Podcast: The Kara Goldin Show

On today’s episode, we welcome Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS and Founder of We Are ENOUGH — a leader who helped redefine purpose-driven business, and is now asking a much deeper question: what if success isn’t the thing that makes you feel whole?
What started as a simple idea—pairing business with giving—turned into a global movement and a $650M brand that changed how companies think about impact. But behind that success was a much more personal journey, one that led Blake to confront his own struggles with identity, mental health, and the pressure to constantly achieve. Not exactly the part of the story most people see.
In this episode, Blake shares what really happens after you “make it”—and why so many high performers still feel like they’re not enough. We talk about the hidden side of ambition, the mental health challenges founders don’t often discuss, and how redefining self-worth can change the way we build businesses and live our lives. He also opens up about the transition out of TOMS, what led him to create We Are ENOUGH, and why his new podcast, No Magic Pill, is focused on having more honest conversations about what’s really going on beneath the surface. This is a must listen.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Blake Mycoskie and We Are ENOUGH:
https://weareenough.co/
https://www.blakemycoskie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/blakemycoskie/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakemycoskie/

Sponsored By:

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

Zocdoc – Go to Zocdoc.com/KARA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.

Dell – Find technology built for the way you work at Dell.com/DellPCs

HomeServe – Go to HomeServe.com to find the plan that’s right for you.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/840

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 840 Blake Mycoskie: Founder of TOMS & We Are ENOUGH

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00:00 / 00:31:38

On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Julia Hartz, Co-Founder and former CEO of Eventbrite — the platform that has transformed how millions of people create, discover, and experience live events around the world.
Julia’s journey is a powerful blend of creativity, vision, and leadership. From her early career in media at MTV and FX to co-founding Eventbrite in 2006, she helped grow the company into one of the largest marketplaces for shared experiences — powering more than five million events annually and processing millions of tickets every week. Along the way, she built a company known not just for its scale, but for its people-first culture and deep commitment to connection.
In this episode, Julia shares what it really takes to build and scale a mission-driven company, the lessons she learned leading Eventbrite through its IPO, and how she approached one of the most pivotal moments in the company’s journey — its recent acquisition and transition into a new chapter. She also opens up about leadership evolution, navigating major transitions, and why live experiences matter more than ever in today’s digital world. Julia’s story is a masterclass in building with purpose, leading with intention, and creating something that brings people together in meaningful ways.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Julia Hartz and Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliahartz/
https://www.instagram.com/juliahartz/

Sponsored By:

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Dell – Find technology built for the way you work at Dell.com/DellPCs

Scribe – To book a personalized enterprise demo, visit scribe.how/karagoldin

Momentum – Get a free Welcome Kit and Travel Collection at MomentumShake.com/karagoldin

Bombas – Go to Bombas.com/KARA and use code KARA for 20% off your first purchase

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/839

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 839 Julia Hartz: Co-Founder of Eventbrite

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00:00 / 00:36:48

On today’s episode, we welcome Stacey Fraser, Founder and CEO of Pink Chicken — a brand that proves you don’t need to overcomplicate things to build something meaningful. Sometimes, it starts with a needle, some fabric, and a point of view.
What began during nap-time sewing sessions for her daughters has turned into a multi-channel lifestyle brand with 400+ wholesale partners and a growing retail footprint. Not bad for something that wasn’t supposed to be a “business” at first.
In this episode, Stacey breaks down what it really takes to scale a brand rooted in creativity without sanding off the edges that made people love it in the first place. We get into building with instinct vs. data, why retail still matters (yes, even now), and how to stay disciplined while keeping things joyful. She also shares the reality of going from corporate fashion to founder life—and why sometimes stepping away is exactly what leads you to something bigger.
If you care about building brands that actually connect—or you’re sitting on an idea you haven’t acted on yet—this one’s worth your time.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Stacey Fraser and Pink Chicken:
https://www.pinkchicken.com
https://www.instagram.com/pinkchickenny/
https://www.instagram.com/staceyfraser/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-fraser/

Sponsored By:

AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

Pipedrive CRM – Get more leads and grow your business. Go to Pipedrive.com/kara and get started with a 30-day free trial.

