The Kara Goldin Show

Pet food needed a reality check. Open Farm gave it one. ✨
On The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Jacqueline Prehogan, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Open Farm — one of the fastest-growing premium pet food brands in North America.
This is a brand built on a simple but powerful idea: if pets are family, then we should know what we’re feeding them.
We talk about how Jacqueline helped build Open Farm around responsibly sourced ingredients, high animal welfare standards, sustainability, and radical transparency — long before those words became marketing buzzwords in the pet aisle.
And let’s be honest: pet parents are asking harder questions now. Where did this ingredient come from? How was it sourced? Is this actually better for my dog or cat, or is it just another pretty bag on the shelf?
Jacqueline shares how Open Farm has scaled into more than 9,500 retail locations while staying true to its values, what it takes to build trust in a crowded category, and why transparency is not a nice-to-have when people are feeding your product to a member of their family.
We also get into building a certified B Corp, growing a mission-driven brand without watering it down, and what Jacqueline has learned from building both Open Farm and Canada Pooch.
If you care about consumer brands, pet health, sustainability, retail, or what it really takes to build a company with a point of view — this is one to listen to.
You can find it here or anywhere you listen to podcasts. 🎧

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 Jacqueline Prehogan and Open Farm:
https://www.openfarmpet.com/
https://www.instagram.com/openfarmpet/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-prehogan-68242338/

Sponsored By:

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

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

Horizon 3 – Go to Horizon3.ai/GOLDIN and request your free NodeZero demo.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/896

Retail is not dead. Bad retail is. ✨
On The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Ron Johnson, the creator of the Apple Store and author of Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple’s Genius.
Ron worked directly with Steve Jobs and helped build one of the most successful retail concepts in history — not by making stores look cooler, but by rethinking what a store was actually for.
The Apple Store was not built to move boxes. It was built to teach, help, solve, connect, and build trust. The Genius Bar. Mobile checkout. Employees hired for curiosity, not pressure selling. All of it was designed around a simple but still radical idea: the customer relationship matters more than the transaction.
We talk about what most retailers still get wrong, why physical stores may become even more important in the age of AI, what he learned at Target bringing great design to more people, and what his very public J.C. Penney chapter taught him about timing, leadership, and change.
If you care about retail, leadership, innovation, customer experience, or building something that actually deserves people’s attention, this is a conversation worth hearing.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

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 Ron Johnson and Shop Different:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shopdifferent/

Sponsored By:

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

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

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

Odoo – Discover how Odoo can take your business to the next level by visiting Odoo.com

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/895

Rethinking the cocktail — without the alcohol. That’s the opportunity. ✨
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Milan Martin, Founder and CEO of Free Spirits — one of the fastest-growing independent non-alcoholic spirits brands in North America.
We talk about how Milan went from a 20-year career in advertising—leading Grey San Francisco to Global Agency of the Year three years running—to launching a self-funded beverage company in the middle of the pandemic. He shares the insight that sparked Free Spirits: what if alcohol wasn’t actually the most important part of a great cocktail?
We also dive into the science behind Free Spirits’ proprietary Distillate Reconstruction technology, how the company recreates the aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and warming sensation of traditional spirits without the alcohol, and why they’ve chosen to build products for people who genuinely love cocktails—not just people who don’t drink. Milan also shares how his background in consumer behavior shaped the brand, what it means to build an entirely new category, and why Free Spirits has earned gold medals competing head-to-head against traditional spirits.
If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, consumer behavior, the future of the non-alcoholic spirits business, or what it really takes to build a category-defining brand, you’ll enjoy this conversation. You can find it here or wherever you listen to podcasts. 🎧

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 Milan Martin and Free Spirits:
https://www.drinkfreespirits.com/
https://www.instagram.com/drinkfreespirits/
https://www.instagram.com/themilanmartin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/milanmartin/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-free-spirits-company
https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkfreespirits
https://www.youtube.com/@drinkfreespirits

Sponsored By:

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

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.

