In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan continues his conversation with Molly Bloom—bestselling author, entrepreneur, and the inspiration behind the Oscar-nominated film Molly’s Game.
If Part 1 explored Molly’s rise, Part 2 takes us deep into the chaos of her fall—and the remarkable resilience that followed. Molly recounts how her move to New York turned her games into a Wall Street phenomenon, with $250,000 buy-ins, billionaires, and the lure of unimaginable stakes. With success came darker forces: organized crime, violent threats, federal raids, and the collapse of everything she had built.
Molly reveals the pivotal choices she had to make—between protecting her players or saving herself, and between spiraling further or rebuilding her life from scratch. She opens up about discovering meditation, repairing her family relationships, and finding strength in integrity, even when prosecutors pressured her to betray others.
Dan and Molly also talk about how her story made its way to Hollywood, what it was like to work with Aaron Sorkin and Jessica Chastain, and how the film Molly’s Game gave her a second chance. Today, she reflects on her life as a speaker, author, and mother—and the lessons about risk, resilience, and redemption that continue to guide her.
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Michael Zeisser, founder of FMZ Ventures and one of the most globally seasoned investors in tech and media.
Michael reflects on a career shaped by transformation—beginning in a small village in France, earning a scholarship to Kellogg, and rising through the ranks at McKinsey to become a partner. He then joined Liberty Media, where he worked alongside John Malone on digital strategy and acquisitions, before leading U.S. investments at Alibaba Group during one of its most expansive global phases. Today, he runs FMZ Ventures, a $300 million growth equity firm focused on companies that enable, stage, or distribute experiences.
The conversation explores the four types of experiences FMZ targets—kinetic, psychotherapeutic, functional, and virtual—and how these align with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Dan and Michael also discuss how AI, AR, and changing work-life dynamics are reshaping the way people pursue connection, meaning, and purpose.
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with John Siegel—Partner at Columbia Capital and telecom dealmaker—for a candid conversation about collapse, conviction, and the fiber-fueled comeback of digital infrastructure.
John reflects on how Columbia navigated the “nuclear winter” following the dot-com and telecom crashes, why investing in ICG felt like career suicide at the time, and how that bold bet led to Columbia’s most successful infrastructure play.
They unpack how trust between investors and operators unlocked unprecedented value, the strategic chess match behind acquiring AboveNet, and the broader implications of Zayo’s massive rollout. John also shares stories from European deals like EU Networks and GTS Central Europe, and weighs in on how the AI-driven infrastructure boom feels eerily familiar to the fiber land rush of 20 years ago.
Learn more about Columbia Capital: https://www.colcap.com/
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Steve Redfearn—Chief of Police for the City of Boulder—for a candid conversation about trauma, transition, and the evolving role of law enforcement in a post-2020 world.Steve shares what it was like responding to the Aurora theater shooting as a young officer, how that experience—and the years that followed—shifted his views on officer wellness and the culture of policing, and why coming to Boulder offered a different way forward. They dive into how the Boulder Police Foundation helped rebuild morale, and the impact of newer tools like drones, AI, and license plate readers. Steve also talks openly about the complexities of homeless policy, the pressure of oversight boards, and the ongoing challenges surrounding unsolved cases like JonBenét Ramsey.This episode offers an inside look at a police chief navigating political headwinds, cultural shifts, and a city in transition—while staying committed to building trust, transparency, and a department that meets the moment.Learn more about the Boulder Police Foundation: https://boulderpolicefoundation.org/Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/bookTo nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Ben Bloom—founder and CEO of Atom Computing—to unpack the future of quantum technology and the unlikely rise of Boulder as a global quantum epicenter.
Ben shares how he went from academia to founding one of the most advanced quantum startups in the world, why Atom is betting on neutral atoms, and how their partnership with Microsoft and record-setting sale to Denmark are shaping the next wave of tech leadership. They discuss the real-world potential of quantum computing—from inventing new materials and unlocking more efficient energy to redefining national security and economic strategy.
Ben also breaks down how quantum and AI could work symbiotically, what a “utility-scale” quantum computer actually looks like, and why the race to access this scarce technology could mirror the early days of cloud and GPUs.
