In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with Mike Wussow and Alina Nisenzon — the husband-and-wife team behind Poppins Payroll, a household payroll platform born from their own parenting frustrations.
Mike and Alina share how a simple need to legally pay their nanny exposed a broken system — one that forced families into small-business-level compliance just to hire care help. What began as a side project quickly evolved into a nationwide solution, built from their living room while both maintained demanding careers. They walk through the realities of creating a tech-enabled service business from scratch, the 60-hour tax maze that inspired their mission, and how their legal backgrounds unexpectedly became their superpower.
As COVID upended work and family life, Poppins found itself at the center of a new wave of household employment — tripling its user base as families sought reliable, compliant payroll tools. Mike and Alina reflect on scaling through that surge, maintaining white-glove customer service in a high-trust category, and building a culture that prized integrity as much as innovation.
This conversation was recorded a year ago, just before that pivotal investment — and we’re thrilled to finally share the full story of how persistence, partnership, and purpose turned a household headache into a national success story.
Learn more about Poppins Payroll: poppinspayroll.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 Brad Feld—venture capitalist, author, and longtime Colorado ecosystem builder—for a candid conversation about innovation, acceleration, and the future that’s already here.They dive into the implications for leaders, educators, and policymakers, exploring why access and experiential learning will determine who thrives in the years ahead. Dan introduces his idea of the “super professional,” and Brad expands on how critical thinking and curiosity—not fear—will separate those who lead from those who get left behind.The conversation moves from macro to deeply personal as Brad shares how he’s applying these ideas in his own life and work. He reflects on the Give First philosophy that shaped Techstars and Foundry Group, the power of mentorship, and why giving without expectation remains his guiding principle in an age defined by exponential change.Learn more about Foundry: https://foundry.vc/Buy Brad's Book "Give First: The Power of Mentorship": https://a.co/d/jhC1JBKOrder 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 Pat Lynch—Executive Managing Director of CBRE Data Center Solutions—for a deep dive into the evolution of digital infrastructure and the lessons learned from three decades in the industry.
Pat recounts his path from MFS Communications and Level 3 to leading CBRE’s global data center platform, reflecting on how real estate, fiber, and connectivity became the backbone of the modern economy.
He and Dan revisit the bandwidth boom and bust—an era of massive ambition, market collapse, and gritty reinvention—and share stories from the front lines, including Level 3’s survival years, the “Mondo Condo” build-outs, and turning crisis into strategy.
Now at the helm of CBRE’s worldwide data center business, Pat connects the dots between those early telecom battles and the AI-driven expansion reshaping infrastructure today. He and Dan explore how power constraints, quantum computing, and edge AI are redefining what it means to build for the future—and why discipline, trust, and curiosity still matter most.
Learn more about CBRE: https://www.cbre.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 Caruso sits down with Dave Schaeffer—Founder and CEO of Cogent Communications—for Part Two of their conversation.
This time, Dave takes us deep inside the chaos of the early 2000s telecom collapse—when companies were vanishing overnight and billions in fiber lay stranded underground. He reveals how Cogent turned crisis into opportunity, buying distressed networks like PSI Net and LambdaNet for pennies on the dollar and stitching them into one of the most efficient global backbones ever built.
Dave and Dan unpack how Cogent’s “focus or fail” strategy defied industry dogma—selling only internet, targeting only high-density buildings, and rejecting the temptation to chase shiny new products. Dave breaks down the math of return on invested capital, the brutal discipline behind saying no to most deals, and why keeping a pure network architecture was key to long-term dominance.
It’s a front-row seat to the stories of the post-crash telecom—and a rare look at the mindset of one of the most relentless dealmakers in digital infrastructure.
Learn more about Cogent Communications: https://cogentco.com/en/
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 Caruso sits down with Nick Forster — Founder & Host of eTown — for an intimate look at how music, community, and purpose have intertwined throughout Colorado’s creative evolution.
Nick recounts hitchhiking to Colorado as a teenager in the 1970s, stumbling into Boulder’s live music scene, and helping define it through his work at the Denver Folklore Center and the formation of the bluegrass band Hot Rize. From late-night gigs at the Colorado Coal Company to international tours and a Bluegrass Hall of Fame induction, Nick’s journey traces the heart of Boulder’s musical DNA.
He shares how a tour through Europe ultimately inspired the creation of eTown, a nationally syndicated show built on connection, sustainability, and civic spirit. Nick and Dan discuss how eTown Hall became a solar-powered community hub, how the arts can revitalize local economies, and why Boulder must reinvest in its creative infrastructure.
