Ask Brien Show

By Peter Bronstein and Traci DeForgeBusiness Entrepreneurship Management

Ask Brien Show episodes

April 08, 2022Children's Learning Business With Rashi Bahri
In today’s episode, we are joined by Rashi Bahri - the CEO and Founder of Shoonya. Rashi has been working in the world of media for more than 20 years. She has an MSA in filmmaking and she has always been drawn to education. In 2017, she started her own company, Shoonya, which focuses on helping children learn different languages and cultures through gamification. We talk about what inspired Rashi to start Shoonya and how it’s different from other competitors. Tune in as we discuss how to increase the lifetime value of a product and expansion challenges.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[08:31] Rashi shares more about her company Shoonya.

[10:12] How is Shoonya different from its competitors?

[16:09] The concept behind Shoonya and why children love it so much.

[19:23] How Rashi is planning to expand her business model.

[24:45] Rashi shares the strategy behind 60 000 app downloads.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Children need to learn 500 words in order to speak a language. Shoonya breaks the words into bite-size learning activities which makes it easier to learn the language.

The best age to learn a second language for a child is the age of 10.

Most language learning apps are structured for adults. They teach you one sentence and then ask you to translate it into another sentence. But that’s not how children learn. Children need the gamification aspect in the learning process.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Rashi’s LinkedIn Profile

Soonya Website

BIO:

Rashi Bahri

Rashi Bahri Chitnis, a Hollywood media executive is the visionary behind Shoonya, an ed-tech company based out of Santa Barbara with a mission to foster the next generation of global citizens by exposing them to cultural diversity and world languages. She is the winner of the 2021 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award, in Science and Technology and her team is well known for their outstanding stellar execution.

Rashi has a background in media, having worked in film and television in both Hollywood and India. She has produced and managed various television content, production, post-production, commercials, music videos, broadcast design, and corporate communication. Her direct clients were Discovery, ABC, Warner Bros, and Lifetime Television. Her other television stints are story-producing reality shows like Mark Brunett's "The Restaurant" and FOX's "Trading Spouses".

Her directional short films, "Secret Ingredient" and "Sarah" have premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2009 & 2012.

She holds an MFA Degree from the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts where her thesis film as a sound-designer won the Student OSCAR in 2004. During her Masters, she won various scholarships including the well-known AAUW (American Association of University Women) International grant.
35 min
April 01, 2022Independent Medical Business With Jorge Hinojosa
In today’s episode, we are joined by Jorge Hinojosa. Jorge is an industrial engineer who co-founded a business accelerator in Mexico and spent his whole career as an advisor for other entrepreneurs. In 2018, Jorge started his own company called Eucalyptus Medical. Eucalyptus Medical gives elderly people easy access to geriatricians through telemedicine without waiting months for a doctor’s appointment. Tune in as we discuss a lack of geriatricians in Mexico, its consequences on elderly people, and how Eucalyptus Medical makes things easier and cost-effective for elderly people.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[06:23] Jorge’s career background.
[09:25] How was Eucalyptus Medical born and what inspired Jorge to start the company?
[14:04] What makes Eucalyptus Medical different from a regular doctor’s visit.
[22:51] Jorge shares his 3 key learnings from his entrepreneurial journey.
[27:19] Eucalyptus Medical is planning a collaboration with pharma and insurance companies.
[29:32] Jorge’s expansion strategy outside Mexico to Latin American countries.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Mexico lacks geriatricians, specifically there are only 742 geriatricians in the whole country. The elderly must wait weeks for a doctor’s appointment and often rather choose to avoid it altogether.
Effective communication in a remote team is extremely important. Jorge’s first recommendation is to always make sure there is enough contact with your team. And the second recommendation is to trust your team but verify.
Most companies are not interested in targeting people over 65 years old which creates a perfect gap in the market and opportunities for companies like Eucalyptus Medical.

