The Kara Goldin Show

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Adam Bierman, entrepreneur, cannabis industry pioneer, and author of the bold new book Weed Empire. Adam is the Co-Founder and former CEO of MedMen, the first major American cannabis brand to go mainstream. Under his leadership, MedMen scaled to 33 stores across five states, employed over 1,500 people, and achieved a nearly $2 billion valuation—all while navigating one of the most complex and highly regulated industries in the world.
In our conversation, Adam shares what it was like to lead a business that was both pioneering and polarizing. We get into the rollercoaster ride of building MedMen, the lessons he learned as the face of the cannabis revolution, and what founders need to know about scaling in gray space industries. He talks about the moments of breakthrough and breakdown, how he navigated public scrutiny, and why he felt now was the right time to write Weed Empire—a raw, unfiltered story of what it really took to build at the edge of culture and regulation.
Adam also shares his thoughts on what the cannabis industry got right (and wrong), what needs to change for the sector to truly thrive, and what’s next in his journey as a futurist and advisor. Whether you’re building a disruptive brand, recovering from a high-profile pivot, or just want the truth behind one of the most talked-about startups in recent years—this episode is a must-listen. 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 Adam Bierman and Weed Empire:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-bierman
https://www.amazon.com/Weed-Empire-High-Stakes-Cannabis/dp/1637745133
https://www.instagram.com/adambierman
https://www.theadambierman.com/

Sponsored By:

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit RangeRover.com/us/Sport and check it out.

Mint Mobile – Head over to MintMobile.com/KARAGOLDIN and grab three months of premium wireless for just 15 bucks a month.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/685

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Alicia Grande, Founder and CEO of Grande Cosmetics—the beauty brand behind the cult-favorite GrandeLASH-MD now a top lash and brow serum in the U.S. What started with $25,000 in savings and a solution for her own postpartum hair loss has grown into a global brand with a full lineup of award-winning, science-backed beauty enhancers.
In our conversation, Alicia shares her journey from early grit to global success, what it takes to build trust in a crowded industry, and the real story behind how Grande Cosmetics developed a loyal following. We dive into how she approaches product development, why clinical results and consumer trust have always been her north star, and how she’s using her platform to bring attention to often-overlooked stages of women’s health like menopause and perimenopause. We also touch on the impact of Grande Gives Back, her philanthropic initiative that’s donated over $1M to women’s causes.
Whether you’re building a brand, navigating beauty trends, or just love a good founder story—you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation. 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 Alicia Grande and Grande Cosmetics:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grandemedia/
https://www.instagram.com/ceoaliciagrande/
https://www.grandecosmetics.com/

Sponsored By:

Open Phone – OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months! Just go to OpenPhone.com/KaraGoldin

Northwest Registered Agent – Protect your privacy, build your brand, and launch your business in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Head to northwestregisteredagent.com/kara

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/684

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Charlie Melvoin, Co-Founder of Zygo—the world’s first and only underwater streaming headphone that’s transforming how we think about swimming. With bone-conduction technology and real-time audio streaming, Zygo is bringing connection, coaching, and community to a workout that’s traditionally been silent and solitary.
During our conversation, Charlie shares how he and Co-Founder Sheera Goren built a first-of-its-kind product in a space that hadn’t seen innovation in decades. We dive into the wild journey of launching a hardware startup, the unexpected challenges of building tech for underwater use, and what it takes to create a new category in fitness. From investor conversations to user behavior to the future of sports tech, this episode is packed with insights for founders, builders, and fitness fans alike.
Whether you’re a founder or a consumer interested in the next thing in innovation, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Now on The Kara GoldiShow.

