In this episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Sean Cook, the founder of the TEA app — a revolutionary platform giving women a safer, smarter way to navigate the dating world. Sean shares how a personal experience with his mom led him to build TEA, why the current dating app landscape is broken, and how his platform empowers over 600,000 women through honest reviews, background checks, and anonymous community support. We dive into building a mission-driven tech company, protecting users at scale, and what the future of dating safety looks like. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to change an industry — this is the conversation you need to hear.

Learn more about TEA:

• 🌐 Website: www.teaforwomen.com
• 📱 App Store: Download TEA on IOS
• 📲 Google Play: Download TEA on Android
• 📸 Instagram: @theteapartygirls

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, we’re joined by Ryan Lane, the mastermind behind the band Quiet Confidence. Ryan shares the story of how his passion for music led to the creation of his solo project, and how he’s been navigating the DIY side of the music industry. From creating custom light shows to booking his own tour, Ryan gives us an inside look at the hard work that goes into making music with a full-time career. Plus, he dives into his experiences with Kickstarter, the challenges of being a two-person band, and what it’s like balancing a night shift job while pursuing his musical dreams. Whether you're a fan of alternative pop, or just want to hear about what it takes to make it as an independent artist, this episode has something for everyone.

Where to Listen: Check out Quiet Confidence’s music on all streaming platforms.

Follow Quiet Confidence on Socials:

• Instagram: @quiet_confidence

Forget Marvel, forget Gotham — This Dude Started Something is bringing you a real-life superhero straight from the streets of LA. Meet Rock Hard: MMA-trained vigilante, tree crime investigator, proud owner of a $70 Amazon shield, and possibly David Goggins' tougher cousin.

In this episode, Oliver and Brayden dive into Rock Hard's origin story (spoiler: no radioactive spiders involved), the strange case of LA's midnight tree-chopper, and his unfiltered beef with his wannabe arch-nemesis, Flaccid Sand. From patrolling crime scenes with a taser-baton to debating whether he'd save his hater from a burning building — this one goes from hilarious to heroic and back again.

And yes — we finally answer the question: How hard is Rock Hard?

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Cameron Mauk, the founder of Backbone Coffee. Cameron shares the story behind his no-nonsense coffee company that's built for people who work hard and love coffee served black, hot, and straight to the point. We dive into the origins of the brand, the challenges of bringing high-quality coffee to the blue-collar world, and the journey of creating a product that connects with everyone from oil workers to doctors. Whether you're in work boots or just spiritually blue-collar, you’ll want to hear Cameron's insights on creating a brand that resonates with real, hardworking people. Plus, get the inside scoop on Backbone’s coffee blends and what makes them stand out from the crowd.

Where to Buy: Check out Backbone Coffee’s website at www.backbonecoffee.com to purchase their signature blends and get your hands on some of the best coffee around.

Follow Backbone Coffee on Socials:

• Instagram: @backbonecoffeeco

In this inspiring episode of This Dude Started Something, we sit down with Jeremy George, the founder of Bucket Match AI—a platform born from a life-changing mission to complete 52 bucket list goals in 52 weeks. From cliff jumping in Hawaii to launching a startup that helps others chase their dreams, Jeremy opens up about how a low point in life led to a movement centered around purpose, passion, and action.

We dive into:

• His TEDx talk journey
• The highs and lows of goal-chasing
• How Bucket Match helps people connect and complete goals together
• Why failing at a goal can be just as meaningful as achieving it
• And the deeper impact of doing what truly matters—before it's too late

Whether you're into skydiving, learning guitar, or just cooking the perfect eggs (yes, we went there), this episode will make you want to stop scrolling and start doing.

In this eye-opening episode of This Dude Started Something, Oliver and Brayden sit down with seasoned patent attorney Austin Bonderer, a man with over 700 issued U.S. patents and more stories than your average legal thriller. Austin pulls back the curtain on the chaotic world of intellectual property—where billion-dollar ideas are born, stolen, or buried.

We kick things off with the basics: what is a patent and why does it matter? But things quickly spiral into everything from patent trolls buying bankrupt portfolios to sue tech giants, to how you can literally patent a grape, and even how a simple idea like adding food coloring to white powders got patented.

The guys also get real about how AI and ChatGPT are accidentally killing people’s chances at protection just by asking the wrong questions online. You’ll learn why it’s not just about the idea—it’s about who files it first, why “patent pending” doesn’t mean you’re safe, and how the U.S. law still struggles to keep up with tech.

Brayden pitches a few (hilarious) product ideas like a mirror that glazes you in the morning and a dog collar that translates barks into sass, while Austin explains why even crazy ideas might actually be patentable—if you solve the right problem.

We also dive into the difference between design patents, utility patents, plant patents, and the wild world of trademark law (yes, you can TM your podcast name, but not “Deez Nuts”—Brayden asked).

If you’ve ever dreamed of inventing something, starting a business, or just wanted to know how IP law works without falling asleep—this is the episode for you.