LINKS MENTIONED:
Jorge’s LinkedIn Profile
37 min
March 25, 2022Research Business With Dan Mourich
In today’s episode, we are joined by Dan Mourich, the Co-Founder of Biotesserae. Dan is a trained neurologist, an immunologist who moved into the drug development sector about 18 years ago. Biotesserae focuses on developing drugs for canine cancer treatments that are simple procedures, easy to access, and financially affordable for pet owners. Tune in as we speak about what motivated Dan to start Biotesserae, how is animal drug development process different from human drug development, why is Biotesserae considered a disruptor in the space, and what lessons Dan and his team learned when looking for a partner and funding for Biotesserae.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[05:27] Dan’s career background
[12:01] How is the drug approval process with the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) different from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
[16:35] Challenges that come with funding and finding a partner
[19:19] How are Dan and his team disrupting the space in the animal drug industry
[28:01] Challenges that Dan faced as a new entrepreneur and how he approached them
[31:25] Talking to granting agencies versus talking to investor require a different set of skills

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The FDA process is very onerous and expensive. While dealing with the USDA is less time-consuming and less onerous because they partake in helping to develop a drug, to get it to the clinic, as opposed to just being an imposition.
Pharma companies adopt new technology by taking human drugs that are no longer used and putting them into veterinary clinics to see if they’ll work. Biotesserae builds from the ground up by developing drugs specific for canine cancer.
Traditional dog cancer treatments are expensive. But Biotesserae is developing a simple treatment in the form of injections. That means dog owners could give the cancer treatment at home.

LINKS MENTIONED:
Dan’s LinkedIn Profile
Dan’s company email
39 min
March 18, 2022Mental Health Business With Patrina Mack
In today’s episode, we are joined by Patrina Mack who is the CEO of YouRok Corporation. Patrina spent her entire consulting career helping companies bring new products to market until she decided to start her own company. YouRok’s goal is to teach adolescents how to build emotional resilience skills and they do that through a digital care app called K’Bro. Tune in as we discuss how exactly the K’Bro app works, how it helps kids to navigate through mental health issues, what inspired Patrina to build YouRok and challenges she faced as a female entrepreneur in the tech industry when raising funding for her company.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[07:36] Patrina’s career background and how YouRok was born.
[10:05] How does the K’Bro app work?
[13:58] First realization and trigger that adolescents might need help with mental health.
[20:18] Patrina’s entrepreneurial journey and how her career background influenced building YouRok.
[24:33] Virtual relationships vs. in-person relationships.
[28:44] Challenges that Patrina faced as a female entrepreneur in the tech industry
[33:25] Patrina’s expectations and future plans for YouRok.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Adolescents nowadays work out their in-person relationships through a digital format that is safe and anonymous. Therefore, digital mental health apps as K’Bro are a very attractive way for children and teens to talk about mental health struggles.
The most sensitive age for adolescents is when they are hitting puberty. That’s the moment when teens are pulling away from parents and trying to figure out who they are as an individual.
Most digital health companies like Headspace or Calm focus on adults and not on children or teens.

LINKS MENTIONED:
Patrina’s email
YouRok website
Patrina’s LinkedIn Profile
YouRok LinkedIn Page
K’Bro Instagram
K’Bro Twitter
YouRok Facebook Page
38 min
March 11, 2022Medical Business With Guenevere Blanchard
In today’s episode, we are joined by serial entrepreneur, Guenevere Blanchard. In 2020, Guenevere founded Sage Medical Billing and Coding, a digital program that uses AI technology to drastically reduce human errors and timely processes in the billing industry. This technology can potentially save patients over one hundred billion dollars in billing and coding errors. Tune in as we discuss the challenges of the medical coding and billing industry, how physicians will benefit from Sage Medical’s services, and the tech company’s business development.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[08:34] What sets Sage Medical Coding and Billing apart from their competitors?
[10:16] Here are some of the challenges Sage Medical Billing and Coding is facing.
[12:55] How Sage Medical Coding and Billing’s AI technology performs on their platform.
[19:25] Guenevere shares what it was like entering the AI technology industry and the company’s business development.
[24:49] What does a typical day for a serial entrepreneur look like?
[29:43] Guenevere shares challenges she’s faced as a female entrepreneur.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Every year, patients receive over one hundred billion dollars worth of bills in the mail as a result of incorrect or improper medical coding and billing.
Many of the systems that physicians are having to use for data entry can be somewhat archaic. It’s very time-consuming and frustrating for physicians.
Medical coding and billing is at the heart of the healthcare industry.

