Big news: Innovate or Evaporate has a new home on the IBJ Media Podcast Network. In this special episode, Mitch Frazier (President, IBJ Media) sits down with Toph Day to mark the partnership and unpack what’s ahead for the show in 2026 and beyond. They talk about why innovation isn’t just for entrepreneurs or investors, why silos are disappearing, and why the next era belongs to leaders who can move fast, build relationships, and connect cross-sector dots.

What does it take to pull off the impossible—on time, on budget, and at full creative ambition?

In Episode 30 of Innovate or Evaporate, Toph Day sits down with Gregg Fienberg, Emmy-winning executive producer and director, to unpack the real engine behind film and television: logistics, leadership, and high-performance teams. From unexpected disasters on set to the craft of building “family-level” crews under pressure, Gregg shares what it really means to execute when every minute costs real money.

They also dig into how the industry is changing—streaming economics, residuals, tax incentives, global production shifts, and the early realities of AI-generated actors—plus the people-first mindset Gregg believes makes the best productions (and businesses) work.

Takeaways

Logistics is creativity’s backbone: great ideas only matter if you can execute them under pressure.

High-performing teams act like families—trust, ownership, and covering for each other are non-negotiable.

Opportunity often comes from simple acts of initiative, not grand plans.

Technology keeps changing, but people, leadership, and decision-making still matter most.

Film and TV productions operate like startups—with speed, risk, and constant adaptation.

Streaming, tax incentives, and global production shifts are reshaping Hollywood’s economics.

AI is no longer theoretical in entertainment—it’s already here, and it will change everything.

What does it take to break into the world of elite sports representation — and do it differently? Jeanine Ogbonnaya joins Toph to share her journey from Alabama press boxes to representing top athletes like Angel Reese. From teaching herself football to launching her own agency during a pandemic, Jeanine breaks down how the NIL era is reshaping athlete branding, ownership, and influence. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone building something of their own in a system designed for someone else.

Chris Yeh — investor, entrepreneur, and co-author of the NYT bestseller Blitzscaling — joins Toph live at Rally to unpack what it really takes to scale in a winner-take-most world.

Today’s guest is Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, whose team analyzes data from tens of thousands of startups to reveal what’s actually happening in venture capital — not just what makes headlines.

Recorded live at Rally, this conversation digs into the real state of venture in 2025: the AI haves vs. have-nots, why down rounds aren’t a death sentence, the misunderstood power law driving VC decisions, and why so many founders should probably never pitch a fund in the first place. Peter also breaks down co-founder equity splits, option pools, vesting (a.k.a. the prenup you absolutely need), and the difference between building a venture-scale rocket ship and an incredible “lifestyle” business you fully control.

If you’re a founder, investor, or operator trying to navigate today’s funding landscape — and decide what game you’re actually playing — this episode will give you the language, data, and mental models to do it.

What does it take to build a creative career—from scratch—twice? In this episode of Innovate or Evaporate, actress, producer, and entrepreneur Lisa Varga joins Toph Day for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of the entertainment industry, the evolution of storytelling, and the business behind the camera.

Lisa opens up about her early dreams, her Hollywood breakthrough, and the personal sacrifices that reshaped her path. From acting in iconic shows like Homeland to launching her own production company in the Midwest, Lisa’s journey is a raw and riveting look at creativity, resilience, and reinvention. You’ll hear why the future of content demands original voices, what investors should understand about film financing, and how innovation is rewriting the rules of Hollywood.

Kylen Granson is a tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles—but his impact extends far beyond the end zone. After being under-recruited in high school, breaking nearly every bone possible, and walking away from a Division I scholarship, Kylen fought his way into the NFL through sheer discipline and self-belief.

Now, he’s using his platform to tackle one of the country’s biggest silent crises: childhood literacy. In this episode, Kylen shares the story behind KG’s Kids, the nonprofit he founded to spark a love of reading and support dyslexic students. We talk growing up with a teacher mom, reading Percy Jackson on a match-for-screen-time deal, and how one moment of vulnerability can change a life. This isn’t just a football story—it’s about building the kind of legacy that lasts long after the lights go out.

From Olympic hopeful to underground poker queen to federal felony charges — Molly Bloom has lived more lives than most.

In this episode of Innovate or Evaporate, Molly sits down with Toph Day to talk about the epic highs and brutal lows of her journey. They dive deep into personal transformation, reinvention, high-stakes risk, and how to recover your identity after public failure. From mindset shifts to media narratives, Molly opens up about reclaiming power through storytelling, entrepreneurship, and unwavering self-awareness.

You’ll hear the real story behind Molly’s Game, what it’s like to negotiate with Hollywood icons like Aaron Sorkin, and why learning to silence your inner critic is as important as any business strategy.

This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about failure, grit, mindfulness, poker, power, and building something from nothing. If you’ve ever had to rebuild — this one’s for you.

What does it really take to build an AI-native company before AI was cool? In this episode of Innovate or Evaporate, host Toph Day sits down with Amy Brown, CEO and founder of Authenticx—a healthcare-focused customer insights platform—to unpack how she turned personal conviction into a multi-million dollar startup.

In this conversation, Kevin O'Leary shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights from Shark Tank, and thoughts on geopolitics and technology. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in business, the American Dream, and the need for innovation in various sectors. O'Leary also discusses productivity strategies, particularly the significance of focusing on key tasks to maximize efficiency.

Takeaways

Storytelling is essential in business and entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurs often start multiple ventures throughout their careers.

The American Dream is America's number one export.

Competition drives innovation and success in technology.

Hiring should be a slow process to ensure the right fit.

Financial hygiene is crucial for business success.

AI will play a significant role in the future of business.

Focusing on three key tasks each day enhances productivity.

The balance of signal and noise is vital for effective execution.

Investing in great entrepreneurs can lead to significant rewards.