Fundraising in 2025 feels different than it used to. It is harder, slower, and less forgiving than in years past. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Young—an experienced operator, investor, and partner at Manna Tree—to have an honest conversation about what is really happening in the investment landscape right now.

We cover:

• Why the bar for raising money has become significantly higher
• What actually makes investors say yes in today’s market
• How self-awareness has become one of the most valuable traits a founder can possess
• When it might be time to double down—or step aside
• Why a polished pitch deck no longer guarantees interest

If you are in the trenches trying to raise capital, scale your brand, or simply lead with more intention, this episode will meet you where you are.

My candid conversation with VC Andy Whitman — why he turned me down, what I learned, and what you need to know before pitching your brand to an investor. We get into the mistakes founders make, how investors actually think about valuation, and why the best time to raise money is when you don’t need it.

After an intense Olympic lifting session at CrossFit Boston, Melissa Urban sat down with her original co-founder and came up with a plan. The idea was simple: “What if we just did this squeaky clean, paleo-based 30-day thing and eliminated everything from our diet that didn’t fit this protocol?”

And just like that, Melissa handed over her Thin Mints to a friend and they started that day. The results were amazing. Her energy skyrocketed, her sleep improved, and for the first time, she was able to step away from the scale and the mirror. The experience inspired her to share her experience on her CrossFit training blog, and by July 2009, she was leading about a hundred people through the program. The results were equally transformative for them, marking the birth of the Whole30 as we know it today—a movement that has since helped millions of people.

In today’s episode, Melissa Urban shares the story behind the Whole30, from its humble beginnings to becoming a global wellness phenomenon. She also discusses her journey as a New York Times bestselling author, offering valuable insights for aspiring writers on publishing, working with literary agents, and staying true to one’s vision. Whether you’re looking to transform your health, pursue entrepreneurship, or build a meaningful platform, Melissa’s story is sure to inspire.

Takeaways:

• Discover how moving away from rigid beliefs can open up more realistic and adaptable approaches in your health and life.
• Learn how focusing on long-term community-building can lead to enduring success and deep trust with your customers.
• Why setting strong boundaries and having a supportive partner is crucial for managing both entrepreneurship and family life.
• Why offering valuable content for free can create a loyal following and drive transformative engagement.
• The importance of recognizing and acknowledging the support and privileges that contribute to your achievements.