First Round's on Me

First Round's On Me
  • 3.5 (2)
  • Relationships
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Join Hannah and Joe Feminella as they sit down together, or with special guests, and dive into the messy, beautiful world of connection across every area of life. They don’t just talk about it—they live it, sharing raw personal stories, best-friend-level advice, and insights that’ll make you stop and think. Reflecting their belief that authenticity is key to genuine connection. Whether you’re building a circle in a new city, keeping a partnership strong through big seasons, leading a team, or simply craving more meaning in your week—this is your space. New episodes drop every Monday!

  1. Aug 10

    How to Get 250 Million Views a Month with Matthew Shaw, Founder of Bebida

    What does it actually take to generate 250 million views a month?This week on First Rounds On Me, Joe and Hannah sit down with Matthew Shaw, founder and CEO of Bebida, the media company behind some of the internet’s most recognizable sports, pop culture, and entertainment content.Matthew breaks down how he went from working a 9-to-5 he hated to building a massive digital media company, why committing to consistent content changed everything, and what he’s learned about creating videos people actually want to watch and share.But going viral is only part of the story.Matthew opens up about the pressure of constantly growing a media company, the mental exhaustion that comes with entrepreneurship, building the right team, finding people with an entrepreneurial mindset, and the strange reality of having friends who are also your direct competitors.They also get into the psychology behind viral content, building real brand loyalty, why creators need personality—not just views—and Matthew’s journey from sleeping on couches to interviewing NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki at the Basketball World Cup.Plus, Matthew tells the story of asking UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett to kick him for a video—a decision he was still feeling a month later.And, of course, Hannah puts Matthew and Joe’s sports knowledge to the test with a round of increasingly difficult trivia.This episode is about much more than going viral. It’s about what happens behind the views when you’re trying to turn content into a real, lasting business.Follow First Rounds On Me for more conversations about entrepreneurship, relationships, culture, and everything in between.00:00 – Meet Matthew Shaw, Founder of Bebida01:03 – How Bebida Started02:08 – Making Content Before It Was a Career04:02 – Leaving the 9-to-505:06 – The Sports Trivia Video That Changed Everything06:21 – Why Matthew Hates “Hater” Sports Media07:16 – What Actually Makes Content Go Viral?08:15 – 250 Million Views vs. Building a Community10:09 – Turning Hosts Into Personalities12:02 – The Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship13:14 – The Problem With Having Too Many Opportunities15:15 – Mental Exhaustion, Sacrifice & Balance17:23 – How Much Should You Tell Your Team?18:17 – Hiring Employees vs. Hiring Leaders20:26 – Learning How to Become a Leader21:09 – Building a Community of Creators21:57 – When Your Friends Are Also Your Competitors24:40 – The Problem With Comparing Yourself26:00 – Matthew’s Favorite Video Ever26:43 – From Sleeping on Couches to the Basketball World Cup28:05 – Getting Kicked by Paddy Pimblett29:47 – Meeting The Schmo30:46 – Sports Trivia Begins38:53 – The Final Trivia Questions40:01 – What Matthew Would Tell His 10-Year-Old Self41:12 – Where to Follow Matthew & Bebida

    How to Get 250 Million Views a Month with Matthew Shaw, Founder of Bebida

  2. Jul 27

    From Intern to HOT 97 Host: Miabelle on Authenticity & Success

    What does it take to go from an intern working behind the scenes to becoming a host on one of the most legendary radio stations in the country?In this episode of First Rounds On Me, Joe and Hannah sit down with Miabelle, a host and on-air personality at HOT 97, as well as a producer and writer whose career has been shaped by music, culture, community, and genuine human connection.Miabelle shares how listening to radio as a child inspired her dream, how an initial internship rejection eventually led to her opportunity at HOT 97, and why she was willing to take on nearly any role to get her foot in the door.She takes us through her journey from intern to the HOT 97 Street Team, the digital department, overnight radio, weekend programming, and eventually morning radio.The conversation also explores how music and media have changed, why so much modern content can feel empty, what separates a memorable host from someone simply performing, and how Miabelle gets celebrities to lower their guard during interviews.Miabelle also opens up about the personal side of success, the importance of checking in on people beyond their work, learning to be present, and what she would tell the ten-year-old version of herself who could only dream about the life she has now.This episode is about much more than radio. It is about perseverance, authenticity, community, creativity, and becoming the person you once imagined you could be.Subscribe to First Rounds On Me for more honest conversations about dating, relationships, culture, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and human connection.00:00 – Introduction01:33 – Miabelle’s Radio Journey06:11 – Authenticity Behind the Microphone08:41 – From Rejection to HOT 9715:38 – Moving into Morning Radio17:00 – How Music and Culture Changed22:22 – Interviewing Celebrities28:44 – Making an Impact on Listeners31:10 – Advice to Her Younger Self32:24 – Life Beyond the Career35:23 – Closing Affirmation