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

Kalshi – Download the Kalshi app and use code KARAGOLDIN to get $20 when you trade $20.

Seed – Go to Seed.com/KARAGOLDIN and use code KARA to get 25% off.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/894

What does it take to enter a crowded category like sunscreen and build something that actually stands out?
Malachy Mitchnick is the Co-Founder and CEO of burnd, a science-driven sun and skincare brand focused on high-performance products for protecting, repairing, and restoring skin. He is building burnd alongside his father, Dr. Mark Mitchnick, the inventor of transparent zinc oxide—the breakthrough that helped make modern mineral sunscreen wearable.
In this episode, Malachy shares the story behind burnd, what he believes the sunscreen industry gets wrong, and how the brand is taking on a category dominated by much larger legacy players. We talk about why great science alone isn’t enough to build a great consumer brand, how to earn attention and trust, and why burnd is focused on creating fewer, highly effective products rather than chasing endless launches.
We also discuss what it’s really like building a business with family, how surfing and outdoor living influenced the brand, the growing problem of skincare misinformation, and why Malachy believes sun protection should be viewed as part of everyday skin health—not just something you think about at the beach.
It’s a great conversation about challenging an established category, turning serious science into a brand consumers actually want, and what it takes to build something differentiated when you’re competing against companies with much bigger budgets.
Learn more about burnd at getburnd.com and follow @‌burndskincare on Instagram. You can also follow Malachy Mitchnick on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

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 Malachy Mitchnick and burnd:
https://getburnd.com/
https://www.instagram.com/burndskincare/
https://www.instagram.com/peloninthejungle/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/malachy-mitchnick-83b496163/

Sponsored By:

SelectQuote – Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at SelectQuote.com/kara TODAY to get started.

Rippling – Head to Rippling.AI/KaraGoldin and get the only AI to give you full visibility across your business and take complex actions across your entire organization.

CashApp – For a limited time, new customers can get $10 added to their balance. Just use code BITCOIN10 when you sign up, and—don’t forget this part—send at least $5 to a friend in the first two weeks. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. brand. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures at cash.app/legal/podcast.

IM8 – Get a free Welcome Kit and 5 free Travel sachets plus 10% off with code KARAGOLDIN at IM8HEALTH.com/karagoldin.

Naturium – Give your skin the affordable, luxurious glow up it deserves. Go to Naturium.com/KARAGOLDIN for 10% off your first purchase today.

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/893

What happens when you stop accepting the status quo and build the solution you wish existed?
Lauren Schulte Wang is the Founder and CEO of The Flex Company, North America’s leading menstrual disc and cup brand. After years of believing her discomfort was simply part of having a period, Lauren realized the products—not her body—were the problem. That insight led her to build a company focused on reimagining period care through innovation, comfort, and education.
In this episode, Lauren shares how she challenged a category that had seen little meaningful innovation for decades, built a profitable company with products now sold in more than 30,000 retail locations, and helped change the conversation around menstrual health. We discuss product innovation, building consumer trust, competing in retail, balancing growth with profitability, and why solving a real problem is still the best foundation for building a lasting brand.
Lauren also shares what it was like taking on Meta, Google, Amazon, and other platforms over restrictions on period care advertising, the lessons she’s learned as a founder and leader, and why she believes there’s still enormous opportunity to innovate in women’s health.
It’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, challenging outdated assumptions, and building products that genuinely improve people’s lives.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

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 Lauren Schulte Wang and The Flex Company:
https://flexfits.com/
https://www.instagram.com/flex/
https://www.instagram.com/laurenschultewang/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenschulte
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-flex-company

Sponsored By:

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

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

Athena – Give yourself back a few hours this week. Go to Athena.com/karagoldin and see who they’d pair you with this month.