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 Charlie Melvoin and Zygo:
https://www.instagram.com/zygoco
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-melvoin
https://www.instagram.com/charliemelvoin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheera-goren
https://www.shopzygo.com

Sponsored By:

Nutrafol – For a limited time get ten dollars off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code KARAGOLDIN

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit RangeRover.com/us/Sport and check it out.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/683

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Dr. Christina Rahm, scientist, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and Chief Science Formulator at The ROOT Brands. She’s also the CEO of DRC Ventures, a global platform focused on science, sustainability, and impact-driven innovation. With degrees in nanotechnology, pharmaceutical management, and nutrition—plus a personal healing journey that includes overcoming Lyme disease and multiple cancers—Dr. Rahm brings a unique blend of science and soul to everything she does.
During our conversation, Christina shares how The ROOT Brands was born from a mission to go deeper than surface-level wellness—to address the actual root causes of disease and dysfunction. We explore how her formulations support detoxification and cellular restoration, why quick fixes don’t lead to real healing, and what most people get wrong about health in the first place. She also gives us a look into her work with DRC Ventures and the Rahm Foundation, and how she’s driving global change in 89 countries while staying laser-focused on the science.
Whether you’re a wellness entrepreneur, a seeker of true health, or someone who’s been told “you’ve tried everything,” this episode offers real tools, bold thinking, and the truth about what it takes to truly heal. 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 Dr. Christina Rahm, The ROOT Brands, and DRC Ventures:
https://www.instagram.com/drchristinarahm/
https://therootbrands.com
https://www.drc-ventures.com

Sponsored By:

Shopify – Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/kara

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/682

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Ana Herrera, Founder and CEO of Glow by Hormone University—a brand and platform leading the charge in hormonal health through science-backed, award-winning transdermal products and education. After spending 17 years in the corporate beauty world, Ana’s personal journey with endometriosis and surgical menopause sparked a mission to bring visibility, advocacy, and real solutions to a space too often overlooked.
During our conversation, Ana shares the raw story behind launching Glow, the science and strategy that brought their innovation to market, and how she’s helping women become their own health advocates. We explore the connection between hormonal balance and productivity, the challenge of destigmatizing taboo topics, and what it takes to build a community-driven wellness brand with heart and purpose.
Whether you’re a mission-driven founder or a curious consumer curious about health, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 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 Ana Herrera and Glow by Hormone University:
https://www.instagram.com/hormoneuniversity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hormone-university
https://www.instagram.com/anagherrera
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anagonzalezherrera1/
https://www.glowbyhormoneuniversity.com

Sponsored By:

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit RangeRover.com/us/Sport and check it out.

Notion – Try Notion for free when you go to Notion.com/karagoldin

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/681

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Jasmina Aganovic, Founder and CEO of Future Society—a revolutionary fragrance brand using biotechnology to bring extinct flower scents back to life. With a background in chemical and biological engineering from MIT, Jasmina is merging science and storytelling to create a completely new genre in fragrance.
During our conversation, Jasmina shares the inspiration behind Future Society, how she and her team are sequencing DNA to resurrect lost aromas, and why she believes biology will shape the future of beauty. We dive into the creative process behind crafting emotional, science-backed scents, the sustainability angle, and the powerful intersection of memory, technology, and design.
Whether you’re into beauty, biotech, or bold new business models, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 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 Jasmina Aganovic and Future Society:
https://www.instagram.com/wearefuturesociety
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bBn9VfEULs
https://hypebae.com/2024/10/future-society-jasmina-aganovic-interview-extinct-flower-perfume-where-to-buy
https://wearefuturesociety.com

Sponsored By:

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

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit LandRoverUSA.com and check it out.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/680

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Courtney Claghorn, Founder of SUGARED + BRONZED—the nation’s premier destination for expert sugaring hair removal and custom sunless tanning. What started in 2010 as a bootstrapped side project has grown into a category-defining brand that’s changing how we think about beauty services—making them more natural, consistent, and luxurious.
During our conversation, Courtney shares what led her to create SUGARED + BRONZED, how she turned a gap in the market into a thriving business, and the mindset it takes to scale without losing the soul of the brand. We explore the early challenges of bootstrapping, the strategy behind building a strong service-based brand, and the delicate balance between creative integrity and growth.
Whether you’re a beauty industry founder or someone looking to build a standout brand from scratch, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 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 Courtney Claghorn and SUGARED + BRONZED:
https://www.instagram.com/sugaredandbronzed
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sugared-and-bronzed
https://www.instagram.com/courtneyclaghorn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-claghorn
https://sugaredandbronzed.com/

Sponsored By:

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit LandRoverUSA.com and check it out.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/679

