Kesha Stickland's mission is clear: to make healthy food accessible and delicious. After a life-changing health crisis, she turned to mushrooms as a powerful tool for healing—and now she's revolutionizing the meat alternative industry. Discover how her journey from software engineer to food innovator is transforming consumer behavior and building healthier communities.
Episode Summary:
Kesha Stickland, CEO and co-founder of The Mushroom Meat Co., shares her journey from software engineering and consulting to food innovation. Following a severe health crisis and personal journey to recovery, Kesha discovered the healing power of mushrooms. Her commitment to health drove her to develop award-winning beef and pork alternatives using functional mushrooms as the star ingredient.
In this episode, Kesha breaks down the science behind mushrooms, their nutritional power, and why they outperform many meat alternatives in both health benefits and sustainability. She also explores how she's working with farmers to grow mushrooms as a profitable alternative to traditional livestock, unlocking new economic opportunities and utilizing existing supply chains. Throughout the conversation, Kesha opens up about her leadership journey, her role as a visible role model, and how she embraces every learning as a powerful tool for innovation and growth.
Listen in to hear how Kesha's dedication to health is driving impactful change in the food industry and what we put in the center of our plates.
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Jilea Hemmings isn’t just ahead of the curve — she’s defining it. From pioneering meatless meals before the plant-based boom to transforming food access with AI-driven retail, Jilea is proving that innovation and impact go hand in hand. In this episode, she shares how she navigates resistance to change, the importance of asking the right questions, and why laughter is her secret to sustainable entrepreneurship.
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Jilea Hemmings, co-founder & CEO of Nourish + Bloom, has spent her career pioneering solutions before the market even realizes it needs them. In this conversation, she shares how her early adoption of trends — from plant-based nutrition to AI-driven retail — has positioned her at the forefront of innovation.
Jilea discusses the power of asking questions and learning from customers, highlighting how initial skepticism can shift when people experience the benefits of new technology firsthand. She breaks down how AI enables Nourish + Bloom to serve communities that big box retailers often ignore, proving that automation can be a force for social good.
Beyond business, Jilea opens up about the role of joy and play in entrepreneurship. She and her husband, Jamie, have built not only a thriving company but also a resilient partnership, grounded in humor and shared purpose. Whether it’s navigating setbacks or celebrating wins (something she admits she needs to do more), Jilea emphasizes the importance of perspective, patience, and asking the right questions. Listen in to learn how Nourish + Bloom is redefining retail, reshaping perspectives, and proving that impact-driven businesses can also be highly profitable.
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Entrepreneurship is rarely a straight path. Walter Ley breaks down how he forged his own, built his own playbook, and learned to trust his instincts as he celebrates his company, Branch, hitting the 1 million user milestone.
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Walter Ley didn’t follow a prewritten script — he built his own playbook for success with his company, Branch. In this episode, we dive into his journey as a founder, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and how he navigates the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. From embracing uncertainty to making bold decisions, Walter shares insights that can help any entrepreneur carve their own path.
Walter and host Kt McBratney discuss bootstrapping and VC funding, the joy and challenges in growing a team, learning from failures, and the different ways we can define success for ourselves. His approach to building a company without a fixed framework provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to break conventional molds and build something truly unique and impactful.
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What does it take to fully integrate impact into entrepreneurship? Laurie Lane-Zucker has spent decades shaping a new paradigm where business drives measurable social and environmental good.
Episode Summary: In this episode of Founded on Purpose, host Kt McBratney sits down with Laurie Lane-Zucker, founder and CEO of Impact Entrepreneur, a pioneering force in the impact economy. Laurie shares his journey from environmental NGO leadership to spearheading a global community of systems-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and scholars. He discusses the significance of shifting from a single bottom line to a triple bottom line framework, the evolution of the term "impact entrepreneur," and how branding can shape movements. Laurie also reflects on the importance of wisdom traditions in business, the role of community in effecting real change, and why the concept of "healing" is at the core of his purpose. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or purpose-driven leader, Laurie’s insights will inspire you to rethink success and embrace business as a tool for real impact.
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• Impact Entrepreneur
• Laurie Lane Zucker’s 2023 Textbook: Sustainability, Business, and Investment Implications
• Orion Magazine
• Wendell Berry’s Works
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What does it take for women entrepreneurs — especially women of color — to break through and thrive? Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne, CEO and founder of Wocstar, shares how she backs bold entrepreneurs and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Episode Summary: In this episode of Founded on Purpose, Kt McBratney sits down with Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne, a trailblazing investor, founder, and ecosystem builder, to explore what it really takes to fund and support diverse founders. Gayle dives into the importance of owning mistakes, having hard conversations, and trusting your instincts. She shares her philosophy on "fessing up to your f*** ups," why ghosting is never the answer, and how scaling impact in venture capital remains one of her biggest challenges. From discussing how she plays—through cooking, cycling, and jigsaw puzzles—to navigating advice as both a mentor and mentee, Gayle offers invaluable insights on balancing the serious nature of venture capital with creativity and joy. She also reveals her deep belief in storytelling as a tool for systemic change and how it shapes her approach to investing, founder education, and media.
