The Discovery Call by Discover Startups

Georgie Brown
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Discover Startups is a startup podcast sharing founder stories from early-stage startups building the brands of tomorrow. Each episode features honest conversations with startup founders about what they’re building, the problems they’re solving, and the challenges of growing a business from the ground up. From food and drink startups to consumer, tech and lifestyle brands, Discover Startups helps you find innovative early-stage startups before they scale. A must-listen podcast for founders, operators and anyone curious about startups, building businesses, and entrepreneurship.

  1. 5D AGO

    The much needed “astro-dote” to bland Banter with Amie Farrell from Tame the Taurus

    What if your zodiac sign could replace small talk forever? That’s exactly why Amie Farrell built Tame the Taurus: an astrology-based party card game designed to be the “Astrodote to Bland Banter” — turning polite catch-ups into chaotic, hilarious roast sessions powered by the zodiac. In this episode, Georgie Brown sits down with Amie Farrell, founder of Tame the Taurus, to unpack how a pre-wedding roast spiralled into a fully-fledged card game — and why astrology might be the ultimate shortcut to deeper (and far more entertaining) conversation. Amie didn’t set out to build a board game. She set out to recreate a moment — the instant a room shifts from mortgage chat and safe questions to bold opinions, inside jokes and stories you didn’t expect to tell. We talk about the bigger cultural shifts driving this: We’re craving more IRL connection and less screen time The board game market is booming — yet women represent 50% of players but only 7% of designers Tame the Taurus sits right at that intersection — astrology, roast culture, female-led design, and the modern desire for structured fun. In this episode, we cover: The wedding-night moment that sparked the idea Why astrology works as a conversation catalyst (even for sceptics) How Tame the Taurus works: roast cards, zodiac matches and storytelling chaos Why no astrology expertise is required The surprising gender gap in the board game industry The rise of indie card games (think Exploding Kittens, Cards Against Humanity) What it’s like building as an indie founder vs giants like Hasbro and Mattel The hardest part of physical product startups: playtesting at scale Founder lessons: launch before you’re comfortable Startup shout-out: Babaschini (a children’s fashion brand spotting trends years ahead) Key Takeaways: Conversation itself is a product opportunity. Cultural shifts (screen fatigue + astrology revival) create new category space. Women are underrepresented in board game design — and that’s an opportunity. Physical products require scrappier validation than software. If you’re not slightly embarrassed by your MVP, you launched too late. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 — Meet Amie Farrell & Tame the Taurus 02:20 — The wedding roast that sparked the idea 04:50 — The board game industry opportunity (and gender gap) 07:30 — How Tame the Taurus works 09:40 — Do you need astrology knowledge? 10:30 — The spicy roast origins 12:15 — 2026 plans: PR, events & merch expansion 14:50 — The hardest part of building a physical product 16:55 — Founder advice: ship the MVP sooner 18:30 — Startup shout-out If you’re into astrology, party games, indie brands — or you’ve ever wanted a better way to break the ice than “so… how’s work?” — this one’s for you.