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Jess Jacobs, CEO of Coterie—the premium baby care brand redefining the diaper industry with high-performance products, radical transparency, and a deep commitment to parents and babies alike. Since stepping into the CEO role, Jess has helped position Coterie as a category leader, challenging legacy players with modern innovation and an obsessive focus on quality.
During our conversation, Jess shares her path from Chief Brand Officer to CEO, the company’s commitment to product safety and third-party lab testing, and how Coterie has already sold over 500 million diapers since launching in 2019. We explore what it takes to disrupt a legacy category, build brand love in a competitive market, and create an experience that genuinely makes parents’ lives easier.
Whether you’re a mission-driven founder or a parent curious about the future of baby care, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 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 Jess Jacobs and Coterie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-jacobs
https://www.instagram.com/the_jessjacobs/
https://www.instagram.com/coterie/
https://www.coterie.com/

Sponsored By:

Notion – Try Notion for free when you go to Notion.com/karagoldin

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit LandRoverUSA.com and check it out.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/678

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Aaron Luo, Co-Founder and CEO of Caraa, the modern luxury bag brand built for real life. With a background running billion-dollar businesses, Aaron left the corporate world to chase a bold vision—one where design, durability, and functionality collide to create bags that keep up with today’s dynamic, on-the-go lifestyle.
During our conversation, Aaron shares the founding story of Caraa, how he and co-founder Carmen Chen Wu built a brand with lasting power, and what it takes to create products that are as versatile and resilient as the women who carry them. We talk about the power of thoughtful design, the difference between hype and real brand equity, and how he navigates everything from scaling operations to staying creatively inspired.
Whether you’re building a fashion brand, obsessed with product development, or just love a good founder story—this episode is packed with wisdom, passion, and practical insights. 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 Aaron Luo and Caraa:
https://www.instagram.com/caraasport/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-luo-4055792/
https://www.caraa.co/

Sponsored By:

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit LandRoverUSA.com and check it out.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/677

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Chris Moxham, CEO of Transcripta Bio, a biotech company revolutionizing drug discovery through the power of AI and transcriptomics. With a unique platform built on a vast perturbation atlas of small molecules, Transcripta is uncovering novel opportunities across a wide range of human diseases—faster and with more precision than traditional methods.
In our conversation, Chris shares the story behind Transcripta Bio and how the team is building frontier AI models to predict biological responses from potential drug compounds. We dive into what makes their approach different, why a transcriptome-first strategy matters, and how they’re unlocking insights that have the potential to lead to more targeted and effective therapies. Chris also speaks about the mindset required to lead in a rapidly evolving industry, the collaboration between AI and human expertise, and what’s next for the company.
If you’re curious about the intersection of science and technology, the future of drug discovery, or the kind of leadership it takes to build something truly transformative, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. 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 Chris Moxham and Transcripta Bio:
https://www.transcriptabio.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophermoxham
https://www.instagram.com/transcriptabio
https://www.linkedin.com/company/transcriptabio

Sponsored By:

Shopify – Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/kara

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

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit LandRoverUSA.com and check it out.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/676

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I’m joined by Simone Kendle, CEO of Wove, the custom jewelry brand changing the way people experience luxury. With a mission to bring personalization and storytelling to the forefront of fine jewelry, Wove is helping customers design one-of-a-kind pieces that truly mean something.
Simone shares her journey to leading Wove, what sets the brand apart in a traditional industry, and how she’s scaling a modern company rooted in authenticity, innovation, and purpose. We also talk about what it takes to grow fast, stay mission-aligned, and connect deeply with today’s consumers.
If you’re curious about building a standout brand, redefining luxury, or leading with intention—this one’s for you. 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 Simone Kendle and Wove:
https://www.instagram.com/simonekendle/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-kendle/
https://www.instagram.com/wove_made/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon
https://www.wovemade.com/

Sponsored By:

Open Phone – OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months! Just go to OpenPhone.com/KaraGoldin

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit LandRoverUSA.com and check it out.

ACORNS. Head to acorns.com/KARA or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today!

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/675

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Mesh Gelman, Founder and CEO of Cumulus Coffee—the brand behind the first-ever solution for creating specialty cold brew, nitro cold brew, and cold espresso at home in seconds. After years leading innovation at Starbucks, where he played a role in the rise of cold brew, Mesh set out to disrupt the space once again—this time from the inside out.
During our conversation, Mesh shares the backstory behind launching Cumulus Coffee, how years of R&D led to their cutting-edge cold brew technology, and what it takes to bring café-quality coffee into people’s homes. We explore the shifts in consumer behavior around cold coffee, the future of at-home beverage innovation, and how his experience in coffee, design, and retail all came together to fuel this game-changing 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.

