Morgan Spenla: Founder & CEO of Crafter
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Morgan Spenla, the visionary Founder and CEO of Crafter—a game-changing platform bringing hands-on, creative learning to life for makers everywhere. 🚀 Morgan has created the ultimate home for artists and makers of all levels to connect with each other, learn from top experts, and dive into immersive workshops from the comfort of home. Whether it’s stained glass, needle felting, or woodturning, Crafter has it all, with high-quality instruction that makes it easy to explore creativity.
Morgan shares the journey of building Crafter, from securing partnerships with major names like Girl Scouts and Anthropologie to hosting in-person Crafter Retreats that foster a deeper community connection. As a seasoned entrepreneur, Morgan has taken Crafter through startup accelerators, fundraised like a pro, and scaled her vision into a thriving movement that’s redefining creative discovery. Tune in to hear Morgan’s inspiring story and insights on building community, driving innovation, and the power of hands-on learning. Don’t miss it! Now on The Kara Goldin Show!
David Bean: Founder & CEO of NIRA
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I’m joined by David Bean, Founder and CEO of NIRA, a transformative beauty tech brand bringing the power of professional-grade laser skincare right into your home. David, a laser expert with decades of experience developing semiconductor laser diodes for dermatologists and plastic surgeons, saw an opportunity to make effective laser treatments more accessible and affordable for everyone. His solution? NIRA, the world’s first painless at-home laser clinically proven to reduce wrinkles—without the harsh side effects or high costs of in-office treatments.
In our conversation, David shares the fascinating journey of creating NIRA, from initial inspiration to product launch, and the rigorous research and development that went into making his vision a reality. We also dive into the science behind NIRA’s patented laser technology, the importance of clinical validation in skincare, and the challenges of disrupting a market typically dominated by in-office solutions. David offers insights on building a company with a purpose, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how he’s redefining skincare for a new generation. If you’re passionate about innovation, skincare, or the intersection of technology and wellness, this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show!
Brianda Gonzalez : Founder & CEO of The New Bar
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Brianda Gonzalez, the inspiring Founder and CEO of The New Bar. Brianda’s journey began on Catalina Island, where socializing with family and friends often revolved around alcohol. When her father’s health required him to give up drinking, Brianda set out to create a new way for their family to bond over drinks—without the alcohol. From this, The New Bar was born, a platform that’s redefining social drinking with high-quality, alcohol-free alternatives. In 2022, Brianda opened The New Bar’s first location in Venice Beach, and just a year later, the brand became the first nonalcoholic partner at Coachella and expanded to new locations in West Hollywood and San Francisco.
In our conversation, Brianda shares her experiences building The New Bar, securing major partnerships, and navigating the fast-growing nonalcoholic category. We dive into the shift in consumer attitudes around alcohol, her unique approach to brand building on a lean budget, and how she continues to make The New Bar a fun and accessible choice for all. Whether you’re curious about the rise of nonalcoholic options, entrepreneurship, or innovative brand-building, this episode offers tons of insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear Brianda’s amazing story and learn how The New Bar is transforming the way we connect. Now on The Kara Goldin Show.
Mike Dunlop: Author of The Art of the Turnaround
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I’m joined by Mike Dunlop, author of The Art of the Turnaround, and Founder and CEO of Net Inspect and Autonomous Machining. Mike shares his remarkable journey in aerospace, spanning over 45 years, and his expertise in turning around struggling companies across different industries and countries.
Mike’s passion for helping businesses thrive shines through in his new book, The Art of the Turnaround. We dive into the key lessons Mike has learned, how he finds talent to build winning teams, and the surprising parallels he draws between golf and business. From his early days in aerospace to navigating international turnarounds, Mike’s insights are packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs and leaders. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to gain valuable strategies for overcoming challenges in business. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show!
Katie Lefkowitz: Founder & CEO of Harken Sweets
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, Kara is joined by Katie Lefkowitz, Founder and CEO of Harken Sweets. Katie’s entrepreneurial journey is one of resilience, passion, and a drive to create something delicious and healthy. After a health scare related to colon cancer, Katie, a lifelong candy bar lover, realized she needed to find a better way to enjoy her favorite indulgence without sacrificing her health. Determined to recreate the candy bar experience using superfoods, she launched Harken Sweets, a line of 100% plant-based, sugar-free candy bars that are not only delicious but also gut-friendly.