    19 min

  2. FEB 10

    The Platform Turning Kindness Into Currency with Lauren Scott-Harris from EARNT

    Join the EARNT newsletter (and get first dibs on upcoming “do good, get rewarded” drops) via ⁠⁠earnt.co.uk⁠⁠. What if the best seats, the best perks, and the most exclusive brand offers weren’t reserved for people with the biggest wallets… but for people who did something genuinely good for their community? That’s the world Lauren Scott-Harris is building with EARNT — a social impact platform that turns volunteering into a new kind of currency. Born out of a very specific COVID-era disconnect (nurses and teachers relying on food banks while influencers unboxed endless freebies), EARNT flips the reward system on its head. Instead of brands handing perks to the loudest voices online, EARNT helps brands reward everyday people who show up: for a litter pick, a school repaint, a food bank shift, a community centre refurb — real work that makes communities better. The result is what Lauren calls a “golden triangle”: causes get volunteers, brands build deeper loyalty, and people get an “EARNT thank you” (an ETY) — exclusive perks unlocked through social good. In this episode, Georgie Brown and Lauren Scott-Harris talk about: The moment that sparked EARNT — and why it felt urgent Why traditional volunteering doesn’t work for most people (and what “bite-sized” help changes) How brands can use their reach to mobilise communities in a way charities can’t “Late stage capitalism”, the collapse of community, and why people are craving purpose Why influencer marketing is starting to feel hollow — even when it works How EARNT works behind the scenes (brands, causes, consumers — and the ETY) The unexpected outcomes: new friendships, local reconnection… and even dating Lauren’s long-term vision: kindness as a “Strava for social good” Whether you’ve been wanting to volunteer but can’t commit every Tuesday at 11… or you run a brand looking for a more meaningful loyalty play — this episode will change how you think about rewards, community, and what “value” really means. Key Takeaways: Volunteering has a UX problem. Most people want to help — they just can’t commit to rigid, recurring slots. “Bite-sized” social good unlocks scale. Short, flexible opportunities bring in the 84% who don’t volunteer regularly. Brands can mobilise communities. Their marketing reach, databases, and cultural pull can do what causes often can’t. Kindness can be a currency. Exclusive rewards feel more meaningful when you’ve earned them through real action. Community is the real product. EARNT creates connection: friends, intergenerational links, local pride — and yes, dates. Social impact needs business rigour. If you want a movement to last, it has to be sustainable — not just “nice”. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 — Meet Lauren Scott-Harris & what EARNT is 00:40 — The COVID moment that sparked the idea 02:30 — The “golden triangle”: brands, causes, consumers 04:30 — Why volunteering doesn’t work for most people 06:30 — “Bite-sized” volunteering (and why it changes everything) 08:10 — How brands help causes reach people 09:10 — Why kindness can finally work at scale 12:55 — The backlash to old status symbols (and influencer culture) 14:40 — How EARNT works (and what an ETY is) 18:10 — What users actually get out of it (community, confidence, connection) 23:35 — The long-term vision: “Strava for social good” 26:10 — Getting involved with EARNT 26:35 — The hardest part of building it 29:15 — Founder advice: trust your gut + build proof 31:45 — Startup shout-out: Tonic by Sophie Fawcett Links & Resources: EARNT: ⁠⁠earnt.co.uk⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@earnt_ Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by Georgie Brown in this episode are her own and do not represent the views of her employer.

    30 min

  3. FEB 3

    The Monetisation Move Creators Have Been Missing with Allister Braithwaite from MiM

    What if the best creators in fashion, beauty and interior design could stop selling you products… and start selling you personalised advice? That’s exactly what MiM is building: a platform that lets styling & beauty creators offer remote, paid styling services directly from their link in bio — so fans can buy personalised help, sourcing, wardrobe edits, wedding styling and more, instead of wading through endless affiliate links and sponsored posts. In this episode, Georgie Brown sits down with Allister Braithwaite, founder of MiM, to unpack the “trapped value” inside the creator economy — and why the current monetisation options don’t really serve fans or creators. We talk about the two dominant models creators are pushed into: Paywalled content (think Subatack / Patreon), which adds to an already relentless content workload.Brand deals + affiliate links, which often feel like ads — and audiences are tired of adsIn this episode, we cover: MIM’s bet: fans don’t just want to copy a creator’s outfit — they want access to their taste, judgement and styling brain for their own life.Why paywalls and sponsorships are a shaky creator monetisation strategy What “authentic connection” actually means (and why making comparisons with OnlyFans gets messy fast) How MIM works: creators build a shopfront of services, fans buy via link in bio Examples of services that are already working: quick sourcing → full wardrobe styling Why MIM is different to LTK The feature fans love: photo-by-photo feedback with contextual comment threads Founder lessons: shipping through uncertainty, listening hard, backing conviction Startup shout-out: Win Win Chocolate (yes, cacao-free chocolate is a thing) If you’re into the creator economy, influencer marketing, or fashion tech — or you’ve ever thought “I love their style but I have no idea how to apply it to me” — this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: Creators don’t need more content. They need monetisation that’s high-value and sustainable. Fans want personalisation, not product pushes. Styling is a service, not a shop window. MIM turns link-in-bio into a storefront. Remote services, priced by the creator, delivered directly to fans. Context beats generic advice. Comment threads tied to specific photos make feedback feel natural and actionable. Conviction matters early. You can’t fully validate from zero — you have to move, learn, adapt. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 — Meet Alli & what MIM is 04:19 — The monetisation problem in the creator economy 06:55 — How MIM works (in plain English) 08:50 — MIM vs existing platforms 11:13 — Early traction & why fans are excited 12:50 — The relationship layer: contextual feedback threads 16:05 — What’s been hardest as a founder 18:10 — Founder advice: momentum over perfect validation 19:59 — Startup shout-out: cacao-free chocolate

