The Kara Goldin Show

Kara Goldin

Kara Goldin, Founder of Hint and Author of the WSJ Best Seller Undaunted, brings listeners real, unfiltered conversations with today’s boldest entrepreneurs, leaders, disruptors, and change-makers on The Kara Goldin Show. From overcoming setbacks to building iconic brands, Kara dives deep into the stories of those who dared to do things differently. Guests like Tony Robbins (entrepreneur, author), Chip Wilson (Lululemon), Guy Kawasaki (Apple, Canva), Mindy Grossman (WW), and Amy Errett (Madison Reed) share the mindset, lessons, and raw truth behind building what others said was impossible.  Listen and learn from the Masters!

  1. 824 David Rabie:  Founder & CEO of Tovala

    2H AGO

    824 David Rabie: Founder & CEO of Tovala

    On today’s episode, we welcome David Rabie, Founder and CEO of Tovala — the smart oven and chef-prepared meal service transforming how people cook and eat at home. What started as an idea while David was earning his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business has grown into a category-defining business that combines food, software, and hardware to make fresh meals easier than ever. With a simple scan of a QR code, Tovala’s countertop smart oven automatically cooks chef-prepared meals using thousands of tested cook combinations — eliminating the need for planning, chopping, or cleanup. Inspired by the everyday challenge of finding time to cook fresh meals at home, David combined his passion for food and technology to build a completely new model for modern home cooking. Since launching in 2017, Tovala has sold more than 40 million meals nationwide and built one of the most loyal customer bases in the meal delivery category. By vertically integrating the oven, software, and food experience, the company has been able to deliver consistency, convenience, and quality at scale. In this episode, David shares the early inspiration behind Tovala, how he thought about margins and business fundamentals from the very beginning, and why vertical integration became the key to unlocking the company’s success. We discuss navigating near financial collapse in 2020, the leadership lessons that shaped him as a founder, and why cooking at home still matters in a world dominated by delivery apps. From building smarter with limited capital to creating a culture that promotes talent from within, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to build and scale a truly differentiated consumer business. If you’re interested in the future of food technology, building capital-efficient companies, or how founders navigate the toughest moments of scaling a startup — this episode is for you. Tune in 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 David Rabie and Tovala:https://www.tovala.comhttps://www.instagram.com/tovalafood/https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-rabie/   Sponsored By: Pebl - Manage your global workforce in one place. Go to Hipebl.ai to get a free estimate. AT&T Business - Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com Warby Parker - Get 15% off + Free Shipping when they buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/KARAGOLDIN   Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/824

    30 min
  2. 823 Kahh Spence:  Founder & CEO of Samir Grey

    2D AGO

    823 Kahh Spence: Founder & CEO of Samir Grey

    On today’s episode, we welcome Kahh Spence, Founder and CEO of Samir Grey — a luxury fragrance and personal care brand rooted in family, legacy, and emotional connection. After more than a decade shaping culture as a celebrity hairstylist and image architect for artists including Cardi B, Kelly Rowland, Normani, and Victoria Monét, Kahh stepped into a new chapter: building a brand of his own grounded in storytelling, representation, and self-expression. Samir Grey was born from something deeply personal. Inspired by the women who raised him, the brand redefines modern luxury as an accessible act of self-love — offering clean, vegan, cruelty-free fragrance and essentials designed to feel intimate, grounding, and enduring. What began as a creative vision evolved into a mission-driven company that uses scent as a tool for memory, identity, and empowerment — expanding beauty beyond aesthetics into emotional ritual. In this episode, Kahh shares what it takes to move from creative collaborator to founder and CEO, how to translate personal legacy into product, and why leading with authenticity matters more than ever in today’s beauty landscape. We discuss representation, building inclusive brands without performative messaging, navigating doubt as a first-time founder, and redefining success through impact and cultural resonance. A powerful conversation for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to build boldly from their own story.   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 Kahh Spence and Samir Grey:https://samirgrey.co/https://www.instagram.com/samirgrey.co/https://www.instagram.com/kahhspence/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kahhspence/   Sponsored By: AT&T Business - Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com QUO - Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to Quo.com/karagoldin Square - Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/karagoldin   Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/823

