Entrepreneurial Thinkers with Rob Ryan

Hey hey! You might’ve just noticed us pop up in your audio feed—and we’re so glad you did. After releasing 35+ episodes exclusively on YouTube in 2024, Stoppage Time is now available every Friday right here too!

Each week, Uncle Rob shares his raw, real-time reflections on the world around us—connecting stories from the Entrepreneurial Thinkers series, unpacking current events, and diving deep into what it means to think more entrepreneurially in life and work.

This episode kicks off a fresh chapter—with new sponsors, new opportunities, and a whole lot of heart. We’re excited to welcome our Community Champion Sponsors and give you the chance to get to know them, just like you’ve gotten to know our amazing guests.

Listen in, stay inspired, and let’s build something meaningful together.

🎙 Thursdays – Entrepreneurial Thinkers

🎙 Fridays – Stoppage Time

Thanks for tuning in. Let’s get into it.

Do you know where Spotify was created? Do you know how much innovative technology comes from Northern Europe? What happens when Nordic innovation meets the fast-paced world of U.S. entrepreneurship? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with Thomas Logstrup Riebs, the Los Angeles based partner at Traksjon, the expansion agency of record, helping Nordic and European companies and innovators expand to the largest markets in the United States.

They unpack the mindset that fuels success across borders. From navigating cultural and political shocks to seizing opportunities in Southern California’s booming economy, Thomas shares his own personal journey from Denmark to Los Angeles — and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you're an entrepreneur or executive eyeing international growth or just love a good story about risk, resilience, and reinvention, this conversation is packed with sharp insights, real-world examples, and a refreshing take on what it really takes to thrive in the U.S. market.

Feel free to follow and engage with THOMAS here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasriebs/

• Website: https://traksjon.aveltsagency.com/

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

After a much-needed 6-week hiatus, Stoppage Time with Uncle Rob returns—and not just with a show, but with purpose, perspective, and a renewed sense of direction. In this powerful comeback episode, Uncle Rob opens up with real talk about what’s been going on behind the scenes: from the harsh realities of the start of 2025, wildfires in LA, the state of our democracy, to the very real grind of trying to build a stable business out of passion and podcasting.This episode isn’t just a welcome back—it’s a reflection, a reset, and a rally cry. Rob dives deep into the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the behind-the-curtain moments that led to this return. With a clearer plan, stronger team dynamics, and the support of generous sponsors, this is the beginning of a new chapter for the show, the Entrepreneurial Thinkers community, and Rob himself.If you’ve ever hit pause on your dreams to regroup, if you’ve ever tried to build the plane while flying it—this one’s for you.Thanks for riding with us. Your support truly means the world.Hit play, stay with us ‘til the end, and we’ll see you next week.

Can VR help rebuild neurons and slow dementia? Can technology be used to supplement our humanity instead of replacing it in the age of Ai? In this episode, Rob sits down with Jack Abbott, Chief Resilience Officer at ReviveXR and Chief Joy Advocate at Made For Joy from San Diego, to explore the entrepreneurial thinking of “Joy” in our industries and lives. They explore how technologies like VR and AI are revolutionizing the market for recuperative therapeutics and emotional wellness. Jack opens up about his personal journey—navigating political angst, finding solace through his Mexican rescue dog, Lola, and rediscovering the power of gratitude in transforming his outlook on life. Together, they discuss how these lessons extend beyond our personal lives, into shaping innovative approaches to Senior Care and Employee Wellness through VR at Revive XR.

From Jack's heartfelt stories about his mother’s experiences with virtual reality to practical tips for creating joy and connection in everyday life, this conversation uncovers how technology can be used to strengthen emotional bonds and foster genuine relationships. They also touch on the ripple effects of incorporating gratitude and emotional resilience in the workplace, offering a fresh perspective on how businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on society.

This episode is a reminder that even in a fast-paced, tech-driven world, joy and human connection remain at the heart of what truly matters.

Feel free to follow and engage with JACK here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cinch44/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforjoyxr
• Website: https://www.madeforjoy.life/

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Is it still important to be awake or “Woke” to cultural changes? Do you think you’re an entrepreneurial thinker? Hint; Rob thinks you are and tells you how to become one! Have you ever wanted to know more about Rob and his story? Well, nearly five years, hundreds of episodes, and a mission that's more relevant than ever—Rob shares what it takes to keep amplifying the voices that matter most? In this special anniversary episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, we reflect on the journey so far: celebrating the diversity of our guests, the industries we've explored, and the milestones that have shaped us. Rob dives into the "why" behind the show, the validation of its mission in today’s chaotic world, and the exciting expansion into studio production services to amplify even more stories for brands, companies or organizations striving to tell their stories in positive, human ways. 