    22 min

  4. JAN 27

    Building an events platform for the suburbs with Graham Colligan from Towns Of

    What if the reason the suburbs feel disconnected isn’t the people — but the platforms meant to bring them together? That’s the question behind Towns Of, a new events and community platform built specifically for suburban life. In this episode, Georgie sits down with Graham Colligan, the founder behind Towns Of, to unpack why so many people living just outside cities feel isolated — and why existing “community” platforms are quietly making things worse. After watching neighbours struggle to find local events, creators struggle to reach nearby audiences, and big tech platforms drifting toward division rather than connection, Graham saw a gap. Not for another social feed — but for infrastructure that actually helps people meet, create, and show up locally. Towns Of is designed around small, meaningful events: workshops, meetups, classes, talks, and community-led gatherings that rarely surface on mainstream platforms. This conversation is a thoughtful look at hyper-local tech, suburban blind spots in big platforms, and what it really takes to build community — online and off. In this episode, we cover: Why suburbs are underserved by most social and events platforms The difference between “local social” and traditional social media Why small events matter more than big ones Towns Of as a tool for local creators, organisers, and communities The challenges of building tech that prioritises connection over clicks Founder conviction, doubt, and ignoring bad advice early on Whether you live in the suburbs, build community-led products, or care about how technology shapes real-world relationships, this episode offers a refreshing counterpoint to growth-at-all-costs thinking. Key Takeaways: The suburbs aren’t boring — they’re overlooked: Big tech treats them as secondary markets. Small events build strong networks: Meaningful connection doesn’t need scale. Creators need infrastructure, not exposure: Towns Of helps locals find the right people nearby. Founder conviction matters: Don’t let someone who doesn’t get the problem talk you out of solving it. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 — What Towns Of is really about 03:10 — The hidden loneliness of suburban life 06:56 — Where existing platforms fall short 09:16 — How Towns Of works 11:28 — Designing for community, not conflict 14:34 — Getting involved as a creator or organiser 18:00 — Founder advice: conviction over consensus 20:04 — Startup shout-outs & recommendations DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by Georgie Brown in this episode are her own.

    23 min
  5. Helping you find your perfect style online!

    JAN 20

    Helping you find your perfect style online!

    What if shopping online actually understood you — your wardrobe, your taste, your real-life style — instead of throwing endless trends and products your way? That’s exactly the problem Kathleen Sheppard set out to solve with Tote, a personalised fashion-tech platform designed to help people cut through the noise and rediscover their own style. Tote flips the traditional shopping model on its head. Instead of starting with products, it starts with you. Users log their outfits, build a picture of their real wardrobe, and receive tailored recommendations from an AI stylist — turning shopping into something closer to a personal shopper than a scrolling marathon. In this episode, Georgie Brown and Kathleen unpack how Tote is rethinking fashion discovery, why personal style has become so hard to define online, and what it takes to build a startup that balances speed, intention, and community. In this episode, we cover: Why online shopping feels exhausting, not exciting How Kathleen went from sustainable fashion founder to fashion-tech builder The difference between trends and true personal style Why discovery — not checkout — is the real problem in e-commerce How Tote works (and why users describe it as “BeReal for outfits”) Building an AI stylist that learns your taste, not the algorithm’s The role of community in making style feel safe and personal Tote’s future plans, including B2B partnerships with fashion brands Whether you love fashion or dread shopping altogether, this episode is a refreshing look at how technology can support self-expression instead of overwhelming it. Key Takeaways: Choice overload is killing joy: Too many brands and trends make shopping harder, not better. Style is personal, not performative: Tote focuses on what people actually wear, not what’s trending. Discovery is the real pain point: Most people don’t need more products — they need better guidance. AI works best with context: Logging real outfits helps Tote deliver genuinely relevant recommendations. Community builds confidence: Seeing how others dress creates trust and relatability. B2B is the next frontier: Tote plans to power personalised shopping experiences for brands, not just consumers. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 — Why online shopping feels broken 04:10 — Kathleen’s journey from fashion founder to tech startup 07:11 — The discovery problem in e-commerce 10:02 — Who Tote is built for 12:54 — How Tote works (from outfits to recommendations) 15:36 — B2B ambitions and brand partnerships 17:55 — The realities of building a startup 20:55 — Advice for early-stage founders 21:45 — Founder shout-outs 22:37 — The future of personalised shopping