Whatnot – Thinking about selling online? Download the Whatnot app today. Search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the App Store, sign up, and start selling right away.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/892

On today’s episode, we welcome Ann Williams, Founder and Creative Director of Yearly Co. — a Nashville-based fine jewelry brand built around celebrating life’s milestones with timeless, solid 14k gold jewelry.
Yearly Co. started with a family tradition. Inspired by receiving gold bangles to mark meaningful moments, Ann took a metalsmithing class and began making jewelry by hand in her garage during naptime. What started as a second-career experiment in 2016 has grown into an $11.5 million direct-to-consumer business that remains 100% founder-owned and self-funded.
In this episode, Ann shares how she turned a difficult-to-size product into a competitive advantage, why Yearly Co. offers bangles in 11 sizes, how she built loyalty around milestones and repeat purchases, and why she has chosen to grow without outside capital. She also opens up about being diagnosed with breast cancer at 37, keeping the business moving during treatment, and how the experience changed the way she thinks about leadership, motherhood, business, and the moments that really matter.
Such an inspiring founder story. Listen now.

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 Ann Williams and Yearly Co.:
https://yearlyco.com/
https://www.instagram.com/yearlycompany/
https://www.instagram.com/annbrennanwilliams/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-williams-3437a912

Sponsored By:

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

Rippling – Head to Rippling.AI/KaraGoldin and get the only AI to give you full visibility across your business and take complex actions across your entire organization.

CashApp – For a limited time, new customers can get $10 added to their balance. Just use code BITCOIN10 when you sign up, and—don’t forget this part—send at least $5 to a friend in the first two weeks. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. brand. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures at cash.app/legal/podcast.

Kalshi – Download the Kalshi app and use code KARAGOLDIN to get $20 when you trade $20.

Freshbooks – Go to FreshBooks to get FreshBooks for less than $3 a month for your first four months — that’s 90% off.

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

Seed – Go to Seed.com/KARAGOLDIN and use code KARA to get 25% off.

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

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/891

Can a startup really take on Aperol and Campari—and win?
Ana Rosenstein is the Founder and CEO of Amante 1530, a modern Italian aperitivo that is less sweet than Aperol, less bitter than Campari, and made with 25% less sugar than Aperol.
In this episode, Ana shares how she saw an opening in a category dominated by legacy brands and built Amante as a modern alternative. We talk about challenger-brand strategy, winning distribution, building desire around a premium product, changing drinking habits, and what it takes to compete against companies with much bigger budgets.
Ana also shares what she has learned moving from investor to founder, building with authenticity, and writing Drinking Alone, her Substack on ambition, relationships, identity, and modern life.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

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 Rosenstein and Amante 1530:
https://www.amante1530.com/
https://www.instagram.com/amante_1530/
https://www.tiktok.com/@amante1530
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anarosenstein/
https://drinkingalone.substack.com/

Sponsored By:

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

Skylight – Go to myskylight.com/KARAGOLDIN for $30 off your 15 inch Calendar.

Odoo – Discover how Odoo can take your business to the next level by visiting Odoo.com

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/890

Tolerate discomfort? Not today. ✨
On The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Bree McKeen, Founder and CEO of Evelyn & Bobbie — the intimates brand reimagining what women should expect from their bras.
Bree’s own experience as a 34G woman dealing with tension headaches, shoulder pain, and posture issues led her to question one of the most worn — and least questioned — items in a woman’s wardrobe.
We talk about how she left a finance career to reinvent the bra from the inside out, developed Evelyn & Bobbie’s patented EB Core® wire-free support technology, and built a brand focused on comfort, confidence, inclusivity, and real product innovation.
If you’re interested in founders solving real customer pain points and challenging industries that accepted “good enough” for too long, check out the interview on my podcast. You can find it here or anywhere you listen to podcasts 🎧

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 Bree McKeen and Evelyn & Bobbie:
https://evelynbobbie.com/
https://www.instagram.com/evelynbobbie/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/evelyn-&-bobbie/
https://www.instagram.com/breemckeen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmckeen/

Sponsored By:

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

Rippling – Head to Rippling.AI/KaraGoldin and get the only AI to give you full visibility across your business and take complex actions across your entire organization.

