In this episode, Barry and Phil are joined by Dave Peak, serial entrepreneur and the founder of AI startup EasyBee.AI, which focuses on building customizable agents for mid-market firms. Dave takes us through his storied career leading innovation strategies for companies large and small, including pharma, financial services, and consulting. With a track record of successful exits, Dave shares his thoughts on being a successful entrepreneur in the AI age, including whether or not to secure financing, how much, and where to draw the line. We also discuss how to bring top talent on board, even with a bootstrap budget, and how to keep them engaged for the long term. We even get into the all-important topic of corporate swag, and how to turn a badly designed thermos into a collector's item. This is a broad discussion that covers a lot of pertinent topics. Enjoy!

Drinks: Stellwagen Beer Company Cooler Beer American Light Lager, Tree House Brewing Company Very Green Double IPA, Sierra Nevada, Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing New England-style IPA

Links: https://www.easybee.ai/

In this episode, Barry and Phil regroup from their time in Austin, Texas to share their thoughts on the week they spent attending SXSW 2026. Their takeaway from the festival was overall a feeling of hope and inspiration as they usher in what they see as a "Golden Age of Artificial Intelligence". Gone are the feelings of fear and trepidation, replaced with the hope of using these tools as a way to showcase differentiation, taste, and storytelling. They discuss how NOT knowing where things will go is a good thing, creating a particularly vibrant space where creative thinkers and tinkerers can thrive: observing seemingly disparate things that others can't, and connecting them together to create opportunities that others won't. It was a great week with a ton of amazing conversations, and we can't wait to do it again next year. Enjoy!

Drinks: Coffee, Water

Links: www.sxsw.com

In this episode, Barry and Phil come to you LIVE from Austin, Texas and the SXSW 2026 Festival of Innovation. Recording live from Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden, Barry and Phil have conversations with esteemed guests, friends and colleagues recapping the days events, including thoughts on their panel "Lies My Creative Director Told Me: Myths of the Agency World". This episode features Val Vacante, Fura Johannesdottir, Ruthie Edwards, and Valeria Carlson, and though the conversations stretched far past what was recorded, this episodes certainly captures the energy, tone, and vibes of this year's SXSW.

Drinks: Multiple!

Links: www.sxsw.com

In this quick one, Phil and Barry crack a cold one and give the listeners a taste of what they can expect from their 2nd Annual appearance at the SXSW Innovation Festival and their panel discussion, "Lies My Creative Director Told Me: Myths of the Agency World". They discuss the other panels they are most excited about seeing, and send an open invitation to the various evening events where they can find us out and about on the streets of Austin, Texas. See you there!

Drinks: Jack's Abbey Shipping Out of Boston Amber Lager, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Snowed In Winter Warmer

Links:

https://schedule.sxsw.com/events/PP1162382

https://schedule.sxsw.com/events/PP1150148

https://schedule.sxsw.com/events/PP1162677

https://schedule.sxsw.com/events/PP1162380

https://schedule.sxsw.com/events/PP1162304

https://schedule.sxsw.com/events/PP1162395

In this episode, Barry and Phil are joined once again by Global Innovation Expert and frequent guest Val Vacante, fresh off her stint at the Consumer Electronics Showcase, or CES, in Las Vegas. We explore the overall impressions of the event, the practical applications of technology, and unique innovations that stood out. Val also shares insights from her panel discussion on experience-driven retail, emphasizing the importance of safety, privacy, and accessibility in technology. The conversation also touches on the growing significance of fandom cultures in retail and the definition of success in innovation. We also delve into the power of Google's Universal Commerce Protocol, both marveling at its potential and recognizing the power of in-person shopping experiences. Enjoy!

Drinks: Blue Point Brewing Company Imperial Sunshine Belgian Strong Golden Ale, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Cold Torpedo IPA, Coconut Fizzy Water

Links: https://www.ces.tech/

Season 7 is upon is! And as we do every season, this first episode of the season is a preview of what's to come this year, which promises to be our best one yet. We celebrate the start of a new year by reflecting on our journey of storytelling over nearly a decade. We share our New Year's resolutions for 2026, including some changes to our show format with the introduction of '9 Questions', as well as a promise to do more live events, and deeper dives into practical AI topics. We're so excited about this season - enjoy!