    23 min

  6. JAN 13

    The Missing Layer in Elderly Care: Companionship - With Solène Declas from AIBŌ

    What if the solution to elderly loneliness wasn’t more care — but more connection? That’s the idea behind AIBŌ, the intergenerational platform founded by Solène Declas that matches young people (18–30) with elderly neighbours for paid companionship, friendship, and everyday support. Inspired by her own grandparents — and the growing gap between generations — Solène set out to solve two problems at once: rising loneliness among older adults, and the lack of flexible, meaningful work for young people. The result is a “buddy” system that works a bit like Rover… but for grandparents. In this episode, we dive into the human reality behind the stats — from weeks without conversation, to the quiet loss of purpose many older people feel — and how AIBO is building a more connected, joyful alternative. This is a conversation about loneliness, purpose, dignity, and why intergenerational relationships might be one of the most overlooked solutions in modern society. In this episode, Georgie and Solène explore: The hidden loneliness crisis facing elderly people in the UK Why loneliness is linked to early death and cognitive decline How AIBO matches young people and older adults based on personality, interests, and life experience Why companionship can be more powerful than traditional care How young people are paid to do meaningful, flexible work The emotional impact of being “needed” again later in life Why bringing older people back into youth culture matters Solène’s journey as a first-time founder building a purpose-led startup Key Takeaways: Loneliness isn’t just sad — it’s dangerous. It’s been compared to smoking 16 cigarettes a day. Elderly people don’t just need care — they need connection, purpose, and friendship. Intergenerational relationships benefit both sides: wisdom flows one way, energy the other. Young people want flexible, meaningful work — not just bar shifts. AIBO reframes support as companionship, not dependency. Community, not institutions, may be the future of ageing well. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 — Meet Solène & the idea behind AIBO 03:40 — The moment that sparked the startup 06:00 — The reality of elderly loneliness 09:00 — Why companionship matters more than care 13:50 — How AIBO works (the buddy system explained) 17:00 — Paying young people for meaningful work 19:30 — Real friendships formed through AIBO 22:00 — Scaling through universities 24:00 — The hardest part of building solo 25:40 — Founder advice: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get” 26:40 — Startup shout-out: Equal Reach Links & Resources: AIBO — Website | Instagram Connect with Solène Declas — LinkedIn