They also dig into the emerging Boulder Roots Music Festival, the impact of Sundance’s arrival, and how bringing artists, entrepreneurs, and audiences together can spark a new cultural renaissance on the Front Range.
Learn more about eTown: https://www.etown.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/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 Bryan Dayton—award-winning bartender and restaurateur—for a conversation about cocktails, culture, and building Boulder’s dining scene.
Bryan traces his start behind the bar at Juanita’s, how he sharpened his craft under Bobby Stuckey at Frasca, and the whirlwind that came with being named GQ’s Most Inspired Bartender. He shares stories from national cocktail competitions, including the drink that put him on the map, and how those experiences laid the groundwork for launching his own restaurants.
They dive into the creation of Oak, Acorn’s role in shaping Denver’s RiNo neighborhood, and the vision behind Corrida, a Spanish-inspired rooftop chophouse with one of the best views in Boulder. Bryan also discusses the philosophy behind his cocktail programs and the opening of new concepts like C Bar and C Burger.
Dan and Bryan explore how food and culture intersect in Boulder—from the mentorship ecosystem that grew out of Frasca, to the city’s evolving identity, and what the arrival of Sundance could mean for the local community.
Learn more about Half-Eaten Cookie Hospitality: https://www.halfeatencookie.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 Horace Zona—longtime investment banker and now Managing Director at DigitalBridge—for a wide-ranging conversation on dealmaking, discipline, and the evolution of digital infrastructure.
Horace recounts his front-row seat to some of the industry’s most pivotal transactions, from AboveNet and RCN to Zayo’s rise, and the hard-earned lessons behind them. He shares why price discovery is both art and science, how curiosity shaped his career, and what really went down in boardrooms and dinners that nearly derailed deals.
They dig into the financial chess match of buying fiber in the wake of the telecom crash, the strategic tensions with rival bidders, and how relationships with investors like Charlesbank and Providence shaped outcomes. Horace also opens up about career milestones and explains why today’s AI, quantum, and robotics revolutions remind him of the late ’90s infrastructure boom.
Learn more about DigitalBridge: https://www.digitalbridge.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 Seth Levine—co-founder and Partner of Foundry and one of the architects behind Colorado’s modern venture landscape—for a special live recording.Seth shares his path from the telecom trenches of the 1990s into venture capital, and how mentors and early investors shaped his view of what community-driven entrepreneurship could look like. He recounts the shaky years after the dot-com bust, when many firms disappeared, and how a new wave of collaboration led to the birth of Foundry and Techstars.Seth also draws parallels between past downturns and today’s market reset, offering candid thoughts on valuations, timing, and the cycles that keep reshaping venture.Looking ahead, Dan and Seth explore where the next breakthroughs will come from: defense tech, advanced energy, quantum, and Colorado’s unique role in space. They examine the delicate balance between homegrown capital and outside investment, and how regulation could either fuel or hinder the state’s momentum in AI.Learn more about Foundry: https://foundry.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/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 Judge Andy Hartman—a Boulder District Court judge appointed in 2013, former Big Law partner, and devoted civic leader.Andy reflects on his journey: from chairing the Colorado litigation practice at Cooley LLP and serving as general counsel for Keen, to being appointed to the bench by Governor Hickenlooper in 2013. He’s handled felony criminal cases, civil disputes, domestic relations, probate, juvenile, mental health, and treatment court cases.  Dan and Andy explore how he shaped legal education by serving as the first Director of Experiential Learning at CU Law, teaching there for 12 years and serving on the Leeds Business School’s Deming Center Venture Fund board.  Andy shares how Boulder has evolved and how civic engagement, trust in the justice system, and community institutions like Sundance underscore the evolving role of the bench in a polarized era.Learn more about Colorado’s 20th Judicial District: https://www.coloradojudicial.govOrder 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 Chris Pearson—CEO of Agile Space Industries, for a wide-ranging conversation on propulsion, defense tech, and Colorado’s rise as a space hub.
Chris explains how falling launch costs and the explosion of mega-constellations are transforming the space economy, why propulsion and mobility in orbit are critical to both national security and commercial growth, and how Agile is meeting the moment with thrusters built through advanced additive manufacturing.
They dive into Agile’s roots in Durango as a propulsion test company, its expansion into full engine design and production, and the upcoming Tulsa facility that will help ease one of the industry’s biggest choke points.
Learn more about Agile Space Industries: https://agilespaceindustries.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 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