CashApp – For a limited time, new customers can get $10 added to their balance. Just use code BITCOIN10 when you sign up, and—don’t forget this part—send at least $5 to a friend in the first two weeks. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. brand. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures at cash.app/legal/podcast.

Ritual – Save 25% on your first month at Ritual.com/GOLDIN

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/889

What does it really take to build a brand that lasts—not just through growth, but through every stage that follows?
On The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Kevin Gianni, Co-Founder and CEO of Annmarie Skin Care—a clean beauty brand built on ingredient transparency, thoughtful growth, and a commitment to doing things differently.
We talk about how Kevin built Annmarie Skin Care long before “clean beauty” became a buzzword, why he believes in making fewer, better bets instead of chasing growth at all costs, and what inspired him to launch his second company, Salt + Blue, after more than 16 years of entrepreneurship.
We also dive into what consumers should really look for in skincare, how to build trust in a crowded category, why saying “no” is one of the most important skills a founder can develop, and the lessons Kevin has learned through every season of building a business.
If you’re interested in building an enduring brand, leading through change, or learning what it really takes to grow a company without losing your values, you’ll want to hear this conversation. You can find it here or anywhere you listen to podcasts. 🎧

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 Kevin Gianni, Annmarie Skin Care, and Salt + Blue:
https://www.annmarieskincare.com/
https://www.instagram.com/annmarieskincare/
https://www.instagram.com/saltandblue/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-gianni-357b5420/

Sponsored By:

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.

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

Zazzle – Right now, save 25% on your first order at Zazzle.com

Hero Bread – Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Just go to HERO.co and use code KARAGOLDIN at checkout.

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/888

What happens when you’ve spent years helping build some of the world’s biggest beauty brands—and decide it’s time to create one that’s completely different?
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I’m joined by Daniel Kiyoi, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Nocturnal Skincare. Before launching Nocturnal, Daniel built his career at iconic companies including Estée Lauder, Smashbox Cosmetics, Tarte Cosmetics, TULA, and L’Oréal. After years of helping shape global beauty brands, he set out to build one rooted in something much deeper: intentional design, cultural authenticity, and products that truly perform.
Daniel shares the story behind Nocturnal, a luxury skincare brand inspired by Japandi—the fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality. We discuss why he and his co-founder spent four years developing the brand before launching, why they chose to begin with a single hero product, and why they believe the future of skincare is about creating fewer, smarter products that work with the skin rather than against it.
We also dive into the unexpected success of the brand’s now cult-favorite Japandi Knot Bag, how Daniel’s Japanese heritage influences everything from product design to storytelling, and what he’s learned about entrepreneurship after years working inside some of the biggest companies in beauty.
Whether you’re a founder, marketer, product builder, or simply fascinated by how meaningful brands are created, this conversation is packed with practical insights on patience, creativity, authenticity, and building a company with a clear point of view.
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 Daniel Kiyoi and Nocturnal Skincare, visit:
https://www.nocturnalskin.com
https://www.instagram.com/nocturnalskincare/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-kiyoi-7020a724/
https://www.instagram.com/copaceticwanderer/

Sponsored By:

Pendulum – get an exclusive 20% off their first order at PendulumLife.com/KARAGOLDIN

Thrive Causemetics – Go to ThriveCausemetics.com/KARAGOLDIN for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.

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

CashApp – For a limited time, new customers can get $10 added to their balance. Just use code BITCOIN10 when you sign up, and—don’t forget this part—send at least $5 to a friend in the first two weeks. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. brand. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures at cash.app/legal/podcast.

