Podcast
Starting Small
Hosted by Cameron Nagle · EN
Starting Small, is a podcast hosted by entrepreneur Cameron Nagle. Tune in, as Cameron interviews CEO‘s, founders, and entrepreneurs, discussing the stories on how their organizations and businesses were created from the ground up.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
SIMPLi: Sarela Herrada and Matt Cohen
6d ago00:43:51Tap to summarizeLong before SIMPLi hit shelves at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Erewhon, and Wegmans, Sarela and Matt were traveling globally working directly with farmers to source regenerative organic ingredients and rebuild transparency at the root level of food production. What started as a sourcing mission eventually became SIMPLi — a pantry brand focused on traceability, regenerative agriculture, and proving that better food systems can scale without cutting corners. In this episode, Sarela and Matt break down how they built relationships with farming communities around the world, why most consumers have no idea where their pantry staples actually come from, and what it takes to create a mission-driven food brand in a category dominated by massive incumbents. Make sure to check them out at: https://eatsimpli.com Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Watch our mini-doc - Starting Small: The Raw Truth Behind Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: https://youtu.be/eHuq93wIxs0?si=eDB-ycngvWNapRLO Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle Thank you to this episodes mid break sponsor, Terramor Outdoor Resort. I just got back from Terramor Outdoor Resort in Bar Harbor, Maine, and I have to tell you — it's the first time in a while I've genuinely felt reset. Terramor is a luxury glamping resort with 64 upscale tent accommodations tucked into the woods near Acadia National Park. The food was incredible, the amenities were dialed in, and their guy, Omar, took us through this private saltwater immersion experience in nature that I did not see coming — cold, but completely shifted my body and mind - followed by a robe and hot tea right on the ocean. It's one of those places where you're fully immersed in nature, but you're not sacrificing comfort. You just... decompress. If that sounds like something you need right now, go check them out, they’re open May-October and whether with the family, special event,couples retreat… you have to take my word on this experience— TerramorOutdoorResort.com.
Transcribe →Chef Merito: Lauren Corugedo
2w ago00:22:48Tap to summarizeLauren Corugedo grew up watching Chef Merito operate like a hidden gem in Los Angeles kitchens long before the rest of the country caught on. Founded in 1985 by her Cuban immigrant grandfather, Chef Merito started with a single carne asada seasoning and built a loyal following through word of mouth, neighborhood markets, and authentic flavor that didn’t compromise to fit trends. Now, nearly 40 years later, the brand has expanded far beyond Southern California — landing in Costco, Amazon, major retailers, and even Dodger Stadium — while still staying rooted in the same recipes and cultural identity that built it in the first place. In this episode, Lauren shares what it’s like stepping into a second-generation family business, modernizing a legacy brand for a new generation of consumers, and balancing growth without losing authenticity. Make sure to check them out at: https://chefmerito.com Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Watch our mini-doc - Starting Small: The Raw Truth Behind Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: https://youtu.be/eHuq93wIxs0?si=eDB-ycngvWNapRLO Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle
Transcribe →Delavie Sciences: Dr. Kyle Landry
3w ago00:31:25Tap to summarizeDr. Kyle Landry wasn’t trying to build another skincare brand. Before Delavie Sciences, he was doing postdoctoral research at Harvard studying extremophiles — organisms capable of surviving radiation, extreme heat, and even the vacuum of space. That research eventually led him to a microorganism connected to NASA and the International Space Station that could withstand conditions most life forms couldn’t.' What started as a government and biosecurity research project turned into something completely different: a patented skincare ingredient called Bacillus Lysate. Today, that ingredient sits at the center of Delavie Sciences — a company bringing space-tested biotechnology into consumer skincare. Their Aeonia serum became the first biological cosmetic recognized as Certified Space Technology™, with studies showing major increases in hyaluronic acid production, hydration, and skin elasticity. Make sure to check them out at: https://www.delaviesciences.com Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Watch our mini-doc - Starting Small: The Raw Truth Behind Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: https://youtu.be/eHuq93wIxs0?si=eDB-ycngvWNapRLO Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle
Transcribe →Pocket Prep: Peter Murphy
