garboua, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and the founder of Noosa Labs. After making 140 venture capital investments, including seven unicorns, Pascal shifted his focus to acquiring and scaling small, profitable SaaS businesses under Noosa Labs. His next goal? Building a $50 million ARR portfolio with…

Meet Arie Scherson, co-founder of Bluedot Holdings, a fast-growing e-commerce and SaaS holding company with six portfolio businesses generating over $10 million in revenue. Arie started his journey as a YouTuber in his 20s, testing 15 different products before mastering Facebook Ads and scaling his first business. Through relentless experimentation…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://twslworkshops.circle.so The Molyneux Sisters (BOB’S BURGERS, THE GREAT NORTH) believe that character is at the center of all great comedy. For Wendy and Lizzie, specificity, character quirks, and close observations about the friends (and strangers) around them will always provide the cocktail for a great character. Hear …

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so George Saunders is a writer of novels, short stories, and non-fiction, whose work has amassed a collection of awards, including The Booker Prize for his debut novel, Lincoln in the Bardo. His essay collection A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, which focuses on the storytelling prowess of four Russian ma…

Jeremy Giffon is one of the most interesting minds in business that almost no one knows about. As a former analyst at Tiny Capital, he played a key role in acquiring and operating dozens of companies—while staying almost completely out of the spotlight. His insights on capital allocation, holding companies, and finding asymmetric opportunities have…

Dana Fox offers an incredibly generous admission in today's conversation: "I find writing REALLY torturous." And yet, she's one of Hollywood's most successful writers, having written on major franchises like CRUELLA and recently WICKED, which has earned her countless industry award nominations. What's her secret? Tune in as she discusses why writin…

Bruce Marks is a seasoned lender who has closed over $400M in deals, helping over 1,200 entrepreneurs acquire businesses using SBA loans. As Senior VP at First Bank of the Lake, Bruce specializes in financing small business acquisitions, search funds, and lower middle-market M&A transactions. Bruce doesn’t just finance deals—he knows what makes a b…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.cricle.so For decades, if you wanted to make it as a Hollywood writer, the first step was simple: move to Hollywood. But increasingly, screenwriters have found that they're able to create and foster screenwriting careers outside of Los Angeles. Two folks who have done that successfully, Will Fetters and Chri…

In this episode, we dive into the world of serial acquisitions with Niklas Savas, an analyst at Redeye, who has a unique perspective on the Swedish serial acquirers' approach. Addtech AB: Over 150 companies, $1.5B in revenue, $150M in operating profit. Lagercrantz Group AB: Around 40 companies, $500M in revenue, $50M in profit Lifco AB: Over 100 co…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so It's no secret that plays and movies are entirely different mediums, so how do you give the cinematic treatment to a play as celebrated as "The Piano Lesson" by Pulitzer Prize-winning August Wilson? From the start, co-writer and director Malcom Washington came in with a very specific take on the ma…

Today’s story is a huge reminder to not cancel out the troubled kid or the teen who doesn't have it all together. Just a down-to-earth success story (with all the drama, obstacles, grind and persistence for 90-min straight). Dustin Carreon’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and strategic thinking. He started with a business that h…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so What sounds harder? Writing a pilot alone at your desk, or running your own TV show with 300 folks trying to execute your vision? For Liz Feldman, it's the former, which affirms what we often say on this show: writing is really, really hard. Despite that, Liz has almost 30 years of TV writing exper…

Ben Little runs the #1 Zaxby’s franchise in the U.S. His company owns 14 locations, employs over 800 people, and generates more than $50M in annual revenue. Ben didn’t just buy into a franchise—he built a powerhouse. In this episode, we dive into what makes a top-performing franchisee, Ben’s approach to scaling, and how he structures deals and fina…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Pixar story genius Mike Jones gets candid with Meg about endings: what makes a great ending, and more important, what makes an emotional ending. Meg and Mike also discuss selfish characters, narrative feature film engines, and how to keep our storytelling fresh when we feel like we're locked in the…

Ryan Sullivan is a risk-conscious entrepreneur who stepped into business ownership in his late 40s, proving that it’s never too late to take the leap. As the co-founder of North Park Group, Ryan has been acquiring small legacy manufacturing businesses across the U.S., starting with a 100-year-old electrical component manufacturer in Wichita, Kansas…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so To say that Kelly Younger is a fairy tale expert is an understatement. He's built an entire career around his obsession with fairy tale principles, so much so that he's become a coveted story consultant, and a frequent writer for THE MUPPETS universe, with credits on MUPPETS NOW and MUPPETS HAUNTED…

Roman Khan is the co-founder of Peak21, a direct-to-consumer holding company that has scaled to an impressive $200 million in revenue—all while maintaining profitability. Together with his wife Jennifer, Roman has acquired 10 companies, building a diverse and thriving portfolio of DTC brands. In this episode, we dive into Roman’s entrepreneurial jo…

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so Glen Mazzara has produced, created and/or showran a litany of amazing projects. His impressive resume includes The Walking Dead (he showran seasons 2 and 3) and Damien, which he also created. But even Glen is the first to admit that there's a certain amount of luck that comes with getting the covet…

Christopher Hillier is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the employee benefits industry. He began his journey as the Co-Founder and President of Benefit Health Advisor, a full-service employee benefits brokerage based in Englewood, Colorado. In our conversation, we delve into Chris’s entrepreneurial journey, from starting …

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so As promised, here is part two of our writers' assistant dive. We chat with Anthony Musella, writer's assistant to Rodney Barnes, who's known for some of the most subversive shows and movies of the last 15 years, such as The Boondocks and Winning Time. Anthony dives deep into what it's like working …

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so To help support relief efforts related to the fires in LA, consider donating to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: https://supportlafd.kindful.com/?campaign=1040812 Listen as former writers' assistants Maggie Gottlieb, Lauren Halberg, and Jonathan Hurwitz detail their experiences as writer…