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Ever wondered how to turn life’s challenges into a springboard for innovation? Merav Goldman’s story will inspire you to rethink setbacks and redefine creativity.
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In this episode of Founded on Purpose, we sit down with Merav Goldman, founder of the award-winning company All Better Co. Merav shares her entrepreneurial journey, focusing on two powerful themes: how slingshot moments can transform obstacles into opportunities and the art of innovative product design. From navigating parenting challenges to crafting solutions that resonate deeply with her customers, Merav offers invaluable lessons on resilience, creativity, and problem-solving. Tune in to discover how she turned personal experiences into a purpose-driven business that’s making life easier for parents everywhere.
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Can we change the world by changing how we consume media? Ashwath Narayanan, co-founder and CEO of Social Currant, thinks so. In this episode, he discusses how purpose-led organizations can further their impact by embracing and investing in the rapidly evolving creator and media landscape.
Episode Summary
Ashwath Narayanan joins host Kt McBratney to talk about his work in the evolving media landscape and how investing in people (creators) rather than platforms (TikTok, Instagram, etc) is a winning strategy for change. He shares the challenges faced by nonprofits in adopting new strategies, and the significance of creativity in impact storytelling. They also touch on the complexities of content strategies and tactics, and the realities of being a content creator. Ashwath shares insights on learning from mistakes, trusting one's instincts as a founder, and the significance of building infrastructure to support the impact ecosystem.
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What happens when purpose meets community? In this special live episode of Founded on Purpose, recorded at the vibrant Holiday UnCorporate Party, Paul Armstrong (General Partner at Renew VC) and Madilynn Beck (Founder & CEO of The Better Spot) join host Kt McBratney to explore how helping others shapes careers, communities, and even the future of entrepreneurship. Plus, hear from other inspiring guests as they share their unique takes on purpose and impact.
Episode Summary
In this celebratory live recording at The Better Spot’s UnCorporate Party, host Kt McBratney sits down with Paul Armstrong (General Partner at Renew VC) to discuss his journey as a designer, communicator, and advocate for purpose-driven leadership. Paul shares how his role as a conduit between ideas and people has shaped his career and influenced his approach to impact and innovation.
But this episode goes beyond one conversation. We chat with Madilynn Beck (Founder & CEO of The Better Spot) about her purpose for the new year, and she shares her thought process distilling her professional and personal intentions into a single word. Featuring a diverse array of other voices — including founders, dreamers, and changemakers from the UnCorporate Party — listeners will hear perspectives on purpose that range from helping others and overcoming fear to building legacies and fostering motivation. This collective exploration of purpose offers a thought-provoking close to the year and a hopeful look toward the future.
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What does it take to build a supportive community for women and nonbinary people in male-dominant fields? In this episode, Old Girls Club founder Mallory Contois and host Kt McBratney delve into the unexpected parallels between relationships and business success. Mallory shares her take of the roles of support networks, partners, and friendships in achieving professional goals. Can who you choose as a partner impact your entrepreneurial journey? How important is context when it comes to who's giving you advice?
In this conversation, Mallory discusses her evolving purpose centered around lifting others, her recent wins in treating her passion project as a business, and the importance of community and human connection. She reflects on missed opportunities in her field, shares insights on learning from mistakes, and digs into why surrounding yourself with the right people matters. This conversation is packed with personal stories and reflections that highlight the interplay between personal growth, community building, and professional development.
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How can we drive systemic change in the apparel industry while building a sustainable, community-driven brand? Marianna Sachse, founder of Jackalo, shares her journey of designing clothes that stand the test of time.
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In this episode, Marianna Sachse, founder of Jackalo, dives into the world of sustainable fashion, focusing on durability and responsible production. A lifelong environmentalist who believes humans have the power to do better, Marianna shares her background as a social worker and how her passion for environmental impact led to creating Jackalo, the first circular children's clothing company in the US. From sourcing sustainable materials to designing clothing that withstands the wear and tear of childhood, Marianna discusses Jackalo’s mission to disrupt the fast fashion cycle and make one part of parenting easier. This conversation reveals how one founder blends her values of sustainability and social responsibility to inspire change across the apparel industry.