4w ago00:28:36Tap to summarizeWorking full-time while studying for a professional certification, Peter realized the real problem wasn’t intelligence — it was the format. Most working adults were trying to study late at night, squeezed between jobs, bills, and family responsibilities, using outdated materials built for people with unlimited time. So in 2012, before “edtech” became a category everyone chased, Peter and his co-founders built a simple mobile study app to solve their own problem. None of them were developers. None were designers. They mocked up the first version in PowerPoint, pooled together less than $2,000, and launched an app that sold just two copies on day one. That app became Pocket Prep. Today, the company has helped more than 8 million learners prepare for over 140 certification exams across healthcare, IT, cybersecurity, finance, and the skilled trades — quietly becoming one of the most widely used study platforms for working professionals. In this episode, Peter breaks down the early years of building Pocket Prep, why consistency beats cramming, and how mobile learning changed the way adults prepare for high-stakes exams. Make sure to check them out at: https://www.pocketprep.com Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Watch our mini-doc - Starting Small: The Raw Truth Behind Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: https://youtu.be/eHuq93wIxs0?si=eDB-ycngvWNapRLO Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle Thank you to this episodes mid-break sponsor, Eclife Premier. I recently installed their 30-inch Canyon vanity, and it completely changed the look of the bathroom. The fluted wood finish, the clean design, the storage — it honestly looks way more high-end than what you’d expect at the price point. What I liked most was that it showed up ready to go. No complicated setup, no hunting for separate pieces that hopefully match. Eclife has vanities in all different sizes and styles, whether you’re redoing a powder room or a full primary bath. Use code STARTINGSMALL50 for $50 off your next purchase: https://www.eclifeusa.com/discount/STARTINGSMALL50 Starting Small is powered by Riverside.fm, the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose,and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Check them out now at https://creators.riverside.com/CameronNagle
Transcribe →Cymbiotika: Shahab Elmi
Apr 1600:32:07Tap to summarizeShahab Elmi didn’t come from the wellness industry. He came from building and exiting companies — from telecom retail to media — before turning his focus to something much bigger: fixing a broken supplement industry. In 2019, he stepped into Cymbiotika with a simple idea — people shouldn’t have to guess what they’re putting into their bodies. What followed was one of the fastest rises in modern wellness. Cymbiotika went from a single product to a full line of liposomal supplements, generating millions in revenue early and eventually scaling to over 100 million supplement packets sold worldwide. The company grew rapidly while staying focused on transparency, bioavailability, and rebuilding trust in a space known for low-quality products. That approach helped drive massive retention and positioned Cymbiotika as one of the most talked-about brands in the category. Make sure to check them out at: https://scarlettchase.com Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Watch our mini-doc - Starting Small: The Raw Truth Behind Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: https://youtu.be/eHuq93wIxs0?si=eDB-ycngvWNapRLO Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle
Transcribe →Scarlett Chase: Sandra Powers Murphy
Apr 1000:32:01Tap to summarizeSandra Powers Murphy spent decades building a career in finance — running her own firm, working with institutional clients, and raising six kids along the way. She wasn’t planning to start a footwear company. Then one night in New York, caught in the rain trying to make a train, she had to take off her heels and run ten blocks barefoot just to get there. That moment stuck with her. After years of traveling, networking, and watching her male colleagues move through long days comfortably while she rotated between shoes, she decided to solve the problem herself. That became Scarlett Chase — a luxury footwear brand built on over five years of R&D, combining high-end craftsmanship with orthopedic-level support. The brand launched in 2023, went fully direct-to-consumer, and quickly found traction with repeat customers who hadn’t found anything like it before. Make sure to check them out at: https://scarlettchase.com Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Watch our mini-doc - Starting Small: The Raw Truth Behind Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: https://youtu.be/eHuq93wIxs0?si=eDB-ycngvWNapRLO Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Aluminum Artisans. They make handcrafted aluminum sculptures — everything from wildlife pieces to custom designs for homes, offices, and outdoor spaces. I’ve got their brown bear here in the studio, and the level of detail stands out right away. I’ve looked EVERYWHERE and you kept coming across 2 things. Either look very cheap or are outrageously expensive. I was super impressed at the incredible quality and value of Aluminum Artisans. Check them out - The work speaks for itself… You can check them out at aluminumartisans.net and use code STARTINGSMALL10 for 10% off.