    26 min
  3. 822 Meredith Mills-Merritt:  Founder & CEO of The Original Southside

    4D AGO

    822 Meredith Mills-Merritt: Founder & CEO of The Original Southside

    On today’s episode, we welcome Meredith Mills-Merritt, Founder and CEO of The Original Southside — the premium gin-based ready-to-drink cocktail brand redefining what “clean” and “craft” mean in the spirits industry. Inspired by her mom Leah’s beloved gin, lemonade, and mint summer cooler, Meredith transformed a nostalgic family recipe into a fast-growing national brand. With a background in prestige beauty, she approached beverage the way few founders do — with precision around formulation, ingredient transparency, and sensory experience. The result is a 10% ABV cocktail made with certified organic, vegan, gluten-free ingredients, sweetened with 100% sugarcane, and crafted with a proprietary gin distilled in Vermont. Since launching in 2024, The Original Southside has expanded into 20+ markets and landed at retailers like Whole Foods and Total Wine — all while building a bold, vintage-meets-modern brand identity that stands out on shelf and at major cultural events. In this episode, Meredith shares what it takes to break into a heavily regulated, traditionally male-dominated industry, how she defines “premium” in today’s ingredient-conscious world, and the lessons she’s learned scaling quickly without compromising quality. From retail strategy to brand storytelling to mindful drinking, this conversation is a masterclass in turning personal inspiration into a polished, high-growth consumer brand. If you’re interested in the future of mindful drinking, building mission-driven companies, or how founders successfully reinvent themselves, this episode is for you. Tune in 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 Meredith Mills-Merritt and The Original Southside:https://www.drinksouthsides.comhttps://www.instagram.com/drinksouthsides/https://www.instagram.com/meredithleahmerritt/https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithleahmills/https://www.linkedin.com/company/theoriginalsouthside/   Sponsored By: AT&T Business - Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com RULA - Go to Rula.com/KARAGOLDIN for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance.   Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/822

    28 min
  4. 821 Lauren Stephens:  Co-Founder of Dudley Stephens

    APR 3

    821 Lauren Stephens: Co-Founder of Dudley Stephens

    On today’s episode, we welcome Lauren Stephens, Co-Founder of Dudley Stephens — the cult-favorite apparel brand redefining everyday essentials and making the turtleneck cool again. What began as a reimagined fleece silhouette has grown into a beloved, functional-yet-fashionable brand known for timeless design, versatility, and effortless polish. In this conversation, Lauren shares how focusing on one iconic piece helped build a loyal following, why simplicity can be a powerful differentiator in a crowded fashion market, and what it takes to scale thoughtfully without chasing trends. We talk about building a brand with family, balancing function and fashion, creating wardrobe staples that last, and how intentional storytelling can turn a single product into a movement. A thoughtful episode for founders, creatives, and anyone building something meant to stand the test of time.   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 Stephens and Dudley Stephens:https://www.dudleystephens.comhttps://www.instagram.com/laurendudleystephens/https://www.instagram.com/dudleystephens/https://www.linkedin.com/company/dudley-stephens/   Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/821

    30 min
  5. 820 Andy Freed: Author of Lead Like the Boss

    APR 1

    820 Andy Freed: Author of Lead Like the Boss

    On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Andy Freed, author of the new book Lead Like the Boss. With more than 30 years of experience leading organizations through growth and transformation, Andy has built his career around a powerful belief: communication isn’t just part of leadership — it is leadership. From coaching CEOs to guiding global coalitions — and serving as Chairman of the Board at Virtual, Inc. — Andy has seen firsthand that strategy succeeds or fails based on how well leaders communicate. In Lead Like the Boss, Andy challenges leaders to rethink how they show up in moments that matter. Drawing inspiration from Bruce Springsteen concerts and decades of executive experience, he introduces practical tools like the “Think, Feel, Do” framework — three questions every leader should answer before any meeting, presentation, or major change initiative. The book reframes leadership as performance — not in a theatrical sense, but in the intentional preparation, sequencing, and presence that shape how messages land. In this episode, Andy shares why leaders underestimate the communication risk of change, how different “flavors” of change require different messaging strategies, and why technology has made communication easier — but often less effective. We discuss the power of recognition, the importance of planning communication like a setlist, and how small, intentional interactions can dramatically shift engagement and alignment inside organizations. Whether you’re leading a company, managing a team, or simply trying to show up with more clarity and impact, this conversation offers actionable insight into how communication can elevate performance at every level. Don’t miss it!   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 Andy Freed and Lead Like the Boss:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfreed/https://www.instagram.com/afreed29/   Sponsored By: AT&T Business - Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com Quince - Go to Quince.com/karagoldin for free shipping and 365-day returns Gruns - Save up to 52% off with code GOLDIN at Gruns.co   Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/820