Links Mentioned:
Ask Brien Website
https://www.sagemedical.io
https://www.linkedin.com/in/guenevere-blanchard-a25aba201
[email protected]
38 min
March 04, 2022Health Care Business With Muri Raifu
Imagine a free platform where patients can be connected with medical care, resources, and medications all from their phones. That is exactly what our guest, Dr. Muri Raifu created with Talamus Health. By utilizing the power of technology, Talamus Health is revolutionizing healthcare and bringing life-changing and life-saving services to patients. Tune into today’s episode to learn about the Amazon of healthcare.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[05:14] Dr. Raifu shares about his revolutionary platform, Talamus Health.
[09:13] How Talamus Health remains HIPAA compliant while offering online services.
[11:30] How Talamus Health bridges the gap between medical services, resources, and medications in a patient’s area.
[17:35] How the pandemic has affected the Talamus Health business model.
[24:00] What is Talamus Health’s marketing strategy?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Talamus Health believes in cost transparency for its services to help patients avoid catastrophic bills from traditional medical insurers.
Talamus Health is implementing “Demand Forecasting” to prevent a lag in the supply chain for medications and medical supplies.
Clinics can opt for a single system to test before starting the process of going fully digital.

Links Mentioned:
Ask Brien Website
Talamus Health Website
Muri Raifu, MD, MPA, FAANS LinkedIn
Muri Raifu, MD, MPA, FAANS Email
BIO: Muri Raifu, MD, MPA, FAANS
Dr. Murisiku Raifu, CEO and founder of Talamus Health, is a board-certified spine and neurosurgeon who is known for his compassion and outreach. Dr. Raifu has assisted in many programs to aid the underprivileged, using his medical training to help those in need. Following his vision to create free access to medical services for all, Dr. Murisiku Raifu founded Talamus Health, a revolutionary platform that is helping patients live healthier and safer lives.
33 min
February 25, 2022Marketing Plan Formula With Russell Lundstrom
Today we are joined by Russell Lundstrom, founder of a simple 5-step Marketing Plan Formula which gives business owners the ability to create more effective and profitable marketing. Marketing strategies can get complicated and expensive very quickly, making a truly effective strategy unattainable for many business owners. Most marketing strategies only follow a general model that is not effective. What if your company’s marketing strategy didn’t have to be complicated? What if you knew exactly where to put your marketing budget? Tune in to hear how Russell helps entrepreneurs and founders grow their businesses through effective and profitable marketing.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[06:02] Russell shares why he created the Marketing Plan Formula.
[10:01] Russell breaks down how reverse engineering can revolutionize marketing strategies.
[12:33] Why it’s important to identify the most profitable customer for your business.
[16:38] What role the Marketing Plan Formula plays in the marketing strategy process.
[17:29] Russell elaborates on his single sheet marketing plan concept.
[21:21] How the Marketing Plan Formula helps to define a company’s vision.
[23:34] Why businesses should revisit their marketing strategy as their business grows.
[27:53] What it means to find your company’s profitable ideal customer.
[34:02] How companies can narrow down the platforms they can use to bring their customers solutions.
[36:58] How to calculate your marketing budget.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The Marketing Plan Formula was designed to help entrepreneurs design a customized marketing blueprint to bring solutions to customers.
Businesses need to be really clear on their mission, vision, and values because that helps to clarify their target market.
A company’s ideal customer can easily shift, even if that is not the intention of the company.