Transcribe →Colossal: Mary Hagen
Apr 300:27:37Tap to summarizeMary Hagen knew early she wanted to build something — launching her first business at 20. Today, she’s the CEO of Colossal, a company that’s quietly reshaped how fundraising works. Since joining, Mary has scaled Colossal by over 1000%, helping generate more than $207 million for nonprofits like the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Baby2Baby, PAWS, and the James Beard Foundation. But the real shift is how that money gets raised. Instead of relying on a few major donors, Colossal built a model around digital competitions and community participation — turning thousands of small contributions into millions raised. In this conversation, Mary breaks down what it actually takes to grow a purpose-driven company, why she believes leadership is about showing up — not just saying the right things — and how modern fundraising is moving away from exclusivity toward something far more accessible. Make sure to check them out at: https://colossal.org Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Watch our mini-doc - Starting Small: The Raw Truth Behind Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: https://youtu.be/eHuq93wIxs0?si=eDB-ycngvWNapRLO Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle Starting Small is powered by Riverside.fm, the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose,and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Check them out now at https://creators.riverside.com/CameronNagle
Transcribe →Magiktea: Julian Tcherassi
Mar 2700:35:05Tap to summarizeJulian Tcherassi didn’t start Magiktea trying to compete with traditional tea brands. He found something most people had never heard of — palo azul, a tree bark used for centuries as a natural kidney remedy. When brewed, it does something unexpected. It turns bright blue in the light, thanks to its high concentration of polyphenols — with studies showing it contains up to 8x more antioxidants than green tea. That discovery became Magiktea — an alkaline, caffeine-free tea built around function, not just flavor. Today, Magiktea is stocked in over 1,000 retail locations, including Erewhon, Vitamin Shoppe, Bristol Farms, Lassens, Chamberlin’s, and Fruitful Yield — growing quietly in the better-for-you beverage space. Make sure to check them out at: https://magiktea.com/ Make sure to check them out at: https://www.dangerjonescreative.com/ Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Watch our mini-doc - Starting Small: The Raw Truth Behind Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: https://youtu.be/eHuq93wIxs0?si=eDB-ycngvWNapRLO Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle Thank you to this episodes mid-break sponsor, Birdieball. It’s not your typical carpet mat — they use this aerated foam and turf setup that actually gives you a true roll, so the ball stays on line and reacts like a real green. You can customize the size, adjust speed, even add breaks and different hole setups — so you’re not just mindlessly hitting straight putts, you’re actually working on your game. I’ve got mine set up at home and it’s just made it way easier to get reps in consistently. If you’re trying to tighten up your putting without getting to the course every day, go check out BirdieBall at https://www.birdieball.com Starting Small is powered by Riverside.fm, the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose,and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Check them out now at https://creators.riverside.com/CameronNagle
Transcribe →Pulp Riot / Danger Jones: David Thurston
Mar 1300:46:41Tap to summarizeDavid Thurston didn’t set out to build the fastest-growing hair color brand in professional beauty history. But that’s exactly what happened. As the founder of Pulp Riot, David created a brand that shook up the salon industry — bold colors, artist-first culture, and a community that felt more like a movement than a product line. Just 23 months after launch, Pulp Riot was acquired by L’Oréal for $150M. The day the deal closed, David was sitting in a Jersey Mike’s when a bank notification popped up: $85M had just hit his account. Seven years later, he and his wife Alexis are back building — this time with Danger Jones, a brand that blends hair color, fashion, and film into something entirely different from traditional beauty companies. No corporate playbook. No venture capital. Just creativity, community, and a belief that artists deserve a brand that actually represents them. In this episode, David shares the full story behind Pulp Riot’s meteoric rise, what really happens after a life-changing exit, and why he decided to start over — building Danger Jones from scratch across 43 countries. Make sure to check them out at: https://www.dangerjonescreative.com/ Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Watch our mini-doc - Starting Small: The Raw Truth Behind Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: https://youtu.be/eHuq93wIxs0?si=eDB-ycngvWNapRLO Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle Thank you to this episode's mid-break sponsor, Morelux. If you’re someone who practices at home — golf, baseball, or really any ball sport — you know how hard it is to find gear that’s actually built to take a beating. That’s what impressed me about Morelux. They sent over one of their heavy-duty frame and net setups, and the first thing I noticed was the build quality. Their systems use thick steel frames and high-density mesh designed to absorb serious impact — not the flimsy nets that wobble or tear after a few sessions. It’s been perfect for our space. Super quick to set up, incredibly sturdy, and honestly just makes practicing way more fun. Make sure to check them our at https://www.morelux.store/
Transcribe →sunday: Christine De Wendel
Mar 700:38:24Tap to summarizeChristine de Wendel spent more than a decade helping scale two of Europe’s biggest startup success stories — first at Zalando, then as COO of ManoMano. Both companies grew from early-stage startups into multi-billion-dollar businesses. But at 40 years old, with three kids and years of scale-up experience behind her, Christine decided it was time to build something of her own. That idea became sunday — a simple but powerful solution that lets diners pay their restaurant bill instantly by scanning a QR code. What started during the chaos of COVID quickly turned into one of the fastest-growing platforms in hospitality tech. Today, sunday processes billions in payments each year and is used by restaurants around the world — from independent spots to major dining groups like TAO, Boqueria, Bareburger, and La Pecora Bianca. In this episode, Christine shares the full story behind sunday: moving back to the U.S. after 15 years abroad, starting a company with a restaurant operator friend during the pandemic, raising $25M in just weeks, and building a company now processing billions in payments. Make sure to check them out at: https://sundayapp.com/ Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Watch our mini-doc - Starting Small: The Raw Truth Behind Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: https://youtu.be/eHuq93wIxs0?si=eDB-ycngvWNapRLO Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle
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