Before Rick Heitzmann became one of the most legendary venture capital investors alive, he was a college student taking strange risks, betting on himself long before he bet on founders. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Rick reveals the early decisions, failures, and unexpected moments that shaped the mindset behind his rise.

From growing up with teacher parents, to running Georgetown’s student body, to taking wild career leaps that gave him responsibility far beyond his age—Rick shares the foundational lessons that transformed him into the VC and startup kingmaker he is today.

This episode is the origin story behind a world-class investor: how he learned to take asymmetric risks, why your 20s should be for learning, and the overlooked traits Rick looks for in future founders and operators.

If you’ve ever wondered how legendary investors are made—not born—this is your blueprint.

Stay tuned for Part 2, which drops next week, where we delve into the stories behind Rick's best investments and his advice to founders and investors. 

Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What if the corporate job everyone hated became the spark for a global media brand?

In this episode of 30 Years in 30 Minutes, Michael sits down with the creator behind one of the fastest-growing business comedy channels on the internet — a finance-bro-turned-entrepreneur who transformed Excel jokes, office misery, and corporate pain points into a massive online empire.

We break down the viral formula behind his billions of views, how he engineered explosive growth across TikTok and Instagram, the real way the algorithm works, how to turn ideas into consistent content, why “consistency” is overrated, and the hidden revenue model most creators never see coming.

If you’re an entrepreneur, content creator, or side-hustler trying to build something from nothing, this episode gives you the playbook for virality, growth, and monetization — straight from someone who lived it.

Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What if the greatest startup manual ever written wasn’t by a billionaire—but by God?

In this episode of 30 Years in 30 Minutes, mega-entrepreneur Mark Gerson, founder of Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG) and United Hatzalah, reveals the hidden lessons of entrepreneurship buried in the Torah.

Mark argues that the Bible is the ultimate startup playbook—a guide to building not just companies, but character, purpose, and long-term success. He shares how ancient wisdom predicts modern business truths, from leadership and risk-taking to discipline, service, and wealth creation.

You’ll learn:

• Why the Torah contains timeless principles for founders and leaders
• How faith and discipline can outperform luck and timing
• Why love, purpose, and business follow the same laws
• How biblical frameworks still drive success in today’s world

From founding GLG to proving that modern data confirms divine wisdom, Gerson’s journey bridges startups and scripture—showing that the most powerful business advice on earth was written 3,000 years ago.

Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

He was 20. Broke. Delivering cookies at 2AM from a chaotic college house. Two decades later, Seth Berkowitz runs Insomnia Cookies – the largest food delivery empires in America.

In this episode, Insomnia Cookies founder and CEO Seth Berkowitz shares the wild origin story behind his $300 million empire. From late-night deliveries and zero funding to scaling over 250 locations, Seth breaks down exactly how he built a brand that redefined snacking, entrepreneurship, and late-night culture for an entire generation.

You’ll hear:

• How he launched Insomnia Cookies from his college dorm at the University of Pennsylvania
• The turning point that took it from side hustle to national brand
• Why finding the right niche can build lifelong customers
• What every young founder needs—but most never do
• The mindset shift that separates dreamers from builders

Whether you're a college student, a startup founder, or just hungry to build something real—this episode is a must-listen.

Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

She had no clients, no followers, and no roadmap. But Cara Woodhouse still built one of the most recognizable interior design brands on Instagram — and turned her passion into an empire.

In this episode, Cara breaks down how she went from a rejected art student to a design entrepreneur with 900K+ followers, a booming product line, a wellness-inspired real estate venture, and a debut book that redefines how we connect with our homes. She shares the truth about starting with nothing, the pain of a business breakup, how to grow on Instagram in 2024, and the mindset shift that changed everything. 

Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling your personal brand, this episode is packed with raw lessons on:

• Growing a business when no one knows your name
• Using content to build trust, influence, and income
• Turning your taste into a marketable edge
• The systems every creative entrepreneur needs to scale
• Why success means choosing the right size, not the biggest one

Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

What does it really take to lead TIME Magazine?

