Alchemy Social with Sujean

Sujean
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Biweekly

Immerse yourself in the magic of in-person experiences. In each podcast episode, Sujean sits down with the founders and creatives who are shaping our experiential world - from iconic restaurants and events, to immersive retail and travel. Uncover the hidden details and business insights that make an experience unforgettable. And learn about the personal setbacks and bold reinventions that have led to inspiring careers. Part travel show, part brand strategy, part blueprint for reinvention, Alchemy Social is for anyone seeking better experiences, whether on your next trip or your next life chapter.

  1. Jul 9

    A Sober Members Club Redefining Social Life | Founder of the Maze, Justin Gurland

    New York City has no shortage of members clubs. But only one has decided to go completely alcohol-free, and to make connection among its members the entire focus. Join Sujean in the studio for a conversation with Justin Gurland, founder and owner of the Maze, New York's first sober members club. Opened in Flatiron in November 2025, The Maze has a food and beverage program overseen by celebrity chef Tom Colicchio, and offers its members diverse programming most nights of the week – from mahjong and trivia to breathwork and speakers – all in a beautifully designed space. Justin's own story is inseparable from what he has built. Once a heroin addict, he's now nearly two decades sober. Through his career as a social worker and therapist, he realized the power of community to heal, which in turn inspired him to open the Maze. In this episode of Alchemy Social, Sujean and Justin discuss: Why community is so important for anyone on the recovery path, and why simply removing the substance isn't enough; What a members club is able to deliver that consumers might not gain from a public meeting space like a café; How removing alcohol from the experience may actually make it easier for members to form deeper connection; Lessons from recovery that are applicable to anyone seeking community; and The one piece of advice Justin would give anyone trying to build a community-based business. Whether you're an entrepreneur, sober-curious, or simply looking for more meaningful ways to connect with others, this conversation is for you. Follow Sujean and Alchemy Social: Newsletter: Alchemy Social Instagram: @sujeansong YouTube: @sujeansong Thank you for being here.

    A Sober Members Club Redefining Social Life | Founder of the Maze, Justin Gurland

  2. Jun 11

    WORLD CUP 2026 Is Here | Footballco's Jason Wagenheim Breaks It Down

    World Cup 2026 is here. Join Sujean in the studio for a deep dive with Jason Wagenheim, the North American CEO of Footballco, the largest soccer media company in the world.  Jason has spent the last two years preparing for this very moment: the first-ever World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Millions of people are showing up from over 100 countries to celebrate their shared obsession for football. Jason previously led Bustle Digital Group as President and Chief Revenue Officer. Now he's helping to grow soccer fandom in the U.S. at FootballCo, a TPG-backed business, which today has a social media following of 100M across its channels and reaches nearly 700M fans worldwide. In this episode of Alchemy Social, Sujean and Jason discuss: Why football fans are so incredibly devoted - and diverse; What the 2026 World Cup actually means for American culture (and how to experience it like an insider); Why Footballco hired a women's lifestyle media veteran to crack American soccer fandom - and why it's working; and How in-person experiences matters more than ever when building real community. Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or new to the game, or simply interested in learning how the strongest communities get built, this episode is for you.   The Alchemy Social podcast is all about the people and brands building community, so please stay connected: Newsletter – Alchemy Social on Substack Instagram – @sujeansong YouTube – @sujeansong Thank you for being here!

    WORLD CUP 2026 Is Here | Footballco's Jason Wagenheim Breaks It Down

  3. 11/24/2025

    Redefining Rest & Relaxation | ResortPass CEO Michael Wolf on Luxury Daycations and Building Consumer Brands for Modern Wellness

    This is how you DAYCATION. Join Sujean in the studio for a conversation with Michael Wolf, the CEO of ResortPass, which lets you experience the perks of luxury hotels (think poolside lounging, spa days, and mini wellness escapes) without having to book an overnight stay. Hello micro-getaways! Michael is a seasoned operator known for scaling beloved wellness companies. He previously helped build ClassPass as Global Head of Operations, and he and Sujean both grew their careers in the world of New York City-based consumer and lifestyle brands. Today, Michael is leading ResortPass with a focus on talent and team, like-minded investors, and self-awareness as a superpower. In this episode of Alchemy Social, Sujean and Michael discuss: • Why you should take more daycations, and why it's different from vacation; • How you can enjoy the amenities of luxury hotels and resorts without spending the night; • What it's like to be an operator versus a founder; • A powerful tool called "back-channeling" and other hiring and leadership hacks; and • How to find investors you love. (Michael proves it's possible.) Whether you're craving more accessible luxury experiences, interested in new wellness rituals, or growing a modern consumer brand, this episode is for you. Follow Michael and ResortPass: • Michael on LinkedIn • ResortPass on Instagram: @resortpass • ResortPass website Follow Sujean and Alchemy Social: • Instagram: @sujeansong • YouTube: @sujeansong • Newsletter We'd love to stay connected, so please subscribe. And thank you for being here!