    From Intern to HOT 97 Host: Miabelle on Authenticity & Success

  3. Jul 13

    Kyle Fraser on Survivor, Accountability & Building Paprclip

    Survivor winner Kyle Fraser returns to First Round’s On Me to introduce Paprclip, a social accountability app designed to help people accomplish goals, build better habits and strengthen their relationships together.Kyle explains how an unexpected moment involving a cartoon and a paperclip inspired the original idea—and how his secret Survivor alliance with Kamilla Karthigesu eventually evolved into a real-world business partnership.We explore why traditional habit trackers often fail, how accountability changes motivation and why completing goals alongside another person can be far more powerful than trying to do everything alone.Kyle also breaks down Paprclip’s shared goals, habits, daily challenges, group functionality and private photo and video check-ins. He shares how the platform could help friends, couples, families, new parents and members of the ADHD and neurodivergent communities stay connected while becoming better versions of themselves.The conversation also covers entrepreneurship, choosing the right co-founder, maintaining adult friendships, protecting your imagination and learning to stop measuring your worth by how much other people like you.Paprclip’s Kickstarter launches July 14. Follow the campaign through the link below and support the team as they prepare for beta testing.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1638490462/paprclip-the-social-accountability-app?ref=aj5ebcIn this episode:• Why accountability is more powerful than motivation• How Kyle came up with the idea for Paprclip• Why most habit-tracking apps fail• Building goals and habits with friends• How body doubling can improve consistency• Using accountability within marriages and families• Gamifying personal growth without replacing human connection• Kyle and Kamilla’s transition from Survivor allies to co-founders• The loneliness of becoming a solo founder• Why friendship and imagination matter• What Kyle would tell his 10-year-old selfSubscribe to First Round’s On Me for more honest conversations about dating, relationships, personal growth and genuine human connection.Happy connecting.00:00 Kyle Fraser Returns01:10 Becoming a New Father01:46 Where Paprclip Came From03:20 Turning an Idea Into an App05:38 What Is Paprclip?07:09 Accountability With Friends or Strangers08:17 Daily Challenges and Gamification09:33 Completing Goals Together10:20 Group Paprclips and Shared Content12:02 Why Habit Trackers Fail13:11 Accountability and the Loneliness Epidemic14:06 Maintaining Long-Distance Friendships15:00 Competition, Chores and Relationships17:02 Who Is Paprclip Built For?18:25 Fitness, Marriage and New Parenthood20:16 Making Adult Life Fun Again21:25 Introducing the New Dating App22:07 Calendars, Organization and AI23:24 Why Paprclip Is Human-Centered24:18 Paprclip’s Development and Beta24:57 The July 14 Kickstarter27:13 Paprclip and the ADHD Community27:53 The Loneliness of Being a Founder28:38 Choosing Kamilla as a Co-Founder31:25 Paprclip’s Vision for the Future32:01 Friendship and Imagination34:02 Finding Your Real Cheerleaders35:34 Refusing to Lose Your Creativity36:32 Advice to Kyle’s 10-Year-Old Self37:39 Supporting Paprclip38:19 Where to Find the Kickstarter