In this episode of 30 Years in 30 Minutes, Michael Oved sits down with Nancy Gibbs – legendary journalist, bestselling author, and the first female Editor-in-Chief of TIME Magazine.

Nancy shares the real secrets behind leadership, ambition, career growth, and building a life you actually want – not just chasing titles for their own sake.

We dive into her journey from shy intern to the top of one of the world’s most iconic news organizations, the lessons she learned about writing, leading, and staying true to your values, and her advice for anyone looking to build a successful, meaningful career.

If you're curious about journalism, leadership, storytelling, or simply how to climb the right ladder, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.

🎙 Topics we cover:
- How to build a meaningful career, not just a flashy one
- Why curiosity is more important than ambition
- The secret to leading creative teams without ego
- How to survive and thrive in journalism today
- Advice for young writers and future leaders

Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

Sports executive and serial entrepreneur David Meltzer became a millionaire at 24, a multimillionaire by 32, and then lost it all, only to gain it back a couple years later. In this episode, he opens up about how hitting rock bottom led to the most meaningful transformation of his life. We talk about his early obsession with money, the moment everything came crashing down, and the mindset shift that helped him rebuild with purpose. David shares how to find happiness in the grind, the power of asking for help, and why your biggest setbacks might just be your greatest gifts. This conversation is raw, honest, and filled with lessons on wealth, humility, and fulfillment from someone who’s lived both extremes. 

Bio: David is the Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute; founder of David Meltzer Enterprises, Chairman of the Unstoppable Foundation; Chief Chancellor of JA Worldwide; Host of the Playbook Podcast; Executive Producer of Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch; co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing; and CEO of Steinberg Sports & Entertainment.

Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How did Gayle Perry rise to the top of the fashion world? What challenges did she face along the way, and what did she learn from them? What is the key to her success, and what advice would she give to those looking to have a successful career in fashion and media?

In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Gayle Perry, a fashionista, personal stylist, interior designer and arbiter of all things style. She is the force behind the large and ever-growing Instagram and social media platform @gaylestyle, which boasts around 500,000 followers. She is also the creator of the #gayletuck, #gayletie and #gayleroll, style tips that help women and men look their best, feel their most confident, and be their most productive selves. 

She discusses never-heard-before stories of how she got her job, what her biggest regrets are, and what advice she would give to anyone looking to break into the fashion world. Listen now for an exclusive look into the illustrious career and pathway of Gayle Perry.

Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How did the Editor-in-Chief of Sports Illustrated rise to the top of the world's largest sports magazine? What challenges did he face along the way, and what did he learn from it? What is the key to his success, and what advice would he give aspiring journalists and reporters? 

In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with Ryan Hunt, former Editor-in-Chief of Sports Illustrated and Lecturer at University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. Ryan discusses never-heard-before stories of how he got his job, what his biggest regrets are, and what advice he would give to anyone looking to break into journalism. He also speaks about the skills every person should develop – and how to develop them – to make them the best writers, speakers, and storytellers. 

Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.

How did Sergei Kosenko, AKA Mr. Thank You, grow from 0 to 46 MILLION followers on Instagram? How did he grow to become one of the most influential people on social media? What is the key to his success? What should content creators and aspiring social media influencers do to find online success and viral videos? Beyond that, who is the mysterious man behind the famous social media account @mr.thank.you? What are some crazy stories he has lived through during his rise to the top of social media?

In this episode, Michael Oved sits down with the legendary Sergei Kosenko, the man behind the Mr. Thank You brand and social media accounts, and one of the most influential people on social media. Across all platforms, Sergei has almost 100 million followers and a billion impressions EVERY MONTH! 

Sergei discusses the crazy stories behind the scenes, what the key to his success is, advice he would give his younger self, and a guide on how to become the next big thing on social media!

Don't forget to like and subscribe. Follow us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn: @30in30pod.