Monarch Money – Use code KARAGOLDIN at Monarch.com to get your first year half off at just $50.

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Rythm Health – Rythm is offering our listeners 15% off your first month and free shipping at RythmHealth.com/KARAGOLDIN

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/838

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 838 Stacey Fraser: Founder & CEO of Pink Chicken

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00:00 / 00:25:14

On today’s episode, we welcome Monica Nassif, Founder of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and author of I Bottled My Mother — a brand that proves even the most overlooked categories can be completely reimagined if you’re willing to challenge what everyone else accepts as “good enough.”
What started as a simple idea—to make cleaning products that actually smelled good, felt good, and worked—turned into a category-defining brand that disrupted a $30 billion industry. Not bad for something most people never thought twice about.
In this episode, Monica breaks down what it really takes to see opportunity where others don’t—and have the conviction to act on it. We get into building emotional connection in unlikely places, why failure is often the real teacher, and how instinct—not just data—can shape breakthrough brands. She also shares the deeply personal story behind her new book, I Bottled My Mother, and how family, resilience, and perspective shaped not just her life—but her leadership.
If you care about building something meaningful, navigating both success and failure, or learning how to think differently about opportunity—this one’s worth your time.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Monica Nassif, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and I Bottled My Mother:
https://www.monicanassif.com
https://www.instagram.com/themonicanassif/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-nassif-686876335/

Sponsored By:

Acorns – Head to Acorns.com/KARA or download the Acorns app to get started.

Dell – Find technology built for the way you work at Dell.com/DellPCs

Cash App – For a limited time, new customers can get $10 added to their balance. Use code CASHAPP10 when you sign up, and send at least $5 to a friend in the first two weeks. Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/0s6pfdl7 #CashAppPod

Merit Beauty – Meritbeauty.com to get your free signature makeup bag with your first order.

Physician’s Choice – Go to Amazon or PhysiciansChoice.com and use code PCPODCAST10 for 10% off your entire order

Chime – Join the millions who are already banking fee-free today. Head to Chime.com/KARAGOLDIN.

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/837

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 837 Monica Nassif: Founder of Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day & Author of I Bottled My Mother

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00:00 / 00:32:22

What does it take to start a company at 20 years old — and scale it into a platform used by tens of millions before selling it for hundreds of millions?
On today’s episode, we welcome David Rusenko, Founder and former CEO of Weebly — one of the earliest platforms to make it possible for anyone to build a website without coding. Long before “no-code” became a movement, David and his co-founders set out to simplify the internet for small businesses and entrepreneurs. After joining Y Combinator in its early days, they built Weebly into a company with over 350 employees, hundreds of millions in revenue, and more than 50 million users worldwide — ultimately leading to its $365 million acquisition by Square.
In this episode, David shares the real story behind building Weebly from a college project into a global platform, including the scrappy early days, the challenges of scaling a team and culture, and the evolution of his leadership as CEO. We dive into the realities of hypergrowth, what it takes to maintain human connection while scaling, and the lessons learned from serving millions of small business owners. David also opens up about the acquisition process — how the deal with Square came together, what it felt like to sell, and the emotional and psychological transition that comes after stepping away from something you’ve built for years.
If you’re interested in early-stage hustle, scaling a company, navigating an exit, or what founders don’t talk about after the deal closes — this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about David Rusenko:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drusenko
https://x.com/drusenko
https://www.instagram.com/davidrusenko/

Sponsored By:

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

Warby Parker – Get 15% off + Free Shipping when they buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/KARAGOLDIN

OneSkin – For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code KARAGOLDIN at OneSkin.co/KARAGOLDIN

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/836

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 836 David Rusenko: Founder of Weebly