Drinks: Cigar City Brewing Florida Man Double IPA, Tree House Brewing Company Treat Imperial IPA

Links: whatbubblesup.com

What Bubbles Up fans! Another year, and another season in the books, which means it is time for our annual Year in Flights episode! This season, Phil and Barry celebrate the end of Season 6 with a recap of 6 of their favorite moments, each paired with a different beer (in increasing ABV %). We also take a moment to celebrate the growth of their podcast, up 21% in listernership from this time last year. As predicted, this season focused on the impact of AI on the industry, the evolution of Figma, and the importance of authenticity in creativity. But we also highlight the need to embrace uniqueness and differentiation, and the necessity of continuous learning and evolution. It's been another great season - thank you all for listening, and we will see you again in 2026!

This Season's Highlights:

1. Episode 2: A Quick One on DeepSeekAI

2. Episode 4: Robin Raskin from SXSW

3. Episode 8: Recap of Config

4. Episode 9: The Future of Agencies with Matt Weiss (our top episode of Season 6!)

5. Episode 11: Lessons in Acting with Julianne Cross

6. Episode 12: Being Curious with Jenessa Carder

Drinks:

Barry: Tuckerman Brewing Co. Headwall Altbier, Vermont Beer Makers Scarlet Red Ale, Jack's Abby Brewing Shipping Out of Boston Amber Lager, Berkshire Brewing Company Lost Sailor India Pale Ale, Devil's Purse Brewing Co. Powder Hole Porter, Mad Elf Holiday Ale

Phil: Founders Brewing Company Red Sweater IPA, Jackie O's Brewery Chomolungma Brown Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co. Christmas Ale, Port City Tidings Belgian-Style Ale, Jack's Abby Brewing Tiramisu Pastry Porter, Boulevard Brewing Company Dark Truth Imperial Stout

Links:

http://whatbubblesup.com

In this episode, Barry and Phil welcome David Richard, Entrepreneur and AI enthusiast joins us for a drink and a discussion about the evolving roles of design, designers, and business leaders in the age of AI. David regales us with his long journey through design, teaching, starting his own agency, then joining a large organization, and all the differences and similarities between those business contexts. We then pivot to the topic at the tip of every designer's tongue: "What do I do now that design is no longer solely in my hands, and what value do I bring?" David also shares his learnings as the co-founder of Blossom, a professional networking platform that combines relationship management with gentle AI guidance to make networking feel less intimidating and more meaningful.

Drinks: Chatham Squire Premium Lager, Treehouse Galactic Storm Imperial IPA, Meanwhile Brewing Company Tender Robot Hazy IPA

Links: https://goblossom.ai/

In this episode of, Phil and Barry engage in a rich conversation with CX Transformation Strategist, Author, and Podcaster Jenessa Carder about her journey from Boston to Japan and the cultural insights she has gained along the way. We discuss the importance of empathy in design, the challenges of being a foreigner in Japan, and how personal stories can enhance design practices. Jenessa shares her experiences with inclusivity in design and the power of storytelling, as well as her recent projects, including her book "The Curious Nail Who Stuck Out", and the resultant podcast, "The Curious Nail". This conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding diverse perspectives and the role of design in creating inclusive experiences. Enjoy!

Drinks: Devil's Purse Brewing Co. Handline Kölsch, Glaabsbräu Pilsener, Tully's Barista Black Coffee

Links: https://expressanything.squarespace.com/curiousnail

In this episode, Barry and Phil have a beer and a chat with Julianne Cross, an actor, writer, and filmmaker who left her career in media buying to pursue her passion for storytelling. Julianne discusses what it's like to go through the turbulent up's and down's of auditions, and the invaluable process she takes to learn from each one, process rejection, and properly celebrate triumphs. We also discuss how she turns ideas into viable stories, and how she uses script readings the same way designers use prototypes to get feedback. Lastly, we end this episode with a tribute to dearly departed Season 2 guest and inspirational writer Kathy Hepinstall. Cheers!

Drinks: Founders Brewing Company All Day IPA, Treehouse Hurricane American Double IPA, Montauk Brewing Company Wave Chaser IPA

Links: https://www.juliannecross.com/