Katie’s story takes us from her kitchen experiments to getting Harken Sweets into 3,500 Walmarts. We dive into how she overcame challenges, the science behind her superfood ingredients like date caramel, and how she’s bringing nostalgia back to candy bars with a healthier twist. Tune in to hear how Katie built Harken Sweets from the ground up, her inspiring personal journey, and what’s next for this exciting brand. Now on The Kara Goldin Show!
Erica Bethe Levin: Founder & CEO of Globowl
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I’m joined by Erica Bethe Levin, Founder and CEO of Globowl, an innovative baby and toddler food brand that’s bringing big flavors and early allergen introduction to little ones. Erica’s journey is inspiring—beginning with her successful marketing career for culinary giants like Daniel Boulud and Jean-Georges, and later, her role at restaurant tech company Reserve. But it was when she became a mom that Erica saw a need in the baby food market for authentic flavors and safer allergen introduction, leading her to launch Globowl.
We dive into Erica’s journey, from crafting recipes in her kitchen to building Globowl, and her experience growing a brand that introduces diverse flavors and allergen-friendly foods to babies. Erica also shares her story of being a contestant on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, her dedication to Globowl’s mission, and how she’s grown the brand to be available in 300 stores across the U.S. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, food industry insights, or just love hearing stories of innovation and resilience, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
Vanessa Torrivilla: Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Goldbelly
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I’m joined by Vanessa Torrivilla, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Goldbelly. Vanessa shares the fascinating story behind founding Goldbelly with her husband, and how they’ve grown it into a company that connects people with their favorite iconic foods from restaurants and makers across the country. We dive into how they balance the creative and technical aspects of Goldbelly’s unique and bold brand identity. Vanessa also shares how Goldbelly supports local food businesses by helping them reach new customers, the logistics of scaling food e-commerce, and what’s next for the company as they continue to innovate.
Tune in to hear Vanessa’s incredible insights on entrepreneurship, the future of food e-commerce, and the impact Goldbelly is making in the industry. Now on The Kara Goldin Show!
Thayer Sylvester: Co-Founder & CEO of Carve Designs
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I’m joined by Thayer Sylvester, Co-Founder and CEO of Carve Designs, a pioneering outdoor apparel brand. Thayer shares the inspiring story of how Carve Designs evolved from its roots as a beach apparel company selling rash guards and board shorts to becoming a complete outdoor lifestyle brand. The brand’s mission has always been about carving a path—whether in surf or life—and Thayer’s leadership has kept that ethos at the forefront as Carve Designs continues to grow.
We dive into how Carve Designs has remained committed to sustainability, the importance of creating high-quality products that meet customer needs, and how the brand has built a loyal community. Thayer also shares insights on building a strong company culture, navigating the challenges of the outdoor fashion industry, and what it means to be a female CEO in this space. This episode is packed with valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and leading with purpose. Don’t miss it! Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show!
Sue Delegan: Co-Founder & CEO of Brutus Broth
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I’m joined by Sue Delegan, Co-Founder and CEO of Brutus Broth. Sue shares the inspiring story behind how she and her sister launched Brutus Broth, a pet nutrition company that grew out of their love for their dog Brutus and their desire to offer healthier food options for pets. What started with a family bone broth recipe has turned into a thriving business that provides bone broth and other nutritious products for dogs across the country. We dive into the challenges Sue and her sister faced while building Brutus Broth, how they grew the business into over 10,000 stores nationwide, and the importance of health and nutrition in the pet industry. Sue also discusses her personal health journey and how she and her sister overcame significant challenges while launching and scaling the company.
Tune in to hear Sue’s incredible insights on entrepreneurship, balancing personal challenges with business success, and what’s next for Brutus Broth as they continue to innovate in the pet nutrition space. Now on The Kara Goldin Show!
David Habib: Founder & CEO of Yo Mama’s Foods
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, Kara is joined by David Habib, Founder and CEO of Yo Mama’s Foods. David’s entrepreneurial journey is one of hustle, heart, and a deep love for healthy, real ingredients. After leaving a successful corporate career as a Deloitte Consultant, David jumped headfirst into the food industry with a mission to create delicious sauces and condiments that you’d actually want in your kitchen—free of preservatives, fillers, and the artificial stuff you’d never find in your mom’s pantry.
What started with just his savings and a vision has now become Yo Mama’s Foods, one of the fastest-growing pasta sauce brands in the U.S. (according to SPINS data), available in over 25,000 stores nationwide. From bootstrapping his business with no outside funding to becoming an Amazon bestseller, David’s story is all about determination, innovation, and staying true to his roots.
Tune in to hear how David built Yo Mama’s Foods from the ground up, the challenges he faced along the way, and his vision for the future of healthy, delicious food. Now on The Kara Goldin Show!