Podcast Summary: "Grief, Joy, and Giant Vats of Slime (Flashback)"

From the Ground Up
Host/Author: Inc. Magazine
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Guests: Karen Rabinowitz and Sarah Schiller, Co-Founders of the SLU MOO Institute

1. Introduction: Founding Amidst Grief

The episode delves into the profound journey of Karen Rabinowitz and Sarah Schiller, the co-founders of the SLU MOO Institute, who transformed their personal grief into a thriving business centered around slime. Hosts Diana Ransom and Christine Lagorio-Chavkin set the stage by highlighting the unique intersection of trauma and entrepreneurship.

Karen Rabinowitz shares her tumultuous experiences:

“About seven years ago, everything in my life blew up... I fell into a very deep and dark depression.” ([01:33])

Her path from personal despair to rediscovering joy through slime becomes the emotional backbone of the conversation.

2. Personal Stories of Grief and Healing

Karen recounts the dual tragedies that propelled her into darkness:

• Separation and Loss:
  “I had an enormous nervous breakdown... nine months later, I lost my cousin in the Parkland school shooting.” ([01:33])

• Rediscovery Through Slime:
  A spontaneous playdate with Karen’s friend’s daughter, Maddie, reignites her childhood joy with slime.

  “I felt like me as a seven-year-old again... I became seven again.” ([04:02])

Sarah Schiller adds her parallel struggles:

• Family Health Crises:
  “My older daughter Samantha was born with Angelman syndrome... nine years ago, my husband suffered massive strokes.” ([04:07])

• Using Slime as Therapy:
  Slime becomes a medium for Sarah to engage with her daughters and process complex emotions.

  “Slime... [allows] good conversations with her because you were playing.” ([05:11])

3. The Therapeutic Power of Slime

The discussion transitions to the broader benefits of slime, touching on aspects like ASMR and tactile therapy.

Karen Rabinowitz emphasizes:

“The act of playing... connects you to other people and to yourself... it provides this amazing escape.” ([06:08])

She highlights slime’s role in combating loneliness and mental health challenges, citing its sensory engagement as a key factor in therapeutic benefits.

4. From Play to Business: Founding the SLU MOO Institute

The narrative shifts to how Karen and Sarah transformed their healing process into a business venture.

Sarah Schiller explains:

“Building a company around something so playful... we're building something full of joy and happiness.” ([08:38])

Karen Rabinowitz recounts the inception:

“We were like, this is so much magic. We have to bring this to people.” ([09:07])

Within a year, their playful brainstorming led to the establishment of SLU MOO Institute, marked by their first day attracting 3,000 visitors, far exceeding expectations.

“We were onto something. We knew slime was unbelievable.” ([10:00])

5. Creating an Immersive Experience

The SLU MOO Institute is depicted as more than just a slime factory; it’s an immersive world designed to engage all senses.

Features include:

• Scent Scapes and Interactive Spaces:
  “There's an entire room of really beautiful, immersive, soothing videos... a lake of slime.” ([12:16])

• Customization and Creativity:
  Visitors can create their own slime with millions of combinations, fostering a personal connection to the experience.

  “Every person who comes can make their own slime, and they leave with it.” ([12:40])

Karen adds a playful touch with their mascot, "Frou Frou Frou Frou," enhancing the brand’s whimsical identity.

6. Navigating Business Growth and Challenges

As the business expanded to four locations with plans for a fifth, Karen and Sarah discuss the growing pains of scaling a passion-driven enterprise.

Sarah Schiller identifies key challenges:

“Building a brand that has an emotional connection... needs systems and processes that make it function profitably.” ([19:18])

Karen Rabinowitz reflects on maintaining their vision:

“You have to fight for your vision... step outside your comfort zone.” ([19:43])

They highlight the importance of adaptability and maintaining the core joyful essence amidst rapid growth.

7. Social Impact and Inclusivity

Beyond business, SLU MOO Institute makes significant strides in social responsibility:

• Hiring Neurodiverse Adults:
  “We're hiring neurodiverse adults... 85% of adults with autism don't have jobs, we're providing opportunities.” ([34:33])

• Philanthropy and Community Engagement:
  Collaborations with organizations like Goldie Hawn's Mind Up Foundation showcase their commitment to mental wellness.

Karen shares a poignant moment:

“The first girl who walked in the door is somebody who has Down syndrome... this means I could get a job.” ([35:59])

8. Expanding the Sloomiverse: Media and Global Reach

Looking forward, Karen and Sarah discuss their ambitious plans to create a comprehensive media universe around slime, including:

• Animated Series and Graphic Novels:
  “What would an animated series be? What would a graphic novel of the character's origin story be in a fantasy way?” ([23:22])

• Live Performances and Music Catalogs:
  Integrating artistic elements to enrich the brand's storytelling.

Sarah Schiller envisions:

“We're looking to create any sort of magical moment we can.” ([17:28])

9. Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Resilience and Authenticity

In concluding insights, Karen and Sarah share valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• Turning Tragedy into Purpose:
  “You can come back from anything. You really can.” ([37:21])

• Importance of Trust and Communication:
  “When you really trust someone, you can make decisions so nicely.” ([39:05])

• Integrating Personal Passions:
  “You can, from day one, wrap into your business, things that are important to you and things that are meaningful.” ([32:31])

Their journey underscores the power of authenticity, resilience, and community in building a successful and impactful business.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Karen Rabinowitz on Grief:

  “I fell into a very deep and dark depression.” ([01:32])

• Sarah Schiller on Building Joy:

  “We're building something full of joy and happiness.” ([08:38])

• Karen Rabinowitz on Vision:

  “You have to fight for your vision.” ([19:43])

• Karen on Social Impact:

  “We're providing opportunities [for neurodiverse adults] that they can't get anywhere else.” ([34:33])

• Sarah Schiller on Entrepreneurial Passion:

  “We have a level of trust as co-founders that I think is really, truly remarkable.” ([09:09])

Conclusion

Karen Rabinowitz and Sarah Schiller's story is a testament to harnessing personal pain to create something joyful and meaningful. The SLU MOO Institute stands as a beacon of creativity, inclusivity, and resilience, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating their own paths from the ground up.