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What if peak performance isn’t about doing more but being more? Jason Cavnar unpacks how founders can harness mental health practices to drive innovation, foster resilience, and redefine what it means to lead sustainably in high-pressure environments.
Episode Summary
In this candid and deeply personal conversation, Jason Cavnar, executive director of the Founder Mental Health Pledge, discusses how founders can transform their mental health from an afterthought to a cornerstone of their success. Drawing from his own journey as well as well-documented systemic challenges in the startup ecosystem, Jason highlights why proactive mental health practices are essential for sustaining high performance in entrepreneurship.
The episode explores the interplay between mental well-being and peak leadership, why founders often feel trapped in survival mode, and how small daily rituals can lead to big changes. Jason shares stories about reimagining leadership through consciousness, embracing vulnerability, and using tools like travel and play to foster creativity and innovation. I Whether you’re a founder, an investor, or simply interested in building better systems, this episode offers actionable wisdom and a call to join the movement.
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How can we find genuine connection in the noise of the digital age? Kay Rodriguez, CEO of Outerly, shares how she's using outdoor experiences and a beginner's mindset to foster belonging at scale and counter the loneliness epidemic.
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What does it mean to create true belonging in an increasingly disconnected world? Kay Rodriguez, CEO of Outerly, joins us to discuss her mission is to foster authentic interactions. She shares insights on building a human-centered company, embracing failure as part of the startup journey, and the importance of staying grounded in a mission-driven purpose.
Kay tackles the tension between social media’s potential to connect and its reality of isolating people, and she and host Kt McBratney reflect on the role of nature, human interaction, and vulnerability in building a deeper sense of community. In this candid conversation, Kay also explores her own growth as a founder, including the importance of learning new skills and being comfortable as a beginner.
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How can media be a vehicle for change in our noisy, fragmented world? Julian Walker, CEO of PushBlack, joins host Kt McBratney to discuss building a platform that reaches millions in the Black community with powerful stories, history, and a call to action. Hear about his journey, challenges, and insights into impact entrepreneurship as he shares what it takes to build and grow a purpose-driven media platform and the pivotal role of community engagement.
Julian Walker explores the evolution of PushBlack, a media platform dedicated to Black news, history, and issues. He shares how PushBlack has successfully tapped into the power of storytelling to build a connected, engaged community and drive social impact including voter registration and turnout. Julian also digs into the influence growing up in Little Rock has on him to this day, his journey from film school to leading PushBlack, and his broader vision for changing the narrative and amplifying Black voices for liberation.
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How can agency reshape creativity and entrepreneurship? Emily Best discusses how taking control of your story and vision is essential for thriving as a creator, building a company, and sparking lasting change in your community.
Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode, Kt McBratney talks with Emily Best, founder and CEO of Film Forward and Seed&Spark, a platform empowering creators with the resources and community they need to tell impactful stories. Emily dives deep into her personal and entrepreneurial journey, sharing wisdom on the importance of agency, the unexpected joys and challenges of leadership, and the power of creative autonomy. From her favorite part of the job—teaching workshops to creators—to her least favorite—fundraising—Emily offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs and creators navigating uncertain terrain. Tune in for insights on how to trust your gut, when to seek advice, and why maintaining a clear vision is critical in the face of doubt.
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How do you mix centuries-old garments with modern business strategies? Fashion Conservatory’s Melinda Villareal takes us inside the vintage fashion world as she discusses her journey from passionate vintage clothing seller to building a growing retail platform that marries history with the future of fashion.
Episode Summary: In this episode, Melinda Villareal (CEO of Fashion Conservatory) dives deep into the vintage fashion world, sharing insights into the preservation versus personalization debate within the vintage community and the biggest missed opportunity in her industry.
Melinda also discusses the challenges of being taken seriously in both the fashion and startup worlds, how her team keeps vintage clothing alive for future generations, and the excitement she finds in restoring garments to their former glory. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or curious about the business side of vintage fashion, this episode is packed with insights, history, and inspiration.
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How do we build a better world by building software that adapts to us instead of the other way around? Founder and CEO of BetterCEO Mina Raver shares how her journey from a 10-year-old entrepreneur selling origami to a tech founder is rooted in challenging conventions and embracing innovation. Tune in to learn how cognitive differences and tinkering drive her work and leadership to break down societal hierarchies and outdated systems
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Kt McBratney sits down with Mina Raver, founder of BetterCEO, to explore the intersection of accessibility, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Mina shares her unique perspective on how societal systems have historically limited accessibility and what needs to change for more inclusive environments. She also delves into her personal experiences of being a lifelong tinkerer, her journey as a solo founder, and the importance of play in her life. From discussing her neurodivergence and how it shapes her decision-making to revealing the challenges of being a tech founder limited by capital, Mina provides a thought-provoking and inspiring look at her work, leadership, and vision for a more accessible world.