Feel free to follow and engage with ROB here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robryan/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrobryan/
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@iamrobryan

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Will the United States survive a MAGA Takeover? Are you worried about President Trump’s manufactured trade war with Mexico and Canada? Can the relationships between these three long time North American allies, survive this moment in history? Tariffs, political strategies, and a media revolution in how and where we source our information, are reshaping our world in real time, can we keep up?

This conversation with great friend of the show, Alex Gonzalez Ormerod, explore how these forces are rapidly shaping the future of North America? In this thought-provoking episode, Rob and Alex, Owner of the hugely valuable newsletter, The Mexico Political Economist, take a deep dive, from his perspective across the border, into the complex dynamics of trade, the evolving role of independent journalism, and the challenges of public accountability across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. From the ripple effects of economic policies to the strategic maneuvers of political leaders, they explore how these interconnected elements are transforming industries, public perception, and regional relationships in a rapidly changing world.

Feel free to follow and engage with ALEX here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-gonzález-ormerod-681433b2/?originalSubdomain=mx
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexgonzor?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
• X: https://twitter.com/alexgonzor?lang=en
• Website: https://open.substack.com/pub/mxpolec?r=ytty&utm_medium=ios
• Website: https://restofworld.org/author/alex-gonzalez-ormerod/

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Can we build growth companies in traditional industries? Can technology & the construction industry come together to build a better America? What happens when Josh flips the script to ask Rob some questions?

In this episode, Rob and Joshua Ogundu, Founder & Head of Product at Tradeway Tech have a high energy optimistic discussion of the transformative potential of treating the traditional “trades” as entrepreneurial opportunities. Josh brings his Midwestern work ethic, empathy and professional experiences, having led product at innovative big tech companies like TikTok, to founding venture backed startups like CampFire, and now leveraging technology to revolutionize the construction industry! From fostering curiosity and creativity, to discussing how legacy industries can thrive in a tech-driven world, Josh brings his boundless energy and pragmatic insights on community engagement, storytelling, and the unique entrepreneurial spirit of Los Angeles to bear on this conversation between friends.

Feel free to follow and engage with JOSHUA here:

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

What if your favorite indulgence could also be your healthiest choice? Do you ever wonder how your favorite food products make it to your grocery shelves? In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob dives into the inspiring story of Diogo Valente and Tiago Rebelo, founders of Swee Creamery—a vegan ice cream brand born in Portugal during the pandemic, selling successfully now in US grocers in your city.

From a serendipitous meeting at the gym, to navigating the globally hyper- competitive CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) market, to trusted friends now, these two young men share how they’ve built a brand that prioritizes great flavor, consumer engagement, and strategic growth of community through social media. They talk about their sharing of their life stories with their community, and their love for great products and loyal customers, as well as their open ambitions to breakthrough to great success in the US market! Tune in to discover their insights on breaking into the U.S. market, the power of partnerships, and their advice for standing out in saturated industries.

Feel free to follow and engage with DIOGO and TIAGO here:

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

Diverse fund teams are more profitable! Do you believe diversifying the venture capital investment industry actually creates better investment returns? Hint, it does! In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with Megan Stevenson-Krausz, co-CEO of Diversity VC, a unique non-profit organization helping its VC Firm members worldwide, to uncover why diversity isn’t just a moral imperative but a business and profit advantage. From redefining equity in venture capital to balancing meritocracy with inclusion, they discuss practical strategies for creating more diverse investment teams. Megan shares her insights on cultural nuances, intersectional diversity in Latin America and globally, and shares specific stories on how Diversity VC is helping funds transform their approach to equity. Tune in to explore the intersection of opportunity, representation, and innovation.

Feel free to follow and engage with MEGHAN here:

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.

What happens when entrepreneurial thinking meets social justice? Can you imagine collaborating with the people you like the least? In this episode, Rob sits down with the dynamic leader, Nisha Anand, CEO of Dream.org, to explore her journey from punk rock protester to social justice executive of a National organization, where she bridges divides across a wide array of social and societal issues everyday. They explore her own rich life experiences, which shaped who she is, and led her almost instinctively, though serendipitously, into these innovative ways to tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities of our times; climate change, mass incarceration, and economic inequality. Discover how curiosity, empathy, equity, and collaboration can shape a brighter future for everyone.

Feel free to follow and engage with NISHA here:

We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.

As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.

¡Cheers y gracias!,

Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.