Learn more about Atom Computing: https://www.atom-computing.com/
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Aaron Ginn—founder of Hydra Host is reimagining how the world’s compute infrastructure gets built.Aaron shares why he believes GPUs are becoming the new oil, and how sovereign AI infrastructure is transforming what it means to own and control data. He reflects on his journey from San Francisco to Colorado, where a better quality of life and a more pragmatic culture inspired him to rethink where innovation happens.Their conversation explores the forces driving decentralization—from power constraints and geopolitics to the rise of distributed, resilient data centers in unexpected places like El Salvador and even active volcanoes.Aaron also draws from historical lessons, including previous industrial revolutions, to frame this moment in tech—and explains why freedom and responsibility must go hand in hand for entrepreneurs bold enough to shape it.To learn more about Hydra Host: https://hydrahost.com/Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/bookTo nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Jane Strode Miller—veteran food industry executive, CEO of Rudi’s Mountain Bakery, mentor, and bestselling author of Sleep Your Way to the Top and Other Myths About Business Success.
Jane shares her journey from humble beginnings in Peoria, Illinois, where her mother raised four children alone while working three jobs. She opens up about her early ambition to become a lawyer—simply because it seemed like the most stable path—only to pivot into business and rise through the ranks at Frito-Lay, Hostess, Heinz, and Rudi’s Organic Bakery.
Dan and Jane explore how she broke into leadership roles in male-dominated environments, why confidence is often the decisive edge in a corporate career, and the lessons she learned about decisiveness, resilience, and course-correcting in real time. Jane explains her transition from marketing mainstream snack brands to championing natural and organic foods—and why she believes Boulder became the epicenter of the natural products movement.
Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or reimagining your career midstream, this episode offers a candid look at reinvention and the mindset it takes to thrive in an industry—and a world—where the only constant is change.
Learn more about Rudi’s Mountain Bakery: https://rudisbakery.com/
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Bryan Leach, the founder and CEO of Ibotta—a Denver-based marketing platform that helps brands engage millions of consumers.Bryan shares how watching his father build a public company sparked his own entrepreneurial journey. After relocating to the U.S., Bryan eventually founded Ibotta and led the company through the challenges of scaling a high-growth business—all the way to ringing the bell on the New York Stock Exchange in April 2024, a rare achievement in today’s tough IPO climate.From his unique vantage point, Bryan discusses what it takes to build a resilient company culture, recruit and retain top talent, and stay true to a long-term vision amid the short-term pressures of public markets. He also reflects on the evolving promise of the American dream, the power of education and networks in shaping opportunity, and why fostering community is essential for lasting impact.This episode offers candid insights on scaling with purpose, leading through volatility, and the grit it takes to take a company public when the odds are stacked against you.Learn more about Ibotta: https://home.ibotta.com/Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/bookTo nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Drake Livingston to unpack the story behind Spread Networks—an ultra-low latency fiber route built to connect Chicago and New York faster than ever before. What started as a bold idea from a former trader turned into one of the most talked-about infrastructure builds in telecom and trading history.
Drake reflects on how Spread’s team—backed by Jim and David Barksdale—quietly constructed a perfectly straight fiber line, cutting through the noise (and terrain) of traditional networks. From navigating right-of-way challenges to stripping down optical gear for speed, they engineered every detail for one purpose: to give traders an edge measured in microseconds.
Drake and Dan also dive into the acquisition of Spread by Zayo, how that move unlocked new ways of thinking about pricing, route design, and customer relationships, and why telecom companies often overlook the power of focus. Their conversation touches on the culture that made Spread different, what it taught the broader Zayo team, and where they see infrastructure innovation heading next—including quantum networks and precision timekeeping.
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
For more information, check out Drake’s recommended podcast and reading lists:
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Bobby Stuckey, Master Sommelier and co-founder of Frasca Hospitality Group, to explore what it really means to lead with hospitality—and why that mindset has never mattered more.
Originally recorded before his latest accolade, we’re re-releasing this episode to celebrate a major milestone: Frasca Food and Wine was just named Outstanding Restaurant at the 2025 James Beard Awards. It’s one of the foundation’s top honors, and a fitting recognition for Bobby’s decades-long commitment to excellence.
In this conversation, Bobby shares the story behind building Frasca and its sister restaurants—including Pizzeria Alberico and Tavernetta—and how his time at iconic spots like The French Laundry and The Little Nell shaped his obsession with world-class service. From the influence of Friulian culture to the grit it takes to lead a hospitality team, Bobby pulls back the curtain on what makes Frasca not just special, but enduring.
Dan and Bobby also talk about Scarpetta Wine, the discipline of sommeliers, and what it takes to create experiences that feel effortless but are anything but. At its heart, this episode is about care, community, and why showing up the right way—every day—still matters.
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Chris Erickson and Adam Burrows—founders of Range Ventures and two of the most influential early-stage investors shaping Colorado’s tech future.