    Redefining Rest & Relaxation | ResortPass CEO Michael Wolf on Luxury Daycations and Building Consumer Brands for Modern Wellness

  4. 10/31/2025

    How to Design Beautiful Spaces with Soul: Interior Designer Shelly Lynch-Sparks on Comfort, Career, and Connection

    What actually makes you feel comfortable in a space? Join Sujean in the studio for a conversation with Shelly Lynch-Sparks, a celebrated interior designer known for creating versatile spaces with soul, from stunning residences and restaurants to offices and wellness studios. Shelly is the founder of New York-based interior design firm Hyphen & Co., whose work has been featured everywhere from Architectural Digest to The New York Times. Before venturing out on her own, she held design roles at HGTV, Anthropologie, and Homepolish. She and her wife are also the owners of One Trick Pony, a café and cocktail bar that has become a vibrant hub for community in the Hamptons. In this episode of Alchemy Social, Sujean and Shelly chat about: The secret behind designing spaces that FEEL as good as they look; Three simple design changes to transform your home; How an IRL (podcast) conversation or coffee can build community;  What it means to feel fully present in your career, instead of chasing "what's next;" and The messy truth about starting something - and why it's totally worth it. Whether you're designing your dream home, starting a company, or simply looking for design inspiration, this conversation is for you. Follow Shelly on Instagram: Shelly: @shelly_sparks Hyphen & Co.: @hyphen One Trick Pony: @onetrickponycoffee Follow Sujean: Instagram – @sujeansong YouTube – @sujeansong Newsletter – Alchemy Social on Substack We'd love to stay connected, so please subscribe. Thank you for being here!

    How to Design Beautiful Spaces with Soul: Interior Designer Shelly Lynch-Sparks on Comfort, Career, and Connection

  5. 10/02/2025

    More Buzz, Less Booze: Molly Fienning on Mindful Drinking and Building a Brand for the Sober Curious

    Join Sujean in the studio for a conversation with Molly Fienning, a serial entrepreneur who is reframing our relationship with alcohol. Molly is the co-founder of Sipland, a drinks-obsessed consultancy that is helping companies and consumers make sense of the booming $13B no- and low-alcohol market through experiences, drinks curation, and content. Molly previously co-founded Babiators, the stylish sunglasses and accessories brand for kids; and Red Clay, a line of premium Southern-inspired hot sauces. From majoring in computer science at Harvard (where she and Sujean first met) to building three very different - and thriving - companies, Molly shows us what's possible when you trust your intuition. In this thought-provoking episode of Alchemy Social, Sujean and Molly chat about: How Sipland helped organize the world's first 100% non-alcoholic Octoberfest ("No-toberfest") in Boston, and how you can get tipsy drinking zero-proof cocktails; The rise of the no- and low-alcohol and sober-curious movement, and how brands are responding; Why consumers (and companies) are craving richer, more meaningful in-person experiences; The surprising ways motherhood and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand; and Why listening might just be the ultimate superpower for success. Whether you're starting a business, interested in hospitality, or rethinking your relationship with alcohol, this conversation will inspire you. Follow Molly and Sipland on Instagram: • Molly – @mollyfienning • Sipland – @sipland.co Follow Sujean and Alchemy Social: • Instagram – @sujeansong • YouTube – @sujeansong • Newsletter – Alchemy Social • Linktree – linktr.ee/sujeansong Thanks for being here. I'd love to stay connected, so please subscribe, and share this episode with a friend. Yours, Sujean

    More Buzz, Less Booze: Molly Fienning on Mindful Drinking and Building a Brand for the Sober Curious

  6. 09/14/2025

    From Burnout to Blooms: How Karla Smith-Brown Built Her Dream Career in Floral Design

    Join Sujean in the studio for a conversation with Karla Smith-Brown, a floral artist celebrated for stunning and sustainable arrangements. Karla is the founder of OLIVEE Floral, a Brooklyn-based design studio grounded in seasonality and the wild beauty of nature. Her clients include Vogue, GQ, Google, Dior, and Sotheby's, among many others. OLIVEE also holds a floral residency at the acclaimed restaurant Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi at Lincoln Center. Karla draws inspiration from her Jamaican roots and the lush landscape of Saint Elizabeth Parish; her studio is named after her great-grandmother, Medorah Olivee Wright. In search of greater purpose, Karla left a career in PR and communications to pursue her true passion, discovering flowers as her medium for storytelling, connection, and joy. In this episode of Alchemy Social, Karla and Sujean chat about: How burnout let Karla to reimagine her career, and build OLIVEE Floral from the ground up; The art and science of floral arrangements, and why flowers are the ultimate natural mood booster;  The challenges of balancing growth, freedom, and sustainability as a creative entrepreneur; What it's like to collaborate with luxury brands and celebrity tastemakers to create immersive experiences; and Practical tips to transform your space (and your mood) with flowers. Whether you're an aspiring creative, in search of a more intentional life, or simply curious about elevating your physical space, this episode will leave you inspired. Follow Karla and OLIVEE Floral: Karla on Instagram – @kayisforkarla OLIVEE on Instagram – @oliveefloral oliveefloral.com Follow Sujean and Alchemy Social: Instagram – @sujeansong LinkedIn – Sujean Subscribe to the Newsletter - Alchemy Social Substack Watch the video on YouTube – @sujeansong  Thanks for being here. I'd love to stay connected, so please subscribe, and share this episode with a friend who gets excited about creative careers. Yours, Sujean

