TRENCHES with Milan Terez

Milan Nolen

The world’s next top founders—before the fame. TRENCHES is a founder-first show spotlighting startups in motion—before the exit, before the headlines. This is where tomorrow’s breakout founders share their strategies, panics, breakthrough moments of building something new. Hosted by Milan Terez Nolen, each episode offers an all-access pass to the real-time moves, bold pivots, and game-changing playbooks shaping the next generation of market movers.

Episodes

  1. The Loneliness Antidote: A Female Founder's Mission to Save Human Connection

    2D AGO

    The Loneliness Antidote: A Female Founder's Mission to Save Human Connection

    In this episode of Trenches the Podcast, Milan sits down with Bo Brainerd, founder and CEO of Ophelia, a company focused on transforming online dating into real-world connections. Bo discusses the challenges of modern dating, the importance of emotional intelligence in tech, and her journey as a young female founder navigating the tech landscape. The conversation delves into the loneliness epidemic, the impact of college experiences on dating perspectives, and the future of human connection. Bo shares insights on building a tech company, the significance of mentorship, and the unique challenges faced by female founders in the industry. Takeaways: + Ophelia aims to facilitate real-world connections from online dating. + The transition from a dating app to an infrastructure layer was driven by market needs. + Emotional intelligence is crucial in redefining tech culture. + College experiences shape perspectives on dating and relationships. + Conviction to change the dating landscape often stems from personal experiences. + The loneliness epidemic affects both genders and needs addressing. + Age differences can create friction in understanding dating tech. + The future of dating should focus on in-person connections. + Building a tech company requires resilience and adaptability. + Female founders face unique challenges in the tech industry. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to TRENCHES 00:39 Introduction to Ophelia and Its Mission 01:44 The Role of Technology in Human Connection 05:20 Transitioning from Dating App to API Layer 08:13 User Experience and Real-World Connections 10:41 The Impact of College & COVID Changing Human Connection 13:15 Conviction to Change the Dating Landscape 15:50 Addressing Loneliness and Insecurities in Dating 18:33 How All Generations Are Seeking Love, Dating and Connection 20:28 The Importance of In-Person Connections 24:15 Navigating the Tech Landscape as a Young Founder 28:40 The Startup Journey: Challenges and Realities 31:15 Building a Team: The Importance of Mentorship and Interns 35:52 Navigating the Tech Landscape as a Female Founder 38:45 The Future of Dating: Technology and Human Connection 41:59 Everyone Wants A Village 44:48 Love Actually Does Win 47:51 Fundraising Isn't Always Fun 51:28 Beyond the Trenches: Vision for the Future 55:11 The Importance of Integrity 57:48 Thank You For Tuning In 58:21 Connect With Us & Ophelia Connect With Us ---- Bo Brainerd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobrainerd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobrainerd/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobrainerd Ophelia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ophelia.api/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@opheliahq TRENCHES the podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trenchesthepodcast Milan Terez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milanterez

    1h 1m

About

The world’s next top founders—before the fame. TRENCHES is a founder-first show spotlighting startups in motion—before the exit, before the headlines. This is where tomorrow’s breakout founders share their strategies, panics, breakthrough moments of building something new. Hosted by Milan Terez Nolen, each episode offers an all-access pass to the real-time moves, bold pivots, and game-changing playbooks shaping the next generation of market movers.