Chris and Adam reflect on how their years as operators—building companies like ApartmentList and scaling HomeAdvisor—shaped their approach to venture capital. Their conversation paints a picture of Colorado’s startup scene where a “give-first” culture, rich tech talent, and ambitious founder community create fertile ground for innovation.
From personal war stories to macro trends, Chris and Adam reflect on how grit, timing, and real empathy for founders drive their investing philosophy. They also offer a behind-the-scenes look at launching a fund during a time of seismic change—and why building community is core to their long-term bet on Colorado.
Whether you're a founder, operator, or investor curious about what’s next in venture, this episode offers a rare window into how a new generation of VCs is backing companies—and ecosystems—from the ground up.
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars Dan sits down with quantum technologist and entrepreneur Pranav Gokhale—co-founder of Super.tech and a key leader at Infleqtion, one of the most ambitious and advanced quantum computing companies in the world.Pranav shares how an early internship at NIST introduced him to the world of quantum physics, sparking a lifelong passion that led to a PhD, a startup, and eventually an acquisition by Infleqtion. From his unique vantage point inside the industry, Pranav explains how quantum technology is already transforming national defense, finance, biotech, and communications—and how we’re much closer to useful quantum computing than most people think.Dan and Pranav dive into the software and hardware breakthroughs accelerating the field, explore how quantum sensing and timekeeping are enabling new commercial and military applications today, and discuss the global race for quantum supremacy. Along the way, they unpack the parallels between the evolution of quantum tech and the early days of the internet.Whether you're a quantum enthusiast, a curious founder, or just trying to understand what all the hype is about, this episode is an eye-opening look at the most important frontier technology of our time—and the people making it real.Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/bookTo nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Molly Bloom—former world-class skier turned underground poker queen, bestselling author, and the inspiration behind the Oscar-nominated film Molly’s Game.Molly opens up about growing up in a high-achieving Colorado family, navigating life in the shadow of Olympic athletes and Harvard surgeons, and the personal drive that pushed her through a major spinal surgery and onto the U.S. ski team. When an injury ended her athletic dreams, Molly found herself in Los Angeles, running what would become the most exclusive high-stakes poker games in the world—hosting celebrities, billionaires, and titans of finance.Dan and Molly dive into how she built the game from scratch, scaled it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, and maintained her integrity while surrounded by power, money, and pressure. She shares stories of ambition, collapse, reinvention, and what it really means to live by your values—even when everything falls apart.Whether you know her from the headlines or her Hollywood story, this episode is a fascinating deep dive into her unique story—and the next chapter she’s writing now.Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/bookTo nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In celebration of the upcoming Outside Festival 2025, we’re re-releasing this inspiring episode of The Bear Roars featuring Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside, Inc. The festival takes place May 31–June 1, 2025, at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado. This two-day celebration of the outdoors will feature live music from headliners like Khruangbin, Lord Huron, and Sylvan Esso, along with adventure films, thought-provoking speakers, immersive outdoor experiences, and more.
Click here to get your tickets and be part of this unique celebration of outdoor culture!
In this episode of The Bear Roars, we sit down with former pro cyclist and Colorado native Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside, the world’s leading active lifestyle content and experiences platform. Before Outside, Robin co-founded MapMyFitness, later acquired by Under Armour, and led Helix, a consumer genomics company. In this episode, Robin shares his journey from racing bikes to building industry-shaping companies, and discusses how enjoying the outdoors is connected to your well-being.Click here to learn more about Outside, Inc.: https://www.outsideinc.com/.To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with Katie Stanton—founder of Moxxie Ventures and former executive at Yahoo, Google, and Twitter—for a deeply insightful and personal conversation about career, conviction, and catalyzing innovation.
Katie traces her path from early product roles at Yahoo Finance and Google to her pivot into public service with the Obama administration. She shares vivid stories of helping scale Twitter globally, co-founding #Angels to tackle gender disparity in tech, and eventually founding her own venture firm, Moxxie Ventures.
Dan and Katie also explore how AI, healthcare, and climate innovation are reshaping the startup landscape—and why founders who “live in the future” are the ones to watch. This episode is packed with founder insights, reflections on meaningful leadership, and Katie’s signature blend of warmth and wisdom.
Learn more about Moxxie Ventures here: https://www.moxxie.vc/
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with Jim Packer—President of Worldwide Television and Digital Distribution at Lionsgate—for a sweeping conversation on the past, present, and future of content.
Jim’s career spans from his scrappy start delivering hand-addressed resumes to Disney studios, to leading global content strategy at some of the most storied names in Hollywood—including MGM and Lionsgate. Along the way, he’s helped shape how we experience film and television across traditional media, streaming platforms, and now AI-enhanced environments.