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• Accessibility and Social Hierarchies: Mina explains how systemic societal structures have historically limited accessibility, from people with disabilities to mothers with strollers, reinforcing outdated hierarchies that don’t serve the majority.
• Cognitive Differences and Innovation: The conversation touches on the importance of understanding cognitive diversity and how rigid labels can stifle innovation. Mina emphasizes the need to build systems with everyone in mind.
• The Role of Play in Creativity: Mina shares how play with her family, whether through video games or imaginative activities with her children, helps keep her mentally fit and fuels her creativity.
• Entrepreneurial Challenges: One of Mina’s biggest challenges as a tech founder is navigating capital limitations, which often slow down progress. She also reflects on the transformative experience of building a team and seeing their collective contributions create something greater than she could have envisioned.
• Navigating Advice as a Founder: Mina discusses how her synesthesia helps her visualize and categorize advice, allowing her to determine what resonates and what to reserve for later consideration. Trusting her gut is essential in her decision-making process.
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• Accessibility & Inclusion: The conversation underscores the importance of building systems that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for all.
• Cognitive Diversity: Highlighting the value of cognitive differences, Mina encourages a broader understanding of how people think and process information.
• Entrepreneurial Grit: Mina’s journey from a 10-year-old entrepreneur to a tech founder reveals her deep passion for problem-solving and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• The Power of Play: Play is a key element in both Mina’s personal and professional life, offering mental stimulation and creative energy.
• Building with Purpose: Throughout her career, Mina has focused on creating with purpose—whether it's her early ventures or founding BetterCEO, everything she does aims to make a meaningful impact.
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What does it take to be driven by purpose while tackling some of society’s most complex challenges? In this episode, Devin Thorpe, impact investor, author, and host of Superpowers for Good, shares how persistence, optimism, and a strong belief in collective action have shaped his career and mindset. Devin’s reflections will inspire you to embrace hard challenges and see your own potential to create meaningful change.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging conversation, host Kt McBratney sits down with Devin Thorpe, a champion of social impact, crowdfunding expert and creator of Superpowers for Good. They explore the powerful role persistence and optimism play in making an impact, even when the road seems tough. Devin reflects on key moments in his life, from his early career lessons to his personal experiences raising a son who embodies the belief that we can do hard things. He also discusses the barriers to making social change, lessons learned from mistakes, and the critical importance of play and balance in a purpose-driven life.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an advocate, or someone looking to make a difference in the world, Devin’s insights will leave you inspired to face challenges with confidence, knowing that together we can accomplish the impossible.
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If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Founded on Purpose for more inspiring conversations with change-makers like Devin. Leave us a review and share the episode with someone who could use a dose of optimism and practical advice for tackling big challenges.
There are 950,000 hair salons in the U.S., bringing in $68B annually, yet the average salon owner is leaving $150,000 a year on the table. Enter Chrystal L. Graves, the founder and CEO of Liquid, the decision engine helping salon owners increase profits and thrive.
In this episode, Chrystal talks with host Kt McBratney about the driving forces behind her entrepreneurial journey. She shares her insights on maintaining alignment with her "why," balancing visualization with action, and the importance of self-determination. We dive into how Chrystal blends personal practices with professional strategies, including her approach to manifesting success as a parent and founder, and the unique ways she finds joy and play in her life.
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Sometimes pushing the limits means climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and sometimes it means making the fertility journey more proactive and inclusive. Today's guest can attest to both. Kt sits down with Jessica Bell van der Wal, co-founder and CEO of Frame Fertility, to talk about her purpose-driven path to help people navigate family planning with confidence and care. She shares her insights on as proactive care, embracing mistakes as a founder, and how taking care of others is one successful path to raise millions, represent women in leadership to the next generation, and live a life full of purpose and adventure.
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Ever feel like your career doesn’t fit neatly into a traditional box? Same. In this episode, we chat with Milly Tamati, founder of Generalist World, who’s made it her mission to support people like us—those who zigzag through careers, passions, and projects. Milly gets real about the ups and downs of building a path that doesn’t follow the rulebook and shares how she’s helping fellow generalists find their place in a world that doesn’t always get us. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not “just one thing,” you’ll want to tune in.
Milly shares how leaning into her diverse passions—whether it's cooking, playing guitar, or building a community-driven business—has been the key to her success. From navigating big decisions as a first-time founder to embracing creativity in everyday life, she offers insights for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Do I have to choose just one path?” Spoiler: You don’t!
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