IM8 – Get a free Welcome Kit and 5 free Travel sachets plus 10% off with code KARAGOLDIN at IM8HEALTH.com/karagoldin

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/887

What if your greatest competitive advantage isn’t your product, your funding, or even your experience—but the relationships you’ve built over time?
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I’m joined by Caroline Dell, Co-Founder and CEO of Goodword, an AI-powered relationship management platform helping founders and operators turn their networks into one of their most valuable business assets.
Before launching Goodword, Caroline was a founding executive at Chief, where she helped scale the company from 200 members to 20,000 and more than $120 million in ARR, recruiting 80% of its top-tier talent and helping build one of the fastest-growing female-founded companies to reach unicorn status. Before Chief, she was one of the earliest employees at LOLA and began her career at Bain & Company.
In this episode, Caroline shares what she learned from helping build high-growth companies before becoming a founder herself, why relationships—not transactions—have shaped every stage of her career, and how those experiences inspired her to create Goodword.
We also discuss why AI should strengthen human connection rather than replace it, what founders often misunderstand about networking, how to identify the relationships that matter most, and why investing in your network may be one of the highest-return activities of your career.
Whether you’re building a company, growing your career, raising capital, or simply looking to become a better leader, this conversation is full of practical insights on leadership, relationships, scaling teams, and creating opportunities that last.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why Caroline left Chief to co-found Goodword
The lessons she learned helping scale Chief from 200 members to over $120 million in ARR
Why relationships are a founder’s greatest competitive advantage
The difference between networking and building meaningful relationships
How AI can strengthen—not replace—human connection
Why great operators often become exceptional founders
What it takes to recruit and build high-performing teams
Caroline’s advice for founders looking to build lasting careers and companies
If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, AI, and building meaningful relationships.
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 Caroline Dell and Goodword:
https://www.goodword.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-dell/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/trygoodword/
https://www.instagram.com/foundercaroline/
https://www.instagram.com/trygoodword/

Sponsored By:

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

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

Perplexity Computer – For a limited time, you can try Perplexity Computer for FREE at PPLX.ai/karagoldin.

Wayfair – Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home and get your space ready for less.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/886

On The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Dr. Whitney Hovenic, double board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and Co-Founder of SPOOGE — a mineral SPF brand with serious dermatology expertise, a playful attitude, and a mission to change how people think about daily sun protection.
We talk about why sunscreen has always had a branding problem, what Whitney is seeing in her practice as she treats skin cancer patients — including people in their 20s and 30s — and why Gen Z and Gen Alpha tanning trends have made this conversation more urgent than ever.
Whitney shares how SPOOGE came to be, including the story behind the name, and why she and her co-founder Hillary Schieve wanted to build a brand that makes SPF feel as routine as brushing your teeth. We also get into Hillary’s personal connection to the mission as a kidney transplant recipient on lifelong immunosuppressants, and why daily protection is not optional for so many people.
We also talk about what traditional SPF messaging gets wrong, how humor can help people engage with skin health, and what it takes to create mineral, reef-safe formulas that people actually want to use every day. Plus, Whitney shares what she has learned from SPOOGE’s first year — from editor love and awards to retail traction, medspa reorder rates, TikTok buzz, and strong Amazon performance.
If you’re interested in learning what it takes to build a beauty brand with a serious mission, change behavior around daily SPF, or make skin health feel modern, fun, and approachable — check out the interview on my podcast. You can find it here or anywhere you listen to podcasts 🎧

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. Whitney Hovenic and SPOOGE:
https://spooge.co
https://www.instagram.com/spooge.co/
https://www.instagram.com/drwhitneyhovenic/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-hovenic-a5739389/

Sponsored By:

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

Rippling – Head to Rippling.AI/KaraGoldin and get the only AI to give you full visibility across your business and take complex actions across your entire organization.

Kalshi – Download the Kalshi app and use code KARAGOLDIN to get $20 when you trade $20.

Vinted – Download the Vinted app for free and start listing today. With no seller fees, you keep everything you earn.

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

CashApp – For a limited time, new customers can get $10 added to their balance. Just use code BITCOIN10 when you sign up, and—don’t forget this part—send at least $5 to a friend in the first two weeks. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. brand. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures at cash.app/legal/podcast.