The two dive into the seismic impact of AI on media production and content curation—from sound editing to predictive performance modeling for thousands of titles. Jim also shares how old TV classics are being remastered and reborn thanks to cutting-edge upscaling technology, and how platforms like YouTube are reshaping long-form storytelling and fandom.
This episode is filled with real industry wisdom, lessons from media’s most iconic leaders, and an insider’s take on how the entertainment business is being reinvented in real time.
Learn more about Lionsgate here: https://www.lionsgate.com/
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with Colby Synesael—former top-ranked telecom analyst turned investment banker—to trace the evolution of digital infrastructure and its collision course with AI.
Colby shares how a chance job at a collapsing telecom company launched a decades-long career covering the industry's most pivotal transformations. From the post-dot-com rebuild to the emergence of communications infrastructure as a standalone sector, his vantage point has offered rare insight into the companies, strategies, and capital shifts that defined the space.
Their conversation explores the powerful impact of AI on data centers, fiber networks, and power infrastructure—revealing why energy availability, transmission, and next-gen technologies like small modular reactors are becoming central to the future of connectivity. They also examine the growing investor appetite for infrastructure-like assets and what the shift from AI training to inferencing means for metro fiber and edge deployments.
Colby and Dan look back on the critical moments that shaped the sector, while also unpacking the trends and technologies that will define its next chapter. From early industry conferences to the rise of private capital, this episode offers an insider’s view into how digital infrastructure became one of the most consequential—and investable—industries of our time.
This episode is packed with real history, sharp perspective, and a clear-eyed look at what comes next.
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with Dave Schaeffer, founder and CEO of Cogent Communications, to unpack one of the most fascinating and unorthodox careers in telecom.
Before launching Cogent, Schaeffer ran the second-largest taxicab company in Washington, D.C., built a real estate empire, and traded in spectrum—after entering college at age 12 and nearly completing a PhD as a teenager. Schaeffer shares the wild backstory behind his entrepreneurial path, including the strategic bets that helped him turn $1 million investments into multimillion-dollar exits long before he ever touched fiber.
Their conversation dives deep into the origins of Cogent and the six core principles that have guided its long-term success—from targeting a single product (internet access) to outmaneuvering larger players with laser focus and ruthless cost efficiency. Dan and Dave also talk about the dot-com crash, how Cogent scaled through downturns by acquiring distressed assets, and what it took to build one of the largest and most profitable IP networks in the world.
This episode is packed with sharp insight, telecom history, and lessons on what it really takes to think differently—and win.
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Andy Lipman—a telecom industry trailblazer whose legal and regulatory work helped open the door to competition and laid the groundwork for the modern internet. From his early days in transportation deregulation to leading the charge against the Bell monopoly, Andy has been at the center of telecom’s most pivotal moments.
Their conversation spans the antitrust battles of the 1980s, the rise of MFS and Teleport, and Andy’s role in coining the term “CLEC” and shaping the 1996 Telecommunications Act. He shares stories about industry giants like Bill McGowan, Jim Crowe, and Bernie Ebbers, and explains how regulatory fights over interconnection fueled the explosion of internet infrastructure.
Dan and Andy also talk about the dot-com bust, the legacy of WorldCom, and how today's fiber and broadband boom traces directly back to that earlier era. They wrap by looking ahead—discussing fiber overbuilds, Starlink, and the future of telecom as critical infrastructure.
Whether you're a policy nerd or a broadband junkie, this one’s packed with insider stories and lessons that still matter today.
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan sits down with Lenval Logan—former intelligence analyst and member of the U.S. government’s UAP task force—to discuss his career in the military and intelligence community, and the work he’s done investigating unexplained aerial phenomena. From his early years maintaining B-52 bombers to briefing generals at the Pentagon, Logan’s path eventually led him to support efforts focused on identifying and analyzing objects that defy conventional explanation.
Their conversation explores a range of topics, including military pilot reports of unidentified craft, the presence of unknown objects near nuclear sites, and the challenges of collecting credible data in a field often dismissed or ignored. Logan shares what it was like to be in the Pentagon on 9/11, how he became involved with the UAP task force, and why the stigma surrounding these reports has hindered both research and response.
Dan and Logan also discuss the launch of Logan’s Phenom app, designed to allow the public to document and report sightings, as well as broader questions about transparency, government disclosure, and the psychological toll on service members who witness unexplained events.
Whether you’re a skeptic or simply curious, Logan’s insights offer a measured, inside look at how the U.S. government has approached one of the most enduring mysteries of our time.
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