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00:00 / 00:26:22

On today’s episode, we welcome Allyson Mandelbaum, Founder & CEO of Shady Lady — a women’s hat brand redefining fit, function, and confidence by designing hats specifically made for women. After spending over 20 years as a reality TV producer, Allyson made a bold career pivot at 40 to solve a problem she personally experienced: hats simply didn’t fit women properly. What started as a frustration turned into a mission-driven brand focused on better design, comfort, and helping women feel confident in what they wear.
In this episode, Allyson shares what it’s like to start over later in your career, how she validated a product idea with no prior experience in fashion or business, and the lessons she learned from expanding too quickly early on. We also talk about why “unisex” design often misses the mark, how to build a brand around a specific unmet need, and the importance of staying focused on your core product. Plus, Allyson opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with family life, trusting your instincts, and why it’s never too late to build something meaningful. A must-listen for founders, career pivoters, and anyone looking to turn a simple idea into a powerful brand.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Allyson Mandelbaum and Shady Lady:
https://www.shopshadylady.com
https://www.instagram.com/shop_shadylady/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyson-mandelbaum-13322977/
https://www.facebook.com/p/Shady-Lady-100047634133154/

Sponsored By:

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

Pipedrive CRM – Get more leads and grow your business. Go to Pipedrive.com/kara and get started with a 30-day free trial.

Square – Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/karagoldin

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/835

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 835 Allyson Mandelbaum: Founder & CEO of Shady Lady

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On today’s episode, we welcome Melisse Shaban, CEO of Aramore — a longevity science company redefining how we approach aging through cellular health. With decades of experience building and scaling science-driven brands, Melisse is now leading Aramore at the intersection of biotech, skincare, and supplements, with a mission to move beyond surface-level beauty and address aging at its source.
In this episode, Melisse breaks down the science behind NAD+ and why it’s becoming such a powerful conversation in both wellness and skincare. She shares what most people misunderstand about aging, how to separate real innovation from marketing hype, and why the future of skincare lies in supporting how our cells function—not just how our skin looks. We also dive into what it takes to bring complex science to consumers in a clear and trustworthy way, how Aramore is approaching both topical and internal solutions, and what’s next for the longevity category.
A must-listen for founders, operators, and anyone curious about the future of beauty, wellness, and aging—and how science is reshaping all three.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Melisse Shaban and Aramore:
https://www.aramore.com
https://www.instagram.com/aramoreskincare/
https://www.instagram.com/melisseshaban/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisse-shaban/

Sponsored By:

Upwork – Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free.

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

1-800-Flowers – Visit 1800Flowers.com/KARAGOLDIN to claim your Double Roses offer before they’re gone!

Dell – Find technology built for the way you work at Dell.com/DellPCs

RULA – Go to Rula.com/KARAGOLDIN for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/834

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 834 Melisse Shaban: CEO of Aramore

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00:00 / 00:26:01

Can one personal frustration — and a simple question — actually lead to changing an entire industry standard?
On today’s episode, we welcome Bryan Boches, CEO and Co-Founder of Safe Catch — the only seafood company in the world that tests every single fish for mercury. What started as a deeply personal moment — when Bryan’s pregnant wife was told to eliminate tuna from her diet due to mercury concerns — quickly turned into a much bigger realization: why wasn’t anyone solving this problem at scale?
Instead of accepting the status quo, Bryan set out to fix it. After developing breakthrough proprietary technology capable of screening every fish for mercury, he approached major seafood companies — and was met with resistance. So he did what great founders do: he built his own brand. Today, Safe Catch is in over 19,000 retail locations, setting a new benchmark for transparency, safety, and accountability in seafood.
In this episode, Bryan shares what it really takes to challenge a legacy industry, the uphill battle of introducing higher standards into an established supply chain, and why incumbents often resist meaningful change. We discuss the science behind mercury testing, how to educate consumers without creating fear, and what it means to build trust in a category where transparency hasn’t always been the norm. Bryan also opens up about the realities of scaling a mission-driven business, navigating retailer relationships, and staying committed when others won’t follow.
If you’re interested in building with purpose, disrupting entrenched industries, or turning a personal problem into a scalable solution — this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Bryan Boches and Safe Catch:
https://www.safecatch.com/
https://www.instagram.com/safecatchfoods/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanboches/

Sponsored By:

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

Bombas – Go to Bombas.com/KARA and use code KARA for 20% off your first purchase

Stamps.com – Go to Stamps.com and use code kara to get sixty days risk-free!