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/885

What if the biggest opportunity to improve reproductive health—and even the health of future generations—starts long before pregnancy?
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Ayla Barmmer, Founder and CEO of FullWell, a reproductive wellness company setting a new standard for evidence-based nutrition before, during, and after pregnancy.
Ayla is a registered dietitian with more than 20 years of experience specializing in fertility nutrition. After years of working with patients, she recognized a major gap between what science supported and what consumers were being told about reproductive health and supplements. That realization led her to build FullWell, a company dedicated to creating clinically backed nutrition designed to support fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond.
In this episode, Ayla shares why reproductive health deserves a much bigger place in the wellness conversation, how nutrition impacts fertility for both women and men, and why the choices we make today may influence health for generations to come.
We also discuss the supplement industry, how consumers can separate science from marketing, what it takes to build trust in a crowded wellness category, and Ayla’s journey from clinician to entrepreneur.
Whether you’re thinking about starting a family, interested in longevity and preventive health, or building a mission-driven company, this conversation is packed with practical insights on nutrition, leadership, entrepreneurship, and creating meaningful impact.

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 Ayla Barmmer and FullWell:
https://www.fullwellfertility.com
https://www.instagram.com/fullwellfertility
https://www.instagram.com/aylabarmmer/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aylabarmmer/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/884

What if the future of hair restoration isn’t another shampoo or supplement—but real science?
On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Lauren Bartholomeusz, Co-Founder of KeraFactor, a medical-grade hair restoration company bringing evidence-based innovation to one of the fastest-growing categories in aesthetics and wellness.
Developed after six years of research by board-certified dermatologist Amy Forman Taub, MD, FAAD, and entrepreneur James Bartholomeusz, KeraFactor was created to address the growing need for clinically backed hair restoration solutions. Powered by a proprietary blend of biomimetic growth factors, skin proteins, and advanced compounds, KeraFactor is designed to support healthier, fuller-looking hair while improving overall scalp health.
In this episode, Lauren shares how KeraFactor is changing the conversation around hair restoration, why scalp health plays such an important role in healthy hair, and what consumers often misunderstand about hair loss. We also discuss the importance of building trust in a category filled with marketing claims, expanding a science-driven brand globally, and why education is just as important as innovation.
Whether you’re interested in health, aesthetics, entrepreneurship, or building a company grounded in science, this conversation is packed with practical insights on innovation, leadership, and creating products that solve real problems.
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 Lauren Bartholomeusz and KeraFactor:
https://www.mykerafactor.com
https://www.instagram.com/mykerafactor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-bartholomeusz-b3174490/

Sponsored By:

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/883

Building skincare from regenerative medicine — that’s the magic ✨
On The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Keith O’Briant, CEO of HYDRINITY Accelerated Skin Science — one of the fastest-growing professional skincare brands in the U.S.
We talk about how HYDRINITY began not as a traditional beauty brand, but as a regenerative medicine company developing advanced wound care products and drug delivery systems for oncology and hematology patients. Keith shares how that medical and scientific foundation evolved into a professional skincare brand built around patented injectable-grade hyaluronic acid, proprietary delivery systems, and regenerative technologies designed to support skin health and deliver visible results.
We also get into what “science-backed skincare” really means, why delivery systems matter as much as ingredients, and how consumers can better understand the difference between marketing claims and clinically backed innovation. Keith also shares what he learned from more than 30 years in life sciences, including leadership roles at Pfizer and Shire, and what it has taken to scale HYDRINITY into more than 4,000 professional practices in the U.S. and more than 40 countries globally since launching in 2022.
If you’re interested in learning how regenerative medicine is shaping the future of skincare, what it takes to build a science-first brand in a crowded beauty market, or why professional skincare is entering a whole new chapter — check out the interview on my podcast. You can find it here or anywhere you listen to podcasts 🎧

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 Keith O’Briant and HYDRINITY:
https://www.hydrinity.com/
https://www.instagram.com/hydrinity/
https://www.tiktok.com/@hydrinity
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hydrinity/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-o-briant/

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Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/882