    Kyle Fraser on Survivor, Accountability & Building Paprclip

  4. Jul 6

    What Survivor Taught Kellie & Gabrielle About Love, Marriage & Human Nature

    Survivor 45's Kellie Nalbandian became one of the season's most respected strategic players, but the biggest lessons she learned weren't just about the game—they were about people.Joined by her wife, Gabrielle Bellettieri, this episode explores what Survivor reveals about human nature, what makes relationships last, and why becoming the best version of yourself often starts with having the right person beside you.Kellie shares what it was like competing on one of television's toughest social experiments, how her experience as a Covid ICU nurse prepared her for Survivor, and what she learned from watching people at their absolute lowest.Gabrielle opens up about startup life, building consumer brands, healthy food marketing, and what it was like supporting Kellie throughout her Survivor journey.Together they tell one of the most unique love stories we've ever heard—from meeting in line at a Glee meet-and-greet as teenagers, reconnecting years later, navigating coming out, and building a marriage rooted in trust, friendship, and unwavering support.Whether you're a Survivor fan, entrepreneur, or simply looking for a healthier relationship, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, humor, and heartfelt moments.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs this conversation.00:00 Intro01:05 Meet Kellie Nalbandian02:20 Why Kellie Applied for Survivor04:05 How Survivor Actually Works07:00 Being Apart for Six Weeks09:40 Watching Survivor Together13:08 What Survivor Taught About Human Nature17:05 Life as a Covid ICU Nurse18:10 Building Startup Brands22:00 Healthy Food & Food Marketing25:05 How They Met at a Glee Meet & Greet31:20 The One That Got Away33:20 Knowing They'd Get Married34:45 Communication & Relationship Differences37:30 Growing Together39:45 Favorite Things About Each Other43:10 Outro

    What Survivor Taught Kellie & Gabrielle About Love, Marriage & Human Nature

  5. Jun 22

    The Founder Couple Playbook: Building A Business Without Losing Your Marriage

    What happens when two entrepreneurs decide to build a business together?In this episode of First Round's On Me, Joe and Hannah sit down with Jeffrey Carlson and Gabriela Desposito- Carlson, founders of Barkhouse NYC, to discuss entrepreneurship, marriage, hospitality, community, and raising a family while building a growing business.They dive into the philosophy behind creating memorable customer experiences, why attention to detail matters, how they balance work and marriage, and the lessons they've learned while building Barkhouse into one of New York City's most unique pet destinations.The conversation also explores dating, founder relationships, entrepreneurial mindsets, and the powerful responsibility of raising children while building something meaningful.Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, parent, or simply someone who values community and hospitality, this episode is packed with lessons on creating a life and business you genuinely love.Follow Barkhouse:Instagram: @barkhousenyc00:00 Introduction01:04 The Origin of BarkHouse02:30 The Equinox of Dog Daycare05:33 Building Through Attention to Detail09:19 Creating Experiences People Remember11:22 The Cheers Effect13:35 Why Community Matters More Than Ever15:36 Building a Business With Your Spouse19:05 Managing Conflict & Working Together20:28 Every Founder Needs a Delusional One22:17 Thinking Bigger as Entrepreneurs25:04 Choosing the Right Life Partner26:02 How Jeffrey & Gabriela Met28:04 Standing Out in Dating29:35 Connection at First Sight31:02 Building a Future for Your Children34:12 Entrepreneurial Parents & Imagination35:37 A Question for Their Son at 1838:28 The Power of Unconditional Love39:18 Where to Find BarkHouse

    The Founder Couple Playbook: Building A Business Without Losing Your Marriage

  6. Jun 8

    We Had a Baby, Rebuilt Our Company & Almost Lost Our Minds

    Over the last year, everything changed.Joe and Hannah became parents, welcomed their son Leo into the world, rebuilt businesses, launched new ventures, opened a physical space in New York City, and navigated one of the most challenging seasons of their lives.In this deeply personal episode, they reflect on parenthood, marriage, ambition, gratitude, family, sacrifice, and what it really takes to build a life you're proud of while raising a child.From the emotional realities of the first year of parenthood to balancing multiple businesses and chasing freedom, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes the hardest seasons become the most meaningful ones.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure whether you're doing enough, this episode is for you.00:00 Welcome & Why This Episode Matters01:06 Joe's Emotional Moment About Leo03:36 The Happiest Year of Our Lives05:12 Surviving Parenthood & Business Together07:31 Mortality, Presence & Appreciating Time09:14 Teaching Through Example11:27 Building Businesses While Raising a Child13:12 Why We Push Ourselves So Hard15:08 Missing Family & Living Far From Home17:19 Building Freedom Through Entrepreneurship18:24 Why We Work So Well Together21:12 Marriage, Business & Playing the Long Game22:56 Lessons From the Past Year25:13 What We Hope Never Changes27:15 Looking Ahead to the Next Decade28:14 Final Thoughts