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/833

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 833 Bryan Boches: Co-Founder & CEO of Safe Catch

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00:00 / 00:29:03

Can personal safety evolve from a reactive alert system into a proactive, AI-driven platform — and reshape how we think about independence and care?
On today’s episode, we welcome Chia-Lin Simmons, CEO of LogicMark — a company transforming from a traditional medical alert provider into a modern, connected care platform built around prevention, prediction, and everyday peace of mind. LogicMark is redefining what it means to feel safe, combining wearable devices, mobile apps, and AI-powered insights to support not just seniors, but anyone seeking greater control over their personal safety.
As the population ages and millions of families navigate the growing demands of caregiving, LogicMark is focused on building solutions that are intuitive, accessible, and deeply human. Under Chia-Lin’s leadership, the company has expanded beyond hardware into a broader ecosystem designed to empower independence, reduce caregiver burden, and bring smarter, more responsive technology into the home and daily life.
In this episode, Chia-Lin shares how she’s leading the company’s transformation into an AI-enabled platform, what it takes to innovate in a highly regulated and deeply personal category, and why empathy is a critical driver of product development in health tech. We also discuss the rise of the “silver tsunami,” the expanding definition of personal safety across demographics, and how technology can realistically support both users and caregivers in meaningful ways.
If you’re interested in the future of health tech, the evolving care economy, or what it takes to reinvent a legacy company for a modern world — this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Chia-Lin Simmons and LogicMark:
https://www.logicmark.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chia-lin-simmons/

Sponsored By:

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

Intuit QuickBooks Payroll – Start using QuickBooks Payroll today at Quickbooks.com/workforce

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/832

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 832 Chia-Lin Simmons: CEO of LogicMark

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00:00 / 00:35:17

Can you take a clean beauty brand built on accessibility — and evolve it into a global “everyday luxury” powerhouse without losing what made it special?
On today’s episode, we welcome Michael Marquis, CEO of Raw Sugar Living — the personal care brand known for bringing clean, high-quality products to the masses at an accessible price point. With more than 30 years of experience across global consumer giants like Johnson & Johnson — where he led iconic brands including Listerine, Clean & Clear, and OGX — Michael brings a unique combination of operational discipline and brand-building expertise to Raw Sugar’s next chapter.
Since joining the company in 2022, Michael has led Raw Sugar through a period of rapid growth and transformation, expanding distribution across major retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS while strengthening the brand’s foundation in clean, vegan-friendly formulations and its signature design. Now, he’s guiding the company through a major evolution — reimagining the brand with updated packaging, improved formulas, and a sharper positioning around “accessible everyday luxury.”
In this episode, Michael shares what it takes to execute a thoughtful rebrand without alienating loyal customers, how to build and sustain strong retail partnerships, and why operational excellence is critical when scaling in a competitive category. We also discuss the evolution of the clean beauty market, shifting consumer expectations around transparency and ingredients, and how leadership — including his perspective as a father — shapes both company culture and long-term strategy.
If you’re interested in scaling consumer brands, navigating rebrands, or building products that balance quality, accessibility, and growth — this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Michael Marquis and Raw Sugar:
https://www.rawsugarliving.com
https://www.instagram.com/rawsugarliving/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmarquis/

Sponsored By:

LinkedIn Jobs – Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.

AT&T Business – Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/831

The Kara Goldin Show

The Kara Goldin Show | 831 Michael Marquis: CEO of Raw Sugar

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00:00 / 00:30:34