The Cumulus Coffee team is giving listeners of The Kara Goldin Show a special discount. Use code KARA100 for $100 off of a Cumulus machine.  

To learn more about Mesh Gelman and Cumulus Coffee:
https://www.instagram.com/cumuluscoffeeco
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cumulus-coffee
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshgelman/
https://www.instagram.com/meshgelman/
https://www.cumuluscoffee.com/

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/674

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Niki Leondakis, CEO of CorePower Yoga, the largest yoga studio brand in the U.S. with over 220 locations nationwide. With a background in hospitality and decades of experience leading iconic brands like Equinox and Two Roads Hospitality, Niki brings a powerful blend of customer obsession, leadership wisdom, and personal purpose to her work today.
In our conversation, Niki shares how her personal yoga practice—and a lifelong belief in the power of intentional leadership—brought her to CorePower Yoga. We talk about how she’s helping to evolve the brand from a fitness experience into a modern movement rooted in strength, mindfulness, and community. She also opens up about the challenges of leading through change, building culture at scale, and why emotional intelligence is the skill every leader needs today.
Whether you’re a wellness enthusiast, an aspiring CEO, or someone passionate about personal growth and purpose-driven leadership, this episode is full of insight and inspiration from one of the most respected voices in the industry. 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 Niki Leondakis and CorePower Yoga:
https://www.instagram.com/corepoweryoga/
https://www.instagram.com/niki_leondakis/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikileondakis/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/corepower-yoga/
https://www.corepoweryoga.com/

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/673

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Hayley Painter, Co-Founder of Painterland Sisters, the organic skyr yogurt brand bringing a fresh voice—and a deep purpose—to the dairy aisle. Born and raised on a fourth-generation regenerative organic dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania, Hayley and her sister Stephanie launched Painterland Sisters with one goal in mind: to help save their family farm while connecting consumers back to the source of their food.
During our conversation, Hayley shares the incredible story of launching Painterland Sisters, how they’ve grown the brand from a single product to a nationally recognized line, and what it’s taken to build a mission-driven business rooted in sustainability and transparency. We explore the power of showing up—in stores, in communities, and on social media—and why bridging the gap between farmer and consumer matters more than ever. Hayley also opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, her leadership lessons as a co-founder, and what’s next for the fast-growing brand.
Whether you’re a food lover, a founder, or someone passionate about regenerative agriculture and rural entrepreneurship, this episode is filled with wisdom, heart, and inspiration. 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 Hayley Painter and Painterland Sisters:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/painterland-sisters/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-painter-b48a15174/
https://www.instagram.com/hayleymarie44/
https://www.instagram.com/painterlandsisters/
https://www.painterlandsisters.com/

Sponsored By:

Mint Mobile – Head over to MintMobile.com/KARAGOLDIN and grab three months of premium wireless for just 15 bucks a month.

Nutrafol – For a limited time get ten dollars off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code KARAGOLDIN

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/672

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Lindsey Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO of Weezie, the luxury towel and robe brand that’s elevating the everyday with beautifully crafted, design-forward essentials. After a successful career in finance at companies like Morgan Stanley and BlackRock, Lindsey made a bold pivot into the world of consumer products—and built a brand that’s quickly become a go-to for high-quality, customizable bath essentials.
During our conversation, Lindsey shares the story behind launching Weezie, how she and her co-founder spotted a white space in the bath category, and the creative process that goes into developing new products and partnerships. We talk about her approach to brand-building, how collaborations with interior designers like Meg Braff come to life, and how digital marketing and social media have fueled Weezie’s growth. Lindsey also offers insight into her leadership style, lessons learned from building a team, and advice for anyone looking to make a major career pivot.
Whether you’re a product-obsessed consumer, a DTC founder, or someone considering a leap into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable takeaways. 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 Lindsey Johnson and Weezie:
https://www.instagram.com/lindsey_weezie/
https://www.instagram.com/weezietowels/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseydorman/
https://www.weezietowels.com/

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/671