    24 min
  6. 819 Bobby Bitton:  Co-Founder & CEO of O Positiv Health

    MAR 30

    819 Bobby Bitton: Co-Founder & CEO of O Positiv Health

    On today’s episode, we welcome Bobby Bitton, Co-Founder & CEO of O Positiv Health — the women’s wellness brand on a mission to turn taboo into mainstream conversation. Inspired by his sister’s struggle with severe PMS and backed by his training as a Stanford nutritionist, Bobby helped launch the first-ever PMS gummy and build what is now the #1 women’s health brand on Amazon, with over 25 million bottles sold. In our conversation, Bobby shares how O Positiv scaled from a bold DTC idea into a national retail powerhouse, why humor and authenticity can coexist with science and credibility, and what it takes to build trust in historically overlooked health categories. We also discuss the role of education and data in shaping modern health brands, sibling dynamics in business, and how tackling stigma can unlock both cultural and commercial impact. A powerful episode for founders, operators, and anyone passionate about building brands that truly serve.   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 Bobby Bitton and O Positiv Health:https://www.opositiv.comhttps://www.instagram.com/opositiv/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbybitton/   Sponsored By: OneSkin - Try OneSkin with 15% off using code KARAGOLDIN at oneskin.co/KARAGOLDIN Bombas - Go to Bombas.com/KARA and use code KARA for 20% off your first purchase   Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/819

    31 min
  7. 818 Dr. Nayan Patel:  Founder of Auro Wellness

    MAR 27

    818 Dr. Nayan Patel: Founder of Auro Wellness

    On today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Nayan Patel, Founder of Auro Wellness — the science-driven wellness and skincare brand centered on the power of topical glutathione, often called the body’s “master antioxidant.” A pharmacist with more than 30 years of experience in advanced biochemistry, Dr. Patel has dedicated his career to understanding how oxidative stress impacts the body and how to support cellular health more effectively. In this conversation, we explore why glutathione plays such a critical role in detoxification, energy, and healthy aging — and why traditional delivery methods often fall short. Dr. Patel shares the science behind Auro’s patented antioxidant delivery system, how topical application can improve absorption, and why internal health and external beauty are deeply connected. We also discuss misconceptions around detox, the future of longevity science, and what it takes to build a brand rooted in rigorous research. A thoughtful episode for anyone interested in cellular health, innovation, and science-backed wellness.   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. Nayan Patel and Auro Wellness:https://www.aurowellness.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aurowellness/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayan-patel-pharmd/   Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/818

    31 min
  8. 817 Vy Nguyen:  Co-CEO of Avocado Green Brands

    MAR 25

    817 Vy Nguyen: Co-CEO of Avocado Green Brands

    On today’s episode, Kara welcomes Vy Nguyen, Co-CEO of Avocado Green Brands and Founder of Brentwood Home — a leader building one of the most recognized names in organic, non-toxic mattresses and sustainable home goods. Vy’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2010 when he launched Brentwood Home with his own capital, focused on wellness, craftsmanship, and vertical integration. In 2018, he helped bring Brentwood Home together with Avocado to form Avocado Green Brands — creating a unified company built around transparency, long-term thinking, and products designed to be better for people and the planet. Today, Avocado has become a trusted name for consumers seeking healthier homes without compromising on quality or growth. In this episode, Vy shares what it really takes to operationalize sustainability at scale, how to build long-term trust with consumers, and why mission must live beyond marketing and inside every department. From leadership structure to supply chain decisions, this conversation is a thoughtful look at how values-driven companies can compete — and win — in today’s market. If you’re interested in the future of sustainable business, building mission-driven companies, or how companies create lasting trust with consumers — this episode is for you.   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 Vy Nguyen and Avocado Green Brands:https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com/https://www.instagram.com/avocado.greenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vy-nguyen-830400107/   Sponsored By: Square - Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/karagoldin   Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/817

    30 min
4.8
out of 5
275 Ratings

About

Kara Goldin, Founder of Hint and Author of the WSJ Best Seller Undaunted, brings listeners real, unfiltered conversations with today’s boldest entrepreneurs, leaders, disruptors, and change-makers on The Kara Goldin Show. From overcoming setbacks to building iconic brands, Kara dives deep into the stories of those who dared to do things differently. Guests like Tony Robbins (entrepreneur, author), Chip Wilson (Lululemon), Guy Kawasaki (Apple, Canva), Mindy Grossman (WW), and Amy Errett (Madison Reed) share the mindset, lessons, and raw truth behind building what others said was impossible.  Listen and learn from the Masters!

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