Links Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-lundstrom
https://mpf.thrivecart.com/mpi-masterclass-membership/partner/
https://marketingplanformula.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/swathian
www.askbrien.com
BIO: Russell Lundstrom
I was raised as an entrepreneur.
It isn’t always the easiest road, that’s for sure. Sometimes I think I must be crazy for choosing this lifestyle. But then, I realize that I didn’t choose it, the life chose me.
I just see things different than most. Luckily, I was raised to see the opportunity in things – sort of a ‘cup half full’ philosophy.
I’ve been lucky enough to start three 7-figure businesses and help many others do the same. For me, entrepreneurs are the engine of the world.
I believe that everything happens for a reason. Each milestone in your life leads to another, and another, which builds who you are.
And now, I am…
A husband and father of two young boys in Denver, CO. I love starting businesses. I love marketing. I love motocross, skateboarding, scary skiing, insanely loud heavy metal music, and all those other extreme things.
My father taught me that business is easy, just create value for other people it will work.
I’ve tried to apply that throughout my life.
I love to help people with strategic thinking. Taking scattered data points and connecting them – creating something new, something valuable. This is a skill honed through 30 years of ups and downs.
Now, I use these skills and experiences to help other entrepreneurs realize their dreams and build their businesses.
I’ve often joked I’m an info hoarder. If you need something or have an idea you’d like to flush out, hit me up. I bet I have something I can give/show/send/share with you that could be valuable.
I now help entrepreneurs and founders grow their businesses through better marketing. I’ve discovered a simple, 5-step Marketing Plan Formula which gives business owners the ability to create more effective and profitable marketing.
A way for you to control your leads, your sales, your growth.
It is called the Marketing Plan Formula and I’d love to share it with you.
If you want to know more, connect with me and let’s talk. I’ll send you the Formula and help you get a hand.
40 min
February 18, 2022Better Meals With Swathi Arelguppe Nagendra
Today, we are joined by Swathi Nagendra, creator of Better Meal AI, a customized diet and lifestyle plan. Better Meal AI was born from a personal need, but quickly grew into a life changing resource for thousands of people. Swathi shares all about her start-up’s creation, journey, and challenges she faced along the way. Join us today to learn how Swathi used her background in data science to develop a database of over five hundred thousand biomarkers and how she has managed to launch a company with a very small team.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[05:03] What exactly is a data scientist?
[06:59] Swathi shares what inspired her to start Better Meal AI and her goals for the company.
[10:04] How Better Meal AI was able to develop a database of over 500,000 biomarkers on a start-up’s budget.
[12:06] How Better Meal AI uses their biomarker database to develop customized plans for their clients.
[13:01] How does Better Meal AI make money?
[14:52] Better Meal AI provides solutions for both dieting and eating healthy using these practices and resources.
[18:45] This is an ideal Better Meal AI client.
[20:08] Swathi shares about Better Meal AI’s successful marketing strategies.
[21:34] Here is an explanation of the services available to members.
[23:21] Who makes up Better Meal AI’s team?
[25:36] What Swathi’s typical day looks like while running Better Meal AI and some of the challenges she faces.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Better Meal AI began as a mission for Swathi Nagendra to help relieve her health conditions, but once she realized the value of her data and practices, her start up was born. Now this small start-up is preparing to launch worldwide.
As an entrepreneur, it’s important to prioritize your mental health and self care, because if you don’t it’s really easy to get burnt out and lose passion for what you do.
It’s crucial for entrepreneurs to have a solid personal and professional support system around them.

