Ariel Garten is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and the visionary co-founder of Muse—the brain-sensing headband that’s helped over half a million people improve their mental health, reduce stress, and sleep better. With no prior business experience, Ariel personally raised $18 million from Silicon Valley investors, bringing cutting-edge neurotechnology to the masses. Muse is now trusted by NASA, medical professionals, and featured in over 200 studies. Ariel’s journey blends science, art, and entrepreneurship, making her a true pioneer in the world of brain-sensing tech.

On this episode we talk about:

Ariel’s entrepreneurial roots—from lemonade stands and fashion design to neuroscience and tech startups

How her family’s real estate business and creative upbringing shaped her confidence and risk-taking

The story behind Muse: transforming brain-computer interface technology into a practical meditation tool

The importance of product-market fit, customer feedback, and learning from failed ventures

Practical advice for inventors: why you don’t need to patent your idea first, and how to validate a physical product before manufacturing

How 3D printing and modern prototyping have made it easier than ever to bring hardware ideas to life

The power of resilience, optimism, and naivety in overcoming entrepreneurial challenges

Muse’s impact on meditation, mental health, and the future of neurofeedback technology

Top 3 Takeaways

Talk Before You Build: Don’t keep your idea secret—talk to potential customers, validate demand, and get real feedback before investing in manufacturing or patents.

Prototype Fast and Cheap: Use 3D printing, off-the-shelf parts, and even student designers to create quick prototypes and test your concept before scaling up.

Resilience and Optimism Win: Entrepreneurship is tough, but staying optimistic, learning from setbacks, and believing in your mission are key to long-term success.

Notable Quotes

“Making stuff is really hard. If you’re struggling to figure out how to do it, someone you tell isn’t likely to go do it first—it’s all about execution.”

“The first thing you want to do is talk to lots of people about your idea. Figure out if they want it, what they like, and what problem it really solves.”

“You don’t need a patent first. Your first call should be to your market, not your lawyer.”

Special Offer for Listeners:

Get 15% off your Muse Headband!
Go to choosemuse.com/travis and use discount code TRAVIS at checkout to save 15% on your order.

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