    From Burnout to Blooms: How Karla Smith-Brown Built Her Dream Career in Floral Design

  7. 08/27/2025

    The Art of Curating Pleasure | Pavia Rosati, Award-Winning Travel Expert and Founder of Fathom

    Join Sujean in the studio for an interview with Pavia Rosati, one of the most trusted voices in travel. Pavia is the CEO and founder of Fathom, an award-winning travel editorial platform known for insider recommendations and curated itineraries, including a widely read Substack called "Way to Go." She's co-authored two books: Travel Anywhere (and Avoid Being a Tourist) and Travel North America (and Avoid Being a Tourist). She previously served as Executive Editor of the disruptive media company DailyCandy, which produced a daily email newsletter featuring cultural recommendations. Ultimately, Pavia has designed an inspiring career - one that brings her joy, is filled with rich, unforgettable experiences (including plenty of dinner parties at home), and leaves room for new adventures. In this episode of Alchemy Social, Pavia and Sujean chat about: How Pavia made the leap from a career in media to founding her own travel company How she grew a disruptive newsletter business, long before she started her Substack When to ask human experts for advice – from recipes to restaurant recommendations How to plan better trips – including the one time overplanning actually pays off; and Her latest travel recommendations (you'll want to bookmark them immediately). Whether you're dreaming up your next trip, interested in a career in media, or starting a new company, this conversation will inspire you. Follow Pavia and Fathom: Fathom – fathomaway.com Fathom Substack - Way to Go Fathom IG - @fathomwaytogo Pavia IG - @pavianyc Follow Sujean and Alchemy Social: Instagram – @sujeansong YouTube – @sujeansong Spotify - Alchemy Social Newsletter - Alchemy Social Substack LinkedIn – Sujean Linktree – linktr.ee/sujeansong Thanks for being here! I'd love to stay connected, so please subscribe, and share this episode with a friend who loves travel. Yours, Sujean

    The Art of Curating Pleasure | Pavia Rosati, Award-Winning Travel Expert and Founder of Fathom

  8. 08/07/2025

    The Modern Travel Hack? A Human Advisor - Evan Frank on How to Travel Better

    Evan Frank is the ultimate travel insider and serial entrepreneur. He's built not one – but three – disruptive travel companies that have reshaped the way we experience the world. He's the co-founder of Fora, a technology platform empowering everyday entrepreneurs to become modern travel agents, bringing back the human touch to trip planning. He co-founded onefinestay, the luxury vacation rental brand acquired by Accor for nearly $200M USD. And he served as CEO of Context Travel, known for expert-led cultural experiences around the world. Evan's career has been a journey of its own. He started working in finance, until he realized that he wanted to pursue something more meaningful. Today, he has found his calling as a founder leading purpose-driven companies. In this episode of Alchemy Social, Evan shares: How he left finance and designed a more fulfilling career What happens behind-the-scenes when bringing a startup idea to life Why Fora's vision of a travel agency is different - and more relevant than ever in the age of AI How to turn travel planning into a successful side hustle Why human-led travel planning is always better And how to create richer, more memorable travel experiences. Whether you're a frequent traveler, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply craving more memorable adventures, this conversation is for you. Follow Evan Frank and Fora - Fora Travel – https://www.foratravel.com - Evan on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanbfrank/ Follow Sujean - Instagram – @sujeansong - YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@sujeansong - Newsletter – Alchemy Social - LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sujean/ - Linktree – linktr.ee/sujeansong Interested in booking your next trip with Sujean? - Book with Sujean Thanks for being here! I'd love to stay connected, so please subscribe in the links above. I hope you enjoy the episode - and share it with a friend who loves to travel. Yours, Sujean

    The Modern Travel Hack? A Human Advisor - Evan Frank on How to Travel Better
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About

Immerse yourself in the magic of in-person experiences. In each podcast episode, Sujean sits down with the founders and creatives who are shaping our experiential world - from iconic restaurants and events, to immersive retail and travel. Uncover the hidden details and business insights that make an experience unforgettable. And learn about the personal setbacks and bold reinventions that have led to inspiring careers. Part travel show, part brand strategy, part blueprint for reinvention, Alchemy Social is for anyone seeking better experiences, whether on your next trip or your next life chapter.

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