    We Had a Baby, Rebuilt Our Company & Almost Lost Our Minds

  7. May 25

    The Loneliness Economy Is Profiting Off You

    We’re living through one of the strangest contradictions in human history: we’ve never had more ways to connect, yet people have never felt more alone.In this episode, we break down “The Loneliness Economy” — the systems, apps, corporations, habits, and cultural shifts quietly profiting from isolation, convenience, doomscrolling, and digital dependency.From social media addiction and influencer culture to Netflix binges, Uber Eats, remote work, and the death of spontaneous connection, this conversation dives deep into what modern life is doing to human relationships.We talk about:Why people don’t go out anymoreSocial media & validation cultureThe convenience trapWhy real memories matterThe death of originalityWhy spontaneity feels rare nowHuman connection in the digital ageWhy modern life feels emotionally exhaustingIf you’ve ever felt disconnected, emotionally drained, overstimulated, or lonely despite being constantly online… this episode is for you.Subscribe for more conversations about dating, relationships, culture, psychology, and modern human connection.00:00 – The Loneliness Economy Explained01:03 – Loneliness Is A Public Health Crisis02:11 – Americans Are More Isolated Than Ever03:25 – Influencer Culture & Social Proof06:14 – The Importance Of Spontaneous Moments08:30 – Who Profits From Isolation?11:12 – The Convenience Trap12:26 – Did 2020 Permanently Change Society?14:54 – Why Human Connection Takes Effort Now17:22 – Do Corporations Actually Care?18:18 – Couples Don’t Truly Connect Enough21:59 – Why Everyone Feels Burnt Out24:58 – The Memories We Actually Remember26:56 – Why Connection Isn’t The Default Anymore28:52 – Why Young People Feel Lost30:46 – What Happened To Original Thought?32:35 – Coachella & Copycat Culture35:00 – The Met Gala & Fake Exclusivity36:56 – Why Blockbuster Felt More Meaningful38:26 – Curated Memories vs Real Memories

    The Loneliness Economy Is Profiting Off You

  8. May 11

    We Challenged A Pastor On Everything

    What happens when you sit down with a pastor and ask every difficult question you’ve been afraid to say out loud?In this episode, we’re joined by Pastor Ryan Schlachter of Legacy Church in NYC for one of the deepest conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast. We talk about faith, science, suffering, morality, heaven, relationships, sex before marriage, evolution, free will, and what it actually means to believe in God in the modern world.Ryan opens up about his own journey back to faith after hitting a dark point in college and explains why he believes Christianity is less about religion and more about relationship, purpose, and meaning.Whether you’re religious, skeptical, curious, or somewhere in between, this conversation is about asking questions honestly and exploring the things most people think about but rarely discuss openly.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your thoughts below.00:00 Intro01:12 Ryan’s Journey Back To Faith05:20 Experiencing God Personally08:35 The 3 Possibilities About Jesus14:08 Morality, Souls & Meaning16:25 Can Bad People Still Go To Heaven?23:15 Religion vs Relationship With God28:11 Why Does Suffering Exist?33:20 Faith vs Science & Evolution39:40 Sex Before Marriage Explained44:17 Religion, Faith & Belief48:18 Why Young People Are Returning To Church53:11 What Jesus Was Really Like54:21 Legacy Church NYC

    We Challenged A Pastor On Everything
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Ratings & Reviews

3.5
out of 5
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About

Join Hannah and Joe Feminella as they sit down together, or with special guests, and dive into the messy, beautiful world of connection across every area of life. They don’t just talk about it—they live it, sharing raw personal stories, best-friend-level advice, and insights that’ll make you stop and think. Reflecting their belief that authenticity is key to genuine connection. Whether you’re building a circle in a new city, keeping a partnership strong through big seasons, leading a team, or simply craving more meaning in your week—this is your space. New episodes drop every Monday!

Information

  • Creator
    First Round's On Me
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    175
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © First Round's On Me
  • Show Website
    First Round's on Me

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