Self Starters with Steve Clair

This week on Self Starters, we’re diving deep into the science of sleep with Dr. Dan Gartenberg — better known as Dr. Snooze. As a sleep scientist, entrepreneur, and TED speaker, Dan has made it his mission to help people sleep smarter and live better.

We talk about how sleep affects every part of your life — from productivity and memory to creativity and longevity. Dan breaks down the myths around sleep, explains how sound can actually boost deep sleep, and shares the tools he’s built to make better rest accessible to all. If you’ve ever said, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” this episode might just change your life.

Whether you're a founder burning the candle at both ends or someone simply looking to feel more rested, you’ll walk away with real, science-backed strategies to sleep deeper and perform better.

Dom Minogue | Founder of Dirty Water 🍻

From an idea to a full-fledged hard seltzer brand, Dom Minogue has built Dirty Water into a standout in the crowded beverage industry. In this episode, we dive into his journey as a creator and entrepreneur, the challenges of launching a CPG brand, and why guerrilla marketing and persistence are key in an industry dominated by giants.

🎙️ From Struggle to Strength: Kim O’Hara’s Inspiring Journey 🎙️

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Kim O’Hara—author, book coach, and the living definition of resilience and authenticity. Kim opens up about her journey from some of the darkest moments in her life, including battling challenges as a recovering alcoholic, to finding her true calling in the world of storytelling and coaching.

She shares the pivotal moment when she decided to throw her life onto paper, turning her personal memoir into a transformative self-help book (after rewriting 70% of it!). Along the way, Kim’s path was defined by embracing her true self and empowering others, especially women, to do the same.

Kim’s story is one of grit, perseverance, and discovering the power of putting your authentic self out into the world. Whether you’re a writer, a dreamer, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this episode will leave you ready to own your story and your truth. 💪✨

Tune in and let Kim’s incredible journey inspire your own!

🎙️ This Week on Self Starters: We’re joined by Matt Swider, the godfather of tech reviews, just in time for Black Friday! 🚀

In this episode:

• How Matt grew from 21K to 1M+ followers in months.
• The power of direct user feedback to scale your business.
• Why you should stop consuming and start producing content.
• Matt’s top book pick: "The Blogger’s Bootcamp".

💡 Get inspired by Matt’s journey and tips for building your brand and thriving online. Tune in now!

Join us as we chat with Morgan Allen, founder of GLO Inner Wellness. Morgan shares her personal journey with gut health and how it led to the creation of a family-run wellness brand. Learn about the development of their signature product, Gut Glo, and gain insights into the world of holistic health and entrepreneurship.

Get ready for a thrilling episode with Helaine Knapp, the visionary founder of CITYROW and author of Making Waves! Helaine takes us on a wild journey from launching a single fitness studio in New York to building a nationwide fitness empire.

In this episode, she opens up about the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial path, sharing the unfiltered truths behind building a brand, adapting to challenges, and the determination that fueled her success and her failures.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a fitness enthusiast, or just looking for a dose of inspiration, Helaine’s story will motivate you to make waves in your own life. Dive in for an electrifying conversation!

In this episode of Self Starters, we chat with Taylor Reed, a New York City-based content creator and model. Taylor opens up about his transition from data analysis to fashion and fitness content creation, his collaborations with brands such as Hollister, Hanes, and Abercrombie, and his dedication to sustainability. He also shares his experiences running ultramarathons and how he balances his diverse interests. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on following your passions and carving out your own path in the digital age.

In this episode, we’re joined by Eric Ortense, founder of Stream Line USA, one of New York’s leading contractors. Eric’s journey is a powerful story of transformation—he started as a bricklayer, worked as a club promoter in NYC nightlife with Danny Tenaglia, and became the director of the iconic CROBAR. Eventually, he built his multi-million-dollar contracting business.

Eric shares how he scaled Stream Line USA from $300k in year one to over $25 million t, all through relentless hard work and dedication. He also discusses the lessons he learned from the fast-paced club world, the transition into real estate, and his favorite business book, 'Art of the Deal' by Donald Trump.

Key Topics:

• From bricklayer to CROBAR director
• Growing a contracting business in New York
• Business building, ethics, and real estate development
• Book recommendation: 'Art of the Deal'

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, builder, or just someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with practical advice and incredible stories from Eric’s life. Listen now!

Annie’s Ginger Elixir: From Kitchen Creation to Wellness Staple

In this episode of the Self Starters podcast, Steve Clair talks with Annie Bassin, founder of Annie's Ginger Elixir. Annie shares her journey from crafting her signature drink in her kitchen to building a popular wellness brand. Learn how she turned her passion for health into a thriving business, the challenges she faced, and what's next for her growing brand. If you're an entrepreneur or health enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight!

The Game-Changing Power of Virtual Assistants with Alexander Gross of AG Assists | Self Starters

Want to know the secret weapon successful entrepreneurs use to run their businesses more efficiently? This week, we’re joined by Alexander Gross, founder of AG Assists, a top-tier operations and virtual assistant agency helping businesses scale faster and smarter. Alexander shares his inspiring journey, the behind-the-scenes work AG Assists does to keep businesses running smoothly, and how virtual assistants can empower entrepreneurs to stay focused on growth.

If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of operational support, this episode is packed with insights that will transform the way you think about building your team and growing your business!