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, Oliver and Brayden sit down with filmmaker, drone pilot, editor, and co-founder of Appian Media, Craig Dehut. Craig and his team are on a mission to bring biblical history to life through stunning documentaries filmed on location across Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and more.

Appian Media creates high-quality, biblically accurate video content that’s completely free and accessible to anyone around the world. From the story of Jesus to the seven churches of Revelation and the path of the Exodus, Craig shares how they bring scripture off the page and into real landscapes that make the Bible feel tangible, real, and relevant.

The guys dive into:

• The wild story of how Appian Media started with a Kickstarter campaign
• What it’s like filming in war-torn countries with a camera crew and drones
• Navigating international permits and nearly getting gear confiscated
• Craig’s favorite spiritual “wow” moments while standing where Jesus once walked
• The real impact these documentaries have had—especially with young people and new believers
• How visual storytelling and new formats (like short-form video) are shaping the future of faith-based content

They also get into drone licenses, traveling light, creating curriculum for schools, vertical video headaches, and why Appian Media might just become the Marvel Cinematic Universe of the Bible.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to turn biblical storytelling into a career—or how faith and filmmaking can change lives—this episode is for you.

Where to Find Craig & Appian Media

Website: appianmedia.org

YouTube: Appian Media on YouTube

Podcasts: Search “Appian Media” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen

Instagram / Facebook / YouTube Shorts: @AppianMedia

Want to connect directly? Use the contact form on their website—it goes straight to Craig and the team.

Where to Find Us

📲 Follow the podcast: @ThisDudeStartedSomething on Instagram

💬 DM us if you’ve got someone we should interview next or if you started something.

In this episode of This Dude Started Something, Oliver and Brayden sit down with the Morrstedt family — a father who walked away from the traditional 9-to-5 to build a content-first lifestyle with his Gen Alpha kids. Together, they’re redefining what it means to grow up in a digital world.

This isn’t your average “kidfluencer” story. We dig into how and why these kids don’t have phones, the power of teaching entrepreneurship early, and what it takes to raise builders instead of consumers. From launching merch and brainstorming meme coins to tackling the dark side of content like ragebait, short-form addiction, and AI, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and unfiltered Gen Alpha perspective.

If you’re a parent, creator, entrepreneur, or just wondering what the next generation is really about — this is the episode you can’t miss.

Because Gen Alpha isn’t just watching the world — they’re already reshaping it.

This week on This Dude Started Something, we sit down with platinum-selling artist and producer @therealjdash, the mastermind behind the viral anthem “WOP.” But J. Dash is way more than a one-hit wonder.

From learning piano by ear at age 5 to producing “WOP” in his college apartment using only GarageBand, his journey blends pure talent with DIY hustle. We talk about how Miley Cyrus twerking in a unicorn onesie took his song to platinum, how he used to moonlight as a systems engineer while secretly going viral, and why he believes building wealth in the music game has never been easier.

J. Dash also breaks down his ongoing advocacy for music education, including his visits to Capitol Hill to push for better funding in schools. He’s using his voice not just to make hits, but to make change.

We also dive into his powerful new project, Twilight Zone, a performance series created in honor of his late sister, filmed on the world’s first 3D-printed stage in Austin, TX. And yes — he’s hitting the stage again in May with T-Pain in Jacksonville, his hometown. 🎤🔥

If you’re into music, creativity, entrepreneurship, or just love an insane story, this one’s for you.

Follow J. Dash:

🔹 Instagram: @therealjdash

🔹 Twilight Zone Project

🔹 Website: jdashmusic.com

This week on This Dude Started Something, we sat down with the band behind the ultimate windows-down, scream-the-lyrics, feel-good anthem: The Mowgli’s. With almost 500 million Spotify streams, they’ve defined a generation of good vibes — and they’re officially making a comeback.

In this episode, Josh, Katie, Andy, and Matt open up about their roots in the Southern California garage scene, how their love for live performance turned into a national movement, and what it's like to look back on the wild journey that made them the soundtrack to so many people's lives.

We dive into how their breakout hit San Francisco went from a local jam to a global anthem, how the band formed (spoiler: love story included), and what it’s really like to write, tour, and evolve as a creative group. You’ll also hear about their musical philosophy, why they believe collaboration > isolation, and how they’re approaching this next era of music with more excitement than ever before.

And yes — we got the exclusive: The Mowgli’s are officially releasing new music starting this April, with a fresh rollout of singles and a renewed spirit.

This episode features their iconic song "Say It, Just Say It" as both the intro and outro — a full-circle moment we couldn't be more stoked about.

👉 Follow The Mowgli’s on socials:

📸 Instagram: @themowglis

Music Platforms - The Mowglis

🎧 Stream their music on all platforms!

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6AGUQK1EWK6nvN4pLIDQDQ?si=wGGI1WoPRsmIEJUh-3_u0g

🔥 And don't forget — our brand new merch just dropped! Rep This Dude Started Something wherever you go. Check it out on our page. @thisdudestartedsomething