    25 min

  7. JAN 6

    Teaching kids life skills through online games with Alan Tang from CoLab

    What if kids learned the skills they actually need for real life — not just exams? That’s the problem CoLab is setting out to solve. Founded by Alan Tang, CoLab is an online education platform helping children aged 7–14 build essential life skills — like communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence and problem-solving — through live, gamified sessions and virtual escape rooms. After following the “traditional” path himself — good school, good degree, good grad scheme — Alan realised something was missing. When he entered the workplace, he felt unprepared for the realities of collaboration, failure, and independent thinking. School had taught him what to think, but not how to think. So he set out to build the kind of learning experience he wished he’d had. CoLab brings kids from around the world together for hour-long online sessions led by trained facilitators, where learning happens through play, discussion and challenge — not lectures or tests. The focus isn’t on getting the right answer, but on learning how to work with others, communicate under pressure, and grow in confidence. Whether you’re a parent, an educator, or a founder interested in the future of learning, this episode is a thoughtful look at how education is evolving — and why life skills matter more than ever. In this episode, Georgie Brown and Alan discuss: Why traditional education leaves kids unprepared for real-world work How gamified learning helps children build confidence and resilience The importance of emotional intelligence and teamwork from a young age Why making mistakes is a crucial part of learning How CoLab’s live, facilitator-led model works The challenge of scaling education without losing quality What founders can learn from building trust-based communities Key Takeaways: Life skills aren’t optional anymore. Communication, collaboration and emotional intelligence are core skills — not “nice to haves”. Learning sticks when it’s playful. Games and challenges create deeper engagement than passive teaching. Mistakes are part of growth. CoLab’s “no shame” environment helps kids learn without fear of failure. Facilitators matter. The right humans guiding the experience are just as important as the curriculum. Education impacts adults too. Parents and facilitators often grow alongside the kids. Growth should be intentional. CoLab prioritises quality, community and outcomes over fast expansion. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 — Why collaboration matters more than memorisation 02:15 — Alan’s journey from grad scheme to education startup 05:40 — What school doesn’t teach us about real life 08:30 — How CoLab’s gamified sessions work 12:10 — Emotional intelligence, teamwork & problem-solving 16:45 — The role of facilitators and community 20:30 — Growing slowly and protecting quality 24:00 — Lessons for founders building education platforms Links & Resources: CoLab — Website | Facebook | LinkedIn Connect with Alan Tang — LinkedIn

    28 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    The Truth About What You’re Really Putting on Your Skin with Roshanne Dorsett from The Glowcery

    What if skincare worked more like nutrition — and less like ultra-processed food? That’s the thinking behind The Glowcery, the nutrient-dense skincare brand founded by Roshanne Dorsett. After years working in law — and struggling with her own skin — Roshanne began questioning what we’re actually putting on our bodies. What she discovered was an industry full of ultra-processed formulas, diluted actives, and confusing ingredient lists that leave consumers disconnected from their choices. So she decided to build something different. The Glowcery is a clean, plant-based skincare brand rooted in nutrient density, transparency, and wellness — treating skincare like nourishment, not a quick fix. In this episode, Roshanne shares how personal frustration turned into a purpose-driven beauty business, and why the future of skincare looks a lot more like self-care than surface-level solutions. Whether you’re into clean beauty, wellness-led brands, or founder stories that start with a real problem — this conversation is a grounded look at how the beauty industry is changing. In this episode, Georgie Brown and Roshanne discuss: Why most skincare products are closer to ultra-processed food than nourishment Roshanne’s journey from law to skincare formulation What “nutrient-dense skincare” actually means — and why it matters The shift from beauty to wellness in consumer behaviour Why understanding ingredients is a form of empowerment Sustainability, transparency, and building trust in beauty What’s next for The Glowcery and its growing product range. Key Takeaways: Skincare should nourish, not overwhelm. The Glowcery prioritises nutrient-rich, plant-based ingredients that support skin health long-term. Founder pain points create better products. Roshanne built the brand after years of personal skin struggles and industry frustration. The beauty industry has a processing problem. Many big brands rely on diluted actives and filler ingredients. Wellness is reshaping beauty. Consumers want products that align with how they eat, live, and care for themselves. Transparency builds confidence. Understanding what’s in your skincare gives you autonomy and trust in your choices. Sustainability is non-negotiable. From formulation to packaging, The Glowcery is built with long-term impact in mind. Chapters / Timestamps: 00:00 — Meet Roshanne & The Glowcery 06:34 — What’s broken in the skincare industry 12:17 — What nutrient-dense skincare really means 17:31 — Formulation philosophy & product range 20:40 — Community, sustainability & brand vision 23:39 — Supporting other early-stage startups 24:03 — What’s next for The Glowcery Links & Resources: The Glowcery — Website | Instagram | TikTok Discover Startups — TikTok | YouTube | Instagram | Newsletter

    24 min
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Discover Startups is a startup podcast sharing founder stories from early-stage startups building the brands of tomorrow. Each episode features honest conversations with startup founders about what they’re building, the problems they’re solving, and the challenges of growing a business from the ground up. From food and drink startups to consumer, tech and lifestyle brands, Discover Startups helps you find innovative early-stage startups before they scale. A must-listen podcast for founders, operators and anyone curious about startups, building businesses, and entrepreneurship.

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