Links Mentioned:
[email protected]
www.bettermeal.ai
https://www.linkedin.com/in/swathian
www.askbrien.com
38 min
February 11, 2022Having a Sidekick With Jake Foerster
Today, Jake Foerster, co-founder of Sidekick Mobile Technologies, joins us to discuss Sober Sidekick, a free app that anonymously connects people in sobriety. This startup has grown from 10,000 downloads to 80,000 downloads in the last year alone. Jake answers questions about how a free app generates revenue, the app’s primary method of growth, and his background that inspired the app. Tune in to learn how this free resource is changing lives.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[05:46] What is Sober Sidekick?
[08:42] How Sober Sidekick generates revenue while still helping their app users.
[11:02] How Sober Sidekick utilizes integrative ads.
[12:56] Jake explains the layout of Sober Sidekick’s platform.
[14:13] This was Sober Sidekick’s primary method of growth.
[15:27] Jake shares his background and what inspired Sober Sidekick.
[19:00] Can Sober Sidekick’s growth in the past year be attributed to the pandemic shutting down in person meetings?
[20:50] How are people finding out about Sober Sidekick?
[24:29] Here are some ways that Sober Sidekick is expanding.
[32:16] Jake shares his biggest learning curves while working on the Sober Sidekick start up?
[34:42] What’s next for Jake and his team?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Sober Sidekick values being a platform where everyone can have free access to connection and fellowship in sobriety.
Substance abuse and alcoholism thrive in isolation. Sober Sidekick combats isolation by promoting connections and engagement between people.
21 million Americans suffer from substance abuse. Data shows that only one in seven people will ever receive help for their addiction. That leaves a target audience of 18 million people.
Sober Sidekick aims to destigmatize substance abuse and alcoholism and create more avenues for people to connect with resources and support systems.

Links Mentioned:
www.askbrien.com
www.sobersidekick.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
Jake Foerster’s Linkedin
BIO: Jake Foerster
Jake Foerster, Co-founder of Sidekick Mobile Technologies, has held several positions in the substance abuse field. Starting as a recovery technician and working his way into many other roles, Jake has dedicated his life to giving back and helping others in recovery. This passion inspired Sober Sidekick, a free app that anonymously connects people in sobriety. Jake and his team at Sidekick Mobile Technologies are dedicated to providing support, resources, and fellowship to people at every stage of recovery.
39 min
February 04, 2022Podcasting For You With Traci DeForge & Peter Bronstein
In today’s special episode, Brien interviews our very own Traci DeForge. Traci is recognized as an international podcast expert, sought after speaker and media contributor. Traci is the founder of Produce Your Podcast, a premier podcast consulting & production agency providing a comprehensive, full service high quality solution to incorporating podcasting into B2B and B2C clients’ overall digital marketing strategy. Today she dives into the podcasting industry. Why are podcasts so popular? Can anyone start a podcast? How do you start a podcast and make it stand out? What is a podcast manager? Tune in as Traci answers all of these questions and more.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[09:11] Why podcasts are so popular.
[11:58] How different platforms have contributed to the podcasting industry.
[15:09] How someone can grow their numbers when launching a podcast.
[18:37] Traci breaks down everything you need to start a podcast.
[23:51] What kind of budget do you need to start a podcast?
[27:14] Which platforms should someone utilize to start a podcast on their own?
[29:44] What does the monetization of a podcast look like?
[34:19] Can a podcast provide SEO benefits?
[36:38] What to look for in a podcast coach or podcast manager.
[40:40] What it’s like working with Produce Your Podcast.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Before you start your podcast, make sure you really know your “why”, so that you can find your niche and create something really unique.
Anyone can hit “record” and start a podcast, but to make your podcast successful, there is work that needs to be done on the front end.
There are various platforms out there that you can use to get started. Make sure to do your research to make sure you choose the right one for your unique podcast.
Working with an experienced podcast coach or podcast manager is one of the best ways to set your podcast up for success, growth, and to stand out in the crowd.

Links Mentioned:
www.askbrien.com
www.produceyourpodcast.com
@produceyourpodcast
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracilongdeforge
https://www.linkedin.com/company/produce-your-podcast
BIO: Traci DeForge
Traci is recognized as an international podcast expert, sought after speaker and media contributor. She’s been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, CTV, Fortune.com, American Express Open and is a member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council, Editorial Advisory Board of The Podcast Business Journal and regular contributor to RadioINK.
Her 30-year professional career reflects a unique combination of Broadcast Media, Executive Management & Fortune 500 Business Consulting.
This powerful combination led to founding Produce Your Podcast, a premier podcast consulting & production agency providing a comprehensive, full service high quality solution to incorporating podcasting into B2B and B2C clients’ overall digital marketing strategy. She is also the creator of PodHive, an online community for Podcasters, My Podcast Biz, an online certification program for Podcast Managers and The Professional Podcaster Association.
43 min

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